Well, that went well.

Disasters appeared to be her forte. Cora had woken this morning still smelling Garrett’s spicy scent on her skin. Operating on autopilot, as usual, she had showered, gotten Milo up and taken him downstairs to get him breakfast. She’d not even glanced in the direction of her living room. Her focus had been on getting herself ready, contacting Spencer to come pick them up since her minivan was still at the club, and ferrying Milo to the doctor.

It had never occurred to her that Garrett might have stayed. Why would it? It wasn’t like they were in a relationship and seeing one another. They’d had sex. More than once. And, yeah, so it was really spectacular, mind-blowing sex. Spying Garrett on her couch beside Milo had rattled her, more than she cared to admit. There had been a sucker punch of yearning, the comfort of having him there, the security and stability of it. Heaven help her, but Cora was glad he had stayed, even though he hadn’t meant to. He hadn’t left even after she had pushed him away—out of fear. Fear that he could mean something to her. She’d experienced the devastating loss of losing a spouse once. Her heart still hadn’t recovered fully. One minute Jeff had been there, hale and hearty, and the next the Fire Marshall was on her doorstep telling her he was gone.

Which was why her feelings for Garrett scared her. When you open yourself up and let someone in, you do so with the knowledge that one day that person can be taken from you. And then you are left walking around, pretending to the world that you are fine, when in truth you are living a half-life, the walking wounded, with a hole in your chest where that person once resided.

When she’d spied Garrett on her sofa, smiling down at her son, a part of Cora had wanted to march over to him, climb onto his lap, and hand him her problems. What little she knew of him told her he would take care of it—of her—if she asked. He was too dominant to do otherwise. But she didn’t ask, instead she used anger and frustration to distance herself from him. Sex didn’t equal love or tender feelings. If it was only herself she had to worry about she would fling herself headlong into a relationship with him, unmindful of the consequences. The pull of him, the need he ignited, drew her to him in a way she’d not felt since she’d met Jeff all those years ago. But she didn’t have only herself to consider in the equation.

Milo had to come first in every decision she made, regardless of the consequences to her social life, or her own needs.

Which was how she found herself in her cousin’s souped-up black truck, with Milo chattering nonstop, while she attempted to avoid looking at Spencer. He had to know what it signified that Garrett had been at her place overnight. Spencer loved her and Milo. She knew that. But she didn’t want to see the disapproval in his eyes. They would discuss it. Spencer was like a dog with a damn bone and wouldn’t relent until he had satisfied his curiosity.

It was just as well that she was able to avoid the topic. Cora didn’t have an answer for him; other than knowing that Garrett had scrambled her emotions and she’d not found her footing.

At the pediatrician’s, Milo was a trouper. The offices of Doctor Terry Richardson were cheerful, for a doctor’s office. Geared specifically toward children, the walls were painted like something out of a Doctor Seuss novel with bright, cheerful primary colors and caricatures on the walls. There was an entire play area that Milo headed straight for while Cora informed the nurse, Sheila, that they had arrived.

And Spencer, bless the man, was entertaining Milo.

“Cora Roberts,” Sheila said, holding open the door between the waiting room and hallway that led to patient rooms. Sheila was a good twenty years her senior, plump around the middle, with the sweetest disposition.

Spencer went with them into one of the patient rooms where Sheila took Milo’s vitals. Doctor Richardson entered as soon as the nurse had finished.

Milo’s pediatrician was in his late thirties, tall and rather attractive, even with the temples of his midnight hair sprinkled with silver. He sat on his rolling stool next to Milo and said, “I hear someone’s not feeling good.”

“Yeah, he had a fever overnight of 102,” Cora explained.

“Well, his fever is down a bit, and only registering at a hundred. Let’s take a look, shall we?”

Milo was so good while Doctor Richardson checked inside his nose, his mouth, and listened to his heartbeat. It was the ears that brought on the tears. As soon as the doctor finished his exam, Milo crawled onto her lap and she cuddled him.

