Page 23 of Home to the Cowboy

Carson shook his head. “The idiot. I think it was something I said.”

“What do you mean?”

“Dylan really likes you. In fact, I think he’s falling for you. Because I’m worried that when you leave, he’ll be devastated, I reminded him last night what marriage looked like in our part of the family. Let me talk to him …”

Shrugging, she got out of the truck. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. The whole thing is ridiculous anyway. A week ago, I didn’t even know he existed. I’ve told you guys where I come from. I also have no idea what a real relationship looks like. Besides, as you’ve mentioned, I’m leaving soon.”

Squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin, she walked toward the house. She’d been fine on her own, she would be again.

*

Everyone looked surprised when Dylan joined them for dinner.

“I thought you had a date with June,” Willow said although of course she knew he’d canceled.

Shrugging, he sat down. “I canceled.”

“Why?” Laura asked, clearly baffled. “She got a dress especially for tonight.”

Damn it to hell. He should’ve stayed home.

“I spoke to June this afternoon,” Carson said. “She was running in the rain when I stopped and took her home. When she mentioned Dylan has canceled their date, I realized the reason he did it was probably because of what I said to him last night.”

Dylan quickly looked up. What the hell? He didn’t know what upset him more—the fact that June had been running in the rain or the fact that Carson, who rarely spoke, was about to tell everyone around the table what he’d said to him.

“And what did you say to him, Carson?” Willow asked.

“That he’s forgotten what marriage looked like on our side of the family.”

“And you’re right,” Dylan said before anyone else could ask more questions. “By this time, you all know that ours was not a happy home. Dad always looked lost and our mother was never happy. I can’t recall a single day we had a meal like the ones you have. The reason we chose to accept your offer to move here was because our house doesn’t hold any happy memories.”

“And you’re worried you won’t treat June right, aren’t you?” Rose asked.

For a moment Dylan looked at the door. He could be out of here in two seconds. Hell, this talking about feelings was seriously not his thing.

“No, don’t flee,” Willow said. “You’re a good man, coz, whether you want to know it or not.”

“I know we don’t know each other that well,” Hayden said. “And just for the record, I’m not comfortable talking about feelings as well, but Willow is right. Both you and Carson are good people. I see it in the way you treat the workers, the way you talk to Isabella, the way you work the land.”

“And animals like you,” Cooper added. “They’re never wrong.”

“We all struggle with feelings,” Becket grinned as he put his arm around Ellie. “And all of us ran in the opposite direction when we realized we’ve fallen in love, but fortunately we all came to our senses. Even Hunter. And remember, Willow doesn’t cook,” he teased.

Hunter pulled Willow closer. “Well, I certainly didn’t marry her because I want her to feed me. That I can do myself. But I do need her for just about everything else.” Turning her face to his, he kissed her.

“Yuck,” Luke groaned. “I’m never getting married.”

As everyone laughed, Dylan caught his brother’s eye. This—the laughing, the talking, the kissing—wasn’t something they’d known as kids.

“She could do so much better than me,” Dylan said. “I like her, but don’t forget, she’s leaving soon.”

Grinning, Ellie leaned against Becket. “So was I. But then I met Marietta’s bad boy who turns out to be a really good man.”

“I’m no psychologist …” Willow said.

Before she could continue, Becket interrupted her. “That has never stopped you before from saying what you think.”

“Okay, you’re right,” Willow nodded, “but if I’m not mistaken the reason why Dylan thinks he’s not good enough for June stems from the way you guys grew up. Ever since you two have joined us here on The Weston Ranch, I’ve been thinking about what you’ve told us about your parents. Why were they so unhappy? Was it because of the fight our dads had or was it something else? Shouldn’t we ask Mom again about the fight? I mean, it wasn’t just a difference of opinion. They were so mad with each other, they split up the ranch and as far as I know never spoke to each other again.”