Page 62 of The Cattleman's Unforgettable Love

"Thanks, Cash. I'll think about it, but I probably won't go."

"Do you have anything planned here this weekend?"

"Ford talked about maybe going to the bakery on Friday afternoon. From the way he talked about it, I imagine you know what I mean?"

Cash threw his head back and laughed. "I know exactly what you mean, Amelia, honey. And I'd say that unless you have some pressing reason to go to San Francisco, I'd stay here if I were you."

She cocked her head at him. "Why do you say that?"

"Because going to the bakery and socializing isn't normally Ford's thing. If he told you about it and suggested that you guys go, then..." He ducked his head and gave her a mischievous smile. "Then maybe my hopes for the two of you will pan out after all." His smile faded. "And don't go thinking that I'm telling you something that he wouldn't admit to himself. You and he are alike in a lot of ways. I'm sure it won't surprise you to hear that he doesn't often go to the Friday afternoon get-togethers."

She smiled. It didn't surprise her in the least. If anything, it gave her a warm feeling inside to know that Ford was willing to go to take her.

Cash winked at her. "And on that note, do you want to call it a day? I'm going to run up to the house to see Jim and Banner." He checked his watch. "And it's getting late. You don't want to leave Ford to eat dinner alone, do you?"

She made a face. "I don't even know if he'll be there. He's worked late the last couple of nights."

Cash grinned and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

Amelia slapped his arm. "Don't you dare text him and tell him to go home, you..."

Cash laughed. "You're right. I wouldn't dare. That's not what I'm doing."

"Oh, sorry." She narrowed her eyes at him. "But I know you. What then?"

He chuckled. "I'm texting Boone, telling him that he should suggest Ford go home now because you might be home soon." He picked up her bag from the back of her chair and handed it to her.

"And even if Boone can't talk him into quitting for the day, I know damn well that seeing your car back at the big house will convince him that it's time."

Chapter Fourteen

Ford walked Janey back over to her car. "I'll be back to finish the rest tomorrow," she told him. "You know that I'd normally stick around until the whole herd was done, but I need to get home tonight."

"That's okay. There's no big rush," he told her. "You know I love having my sister as the vet; it works two ways – it means that you can knock off early when you need to as well. It's not like you're going to lose the client just because you want to go home to see your husband." He smiled to soften his words when he realized how they might sound. "And in case I haven't told you lately, I think the world of Rocket. I'm happy for you guys."

Janey seemed to light up when she smiled, or maybe it was just talking about Rocket that did it. Ford knew that his sister loved the big man with her whole heart.

"Thanks, Ford. It's just that we made plans for this evening ages ago, and you know what my work's like. I can't always be home when I say I will."

"Like I said, it's not a problem. Don't give it another thought. We'll see you tomorrow." He opened her truck door for her when they reached it, and she reached up to kiss his cheek.

"How are things going with Amelia?" she asked. "I know Laney, Frankie, and I didn't exactly give her the warmest welcome, but I hope you understand why."

"Of course I do." He gave her a rueful smile. "I'd be a hypocrite if I complained, wouldn't I? I didn't exactly make life easy for Rocket in the beginning."

Janey laughed. "I don't know if I ever told you this, but you cost us our first kiss."

His heart sank. "Shit. I'm sorry. I never meant..."

She touched his arm. "There's no need. If anything, I want to thank you for that. It was too soon, and it was only because you came barging in and interrupted us that I agreed to go over and see him the next day."

Ford had to smile. "Well, if I helped you get the timing right, and since I know I didn't mess things up for you completely, I’ll let it go with just an apology."

She met his gaze. "Do you think things might work out between you and Amelia?"

He toed the gravel with his boot. "I don't know yet. It's too soon to say."

"Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. And if ever you want a female perspective, you know I'm here for you."