Page 53 of A Family With the Cowboy

Cooper hurried closer. “Let me see.”

Sniffing, Laura lifted her head. Cooper placed one hand against her face. “It’s going to be okay,” he whispered, as he kept his hand against her temple.

“How did you know where to find me?” Laura hiccupped.

“Willow knew.”

“You okay, sweetie?” Willow asked as Cooper stepped back.

Sniffing, Laura nodded. “I think so. There was an elk in the road. One minute, there was nothing and then this big thing suddenly just stood there.”

Hayden’s heart just about stopped. That was exactly what happened the night Walker died. “So, in your effort not to hit it, you ended up in a ditch?” Hayden yelled, his blood roaring in his ears.

Willow stroked his back. “It’s okay. She’s fine. Look, no more blood either.”

His sister was right. The blood flow had stopped. Coop had done his thing—whatever it was—again.

“Sorry,” he mumbled. “It’s just…that’s what happened the night Walker died. The elks roam all over in winter, looking for food. This kind of thing happens all too often.”

“I’m sorry…”

“You reacted instinctively. Nothing to be sorry about,” Willow said.

Cradling her close, he followed the others out of the ditch. “Do you need to see a doctor?”

Laura shook her head. “Molly and I just had a scare, but we’re okay. Where is she?”

“I’ve got her,” said Coop. “She’s okay.”

“Thank you. Oh, I have a bag. It’s still in the car.”

“I’ll get it,” Willow offered. “There is a lovely hot meal waiting for us at home. Luke will be so happy to see his favorite teacher.”

Minutes later, they were on the road again, driving back to the homestead. Hayden had one hand on the wheel and one hand laced with Laura’s fingers. He knew she was with Tanner, but damn it, he simply had to touch her.

His heart hadn’t quite settled yet. Talking wasn’t possible right now. Now that his adrenaline had settled down, all the really bad scenarios were running through his mind. One of which in particular kept robbing him of his breath—she could’ve been killed.

As they stopped in front of the homestead minutes later, the front door flew open. Luke, with Jessie on his heels, ran toward them. “Miss Anderson…” he cried. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine. See for yourself.” Hayden smiled as he climbed out of his truck.

Luke rushed to the passenger side and opened the door.

As Laura got out, he stepped closer and helped her. Luke hugged her legs. “You’re here,” he sighed.

Sniffing, she bent down and hugged him. “I’m okay. Really. Do you think there’s enough food for me too?”

Luke took Laura’s hand. “Yes, come on. Isabella always makes a lot.”

Chapter Nineteen

Hayden was quietall through dinner. Everyone had had a scare, but there was something else going on. What it was, Laura wasn’t sure, but Hayden was avoiding looking at her. Something had changed between them. Yes, he’d come to her rescue, and yes, he’d held her hand, but he hadn’t said a word.

Her heart sank. He’d probably decided he was finished with the fling. She’d never had a fling before; she didn’t know how it was supposed to work. Maybe a week was the appropriate timeline. How would she know? And she’d brought a bag, thinking she’d be welcome.

They’d all just finished eating, and Luke and Jessie had left the kitchen. Sounds of barking and a little boy’s laughter came from the direction of the living room. Well, she couldn’t stay here. She’d phone Maria, and hopefully, she could pick her up before she burst into tears again.

Before she could push her chair back, though, Willow cleared her throat. “So, Laura, you were driving out here to…?”

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