Page 108 of Creed

“Tell that to my aching back.”

Jameson tilted his chin toward the back of the barn, where a young girl was brushing down a feisty pony. Her movements were careful but sure, like she’d been around them her whole life. “How’s Gabby doing?”

“She’s doing really well.” Tabitha’s expression grew soft as she explained, “She’s a natural with the horses, and she’s not afraid of hard work either.”

“It’s up to her, but we’re thinking about keeping her on full time,” Preacher added.

“That’s good. The kid could use a break like this.”

I glanced over at Jameson, and I couldn’t help but notice the way he was looking at the girl. She meant something to him, and while I didn’t know why, I could see that it was important to him that she was doing okay.

I leaned into Jameson’s side, and his arm slipped around me, warm and secure. He gave me a gentle squeeze in response. Preacher cleared his throat, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes. “You two sticking around for supper? Tabitha’s making spaghetti.”

Jameson was quick to respond, “I appreciate the invite, but we’ve gotta get back to her place. We’ve got some packing to do.”

“Oh?” Tabitha’s brows furrowed. “You guys going somewhere?”

“Devin and the kids are gonna move into my place.”

“That’s great.” Preacher smiled. “You need some of the guys to come give you a hand?”

“Yeah, that’d be great. Let’s say tomorrow morning around nine?”

“Hold up there, mister,” I interjected. “We have some things to sort out before we bring in the cavalry.”

“Yeah, she’s right. Make it noon.”

“Jameson!”

Preach chuckled, “I tell ya what. You two talk it out and just call me when you get ready.”

“Thank you, Preacher. I appreciate it.”

We stayed a little longer, saying a quick goodbye to the horses, then loaded up and headed home. When we got to the house, the kids started back to their rooms but stopped when Jameson said, “Hey, hold up a minute. I got something I wanna talk to you guys about.”

Austin gave Chrissy a look, and I could see the apprehension in their eyes as they made their way back into the living room. Austin leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms. “What is it?”

“I want you guys to come live at my place.” I wanted to interject and say all the motherly things, but before I could say anything, he added, “I know it may seem fast to you guys, but I’ve loved your mother for a long time.”

Jameson glanced over at me, and I could tell by his expression that he was struggling to find the right words. He let out a breath before adding, “I want to take care of her. I want totake care of you guys, too, and I want to do it in a place that we can all call home.”

Chrissy’s eyes darted to me with a mix of nervousness and excitement, and she was quick to ask, “Will I get my own room?”

“You can have whatever room you want.”

“And we were talking today, and we might put in a barn and bring in a couple of horses.”

“That would be so cool!”

Austin’s gaze dropped to the floor, and for a second, the silence felt like it would swallow us whole. I wanted him to be okay with this, but I couldn’t force it. He would have to come around on his own. After a moment, he looked up at Jameson and asked, “What if it doesn’t work out?”

“I’m not going to lie and say that everything’s going to be perfect. It isn’t. We’re going to have some tough days, but I don’t walk away from the people I love. I’m in this for the long haul.”

“Will we be able to go to the same school?”

“Yeah, we’ll sort all that out.”

Austin nodded, then turned his attention to me. “Is this what you wanna do?”