Page 94 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

“I don’t think so, but he wants a word with me, so maybe.”

“Tell him I said he can’t be mad at you – it’s all on me.”

He ran his hand over her hair. “It’s fine, darlin’. He’s not going to have too much of a problem. Don’t worry about it.”

He wheeled her over to the table, and Candy moved chairs out of the way so that he could maneuver her wheelchair into place. Once she was comfortable, he leaned in for a quick kiss.

“I’ll see ya later.”

“Thanks.”

Ari grinned at him. “You’re like the world’s biggest lovesick puppy. I almost feel bad for running you off, but you get to spend most of your time with her, we only get to catch up once every couple of weeks. We have a lot to catch up on – we need all the time we can get.”

“I’m going – but don’t forget that it won’t be too long until you all see each other again.”

Candy nodded happily. “Deacon’s fundraiser dinner is next weekend.”

“Oh! That’s right,” said Ari. “I feel like this calls for a shopping expedition; I want a new dress. Are you ladies up for that?” she asked.

“I am,” said Candy and turned to Retta.

“I …” she looked from them to Travis and back again. “I don’t …”

“We can manage your wheelchair, you don’t need him,” said Ari.

Travis laughed. “I didn’t imagine for a second that you’d let me come along.”

Retta smiled at him. “I’d like to go, but I think I’d have to get this shopping trip done before the cast comes off. I wouldn’t be comfortable enough to go on crutches until I’ve had a while to get used to them.”

“Oh! When does it come off?” asked Candy.

“I have an appointment with Trip later in the week; I’m hoping he’ll tell me then.”

“We’ll figure it out,” said Ari. “Even after you get the cast off, there’s no reason that you can’t still use the wheelchair, is there?”

Retta had to laugh. “You’re right. There isn’t. I need to stop thinking that it has to be one or the other.”

Travis grinned at her. “I think you do. Even when the cast’s off, I’ll keep reminding you that you can and should use the wheelchair when you need it.”

Ari grinned at him. “You make a good mother hen, Travis, but you can cluck off for now. Retta’s fine.”

Travis leaned in and kissed Retta’s cheek. “Have fun, darlin’. I know where I’m not wanted.”

She caught his hand and gave it a squeeze. He was only joking, but she needed him to know that as far as she was concerned, he was always wanted.

She watched him make his way across the restaurant and smiled when he stopped to greet Libby and Shelly as they came in.

“What do you know about her?” asked Ari.

“She’s really nice,” said Retta.

Candy laughed. “I think what Ari means is – do you know what’s going on between her and Trip?”

Retta shook her head. She had a little bit of insight from what Shelly had told her, but she didn’t know anything for sure, and even if she did, it wasn’t her place to share.

Ari gave her a knowing smile. “You’re right, it’ll be up to Shelly how much she wants to tell us.”

When Shelly and Libby arrived at the table, the others greeted them with hugs. Retta had to make do with a smile and wave. She couldn’t wait to be out of the wheelchair and back on her feet – for so many reasons.

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