Page 128 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

“I can imagine,” said Sierra. “It wasn’t easy for us when Mateo and Maya first arrived – and they were both younger than Hunter is now. Neither of them had the kind of attitude Nat does. I don’t know how you do it.”

“Mostly by following Ford’s lead. That man…” She shook her head with a smile.

Sierra grinned at her. “That man is wonderful. And I love that you two found each other. I love it for you and for him – and the kids. And I don’t mind telling you that I love it for myself, too. I finally get my best friend to keep her promise to move here.”

Amelia felt bad for a moment. She had made that promise – but she’d only come good on it because of Ford… and now the kids.

Sierra reached across to touch her arm.

“I know that look on your face. I know what you’re thinking – and there’s nothing for you to feel bad about. Of course I would have loved it if you’d just moved here to be near me. But it makes me even happier that now you have your very own family too.”

Amelia gripped the steering wheel a little tighter.

Sierra laughed.

“Sorry – I know you’re not used to the idea yet. I shouldn’t have said it out loud, should I? But don’t let it freak you out. It’s true.”

Amelia nodded happily. “It does still freak me out, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love it.” She glanced at the clock on the dash. “What do you think? Should we stop in at the bakery on our way back – see if they’re still there and how they’re doing?”

“I’d love to,” said Sierra. “Mateo and Maya were really excited to meet them. I hope they’re all getting along okay.”

“Yeah, me too. I’m not so worried about Hunter and your guys… but Nat… I hope she’s going to get along with Tanya.”

Sierra looked a little worried as she said, “Me too. Tanya’s a sweetheart – she’s very easygoing. But I don’t think she’s all that… worldly, if you know what I mean.”

Amelia nodded grimly. “Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. Sounds like she’s going to be the complete opposite of Nat. That girl’s had to be street smart – and survive on her wits.”

“Maybe they’ll be good for each other,” Sierra said hopefully.

Amelia let out a short laugh. “Yeah, maybe.”

~ ~ ~

Ford stood at the counter with Wade. He was pleased with the way the afternoon had gone. Hunter, Mateo, and Ashton were all sitting in a booth in the corner, chattering away as if they’d known each other forever.

Little Maya kept running over to check on them before going back to talk to Rocket. The big man was her hero.

He checked his watch. They’d been here much longer than he expected. He’d told Amelia not to worry about them – that she and Sierra should stay in Bozeman as long as they wanted – and they’d see her back at home. But now he was getting concerned that she might be back before them.

When he checked his watch again, Wade nudged him with his elbow.

“Are you getting worried about her?”

“Not worried.” He frowned when he remembered what Amelia had said this morning – that this would be the first time she and Sierra had driven over to Bozeman together since Jared had run them off the road.

“Relax. I didn’t mean that kind of worried,” said Wade. “It’s not like she has a jilted groom out there somewhere who might be out for revenge, is it?”

“No,” said Ford, pulling himself together. “That wasn’t what I was thinking. It’s just that they might be back by now. They’ll at least be on their way – and I don’t want her to go back to an empty house while we’re here.”

Wade chuckled. “I was thinking that Sierra might appreciate an empty house for a little while. But you might be right. Do you want me to call her since Amelia’s driving?”

“It’s okay,” said Ford. “I’ll give her a quick shout.”

Tanner came to join them and smirked at Ford when he saw his phone in his hand.

“You don’t need that,” he said. “They’re just pulling up outside.”

Ford looked down when his phone buzzed in his hand. Amelia had sent him a text.