Page 32 of The Rancher's Cinderella Bride

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“Megan, I see you’re with Gabe Callahan this morning,” her mother said as Meg walked up. Her father was talking to a friend and farther away from them.

“Yes, I am. We went out together last night and today he’s taking me to see his ranch. Where are Lolo and Grandpa Harry?”

“They left for Colorado already. So Justin really is out of your life.”

“Yes, he is. He never really was in my life as far as I was concerned.”

Her mother frowned. “Megan, please think about what you’re doing by going with Gabe Callahan. You know how the family feels about the Callahans.”

“Mom, that is your generation. My generation has no problem with the younger Callahans. Gabe and I have been friends forever, as you know, and it’s fun to be with him.”

Her mother frowned as she stared at Meg. “I hope we didn’t push you into doing something foolish.”

“I assume you mean pushing me into going out with Gabe. We’ve been friends almost since we were toddlers. I like being with him,” she said, glancing around to see Gabe standing in the shade of a tree, talking to a friend.

“Gabe is waiting. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Take care. I love you.”

She hugged her mother. “I love you, too.” She looked at her mother. “I know you mean well and want me to be happy.”

“That’s what’s important.”

“I better run,” she said, turning to hurry across the lot to Gabe. He stood alone in the shade now, his arms folded as he waited. Her heart beat faster when she looked at him. He was dressed for church in a charcoal Western-style suit, his black boots and black Stetson. They had already planned to drive back to his house to change clothes and get some of her things before leaving for his ranch.

“Thank you for waiting so patiently,” she said. “Wait until we’re at your house. I’m going to give you a giant hug and jump up and down for joy. My mom finally gets it that I do not want to date Justin, much less marry him.”

Gabe laughed. “Whoa, slow down. I got what you said, but you sound like Horace Grayson when he’s auctioning cattle.”

Feeling giddy, she laughed. “I’m just so happy. She finally understands.”

Gabe held the car door open and she stepped forward to get in, but paused in front of him, with only inches between them.

“You handsome devil. You are the greatest friend ever and if we weren’t on the church grounds, I’d hug you right now. You did it. See? Taking me out started opening the doors to my freedom. Hooray!”

She saw him glance around and then he ushered her into the car. “Get in before someone else comes over to talk and we never get out of here.”

Smiling at him, she slid into the seat and he closed the door. She watched him walk around the car, something she enjoyed doing because he was so handsome in his Sunday outfit. He would be handsome out of his Sunday outfit, too, she was sure.

He sat behind the wheel, buckled his seat belt and started the car, driving slowly out of the lot.

Meg turned toward him as much as she could with a seat belt on. “I’m so happy, I can’t sit still. I’m free. I owe it all to you. What a friend you are.”

“You just keep those thoughts in your pretty head until we get to my house.”

“I couldn’t get rid of these thoughts right now if I tried. I feel as if I could fly out of this car.”

“While you’re on this high, is there any chance you’d like a real thrill and would let me fly you to the ranch?”

“Whoa, you know how to kill the moment, too, Gabe,” she said. “No, I haven’t changed my mind about flying in one of those little planes. I don’t care how fancy or expensive it is. I don’t like to fly in the big ones either, for that matter. I don’t go anywhere so it isn’t an issue. I’ll drive to the ranch with or without you.”

“I’ll take you,” he said, patting her leg. “I just gave it a shot. You’re so exuberant, I thought I might get you in a plane.”

“Sorry, not today.” As euphoric as she was, nothing would get her in a plane.

“Want to get brunch now at someplace nice, or would you rather change, head for the ranch and eat a burger on the way?” Gabe asked as he drove. “Personally, I vote for the Sunday brunch at my favorite restaurant.”

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