“From what I’m seeing here, it looks to me like an ear infection, in both ears. How is he with taking medicine?” he asked.

“Well, as long as it’s flavored, I can get him to drink it.” It was as she suspected, her poor little guy. After some more tears and a lime sucker, Cora was given an antibiotic that the doctor was certain would clear things up over the next week. Milo’s fever was down, which was why she agreed to let Spencer take them for an early lunch. The bit of fresh air would do Milo some good too.

The Elkhorn Restaurant was a pretty establishment with actual linen tablecloths and a noteworthy view of the mountains. Cora did love Wyoming, more than she ever had Seattle. She had to give Milo credit, her son was so excited to be out with his ‘Uncle’ Spencer that he behaved perfectly throughout their lunch. It also didn’t hurt that she was able to get him one of his favorite dishes—macaroni and cheese. He adored ‘noodles and cheese’ as he called it.

“Emily, I’d like you to meet my cousin, Cora,” Spencer said to the beautiful redhead in a chef’s cap.

Cora shook Emily’s hand. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”

“I didn’t know you had a cousin, Spencer. You’re holding out on all of us,” Emily said.

“I just moved back,” Cora interjected.

“Well, welcome, feel free to come have lunch out here anytime if you need some girl talk. And who is this little guy?” Emily smiled at Milo who was happily shoveling mac and cheese into his mouth.

“This is Milo and he’s pretty enamored with your mac and cheese,” Cora explained, rather bemused by her son. He could spend an entire night with a fever, go to the doctor and take some medicine, then spring back to being fine with this Pollyanna attitude of everything being wonderful. It fascinated her, his spirit and joy. And it never ceased to amaze her that she’d done this, made him.

“It’s one of my favorites too. In fact, if you’d like, I could send some more home with you. Would you like that, Milo?” Emily asked.

Milo nodded and wriggled in his seat.

“Thank you, I’m sure Milo will enjoy eating more of the dish,” Cora said, more grateful than Emily knew. If she didn’t have to worry about dinner for Milo, it was one less item on her to do list.

“Is Mason around?” Spencer asked, having finished off his bacon cheeseburger.

“Nope, you just missed him and Cole. They each had a tour to lead on the trails today. And Mia’s sequestered herself away, writing for the day,” Emily explained.

“It’s too bad that we missed them. Remind them not to miss poker night next weekend,” Spencer added with a raised brow.

Emily rolled her eyes at him. “It was one time, Spencer. And, if I recall correctly, Mason didn’t regret missing poker night. But to prove to you I don’t have designs on demolishing the group’s male ritual, I will make some food for you guys to gorge yourselves on.”

“Appreciate that, love. Now, I think we’re going to let Milo work off some energy on the playground,” Spencer said.

“Well, I will box up some mac and cheese for Milo. You can pick it up when you’re leaving the resort. Cora, we tend to have a girls’ night here when the guys do their poker night. You’re welcome to join us and you can definitely bring Milo,” Emily said.

“Thank you, I will see if I can make it,” Cora said, feeling the warmth of acceptance as Emily headed back into the kitchen. Perhaps she could come and bring Rayna with her. They were both new in town and it would be nice to have some girlfriends again.

This was the right move on her part, coming back to Jackson Hole. She just had to give it time. And it seemed that the community within the club was embracing her and Milo. That was what she’d been missing in Seattle. She’d tried to remain close with the members of Jeff’s fire station. A bunch of the guys had taken care of her lawn and such during that first year without Jeff. But it had become a painful reminder for both sides of what they had lost. It wasn’t anyone’s fault but over time, that family, that community, had drifted away. And it had left her feeling lost and without a support system. Even the girlfriends she’d had were the wives of the other firefighters and she became a beacon of sorts, a reminder of their constant fear for their husbands.

Cora had floundered without their support.

