She’d been to Denver, Colorado once for an arts convention.It was a beautiful city, dating back to the Old West.Located in the South Platte River Valley it was near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and had its own charm.
It wasn’t Montana, though.Could she leave her family and move there?What a silly idea.Even though she was wearing Hunter’s ring, he wasn’t in love with her.Rubbing her temple, she looked down at her ring.He made no secret of the fact that he wanted her, but want wasn’t love, and didn’t last.
“…coming with us?”Rose’s excited voice finally penetrated Willow’s thoughts.
She stared blankly at Rose.What was Rose talking about?
“You were obviously miles away,” Annie laughed.“Thinking about your fiancé?I can’t tell you how happy I am for Hunter.He’s such a nice guy.”
“That’s right, I’ve forgotten.You went on a couple of dates with him,” Vivian said.
“Yes, and then Craig brought his godmother to the very same restaurant Hunter took me to!”Annie laughed as she touched Willow’s arm.“We’re talking about Saturday night’s dance and have decided we all want new dresses—are you able to join us?”
Willow shook her head.“I don’t think so.”
“But haven’t you finished your paintings?”her mom asked.
“Maybe.Maybe not.I’m thinking about doing one more—maybe.But at this point I just want to wind down and focus on the exhibition.Besides, I’m sure I’ll find something in my closet I can wear.”
“We’ll miss you, but we understand,” Ellie said.
Willow got up.“If you’ll excuse me, I’m on my way.Thanks for a lovely evening.Please don’t get up,” she added as Ellie moved.“I’m fine.”
“Drive safely, sweetheart,” her mom called before Willow closed the door.
“Will do!I’ll see you all Saturday night, I’m not going to make the Friday night event, unfortunately.”Before her mom could react, she’d closed the door.She couldn’t explain that she would never survive if she were to see Hunter two more times.Going to the dance with him and knowing she wouldn’t see him again was going to be distressing enough.
At this point, she simply wanted to put the whole fake engagement fiasco behind her.
*
Hunter skipped breakfaston Friday morning; he was out early to make sure there was enough hay for the cattle and that the drinking holes weren’t frozen.Eating with the Weston brothers was no fun lately, but he was hungry and his own fridge bare, so he he’d made his way over to Hayden’s house.The women usually made up for their husbands’ open hostility.
However, the women weren’t there, and it seemed as if Hayden and Becket had nearly finished eating.Great, so they would hopefully leave soon.He honestly didn’t appreciate the death stares from them.
“Where is everyone?”he asked as he sat down.
“Laura, Ellie, and Rose and their friends are in Bozeman for the day to get dresses for Saturday night,” Becket said as he got up.“Willow hasn’t joined them, she’s working.But you should know that.”
“I haven’t seen her since Sunday,” Hunter said.
Hayden didn’t say a word, just left with another glare in Hunter’s direction.
“You wanna talk?”Cooper asked.
“Not particularly,” Hunter said as he helped himself to the food.
Cooper leaned back in his chair.“Your ranch in Colorado—what are your plans?”
Hunter took his time chewing and swallowing his food before he answered.“Willow and I haven’t discussed the future yet.”It wasn’t a lie, just not the whole truth.
“Really?”
“Yes.As you know, Willow is focusing on her exhibition.She’s flying to Seattle on Sunday.We’ll talk afterward.”
“Surely, you’re going to be at the opening night next Friday?We’re all going.”
“Someone has to stay here if you’re all going.”Hunter got up.He liked Cooper, but he was done talking.His appetite had vanished anyway.
