Page 4 of A Touch of Cowboy

“Probably helps that her dad’s a psychologist.”

Justin smiled. “Not a psychologist yet. I’m in the PhD program. I’m a licensed counsellor.”

Will waved his hand. “Doesn’t make a difference to me. Like I said, I don’t actually need to be here.”

The counsellor cocked his head. “I don’t know…that sounded like a lot of grief.”

“And you’re wondering if I’ve processed all of it?”

“Well, yes.”

Will petted Rex with long, gentle strokes. “My grandparents were in their eighties and went within weeks of each other. Lives well-lived. My parents died together in the crash—killed instantly. The way they would’ve chosen to go, although they should’ve had another good thirty years or so. Still, I could accept that. I had my wife to see me through that.”

“And your wife?”

Closing his eyes, Will sought a moment of grace. “Yeah, that one’s tougher.” He blinked. “Okay, like this is a sad story.”

“I’m here to listen. You can take this at your own pace.”

“Yeah.” Will rubbed his face. “Darla and I met in our twenties. I was hired to work at her uncle’s cattle ranch in Longview, Alberta. Cattle country. Exactly where I wanted to be. I hadn’t expected to meet someone. Hadn’t gone there planning to fall in love.”

“But you did.”

“I did.” He offered up a smile that came from deep in his soul. “She was one of those special people. You meet them and you know you’re in rarified company.”

“I get it.” Justin smiled serenely. “I’m married to one of those people. Only he didn’t recognize it. I did.”

Will gazed up at the ceiling, liking the pristine white. “Well, Darla had an inkling she was special, but she never played on that. After spending just a handful of hours with her, I knew. I asked her uncle if I could court her—if she was willing. He said yes, she agreed, we went out on five dates, and she said she wanted to get married.”

Justin whistled. “That was quick.”

“Well, I would’ve agreed after the first one. I didn’t want to push her. I just…knew. Anyway, we married a month later, and we moved into a cabin on her uncle’s property. I thought I might chafe, being under such close scrutiny, but it just worked. She spent her days in the kitchen, cooking for the ranch hands. I worked the horses and spent my nights with her.” He swallowed. “All that was missing was the baby she badly wanted.”

“That’s rough.”

“I know, right?” He offered a sheepish smile. “But the tryin’ was fun. Except when it became more clinical.” He rubbed his forehead. “I said we could adopt. Or become foster parents. Lots of kids out there needing love.”

Justin nodded. “I’m a foster parent myself. Well, was. We’re in the process of adopting the little girl. Opal.”

“Can I see a picture?”

Noticeable hesitation. “We’re supposed to be talking about you…”

“Oh, my story winds up being pretty quick.” Will leaned forward, still stroking Rex’s fur. “I really would love to see your daughter. I mean, if it’s too personal—”

“No, it’s all right.” Justin stood, then moved to his desk. “I live in Mission City with my husband, son, and now Opal. If you’re in town, you might run into us. I would never approach you, of course.”

“But if I approached you?” Will took the photo in the pewter frame. He whistled.

Rex’s ears perked. He glanced between the two men. Then resettled.

Will grinned. “That’s a mighty fine family you have. Handsome husband, adorable kids…” He squinted. “Unmistakable resemblance between your husband and your son.” He offered the frame back. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Justin moved back to his desk to set the photo down. “Stanley is actually Angus’s biological uncle. Angus’s parents died tragically, and Stanley was named guardian. Somehow, we just all came together, adding Opal a few months later.” He sat back on the chair.

Will wagged a finger. “There’s more to that story.”

“Yes, but we really aren’t here to talk about me.” Justin casually crossed his leg so one ankle rested on his knee. “You’re right, we’ve got time. Take it at your own pace.”

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