UNBROKEN PROMISE

~49~ Court Order

The sun was high in the sky, there was a certain warmth in the air now since Ezra and Clara left. Everything on the ranch felt lighter now and they hadn't heard from them in a while.

“That soil’s lookin’ good,” Megan said, wiping her hands on her apron. “Next thing you know, you’ll have half the ranch livin’ off this little plot.”

Oma smiled softly. “I wouldn’t mind that. Keeps me busy, anyway.”

Before Megan could reply, a high pitched giggle broke through the air. Caleb darted toward them, his small hands clutching something squirmy.

“Look what I found!” Caleb shouted, holding up a wiggly lizard right in Oma’s face.

Oma let out a sharp yell, stumbling back and clutching her chest. “Caleb!” she exclaimed, her heart racing as she tried to catch her breath.

Caleb burst into laughter, his eyes sparkling with delight as he dashed back to Logan, who stood leaning casually against a nearby fence post. Logan let out a low chuckle, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners. The sound was deep and rich, and for a moment, both Megan and Oma froze. It was rare to see Logan amused, let alone laughing.

“We got her good, didn’t we?” Caleb said, looking up at Logan with pride.

Logan ruffled Caleb’s hair, his chuckle fading into a small smirk. “Sure did, buddy,” he said, his tone laced with humor.

Oma’s cheeks flushed, both from the fright and from watching Logan. She wasn’t used to seeing him like this—relaxed, almost boyish. He was so often serious and gruff, but when he smiled, it softened something in her.

Megan huffed, placing her hands on her hips. “Caleb John Tawney!” she called sternly.

The little boy froze, his lips quivering as he realized he might be in trouble. He clung to Logan’s leg,  hiding behind it and peeking out,  when Logan crouched down to pick him up.

Logan sighed, holding Caleb securely. “Don’t get too mad at him,” he said, his voice calm. “It was my idea.”

Megan’s eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms. “Your idea? Honestly, Logan, sometimes I think you’re just as much trouble as him.”

Logan shrugged, unfazed by her scolding. He set Caleb down gently, patting his back. “Go on now. Apologize to your mama.”

Caleb shuffled over to Megan, his eyes wide and watery. “Sorry, Mama,” he said, his voice small.

Megan’s expression softened immediately. She crouched down, pulling Caleb into a hug. “Alright, sweetpea,” she said, kissing his cheek. “Just don’t go scarin’ folks like that again.”

Caleb nodded quickly, relief washing over his face as he smiled. Megan kissed him again before sending him off with a gentle swat, watching as he ran off with Cookie close behind.

Logan straightened up, brushing dust off his hands. His gaze shifted to Oma, who was still standing by the garden, her hands resting on her apron. “Oma,” he said, his tone quieter now. “Mind takin’ a walk with me?”

Oma hesitated, her brows furrowing slightly. She glanced at Megan, who gave her an encouraging nod.

“Go on,” Megan said, waving her off. “I’ll finish up here.”

Oma nodded slowly, wiping her hands clean on a nearby cloth before stepping toward Logan. She followed him down the dirt path, the sound of their boots crunching softly against the ground.

For a while, neither of them spoke. Logan walked with his hands in his pockets, his gaze focused on the horizon. Oma stole glances at him, wondering what was on his mind. He was hard to read—always keeping his emotions tightly controlled.