Page 44 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

“What’s up, bud?” Ace asked.

“Just that I think Retta had a run in with one of those vicious women.”

Deacon frowned. “Anything we need to know about?”

He opened his mouth but then closed it again. “Maybe at some point. Although, if she’s going to stay here, then it won’t be an issue.”

“Whatever she told you, she told you in confidence?” asked Ace.

He nodded.

“Well, if it’s history from her life in Georgia, then it’s behind her,” Deacon said with a smile. “But if it comes back around, we’ve got you. Okay?”

Travis grinned at him. “Thanks, Chief.” He leaned back on the sofa, and Deacon’s cat Clawson jumped up beside him.

“What’s up, furball?” he asked as he scratched Clawson’s ears.

The cat met his gaze and meowed loudly.

“He always did like you,” said Deacon.

“It’s mutual, isn’t it?” Travis asked the cat.

Clawson circled around on his lap before settling down.

Ace laughed. “You’re just a pair of pussy cats together.”

Travis grinned at him. “I’m more of a teddy bear than a pussy cat.”

Deacon shook his head. “You are – just don’t go being too soft, too soon.”

“What do you mean?”

Deacon shrugged. “Retta seems nice enough, but did you need to move her in with you already?”

He had to laugh. “Aww, look at you, looking out for me.”

Deacon made a face. “Always have, always will. We all look out for each other – it’s just that some of us do it more quietly.”

Travis grinned at Ace. “Do you think he’d run if I tried to hug him right now?”

Ace laughed. “Probably.”

“You’d disturb Clawson if you got up,” said Deacon. “But are you going to answer the question?”

“Yeah. I haven’t actually moved her in. She needs a place to stay. She’s helping me get the cabins ready. I have way more house than I need so …” He shrugged “It makes sense for her to stay with me.”

“So, you’re saying that she hasn’t moved in with you?” Ace asked. “That this isn’t going where I think it is?”

He grinned. “I’m trying to put Deacon’s mind at ease. Just saying that technically, I haven’t moved her in. I hope that it will go where you think, but we’re trying to be smart about it and take our time. Making no promises but being honest about our hopes.”

Ace grinned back at him. “I like the sound of that.”

Travis looked at Deacon.

He still looked grouchy for a moment or two but then he smiled. “Alright! I like the sound of it, too. And I’m hopeful. Don’t know if I’ve told you yet, but I’m glad you’re home. And if you’ve found your woman, I guess that makes it even better.”

“Aww, thank you, buddy.” He petted Clawson. “You tell him that you’ve earned yourself a tin of tuna or something special – if you weren’t on my lap, I’d have to hug him right now.”

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