I’ve got the windows rolled down on my SUV, blasting old-school George Strait and minding my own business, when I cruise past Silver Saddle’s country store. I do a double take when I spot Ethel and Earl making out like teenagers on the front porch.
I throw the vehicle into reverse and lean out the window. Ethel’s got one leg hooked around his, her hand fisted in his suspenders, going at him with what looks like a whole lot of tongue.
I do the only rational thing and snap a photo, sending it to the group chat.
Backroads & Bad Decisions Group Chat
Charlie: Look who’s back at it.
Charlie sent a photo
Wren: I thought they broke up last week.
Briar: They did. Earl tried proposing again, and Ethel smacked him with her purse.
Charlie: That must have been their version of foreplay. He’s got her pinned against the porch railing as we speak.
Briar: Good thing the cabin guests are all out exploring until dinner.
Charlie: At this rate, they’ll still be going at it tonight and everyone will get dinner and a show.
Birdie: Poor Earl. He just wants to put a ring on it.
Briar: Too bad Ethel is as stubborn as an old goat.
Wren: Definitely has his work cut out for him.
Why are there so many parallels between Ethel and Earl and Heath and me? Ethel and I both love some good gossip, and once we’ve made up our minds, good luck changing them. Our men, on the other hand, are singularly determined to make us theirs in more ways than one.
Hold up.
I just referred to Heath asmyman.
Calling him my husband is one thing—just a legal title on paper. But claiming him asminestirs something territorial inside me, and I finally understand why he’s been so possessive and hell-bent on making me his.
I put the SUV back into drive and roll through the ranch, eyes peeled for Heath. I’d checked with Briar earlier, and she thought he’d be out in the south pasture. My stomach keeps doing little flips, which is ridiculous since it’s not like me to be nervous. Then again, I never thought I’d be the girl who brings her husband lunch.
The ring on my left finger, a reminder of our whirlwind marriage, catches the bright afternoon sun, sparkling every time I turn the wheel. God, it really is so beautiful.
As I near the turnoff into the south pasture, Heath comes into focus with his hands planted on his hips, sternly wagging a finger at Petunia. Peaches and Daisy are standing nearby, watching unfazed as they graze. They’re the three musketeers—wherever Petunia goes, the other two are never far behind. And down the fenceline, Heath’s horse is tied to a weathered post, lazily swishing its tail, watching the drama unfold.
Heath’s so immersed in his scolding that he doesn’t hear my door shut or my footsteps as I approach. With his lunchbox in hand, I move closer, biting back a laugh when I overhear him.
“Petunia, I know you were the mastermind behind this jailbreak. These two dimwits couldn’t find their way out of the barn without you.” Heath motions to Daisy and Peaches, who are too busy grazing to pay him any mind. “I’ve been searching for you three for over an hour. I swear to god, I’m this close to dropping you off at the butcher with the next load of steers if you keep this up.”
“Now you know how it feels, having to search the whole ranch for someone,” I pipe up, unable to contain my laughter. “And you wouldn’t dream of sending Petunia to the butcher. She’s your pet, and Birdie would skin you alive if you even tried.”
Heath spins around, his eyes widening when he spots me, quickly turning into a crooked smile.
“Hellcat, what are you doing here?” He glances down at my stomach. “Everything okay?”
I roll my eyes. “Can’t a wife surprise her husband at work without you immediately assuming something’s wrong with me or the baby?”
“Damn, I’m addicted to hearing you call us husband and wife,” he murmurs as he draws me in for a kiss. “I’m sorry I assumed the worst. The last two times you showed up, you told me you were pregnant and then proposed, so I’ve started bracing myself for big news whenever you stop by.”
I pull away and extend his lunchbox toward him. “Unless bringing this by counts as a major announcement, I’m just here to feed my baby daddy.”
A flash of heat darkens his gaze. “That was mighty thoughtful of you, but you didn’t have to.”
