Page 24 of The Cowboy's Unlikely Love

The waitress came back with their drinks.

Colt held up his glass and said, “To miracles and good mommas.”

Dane smiled and touched his glass to Colt’s. “To men who go after what they want.”

Colt laughed and took a long swallow of his bourbon. He had a lot to think about—and even more to dream of.

***

The first thing Coltdid the next morning was to put in a call to Steve at the sheriff’s office. When the man came on the line, he apologized. “I’ve been out of town, Colt, or I’d have gotten back to you sooner. That phone number you gave me came back to the only payphone in Matador. Does that make any sense to you? I know that’s where Taylor came from.”

“I’ll see Taylor in a little while, so I’ll ask her. Thanks for helping me out.”

After breakfast, he headed back to Abilene. On the way, he called Taylor. “How was your night?”

“Just dandy except for getting up every two hours to nurse JJ. I asked the nurses to leave him in here with me. Now I’m thinking that was a mistake. I can hardly keep my eyes open.”

He heard her yawn and smiled. “How’s the little guy doing, anyway?”

“Oh, Colt, he’s absolutely perfect.” Her voice was soft and warm and adoring.

“Does his head still look a little squished?” he teased.

“His head did not look squished!”

He laughed. “Gotcha.”

“You’re mean. Anybody ever tell you that?”

“Never. I’m always a good guy.”

He could hear the smile in her voice when she said, “I hate to admit it, but you’re right.”

“I’m on my way. Have they said anything about your checkout time?”

“I asked earlier, and they said that I had to see my doctor first and that she’d be in around ten.” She sighed. “I just can’t wait to get my little boy home.”

“I stopped by and picked up the car seat. It’s installed in the back seat of my truck. I read the directions so I could do it correctly and put it in the center.” He was actually pretty proud of himself for that accomplishment.

“Thank you, Colt. You’re amazing,” she said in a soft voice.

“I’m happy to help. I want JJ to be safe. He’ll have to learn to ride in pickup trucks if he’s going to be a cowboy.”

She laughed. “Well, of course that’s very important.”

“Damned straight it is.” He grinned and pressed his foot on the accelerator, increasing his speed to seventy-five. He couldn’t wait to get to the hospital and hold the little guy again.

“Taylor, I heard back from Steve at the Sheriff’s office. He said that phone number is the pay phone in Matador. Do you think this is related to your trial? Do you have any idea who from your hometown would be calling you and making threats?”

She was silent for a full minute, and he was beginning to think she might not answer. Then she said, “Abe had a lot of family rooting for him at the trial. Maybe one of them is calling me. I just don’t know.” Her voice was strained, and he could hear how tired she was.

“I’ll let Steve know and ask him to look into that for us. But don’t think about it now. We have little JJ to worry about, and that’s enough, don’t you agree?”

“I sure do,” she said with a deep sigh. “How long before you get here?”

“Not long. About thirty minutes.”

After a moment, she said, “I’m glad you’re coming.” Then she said softly, “I’ve missed you.”

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