Page 17 of Cowboy Bear's Hope

Sure, I could blame it on genetics or being big-boned or whatever, but the fact was I liked food.

I’d tried fad diets, but they never worked. And despite being a nurse, I was not big on taking unnecessary medication. I was overweight, but I was active and relatively healthy, too.

I simply enjoyed eating.

It probably didn’t help that my bestie was an out of this world baker. I’d helped Penny over the years at her bakery, and now at the monthly rodeo, I worked her food truck with her, too.

She paid me in muffins and birthday cakes for Rosie.

Don’t laugh, those were damn expensive. Especially the artistic ones Penny made.

This year my baby girl had requested a cake shaped like a big old teddy bear, and Penelope was thrilled with the challenge of creating realistic fur using only chocolate buttercream.

I couldn’t wait.

Speaking of which, I had to stop by the house for my sewing kit and the decorations and plans for Rosie’s party.

“Um, could you drop by my place? I have to get something,” I asked quietly, and Dante hummed before responding.

“Of course.”

“Mama has to get her kit for Mr. Bunny Tail,” Rosie enthused.

“Your what?”

“Oh, she means sewing kit,” I explained.

“Nuh uh, Mama. It’s your Care & Repair kit!”

Dante raised his eyebrows and glanced at me expectantly while maneuvering his truck expertly down the icy streets.

“It’s for Mr. Bunny Tail,” I blurted.

“Mama fixes all my friends’ dolls and stuffies, Danny. She’s the best nurse,” Rosie confirmed.

“I don’t doubt it, Rosie Posie,” Dante said with that killer grin that made my heart beat double time.

He pulled up to my front door, and I unbuckled my seat belt.

“Do you need help?”

“No, no. You two stay here. I’ll be right back!” I said too brightly.

Ugh. Kill me now.

The sky was heavy with clouds in every shade of gray and white, and I knew we were going to get snow.

Excitement filled me, battling with my nerves at the thought of driving out to the ranch, sitting in the passenger seat of Dante’s truck.

I mean, why should I be so excited? This man had basically rejected me twice. And yet, I couldn't seem to stop crushing on him.

Apparently, I was a glutton for something other than Penny’s amazing baked goods.

When will I learn?

“Mama, are we gonna build a snowman?” Rosie interrupted my turbulent thoughts.

“We sure are,” I told her with a smile.

---