Floofy is zonked on the sofa. He’s so comfortable here that he doesn’t even come running when I walk inside anymore.
“Lemon bars sound yummy. I can’t wait to try them. What time are we leaving tomorrow? I don’t think it will take too many loads. And I’m stronger than I look. I promise.” I take a bite of the decadent chocolate and moan. “This is so much better than pumpkin pie.”
Dallas wrinkles his nose. “Yeah. Because pumpkin pie is gross.”
And now I love him a little more. “We agree on that. But that’s what Mom sent Dad to buy for dessert. It’s her favorite.”
“Enjoy your chocolate cake.” He kisses my forehead before dropping into the chair across from me. “And I told the guys we’d meet at your apartment at eight.”
“You recruited some help?”
“When I mentioned that you were moving, they offered.” He gives a shrug, as if it’s completely normal for people who barely know me to offer to haul furniture and boxes.
I spring out of my chair and surprise Dallas with a hug. “Meeting you was like winning the lottery, and I know the engagement is fake. I’m not trying to make things weird, but we’re friends, and you care about me. And if I keep talking, I’m going to cry.”
He rubs my back. “Please just eat cake instead of crying. Please. And I’m glad we met. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, and I’m glad having me around makes you feel brave.”
I kiss his cheek before dropping back into my seat and eating more of the cake. Tomorrow starts a new chapter, and I’m eager to turn the page.
CHAPTER 18
DALLAS
Icheck my phone before pulling away from the barn. These days, I check messages a hundred times more often than I used to. But I don’t want to miss any texts from Rose.
In the two months since she moved to Tandy’s, we’ve settled into a routine. Every evening once I’m done working, I make the twenty-five-minute drive to her place, and most nights, Rose has dinner waiting when I arrive.
This evening, the only message is from Clint. And I open the text, hoping they’ve hired a new ranch hand because splitting my time is becoming exhausting. Some nights, I don’t get to Rose’s until well after dinnertime. Like tonight.
Clint:We have a new ranch hand. Tonight, everyone is gathering in the mess hall sometime after dinner so he can meet everyone. Hope you can make it.
Well, dinner at Stargazer Springs wrapped up about thirty minutes ago, so if I’m going to make it before they all go home, I need to get a move on. I call Rose as I drive out of the ranch.
“Hello.” Her chipper greeting is like an energy shot after a long day.
“Hey. I just finished up for the day, but I need to run by Stargazer Springs for a bit. Have you eaten?”
“Not yet, but I have stuff for tacos. It’s easy to keep it all warm.”
“Don’t wait for me. Seriously. How was your day?” I lose the struggle to hold back a yawn.
She also yawns, then laughs. “You triggered a chain reaction. Even Floofy yawned.”
“Sorry.”
“No need to apologize. I just think it’s funny how yawns are contagious. And my day was good. Mostly. The walls on the shop went up today. It’s exciting to see things moving along. The rest of this week, I’ll be driving back into San Antonio most days. But it gives me a chance to see Dad. I’m happy about that.”
“Still haven’t heard from your mom?”
The day of the move, Mrs. Potts gaped when seven cowboys showed up with me to move Rose’s stuff. If she was hoping to watch Rose struggle with boxes, she ended up disappointed. Rose and Daphne supervised. The guys did all the work.
Rose hugged her parents before pulling away from the house that day. But she didn’t expect it to be a goodbye. However, she hasn’t heard from her mom since that day. And when Rose calls, her mom doesn't answer. Pretending like it doesn’t bother her, Rose shrugs and flashes a tight smile when the topic comes up. But I can tell that it bothers her a lot.
But Mrs. Potts thrives on images, so when it’s time to show off her happy family, she’ll reach out to Rose again. With Thanksgiving two weeks away, I expect that will be soon.
The chipper tone fades and is replaced with strain. “She called. But I’ll tell you about it when you get here.”
Hearing her unease prompts a change in my plans.