Page 127 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

He chuckled. “Yeah, I bought it for you. You can tell me if you don’t like it – the dealer’s a friend of Deacon’s. He said if you don’t like it, we can call this an extended test drive and bring it back.”

“Oh, Trav! Thank you. You didn’t have to do that. I …”

He cupped her cheek in his hand. “I wanted to. You’ve been so stuck for so long. And I talked to Trip about it. He’s said there’s no reason that you can’t drive even while you’re still wearing your boot – since it’s on your left leg.”

She stared at him wide-eyed. “And you’re okay with that?”

He chuckled. “It might take a while before I relax about you driving around by yourself. For the time being, I reckon you can just tootle around here – from the house to the cabins and back, and I’ll come with you.”

She laughed. “You don’t need to do that.”

“I do. I’ll get used to it after a while, but I need to know that you’re comfortable driving, and that you’re going to be able to get in and out by yourself.” He gave her a stern look. “That’s part of the deal, okay?”

She leaned in to kiss him. “Okay. I’ll take it as slowly as you want me to. You’ve done so much for me, the least I can do is try to make sure that you’re comfortable.”

“Thanks, darlin’.” His eyes twinkled as he dangled a key in front of her. “Want to give it a try?”

“I do!” He helped her to stand, and she wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up into his eyes. “Thank you. I … it means more than you know.”

He dropped a kiss on her lips. “Thank you, for not arguing about it, for accepting it.”

She smiled up at him. “It’s the most wonderful gift I’ve ever received in my life; I’m not going to spoil it by fussing about you buying it for me.” She winked. “And besides, I’ll get my revenge somehow.”

He laughed. “I buy her a car, and she wants to get her revenge?”

“You know what I mean – I’ll surprise you with something.”

“You don’t have to do that, darlin’.”

“I know, but I want to.”

~ ~ ~

Travis couldn’t stop smiling while he helped Retta make dinner that evening. She’d been doing more and more around the house since she’d gotten the cast taken off, but he still didn’t like to leave her by herself in the kitchen.

She smiled over her shoulder at him as he passed her the dish she’d asked for. “You could go and sit, you know. I’m perfectly okay in here.”

He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I know, but I wouldn’t be okay if I was that far away from you. I want to help. Apart from your leg, I don’t want to leave you in the kitchen while I sit on my ass. I don’t want you waiting on me.”

“Why not? You’ve waited on me ever since I arrived.”

“Only because you couldn’t do for yourself.” He kissed the back of her neck. “I’m here, and I’m helping. There’s nothing more to be said on the matter, so we may as well talk about something else.”

She laughed. “Okay, I know you – once your mind’s made up, there’ll be no talking you out of it.”

“Are you saying that I’m too bossy?”

“No. I’m saying that you’re a man who knows his mind – and I find that sexy.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“Oh, and there is something else I want to talk to you about.”

“What’s that?”

“Marty called me while you were gone – while you were out secretly car shopping for me.”

He frowned. “And what did he have to say?”

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