Page 24 of Home to the Cowboy

Hayden frowned. “I don’t want to upset Mom, she’s still not quite herself after she’s had a mini stroke. And anyway, what difference would knowing what the fight was about, make to us now? The two family ranches and Hunter’s ranch have been consolidated; we’ve put the past behind us.”

“It could bring closure for Dylan and Carson,” Willow insisted. “I know we’ve talked about it with Mom, but she clams up every time we mention it. Maybe that’s what Dylan and Carson need to make peace with their past. And remember, you can only put the past behind you when you’ve made peace with it, as we’ve all had to learn. I just don’t want our cousins to miss out on a chance to be happy because they think they don’t deserve it.”

“I hear you and okay,” Hayden said, “it does sound like something we should do. Mom’s still not quite herself though. Let’s wait. Since Dylan and Carson have joined us, she knows we’re all curious about what happened. Maybe she’s not ready to talk about it yet.”

“Anyway,” Ellie said. “I don’t think June would be too upset about tonight. According to Aurelia Hill, in the hardware store today, Nash Johnson has been asking about the pretty brunette who is new in town.”

A huge hole opened up inside of Dylan. Of course, other guys would notice June. She was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen. And she was interesting and nice and when he kissed her … Gnashing his teeth, he dropped his head. Man, that was something he should try and forget. Nash Johnson was a nice guy, he’d treat June right.

Cooper leaned closer. “He would, but he’s not you.”

Damn, this family who knew everything. Pushing his chair back, Dylan got up. “Excuse me.” With Daisy at his heels, he left the dining table and walked outside to where he’d parked his truck. The rain had finally stopped it seemed.

Everything inside him was urging him to drive to June, to apologize for being an absolute idiot, but sighing, he headed home. As if feeling his pain, Daisy moved closer and put her head on his leg.

*

June looked around her. Rocco’s Italian Restaurant was … interesting. The faux plaster walls were covered with Tuscan landscapes and l’oeil fountains and statues were painted in corner niches. On the ceiling was a trellis with vines and clusters of huge burgundy red grapes.

She’d planned to work to keep her thoughts busy, but when Vivian O’Sullivan called her, after Carson had dropped her off, to ask if she wanted to join them tonight for pizza, she’d agreed. Anything would be better than staring at the walls, trying not to think about Dylan. Honestly, she hadn’t wanted to go with him, but who could resist those blue eyes and killer smile? And then he canceled the date—why?

Annie leaned over the table. “I’m so glad you’re joining us tonight. I’m sorry about your canceled date.”

Chuckling, June shook her head. “I’m not even going to ask how you know. I should’ve guessed that was why Vivian invited me.”

“It took us a while to get used to the small-town gossiping when we moved here,” Vivian said with a smile. “I’m just glad you agreed. We wanted to invite you anyway.”

“Mitch also wanted to meet you,” Riley said.

Mitch lifted his glass. “I’ve read all about your publishing house. I’m impressed and would love to talk to you.”

“That’s wonderful news,” June said. “Let me know when would suit you.”

“I suppose you know about the festivities over the weekend?” asked Vivian.

“Yes, I’m going with Arlene. I’m still not sure whether I’ll go to the dance, but the farmer’s market and the picnic sound like fun.”

“Excuse me,” someone said behind her.

“Hi, Nash,” Aiden, Vivian’s husband, said as June turned around.

Behind her was a cowboy, hat in hand and an uncertain smile on his face. “I’m sorry for intruding, but I couldn’t help overhearing. I’m Nash Johnson and … well, I’ve seen you around town and would like to take you to the dance on Saturday.”

Laughing, Aiden slapped him on the back. “He’s a nice guy, June.”

“Thank you, but I’m going with a friend,” she said quickly.

Nash’s smile dropped for a second before it was back. “Maybe you’ll save me a dance?”

She couldn’t help a smile. “Maybe.”

Grinning, he profusely apologized again for interrupting them before he moved away.

“I thought you’re still thinking about going to the dance,” Annie laughed.

“A good thing you didn’t tell him,” Riley chuckled. “He’s determined to ask you on a date, according to Aurelia Hill, that is.”

Fortunately, someone else stopped by to talk to them and June didn’t have to answer. Dating was the last thing on her mind when she’d decided to visit Marietta again. With her background and lack of knowledge about families and what love is supposed to be, she should stay single—something her failed relationship with Jonathan had taught her.