I t feels so damned good to have Jenny back. Just having her riding in this old truck beside me soothes me in ways nothing else can .

“You look good, Jen,” I tell her before I can think better of it. I was supposed to play it cool, but as always with Jen, I react first, think later .

“No one looks good after spending the day flying and catching a layover, Carson,” she laughs, her face coloring in either embarrassment or shyness. I can never be sure of which with Jenny, I just love that she still blushes. I’ve always been a throwback in this world, set in my ways and liking the past much more than the morality and people in the present. I feel like I should have been born in a time when a man claimed his woman and he kept her and devoted everything he did to her. It’s not a popular way of thinking now. I get it .

Women want equality and to prove they can do any job a man can do. I’m not saying they can’t. Fuck, most of the women I know are capable of doing things better. I’m saying that if a man is any kind of a man, he busts his ass so his woman doesn’t have to work, doesn’t have to do anything…but have babies .

And just like that, my mind has drifts off into dangerous territory. What would Jenny say if she knew that I want her barefoot and pregnant with my children? A better man would probably warn her that I’m bringing her home and making sure she never leaves… And maybe I will tell her—after her stomach is stretched with my child .

That’s my plan and it’s only cemented since Jenny walked up to me at the airport. The time for waiting is over. All I need is time. That’s it. I have to make myself move slowly. I don’t want to spook her and have her leave. First I need to make sure she gets settled back into the farm. I want her to relax and realize that this ranch is her home too—that I’m her home. The next part of the plan is a little more complicated. I need to make sure she starts seeing me as a man…but not just any man .

I want Jenny to see me as her man, because she sure as hell isn’t getting another one. It may take some time, but I’m okay with that. I have Jenny home now .

I have nothing but time .

“Did you hear me, Carson?” Jenny’s sweet voice asks, and I shake my head free from my thoughts, glancing at her before turning my attention back to the road .

“Sorry, honey, what were you saying?” I ask, the endearment slipping out naturally .

“I was asking if you had plans tonight. Because if you hadn’t planned anything, I was thinking of going to stay with Donna for the night .”

“Donna? It’s your first night home, Jenny. I thought we’d stay in and watch a movie after dinner. Like we used to,” I answer, irritation firing inside of me. Jenny hasn’t even walked through the front door and she’s already planning on leaving? I want her sleeping under my roof tonight .

“I know, Carson, but I haven’t seen Donna in months. I’d like to catch up with her and it’s planting time on the farm. You won’t be in until late. I’m surprised you could tear yourself away to come pick me up,” she answers and my fingers tighten against the steering wheel .

“I always put you first, Jenny,” I answer, my voice tense. I need to calm my ass down, but I’m having trouble with that, considering Jenny hasn’t even been home for five minutes and is making plans. Plans that do not include me .

This is not how I envisioned her first night home going .

“You always have, Carson. I know that. I don’t want to be a burden to you though .”

“You’ve never been — ”

“I don’t want to be just another chore you cross off your list, Carson. I may be home now, but I’m not going to get in your way or become a liability .”

“A liability?” I ask, dumbfounded and fucking confused. How could she ever think I would view her like that ?

“Exactly. I refuse to inconvenience you any longer. You will see. Things will be different now that I have my degree and I’m ready to start my own life. I just need a little bit of time to get my feet under me. That’s all .”

“You can go to Donna’s tonight, but I’ll have the corn planted on the east side of the farm done by tomorrow. Tomorrow night is ours. Understand ?”

“If you’re sure? I mean, I can always — ”

“I’m sure,” I tell her, interrupting her before she can upset me further .

I didn’t see this problem arising. I’m not altering my plan, but I’m starting to realize it might take me a little longer to get Jenny under control, to make her see what plans I have for us .

That’s okay. I always did like a challenge .