Page 15 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

She decided early on that she’d rather struggle to get by and be the only one responsible for her and her daughter’s lives than have a man around who wanted to be in charge.

Things had gotten better over the years. They still weren’t great when Callie was in high school, but at least by then they had their own little apartment, and – usually – enough to eat. Callie had it tough – kids were cruel. But she’d mostly lived in her own little world, writing her songs and playing her guitar.

Retta had encouraged her dreams, and when she graduated high school and wanted to move to Nashville, Retta had supported her the best she could. She’d sold her car to give her daughter a little bit of seed money – not that it was much, but it was better than nothing. She’d walked or taken the bus everywhere for a whole year after that, but it was worth it.

There had been guys since then, but Retta hadn’t gone on more than a couple of dates with anyone. Some of them seemed like decent guys. One of them had wanted to explore a real relationship with her, but she wasn’t interested. She felt like that chapter of her life was behind her.

She looked up at the sound of a vehicle approaching. That chapter of her lifewasbehind her. She smiled when Travis’s truck came to a stop, and he jumped out. The smile he gave her as he touched the brim of his hat and said, “Mornin’, darlin’,” made her wonder if it’d be so terrible to start a new chapter.

“Morning. You’re early.”

He grinned. “I couldn’t wait. I figured I’d drive by and if you weren’t outside, I could head over to the big house or the barn, see who’s around.” He winked at her, “But it looks like you’re early, too.”

She chuckled. She probably shouldn’t admit it but … what the heck? “I couldn’t wait, either.”

His grin broadened and he nodded happily. “What do you think, then? Should we get going?”

“Yes, I …”

They both turned when the door opened, and Callie came out. “Hey, Mama, do you … oh, hi, Travis. You’re early.”

He chuckled. “I am. Are you good if we take off?”

Callie raised an eyebrow at Retta, and she nodded.

“Sure. You guys go ahead. I have to go up to town this morning. If you’re leaving now, I’ll head out. Do you need anything?”

“I’m fine thanks, sweetie.”

Callie smirked. “And what time should I expect you back – or shouldn’t I?”

Travis’s deep, rumbly laugh made Retta smile in spite of herself.

Callie waved a hand at him. “I don’t mean like that – and you know it! Of course, you’ll be back tonight, I just meant should I not try to pin you down to any particular time?”

Travis raised an eyebrow at her, and Retta shrugged. “Let’s see how it goes. I’ll text you and let you know.”

“Okay, but give me a clue – might you be back for lunch?”

“No,” Travis said before Retta even opened her mouth.

Callie laughed. “And dinner?” she asked him.

“Not if I can help it.” He looked at Retta. “But you have to promise that you’ll tell me when you’ve had enough.”

“I will.”

Callie gave her a stern look. “You must. You can’t keep quiet just to be polite, Mama. If you’re tired or if you’re in pain and you just want to come back, you tell Travis.”

Retta rolled her eyes. “I will. Now will you quit your fussing and go to town or whatever it is you’re going to do?”

“Not until I’ve helped Travis load your chair and …”

“I’ve got it, honey. You go do your thing.”

Retta took pity on her when Callie blew out a sigh. “You’re doing great, baby girl. I’m more grateful than you know, but you need a break yourself. Go and get ready and go to town. We can take it from here.”

“Okay, but do you need anything before I …?”

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