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“She did on the sly and it made her as pleasant to be around as a sunburn in July. When are you coming home? Oh, honey, your sisters just got here. I’ll call you back tomorrow.”

As soon as the call ends, I feel as drained as I did the day I hauled ass out of Lucky River.

I turn on the TV but can’t get into the show I’ve been watching. I turn it off and pace the floor. I hate nights so much. It was night when I found out about my father’s cheating. Night when he left the family for good. Night when I caught my ex cheating.

Nothing good ever happens after daylight’s gone, my granny would say and it’s true.

My phone lights up and I check it, then smile. Another message from Midnight Cowboy.

Settling back down on the sofa, I read it and laugh out loud at just the subject line.

To: Sunflower

Subject: The Me Show…starring ME!

Yes, I like reading. My favorite book…I don’t really have one single favorite. But I like reading westerns and history.

Okay…two things no one knows…I found a dog when I was in Houston that a family vacationing from Oregon had lost. I drove it out to them.

Second thing, I have a horse that likes to hear me sing. Apparently, my singing calms him. Though my dog does howl mournfully when I do. But he just doesn’t understand my talent.

And I can help with the lonely nights. Just send me a message whenever you want and if I’m up, we’ll talk. Or I could sing to you like I do to my horse. That’ll put you right to sleep.

~Midnight Cowboy

As soon as I finish reading the message, my mood lightens and I immediately respond.

To: Midnight Cowboy

Subject: This show…will there be reruns?

I’ve read westerns before, but I prefer romance or sci-fi with romance.

You drove all the way to Oklahoma? That was so sweet of you. You sound like a good-hearted cowboy.

You rescue dogs? And you sing too? I’m in love. LOL.

And thanks for the offer to talk. I might take you up on that.

~Sunflower

Fifteen minutes after I hit send, he responds and I hurry to read it.

To: Sunflower

Subject: There are always reruns.

I don’t read romance, but I am romantic. At least, I think I am. You’re right. I am a good-hearted cowboy. No wonder you fell in love with me so fast.

How long have you lived in Coyote Bend?

~Midnight Cowboy

I’m getting ready for bed when I decide to check my messages one last time. It would be much easier and faster if my pen pal and I could talk on the phone but that’s against the rules.

As soon as I see there’s another message, I abandon what I was doing to respond.

To: Midnight Cowboy