Page 29 of A Jilted Bride for the Cowboy

“Said from the wise old age of…?” Cadence tilted her head at her housemate.

“Eight years later.” Paisley laughed. “But it’s still true, isn’t it?”

“It is. Sadly.”

“What are you going to do about Graham now? Give him a chance?”

“Maybe?”

Paisley squealed.

“But I’m honestly not sure it’s a good idea.”

“Whyever not?”

“I feel like such a flake. Engaged to one guy and didn’t even have the nerve to break it off myself. And now, a mere few weeks later, thinking I can be in a healthy relationship with someone else? Doesn’t that seem — I don’t know — wrong?”

“No one’s going to judge you for that, girl.”

“I judge myself.”

“No one else is going to.”

Cadence strode into the kitchen then pivoted and crossed her arms over her chest. “How can they not? My parents are still experiencing the fall-out of the canceled wedding. Did I tell you they’re coming next week? I’m going to hear all about it, over and over and over again. If I’m under any illusions about moving on, they’ll make sure I remember that I’m still shackled.”

Paisley studied her. “There’s a lot to unpack in there.”

“Tell me,” Cadence muttered.

“They’re staying at the lodge?”

“But of course. The cottages would be far too rustic for the likes of Daniel and Amelia Foster. Cook for themselves in a rental? Ha!”

“I see.” Paisley slumped onto the sofa. “Are they going to talk you into going back home?”

“They’re going to try, but they won’t succeed. My father is looking for a job for me worthy of a Foster. My mother thinks I need to move back in with them so I can heal.”

Paisley grimaced.

“Exactly. I promised Mr. Sullivan through Labor Day, but as my mother pointed out, I also promised to marry Paul, so my word isn’t particularly reliable.”

“Ouch. What does Graham think of all that?”

“He knows my parents are coming. I don’t know that he’s exactly prepared for their onslaught, though. My mother especially is such a bulldozer.”

“You’re lucky.”

Cadence blinked. “Come again?”

“My mother barely remembers I exist between one drug high and the next.”

“I’m so sorry.” Cadence dropped onto the sofa beside her friend and wrapped an arm around her. “I can’t even imagine.”

* * *

“What’s going on?” Tate leaned back in his office chair and studied Graham.

“Me? Nothing.”

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