Bucking Bronc Lodge 04 - Cowboy Cop by Rita Herron Read Free Book Online Page B

explained how they herded them from pasture to pasture to make sure they had enough grass to graze, then explained how the older boys helped with roundup when they needed to do branding in the spring.
    They saw deer and rabbits and other wildlife, and each time Miles slowed the horse so he and Timmy could watch the simple pleasures of nature.
    “Here’s the creek where we’ll fish,” Miles said. “Maybe we can do that tomorrow. But I want you to join in with the campers while we’re here. They’ll teach you how to groom the horses, but they also play fun games like horseshoes. I think they even teach you how to shoot a bow and arrow.”
    At one point, Miles helped Timmy down and they sat on a log and watched the creek water ripple across the stream. Miles skipped rocks, showing Timmy how to angle them to skim the water, but Timmy simply tossed the stones in, seemingly satisfied that the harder he threw, the deeper they sank.
    Finally, what little sun was left began to set, and they rode back to the stables. Miles ached for some response from Timmy as he showed him how to wipe down the horse, but an awkward silence fell between them. Although, Timmy rallied enough to help feed and water the animals, then they headed over to the dining hall for dinner.
    As soon as they entered, he spotted Jordan sitting with a crew of kids about Timmy’s age. He helped Timmy grab a plate filled with barbecue and beans and they joined her.
    “Timmy, this is Rory, Wayling and Malcolm,” Jordan said, reminding him that when he was ready he’d stay in their cabin with them. “They’re going to be in your group so you guys will get to know each other well.”
    Timmy looked up at them with big eyes, then nibbled on his barbecue, edging closer to Miles as if he was afraid his father might disappear any second.
    Jordan met Miles’s gaze across the table, the understanding in her expression hammering home the fact that he needed her to break through to Timmy.
    Damn. He didn’t like needing anyone.
    Hell, any time he cared about someone, they ended up dead.
    But until Timmy spoke up and identified Dugan, he’d have to allow her in their lives.
    They finished dessert and walked over to the campfire. Jordan urged Timmy to join the boys, and Timmy slumped down beside Wayling, but he didn’t speak. Wayling didn’t seem to notice, though, or mind. He chattered about how excited he was to learn to ride and handed Timmy a marshmallow after he roasted it.
    Timmy kept looking back at him as if he thought he’d evaporate, and Miles’s heart churned.
    Before Marie’s death, Timmy had been infatuated with how Miles carried a gun. Marie had begged him to quit the sheriff’s office, constantly complaining about how dangerous it was. Timmy had heard her arguments.
    Was he worried Miles might be gunned down?
    After the fire was extinguished, Jordan walked with them back to Miles’s cabin. Before he took Timmy inside for bedtime, Jordan knelt beside Timmy and patted his back. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep good, little guy.”
    Miles gritted his teeth. Sleep was hard for both him and his son—that was when the nightmares came.
    He coaxed Timmy into his room and helped him into his pj’s and into bed. But just as he was about to leave, Timmy looked up at him and threw his arms around him. Miles’s throat clogged, and he hugged him back.
    “I’m not going anywhere, sport. I promise.” He ruffled his hair. “If you need me, I’ll be in the next room.”
    Timmy nodded against his chest. Progress, Miles thought.
    A second later, Timmy rolled over and hugged his knees to his chest, and Miles knew he still had a long way to go.
    When he made it back into the den, Jordan was waiting. “Can we step outside for some air?” Jordan asked.
    He nodded. He wanted to talk as much as she did.
    He jammed his hands in his pockets as they stepped outside. “Did Timmy say anything while he was with you?” he asked without preamble.
    Jordan shrugged