Page 53 of The Cowboy's Surprise Return

“So am I,” she said softly. “And I hope you’re doing okay.” Her eyes had dropped to the vest he was wearing.

“I am.”

“Are you, though?” She raised her head and stared at him.

“Yeah.”

“I mucked things up for you here.” Her eyes dampened again, and Cole froze.

“No, you didn’t.”

“Don’t lie to me!” Her anger was sudden, reminding him of the emotional storms they used to endure. “I caused you to miss out on years with your family. Your community.”

“April… You weren’t the only one I fought with before I left town, you know.”

“I asked for space, not for you to leave.”

“I know. My dad did.”

He heard her gasp, then release a lengthy exhale. She looked away, then back at him as though reaffirming that he wasn’t joking.

“We did a number on each other,” she whispered, “didn’t we?”

“We were young. Best to get our mistakes made early, right?”

She laughed, and they were silent for a long moment.

“What can I do to help?” she asked.

“Help?”

“Yes. Help you return to your rightful place back in the heart of this family and community.”

“I’m working on it.”

“If there’s anything I can do…”

“Be a friend to Jackie.”

Her eyes narrowed as though suspicious.

“I think she’s going through some things,” he said carefully.

“Like the whirlwind of dating you?” There was a twinkle of amusement in April’s eyes, the suspicion gone.

“No. She just needs… people.”

“You know we fought the night of your party. That’s not a Jackie thing to do.”

“What did you fight about?”

“You.” April’s eyes twinkled again.

“Me?”

“I told her she should kiss you.”

“And she didn’t think that was a good idea?” he asked, more curious than was safe.

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