Page 36 of Dependable Cowboy

“Thanks,” she muttered. But she left feeling far more concerned about her life—and her ability to retain custody of Kara—than she had upon entering. This was so overwhelming. Having to explain to Aaron that they could no longer be in contact, especially.

How was she going to do it?

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Aaron droveto work with the biggest transportable mug of coffee he owned. Despite this, he remained a bleary mess. Still, once there at the ranch, having something physical to focus on helped.

It was while working on some machinery inside the barn that he caught sight of Brock approaching Bryce on the front porch. From where they were, he couldn’t hear what was being said, but based on the eldest Duncan brother’s stiff posture and the abrupt moroseness of Brock, the latter didn’t like what he was told.

Good.

Aaron had gone to Bryce in person himself to explain the verbal altercation they’d had. What had stunned Aaron was the ranch owner’s response.

“Doesn’t surprise me,” Bryce had muttered. Aaron had peered at him, his eyes raised. Bryce only shook his head. “That one’s been on his way out for a while. He doesn’t keep up with hisresponsibilities as it is, and now this? I’m glad you got rid of him.”

“So, he’s still fired?” Aaron hated to ask, but he had to know.

“Oh, yeah. And he won’t be hired back. Not here and not likely anywhere around here. There are plenty of other ranch hands that don’t cause such trouble.”

At least that much had been a relief. Not that Aaron had doubted that he would be backed up—Sam would do it in a heartbeat—but he hadn’t been as certain about Bryce. It was good to know that all the Duncans would stand with his decisions once he made them.

Regardless, as the afternoon progressed toward the evening, he found himself yawning uncontrollably. He hadn’t slept enough last night to get him easily through today, and even doubling his caffeine intake only perked him up by the tiniest degree. It’d been as he’d been wrapping up his duties when he’d received a text from Joy.

He’d felt a swirl of emotions upon seeing it. Gladness to hear from her. Worry about if Wayne had shown back up. Appreciation that she’d been thinking of him like he’d been thinking about her. Then, he’d read the message.

Joy: We need to talk.

Aaron’s only serious relationship had been with Joy herself, yet he’d been around the block enough to know that those words didn’t usually end in the best of results. He’d used them himself anytime any of the ladies he’d spent casual time with had attempted to turn their no-strings-attached dating intosomething more. They’d known the deal the second he’d agreed to go out with them.

He didn’t do serious. Not at all.

Except with Joy.

Yet here she was using that ominous phrase. He tried not to jump to any conclusions. Nothing good could come of that.

Aaron: Sure. What about?

Joy: I’d rather tell you in person if that’s all right.

To quote Lewis Carroll, this was only getting curiouser and curiouser.

Aaron: Anytime and anyplace.

Joy: How about the Sip ‘n Shop at six? My parents picked Kara up from school today.

At least that was one thing off his mind. Kara would be safe with her grandparents.

Aaron: I’ll be there.

Somehow, despite Joy working a mere block away from the diner, Aaron still managed to beat her there after his drive in from the ranch. He ordered a soda to keep him going, but his exhaustion was currently taking a backseat to his nervousness. What did Joy wish to talk about? And why wasn’t she there yet?

When she bustled in, he heaved a massive sigh of relief. At least until he detected the graveness of her features. She looked asif she’d just attended a funeral, and his stomach flipped upside down at the sight.

“What is it?” he asked her straight away. No use beating about the bush.

“I…” she faltered, which put him right on edge. “I have to break up with you.”

For a split-second, he was eighteen and heartbroken all over again. But then, he pushed his reaction to the side.

---