Page 33

Her brother chuckled. “Contentious would be the right word for how things were after I graduated from college. I thought I would tuck my degree in my back pocket and come back to Hawthorne and put to use all I’d learned the moment I earned it.

That wasn’t what Dad wanted for me. It was hard to see at the time, but I now appreciate the fact that he gave me the gift of time.

To be on my own. To become more seasoned and learn about myself.

I think I’ll be better at running the ranch now because of those life experiences. ”

He paused. “Isaiah wants to meet with us regarding the will he drew up for Dad. I think it’s all pretty straightforward. Sawyer will also be there, too, in case we have any questions. I told them ten tomorrow morning would be good if that’s fine with you.”

“Sure.”

“Are you comfortable with the tasks I’ve given you to do? I know you’re trying to get SSC off the ground. You have so much to do, not to mention planning a wedding with West.”

“I’ve always found that I do better when I’m juggling a lot of balls,” she admitted. “It’s the Type A in me. As far as marrying West goes? I think I need to put that on the back burner. At least for a little while.”

“Don’t put it off too long, Kelby,” Chance cautioned. “Not that West wouldn’t wait for you. Of course, he would. He’s crazy about you. I just think the sooner you start a new life with West, the quicker you will heal.”

“What about you? You’ve been back in Hawthorne three years now. Are you seeing anyone? You’re always so closed-mouth about your personal life. It’s like pulling teeth to get you to share anything.”

He shrugged. “I’ve gone out, here and there. No one’s tickled my fancy, however. Do I want to get married someday and raise a family here at the ranch? Absolutely. But it’s going to take a very special woman, and I haven’t come close to finding her yet.”

They sat in contented silence for a long time, both lost in their memories.

Something changed in the air, and Kelby noticed clouds blowing in, saying, “It looks like rain is headed our way. Let’s ride back.”

They mounted their horses and rode quickly to the stables.

One of the hands said he would rub down the horses for them, and they returned to the house just as the bottom let out.

She was glad they had gone for the ride.

It had been exactly the medicine she had needed, plus it had given her a chance to see where her brother’s head was.

Kelby hadn’t eaten anything all day and found her stomach grumbling loudly as they entered the house.

The four of them headed to the kitchen, putting together a quick meal they could share.

West opened a bottle of wine and poured a glass for each of them.

They began reminiscing, not only about her dad but their years growing up in Hawthorne.

It was nice to have a shared history with these three.

Despite not having a mother, Kelby realized her childhood and those of her companions had been idyllic.

She hoped her own children would enjoy growing up in Hawthorne.

“How’s work going, Darby?” West asked his cousin. “Not that I know exactly what you do.”

Darby explained her role at the national cheerleading organization she had worked for since graduating from UT.

Both Darby and Kelby had worked summers for the organization while attending college, touring the country and teaching cheer clinics from coast to coast. Her friend had continued doing much of the same with the group for several years, climbing through the ranks of the company.

She now choreographed dances and created new cheers and motions which were taught at camps across the country, traveling to and supervising the other cheer coaches and campers.

“Sounds like you’re really busy,” Chance said.

Darby’s nose crinkled. “Too busy, I’m beginning to think. I’m toying with a career change.”

“That surprises me,” Kelby said. “You haven’t mentioned that before.”

“It’s been in the back of my mind for about a year now. I still have my teaching certification. Like West, I never let it lapse. It’s my ace in the hole.”

“You really are thinking about teaching?” she asked.

“I’m not certain exactly what I want to do,” Darby shared. “Being back in Hawthorne, however, is helping the picture to clear.” She smiled. “You know you’ll be the first person I tell if I do decide to make a change.”

They cleared the table and placed the dishes in the dishwasher. Darby and Chance both went upstairs. Her friend had an early flight out of DFW Airport tomorrow morning, and she would be leaving before the crack of dawn to turn in her rental and fly back to Kansas City.

That left Kelby with West. They snuggled together on the couch, talking about the different mourners who had attended the funeral and come by the ranch.

“Despite being gone for so many years, I really knew a lot of the people who came today,” she said.

“Same,” West agreed. “It’s nice, coming from a place which is such a close-knit community.” His gaze searched hers. “You haven’t mentioned anything about the wedding. Have you changed your mind about us, Kelby?”

“No,” she said quietly. “More than anything, I need you now, West. I’m just not sure when I want the wedding to occur.”

“We can put it on hold for now,” he assured her, kissing her. “The spring game is in two weeks. Coach Markham wants me to come to it and be on the sidelines with the rest of his coaching staff. After that, we can talk and see how we feel and if we can come up with a date.”

He cradled her face with his palm, and she leaned into it, feeling safe in its warmth.

“Thank you for giving me time,” she told him. “Just know that my future is with you.”

Kelby came to her feet and took his hand, pulling him to his feet.

“Come upstairs with me. Stay the night. I don’t want to be alone.”

He accompanied her upstairs, making love to her slowly. She needed unrushed. She needed to feel cherished.

And West instinctively knew this.

He took her to the heavens and back down to earth, a gentle landing, cradling her in his arms. As she drifted off to sleep, Kelby realized one thing. West was a man who would never let her down. He would never let her go. Her dad had approved of her marrying this man.

That was exactly what she was going to do.

Soon.