Page 54 of A Cowboy Of Her Own

Everyone laughed.

“Declan Callahan, you behave yourself.” She looked at Roark then Priscilla and smiled. “I’m sure we can stay one night. I do need to get back home to help with the wedding though.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Declan saluted.

Priscilla chuckled then walked up the steps and stopped beside Catherina.

“I really wish I could stay for the wedding but Earl––”

“Say no more. That man is the devil’s spawn. Come in and take your seat and we’ll be on our way. I’m so happy we’ll be bringing you back in two weeks.”

“Me too. I’m anxious to be a part of this family.”Priscilla moved past her to take a seat and looked around. The interior was teak wood and the seats were white and maroon leather. She sunk down into one and it was as soft as butter. Roark took a seat beside her then after making sure they were both buckled in, he took her hand in his.

“If you two are all right, I’ll go up front and make sure Declan behaves himself.”

“We’re fine, Aunt Catherina. I can get anything we need. Go keep an eye on him.”

Catherina smiled at them then left to go sit up front with her husband. Roark kissed Priscilla’s palm as the jet took flight and they headed for California.

Priscilla watched out the window as the jet made its way through the clouds. She really hated returning to California but she knew she had to do it. She wanted her article published, and the only way to do that was to go to California and turn it in. Besides, she’d never been one to just up and quit a job. She always gave fair notice, even at jobs she hated.

The jet landed smoothly. She was home. She and Roark unbuckled their seatbelts, and she sighed over having to leave the plane. She thanked the Callahans for their generosity, and walked off the jet. Roark told his aunt and uncle he’d see them tomorrow. She and Roark took a cab to her apartment. She called Earl on the way.

“I’m back. I’ll be in tomorrow,” she said when he answered.

“Tomorrow? Plenty of daylight yet today, you can get your ass in here—today.”

“No! I’m tired. I’ll be there tomorrow. If that won’t do, I won’t be in at all,” she snapped.

“Fine. Your piece had better be ready. Although, I’m sure I’ll have to go over it and do some fixing.”

“Whatever. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She hung up before he had a chance to comment.

“Everything all right?” Roark asked as his hand wrapped comfortingly around the nape of her neck.

“I hate that man.”

“Then just quit.”

“I can’t, at least not yet. I want to get that article published and I can’t do that if I don’t turn it in.”

“All right—” He stopped when her cell phone rang.

“My mom,” she said and answered it. “Hi, Mom.”

“Hi, sweetheart. Are you home yet?”

“Yes. Just. Can we get together for dinner tomorrow night?” She saw Roark shake his head making her frown. “Hold on for a second, Mom.” She put her hand over the phone and looked at him. “What?”

“Don’t I get to meet her? I’d like to ask her for permission to marry you,” he whispered.

“Oh! Of course! I didn’t even think about that. I was going to tell her tomorrow night but yes, I want you to meet her.”

“Great, ask her for tonight then.” Roark nodded at the phone.

“Mom? Can you come to dinner tonight? I’ll make your favorite.”

“Oh sure, you know I can be there for that.”

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