Chapter Eight
The shopping spree Wednesday morning in Bozeman was a blast. While they tried on dresses, her friend Abby had phoned from Seattle. Everyone wanted to talk to her, and by the time Abby ended the call, she’d been invited to visit The Weston Ranch.
Poor Abby had been slightly overwhelmed by all the attention but took the Westons in stride like she did everything else.
June was still giddy when Arlene dropped her off later that afternoon. “Thank you, I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much.”
Arlene smiled. “I’m so glad you bought those three lovely dresses. I really loved the pale blue one as well, though.”
“Oh, my goodness, no,” June laughed. “Where would I wear it? I love pretty clothes, but I don’t usually splurge like I have this morning.
My friend Abby taught me to build a wardrobe around only a few good pieces, and I always shop according to her strict rules.
Even fashion should be sustainable, she always argues.
But while shopping with you, I forgot all about Abby’s rules and bought three dresses and one for the dance this weekend, even though I still haven’t decided if I’m going. ”
Arlene smiled. “Well, now you have something to wear for your date with Dylan tonight. I can pick you up for the dance, just let me know.”
Just then June’s phone bleeped. It was a message from Dylan. As she opened the door, she quickly scanned the message.
“Have to cancel tonight.”
“Everything okay?” Arlene asked.
Pasting a smile on her face, June got out of the car. “Yeah, everything is fine. Dylan canceled tonight’s date. That means I can go to bed early. I have a stack of books I want to read. Thanks for the lift!”
“Are you okay?”
“Of course!” As June closed the door, she made sure the smile was still in place.
Her face was aching by the time Arlene finally drove away. Last night, Dylan seemed happy that she’d agreed to go with him. So what happened?
She’d even found the perfect dress for tonight. A white dress with a flattering V-neck top and a wide skirt, ending just above her knee. All she could think about when she’d tried it on, was Dylan’s face when he would see her. And now he’d changed his mind. Why?
Inside the house, she quickly dropped the parcels and texted Dylan.
“Everything okay?”
Blue marks appeared, he’d seen the message, but he didn’t reply.
Disappointed, she dropped her phone. Well, she’d wanted an answer, she got one.
Quickly glancing at her watch, she grabbed the packages and ran upstairs. She was not going to sit here and mope about a canceled date, she was going for a run before she worked on her children’s story.
Within minutes, she was outside in her running clothes. She also needed to catch up with all her emails tonight and then there was the knitting project she wanted to try. Driving herself crazy with thoughts about Dylan was not on the agenda.
Checking the road for traffic, she jogged in the direction of the courthouse. Oh, my goodness, look at the clouds. There had been a few clouds earlier, but it didn’t look like rain. Now the clouds were darker and more threatening.
As she neared the courthouse, the first drops fell on her. She was just going to run through the gardens before she turned back home. Running in the rain was something she loved to do.
By the time she was heading back to the house, it was pouring. A truck pulled up next to her, sending her heart into a summersault. It wasn’t Dylan behind the wheel, though, it was Carson.
“Get in,” he said. “I’ll take you home.” Leaning across the seats, he opened the door.
Just then the heavens seemed to open up and rain poured down even harder.
“I’m very wet,” she said.
“I have a towel somewhere. Come on.”
As she got into the truck, he handed her a small towel before he started the truck. “You can’t catch a cold now, my brother has a date with you tonight, I believe,” he teased as he drove down the street where she lived.
“He didn’t tell you? He canceled,” she said as Carson stopped in front of the house.
Carson frowned. “What? When?”
“This morning. He’d obviously changed his mind.”
Carson shook his head. “The idiot. I think it was something I said.”
“What do you mean?”
“Dylan really likes you. In fact, I think he’s falling for you. Because I’m worried that when you leave, he’ll be devastated, I reminded him last night what marriage looked like in our part of the family. Let me talk to him …”
Shrugging, she got out of the truck. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. The whole thing is ridiculous anyway. A week ago, I didn’t even know he existed. I’ve told you guys where I come from. I also have no idea what a real relationship looks like. Besides, as you’ve mentioned, I’m leaving soon.”
Squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin, she walked toward the house. She’d been fine on her own, she would be again.
*
Everyone looked surprised when Dylan joined them for dinner.
“I thought you had a date with June,” Willow said although of course she knew he’d canceled.
Shrugging, he sat down. “I canceled.”
