Page 58 of A Forever Kind of Rancher

“Tansey is very nearly my sister-in-law. I assume you know about the song,” said Boone.

“Yes,” said Mikey seriously. “We watched the short film.”

“You should make sure to tell Flint that. He loves it. He’s a huge fan. It did great things for his life.”

Wendy looked at him in warning. “Don’t tell teenagers things like that. They’ll do it.”

“I’m counting on it.”

“What are you supposed to do when there’s just, like, a famous person there?” Sadie asked.

“You just, like, eat your hamburger,” Boone said, grinning at her.

Sadie smiled, which was glorious for Wendy to see.

Boone was so good with them.

They had a dad. But Boone would make a great masculine figure to have in their lives. He was protective. He was fun.

She wanted him.

He would make her happy.

Or at least contribute quite a bit to her happiness. That would help everybody.

Just jump in feetfirst. You’re already there.

The Carson family home was massive, and beautiful, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the craggy mountains and rustic decor throughout.

It was filled with all the siblings—even Boone’s sister Callie, who Wendy knew vaguely from the rodeo. That was the great thing. It wasn’t a room full of strangers. She knew Boone’s parents, and she knew all his brothers, even if only in passing.

She had spent enough time at the circuit to feel like they were family in many ways.

“And how are you finding the single life?” This question came from Abe Carson.

“I’m not technically single,” she said, grateful her daughters were occupied across the room. Talking to Tansey, who was warm and wonderful and actually not at all intimidating.

“Philosophically,” said Abe.

“Thanks, Dad,” said Boone.

“I see,” said Abe. “Well, hurry up and get that divorce finalized so my son can make an honest woman out of you.”

Her scalp prickled. “Well, I am happy to move it quickly.”

She didn’t see the point in protesting. Because hell, she kind of wanted Boone to make an honest woman out of her. Or a dishonest one. She just wanted to be with him. And her parameters for what that could look like were becoming quite elastic. At first, she had been a bit concerned about her girls knowing she was sleeping with a man she wasn’t married to. But if they had a relationship... She was willing to have a serious and grown-up talk about it. Because this was life, and it was messy. She was in a situation she hadn’t chosen, but she didn’t have to be miserable.

“Actually, Wendy is looking for some new work. You know she managed Daniel.”

“She could manage you,” said Abe. “And there are some other guys I know who would love to have competent representation.”

“I’m not sure I’m going to be anybody’s favorite, considering I just kicked their buddy to the curb.”

“If they have half a brain then he’s not their favorite. I’ve never had patience for a man who would go out for cheap ground beef when he had filet mignon at home.”

“Seems to me,” Flint said from across the room, “that it’s the man with quality issues, not the woman.”

“Sorry, son,” said Abe. “I know I’m not woke.”

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