Page 32 of Logan

He had told the ranch hands this morning about Clint dying and they were all very upset, so Logan told them to take a few days off, and he’d handle everything. The horses were out so the stalls could be cleaned later. He’d probably do that himself and hoped it would take his mind off things.

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After leaving the coffee shop for the day, Dixie headed to the diner to get some dinner before heading home. When she entered it, it was quiet, and she knew it was because everyone knew about Clint’s passing.

She took a seat at the counter and blinked back tears. Her heart ached over his death, but it hurt more because of Logan. They might not have a good relationship anymore, but she knew how hard this was going to be for him, and it broke her heart.

“Hey, Dixie. What can I get you, hon?”

Dixie looked up to see Connie standing at the counter and her eyes were red from crying.

“I’ll have my usual, please.”

“I’ll be back with that in a few minutes.” Connie touched her hand. “Are you doing alright?”

Dixie shook her head. “I’m going to miss him so much.”

“I’m sure you will, honey.”

“I know Logan is devastated,” Dixie said softly, her heart aching for him.

“I bet. They were very close,” Connie replied, her voice full of sympathy.

“Connie? Could you make my order to go and an order for Logan, too? His usual is fine. I bet he hasn’t eaten at all,” Dixie requested, already anticipating his refusal to eat.

“I will. Please tell him we are all thinking about him,” Connie agreed, understanding the importance of showing support during such a difficult time.

“I’ll do that. Thank you.” After Connie placed the bag on the counter in front of her, Dixie stood to remove her wallet from her purse, but Connie waved it away.

“It’s on the house. Please make sure he eats,” Connie insisted, giving Dixie a knowing look.

“Yes, ma’am. Thank you.” Dixie picked up the bag, walked outside and headed for her SUV. Despite the cold biting at her skin and the promise of snow in the air, she was determined to bring some comfort to Logan.

A little while later, she pulled onto the driveway of the Townson property and stopped beside the porch. She glanced around and saw Logan’s truck parked by the barn. She stepped out into the frigid air and made her way towardthe dark barn, bracing herself against the icy wind.

As she entered the barn, she sighed with relief at the warmth inside. She strode along the aisle but didn’t see anyone. The only light came from a small window near the roof. She called out Logan's name but received no response. No surprise there, she thought with a small smile.

Dixie turned to head back to the other end when she saw a figure walking toward her, but she knew it wasn’t Logan. She’d recognize his cowboy swagger anywhere.

“Ma’am? Can I help you?” the man asked, his voice friendly yet curious.

“I’m looking for Logan,” Dixie replied, still scanning the dimly lit barn for any sign of him.

“I don’t know for sure where he is. He took off on his horse about an hour ago,” the man explained, concern evident in his tone. “He told us all to go home, but I know the stalls need cleaned, and I didn’t want to have Logan do it.”

“I see. Well, thank you.” She turned to go but faced him again. “Do you know where the cabin is?”

The man nodded. “I do.”

“Can you tell me where? I brought him dinner from the diner. I’m sure he hasn’t eaten much,” Dixie explained, hoping she could at least provide some nourishment for Logan.

When the man stepped closer, she saw he was an older gentleman with kind eyes.

“He probably hasn’t eaten a thing. He’s taking it hard,” the man said sadly, shaking his head.

“They were close.” Dixie couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for both Logan and this man who worked closely with Clint.

He removed his hat and put his hand out to her. “I’m Carl Sanborn, the foreman.”

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