Page 38 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

"I thought we weren't going to hide things from each other."

"Okay. I'll say it, but I don't know if you'll want to hear it." She held her breath, wondering what was coming. "I reckon they can see what I've already figured out for myself."

"What's that?" she asked.

"That you could break my heart if I'm not careful."

She didn't know what to say, so she simply stared at him until he smiled. "Told you that you might not want to hear it. Go on. Sierra's waiting for you. I'll be here when you get back."

Chapter Nine

As Ford watched Amelia walk away from the bar with Sierra, he couldn't help smiling at the sight of her wearing his hat.

He turned when Wade elbowed him in the ribs.

"I meant it when I said I like this," Wade told him. "I knew the two of you were into each other when she first came here to see Sierra and the kids, but with everything that happened, I thought the opportunity had passed you by."

Ford nodded slowly. "So did I. I thought she might come back around to visit now and then, but... I didn't think she'd end up staying here."

Wade cocked an eyebrow at him. "And you like the idea of her staying?"

He nodded again. "I do. And don't look at me like that. I'm surprised myself, but there's something about that little lady... she gets to me."

Tanner leaned in on his other side. "Looks to me like she gets to you in a big way."

"What makes you say that?" Ford asked.

Tanner chuckled. "For starters, Boone told me that you'd taken the day off. And if that wasn't enough, I knew it when not only did you guys walk in here hand in hand, but she's wearing your hat, no less."

Ford tried to hide a smile but didn't succeed.

Tanner turned to Wade. "You know he bought Ashton his hat, right? And I think it's the kid's most prized possession – because it's exactly the same as his uncle Ford's." He turned back to Ford. "Are you going to buy her one of her own?"

He shrugged. He hadn't even thought about it.

Wade winked at him. "Seems to me you're more likely to buy yourself a new one and let her keep that."

Ford didn't even want to examine why he liked that idea better.

Ty came to join them and handed Ford a beer. "I didn't know what to get Amelia," he said, "but it looks like she might be a while." He jerked his chin toward where Amelia and Sierra were standing by one of the pillars, deep in conversation.

"Thanks," Ford said as he took the bottle. "I'll get her one when she comes back."

"Looks like your buddy's here," Ty told him.

He looked around, wondering who Ty meant.

"Brody," said Wade as he pointed to the other end of the bar.

Ford spotted his friend, who was standing, surveying the whole crowded saloon. When his gaze met Ford's, he smiled and made his way over to them.

Just before he reached them, Laney put a hand on his shoulder, but he turned and frowned at her.

"How's it going?" Ford asked him. "I didn't think we'd see you tonight. Do you want a beer?"

"I'm good, thanks." Brody looked distracted as he looked around again.

Laney stepped up beside him and poked his shoulder. "I know who you're looking for, and she's not here yet."

---