Page 6 of More Than a Little Spark (Cowboys of Stargazer Springs Ranch #9)

Daphne

Daphne

“ I t’s his nephew.” I push up to a sitting position as Rose sets her stuff down. “And Carson is single, not engaged, no girlfriend. Nothing.”

“That’s good, right?” She opens the lid on the donut box. “He brought you donuts? Can I have one?”

“Yes. He’s so sweet. You can grab whatever. And it’s very good that he’s unattached. Fred is his nephew. Carson adopted his nephew.” Knowing how hard it is to take care of kids, I’m amazed.

A single guy adopting a preteen isn’t an easy thing. Carson already showed what a good guy he was by stopping and helping me after the accident, but this new information makes him shine a bit brighter.

Rose eases into the chair. “Oh. Wow.”

“When he showed up this morning, I dropped hints and said a couple of flirty things. But he didn’t really respond like I thought he would. And I started to think that maybe I’m not his type or something, which is fine, I guess.”

She shakes her head. “I’ve yet to meet anyone who thinks you aren’t their type, Daphne.”

“I’m still single, so clearly lots of men think I’m not their type, but anyway, I was thinking through everything he said, hoping to remember something that might change my perspective, and I think maybe I figured it out.”

Chewing on a bite of her donut, she motions for me to keep talking.

“He said things have been complicated, so maybe because of that, he’s not wanting to shake things up or make any life changes right now, like—you know—dating.” I grab another donut out of the box.

“Could be. I’m sure having a preteen is a lot of work. And they might still be adjusting to everything.”

“For sure. And you said he’s new to the ranch. I wonder if he’s new to the area. If so, maybe he needs a friend.” I look around for a napkin to wipe my sticky fingers.

Rose grins. “Newish. He’s been there about a year, I think. But if he does need a friend, you could volunteer for the position.”

“That’s what I’m thinking.” I sink lower into the bed. “But honestly, I don’t get the impression that he’s not interested or playing hard to get. I just think he has no clue that I’m interested, which is funny. I’ve dropped some pretty big hints.”

“Not all guys get hints. What did you tell him?”

“Besides straight up asking him if there was anyone else in his life? I also told him that I liked seeing more of his face since he shaved off his mustache.”

She covers her mouth to keep crumbs from flying. “And he didn’t respond to that?”

“He made a joke about it being fat because of too many donuts.” I sigh.

“He’s cute. He’s not sporting a six-pack, but he’s strong enough to carry me.

That’s pretty cool.” I pick up my phone.

“You have to help me figure out what I need him to bring up to the hospital tonight. Or tomorrow. Oh, better yet, if they let me go home tomorrow, you could be busy. And then I’d need a ride. ”

Rose rubs her temples. “I’m having trouble keeping up. Are they sending you home tomorrow?”

“Don’t know yet, but earlier, the doctor said that I could probably go home tomorrow.”

“So am I busy or not? Because it’ll seem like I’m a horrible best friend if I’m too busy growing flowers to pick you up from the hospital.”

I clap. “I forgot to give him his coat. And it’s cold outside.” My fingers nearly tangle because I’m typing so fast. “And I won’t say you’re busy, I’ll just ask for a ride.”

Rose stands and puts her hand over my phone screen just as I’m about to hit send.

“What?”

Her lips pinch, and she takes a deep breath. “Slow down a moment and think about things. I know you felt a spark, and I get what that means. Believe me. But he isn’t a regular single guy. He has his nephew.”

“Rose, I want to get to know him. If I let him slip away without trying, I feel like I’ll regret it forever. Maybe we have coffee a few times and nada. Fine. Then I’ll know that when my car crashes, I might feel fake sparks.”

“Hopefully, you don’t plan to roll a car again.” She pulls her chair closer to the bed. “Did you call your mom?”

“No. She has enough on her plate.” I’m not stupid, and I know why Rose brought up my family.

After I pretty much raised my siblings during middle school and high school, college was my escape. And moving out was the best thing for my mental health. Yet I still feel guilty about it. It’s not like I cut contact with my family. I still see them. Sometimes. It’s complicated.

Rose leans forward, her arms crossed. “Just think about what you want before you rush into anything.”

“I will.” I stare at the message I typed out. “But I do need to tell him about his coat. Can you check and make sure it’s in that closet?”

Rose opens the little cabinet in the room. “It’s here.”

“Good. I’ll let him know later.” I set my phone aside. Texting Carson can wait a bit. Waiting will give me time to think.

“So I’m not busy tomorrow?” Rose lifts her eyebrows.

I shake my head. “Tell me about your flowers. What are you growing now?”

