Page 51 of Roaring Fork Wrangler

“Sounds perfect,” said Sam, and when I glanced at Juni, she nodded.

I could tell just by looking at her that she was processing what we’d just learned. No doubt that, like me, she hoped the journals would give some clues about all sorts of things. Selfishly, I hoped they shed light on why my mother had left East Aurora and seemingly never looked back.

When we arrived at the inn, Grayson was just getting off his shift and Beau asked him to join us. First, though, he asked if he could help him with something.

When they took their seats at the table, over twenty minutes later, Beau first apologized for being gone so long, then announced Gray would be working for him, as his assistant. I wasn’t sure what that meant or entailed, but Gray seemed happy about it.

“Did you get them?” Sam asked Beau.

“All taken care of, my darling.”

Juniper sat between Sam and me, and I overheard them discussing the letter. Then she told Juni she’d arranged for the bank manager to give Beau the journals and asked Juni if she’d be willing to help her sort through them. She enthusiastically agreed to.

That left me feeling out of sorts and without much purpose other than managing the livestock. Something that, based on my experience, wasn’t a challenge. Two days from now, the National Western Stock Show that was held in Denver would begin, and I sure wished I was in Colorado instead of here. Even a visit would do me a world of good.

I excused myself like Beau and Grayson had, walked out the front door, and stood on the porch, hoping the cold air would allow me to clear my head and stop me from feeling so damn sorry formyself.

I pulled out my phone, not that now would be the time to call my brothers. Instead, I opened an airline app. There was a nonstop flight from Buffalo to Denver that took four hours each way. That would give me at least thirty at home. Barring flight cancellations, I could probably swing a visit. But would it be worth the risk of me not returning here in time?

I heard the door open behind me but didn’t turn around.

“Cord? Are you okay?” Sam asked, coming to stand beside me.

I put my arm around her shoulders. “It’s been ahelluvafew weeks.”

“That’s for sure.”

“At least we found out we’re related.”

She looked up at me and smiled. “That’s thebestnews.”

“Not inheriting the Lilacs?”

Sam shook her head. “I’m paraphrasing, but in her letter, Cena said all the money in the world isn’t as important as being with people you love.”

“That’s for sure, isn’t it?” When I felt her shiver, I led her back inside.

My eyes met Juni’s when I approached the table, and I winked. I didn’t love her; I didn’t know her well enough to. But I knew I could. Even that I eventually would. What would Cena’s words mean to me then?

“Cord, have you had the chance to mention the horse issue to Sam or Beau?” Juniper asked.

She knew full well I hadn’t, but I appreciated her bringing it up.

“What’s wrong?” Sam asked.

I briefly explained about the average age of the stable and that, if the estate could swing it, I wanted to add several younger animals, preferably geldings since they were a little more predictable.

She turned her head from me to Beau, who was seated on her other side.

“It’s your decision, darling. I can tell you this much; you could afford to add as many as Cord would like.”

“Is that something you can take care of on your own?” she asked me.

“Of course.”

“Good.”

I reached for Juni’s hand under the table, wove my fingers with hers, then leaned over and whisperedmy thanks.

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