Page 2 of Heart of the West

“To top it off, I got pulled over by, of all people, the Sheriff.”

“Oh my, you did have a rough morning. Let me take you to Molly’s for breakfast. We can sign the papers while you try their gingerbread pancakes.”

“I’d love a cup of coffee and gingerbread pancakes sound delish.”

“Come on. I’m parked out front.”

Dustin retrieves his briefcase and escorts me outside to the big red pickup truck I parked beside. He opens the door and offers his hand as I step up into the truck. I fasten my seatbelt while he goes around to the driver’s side.

“On a good day, Molly’s is only three blocks away. It’s too cold today.”

“The weather surprised me.”

Dustin smiles. “Surprised us too. We don’t get much ice and snow here, but we do get some. It’s usually January or February when that blows in.”

The few block drive goes quickly. Dustin parks right out front. We’re seated immediately by a young waitress named Sally. She escorts us to a booth and hands us menus.

“Good morning Dustin, you want coffee?”

“I do. Sally Anne, this is Ruby. She’s new in town.”

“Welcome to Wolf Creek, Ruby. What can I get you to drink?”

“Coffee please.” I look around the table and spot creamer and sugar.

Josh Turner’sJoy to the Worldplays softly in the background. I tap my toe to the beat and peruse the menu. As much as I want gingerbread pancakes. I’m trying to lose weight again. When Sally Anne returns, I order an egg white omelet with spinach, feta, and tomato and dry whole wheat toast.

Dustin looks at me with a raised brow. I shrug.

“Bakers have to taste test every batch. I’m trying to keep an extra helping of curves off my already generous portion.”

Dustin smiles at me. Then, with a wink says, “Mrs. Buffett if you don’t think me too forward, I think you’re stunning. When we conclude business, I’d love to take you out on a date. An actual date or a hope to be a new friend showing you the town. You can decide at the end of the evening, fair?”

Stunned, it took me a few moments to answer. “Fair.” I manage without stuttering.

This man is drop dead gorgeous, straight out ofNative American Hunkmagazine. Hunk, I wonder if that word is offensive now. I make a mental note to Google it.

“I’ll pick you up at eight. Wear something you can dance in. Where should I pick you up?”

“Unless the apartment above the space is move-in ready. I’d like a suggestion.” I knew it wasn’t, but asked anyway. Why not?

“No ma’am. It has some furniture but it’s not complete. It’s been unoccupied for two and half years like the old bakery below. I’m excited to become a patron.”

“What’s your favorite?”

“These chewy chocolate pecan cookies. It’s like chocolate pecan pie in a cookie. If it’s done right, the outside has a crisp crust and a soft inside. Hard to do. I’ve found a few places outside my ikó. My grandmother. None of those places are local.”

I smile at him. I know just the cookie and the secret. “I’ll see what I can do. If you like them, I’ll send some with you for your grandmother. Oh, and please call me Ruby. As you know, I won’t be a Mrs. Much longer and Roger insisted I give him back his precious name.” I laugh. “He can have it.”

“What will your name be, and when does it change?”

“I’m taking my maiden name back, Cline, spelled with a C. It changes at twelve-o-’one am on December twenty-fifth. Roger says it's a Christmas present to himself. I say it’s mine. Honestly, I only hung on long enough to save for my future.”

Dustin reaches across the table and puts his hand over top of mine. “There’s a B&B at the Broken B, the Bennetts’ Ranch. I’ll call Cece and see if she can fit you in. Let’s table Roger talk for tonight after I get a few drinks in you.”

I laugh. “I like the way you think.”

“If you don’t mind. I’ll make the call now. We can enjoy breakfast, then sign the papers after. I’m holding you on your word about those cookies.”

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