Page 57 of A Cowboy's Heart

“Hello. That’s a pretty dollhouse, isn’t it?”

“It is.” Willa ran her hand along the red roof of the white house.

“Every girl loves a dollhouse no matter what her age,” the elderly woman said.

“That’s so true. I never had one when I was little, but I never gave up the dream of having one.”

“Oh dear, you have to come with me then. I can see you love them so please, follow me.”

Willa smiled and followed the older woman through a curtain and entered a room that had her gasping for breath. Dollhouses of every size and color filled the room. She blinked tears away as she looked at them and slowly moved through them. Afraid to even breathe, she stopped in front of a large three-story, grey colonial style house with white trim. The porch ran across the front and along one side. Walking around the back of it, she inhaled deep in appreciation when she saw the furniture inside. The floors were either carpeted or hardwood. She glanced over at the woman.

“This is so beautiful. It looks so real.” She laughed self-consciously. “You know what I mean.”

“I do, indeed, hon.” The woman stood beside her and peered inside the house. “It’s actually one of my favorite ones. It’s ancient. Like me. I’m Minnie,” she said laughing.

Smiling, Willa put her hand out. “Willa. It’s just gorgeous.”

“It’s been completely restored. It’s from the early fifties, and it is for sale you know.”

“Yes, but I’m with a group of people from Bur Oak ranch or I’d buy it in a heartbeat.”

“I see. Too bad, dear. I think you would give it a wonderful home.”

“Thank you for showing it to me.” She turned to go.

“Do you know why I think you’d give it a wonderful home?”

Willa turned back to her. “Why?”

“Because you didn’t even ask how much it was or look at the price tag. You’re truly in love with it. Numbers mean nothing to you. Have a good day and enjoy Spring City.” Minnie winked and disappeared behind another curtain.

Willa practically ran from the store.Numbers mean nothing to you.Minnie was right. Numbers were nothing to be upset about, and age was just a number but now she’d ruined it with Devin, and he’d never forgive her. She hoped the days passed quickly so she could leave here never to return.

****

Once everyone was in the van, Devin drove it back toward the ranch and listened as the guests chatted about the town. He straightened up when he heard a woman ask Willa a question.

“Where did you take off to, Willa?”

“I went into an antique store that had a backroom filled with dollhouses. It was beautiful,” she answered.

He knew precisely what store she’d visited. Minnie Dover had owned the store for years, and she loved her dollhouses. His mother even had one from there.

“I loved my dollhouse when I was little,” the woman said.

“I never had one. I always wanted one, but my parents thought it would just collect dust. They were very strict,” Willa said, and he could hear the longing in her voice. “There was one there that was so beautiful. A grey colonial with white trim and it was furnished just right for the time period.”

“How much was it?”

“I didn’t ask,” Willa whispered.

“Maybe you should get it before you leave,” another woman suggested.

“No. I can’t take it home on the plane. I’ll look for one when I get home.”

Devin swore softly when he heard her voice catch. Keeping his eyes on the road, he continued the drive home. She’d be leaving him soon, and he wanted to slam his hand against the steering wheel but if he did, he’d scare the guests. Gritting his teeth, he drove back to the ranch.

The next week passed quickly and before he knew it, it was Saturday night and the last dance for Willa. She’d leave him tomorrow, and he still didn’t want her to go but knew he couldn’t stop her. Every night, he’d toss and turn. He couldn’t remember when the last time was he’d slept all night. At least today he hadn’t had to worry about seeing her since he had gone to a picnic athis parents’ ranch. It had been to welcome Roark and Priscilla home from their honeymoon. There was another example of a quick romance. Priscilla was to follow Roark around the rodeo circuit for a magazine article but when he was eliminated, she talked him into letting her follow him around his ranch instead. They fell in love, and got married. Devin was happy for his cousin. There was no doubt that Roark adored Priscilla.

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