Page 23 of Home to the Cowboy's Arms

“Not really. I just heard Missy and Roxie were going shopping today with their moms and having a sleepover and all. And I guess I just wanted to know what that’s like…having a mom to do that with.” Then she grew wide-eyed and swung around to face Tori.

“I’m sorry. It’s not because you aren’t fun, and this isn’t fun because you do all kinds of stuff with me and all but…”

“But I’m not your own mom,” Tori finished for her. “I get it. And it doesn’t hurt my feelings. I remember how much I would dream about what it would be like to have my mom there to do things with like other kids did. Don’t ever apologize for wanting that for yourself. And who knows…if the right person comes along, maybe your dad might want to marry again. But no matter what, we will both be here for you always.”

“I love you, Aunt Tori. You’re the best.” The hug was a good one.

“Love you more, little one. Now let’s get all your goodies and get to my house so your dad can pick you up. I have some work I have to do this afternoon.”

*

“What is allof this?” Tori asked, as she exited her SUV a few minutes later. Matt was standing at the edge of the sidewalk with an amused look on his face.

“You had no idea?”

“Idea about what? Who are these men? What have you done?”

His hands shot up. “Don’t look at me. I had nothing to do with this. I found them about to load up when I arrived just a few minutes ago. I’ll let you ask that question of the foreman.” He waved to one of the men who had just finished loading up some materials in the back of his truck. The man came over, removing his hat and extending his hand to Tori.

“Afternoon ma’am. I’m Nate Hastings. I work at Lockwood Ranch. Me and some of our work crew was sent over to help with your gutters and we did a little repair on the back steps that needed it. They’re very safe now.”

“Lockwood? You’re from the Lockwood Ranch?” It was beginning to dawn on her.

“You’ll have to forgive my sister, Nate.” Matt was grinning. “She is a little slow on the uptake sometimes.”

Tori shot him a look while she shook hands with the ranch hand. “I had no idea this was happening,” she explained to the man. “But thank you and all of your men for the work. It is much appreciated.”

“You are welcome, ma’am, and we’ll be on our way now.”

“What is the bill for all of this? How do I…”

He shook his head. “No ma’am, no bill. It’s with Mr. Cade’s compliments is what he said to tell you when you tried to pay us. He had an idea you would ask.”

“I see. Well, I’ll discuss it with him then.”

“Have a good day.” The trucks with the crew were soon on their way down the driveway.

Matt and Jillie stood watching her.

She smiled at Jillie. “Sweetie, why don’t you run and put your packages in your dad’s truck? He will be with you in just a few minutes.”

After another tight hug, the girl headed off with both hands full of her shopping items.

“Looks like you two had fun with my credit card today,” Matt observed.

Tori turned to face him. “We did not touch your card. This was a gift from her favorite aunt today.”

“Her favorite? You’re her only aunt.”

“Don’t even try to change the subject. And don’t even try to make any smart remarks about what happened here today.”

“What?” His act of innocence would not have won an Oscar. “Just because I arrive to find a Lockwood work crew scurrying around here like some fairy godmother team? Wanting to be done before you arrived. I would say that you and Cade did indeed bury the hatchet on that little trip you two took.”

“Burying a hatchet sounds good right about now,” she commented with one of her sister warning looks. “Quit while you still can.”

“Well, I’ll just be on my way, since I’m sure you want to get ready for your meeting at the Lockwood Ranch this afternoon. You might try something a little less mayor-looking and more…”

“Do not finish that sentence,” she broke in.

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