“Be right back.”
A few minutes later they were driving through town, and Aftyn turned to look at the small shops lining the street.
“I’d love to browse through all of these once I have some money.”
“It’s known as one of the friendliest towns in the west.” Connie glanced over at her. “So, what do you think of Montana so far?”
“I love it. And I have to say, the men aren’t hard to look at either.” Aftyn smiled. “I’ve always had a soft spot for cowboys. Growing up in Colorado you see plenty of them, but when I saw Cole today...” She shook her head.
Connie smiled. “Well, if you stick around you might find yourself one. Cole, though, I wouldn’t get your hopes up there, hon.”
“Why not?”
“About a year ago a woman broke his heart. They were very much in love, or at least Cole was. They were talking about getting married when she was offered a position at a big hospital in New York. She wanted him to go with her, but Cole made a promise to his father to keep the farm going. He wouldn’t leave. So, she went without him.” Connie shook her head. “It tore him apart. And it wasn’t even the first time she’d done it. She’d walked away before and he always took her back.”
“What does she do?”
“Pediatrician. Talented one from what I understand, but talent doesn’t excuse what she did to that man.” Connie’s jaw tightened slightly. “Cole Harrison is one of the finest men I know. I just hope if she ever comes back, he has the sense to keep that door closed.”
“He seemed like a good man to me. He mentioned he grows livestock feed?”
“For Beckett Feed, out of Hartland. His father used to grow barley until a drought wiped him out. When Ash Beckett approached him about leasing some of the land, he agreed. Now that his parents are retired, Cole runs all of it.” Connie glanced over. “That farm has been in the Harrison family over a hundred and fifty years. Cole made a promise to his father, and heintends to keep it.”
“I can respect that.”
“As for Callie, in my opinion she was selfish. She did just fine at Clifton Memorial. She wanted the bright lights, plain and simple. And she gave up a good man to get them.”
Aftyn didn’t have a response to that. She’d never been in that position, but she found herself wondering if she could walk away from a man like Cole for the sake of a career. Some people put ambition above everything else. She supposed she understood it, even if she didn’t admire it.
“He mentioned two younger brothers.”
“Seth and Ethan. Both fine young men. They each have their own places. Cole being the oldest, the farm went to him.” Connie smiled. “Seth just got engaged, actually.”
Connie pulled into the garage lot. Aftyn retrieved her suitcases and loaded them into the back seat, then they headed back to the diner. Connie parked behind the building and turned to her.
“Do you need help getting those up?”
“No, I’ve got it. Thank you for this, Connie. For all of it.”
“You might not be thanking me Monday morning when you see the breakfast crowd. Mostly cowboys fueling up before their day starts.” She smiled. “Be here at five. Come to the front door. We won’t hear the back entrance.”
“I’ll be there.”
At five Monday morning, Aftyn questioned the decision she’d made. She had never seen a place so packed at this hour. The counter was lined with cowboys, hats and all, and the noise was something else entirely. Laughter, conversation, utensils onplates, the clatter of mugs being set down and picked back up. How anyone could be this alive before sunrise was beyond her.
“Not a morning person, I take it,” said a man sitting at the counter.
Aftyn laughed despite herself. “Is it that obvious?”
“Afraid so, sweetie. Jim Barton.” He extended a weathered hand.
“Aftyn Hutchins. Nice to meet you, Mr. Barton.”
“You too, honey. Retired now, sold my pig farm, but I still come in every morning for the breakfast and the company.”
“And I’m sure you find both.”
“Every single day.” He looked her over. “You’re not from around here.”
