True Love Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan

Jon walked into his dad’s new apartment behind Emmy, who squealed when she spotted a wrapped package on top of the new toy chest his dad bought for her visits.

“Not even a hello for your old grandpa?”

Emmy set the package down and rushed to wrap her arms around her grandpa’s neck.

His dad kissed Emmy’s cheek. “How is my sweet girl?”

“Daddy made me get a car. Boring.”

Jon filled in his dad. “We went with Steph to buy a new car.” Then he’d had to follow her to return the rental and drive her back to her apartment. It took most of the afternoon and several bribes to keep Emmy from having a complete meltdown.

“I saw a naked man,” Emmy announced.

His dad’s gaze snapped to his. “Excuse me?”

“Steph had company when we arrived at the apartment.”

“I see.” His dad set Emmy down. “Open your present.”

Emmy didn’t waste a second and tore into the wrapping paper. “A tea set.” She held up the box for him to see. “Open it. Open it.” She bounced on her toes.

Jon took the box and tore the top because of the industrial tape they used to seal it. He pulled out the plastic play set and placed the teapot, two plates, saucers, and teacups on the coffee table. “What do you say to Grandpa?”

“Thank you.” She pretended to pour tea into a cup and set it in front of her stuffed bunny.

His dad turned on the cartoon channel and waved him into the kitchen and away from Emmy, who chattered with Bunny while pretending to drink tea while watching Scooby-Doo.

“What’s going on with Steph?”

Jon tried to tamp down the frustration that always rose when he thought about her. “The usual. Apartment is a mess. She knew we were coming and was dead asleep when we got there. I had no idea she was with some random guy she picked up.”

His dad raised a brow. “Is that a problem for you?”

“Only in that she should have had the guy out the door before Emmy came home.”

“Are you sure?”

“Dad, seriously, there’s no love between me and Steph. If we didn’t have Emmy, I’d never see her again.” Seeing her now only made him regret being with her in the first place. The only good thing that came out of it was Emmy. “I just wish she could get her act together. I wish things were easier between us.”

“Are you concerned she won’t settle in here?”

“When I told her about the ranch and how I wanted to bring Emmy here, she got all excited about a new place, a new life. Part of her wanting to come with me was because her father had laid down the law about her always going to him for help. She wants to show him she can do it on her own.”

“She’s old enough to take care of herself.”

“One would think so.” He rubbed his hand over his stiff neck. “I’m afraid she’s going to change her mind about the move.”

“And if she does?”

“I’ll have to go back with her.” He really hoped that didn’t happen.

“And you want to be here.”

“I want to be here with Emmy. In my mind, the life we could have here is exactly what I want for her.”

“And I’m sure after all the years you’ve worked so hard, you need a break, too.”

He deserved it. “I loved what I did, but I won’t miss the stress and long hours.”

“Working a ranch is hard work,” his dad reminded him.

“It’s a different kind of work. I’m ready to get back to it. I never thought I’d miss early mornings on the ranch and tending the animals, but there’s satisfaction in that. I’ve still got my hand in business. I’ll get something going at the ranch. It will be enough for me, and I know Emmy will be happy there.”

“And when she’s with her mother?”

“I’m hoping Steph will find her footing here.”

“Hope will only get you so far.”

“I know that. I just really want this move to work out for all of us.”

“Then I wish you luck.” His dad set his iced tea on the counter. “Now, I’m going to play with my granddaughter before we go to dinner.”

Jon watched his old man sit on the floor and pretend to drink the tea Emmy poured him. The smiles on both his dad’s and Emmy’s faces were exactly why he’d brought her here.

He hoped he didn’t have to turn around and take her back to California because Steph couldn’t live on her own without her daddy’s help and the safety net he provided.