Page 7 of A Jilted Bride for the Cowboy

She didn’t love him that much. Possibly not at all. The wedding had seemed like a good idea last year when he’d proposed, but the chemistry was all wrong. Why had she said yes? Right, he’d proposed in a big way in front of all their friends. She’d been thrilled. She’d also been stupid.

And now a lifeline had appeared. There was no begging Paul for a redo. She didn’t want one. This was relief all the way… except for the embarrassment. Oh, and the lack of a job and place to live.

Graham offered answers to every piece of that.

She was on her way to Montana, running off like a ’fraidy-cat, leaving others to face the music and pick up the pieces. She tiptoed quietly through the house and pulled out a piece of paper. Time to write a letter to her parents.

That took a while. Two sheets were crumpled in the trash before she was reasonably satisfied.

Her phone pinged. Graham had texted.

I gave Paul the ring.

Thanks.

She drummed her fingers on the desk before deciding.

I don’t think I can sleep tonight.

Me either.

Want to hit the road? I’m happy to drive for the first few hours if you’re tired.

Now?

Duh. Of course, now.

Why not? I wrote a letter to leave for my folks.

Won’t they notice if I drive in?

She was winning.

I’ll disarm the alarm and reset it when we leave.

Are you sure?

Absolutely.

I’ll be there in a little more than an hour. I’ll text you when I’m leaving the apartment. Bring food.

Such a guy. She grinned and pumped her fist.

Will do. I’ll be waiting for you. I’ve sorted my boxes.

Sounds good. See you soon.

Cadence looked around her childhood bedroom. She had time for a shower and then she’d take what she needed down to the garage and wait for Graham there.

Was she really doing this? Running away from all her problems, just like that?

Paul had done it first. He was the jerk, not her, but her parents might not see it that way.

Cadence bit her lip. She’d text her girlfriends — her bridesmaids — tomorrow while Graham was driving. How far was it to Montana, anyway? Where was Jewel Lake? She’d never heard of it.

A quick search on her phone brought up the small town’s website. It was on the other side of the Rocky Mountain divide, near Missoula. It looked like a great little place tucked amid rolling hills and ranch land.

Ranch land. What was the name of the ranch he’d mentioned? Sweet River.

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