Page 2 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

He straightened up just enough to meet her gaze. He had the kindest eyes, and they always seemed to twinkle with mischief.

“I hear you’re tired of being held hostage, so I’ve come to break you out. What do you say – want to spend the afternoon with me?”

She stared at him. She hadn’t left Callie and Kolby’s house since she arrived last week. Callie hovered over her most of the time, and Kolby wasn’t much better.

Travis winked at her. “It’s not a trick question, darlin’. I promised your daughter that I’d take good care of you.”

“I … What? … Where?”

He chuckled. “Yes, you. Thewhatis a drive around, if you want to go. Just for a change of scenery. Thewhereis around the valley – and if you want to come and see how my new place is coming along, I’ll take you over there.” He grinned. “I already assured Callie that there are plenty of chaperones around. Ty’s in the restaurant. Libby and Shay are over there checking out the barn, and Trip’s going to stop by later.”

She met his gaze, and her heart skittered in her chest when he smiled. “I’ll help you get around. You don’t need to worry.”

She looked at the cast on her leg. Callie was the one who worried about her.

“Mama?”

It was only when Callie spoke that Retta realized she hadn’t answered yet, she’d been too busy trying to take in this new development. She’d wanted to get out and about, but she hadn’t expected Travis to …

He chuckled. “Don’t tell me I’ve struck you speechless?”

She gave him a wry smile. “Sorry, it took me a moment. Yes, please. I would love for you to spring me from here for a while.”

Callie laughed. “You make it sound like I’m holding you prisoner.”

“Aww, you know I appreciate this, Callie, but …”

“But it feels like Iamholding you prisoner, right?”

“It’s not your fault, baby girl. It’s just the situation.”

“And I’m here to set the situation straight – at least for this afternoon,” said Travis. “Do you need to do anything before we go?”

“I don’t think so. I’ll need to get my purse and … My crutches.”

“Oh, no,” said Callie. “You’re going in the wheelchair, or you’re not going.”

She scowled at her daughter, but Callie put her hands on her hips.

“That’s just how it is, Mama.”

Retta looked at Travis, but he held his hands up and shrugged. “I’m not going to argue with her.” He grinned. “I’ll go along with whatever she says, just so we can get you out of here.”

Retta couldn’t help smiling at that. “Okay, but can we …?”

Callie laughed. “No, you can’t take your crutches with you as well, because I know that you won’t use the wheelchair if you do. And it wouldn’t be fair to ask Travis to cover for you, would it? So, what’s it going to be? Go in the wheelchair or stay here?”

She huffed out an indignant sigh and muttered, “Wheelchair, but once I’m back on my feet, young lady…”

Callie laughed. “I know, once you’re back on your feet, I’ll be in trouble, but for now, I’m in charge. I’ll go get your purse and the chair.”

All Retta could do was sit and watch while Callie helped Travis load the wheelchair into his truck. She might not be thrilled about having to use it, but it was a small price to pay for an afternoon out. A shiver ran down her spine – an afternoon with Travis!

She smiled when he trotted back up the steps toward her and asked, “You ready?”

“I am.” She braced her hands on the arms of the chair, but then paused and looked around. “I’m going to need the crutches to …” All her breath caught in her chest when Travis took a step closer, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Have you gotten the hang of going down steps with those things yet?”

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