Page 41 of A Family With the Cowboy

Groaning, Laura opened the door wider. “Seriously, you don’t have to. And I actually have been there recently. It seems everyone in town is trying to be a matchmaker. Come on in.”

“I’ve seen you around town and was still trying to figure out a way to meet you when Arlene phoned. Let’s look at what you need done and then we can talk about going out to dinner soon?”

By the time Tanner was leaving, Laura was excited about the project. Tanner obviously knew what he was talking about and had even offered to paint the wall for her, free of charge. She would pay him, nonetheless, but she appreciated the nice gesture to a stranger. His suggestion of freestanding cabinets she could move how and when she wanted to made sense.

Molly hadn’t warmed to the stranger, though. Laura eventually had to put her in the bedroom. Since then, the little dog’s heart-wrenching barks, mixed with indignant yelps, hadn’t stopped for a moment.

“So, how about Friday night?” He grinned as he walked out on to the porch. “I would really like to take you to Rocco’s. If you’ve been there, you’ll know the pizzas are great.”

“Look, just because Arlene…”

“I’d really like to take you. It doesn’t have anything to do with Arlene.”

“Okay, thanks. I love their pizza.”

“A girl after my own heart.” He smiled. “I’ll pick you up at around seven?”

“Thank you.”

With a smile, he turned around and jogged down to his truck.

Laura closed the front door. Tanner was a nice guy. It would be okay. Hayden was obviously so over whatever he’d felt for her, and it was time for her to move on too.

Happily-ever-after didn’t exist in real life—something she’d discovered when her mom died.

Molly was still barking. Laura quickened her steps and opened the bedroom door. Molly stopped mid-bark and jumped off the bed. Laura crouched down to pick her up, but she sidestepped her, and with another bark, stormed out of the room.

Only when she was satisfied the stranger had left did she return to Laura.

“That was very bad behavior,” Laura scolded.

Molly lay down on the floor and put her paws over her face. Laughing, Laura scooped her up. Why would Molly bark at Tanner? She should remember to leave her in the room again Friday night.

*

Tuesday night, theydidn’t get any knitting or crocheting done at Ellie’s. Everyone wanted to talk about Tim Higgins and what had happened on Hayden’s ranch.

“I still don’t know why Hayden didn’t call the sheriff!” Annie said, clearly very upset after hearing the story from Willow.

Willow shook her head. “Hayden has always been a peacemaker. He had already decided not to press charges when Tim’s wife called him yesterday morning, crying and pleading her husband’s case. The ranching community of Marietta has always supported each other, so Tim’s behavior is so unexpected.”

“So what now?” Vivian asked. “He gets off scot-free?”

Willow grimaced. “Well, Tim and his wife are coming to the ranch on Friday. Hayden wants to talk to them and offer our help again. It was what Dad would’ve wanted, he says.”

Arlene patted her daughter’s hand. “So true. Your father always tried to settle conflict before it spiraled out of control.”

“And Becket and Cooper?” asked Annie. “Do they agree?”

Willow shrugged. “Becket isn’t very happy about the whole thing, but Hayden has convinced him to try. I’m also for it. Ranching is hard work. There’s no time for petty drama.”

Laura leaned back in her chair, listening to the conversation around her. On top of being handsome and gorgeous and sexy, Hayden was also a nice guy, as the incident with Higgins demonstrated. A nice guy who was clearly not interested in pursuing her any further.

“So, Laura,” Ellie interrupted her thoughts. “I’ve heard Tanner Olsen’s truck was in front of your house—you are a busy girl, it seems.” She laughed.

Laura blinked. To be honest, she’d already forgotten all about Tanner and the date she had with him on Friday. “I’m not even going to ask how you know,” she said. “My colleague, Maria, has warned me about small towns, but I hadn’t expected this intense scrutiny of my life.”

“Carol Bingley.” Arlene chuckled. “But she grows on you.”

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