With lunch finished, they headed outside to a small playground that Milo had been eyeing through the window. There were swings, an entire fort-like structure with tunnels and slides, a merry-go-round, and more. Along the outer rim of the playground were wooden benches for the weary parents to have a seat.

Cora and Spencer sat on a bench while Milo explored the fort-like tower. She didn’t want Milo overdoing it today. But if he burned off some energy, she could get him to take a solid and hopefully long nap this afternoon.

“I’m only going to give him like thirty minutes. I know he has medicine and will be on the mend, but we had a rough night last night.”

Spencer turned his gaze her way, pushing his sunglasses up on his head so his black eyes could study her. Her cousin had a way of looking at a person, like with a single glance he knew precisely how someone ticked. “What’s going on with Garrett, Cora?”

“It’s nothing.” She’d expected him to say something and figured the only reason he hadn’t until now was because Milo had constantly been in earshot.

“Didn’t look like nothing to me,” Spencer replied, his dark brows furrowed with apprehension.

She sighed. It was his worry for her that kept her from snapping at him. Spencer was one of the best guys she knew. He looked out for her and Milo. Dancing around the subject, she said, “Look, I appreciate your concern, but I’m a big girl.”

“I get that. But you’re also family and the closest thing to a sister I’ll ever have. If he’s done something, I need to know about it.”

The only reason she didn’t get angry was because she knew Spencer meant well. He’d done so much for her and Milo since Jeff died that she’d never be able to repay him. “He hasn’t done anything that I didn’t agree to or want to do. Leave it alone, please. Unless he’s really married with three kids and a house.”

“Cora, it’s not that and you know it. I just worry about you. You’ve been through enough and I don’t want you hurt,” Spencer said.

“I appreciate the concern, truly I do. You know I love you. Milo adores you. But this is something I have to figure out on my own. I never thought I’d be a widow before I became a mom. But I did. It sucks. It’s been hard, so hard at times that I didn’t know how I’d make it through an hour, let alone a day. But I’ve gotten through it, sometimes not well or noteworthy, but I did it because I always knew I’d have you in my corner if I needed help.”

Spencer slid an arm around her shoulders and gave her a side hug. “But you don’t have to do it all on your own. You do know that, right?”

She laid her head on his shoulder. Spencer had always been more brother than cousin. During his years in the army she’d sent him care packages every week with a little prayer that he would make it home safe. Milo was on the slide and laughing up a storm. “I know. And there are some things that will come down the line with Milo that I will ask you for help with, things that he’ll need a man’s influence for that I won’t be able to help him with.”

“You know I’m not going anywhere. And speaking of, there are things every boy should have. Come on, I have something here for Milo.” Spencer stood and tugged her up with him, leaving her wondering what he had up his sleeve.

“Hey dude, you want to go see the surprise I have for you?” Spencer asked, approaching the base of the slide where Milo was giggling.

He didn’t have to tell her son twice. The kid practically leapt into his arms. They took the small path down to the stables. This area was beautiful. The scent of horses, hay, and pine suffused the air. Spring in all its glory abounded with wildflowers dotting the dirt trail. Birds chirped from the bows of the trees thick with green leaves. A chipmunk darted across the path. Milo loved it here, calling out birds or butterflies that entered their path with such joyful enthusiasm it helped ease the tension in her.

Cora had made the right decision, bringing them to Jackson Hole. This was why she’d moved them here. She wanted her son away from the crowds of the big city, and the pollution. She’d loved growing up here and wanted to give him that type of childhood. And there was Spencer. She wasn’t lying about the fact that her son needed a father figure in his life. His need for male bonding was a palpable thing. The mutual affection between Spencer and Milo, the way Spencer treated him like he was in fact his nephew, settled the last of her anxiety.

Cora may not have figured out her job situation completely, and there was the hanging specter of Garrett she needed to contend with, but she knew, deep down, she’d find her way here. She just needed time.

