Mama Bear Returns (Not a Fanfiction

1 | Returning to Douglas County

Regan's POV:

I hoist Jackson, my eight-year-old boy, onto my lap as the video call connects. Sam, my gay best friend at the radio station, appears on the screen. I smile softly as Jackson waves.

"Welcome back to another night of the Tonight Show on Eagle County Country Radio! To start our night, I would like to introduce my straight best friend and Eagle County's favorite singer, Regan Grant! So Regan, how's packing coming along?" Sam launches right in. 

"We're all finished and everything's in the truck. Horses are loaded. All I have to do is load Jack and the dogs. By the way, Jackson is here with us. He wanted to say goodbye before we left, even if it was over the phone. Say 'hi', Jackie," I say. 

"Hi, Sam! Mama, when are we leaving?" my little eight-year-old asks. I brush my hand over his head and kiss his head out of adoration. 

"Soon, my baby bear. Why don't you go get your backpack while I finish talking with Sam?" I reply. He nods and runs off to his old room, where just his bed and backpack remain. I sigh. "Can't believe I'm moving back to the one place I promised myself I'd never take Jackie. For those you who don't know. I'm moving back to my hometown. All my old friends and family live there. Even Jackie's father lives there. My dad managed to rope me back in. I bought a house there, for Jackie and me. Maybe I'll make amends. Who knows. I will continue to record my music and release songs and albums. I'm not disappearing from the music community. Y'all are mine and Jackie's true home, our family. Now, I've got to go. Remember to always take care of yourself. Eat, drink water, sleep, shower. All the necessities. Love y'all. Bye!" I say and Jackie comes back into the room long enough to wave and say goodbye before I leave the call and pick up my phone and wallet. I slip them into my back pocket, and grab my keys and backpack. I lead Jackie out to the truck and make sure he's buckled. I slid into the front seat and pull out my phone. I call my dad and wait for him to answer.

"Hello?" My dad answers. 

"Hey, Dad. We're on our way. The ranch all ready?"

"Yeah. How's Jackson? I haven't seen him since Colorado," he replies.

"Good, he's already fallen asleep. He's in his booster in the front seat. Well. See you when we get there. Love ya, Dad. Bye," I say and hang up. He says bye as well. I look over at Jackie before driving to my hometown in Douglas County, Nevada. 

-----------------------------Fourteen long hours later, Douglas County, Nevada-------------------------------

I sigh as I see the 'Welcome to Douglas County, Nevada' sign. "Welcome back to Douglas County, Nevada, Regan. Let's see how this goes," I pull into our long new driveway. I drive around back to the stables and back into a space for the trailer. I park and unload the horses. I put Jackson's favorite horse, Zara, a grullo quarter horse, into a special stall made per Jackson's requests for his special mare.

I lock up the barn and unhitch the trailer. I check on the other animals, which I sent a few days ago, before getting back in the truck. I drive around to the front and park in the driveway. I turn off the truck and unload our stuff. I see Jackie still asleep. I unbuckle Jackie and lift him out with a heave. Pandora, our black lab, jumps out, as well as the other dogs.

"Oof. My baby bear is getting big," I mutter as I walk through the front door and carry him upstairs to his new room. I lay him down on his bed and take off his shoes. I cover him with his blanket and Pandora curls up next to him as I walk out of the room. I turn the overhead light off but leave the green LED lights on. I close his door, which has his name on a nameplate with stickers on it. I walk down the hall and open my door. I walk in and change into my pajamas. I leave my door open for Bear, one of my rough collies, who walks into the room and jumps on the bed.