“You like kids don’t you?” Trace asked, lifting a cup of coffee.
“Oh, that smells good,” Marissa said looking at the blue enameled mug with envy.
“I’ll get you a cup,” Trace offered climbing off the bench just as a lanky teen brought an old-fashioned wooden high chair to the table for Kadence.
“Thank you,” Marissa said, getting up to set Kadence in the chair. “One sugar and extra cream please,” she called after the cowboy surprised at how she felt comfortable asking him to do something for her.
“Mrs. Wade almost has your breakfast ready,” the girl who had brought the chair, said, “I’ll bring it right out.”
“Thank you,” Marissa replied adjusting Kadence and making sure he was comfortable. It always amazed her how the Broken J family and staff used the old furniture and other antique items daily. Most of the people she knew would have tucked the items safely away, but here at the ranch items were for use, not just show.
It was one of the things she liked about the ranch. Not only was it a bustling dude ranch, but the place also made connections to the past and the legacy of the original family that started the ranch over one hundred years earlier.
“Coffee,” Trace said returning with two mugs that danced with enticing steam.
“Thanks,” Marissa said then leaned toward the cowboy as a server placed a platter of bacon, eggs, toast, grits, and gravy before her along with a bowl of creamy oatmeal for Kadence.
“I see you got a special,” Trace said nodding at Marissa’s place. “Mrs. Wade doesn’t make eggs over easy for everyone.”
“She knows what I like,” Marissa smiled, dipping a slice of toast into the perfectly dippy eggs.
Kadence banged his spoon against the wooden tray of his old highchair and Marissa checked to make sure the oatmeal was cool enough before offering him a bite.
“So what do you have going on today?” Marissa asked as she managed to get most of the oatmeal into Kadence’s mouth.
“I’m on barn duty most of the day,” Trace said. “I’ll get the horses geared up for the trail ride this morning then work with some of the younger horses before Chase and Jackson get started.”
“They keep you busy,” Marissa said. It was odd how after Trace’s help with little Megan the night before, she didn’t feel so annoyed at him.
“Pretty much, but that’s alright. The pay isn’t half-bad, and I can pick up extra work if it’s needed. It helps Daisy with her work.”
Marissa was quiet for several minutes before turning to study the cowboy’s face. He didn’t seem to be trying to make a point with her, his statement had been a simple answer to her question.
“If I want to go down to the print-shop later I’ll help me with the pony cart?” she finally asked handing Kadence his spoon and letting him make a mess of his breakfast.
“Sure, I can even drive you if you want, but Dandy might not like the extra weight. He’s gotten used to your sister racing around with Kadence and seems to think it’s his job to get her home as fast as possible each day.”
Marissa laughed. “That sounds like Michelle. She has always been impatient. It seems to work for her though.”
“And you?” Trace asked turning back to his breakfast. “Are you impatient as well?”
“Not usually,” Marissa admitted. “You learn to be patient when you teach children. It’s kind of a must in the job.”
“You like teaching?”
“Yes,” Marissa admitted pointing her loaded fork at him. “I love when kids finally get what you’ve been teaching. It truly is a light bulb moment every time.”
Trace finished his last bite of breakfast then downed his coffee in one swig. He’d dragged out his breakfast as long as possible, but now he needed to get to the barn and start saddling horses. He could already hear guests making their way out of the house.
“Trace,” a craggy voice called as a man in a wheelchair rolled himself around the corner of the back porch. “Chase and I are heading out with the crew today if you’ll get these horses out on a lounge line today,” the dark-haired man said.
“You’re riding today?” Trace said swinging his long legs over the bench and addressing the man.
“Yep, I’m using that modified saddle, but the therapy is helping. I twitched my toes twice this week already,” he finished with a grin.
“Marissa, this is Jackson Andrews. He’s helping Chase with the breeding and sales program here at the ranch. His wife Josie is a barrel racer and teaches teens on the side.”
“Hello,” Marissa said, “I’m Michelle’s little sister.”
“You’re staying with Kade and Michelle this summer right?” Jackson asked. “I hope you’re having a nice time, though it looks like you’re on babysitting duty right now,” he added with a chuckle.
“Michelle had a rush order this morning, but I’ll catch up with her later. Trace offered to set me up with the pony cart later, so I can take this little guy here to see his mother.”
“That cart is a blessing around this place,” Jackson said with a grin. “Josie and I have taken it out for a spin a few times to check stock, or just visit a quiet spot on the ranch. We drive at a slightly more sedate pace than your sister though,” he added his grin bright.
Marissa smiled. It seemed that everyone had some comment for the way her sister drove the pony cart, but Marissa knew that Michelle would never do anything to endanger her baby boy.
Something warm and furry wound itself around Marissa’s feet, and she yelped, blushing when she looked down to discover Fred, Philomena’s yellow and white cat, cleaning his paws under the table.
“You alright?” both men asked looking at Marissa.
“It’s just Fred,” Marissa said. “He startled me walking under the table. I didn’t know Phil let him out on his own now.”
“He splits his time between the main house and the Haven
