Page 33 of Home to the Cowboy

“How lovely, thank you. Come on in,” she said as she moved toward the living room. “The women and Luke all came in Willow’s car. Apparently, there is some kind of crisis on the ranch.”

“I’ve heard. Hi, everyone,” June called as she entered the living room.

Four pairs of eyes swiveled in her direction, all with a knowing glint.

Grinning, Ellie patted the seat next to her. “Come and sit. We want to know everything.”

Blushing, June sat down. “I … I don’t know …”

“Oh, come on,” Willow grinned. “One moment you and Dylan were at the ball and the next he was dragging you outside. And you’re still wearing the necklace he gave you. So if you’re not ready to share, tell us at least when the wedding will be?”

“Oh, my goodness, no!” June called out aghast. “Nobody is talking about weddings! Dylan made it very clear he’s not interested in anything serious. And I … well, I have a life back in Seattle. We’re having fun, that’s all. Laura, I brought a few children’s books with me from home. I was thinking Luke may like this one. Would it be okay if I give it to him?” She turned the cover so that Laura could see it.

“Oh, yes, of course,” Laura smiled. “Luke is an avid reader. That was actually how Hayden and I met. I don’t know if you’ve heard the story?”

June shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“Luke was in my class,” Laura said. “From the beginning I could see he loved books, so I lent him some of mine to take home. When Hayden caught him reading instead of doing his chores, he charged into town to confront me.”

“And?”

“And that was it,” Laura laughed. “He knocked on my classroom door and my heart at the same time.”

“Oh, that’s so romantic,” June sighed. “I haven’t thought happy endings were possible before I’ve met all of you.”

“Dylan is also a Weston,” Rose said, her eyes twinkling.

June jumped up. “Where will I find Luke?”

“He’s playing in Arlene’s study next door,” Laura said.

Ignoring all the knowing looks, June quickly escaped.

*

By the time Dylan parked in front of Arlene’s house, he couldn’t wait to see June. The others had left in Hayden’s truck, but Dylan wanted to drive himself, he wasn’t planning on going home after lunch. They’d also only just arrived and were waiting for him on the porch.

Barking excitedly, Daisy reminded him she was also in the truck. Taking her out of the car, he put her down and with the leash in his hand he walked toward the front door.

He’d only left June a few hours ago but just the thought of touching her again had him just about hyperventilating. Neither of them slept much last night but that had been the last thing on his mind.

Hayden opened the front door as he joined them.

“He’s still smiling,” Becket said and slapped him on the shoulder. “You haven’t said a word all morning, coz. Every time I’ve looked at you, you’ve been grinning.”

“I’m happy,” Dylan said, only as the words left his mouth did he realize how true that was. Being happy or excited weren’t emotions he could remember experiencing as a child, and he’d certainly never felt like this about any woman.

“So are we having a wedding soon?” Becket smiled.

His question hit Dylan right in his solar plexus, wiping the smile instantly from his face. “Nobody is talking about a damn wedding,” he mumbled as he entered the house after Hayden. “We’re just having fun.”

“I called Mom to say we’re late and hungry. They’re probably already in the dining room.”

Soft feminine laughter floated in their direction. Everyone was suddenly moving faster.

All the women were already around the table, except for June.

“She’s in the study,” Arlene said as she caught his eye. “Reading to Luke.”