for a male role model since Tony’s death.
When she’d accepted the invitation to come to the ranch, she hadn’t realized these former soldiers would spend their own personal time this way. She had assumed the ranch staff would offer activities to entertain them. Period.
This was different.
Carson was different.
By giving Johnny that photo of his father, Carson had formed a bond with her son that wasn’t going to go away. Carson might not see what was happening, but every moment invested for Johnny’s sake increased her son’s interest.
Tracy couldn’t allow that to happen. Before long they’d be leaving this place, never to return. Johnny was still dealing with his father’s death. They didn’t need another crisis after they got home. She had to do something quickly to fix things before he got too attached to this incredible man. Tracy had to acknowledge that, so far, he was incredible, which was exactly what made her so uneasy.
While he’d driven them around the breathtaking property, giving them fruit and water, she’d sat in the back of the Jeep planning what she would say to Carson when she could get him alone. Another lesson at the corral after dinner was not an option.
Tonight after they’d eaten, she and Johnny would watch a movie in their cabin until he fell asleep. Then she’d phone Carson and have an important talk with him. Once he understood her concerns, he would make certain his partners spent equal time with Johnny. By the time he pulled up in front of their cabin to let them out, she felt more relaxed about her decision.
“I kept you longer than planned, but we’re still in time for lunch.”
Johnny looked up at him. “What are you going to have, Carson?”
“I think a grilled cheese sandwich and a salad.”
“Me, too.”
Since when? Tracy mused.
Carson tipped his Stetson. “See you two inside.”
She slid out, not wanting to analyze why what he just did gave her a strange feeling in her tummy, as Johnny was wont to say. “Come on, honey. Don’t forget your mustang.”
To her relief, Carson drove off. “Let’s use the restroom first, then maybe we’ll find some other kids and you can play with them.”
A few minutes later they entered the dining room. Ross was seated at a larger table with some tourists, including a couple of children. He waved her over. “Come and sit with us, Tracy. We’re all going to do some more fishing after we eat and hope you’ll join us.”
Bless you, Ross.
“Johnny? Meet Sam Harris, who’s seven, and Rachel Harris, who’s nine. They’re from Florida. This is Johnny Baretta from Ohio. He’s six.”
“I’m almost seven!”
Tracy smiled. “That’s true. Your birthday is in a month.” He’d be one of the older ones in his class in the fall.
After they sat down, Ross finished introducing her to Monica and Ralph Harris, who were marine biologists. The Tetons had to be a complete change of scenery for them, too.
Soon the waitress came over and took everyone’s order. Carson still hadn’t come. Tracy knew Johnny was looking for him.
Sam, the towheaded boy, glanced at Johnny. “How long are you here for?”
“A week.”
“Same here. Then our parents have to get back to work.”
“Oh.”
“Where’s your dad?” Rachel asked.
Johnny had faced this question many times, but Tracy knew it was always painful for him. “He died in the war.”
“That’s too bad,” she said, sounding genuinely sad. “Do you like to fish?”
“My dad took me a couple of times.”
“We’ll catch our limit this afternoon,” Ross chimed in, no doubt anxious to change the topic of conversation.
By the time lunch arrived, Carson had come into the dining room and walked over to their table, but he didn’t sit down. Ross introduced him to everyone while they ate. “Mr. Lundgren’s great-great-grandfather purchased this land in 1908 and made it into the Teton Valley Ranch.”
“The ranch house was a lot smaller than this in the beginning,” Carson informed them.
“You’re sure lucky to live here,” Sam uttered.
“We’re lucky you came to visit.”
Carson always knew the right thing to say to make everyone feel good.
“To my regret, something’s come up and I won’t be able to join you this afternoon, but Ross is an expert and will show all of you where to catch the biggest fish. When you bring them in, we’ll ask the cook to fix them for your dinner. There’s no better-tasting trout than a German brown.”
“He ought to know,” Ross interjected. “He was fishing the Snake with his grandpa when he was just a toddler.”
Everyone laughed except Johnny, who’d become exceptionally quiet.
“Enjoy your day. See you later,” Carson said. His glance included Tracy and Johnny before he hurried out of the dining room.
“Where’s he going?” her son whispered.
“I don’t know, honey.” Something had come up. Though he’d shown nothing tangible, she’d felt his tension. “He runs this ranch with his friends and has a lot of other things to do.” Thank heaven.
“Do we have to go fishing?” He’d only eaten half of his grilled cheese and didn’t touch the green salad, which was no surprise.
“Yes.” Her automatic instinct had been to say no, because she was afraid to push him too hard. But right now she decided to take the psychologist’s advice and practice a little tough love. “It’ll be fun for both of us. I’ve never been fly fishing and want to try it.”
“Okay,” he finally muttered. At least he hadn’t fought her on it. “But I bet I don’t catch one.”
“I bet you do. Think how fun it will be to phone your grandparents tonight and tell them everything.”
This was the way their vacation was supposed to be. Doing all sorts of activities with different people. Unfortunately, Carson had gotten there first and had spoiled her son. Nothing and no one was more exciting than he was, even Tracy recognized that.
Ross got up from the table. “I’ll bring the van in front and we’ll go.” He came around to her side. “Is everything all right?” He’d assumed there’d been a hard moment at the table for Johnny. He’d assumed correctly, but for the wrong reason. She couldn’t tell Ross what was really going on inside Johnny, not when these wonderful marines were doing everything in their power
