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“He’ll be fine too. I’ll be praying.”

Those small words seemed to ease the anxiety swirling in her middle. “Thanks. That’s what we need.”

“And I’ll put you and Colt on the prayer list. You’re going to want those casseroles when you get back.”

Chapter8

Colt

Colt stared at his phone as he paced. So many thoughts were fighting for attention right now. His brother was gone. The kids were with strangers. Remi was packing for a trip across the state that had an indefinite end date.

It was just like Remi to jump in headfirst when things got tough. That’s what she did, and the selfless act secured another part of his heart for her. She’d own the whole thing pretty soon, and there wasn’t anything he could do to stop it.

He didn’t want to stop it. Remi could have his heart, lungs, and mind. She could even have his liver if she wanted it.

Would she help him with the kids when they got back to the ranch? The thought of raising his niece and nephew sounded like fun, aside from the crippling grief and the fear of messing up. There were so many things he’d have to learn. They’d have to get enrolled in school in Blackwater. At least Ben would. Abby wasn’t old enough.

That meant he’d need a babysitter. He’d planned on sticking around through the winter to help with repairs, but would that still be an option if he couldn’t find a babysitter? He couldn’t bring Abby out on the ranch in three feet of snow while he mended fences and winterproofed permanent campsites and mountain cabins.

His job. He loved working at the ranch, but would having kids require him to change to something different? He technically had set work hours, but he never minded heading out after dark when things popped up unannounced. At least that would have to change now.

He turned the phone over in his hands and pressed the button to make the call to his boss before he lost his nerve.

Mr. Chambers answered on the third ring. His deep, raspy voice was calming, despite the problems Colt had on his mind. “Hello.”

“Hey, boss. I know you’re probably getting ready for church, but something came up that I need to talk to you about.”

“Go on. I’m just having breakfast with Jameson and Ava.”

Great. Colt was intruding on the man’s Sunday and his family time. “My brother and his wife were in a car accident last night. Neither of them made it.”

There was a scratching on the other end of the line before Mr. Chambers said, “I put you on speakerphone so Jameson and Ava can hear.”

“Hey. What’s up?” Ava asked cheerfully. She seemed more upbeat than she’d been in the last few weeks.

“My brother and his wife were in a car accident last night. Neither of them made it.”

Ava gasped, and Jameson groaned.

“I’m sorry, man. That’s awful,” Jameson said low.

Colt rubbed the back of his neck where the hairs were standing on end. It still didn’t seem real. Mark couldn’t really be gone. They hadn’t spoken in a few weeks, but Colt was planning to visit for Thanksgiving.

“They had two kids.”

There was the scratching of a chair across the floor before Ava whimpered. He’d forgotten about the extra hormones that came with pregnancy.

“What do you need to do? What do you need from us?” Jameson asked.

“I’m going to get the kids. That’s all I know. I really have no idea what I’m doing, but Remi is planning on coming with me.”

“Do whatever you need to do. We’ll take care of things around here,” Mr. Chambers said.

“Right. We expected you to be out a little while longer while that shoulder heals,” Jameson added.

The shoulder was the least of Colt’s worries, but the throbbing pain was back again.

“I know you have a lot to sort out, but let me know if you’re still planning to stick around through the off-season,” Mr. Chambers said.