“Oh gosh, yes! I’ll tell him, and I’ll talk to you later.”
“Thank you, Diamond. For this… I…thank you.”
“My pleasure.” Because I just can’t leave it like this in case he thinks it’s too deep or whatever, I add, “Looking forward to christening the house with you. Good luck.”
Arnie thankfully wasn’t listening in and was settled on the sofa in the very dated living room. The only room in the house that seemed untouched by time, with its wood-panelled walls and shag carpeting.
“Rhett is calling you now. He wants this house, and I hope you can make it happen. The kitchen seemed to be something nostalgic for him.”
Arnie stands to shake my hand.
“That’s great to hear. Thank you for doing this for him. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I hope I can close on a deal for him. This house will be snapped up quickly. I was in the right place at the right time and instantly thought of Rhett.”
Again with the serendipitous moment of his real estate agent just being in the right place.
“Pleasure to meet you.” His phone rings, and I nod. “That’s probably Rhett. I’ll let you get to it.”
Leaving the house, I take a moment in the yard that’s now dark with an early summer moon casting its light. It’s peaceful and serene, and definitely something Rhett would love.
Peeking in the backyard before I go, I smile at the solar lights on the deck. It’s low-key and just so Rhett that I can picture him out here at night with Tater. Maybe with a drink while he just…exists in a space that’s made for him.
“Jesus, Diamond. Get a fucking grip on the runaway romance shit.” I mutter as I slide into my Jeep. But I don’t listen, becauseas I travel down the long driveway, I envision a small barn for Wilbur in the expansive field along the driveway. He could build a barn and a small, fenced pasture here without disturbing the landscaping in the back.
Stopping the car, I get out and record a short video of the area and send it to him before continuing my drive back to The Thirsty Cow, ignoring the constriction in my chest and hoping like hell this works out for Rhett.
“Well, hello, Mr. Handsome!” I wink at Hunter and peek around him at the attractive man he brought with him. Someone new with gorgeous blue eyes. “And hello to your new friend. Another jaw dropper. Welcome to The Thirsty Cow, Sugar.”
The man nods and smiles. “Thank you. Hunter tells me you’re the best guy in town for coffee.”
“Aww, he did? That’s so sweet. But yes, that’s true.”
“Don’t let it go to your head.” Hunter rolls his eyes, but he still smiles. “This is my friend Alec. He’s here for the week to help with the rodeo school. We used to rope together, and he agreed to come back here and help me out. Warren is taking up a lot of our time, and I want the students to get their money’s worth if I’m not as available, you know?”
Warren is the foster child he and Gabe have taken in. I know Hunter is happy to have him, but he wasn’t prepared for how much time it would take to get Warren settled and, well, be a parent who owns a business and still travels to compete in rodeo. It’s not an easy transition.
“It’s okay to ask for help from your friends. No one can say no to that handsome face, Hunter. Go sit your fine ass down, and I’ll bring your usual.”
Hunter huffs but does as he’s told, and the blue-eyed dreamboat smiles as he watches him weave through the tables to sit on his favourite sofa.
“I’ve never seen Hunter listen so well before. He’s changed a lot since we were kids. It’s nice to see.”
“Oh, you grew up together?”
“Sort of.” He wiggles his hand in the air, and the light bounces off his wedding band. Someone did the right thing, locking him down. I’ve only just met him, but I can tell he’s a sweetheart. Maybe a little like Rhett with his quiet words, but strong and steady presence. “We were roping partners for years, and I’m pretty sure you and I met at his wedding, didn’t we? You seem familiar.”
Pausing with Hunter’s coffee, I tilt my head. That night is a bit foggy. I remember dancing with Levi a lot because I was having some kind of crisis. I remember Gabe telling me about how awesome it was that Hunter’s friends from Ontario made it to the wedding, and then it floods back.
“Oh my god! We totally did! I’m so sorry. I should have recognized you. Those eyes of yours can stop traffic, Sug. You were more than friends with Hunter at one time, if I recall.”
Alec nods and points to the cup I’ve finished for Hunter. “I’ll have whatever he has. He’s always had good taste in coffee.” I nod and continue to make another one for him. “And don’t worry about it. That was a fast evening. My husband and I barely made it with the flight delays.”
“Welcome back to Kissing Ridge properly. It’s definitely not a hardship to have you here for a week.” I wink, and the man just smiles at me, like he appreciates the attention but also isn’t bothered by it.
“I look forward to seeing you while I’m here then. Would you like me to take the mugs with me?”
“Only if you want to. You’ll miss out on my table-side charm if you do.”
He chuckles and nods his head as he reaches for the mugs. “Something tells me you’ll be visiting before we leave. Have a good day, Diamond.”
