Page 94 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

Cash met Ford's gaze as he said, "He'll get the hang of it soon. They all will."

"Get the hang of what?" asked Wade.

"Of how different things are now," Cash told him, before jerking his head toward the door.

Ford followed him out there, and they walked side by side down toward the barn. Neither spoke until they were out of earshot of the family.

"Where is she?" Cash asked.

"She's upstairs. Hiding out. Is that what you wanted to ask me about?"

"I just wanted to make sure that you guys are okay. See if you need me for anything."

Ford nodded slowly. "We're good." He smiled. Suddenly it felt important that he should tell Cash before he told any of the others.

Cash gave him an appraising look. "You look like you have something you want to say to me."

Ford chuckled. "Don't spoil it. Let me build up to it in my own way."

"I'll try, but you know what I'm like."

"I do. That's why I'm warning you."

"So, spit it out, then."

Ford laughed. "All right. We're doing more than good. She already decided that when Mav and Blane come back, she wants to stay here – with me."

Cash grinned and grasped his shoulder. "Now, that is good news. I'm happy for you." He narrowed his eyes. "But there's more, isn't there? Something you're still not telling me."

"Yeah. I want to tell you, but it feels strange to just come out and say it."

"What does? Just get it over with."

Ford took a deep breath and blew it out slowly before saying, "I love her."

Cash's eyes seemed to twinkle as he slapped Ford's back. "You just made my day. Week, month, year. I was hoping, but..." He shrugged. "I didn't know if you guys might..." He cocked his head. "I'm saying, you guys – are you just saying that you've discovered how you feel? Or that...?"

Ford nodded happily. "She feels the same way. We told each other."

Cash gave his shoulder a shake. "That's the best news I've had in a long time. She's a good girl, Amelia. And you two are just the right fit."

"Thanks. We think so."

Cash's smile faded. "But what did you want to talk to me about?"

"What do you know about her family?"

Cash frowned. "Why? What’s she told you? Or hasn't she? Am I going to put my foot in it if I go wading in telling you things she hasn't shared with you yet?"

Ford shrugged. "I don't think so. But I'll let you decide. I'll explain what's going on."

By the time he'd explained about Amelia's online chat with Rootless2 – Hunter – Cash agreed that his theory about Hunter was probably right. He also agreed that since Amelia hadn't figured it out for herself yet – which was surprising for her – it might come as a big shock when she found out.

"What time is she going to talk to him?" Cash asked.

"He said he should be able to get online at 1:30. So 11:30 here."

"And what's the plan? She's going to hide out upstairs till then? You're going to go be with her when she talks to him, right?"

---