Page 65 of Heart of the West

“Yes. I’m not the baby anymore,” Clyde exclaims.

Effrem chuckles again. I turn my attention to Dalton. He looks back at me. A thoughtful look on his face.

“Guess that means I can’t ask you out on a date now, huh.”

I laugh, which breaks the tension. Dalton closes the distance between us and gives me a hug.

“I don’t think I can call you, ma.”

I laugh.

“We can have a double wedding.” Jessi says and laughs.

“Woah. Hold your horses. We only started dating last week.”

Chapter 39

Effrem

The kid’s left a week ago. Ruby moved back to the Bennett’s bed-and-breakfast. I’d hoped she would stay with me, but she says we’re not ready yet. Maybe she’s right. This is fast, but I’m not backing down. I’m not going anywhere.

Maybe I should court her. I wake up the laptop I’d been working on earlier and look up the number for Buttons & Bows. It’s the only florist we have in town. Finding it, I punch the number into my cell and hit send.

Someone answers on the second ring. “Buttons and Bows, this is Felicia. What can I craft for you today?”

“Felicia, this is Sheriff Reeves. Do you deliver to the Broken B?”

“We sure do.”

“Good. I want you to make something beautiful. Romantic. I want it to make a statement but not go overboard.”

“Who am I delivering to, and what would you like the card to read?”

“Deliver to Ruby Cline at the B and B. The card should read: May I pick you up for dinner at seven?”

“Got it. I’ll send you the bill.”

“Thank you, Felicia.”

“You’re welcome, sheriff.”

Hanging up the phone, I call Arnault’s next and make a reservation.

Ruby

Thanks to Cece, I now have a PCP and an OBGYN. It’s ridiculously early to know I’m pregnant. Still, I’m following doctor’s orders and I’m taking prenatal vitamins. I’m back at the bed and breakfast in my old room.

Effrem asked me to stay, but he’s not ready yet. I’m not either, truth be told. I’m not even officially divorced from Roger yet. Though I have taken to using my maiden name, Cline. While my apartment is a total loss, the bakery isn’t. It’ll take at least a month of work to get it ready for the grand-opening.

I’m trying to figure out the best way to participate in the upcoming cherry festival. Cece said the council is getting a huge response and the McGraw’s are getting plenty of orders for their back stock. I could rent a booth in the town center. Many people do that.

The town is advertising in the surrounding towns as well. A knock on my door interrupts my thoughts. I open it to find Jack with a gigantic bouquet in his arms.

“Miss Ruby, these were just delivered at the front.”

“Thank you, Jack.”

I take the beautiful flowers and smell them. They smell heavenly. I set them on the dresser and pull the card.

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