Page 9 of A Sweet Chat for the Cowboy

Holden didn’t provide further explanation. Wynona loved that about him. He never felt obligated to take part in a conversation.

“Enough about me,” her mother said. “Tell me about the man in your life.”

Holden’s eyebrows went up.

Wynona laughed. “If there were a man, I would have told you already, believe me.”

Her mother scowled.

“It’s not for lack of trying, Mom, I promise. I’ve gone out on five dates with five different men in the last six months, and they were all duds. Do you want me to settle for someone who isn’t the right one for me?”

“You know that I don’t want that. But I would like to have grandbabies on this side of heaven, so you need to work a little harder at finding the right one.”

Wynona rolled her eyes so hard she threw her back out. “What do you want me to do? I’ve asked everyone I know to set me up. I’ve got three different dating apps on my phone—”

“What?” she cried, her eyes flying back and forth from Holden to Wynona. “Is that even safe?”

Which of them was she asking? “Yes,” Wynona said at the same time as Holden said, “Probably not.”

Blossom’s bewilderment visibly grew.

“Mom, stop. It’s safe. I don’t use my real name. I don’t use my real picture. I don’t give away any personal info. And I always meet these people in public places.”

Blossom relaxed a little. “I guess I need to trust you. I know I raised you right. So how long are you going to be in South Dakota?”

“I have no idea, however long it takes us to—”

“So long enough to go out with a few local men?” Blossom’s eyes widened with a youthful hope.

Yes, her mom would love that, would love for her to fall in love with someone who would bring her back closer to home. “I don’t know if I will have time.” Especially since she’d be working mostly nights.

“Maybe you can check your app while you’re traipsing around in the woods?”

Holden laughed, and Wynona made herself give him a dirty look, even though she wasn’t truly disgusted. “Hey, Mom, what about Holden? He’s single, and he’s way older than I am!”

His eyes widened in horror. “I am notwayolder than you, and I am already married.” He held up his empty ring finger. “To the ranch.”

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