Page 33 of Auctioned to the Cowboys

One with hopes and dreams built on loss.

It’s not an excuse. I rub my hands over my lower face and hang my head. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“It won’t,” Clint adds firmly. “You’re a part of this family, and you’ll be treated that way, with trust and respect. Okay?”

I raise my head to witness Taylor nodding before she returns to the dishes.

“What’s for dinner?” I ask. “Can I help?”

“Everything’s ready.”

It’s then I notice that the table has been set with three different salads, sliced cold meats, a savory tart of some kind, and fresh bread rolls. “I would have put some flowers in the vase, but I couldn’t get outside.”

“I’ll get some,” I say quickly, striding to the door.

I need to get outside for a couple of minutes to regroup. This morning feels like it’s a year away, and I’ve lost all the trust I felt building with Taylor with one stupid action.

Locking Taylor inside was a mistake. If she knew me, maybe she’d understand, but right now, she’s become wary and suspicious.

I just hope that spending the evening with Mitch and Barb will dilute the unease within our home.

Although I hate to admit it even to myself, I need to work on my trust issues for everyone’s sake.

An hour later, the front door swings open as Maverick welcomes our guests. I arrive in the hallway, showered and dressed, just in time.

“You usually come around the back. Why the formality?”

Barb pulls me in for one of her magic hugs that feels like heaven. She’s short but well built, as sturdy as she’s feminine and soft. I catch her usual rose scent which lowers my agitation a notch almost immediately. Mitch looms behind his wife, his thatch of thick, gray hair giving him a distinguished look.

“What’s cooking? You boys need to get out of my way.” Mitch has a mound of a belly to match his jovial personality. After years of working with delinquents from every state and walk of life, you’d think he’d be cynical by now. But he has an endless supply of optimism and good cheer that make him a positive influence. He suffers no fools despite his toothy grin, which can deceive people who meet him for the first time.

Barb cranes her neck and catches sight of Taylor, who’s dressed in an outfit that bears no resemblance to her usual combo. She’s the perfect blend of practical and elegant in smart black pants and a soft pink top decorated with embroidery. She’s beautiful, and I have to swallow against the ball of cotton suddenly caught in my throat.

“Now, you must be Taylor. I’ve heard so much about you!” Barb steps forward and takes Taylor into an embrace, which Taylor seems awkward to receive but reciprocates anyway. “Clint. You’re a very lucky man.”

“I’m so pleased to meet you both.” Taylor smiles in Mitch’s direction. “I hope you’re hungry. I wasn’t sure what to cook so I made a spread.”

“That’s wonderful, honey! I’m sure it’s all going to be delicious.” Barb touches Taylor’s arm and is met with a tentative smile.

“I’ll get us a good red to go with dinner, but for now, let’s have a little whiskey warm-up.” I head for the cabinet in the back room and come out with a tray of shot glasses and a bottle of joy juice, finding Mitch praising Taylor in the kitchen.

“This all looks delicious.” He pats his belly. “My diet is on the back burner for another night.”

“That would make fifty-eight years then.” Barb laughs.

The whole meal is exactly as I hoped it would be. The food Taylor prepared goes down like a storm. For dessert, she excelled herself with a moist carrot cake, dainty chocolate brownie bites, and an out-of-this-world trifle. The delicate pastries she has in the oven for much later smell divine and, despite everyone feeling full to the brim, we all promise to save a little space for them.

The conversation is light and upbeat and centered around food and travel. Barb and Mitch have recently been to Europe and Asia and amuse us with their tales, which mostly involve Mitch putting his foot in it in different locations. Taylor smiles and laughs along but doesn’t join in much. I wonder if she ever left her home state and if she’s ever been to a dinner party before. She seems so sheltered.

As we’re getting ready to clear the table, Barb says, “You’ve got a great girl here, Clint. You boys are all lucky to have her around. Jesse, your momma would have approved of so much life being brought into this kitchen.”

“She would,” I say, wistfulness creeping into my voice. I wish I could be honest with Barb about who Taylor’s going to be to us all. Keeping secrets is hard, especially from the people I love. She must sense my disquiet because her eyebrows draw together.

“Come here, daft boy! He’s got a big heart, you know, Taylor. They all do!” Barb hooks her arms around my neck and presses a motherly kiss to my cheek. Taylor watches our exchange, and I hope that Barb’s sweetness towards me will show Taylor that I’m not a bad guy and that we’re all worth sticking around for.

When dinner is over, we leave Barb and Taylor to chat at the kitchen table, and head to the back room to play some cards. I focus on Mitch’s update on the three young workers he’s bringing us on a program from the penitentiary. Activity at the ranch will ratchet up over the coming months with branding and breeding. We’ll need the help.

Time passes in the company of good friends and even though I’m losing at cards, I find myself laughing away some of the earlier tension.

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