Page 64 of Kian

“Yes.” Gretchen showed it to her mother.

Her mother read it, then set the phone down. “I think you should listen to him. Obviously, he’s upset.”

Gretchen’s mouth dropped open. “He’supset? How do you think I feel?”

“I think you’re jumping to conclusions. Why would he bother texting you?”

“Because he knew I saw him. He saw me pull out in front of someone and had to know I saw him with her.”

“But if he was in love with her, why would he bother texting you?”

Gretchen opened her mouth, snapped it shut, and shook her head. “I don’t know.”

“That’s why you need to talk to him.”

“Hey, bug,” her father said as he entered the room, and kissed the top of her head.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Uh, oh. What’s wrong?”

Were her parents physic?

“Nothing, Dad. I’m fine.”

“No, she’s not, but she will be if she wasn’t so stubborn. You know, like you.”

“That’s the pot calling the kettle black, honey.” Her father grinned at her mother. “I’ll leave you two alone, but come sit with me before you leave, Gretchen.”

“I will, Dad.” Gretchen sighed and looked at her mother. “I am so in love with Kian.”

“I can tell. I honestly cannot believe you took a stranger into your home, but I also know you had no choice. You couldn’t let him out there to die, and he would have if not for you and Lobo.”

“I know. When I saw him, I thought he was so handsome, but I didn’t know anything about him, so I couldn’t trust him at first.”

“I understand that. Now, he’s set on getting those men. I think someone needs to. They wanted him to die and to be shooting those wolves for just their pelts…” Her mother shook her head. “Those poor animals.”

“I know. I feel the same. I know they have to keep the population under control, but there are seasons for that and sometimes ranchers and farmers don’t have a choice, but those men didn’t care. I hope the sheriff’s department finds them. I know Kian won’t give up.”

“You need to talk to him. You’re miserable.”

“I am, but Mom, this was the woman he wanted to marry. I know it had to be her.”

“Well, as I said, why would he bother texting you? He saw you and if he was still in love with her, he had no reason to text you.”

“Maybe he likes having more than one woman at a time.” Gretchen shrugged.

“Do you honestly believe that?”

She sighed and shook her head. “No.”

“I didn’t think so. Now, let me get you some lemonade and you can spend some time with your father while I make us something to eat. You are staying a while, right?”

“Yes, for a little while. I have to get back to Lobo.”

“You should have brought him. You know your dad loves him.”

Gretchen smiled. “I know, but I had the back of the SUVloaded with paintings. I didn’t need the big ox to step on them.”

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