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While we enjoyed the food that was always excellent and way above Coyote Creek standards, Olivia passed by our table a couple of times and she couldn’t hide the tiny smile on her beautiful face.

“The desserts here are fantastic, Glen. I want you to try one, so save room.”

“I can’t believe how delicious this shrimp carbonara is, Travis. You were right about the food here.”

After dessert and two cups of coffee, I paid the check and walked Glenda out to her car. I wanted to say goodbye and have her out of my life permanently.

“For the next two weeks I’ll be working on getting Billy elected and turning the office over to him. I won’t have any spare time.”

“Your way of saying we won’t be seeing each other again,” said Glenda. “You couldn’t be clearer. Are you packed yet?”

“No, the packing has to be done and I have to buy a trailer for Outlaw.”

“Will he like a long trip like that?”

“No, he’s going to hate it and he can be downright stubborn when he doesn’t want to do something. It’s not going to be an easy trip. I’m not kidding myself.”

“Will you be able to manage him with your arm like that?”

“I hope so. I’m buying the trailer tomorrow. I want it right away, so I can put him in and out of it a few times so he doesn’t freak out completely when I close the back door and he’s stuck in there.”

“I don’t know much about horses, but I hope he doesn’t give you too much trouble and I wish you a safe trip to Texas. I can tell you’re saying goodbye to me, Travis, and I’ll miss you. I had hopes for us but I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”

“Could never be, Glen. I have a wife in Texas and that’s a fact I can’t ignore—even if we don’t live together, my heart is with her and I can’t give it to anyone else. It wouldn’t be right.”

“I don’t see the logic in it, but okay.”

I didn’t kiss Glenda goodbye and she was obviously expecting it. Made for an awkward moment as I opened her car door and handed her in.

As soon as Glenda drove away, I jumped into my truck and headed for the roadhouse.

I’m glad that’s over.

Dry Run Roadhouse.

I sat on my stool at the end of the bar realizing it would only be my stool for a few more nights. This roadhouse was one of the only things I’d miss about Coyote Creek, Montana. The bar and the owner, my friend Jack.

Like I’d told Glenda, not much time left before the election, and I had tons to do before I would be ready to leave for Texas.

Jack hurried over and set a pitcher of Miller down in front of me. “I heard you had a dinner date with Glenda.”

“Nothing gets by you, does it, Jack?”

“Not much.”

“We had a great dinner at the Inn and said our goodbyes. It went off better than I expected.”

“Touching,” said Jack. “I think Billy is much more into the other twin.”

“He sure is. He swears Brenda is nothing like her sister, and I’m grateful for that. I want him to be happy.”

“Same,” said Jack. “Billy is one of my favorite cousins.”

Wild Stallion Ranch.

I was home before Billy, and Tammy had the whole place cleaned up and the wood stove kicking out a nice welcoming heat.

“I’m glad you’re back, Travis. I don’t like it when you’re not where I can see you.”