Page 46 of Roaring Fork Wrangler

“In that case, both you and Sam will get it done at the same time. There’s a version of the test law enforcement can push to be expedited. It only takes an hour or two to get the results, depending on how busy the lab is. It’ll be definitive enough.”

“Sure. Of course,” I told him.

“There’s a place in town that has the kits. They said they can get it to the lab right away. While you do that, I’ll check on my guys’ progress.”

Decker gave Beau the address of the drugstore.

“Perhaps, while we’re out, we could get something for lunch. Cord, do you have time to join us?”

“Sure. I mean, you’re engaged, right? And Sam might be my cousin. I’d say we should celebrate.”

“I hope we are, Cord,” said Sam, looking over the seat at me.

“Me too.” I meant that sincerely. I liked Sam straight off and felt an almost brotherly connection to her. To think we could be family made me happy.

As Decker said,the DNA test was simple and only took a couple of minutes for each of us.

“I’ll forewarn you that it won’t matter where we go. By the time we order and our food is served, Beau will know everyone in the place,” Sam informed me as we walked out of the drugstore.

Before I could respond, someone caught my eye. “Fuck,” I muttered.

“What?” Sam asked, following my line of sight.

“Jimmy Rooker,” Beau muttered.

“There’s a place we could eat in the next town over,” I suggested. “If he follows us there, we’ll know we’ve got a problem on our hands.”

“Cord, did Samantha tell you the bastard’s contested Miss Cena’swill?” Beau asked.

“On what grounds?”

“I guess it’s because he thinks I’m not related to her,” said Sam.

“The test we took will tell us one way or another, right?”

She nodded, but I could see worry etched on her face.

Once we werein the vehicle, Beau called Decker and informed him that Jimmy Rooker appeared to be following us.

“He’s asked you to text him the name and address of where we’re going. He’ll have two of his guys there, waiting,” he said after ending the brief call.

“Where’s the wedding?” I asked in an attempt to change the subject.

They both mentioned spots in California, but when Beau suggested the Lilacs, that would’ve been my pick, if they’d asked.

“Here’s the place,” I said, motioning for Beau to turn into the parking lot.

“It says it’s been here since 1837,” said Sam when we walked in.

“Must be quite good, then,” Beau commented.

Historical-looking, black-and-white photos lined the walls throughout the dining area, and when the waitress took our order, Sam asked if it would be okay for us to walk around to look at them.

“That’s what they’re here for, honey,” she said, winking.

The three of us stood, and because the space was tight, I went in one direction and Beau and Sam went in the other. Many of the images appeared to be of customers throughout the years.

I hadn’t paid much attention to them the one other time I was here, but they were a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area. One particular image caught my eye. “Hey, look at this,” I said as I leaned in to study the photo.

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