“Why?” Laura asked, clearly baffled. “She got a dress especially for tonight.”
Damn it to hell. He should’ve stayed home.
“I spoke to June this afternoon,” Carson said. “She was running in the rain when I stopped and took her home. When she mentioned Dylan has canceled their date, I realized the reason he did it was probably because of what I said to him last night.”
Dylan quickly looked up. What the hell? He didn’t know what upset him more—the fact that June had been running in the rain or the fact that Carson, who rarely spoke, was about to tell everyone around the table what he’d said to him.
“And what did you say to him, Carson?” Willow asked.
“That he’s forgotten what marriage looked like on our side of the family.”
“And you’re right,” Dylan said before anyone else could ask more questions.
“By this time, you all know that ours was not a happy home. Dad always looked lost and our mother was never happy. I can’t recall a single day we had a meal like the ones you have.
The reason we chose to accept your offer to move here was because our house doesn’t hold any happy memories. ”
“And you’re worried you won’t treat June right, aren’t you?” Rose asked.
For a moment Dylan looked at the door. He could be out of here in two seconds. Hell, this talking about feelings was seriously not his thing.
“No, don’t flee,” Willow said. “You’re a good man, coz, whether you want to know it or not.”
“I know we don’t know each other that well,” Hayden said. “And just for the record, I’m not comfortable talking about feelings as well, but Willow is right. Both you and Carson are good people. I see it in the way you treat the workers, the way you talk to Isabella, the way you work the land.”
“And animals like you,” Cooper added. “They’re never wrong.”
“We all struggle with feelings,” Becket grinned as he put his arm around Ellie. “And all of us ran in the opposite direction when we realized we’ve fallen in love, but fortunately we all came to our senses. Even Hunter. And remember, Willow doesn’t cook,” he teased.
Hunter pulled Willow closer. “Well, I certainly didn’t marry her because I want her to feed me. That I can do myself. But I do need her for just about everything else.” Turning her face to his, he kissed her.
“Yuck,” Luke groaned. “I’m never getting married.”
As everyone laughed, Dylan caught his brother’s eye. This—the laughing, the talking, the kissing—wasn’t something they’d known as kids.
“She could do so much better than me,” Dylan said. “I like her, but don’t forget, she’s leaving soon.”
Grinning, Ellie leaned against Becket. “So was I. But then I met Marietta’s bad boy who turns out to be a really good man.”
“I’m no psychologist …” Willow said.
Before she could continue, Becket interrupted her. “That has never stopped you before from saying what you think.”
“Okay, you’re right,” Willow nodded, “but if I’m not mistaken the reason why Dylan thinks he’s not good enough for June stems from the way you guys grew up.
Ever since you two have joined us here on The Weston Ranch, I’ve been thinking about what you’ve told us about your parents.
Why were they so unhappy? Was it because of the fight our dads had or was it something else?
Shouldn’t we ask Mom again about the fight?
I mean, it wasn’t just a difference of opinion.
They were so mad with each other, they split up the ranch and as far as I know never spoke to each other again. ”
Hayden frowned. “I don’t want to upset Mom, she’s still not quite herself after she’s had a mini stroke. And anyway, what difference would knowing what the fight was about, make to us now? The two family ranches and Hunter’s ranch have been consolidated; we’ve put the past behind us.”
“It could bring closure for Dylan and Carson,” Willow insisted.
“I know we’ve talked about it with Mom, but she clams up every time we mention it.
Maybe that’s what Dylan and Carson need to make peace with their past. And remember, you can only put the past behind you when you’ve made peace with it, as we’ve all had to learn.
I just don’t want our cousins to miss out on a chance to be happy because they think they don’t deserve it. ”
“I hear you and okay,” Hayden said, “it does sound like something we should do. Mom’s still not quite herself though. Let’s wait. Since Dylan and Carson have joined us, she knows we’re all curious about what happened. Maybe she’s not ready to talk about it yet.”
“Anyway,” Ellie said. “I don’t think June would be too upset about tonight. According to Aurelia Hill, in the hardware store today, Nash Johnson has been asking about the pretty brunette who is new in town.”
A huge hole opened up inside of Dylan. Of course, other guys would notice June.
She was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen.
And she was interesting and nice and when he kissed her …
Gnashing his teeth, he dropped his head.
Man, that was something he should try and forget.
Nash Johnson was a nice guy, he’d treat June right.
