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I’m in.

It works out perfectly. Well, kind of. I don’t want to make Cash jealous or anything. But chances are, Palmer and I won’t even leave my bedroom. Cash doesn’t have to know he’s here. No one has to know, really. I can always say I’m tied up with boot business.

I’m being stupid. I know I am. But I don’t know what else to do.

I didn’t come to Hartsville for a roll in the literal and proverbial hay with the man who runs my dad’s ranch.

I definitely didn’t come here to fall in love.

I came to get my money and keep Bellamy Brooks in business. Learning how to cowgirl from cute cowboys is just an added bonus.

Nothing more, nothing less.

“I have a bone to pick with you.”

Mom scoffs. “Oh? Do tell.”

I tuck my wet hair behind my ears. I just got out of the shower after spending the entire day outside on the ranch. It was a good day.

A really good day. Mostly because I kept catching Cash looking at me, which made me feel hot and bothered and wonderful.

More than that, he lookedoutfor me. When I started to sag in the saddle, he reminded me to drink some water. When Wyatt asked if I wanted to help muck stalls, Cash swiftly intervened and took me inside with him to the ranch office. We answered emails pertaining to the upcoming winter calving, and he explained in detail how the whole thing worked.

Even now my heart flutters at how patient he was withme. The way he took his time made me feel like he actually enjoyed us being together.

I sure as hell did.

But now I have to have a super-awkward conversation with my mother, which I’ve been putting off for as long as I can.

“Dad’s funeral,” I say carefully. “You told me you invited all his friends and family.”

A telling pause.

“You’re judging me for not inviting some random ranch hands to your father’s funeral, aren’t you?”

“These people aren’t random, Mom.” My heart is a furnace inside my chest. “They’re his family. Maybe they’re not related by blood, but he loved them, and it was wrong not to give them a chance to say goodbye.”

“Sweetheart, I don’t know those people from Adam. I wouldn’t even know where to begin with the invitations. The church was small, and your father wouldn’t have wanted a big to-do anyway.”

I bite my tongue to keep myself from saying something I’ll regret. “You could’ve begun by talking to the people Dad worked with every day for decades. I imagine Goody reached out to you—she would’ve told you who he was close with.”

Mom clears her throat. “What’s done is done. I’m sorry you’re upset?—”

“I am upset. I’m also embarrassed. This makes us look mean and coldhearted. Everyone here is grieving. They’re good people, Mom. They deserve better.”

Another pause.

“I’m sorry.”

My heart clenches at the sadness in Mom’s voice. I cover my face with my hand.

“We need to do better, Mom. I’m trying. You need to try too.”

Mom’s swallow is audible through the phone. “I’ll do my best. So things are okay there?”

“Things are good. Mostly because the people are wonderful.”

“Oh.” Mom’s never one to be caught speechless, so I know I must be getting through to her. “I’m relieved to hear they’re treating you well. I miss you, sweetheart. So damn much.”