Page 1 of A Family With the Cowboy

Chapter One

Slightly lightheaded, Lauratried to take in everything around her. It was still so surreal, but she was actually here. In Marietta. In Grey’s Saloon, to be precise, one of the lovely old buildings on Main Street with a classic Western storefront, like most of the buildings in this part of town.

When she’d entered the bar minutes ago with Maria Baker, her new colleague, who’d met her on her arrival in town today, she had to blink a few times. It was the oldest building in town, Maria had explained. With scarred floorboards, tarnished mirrors, swinging doors, and a balustrade balcony running along the second story, she wouldn’t have been surprised if a line of chorus girls had appeared. It was like a scene straight out of a Wild West movie.

She’d read about Marietta’s history, of course. Reading had always been her escape, and she’d enjoyed researching everything she could find about the new town she was moving to.

When copper was found in the mountains around Marietta during the late 1800s by mining engineers, the place was flooded by prospectors, miners, and everyone else eager to get rich. Within ten years all mining had stopped, though. Turned out the copper had been more like fool’s gold. Many people left, but those who stayed put down roots, raised cattle, and worked the land. Today Marietta was a thriving community of ranchers with many shops and other commercial enterprises.

Smiling, Maria lifted her beer. “Welcome to Marietta. So, tell me, what made you decide to move here from Missoula? Don’t get me wrong, I love our small town, but it’s much smaller than what you’re used to.”

“Last October, my friend Maisy and I stopped here when we were on our way to Yellowstone National Park during school break and before she got married. For me, it was love at first sight. We stayed at Annie’s, the B&B, and I just immediately fell in love with Copper Mountain and the town. Annie and her husband were so enthusiastic about everything, we ended up staying two more days to soak up all Marietta has to offer—from walking down Main Street, admiring all the beautiful storefronts, to eating too many chocolates from the chocolate shop, to skating on Miracle Lake.”

“It’s charming, I agree, but still a huge change, isn’t it? What about your family?” Maria immediately held up a hand and grinned apologetically. “Sorry, small-town inquisitiveness. You don’t have to answer me.”

A strange tingle ran down Laura’s back. Was someone looking at her? Trying to ignore it, she focused on Maria. She was probably just tired, and that’s why she was imagining things.

“I lost my mom when I was eight and Dad passed away at the beginning of last year. So when Maisy got married in November and moved away to Los Angeles and I saw the ad about the post at Marietta Elementary School, it was like a sign telling me it was time for a change.”

Maria lifted her beer. “And then you got the job. You were by far the best candidate.”

Shaking her head, Laura laughed. “I still find it difficult to believe I got the job and that I’m here. There was nothing to keep me in Missoula. Dad’s house was sold and his estate finally wrapped up. I quickly found someone to take over the lease of my apartment. Another colleague who was helping out temporarily at school was looking for a permanent post and the rest just fell into place. And here I am. I have to admit, while driving here, I’ve been questioning my sanity! I like my comfort zones and this move”—she gestured with her hands—“kinda plucked me right out of it!”

“And what about a significant other? You’re so beautiful. Don’t tell me you don’t have a someone special?” Maria laughed. “Again, sorry. But everyone, and I mean everyone, is going to ask you that question.”

Laura grinned. She liked her new colleague. “No one special, I’m happy to say. I’m not really relationship material, my last boyfriend told me. Men are so needy—at least the ones I’ve been dating. And oh, my word, do they carry baggage around. They either have mommy issues or daddy issues or issues with exes. The last guy I dated for a few weeks still had hang-ups about his previous girlfriend. Don’t get me wrong. I know we all have things we have to deal with, but you don’t have to talk about it all the time.”

Maria laughed. “I think you’ve been dating the wrong men.”

“Maybe, but right now my goal is to enjoy life as a happily single gal and not get entangled in any man’s drama. I like my freedom and independence.”

Maria’s eyes twinkled. “In that case, you should steer clear of Janice O’Sullivan.”

“Who is Janice?”

“The self-appointed matchmaker of Marietta. You’ve met Annie and Craig. She’s Craig’s godmother and according to the gossip mill, it’s all Janice’s doing that they’re together. The fact that Craig’s cousin, Riley, married Mitch, Annie’s brother, and that Vivian, Annie’s sister, married Aiden O’Sullivan, also a cousin of Craig’s, are, according to rumors, also because of our Janice’s matchmaking skills.”

Alarmed, Laura shook her head. “I’ll make sure to stay far away from her. I have absolutely no plans to marry anyone.”

“You don’t have a thing for cowboys?” Maria grinned. “That’s usually the reason single women move to Marietta nowadays. Especially after the latest hit television show about Montana.”

Laura shuddered. “No cowboy for me, thank you. I prefer the men I date to drive a car, not a truck, and I like men clean, not all sweaty and reeking of animals.”

Maria leaned back in her chair, her eyes twinkling. “Well, then, this is going to be interesting. There is a cowboy sitting behind you who hasn’t taken his eyes off of you ever since we sat down. Really interesting. You see, he’s one of...”

“Maria!” someone called out and a man hurried closer.

Maria’s face lit up and she jumped to her feet. “It’s my husband. He’s been away…” That was as far as she got. Then the newcomer grabbed her and kissed her soundly.

Laughing, Maria finally pushed him away and introduced Laura. “My husband, Luis. Luis, a new colleague, Laura Anderson. She’s taking over from Mrs. Denton, who just retired.”

Luis smiled and greeted her. “You’re starting mid-term?”

Laura nodded. “Yes, I am. Maria has been so helpful today.”

He put an arm around his wife. “She is a wonderful teacher. Have you eaten yet?”

“We’ve just arrived,” said Maria. “I’m treating Laura to dinner, but you’re welcome to join us.”

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