Page 67 of Heart of the West

Candles lit the restaurant, adding warmth to the ambience.

“After you,” Effrem says.

I slide into the booth and he slides in, putting his arm around me. I can easily slide out the other side when I need to visit the powder room.

I look over the menu, delighted to see it’s in French and English.

“Effrem, I love French food. It’s my guilty pleasure.”

“I had no idea. It’s the best restaurant in town unless you want steak. Spotted Horse has the best steak in the tri-state area. They’ve won dozens of competitions.”

“We’ll have to try it sometime. I love a well-marbled rib-eye. Maybe I can talk the chef out of their secret.”

Effrem laughs. “Part of their secret is my ranch. The Busted Knuckle provides their beef.”

“I need to dig around your freezer more.”

“You’re welcome to it any time. My door is open for you. I hope you consider it your door as well.”

“Well, isn’t this cozy?”

My heart stops for a beat or three. I know that voice. I look up to find Roger standing over our table with a sneer on his face. Our server comes back with a chilled bottle of what looks like wine, but I know better. It’s likely sparkling apple cider. We toasted with it on New Year’s Eve. Effrem thought of everything and has known me for a month.

The man in front of us, on the other hand, has known me most of my life and never once done anything as thoughtful. The server looks at Effrem. “Shall I bring another glass?”

“No, he won’t be staying. I’ll pour for us. If you’ll start the appetizers, I called in earlier.”

He turns his attention to me after the server leaves. “Cece made a few suggestions. I hope you don’t mind.”

I laugh, my spirits lifted, and shake my head. “Not at all. We were talking about French food earlier. Oh, that girl is sneaky.”

Effrem chuckles. “She’ll love you for calling her girl.”

“Hello, I’m standing right here. Don’t ignore me.” Roger says with a pout.

I roll my eyes. “Why are you here, Roger?”

“Why didn’t you sign the final papers?”

“I think you know why. Or did you need me to spell it out for you and whoever is likely listening.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“That’s not surprising. You’re not the brightest bulb in the pack.”

Yes, I’m baiting him. After all, Asshat was smart enough to pull the wool over my eyes for far too long. Effrem pours our glasses full of sparkling liquid. I take mine and drink half of it in one long gulp.

“You’re disgusting. Drinking while you’re pregnant.”

I stiffen, then squeeze Effrem’s hand. I’ve got this. I also know he’s giving me room to do what I need to do. I have zero doubt he’ll step in at some point.

“How can I be pregnant, Roger? I’m sterile, after all. That’s what the specialist you took me to swore to.”

Roger sputtered, then narrowed his eyes. “I know you are pregnant. Whore. Did you spread your legs for the first man you saw?

“Call her that again and I’m going to forget I’m a lawman and punch you. We clear.”

“Oh, do you think I’m scared of you? A small town sheriff. I’m shaking in my boots. Who do you think you are, the Lone Ranger?”

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