“Whoa. Why do they gots wild horses?”
“They rescued them.”
“Why?”
“To keep them safe.” It was more complex than that. Uncle Graham had told her that horses, though beautiful, weren’t native to Montana. They created issues for native grazers like deer and antelope. The Hearts and Hooves Sanctuary provided an elegant solution.
“Safe from bears?”
“Yes.” The fence likely kept out bears. After they’d moved here, she’d done her best to warn him about wild creatures without making them sound so scary he’d be afraid to go outside.
“Smokey wouldn’t eat a horse.”
“Because he’s a tame bear.”
“Yep.” His attention shifted as they approached the turn-off to the ranch. “Another gate?”
“This is the last one, buddy.” Uncle Graham braked beside the keypad and punched in the code. “Once we get around that bend, you’ll be able to see the ranch.”
“Ohboyohboyohboy.” He bounced in his seat. “I’ve been waiting forever.”
She felt like bouncing in her seat, too. Around that bend a certain cowboy was watching for her.
Surrounded by his loving family, he’d be laughing and talking with everyone, maybe wearing a new shirt someone had bought for him, maybe sipping a beer. But he’d be keeping his eye on the road.
Her stomach quivered. Mari’s words hadn’t banished her guilt. It was still there, especially whenever she glanced at Tex.
But she knew one thing for sure. Guilt wouldn’t stop her from driving back over here on Sunday night.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“Watching for someone?”
Monty turned to find his mom walking toward him wearing her I know what you’re thinking smile.
“Yes, ma’am. Graham should be here any minute. I can’t wait to see Tex’s face when he first sees the Beaver Bunch.” He glanced toward the circular platform where the barn’s hayloft used to be. A jug band made up of three life-sized animatronic beavers sat there now thanks to his brother-in-law Cole’s ingenuity.
“He’ll love it. So will Zinnia.”
“Definitely.” Dear God, he hoped he wasn’t blushing. Felt like he was, though. “But I was mostly thinking of Tex.” Liar, liar, pants on fire.
“She’s a lovely woman.”
Oh, yeah, his mom had his number. She’d probably caught all his tells. “And she has a good sense of humor.” That sounded platonic, right? Like he totally hadn’t slept with her?
“I’m glad you invited her today.”
“And Graham. It’ll be good to see him when he doesn’t have work to?—”
“Hey, birthday boy!” Claudie called out. “Are you on this team or not?”
“I am, I am.” He made his way back to the horseshoe pit. “Just checking on the coals.” He’d walked over near the fire pit to get away from the noise of the horseshoe tournament so he could listen for the distinctive rumble of Graham’s truck.
“The coals are not your job,” Adam sang out. “No working on your b-day.” He and Tracy were still busy tying birthday balloons everywhere. Evidently they’d bought a truckload of the things.
“Seems to me you were staring into space.” Rio punched him playfully on the shoulder. “I guess that happens when you get old.”
“No fair teasing him on his birthday.” Greta, the most tender-hearted of the Bridger Bunch, came over and gave him a hug.