Cooper leaned closer. “He would, but he’s not you.”
Damn, this family who knew everything. Pushing his chair back, Dylan got up. “Excuse me.” With Daisy at his heels, he left the dining table and walked outside to where he’d parked his truck. The rain had finally stopped it seemed.
Everything inside him was urging him to drive to June, to apologize for being an absolute idiot, but sighing, he headed home. As if feeling his pain, Daisy moved closer and put her head on his leg.
*
June looked around her. Rocco’s Italian Restaurant was … interesting. The faux plaster walls were covered with Tuscan landscapes and l’oeil fountains and statues were painted in corner niches. On the ceiling was a trellis with vines and clusters of huge burgundy red grapes.
She’d planned to work to keep her thoughts busy, but when Vivian O’Sullivan called her, after Carson had dropped her off, to ask if she wanted to join them tonight for pizza, she’d agreed.
Anything would be better than staring at the walls, trying not to think about Dylan.
Honestly, she hadn’t wanted to go with him, but who could resist those blue eyes and killer smile? And then he canceled the date—why?
Annie leaned over the table. “I’m so glad you’re joining us tonight. I’m sorry about your canceled date.”
Chuckling, June shook her head. “I’m not even going to ask how you know. I should’ve guessed that was why Vivian invited me.”
“It took us a while to get used to the small-town gossiping when we moved here,” Vivian said with a smile. “I’m just glad you agreed. We wanted to invite you anyway.”
“Mitch also wanted to meet you,” Riley said.
Mitch lifted his glass. “I’ve read all about your publishing house. I’m impressed and would love to talk to you.”
“That’s wonderful news,” June said. “Let me know when would suit you.”
“I suppose you know about the festivities over the weekend?” asked Vivian.
“Yes, I’m going with Arlene. I’m still not sure whether I’ll go to the dance, but the farmer’s market and the picnic sound like fun.”
“Excuse me,” someone said behind her.
“Hi, Nash,” Aiden, Vivian’s husband, said as June turned around.
Behind her was a cowboy, hat in hand and an uncertain smile on his face. “I’m sorry for intruding, but I couldn’t help overhearing. I’m Nash Johnson and … well, I’ve seen you around town and would like to take you to the dance on Saturday.”
Laughing, Aiden slapped him on the back. “He’s a nice guy, June.”
“Thank you, but I’m going with a friend,” she said quickly.
Nash’s smile dropped for a second before it was back. “Maybe you’ll save me a dance?”
She couldn’t help a smile. “Maybe.”
Grinning, he profusely apologized again for interrupting them before he moved away.
“I thought you’re still thinking about going to the dance,” Annie laughed.
“A good thing you didn’t tell him,” Riley chuckled. “He’s determined to ask you on a date, according to Aurelia Hill, that is.”
Fortunately, someone else stopped by to talk to them and June didn’t have to answer.
Dating was the last thing on her mind when she’d decided to visit Marietta again.
With her background and lack of knowledge about families and what love is supposed to be, she should stay single—something her failed relationship with Jonathan had taught her.
It was a lovely evening. They had fabulous pizzas, talked about all things Marietta while several people, including other single cowboys stopped by to introduce themselves.
They were all handsome, charming, keen on taking her on a date. The problem was, though, they didn’t interest her in the least.
By the time Vivian and Aiden dropped her off at home, she was tired. It had been an emotional day. She’d gone shopping, joined friends for a meal, and had her heart broken—all within in twelve hours.
Maybe she should think about cutting her visit short. She’d planned to be away for a month or two, but there was nothing that said she had to stay in Marietta. Maybe she could stay another week, talk to Becket and discuss her proposal with Mitch before she decided where to go next.
The world was big, and she hadn’t really been anywhere. Maybe Europe? Or a tropical island? She could even try to twist Abby’s arm to join her?
There was time to decide, she wasn’t going to make rash decisions because a cowboy broke her damn heart.
The mechanic had texted earlier to confirm her car would be ready by Friday. She was looking forward to being independent again. There was so much to explore. The Yellowstone National Park was close by, maybe she could visit for the day.
What she was not going to do was cry over a cowboy, even if he’d actually rocked her world.
Sighing, she trudged up the stairs. Well, she now had time to sit down and put the story of Pepper, the awkward little dragon, to paper. Barry who was also the editor for children’s books, would be over the moon if she finally sent him a story.