Page 89 of A Jilted Bride for the Cowboy

“Yeah, I heard. Good for them. And they’re breaking ground for a house down the lane. So, that’s cool.” Would Graham want to do the same thing? A little thrill ran through Cadence at the thought.

Graham Sullivan loved her, Cadence Foster.

Would that lead to a proposal? Marriage? A family? A true home in Montana?

“Maybe that will soon be you.”

“I’m not counting my chickens before they hatch.”

Paisley laughed. “Look at you, turning into a country girl.”

“Ha, ha. But it’s still a good analogy.”

“I want to be your maid of honor.”

“You’ve got it. At least, if I marry Graham.” That delightful shiver ran her spine again.

“You thinking of marrying anyone else?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Cadence tapped her chin, watching her roommate obliquely. “There are a lot of cute single guys around here. Weston Kline…”

“Sure.” Paisley rolled her eyes. “You’re attracted to Weston.”

“Why not? What’s not to like?”

“He’s a total grump.”

“He’d smile for the right person.”

“Well, that someone isn’t you. You’ve got the geeky accountant all tied up in knots, so I’m not sure what you’re trying to prove by pretending you’re still playing the field.”

“You’re being awfully territorial.”

“Like you should be.”

Cadence nudged Paisley with her elbow. “You’ve been around watching my mess all summer long, but two can play that game?”

Her roommate studied her through narrowed eyes. “What game are we talking about?”

“You’re Miss Know-It-All about my feelings for Graham. About how he feels about me. But I’ve been watching you, too. When are you going to make your own move? Because it’s worth it.”

“Hashtags don’t cure everything.”

“Never said they did. I’m not even sure they helped at all, to be honest. But I’m thinking you’re trying to deflect. You do that a lot.”

“We were talking about you.”

“Uh huh. And now we’re talking about you. You and a certain grumpy cowboy.”

Paisley shook her head. “He’s cute, I’ll grant you that. But there’s nothing going on, nor will there ever be. Can you imagine me with someone like him? Not a chance.”

“Work with this analogy.”

Paisley widened her eyes.

“You’re like sunshine. Truly, you are. And sunshine dispels shadows. It can send rainclouds scuttling. Also, it makes gorgeous rainbows.”

“Are you quite done?”

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