Page 55 of Choosing the Montana Cowboy

Great, more things to worry about. Just what she needed. Natalie texted back that she would and asked him to be safe. Prayers said, she slipped under the covers and closed her eyes, afraid that a possible storm lay ahead in Marietta, too.

Chapter Eighteen

Sam woke Saturdaymorning, his head aching. Damn the bourbon, he should have stuck to beer. Neil had challenged him to try a flight at that Copper something bar, and it was game on after that. Nothing a few aspirin couldn’t cure, though. Because headache or not, he planned to spend the day with Natalie and Neil, getting cameras set up at the four locations Madison had identified as their best possible viewing spots.

He had a ranch to save and a heart to win.

“Today’s the big day,” Gran said when he paid the kitchen a visit at six thirty.

The others weren’t due for breakfast until nine, but Sam knew he’d need a caffeine fix long before then.

“That it is.” He grabbed a mug and poured himself a cup of java before taking a seat at the table. “We’re gonna catch ourselves a dozen or so on film, I can feel it.”

Gran served up a plate of sausage gravy and biscuits and set it at the table in front of him. He looked at her, confused. Did she think he needed two breakfasts?

“Sorry, Samuel.” She shook her head. “It’s habit.”

Now that his headache had subsided, his stomach had begun to growl. He picked up the spoon with a grin. “No sense in letting it go to waste.”

Gran brought her coffee mug to the table and sat beside him. She remained quiet while he ate, her gaze trained on the window that looked out the side of the room. “What if he doesn’t see them?”

“Pardon?”

“Natalie’s photographer friend. What if he doesn’t see the ferrets? What will we do then?”

Sam reached out and gave his grandmother’s hand a squeeze. “He will. Have faith.”

“I’m trying, son. But it’s not just the ranch that I’m worried about.”

He took in the look of consternation on her face and set his spoon down. “You’re worried about me.”

She nodded.

“And my relationship with Natalie.”

Again, a nod.

“Natalie has a job to do and a career to protect—I know that.”

“But will that bring resentment if she has to see this resort through?”

Would it be easy to keep his emotions in check at the sight of bulldozers and construction lights flooding their skies? Doubtful, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try.

This was the conversation he should have been having with her the past few days, not just teasing her about moving out here. She needed to know how much he wanted her to stay, regardless of whether her company’s resort was built next door or not. Heck, she was a marketing person in her former job—she could probably give the Flying J tips on how to attract even more guests than before.

Sam looked to his grandmother with a smile. “No, I care too deeply for her.” He gave her hand another gentle squeeze. “Now, that doesn’t mean I won’t constantly pepper her with suggestions on how her company could minimize that resort’s effect on us.”

The anxiety on her brow eased. “So, you’re prepared to stand by her, even if she has to pursue the resort?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Then we will, too.” She patted his hand. “The Flying J, we’ll find a way to survive. Now you focus on keeping that heart of yours happy again.”

“Will do.”

He finished his breakfast and headed out to the barn to check the collection of camping gear Gramps and Carlos had gathered, wasting time until the others arrived. Tent. Sleeping bag. Lanterns. Would they even need all this stuff, or would Neil catch the ferrets on camera before nightfall?

“Hey there, handsome.”

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