Page 34 of The Cowboy's Second Chance Bride

Inside, I poured us some coffee. Paul soon came into the room. Cricket got immediately down to business, happily volunteering to be our first single to test the app. She’d also been monitoring the news landscape for us.

“So far, nothing has changed,” Cricket said. “The interview you all did yesterday in Texas is still the topic, as is the Instagram Sabrina posted. Nick has been peppered with questions, but he’s handling it like the pro he is. I did find a blog making some broad accusations about your dad and possible tax issues. I’m not sure where that’s going or if it’ll get picked up, but I assume it will.”

“My dad?”

Paul chimed in. “Cal did say nothing would be off-limits. You have to be prepared for this, Sabrina.”

“I am. Well, I guess I’m getting there. But it’s really odd to see someone go after a person who is deceased.”

“I’ll show you what I write up before I publish so maybe we can try to anticipate any spin-off questions. Sound good?” Cricket asked.

Paul and I nodded.

“I’m also going to write about the app. Dating in a remote small town is not easy.”

“ ’Scuse me, ma’am.”

I turned to find little Rod standing in the doorway. “Hi,” I said.

“I was told to saddle up some horses but not which ones. I’m assuming the giant quarter horse, but which horse would you like? There’s a paint that’s not too sluggish and not too testy that I like. Want me to saddle her for you?”

Dear Lord, he was adorable. Cori fairly cooed next to me from his adorableness, this child-man.

“That works for me. I defer to you, Rod.”

He tipped his hat at me, and Cricket smothered a chuckle with a cough.

“Can I get some coffee to go, please, Mrs. Claudia?” he asked.

The housekeeper-cook had been busy with biscuits. She slapped a hand on the counter. “No, sir, you may not have some coffee. You are too young. But once you get that horse saddled, you come back, and I’ll give you a hot biscuit.”

“But all ranch hands drink coffee,” he protested.

She came around the counter and shooed him away with a tea towel. “I’ll put fresh strawberry jam on one side of that biscuit and that chocolate stuff you like on the other. Now, git.”

He started to leave but stopped. “You mean Nutella?” His eyes were wide with excitement.

“That’s it.” She waved her towel at him again.

“Deal.” He dashed out the door.

“Little stinker,” she said with a chuckle.

“What a cutie,” Cricket said. “He’s doing real well with you, Mrs. Claudia. He’s lucky to have you.”

She tsk-tsked but went back to her work.

Paul glanced at his watch. “We have to get this show on the road. Cal has a meeting this afternoon with some clients. You all go on out, and I’ll go find him.”

I feigned indignation. “Get this show on the road?” The show was the first fake date for Cal and me. “Is this how you approach dating, Paul?” I shook my head. “You make it sound so romantic. Thumbs-down. One star on this date. App fail.”

Paul laughed. “Just be glad I was the one that said it and not Cal.” He winked and left the room.

I headed out with my two friends. “So, care to share, Sabrina?” Cori asked.

“Nope, it’s old news.”

“How about some new news?” Cricket asked. “I mean, I knew what happened back then because you mentioned it briefly, but I’ll admit, now that I know who the other party is, it’s obvious you two are perfect for each other.”

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