Page 35 of Loved By Tandy

He kisses my hand, and we start walking again, hand in hand.

When we arrive at the barn—still holding hands—Colt flashes a crooked grin, then pretends not to notice. He’s probably glad he’s moving into his own place this weekend.

I’ll miss having him around the house, but I won’t complain about sharing my evenings alone with Matthew.

Maybe it’s not too late for an old bird like me to enjoy a little romance.

Sometime in themiddle of the night, it occurs to me that Colt has nothing in the way of furniture for his new house. Why didn’t I realize this weeks ago? I feel responsible for making sure he has what he needs. He hasn’t talked about family much. He’s mentioned his mom, but she’s far away.

And while he’s here and working for me, I intend to look after him. Maybe even find him a sweetheart.

I try to sleep a bit more, but my thoughts are on what he’ll need for the new place. The sun isn’t yet up when I roll out of bed.

I’ll make Colt breakfast and let him know that I’ve got his furniture covered. After getting out eggs and everything else I need to whip up a batch of pancakes, I text Matthew.

Me:I’m not going to the ranch this morning, so no walk for me today.

I hit send and then decide to invite him to breakfast. He likely won’t see it for a bit yet because normal people are sleeping, but he might see it before he eats.

Before I start typing, he replies.

Matthew:Are you canceling because of yesterday?

Me:No. I want to shop for Colt’s house. But I’m making pancakes if you want to come for breakfast.

Matthew:Pancakes sound great. I’ll see you soon.

Humming, I make more pancakes than the three of us can eat at one meal. I’ll pack some for Colt to have at his place.

When he trudges into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes, I set a plate on the table. “I felt like cooking. And after breakfast, I’ll get basic pieces for your house. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it earlier.”

“You don’t have to do that. I have an air mattress.”

I slide bacon onto his plate, then add a stack of pancakes. “Nonsense. If you have a particular style or color, just tell me.”

He points out toward the living room. “I’d prefer that it not be animal print, like the one you have. No offense.”

I laugh. “You don’t like my loud couch? I’ll have to tell Joji. I bought it from her. It is a bit hideous, but in a delicious sort of way. I’ve grown attached to it.”

“Hideous is right.”

Keys jingle, and the front door opens. Maybe it’s weird for my contractor to have keys to my house, but I’m okay with it. Happy even.

“Morning, y’all.” Matthew saunters into the kitchen. “Did Colt save any for me?”

“Howdy. There are a couple left.” Colt laughs and points to the heaps stacked on the platter. “She went a bit overboard.”

Matthew hovers near a chair, stroking the cats as I add food to his plate. Chip and Dale weave between his legs, purring. The little beggars hope that he’ll give them treats.

They know who to make nice with. Matthew pulls the canister off the top of the fridge and gives them each a treat. There’s a reason this old cowboy has stolen my heart.

After setting the food in his spot, I inch up and give him a quick peck. “Good morning.”

His gaze speaks volumes, and the twinkle is extra vibrant today.

Before sitting down, he pulls out my chair. “You need to eat before tackling your shopping list.”

“Right.” I get my plate and sit beside him. “Eat up. There’s plenty.”

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