Page 24 of Protective Cowboy

Bob Snowberry, who’d lost most of his hair over the years but not his sense of humor, raised his wineglass. With a twinkle in his eye, he said, “Speaking of wandering critters, I’d like to propose a toast. To family, good food, and Daisy the goat’s festival adventures going viral and sending lots of traffic to our ranch’s web page.”

“Cheers!” The response was unanimous, the clinking of glasses resonating through the room. Everyone took a sip.

Smiling, Priscilla Snowberry turned her gaze to Autumn and Matt. She looked like an older version of Autumn, her short auburn hair heavily threaded with silver.

“Half the town wants to nominate Daisy for mayor, and the other half are trading goat curry recipes on Nextdoor. How did the two of you catch her?”

Autumn gave a modest smile. “Well, Matt and Gabe get all the credit for strategy. As Snowberry Springs’ resident deputies, they were the tactical genius behind Operation Goat-Get-Em!”

Matt offered a deadpan response. “It’s my job to protect and serve, ma’am. Even if that means chasing suspect goats down Main Street.”

Everyone laughed, which was flattering.

Autumn continued, excitement in her voice, “As of this afternoon, that video has over eight million views, and #DaisyAgentOfChaos is trending on all channels. She’s now officially a global celebrity. I’ve been getting requests from various news outlets for permission to rebroadcast. I’m really hoping Critter Capers: Caught on Camera will get in touch with us soon for their Viral Animal Video of the Week feature.”

Matt couldn’t look away from the sparkle in her eyes and the joy lighting her face. He remembered how quickly Phillip’s presence had extinguished that joy, and gritted his teeth.

Good riddance to that SOB, he thought.

A comfortable silence settled over the room as everyone continued to pass around the fried chicken and sides, punctuated by the occasional giggle from one of Autumn’s young nieces.

Matt turned to Autumn. “You know, I’ve missed hanging out with your family,” he told her quietly. “I’m glad you’re back. Snowberry Springs wasn’t the same without the girl who can turn a goat chase into a social media sensation.”

Autumn froze.

Shit. I overstepped, Matt thought. After I spent the last nine months trying to ignore her, she’s gonna take that completely the wrong way.

Then she grinned at him, and he felt relief flood through him. “And I’ve missed having a partner-in-crime who can keep up with me in runaway goat situations.”

Their eyes locked momentarily. Matt’s throat went dry. He knew he should make some kind of witty reply instead of staring at her like a dork. But his mind went blank.

Summer saved him from the awkward moment.

“Speaking of viral sensations,” she piped up from across the table, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Brock and I have some big news to share with you all.”

“You’re pregnant?” Priscilla blurted.

Brock turned brick-red from the neck up.

Summer shook her head. “No, not yet, Mom. But this is just as thrilling.” She reached out and laced her fingers through her husband’s. “We just signed a major publishing deal for The Yummy Cowboy Diner cookbook. It’s going to be a tie-in to our upcoming FoodieTV cooking show set at the diner!”

The table erupted in cheers and applause.

Matt felt genuinely happy for Summer and Brock. He knew how hard they had worked to make their diner a success.

“That’s amazing, sis! Congratulations!” Autumn exclaimed, reaching over to squeeze her sister’s hand.

Summer beamed, her cheeks flushing with pleasure. “We couldn’t have done it without you, Tum-tum. Your mad social media skills really put our diner on the map this past year.”

Autumn shrugged modestly, but Matt could see the pride in her eyes.

It was great to see her getting the recognition she so richly deserved. Especially after everything she had been through with Phillip.

That thought reminded him he wanted to ask her something.

“Your dad mentioned that Phillip’s been sending you stuff,” he said to her in a low voice.

Bob had spoken to him over beers before dinner. Autumn’s dad had made it clear he considered his ex-son-in-law a colossal asshole, and expressed worry about the stream of unwanted presents arriving daily at the house.

---