Page 91 of Roaring Fork Wrangler

“Yes, please,” Sam responded.

“I’ll call her,” I offered. I stepped out into the hall, then went out to the porch.

She answered the same way she always did. “Hi, sweetheart.”

“Hey, Mom. If you’re not in the middle of anything, we could use your help reading through Miss Cena’s journals.”

“Even if I was busy, I’d drop whatever I was doing. I’ve been hoping I’d get the chance to read them.”

“Right now, it’ll be more about skimming for specific information.”

“On my way.”

I looked at the phone to confirm she’d actually hung up, then laughed. I doubted Gray or I had ever really appreciated how amazing our parents were. I know I’d definitely taken themfor granted.

“Am I interrupting?” Cord asked, peeking his head out the front door.

“Not at all. I was on my way in.”

“Before you do, there’s something I want to talk to you about.” He rubbed my arms. “Are you warm enough?”

“I wouldn’t be opposed to you getting me that way.” When he gathered me close, I snuggled against him.

“Decker has offered to fly me out to Colorado so I can talk to my brother in person.”

“That’s nice of him.”

“He’s got a jet.”

My eyes opened wide. “Wow. I’ve never known anyone who did. So, when will you leave?”

“Either tonight or tomorrow.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“I’m still bound by the trust’s stipulation that I’m not away from the property for more than forty-eight hours.”

Selfishly, I wanted him to leave tomorrow instead of tonight. On the other hand, he’d be back sooner if they left earlier.

Cord leaned away and looked into my eyes. “Since we met, our relationship has been more one-sided than I want it to be. It seems like you’re always doing something for me, taking care of me, looking out for me.”

“It isn’t one-sided.”

“As nice as it is of you to say, it isn’t true, and someday soon, I want to start being the one taking care of you, looking out for you. But…” He let go and scrubbed his face. “Not today.”

We both laughed.

“I want you to know you can say no and I will completely understand, but would you consider going with me?”

I’d dropped my arms when he did, but threw them around his neck. “Really?”

“Is that a yes?”

“It’s an ‘of course!’”

“I don’t know how this news will affect Buck, but as much of an asshole as our dad was, he might be relieved. There will be the matter of proving it, assuming he’ll want to.”

“If Joe Wilkins is his father, I wonder why your mom nevertold him.”

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