Page 103 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

“Hmm.”

“What does that mean?”

“That you don’t know Cash as well as you think you do if you believe that he’d never go back.”

“I probably should have said that differently; whether he would or not, it’s never going to happen, right?”

“Who knows. But tell me more about you and Retta.”

“She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Mav. She was kind of closed off to start with – not just closed off to me, but to life. She’s opening up more and more by the day, though. It’s like she’s a flower and now that she’s here, she’s starting to blossom.”

Mav laughed. “Only you would describe it that way – but it works, I get what you mean and I’m glad to hear it. Hang on …”

Travis could hear him talking to someone else but couldn’t make out what he was saying.

He came back on a minute later. “I gotta go, Trav.”

“Okay. Any idea when you might be home again?”

“I may come with Cash next time – whenever that is. I’m going to have to take another look at the ranch now that Libb’s not going to be there anymore.”

“Fuck it, I have to say it. It’d be good to have you home – and I don’t mean just for a visit.”

The line was quiet for a long few moments before Mav said, “I’m starting to think it might be time. See ya.”

Travis smiled to himself when the call ended. Mav might not have said much, but he’d told him all he needed to know. He’d be coming home, maybe not soon, but he’d be coming.

Chapter Twenty-One

When Travis wheeled Retta into Trip’s office late on Friday morning, Shelly greeted them with a big smile.

“Hey! It’s good to see you. He said to let you know that he’ll be with you just as soon as he can.”

“Thanks,” said Retta.

“Are you ready for our shopping expedition?”

She laughed and looked up at Travis. “I am, but …”

Travis gave them a rueful smile. “I am as ready as I’m going to get.”

“Are you coming with us?” Shelly asked.

Retta laughed. “No, he’s not. He’s just going to spend the whole time worrying, even though I’ve told him that there’s no need.”

“You can tell me all you like, darlin’. I can’t help it.” He looked at Shelly. “You’ll keep an eye on her for me, won’t you?”

“Of course. We all will.” She smiled at Retta. “You’ll be just fine.”

“I know. I’m not the one who’s worried, remember?”

They all looked up when Trip popped his head out of his office. “Sorry about that. Do you want to come on in?”

Travis started wheeling her toward the door. “I’ll see you when you’re done,” said Shelly.

When they reached the door to Trip’s office, Travis said, “I’ll be here waiting for you when you’re finished.”

“Do you want to come in with me?”

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