The Unwanted Runaway

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Denton’s POV

As the morning sun peeks through my window, I hear my alarm go off. I groggily hit the snooze button, craving just 15 more minutes of sleep. But as the alarm rings for the second time, I know it's time to start my day. It's Sunday, and that means it's time to tend to all the animals on our ranch - a routine we do every morning.

I love this day, not just because it's a break from the usual ranch work, but because it's a new day filled with endless possibilities. Of course, that doesn't mean there's no work to be done. Running a ranch is a way of life, and the animals depend on us. But it's not just work - it's a labor of love.

As I make my way down to the stalls, I see Jason already getting a headstart on feeding the horses. I give him a friendly head nod as I walk by, and he reciprocates. Together, we make sure all the animals are fed and taken care of. It's a beautiful sight, seeing all the horses content and happily munching on their hay.

After we finish,

I decided to ask Jason how his night was after him and Brooke dropped off Anna.

Jason's response was filled with optimism and depth as he shared his thoughts on the return trip to Carter's house, where we dropped off Anna. He mentioned that despite the visible stress in Anna's eyes, she would fit in perfectly with all of us here. Brooke also seemed to take a liking to Anna based on Jason's words. As he continued, Jason mentioned that Brooke had hoped for a potential romance between Anna and Carter. It would be nice to see Carter settle down after living the bachelor lifestyle. However, as Jason spoke, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. I shouldn't care about my cousin's romantic prospects, but a part of me couldn't help feeling envious. I couldn't deny that last night, while in the shower, I had thought about Anna in a more personal way and how good it felt. As I recalled these events, I could feel a stirring in my groin, and I had to blink to clear my mind.

As I refocused on the conversation, Jason shared his plans to ease Anna into ranch life, as she would be our new ranchhand. I reassured him that I was fine with that, but I reminded him of her clumsiness, which we had experienced during our first meeting. EJ then appeared, running into the stalls and asking if I wanted to toss the football around after church. I replied that we'll see and he proudly showed me the football he got for his birthday. I asked about the drone I had given him, and he explained that he wasn't allowed to play with it today because Sarah's son , Seth, might be coming over, and he has a history of breaking things. I apologized for forgetting and promised to talk to Seth about it. Just then, my dad and Evan walked in, and Jason greeted them both. My dad asked about the situation with Anna once more and Evan explained that while he and my ma were initially okay with it, my mama had second thoughts about a stranger living under our roof with no knowledge of her background .

My dad continued, saying that my ma wasn't too keen with the idea, and I replied that we were all willing to give Anna a chance. Because she seemed so harmless.

My dad then shared that instead of moving her into their house, they would put her in the two-bedroom ranch hand house that we have for temporary workers in the summer. Each room has two sets of bunk beds, and currently, only four guys are living there. Jason mentioned that he wouldn't mind letting her stay in his trailer, but that would be disrespectful to Brooke, who had recently moved in with him. They are getting married here on the ranch in December, less than two months away. My dad looked around and asked about Buster, I informed him that Sarah was bringing him home from the vet today. Jason asked what had happened, and Evan explained that Lily had given Buster some chocolate football cake, and he had gotten sick. Sarah suggested taking him to her dad, a veterinarian, to flush out the toxin from his stomach. My dad chimed in, saying that for a border collie, Buster was quite a stupid dog. I reminded him that he had given Buster to me three years ago when his dog, Daisy, got pregnant by James' dog, Bruce. I added that Buster was an excellent working dog. Evan joked that it was funny how Sarah couldn't stand dogs, yet she took Buster to see her dad. I replied that it was what couples do for each other, to which Evan agreed but added that my girl was a bit self-centered. Jason chuckled, saying that he should know, as Evan and Sarah went to school together. My dad then interjected, saying that it was time to get our chores done so we could enjoy the rest of the day.

As we finish up our chores, I walk back to Dad's house with him. We both dust off our boots and leave them by the back door, making our way into the kitchen. I take off my stetson hat and greet my mother with a tired smile. "Hi Ma, what's cooking?" I ask, trying to distract myself from the exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders.

Dad heads to his office while I sit at the kitchen table and have a little chat with Ma. She looks at me with concern in her eyes and says, "You know, Denton, I heard you and that girl Sarah fighting last night. I could hear you all the way from my bedroom window." I sigh and rub my temples, knowing exactly what my mother is going to say next.

"I'll tell you, son. Dating an older girl like that could put a lot of stress on you. Your sister Nikki said she's been hearing you two fight a lot more lately. And I know it's not just because you're trying to figure out the day for your 'I do's'," Ma says, shaking her head.

I try to defend Sarah, knowing that she's not that much older than me. "Ma, she's only eight years older and she has an 11-year-old son. I'm 26 years old, Ma," I say, hoping to make her understand.

But Ma continues, "Don't get upset with your sister Nikki for overhearing things and telling me about your fights. I just want you to be happy, son. And I would love to have more grandchildren, especially from you."

I nod, knowing that my mother only wants the best for me. "I know, Ma. And I promise, in due time, we'll start a family," I reply, trying to reassure her.

"Well, you better do some convincing with Sarah," Ma says, her tone turning serious. "That boy, Seth, he scares me. His parents let him get away with too much. And soon, you'll be his stepfather. He's going to need more than just good old-fashioned discipline."

I let out a sigh, knowing that Ma is right. "I'll try, Ma. I've been trying to bond with him and be there for him. But it's not easy. His real dad just throws money at the problem while I try to tackle it hands-on," I explain, feeling the weight of my responsibilities as a soon-to-be stepfather.

Ma gives me a sympathetic smile and pats my hand. "I know you're doing your best, son. And I'm proud of you for that. Just remember to take care of yourself too," she says, her voice full of understanding.

I nod, grateful for my mother's words of encouragement. "Thanks, Ma. I'll keep trying," I reply, knowing that I have my family's support no matter what.