Page 43 of Marrying a Cowboy

Emma nodded. “Yes. Ipromise.”

Gran broke away and stepped up to Emma. She studied her for a moment, before opening her arms. “I believe you,” she said as she wrapped her arms aroundEmma.

From where Austin stood, he could see her tighten but then relax and wrap her arms around Gran. The sight of the two of them embracing causing his heart to swell. Two important women in his life getting along? He couldn’t ask for anythingmore.

Well, if Emma’s words were true, that would be nice. But for now, he’d feel happiness in this lie he’d created forhimself.

Gran pulled back but kept her hands on Emma’s shoulders. “I’ll see you next time I comeup?”

Emma nodded. “Sure.”

Austin stared at her. What did that mean? She was staying? Did he dare hope? Or was it the lie. It was eating him up inside that he couldn’t figure out what washappening.

Gran patted her shoulder and then turned and made her way toward the back door. “Love you, Austin,” she said as she turned the handle and pulled the dooropen.

“You too,Gran.”

After a final wave the door was shut and Austin was left alone in the kitchen withEmma.

Not sure what to do or say, he turned and glanced over at her. She was watching him as if she too werestruggling.

“So,” he said, stepping closer to her. All the questions he had were on the tip of his tongue. He wanted to askthem.

“Austin, Ithink—”

Austin’s phone rang out causing him to curse inside. Emma glanced down at hisphone.

“Hang on,” he said, pulling out his phone and swiping iton.

“Hello?” heasked.

“Austin? We’ve got aproblem.”

Austin’s heart sank from the panic in Sean’s voice. “What?” heasked.

“Seems a few cows got loose and one is tangled pretty badly in some barb wire. I need to go after the other ones. You need to get out here rightnow.”

The linedied.

Austin shoved his phone into hispocket.

“I have togo.”

Emma’s expression had turned serious. “I’m coming with you,” she said, slipping on hershoes.

“You can’t,” he said, shaking hishead.

“Oh, yes I can.” She followed afterhim.

“Emma,no.”

She placed her hands on her hips. “I can help. Please.” The look in her eyes caused him topause.

Against his better judgement, he growled and nodded. “Fine. But you listen to everything Isay.”

Emma nodded. “Ofcourse.”

“Come on,” he said as he pulled open the door and jogged over to his truck. A sinking feeling settled in his gut. One that said he should not bring her with him. But he ignored it. Besides, what’s the worst that couldhappen?

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