“He does. But he only drives in Gibson. Ever since his accident last year, he doesn’t like going on the highways or driving in the city.”

“Which is why you went to the hospital today.”

“Exactly. He’s aged a lot since the accident. And he relies so much on my gram that I thought it would just be easier having him at my place for a few weeks.”

He must have sensed some hesitation in her voice, because he raised his eyebrows. “And has it been? Easier?”

She sighed. “I wish. I feel pretty inadequate most of the time. Suzie Homemaker I’m not.”

“Charlie’s old school. Hell, you’re supporting yourself and your kid. You can’t do everything.”

She knew he meant the words to be encouraging, but instead she ended up feeling a familiar dissatisfaction. This wasn’t what she’d wanted her life to look like. How had she gotten so off track?

“Anyway, if you’re ready to go, I’ll drive the two of you home.”

Laura swallowed. Gramps was probably put out by the whole thing and now she’d ended up inconveniencing Tanner, too, who probably had things to do. “I’ll be right out. I just need to change.” She pushed herself up off the couch, but the busted springs meant it took her three tries. By the end of it, she was trying not to laugh, because Rowan was peaceful in her arms and Laura didn’t want to disturb her.

“Here,” he said gently, and reached for Rowan. “I’ll hold her. And I’ll turn around.”

As carefully as if he were holding glass, he took Rowan and tucked her into his arms. She looked so small there. Small and safe.

Just as he’d promised, he turned his back to her. Laura quickly unbuttoned her blouse, took the tag off the T-shirt and pulled it over her head. It was a little too big, but she was okay with that. The soft cotton was comfortable, and the black wouldn’t show any lingering moisture. She wondered if he’d thought of that when he picked it out. She doubted it. Guys weren’t generally that astute.

But then, Tanner was different. She’d known that for a long time.

“Thanks,” she said, putting a hand on his shoulder. “The shirt’s great. Where’s the receipt? I’d like to pay you back.”

Tanner turned back around, his eyebrows puckered in the middle. “Pay me back? Don’t be ridiculous. It’s just a cheap shirt. An emergency shirt.” Again the impish gleam lit his eyes. “Come on. My truck’s out front.”

“Can I ask one more favor?” It was late in the afternoon. Laura had planned to be home earlier, and was tired from the running around. She really needed to put in a couple of hours on the computer tonight. “Could we make a quick stop at the grocery store? I think I’ll grab one of those rotisserie chickens from the deli section.”

He chuckled, and she sent him a dark look. “Not one word about my cooking.”

She took Rowan from him and then swung the diaper bag over her shoulder.

“You’re really good to him, you know. He loves you a lot. I could tell.”

Laura knew it was true, and sometimes it was the only thing that kept her in Gibson. “He and Gram have been very good to me, too.” She wanted to say how grateful she was that they’d never thrown the rumors in her face, but she didn’t want to open that can of worms with Tanner. “It’s the least I can do. That’s not to say I won’t try to save my sanity where I can.” She grinned. “And save him from an ulcer.”

He laughed again and she realized she liked the sound of it. It was happy and carefree, two things she hadn’t been in quite some time.

“The grocery store it is.”

They were walking through the diner when she realized the car seat had been in her car. “Tanner? I forgot her car seat. Oh no...”

Tanner walked ahead and opened the door. “I put it in my truck. I don’t have a clue how to fasten it in, but it’s there.”

Relief rushed through her. Gramps fussed and went on about how in his day people simply carried babies on their laps, but she would never do that with Rowan. She needed to be buckled in securely. Safe. Protected.

Laura swallowed against a lump in her throat. Everything she did these days was for Rowan’s protection.

At the grocery store, Tanner offered to stay in the car with Rowan while she ran inside. Her daughter was sound asleep, so she left her in the backseat, knowing she’d be perfectly safe with Tanner. In less than ten minutes, she was back in the truck and they were on their way to her place, the interior of his vehicle smelling like roasted chicken.

She and Tanner chatted about the ranch a bit, and she mentioned her graphic design work, which led to explaining what she’d been doing since leaving Gibson after high school. She left a lot of blank spaces, but then, so did he. He didn’t mention Cole or Maddy at all, and she knew why.

She wished she could tell him the truth about Rowan’s father. But the more people who knew, the more likely it was to get around, and right now that secret was her biggest form of protection.

He carried the grocery bags to the door while she managed Rowan and the diaper bag. When they walked in, Laura discovered her grandfather emptying the dishwasher. She nearly fell down from the shock.

“Gramps!” she said, slipping off her shoes. “You don’t have to do that.”

He gave his customary harrumph. “Don’t know why everyone thinks I’m helpless. I can put some dishes away now and then.”