Page 29 of His Eighth Ride

“I know what you can talk about with Opal’s parents tonight,” she said.

Tag picked up the menu and gave her a curious look. “Go on.”

“Opal,” she said. “And how amazing she was with Boots.” She grinned. “Whenever I’m in a tight spot in the conversation, I always give someone a compliment—and Mike’s parents like hearing how amazing their son is.”

“Yes, but you’re married to him,” Tag said. “I can’t just spout off about how—how amazing Opal is. Then they’ll think I’m in love with her or something.”

“Oh, stop it. They will not.”

“They will,” he said.

“Okay, well, it was just a suggestion.”

By the time Tag pulled up to Wes and Bree’s house, the sun had set and the headlights had to carve their way through the darkness. Tag put the truck in park and exhaled out mightily. “We made it.”

Gerty’s legs ached along with her head, and she didn’t answer as she slid from the truck. Winter here had already bitten in deep, though no snow lingered on the ground. She couldn’t linger out here, and the front door opened anyway.

“You made it,” Wes said, and Gerty put a smile on her face before she turned to face him.

“Hey.” She laughed as she hurried up the sidewalk to hug him. He laughed too, and Gerty sure did love Mikey’s daddy. “Oh, you’re looking good,” she said. “No cane tonight?”

“He should be using it,” Bree said. “He’s being naughty.” She came down the steps and hugged Gerty too. “You made good time with the wind.”

“Tag drove,” she said.

“I’m eighty years old,” Wes said. “I can’t be naughty.”

His wife just gave him a pointed look and then turned her attention to Tag coming up the sidewalk. He had Gerty’s backpack with him, along with his overnight bag, and he gave everyone a smile. “Howdy.”

“Taggart,” Bree said, and Gerty fell to the side to watch this exchange. Perhaps she’d text Opal about it, but one look at Tag’s face, and Gerty knew he’d be the one telling her about it.

“It’s just Tag, ma’am.” He put down the bags and extended his hand for her to shake. She stepped in and hugged him.

“It’s great to see you again,” she said. Bree could have sharp eyes when she wanted to, as could Wes, and Gerty saw and felt all the razors and knives as they both looked at him.

“Come on in,” Wes said as he shook Tag’s hand. “Supper’s almost ready, right, sweetheart?” He cut a look over to his wife, and Bree nearly jumped out of her skin.

“Yes,” she said. “Yes, dinner is ready. Why are we standing out in the cold?” She turned and bustled toward the front door, and Wes limped along behind her.

Gerty looked at Tag and reached for her backpack, but he simply nodded her up the sidewalk too. So she let him carry her bag inside, feeling a little bit like she was leading a lamb to the slaughter.

Then she reminded herself that Tag could handle himself, and that included with Opal’s parents. She hoped.

ten

Tag put his bag in the guest room Bree showed him to, and he stepped into the bathroom to wash up. He moved quickly and didn’t waste any time, not even to text Opal and tell her that he’d arrived at her parents’ house.

And yet, somehow, he was still the last to arrive back in the kitchen for dinner. He slipped into the last seat across from Gerty as she sat too. Their eyes met, and since he only worked for her, he didn’t know what she was trying to say. Maybe nothing.

“It’s nothing special,” Bree said. “Meatloaf and poutine.”

Tag had no idea what poutine was, but everything smelled delicious. With French fries and red meat on the table, he’d be happy enough.

“I’ll say grace,” Wes said. “And then Bree will teach you the ways of poutine.” He grinned at his wife, who smiled back at him. Then Tag barely had time to duck his head in a bow before he started to pray.

“Lord, we’re grateful Gerty and Tag arrived in Coral Canyon safely. Bless them to get their business done and get back to their loved ones without any issues. We’re thankful for Thy bounty on our table tonight, and help us to watch out for those around us.”

Tag didn’t have many opportunities to serve those around him, and he felt the gentle rebuke of the Lord as Wes prayed. His circle was so small, but Tag could reach out and text others to see how they were doing, and he could ask if nearby farms and ranches had anything they needed.

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