For the next half hour, she updates me on her business.

My friend has found her happily-ever-after in every way possible. That’s not saying that her life is perfect. Her parents don’t talk to her, but in my opinion, she’s better off without them. And seeing her in love makes me crave that kind of a relationship even more.

But she’s right about deciding what I want. Running in with my eyes closed will only result in my slamming into a wall. Am I willing to take on the role of mom again? Maybe it’s different when it’s not my siblings. Or when I don’t have a mom telling me I’m not doing enough.

That afternoon, after thinking long and hard, I tap out a new text to Carson.

Me: Your coat is here. I’m sorry I forgot to give it to you this morning.

Carson: I might swing by and grab it this evening. How are you feeling? Any word on when you get to go home?

Me: Doctor just left, and he said that I can go home tomorrow. I’m sore but feeling okay overall.

Carson: If you want food other than what the hospital serves, I’m happy to bring you something.

Me: You are every girl’s dream come true.

Carson: Is that a yes? Barbecue okay?

Me: Sounds delicious. Thank you.

I want to get to know Carson. And I want to get to know Fred. It’ll be a bit until we meet, I’m guessing, and that’s fine. But the fact that Carson has an adopted son isn’t a deal breaker for me.

The phone buzzes in my hand. But it’s not a text from Carson. It’s my boss.

Austin: Is now a good time to call you?

Me: Sure. I’m just twiddling my thumbs in a hospital bed.

What does Austin need on a Sunday?

I let it ring twice before answering. “Hello.”

“Daphne. How are you? It’s hard to tell that kind of thing from texts.”

“Sore but fine. I’ll probably be leaving the hospital tomorrow. Did you need something?” Chitchatting with my boss feels strange.

“No. Just checking on you. Take as much time as you need before coming back to the office. I’ll get someone to answer phones and figure out the rest myself. You don’t need to worry about that.”

I slip into my work persona. “Thank you, Mr. Graves.”

“You can call me Austin, Daphne. I’ve told you that before.” He says it with a hint of humor in his tone. “But if you need anything, please call me. Or text. Whatever’s easier.”

“I will. And after tomorrow, I’ll know more about recovery time and such.”

“Great. Will you text me the room number at the hospital?”

“Sure. As soon as I hang up.”

“Very good. Feel better. Bye.” He ends the call.

I’m fortunate to work for a boss who isn’t a jerk.

After flipping through channels and finding nothing interesting, I pick up my phone. Thanks to sweet Carson, my phone is fully charged, and I’m not lying here bored out of my skull.

But when the vast expanse of the internet is no longer interesting, I close my eyes for a short nap.

And when I open them again, the nurse is standing beside the bed with a huge bouquet. “ Someone sent you flowers.”

My heart races as I reach for the card. “I have no idea who they might be from.” I have hopes, but reading the card shatters those. “They’re from my boss.”

“Ooh, your boss?” She sets them on the nightstand beside the bed.

I don’t want weird rumors to get started because of a stupid bouquet, beautiful as it is. “Nothing like that. I’m guessing his wife ordered them. He’s not really a flowers kind of guy.”

“And the guy who was here this morning?”

“Not my boss. He and I just met when he stopped to help me after the accident.” I wince as I shift.

She checks the time. “It’s time for more meds. And if you want my opinion, the rescuer is someone you want to hang onto. Donuts and a phone charger beat flowers any day.”

I laugh, then clench my jaw, hating that laughter causes me pain.

“Totally right. And he’s bringing me dinner tonight.

He once heard that hospital food wasn’t good, and I’ve done nothing to change his mind.

No offense to the people in the cafeteria.

I mean, lunch wasn’t bad. But I like when Carson comes up to the hospital. ”

“I’ve gathered that.” She hands me pills and a small cup of water.

“I’m not sure he’s picked up on that though.” I recline the bed. “Either that or he’s not the least bit interested.”

“Showing up repeatedly is not a sign of disinterest.” She taps my good foot as she walks by the bed. “I’ll check on you later.”

I give her a thumbs-up. And it’s not long before the pain medication makes it hard to focus on anything. So I close my eyes.

There’s a knock, and I call out, “Come in.” I don’t even have my eyes open yet, but I’m trying to shake the fog of my late afternoon nap. Since the sun is going down, it’s clear that I slept longer than expected.

Carson walks in and stands beside the bed. “Hi. Sorry to wake you.”

“You’re good. It’s the meds. I blink and hours disappear. It’s weird.”

He holds up a bag and a Styrofoam cup. “I brought you brisket, potato salad, and a DP.”

“You’re the best.” I rub my face, then gently shift into a sitting position.