Page 23 of Dependable Cowboy

Aaron would feel better still if he could punch the guy, but he doubted he’d get the chance. He couldn’t imagine a scenario where the guy would return. If he was even alive. Both Joy and her daughter deserved a man in their lives who would always be there when they needed him.

And obviously, Wayne Randall wasn’t that guy.

Besides, Joy becoming open and honest was worth its weight in gold. As long as they talked they could make progress together. And progress with Joy was all he wanted to make.

After chatting for a couple of hours, he went home feeling like something fundamental in their relationship had shifted. He found it so comforting, so satisfying to know that all the secrets Joy had been keeping out of shame or fear were now revealed. They could be plain with one another now and going forward, and since she seemed to be feeling this time what she hadn’t the last time, he had high hopes for a real future as a couple.

He was at work investigating a weird hole in some fencing along the barn when he received a text from Joy. Since it was two hours prior to his lunch, he took a minute to check what she’d sent.

Joy: Bad news. Kara was sent home early for some sort of teacher workday and when she got there, the floor was wet. I’m here now, and it looks like a plumbing leak. The landlord suggested we stay elsewhere until they’ve dealt with it.

Aaron: Anything I can do?

Joy: No. Unless you know a lot about plumbing.

He didn’t. Not really. Aaron knew some basics but even that was fairly limited.

Aaron: I suggest letting the experts crawl under there and do their thing.

Joy: Lol. That’s the plan. Looks like we’ll be at my parents’ place for a day or two.

Aaron: Want me to pick you up there tomorrow for our dinner date?

Joy: Do we have a dinner date tomorrow? *grin*

Aaron really did grin.

Aaron: Yeah, we do. Unless there’s something you’re not telling me.

Joy: We do. Same time?

Aaron: You bet. I’ll be there.

Their Saturday date was memorable. One reason why was because he and Joy connected in a way they hadn’t up until then. They went to a fall crafts festival the next town over, then ate at somewhere Joy hadn’t yet tried, the Three Sisters Barbecue Excellence.

“I could eat my weight in this brisket,” he swore to her.

She raised her eyebrows at him. “That’s an awfully big brag. You really think it’s that good.”

“I do.”

“Well, I’ll be the judge of that.”

She was, and based on the groan she released, she could eat her body weight in it, too.

Once back at the Taylor household, he stood with her out on the porch. He wasn’t in a hurry to go inside. Being out here brought back all sorts of memories from their high school days. Looping his arms around her he held her like he had then, as well, relishing his ability to be this close to her.

After they’d clung to each other for what felt like not long enough, he leaned away and looked at her with a smile. He nuzzled her nose with his, then ever so slowly, he went in for a kiss.

And that’s when the porch light abruptly came on. Even though he and Joy were grown people with lives and jobs, the teenager in him still jolted a bit from being put in a sudden spotlight.

“Geez. My mom. I can’t believe she did that. Sorry.”

“It’s okay. It’s kind of cute. And a little nostalgic.” He pulled her to him again and breathed in her scent.

Joy giggled, and he delighted in the sound. In the time since he’d started dating her again, Joy had begun to fill out. Her bare arms no longer seemed bony and her cheekbones, while still high and regal, were no longer gaunt. The woman in his arms right now felt healthy and perfect.

Too much worry and stress for far too long had taken a heavy toll on her body. He was glad have helped her come back to herself.

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