Page 93 of The Cowboy Who Looked Again

“Yeah, that’s why I said I got this.” Danny took his saddle from him, and Link met his eye. “What should I do after this?”

“Nothing.” Link gave him a quick smile. “Go home. We’re done for today.”

“It’s four-fifteen.” Danny looked like he’d been told they’d open Christmas presents next.

Link chuckled and clapped him on the shoulder. “Yep, and the job is done, which means you’re done.”

Danny’s smile spread across his face, and it made Link so happy. “Hey, could I ask a favor?”

“Sure thing.” As Link spoke, he heard how much he sounded like his father.

“I don’t have travel restrictions here,” Danny said, his feet shifting. That could’ve been from the weight of Link’s saddle. “And I’d love to go get pizza tonight.”

“Sure, did you get the Two Cents app? Anything on their pizza list is going to be amazing.”

“I got it,” he said. “What I don’t have is a way to get to town to pick up the pizza.”

Everything clicked in Link’s head. “We’ve got extra trucks here. I’ll text Ranger that you’re gonna come by and get the keys to one. Okay?”

Relief filled Danny’s face. “Thank you, Link.” He sort of tried to reach out to shake his hand, but he held a saddle, and the whole thing became awkward. Link ended up taking the saddle back before Danny could drop it, and he put it away before turning back to Misty’s brother.

“Listen, Danny,” he started.

“I’m okay, Link,” he said quietly. He looked up, and those Granger green eyes stared straight into Link’s. “I just want to really thank you for giving me this chance.”

“I didn’t do anything,” Link said.

“You love my sister,” Danny said. Just like that. Just right out loud as if it was common knowledge. As if everyone knew it. “And without that, I know you wouldn’t have vouched for me and spoken up for me and let me come here.” He swallowed and coughed a little cough. “So you did do something, and I really appreciate it.”

Link’s own throat worked as he tried to get it to perform its natural function. He nodded, and Danny nodded on back. Then Link headed out to get to his foremen meeting with his uncles. He sat in the cab of his truck and texted Misty really quick, though he was already a few minutes late getting down to Preacher’s.

Your brother is great, he said. Just wanted you to know.

Really? she sent back instantly. You’re not just making that up?

I would never make something like that up, Link texted. He’s doing well up here.

Are you busy later? she asked.

Meeting now, he said. Then I’m free. Probably close to six-thirty or so. That would give him time to get home and shower. I can pick you up for pizza?

Can’t wait, Misty said.

To which Link responded, I love you.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Misty scooped up a spoonful of ice cream and ate it slowly. As she licked mint chocolate chip off the back of her spoon, she looked over to Janie. “I’m not going back to Dallas.”

Janie’s eyes were the only thing that moved. “I’m shocked,” she said in a totally not-shocked tone.

“You’re the first person I’ve said it out loud to.”

“You haven’t even told Link?”

Misty shook her head and stirred together the melted part of her ice cream with the still-frozen parts. “I’m going to go back to Dallas over Thanksgiving and move out of my apartment there. Put it up for sale. Then…I’ll keep letting the state pay for my housing here, and once our project is done….” She shrugged, the rest of the story already there in black and white.

“Maybe you’ll be married by the time our project is done,” Janie said.

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