Read Online Roughneck Cowboy by Marin Thomas - Free Book Online

nice,” he added. A chain-link fence enclosed the school yard, which consisted of swings, climbing apparatus and plenty of asphalt for playing dodge ball, jump rope and four square.
    â€œDad?”
    â€œYeah.”
    â€œIf we live with Grandpa, does that mean you and me get to spend more time together?”
    Travis sucked in a quiet breath. He’d always believed he’d been a decent parent—unlike Julie, he hadn’t run from the responsibility of raising their child. He’d kept a roof over Charlie’s head and food on the table. He’d paid for her clothing and medical care, but he’d done it from a distance. His mother’s death had opened his eyes to what he really was—an absentee father. Just like Dominick had been for Travis.
    â€œI promise we’ll do more things together when I get back from Houston. And—” he tweaked Charlie’s nose “—now that I’m working for Grandpa, I’ll be able to come to your concerts.” His daughter sang in the school choir, but Travis had never been around to attend any of the group’s performances.
    â€œPromise?” Charlie’s mouth lifted in a half-smile.
    â€œCross my heart.” He traced an imaginary X over his chest.
    â€œOkay, I guess we can stay.”
    He grabbed Charlie’s backpack with her sack lunch inside and they entered the building. The smell of disinfectant and lemon-scented cleaner greeted them as he ushered his daughter into the main office.
    â€œMay I help you?” A gray-haired woman in her fifties removed her bifocals. The nameplate on the desk read Rosie Finch.
    â€œI’d like to register my daughter for school,” Travis said.
    â€œHow nice. I hadn’t heard we had a newcomer to town.” Rosie opened a drawer and withdrew a packet of papers. “You’ll need to fill out these forms.” She smiled at Charlie. “What grade are you in, dear?”
    â€œSecond.”
    Rosie found a pen and filled in several blanks. “What’s your name?”
    â€œCharlotte Cartwright,” Travis supplied.
    Rosie’s pen slid across the paper, leaving a trail of blue ink. “You’re Dominick’s son?” Evidently the news of Travis’s arrival at the Lazy River had spread through the small town.
    â€œThat’s correct. I’m Travis Cartwright.”
    Charlie stood on her tiptoes and peered over the counter at the woman. “I have the same name as my grandma, but everyone calls me Charlie.”
    Rosie’s cheeks lost their pink hue as she stared at Travis. “I heard about your mother’s passing. I’m so sorry.”
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œI went to school with Charlotte.” Rosie left her desk and stood at the counter. “Her father owned the bank in town. It was such a tragedy when Charlotte’s parents drowned in a boating accident right before she married Dominick.”
    Travis wasn’t in the mood to discuss his family history with a practical stranger. He checked his watch. “I’m in a hurry if we could—”
    â€œOh, certainly. Principal Edwards will wish to speak with you before Charlie’s assigned to her classroom.” Rosie entered the principal’s office, closing the door behind her.
    â€œDoes everybody here know Grandma?” Charlie asked.
    â€œLooks that way.” Travis skimmed the forms, then began filling in the information.
    â€œDad.” Charlie pointed across the room to the plateglass window. “Here comes that schoolteacher lady.”
    Sara Sanders’s shoulder-length hair curled softly around her face. She wore an ankle-length jean skirt with a camel-haired sweater that ended below her hips. A brown leather belt hung loosely around her waist, matching the color of her leather boots. There was no disguising her height or sturdy build, but dressed as a teacher she appeared feminine and touchable—not prickly as