That Kind of Cowboy (Ford Brothers Book 1)

Chapter Eight: Lucas

  It was hard keeping my tasks in order as my thoughts kept going towards a certain little family. Every time I tried to think about work My head wandered to them. How we spent our evening yesterday, to nerves about seeing them again.

It got my mind thinking about a family of my own. How I want to be a husband and a father. How I want that little family to welcome me into theirs. Since they came into my life, I have been changing for the better. Caring for something more than my family and our ranch.

Those kids have lifted my spirits just by being themselves. They have captured my heart and I do not think I could be without them. They need a father figure and I want to be that man. I want to step up and be their dad.

Maddie captured my heart; I believe since I first laid eyes on her. I believe it might be love at first sight. I fell hard for the sweet, kind, loving woman. She has opened my eyes to a new life, one with her and three wonderful kids. I want it all, the love, the closeness, everything a family is.

I have been daydreaming more about life with Maddie, Emma, Noah, and Sofia. All the family cookouts, movie nights and games nights. Cheering for the kids at their games. All the school events, dances, prom, graduations, and I want to be there for them all.

She needs to know that she can truly trust me. She needs to know that she does not have to do all this alone. I want to be there with her every step of the way. I am going to show her that I am not like her ex. I would never lay a hand on any of them. I would never let them down; I would never let her down either.

I am going to talk to her tonight, I need to know her past. I need to know how to keep them safe. I want to know every little detail about her. I want to be her protector. I want to be the man she turns to for help. I want her to see how much I love her children.

I wonder what mom would think of her. Will she get along with my kin, will she have a good relationship with them? So many questions, not enough answers. I want everything to be perfect tonight.

Mentally going down my list, checking items as I go. Making sure I completed it, before heading to my house. Mom and gramps should be there soon to help set up. Once my brothers are finished with their tasks, they will come over. Maddie and Bella should be here around four thirty, and I cannot wait to see her.

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Mom and Gramps were already in the house when I got in. Gramps is in his normal spot, and mom is in the kitchen, setting the food up to prepare. I can always count on my family for help.

"Hey, y'all are here early." I told them strolling into the kitchen. I went up to mom to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"I told you what time we would be here." Mom replied.

"I am not late, am I?" I dug my phone out of my pocket. A smile formed on my face as I seen Maddie's name on the screen with a text.

"What are you smiling at?" Gramps asked from the dining room.

"Maddie and the rest will be here at four and making sure we got everything yesterday, before they come out here.

"That is nice of her." Gramps nodded his head as he replied.

"That she is. What do you want me to do?" I asked mom, going to the sink to wash my hands.

"I need you to cut the vegetables for me. I will get the tea going."

I went over to the cupboard to get the cutting board down and picked up the knife. Placing them on the counter, where I will be preparing the veggies. Making my way around the kitchen, gathering the ingredients as I went. The kitchen was silent while we worked Gramps would whistle a tune every now and then, while he read one of his old books.