They rounded a bend and she couldn’t help but smile at the stables and horses sunning themselves in the paddock. At the stable doors stood a guy who was about her cousin’s height, a good six feet, give or take an inch or so. But where her cousin was a contrast in dark colors with his inky hair and black eyes, this man had hair the color of sunset, with shades of red and orange. His eyes were lion-like in color and his skin carried a golden-hued tan from his time spent outdoors.

“Cora, this is Alex. Alex, my cousin Cora.” Spencer made the introductions, setting Milo down on his own feet.

“It’s a pleasure, Cora. I thought Spencer was pulling my leg when he said he had a cousin.” Alex shook her hand.

“Nope, I do exist. I’ve just been in Seattle for a while,” she said. But then the big man turned his attention to Milo.

“And who’s this little guy?” Alex grinned down at her son.

“This is Milo.”

Alex squatted down to Milo’s height, resting his thick forearms on his knees. “How’re you doing Milo? I hear you like dogs.”

Milo nodded with a shy smile.

“Would you like to meet some?”

Milo nodded.

“Well, come with me,” Alex said and held out a hand.

Cora’s heart squeezed when Milo took his hand. She fought back a sniffle. Her son was ripe for male influence. It was apparent just from the way he went gaga over Spencer or even Garrett last night. Life had dealt her son an unfair hand in taking his father away from him before he even had the chance to know him. That was another one of the reasons she’d moved them here. Because, with Spencer around, Cora knew Milo would get the father figure he so desperately and innocently craved.

“What did you do?” she asked her cousin.

“You’ll see. And I’ll help. Promise,” he said. And that was one thing Spencer did, he always kept his promises.

Milo was enthralled with the stables, his tousled head whipping back and forth as he looked at the horses, staring in wide-eyed wonder when one of them lowered its head near him.

But then Alex opened a stall door, ushering Milo inside. Inside was a female chocolate lab with a litter of puppies. Milo clapped in excitement.

“Doggies!” he squealed.

The small puppies yipped and danced around Cora’s boy with enthusiasm. After the night they’d had, Milo’s belly laughs warmed her. He was so happy having dogs crawling all over him.

“He can have one,” Spencer said to her quietly.

“What?”

“You mentioned wanting to get him one and since Alex’s dog had a litter and now they’ve been weaned, I thought it might be a good fit.”

She glanced down at Milo, sitting with all the puppies, a huge grin on his face, and she knew she couldn’t say no. She knelt down next to him and said, “Hey baby, would you like to take one of them home with us?”

“This one,” Milo said, picking up a little chocolate lab with just the sweetest face. The puppy was licking Milo’s face in adoration, the tiny body squirming and wriggling in excitement.

“Yeah, well, ask Alex if it’s okay that you take that one,” she said with a small sigh. As if her schedule and home weren’t crazy enough.

Alex nodded at her son. “He’s the runt of the litter, but I think he’ll be going to a good home.”

She glanced at Alex and said, “Thank you. What do I owe you for him?”

“Not a thing. He’ll likely cry a bit the first few days, but he has been weaned from his mom. If you need help training him, I do have a twelve-week training class which runs on the weekends.”

Spencer said, “I can bring Milo and his dog out every weekend. It will give you some time off.”

And it would give her son some male bonding time. She fought back the sudden onslaught of tears. “I think we can work that out. So, baby, what do you want to call your puppy? What’s his name going to be?”

“Elmo,” Milo said, cradling his new puppy against his chest. “Here, Mama, look!”

A beaming Milo brought the newly dubbed Elmo over. She picked the wriggling, chocolate fur covered body up and held him up to her face. He squirmed to reach her face with his bright pink tongue. He was going to be a handful just like her son. Then he leaned up and swiped his tongue against her cheek.

And, just like that, she was in love.

“Welcome to the family, Elmo,” she murmured, as Milo cuddled against her side.