Page 67 of Captivated

Nate chuckled. “You do know you’re contradicting everything I’ve ever thought about cowboys, don’t you?”

Zeeb smiled. “I told ya, this place ain’t like any other ranch I’ve worked on. Salvation’s more than just a place—it’s a state of mind.”

Every time I think I have Zeeb pegged, he goes and says something that removes another layer, and I find there’s even more of him to discover.

Zeeb glanced at the tied bunch of wildflowers in Nate’s hand. “You find those in the meadow?”

Nate nodded. “I don’t have a gift for Diana, but I didn’t want to turn up empty-handed.”

Zeeb’s expression of approval told Nate he’d done the right thing.

They reached the top, and Nate got a better look at the house. It had the appearance of a grand log cabin. To the right was a garden, something he hadn’t expected, and its beds were filled with shrubs and flowers.

Nate smiled. “Who has the green thumb?”

An older bald man in a plain blue shirt and jeans smiled. “That would be my mom. This was her garden.” He held out a hand. “I’m Robert Thorston, and you must be Nate.”

Nate shook. “I know your name, sir. My dad has mentioned you more than once.”

Robert smiled. “Derek and I have spent quite a few evenings on this porch, putting the world to rights.”

Nate let out another chuckle. “That sounds like my dad.” Inside, he was brimming with pride.

I can do this.

“I won’t do all the introductions, because you won’t remember them all, so I’ll just point and fire off names.”

Nate gave Robert a grateful smile. “Thank you.” Then he spied the only woman present, so he figured that was Diana. She was casually dressed in a shirt and jeans, and she was laughing with one of the two people Nate recognized, the guy who’d stopped by the cabin.Sol? Was that his name?

“If you’ll excuse me, sir.” Nate summoned up his courage, walked over to them, and held out the bunch of flowers. “For you. Happy birthday.”

Diana gave a broad smile. “Why, thank you.” She turned them in her hands. “They’re beautiful. I’d better go find some water.”

“I’ll do that,” Sol told her. “You stay with your guests.” He took the flowers and headed toward the patio doors.

Diana returned her attention to Nate. “Thank you for coming. Please, help yourself to something to drink. And I hope you’re hungry. Matt has outdone himself.”

Nate smiled. “Zeeb’s been teasing me with all the food Matt’s prepared.” He intended grabbing a plateful, then finding a quiet corner where he could sit, eat, drink, and watch the proceedings from a safe distance.

“And speaking of which, I’d be quick if I were you,” Zeeb observed. “Vultures an’ locusts have nothing on these guys when it comes to a cookout.”

Diana laughed. “And Zeeb should know. He’s usually one of the chief vultures.”

Zeeb flushed. His hand was at Nate’s back, guiding him toward the food tables, and Nate was thankful for the connection.

“How you doin’?” Zeeb asked in a low voice.

“I’m doing just fine.” And he was. Nate was calmer than he’d anticipated, and while he might not last the whole afternoon and evening, he was there, among strangers, and he wasn’t shaking like a leaf.

“No, you’re doinggreat,” Zeeb affirmed. He pointed to the farthest corner of the yard. “There’s two empty chairs. Wanna sit there?”

Nate nodded. “After I’ve gotten something to eat.” The aromas were playing havoc with his senses. His initialexhilaration hadn’t died, and he kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I really can do this.

Dad was going to be so proud, he’d probably burst.

His appetite waning, Nate glanced at the guests seated around the yard. It was easy to tell the ranch hands from the guests. The cowboys had a weathered look about them, their faces tanned, their arms too. They chatted and laughed, and Nate loved their camaraderie.