Page 43 of The Cowboy's Unshakeable Love

Libby grinned at her. “You’ve got no worries about that with us. I think we’re all used to being the odd one out, and so we’ve joined up to be a whole bunch of odd ones together.”

They all laughed and raised their glasses again.

Their server came over to see if they wanted another bottle of wine. Retta was glad when they all shook their heads. She’d had a great time, but she didn’t need any more to drink and she was hoping that they were going to wrap things up soon. She was a little concerned about how much this evening was going to cost. She’d be able to cover her part of the check, but the prices on the menu and the wine list had made her hope that this place wasn’t their regular spot for a night out. As much as she’d enjoyed it, she wouldn’t be able to come here often.

Ari looked around the table at them. “What do you think, is it time to get the check and call the guys?”

“Yeah. This has been great, but it’s time to call it a night,” said Libby.

“Can we get the check?” Candy asked the server.

He smiled and shook his head. “Sorry ladies, I don’t have one for you.”

Retta frowned, not understanding.

Ari just laughed. “Who got it this time – the sheriff?”

“Not this time.”

“Who then?” Libby asked. “I doubt Ace took care of it again – he paid last time.”

Retta’s heart started to pound; she had a feeling she knew what the server was going to say – and she was right.

“Mr. Duke paid for your evening.” He grinned at them. “And a left very generous tip on top.”

They all smiled at Retta, and she shrugged. “What are you looking at me for?”

Ari laughed. “Because it’s like he … claimed you.”

Libby nodded. “I hope you’re …”

She nodded rapidly. “I am. I …” She couldn’t hide her smile. “Part of me feels a little embarrassed, part of me is uncomfortable, but mostly …”

The three of them were watching her expectantly. She hugged herself and grinned at them. “I’m excited!”

Candy nodded. “You should be. You’ve got yourself a good man there.”

~ ~ ~

Ace laughed when he caught Travis checking the time again. “They’ll be done when they’re done. You might as well relax.”

Travis rolled his eyes. “She was a bit nervous, that’s all.”

“She was? What about?” Deacon asked.

“She likes the girls, but she’s not good with groups of women.”

Ace cocked an eyebrow. “You surprise me. I would have thought that she was used to being part of groups like that – that she enjoyed it. I mean, she works with a cheerleading squad, right? That seems to me as though it’d be nothing but groups of women. The kids, their parents … I dunno, I just imagined that she’d be the sociable type.”

“She is – sociable. It’s just that … it sounds like she’s had to deal with some bitchy types, so she’s a bit gun shy.”

Deacon nodded. “I remember when Cady was younger. Her mom was real good at causing trouble.” He shuddered. “Groups of women can be scarier than anything.”

Travis laughed at the look on his face, but Deacon shook his head.

“I’m not joking. Some women can be vicious.”

Travis’s smile faded as he remembered what Retta had told him about her accident – about Jamie, the mom from school who had it in for her.

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