Page 96 of Owned By The Cowboy

“You had no right…” He swallows hard. “They’re not your children.”

“They’re mine in every way that matters.”

Richard looks like he’s been slapped. He turns to me, and I can see desperation in his eyes. “Regina, you can’t seriously think this is better for them. A life in the middle of nowhere with a man they barely know?”

“They know him better than they ever knew you.”

“That’s not true.” He looks desperate now. “I know them.” His eyes are pleading. “I can learn. I can do better.”

“It’s too late, Rich.”

“It’s never too late. Regina, please. I’m begging you. Give us another chance.” He takes a step toward me. “Let me prove to you that I can be the husband you need, the father they need.”

“I don’t need you. And they don’t need a father who only shows up when it’s convenient for him.”

“I’ll show up. I’ll be there.”

“For how long? Until work gets busy again? Until another girl catches your eye?”

“That won’t happen.”

“You’re right. It won’t. Because I’m not giving you the chance.”

“Regina…”

“No, Richard. You had years to be the man I needed, the father our kids needed. You chose not to be.”

“I can change.” Richard stares at me for a long moment, and I can see him realizing that this isn’t going the way he planned. “I’m not giving up,” he says finally. He heads toward the door, then turns back. He sends us one last scorned look and stompsout. Leaving us in our big, beautiful home. And I run into the comfort of my man’s arms.

Twenty Six

Reggie

“You sure you’re gonna be warm enough?” Blayne asks, eyeing my jacket as we walk toward the football stadium.

“It’s October, not January.”

“October in Central California can be cold.”

“It’s like sixty degrees.”

“That’s cold.”

I laugh and bump his shoulder. “You’re such a worrier.”

“I’m practical. There’s a difference.”

“You’re sweet. And overprotective.”

The Green Fields High stadium is packed for the homecoming game. The whole town showed up, especially when our team hasbeen doing so well. Jaylen’s been starting quarterback for six weeks now, and they’ve won every game.

“There are the guys” Blayne says, pointing toward the bleachers where Tommy, Martinez, and Carlos are saving seats.

“They come to all the games?”

“Most of them.”

We climb up to where the guys are sitting.