Page 30 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

Callie laughed as she came to Kolby and kissed his cheek. “You’re safe; I know you can’t turn Mama down.”

Her smile faded when she turned back to Retta. “Why are you on your feet?”

Retta grinned. “Sniff the air, baby girl, then you tell me.”

“Oh my lord! You’ve been cooking? Chicken and dumplings?”

Retta nodded happily. “And if you make a fuss, there’ll be none for you, young lady.”

Callie laughed. “Okay. I’ll keep it zipped. But are you done? Can you sit back down now?”

“I suppose so. But can we find a way to prop me up at the table to eat? I don’t want to go back in that damn chair tonight.”

“Chicken and dumplings is like Southern comfort food, right?” Kolby asked.

Callie exchanged a smile with Retta as she said, “It sure is! And you are in for a treat. My mama makes the best chicken and dumplings you’ve ever tasted.”

“I can tell that I’m going to love it just by the smell, but my point was that if it’s comfort food, maybe we should get comfortable to eat it.” He cocked an eyebrow at Retta. “Should we get you set up on the sofa and we can eat in front of the TV?”

“I wouldn’t have a problem with that.” She looked at Callie, who laughed.

“You both know that I don’t have a problem with it. The only reason I’ve had us all eating in the dining room is because of the chair.”

“Then I vote that we move dinner to the living room from now on,” said Kolby. “That way you can sit comfortably.”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

“Why don’t you go and sit now, Mama? I can dish it up.”

“And I can bring everything in,” added Kolby.

“Okay.”

Kolby hovered next to her while she made her way to the living room and took the crutches while she got herself comfortable on the sofa.

“You good?”

“I am, thanks. Other than feeling guilty that I’m leaving the two of you to wait on me again.”

Kolby grinned. “There’s nothing to feel guilty about – it’s fairer this way. You cooked, Callie’s going to plate it up, and I’ll do the dishes.”

“You’re a good man, Kolby.”

He shrugged and went back to the kitchen to help Callie.

By the time they’d finished eating, Retta’s stomach and her heart were full. She loved seeing how much they enjoyed their dinner. Chicken and dumplings had been Callie’s favorite when she was a little kid, and it seemed that she still loved it just as much now. Kolby made appreciative noises, and when he went back for seconds and then thirds, she knew that he wasn’t just being polite.

Callie got up and came to take her plate. “Thank you, Mama.”

“That was amazing, thank you,” said Kolby. “Do you want anything else to drink?”

“I’m good, thanks, sweetie.”

She made herself comfortable on the sofa while they cleaned up the kitchen. The sound of their voices and laughter made her smile. She was happy and grateful that her daughter had created such a successful career for herself. Not only did she love her work, but she also made more money than she’d ever be able to spend. But Retta was even more thankful that she’d found Kolby. He was truly a good man. There was no mistaking that he loved Callie with all his heart, and not only did he want to look after her, but he’d also proven that he could do so. She shuddered at the memory of how that crazy man had taken Callie – and Kolby had put his life on the line to save her.

“Are you cold, Mama? Do you want me to fetch you a blanket?”

“I’m fine, baby girl.” She brought her hand up to cover a yawn. “I think I might take myself to bed early.”

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