Page 9 of This Broken Heart

Keith nods. “Hope you like beef. We have it at almost every meal.”

“Oh.”

Keith tilts his head. “You don’t like beef?”

My cheeks color again. “I mean… it’s fine, I just don’t really…”

Keith’s eyebrow flicks up. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those vegetarians?”

I bite my lip, glancing between the two of them. Is this some sort of yokel interview process? “I’m not a strict vegetarian, no. But I don’t eat it on a regular basis.”

I could mention that my dad died from heart disease and that my mom struggles with heart health, too.

“My dad was a big prime rib guy.” I say, hoping my voice sounds light. “Where are the kids?”

I don’t miss the way Josh scans my body, head to toe. Judging from his reaction, or lack thereof, he’s not impressed. Oh well, I wasn’t dressing for him, I was dressing for the kids. He shrugs, shoving his hands deep in his canvas jacket. “My mom’s getting Trace from school. She took Maven with her.”

I don’t miss the way both men instantly soften at the mention of the toddler’s name.

So, they do have an Achille’s heel, after all.

I shiver, regretting everything about my clothing choices. My pea coat is too thin, my legs are bare, and my feet are both wet and cold.

So far, my fresh start is turning out to be a false start.

I glance back at my car, wondering if it’s too late to make a break for it.

Both men turn and I follow their gaze to see an oversized pickup bouncing down the drive. Josh is striding forward before the truck even stops, his dad right behind him. A tiny woman hops down from behind the steering wheel while both men unbuckle their respective children.

Josh pulls a preschooler out with a big bear growl, spinning him in a circle.

He’s a big-eyed little thing, with a solemn expression and dark hair just like his daddy.

And dear God, his daddy. He’s absolutely transformed in the presence of his kids. If he was standoffish with me, he’s practically glowing with his son. He plants a big kiss on the boy’s cheek. I can hear his dad making shockingly accurate horse noises for the little girl as he bounces her.

The love they have for these kids is obvious. And powerful.

As far as I’m concerned, it gives them instant redemption.

6.

Josh

I’ve made a huge mistake.

Where did they find this girl and who wears a dress and high heels to a farm?

And she’s a vegetarian, for Christ’s sake. Did this girl even look at the job description?

We’re ranchers. What was she thinking?

Trace hooks his arm around my neck, leaning in to whisper. “Who’s the lady?”

Difficult question.

My instinct is to send her packing. There’s no point in her getting to know the kids because she isn’t a good fit. But Trace is tugging at my ear, asking to be put down. I let him slip out of my arms and he scampers across the gravel, offering his hand to Erin like a perfect gentleman. She squats down, a bright smile on those lips.

She seems normal enough, I guess. Her hair is bright, coppery red. She’s got a round face and even rounder lips. Like a ripe peach. Bare legs. Generous curves.