Page 45 of A Cowboy Takes A Chance

“I’m so sorry about your first husband. Jaxon told me about him.”

“Don’t be. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Zeke was Reid’s best friend, and they decided to do another rodeo together. A bull killed Zeke. Iwas pregnant at the time, but Zeke didn’t know. The only thing that really saddens me is that he will never know his son. A son who is the spitting image of him, by the way.” Lucy leaned forward and whispered. “Reid had been in love with me for years but I never knew. I love that man so much and I know he’s the one I’m meant to spend the rest of my life with, and he adores little Zeke. Calls him Z-man and Zeke loves it. All the Callahans call him that.”

“Jaxon mentioned that about Reid loving you. I can see how much you and Reid love each other. Like now. He can’t take his eyes off you.” Presley nodded toward Reid, and Lucy turned to see Reid looking at her. When Reid winked at her, Presley saw a blush move into her cheeks.

“Callahan men love deep. Remember that.” Lucy put her hand over hers.

Presley nodded. “It won’t do me any good. Jaxon isn’t interested in a long-term relationship, and I’m going back to Idaho Falls.”

Jaxon walked back toward her carrying his food and a beer. The band began to play, and Presley watched as people moved to the dance floor. They started with a fast song by Kenny Chesney,She’s Got It Alland Devin took Willa’s hand and led her to the floor. Presley smiled as she watched them. Theyboth had big grins on their faces as Devin spun her around.

“I’m sorry what I said about you competing with Bethany. I was wrong to say that,” Jaxon said from beside her.

“It’s how you felt.” She couldn’t look at him.

“It seems I’m always apologizing to you.”

“Same here.”

“I just can’t give you what you want, Presley.”

“I know,” she whispered.

“I’m not good at fast dancing,” Jaxon said close to her ear.

“That’s okay.” Her heart was breaking.

Jaxon sighed. “We all think Dev’s the only one who got the fast dancing gene.”

Presley laughed. “I noticed no one else is out there.”

“Nope, but wait until a slow song plays then all the Callahans will be out there.”

A slow song started, and everyone rose and headed for the dance floor. She could feel Jaxon looking at her.

“Do you want to dance?” he asked her.

“Yes.” She smiled sadly as he took her hand and led her to the floor. The band playedFeels So Rightby Alabama. It did feel so right to be in Jaxon’s arms. The only place she wanted to be.

“Will you come home with me tonight?” he whispered.

Looking up at him. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“No, but as I said, I can’t seem to stay away from you. If you say no, I’ll respect that.”

She knew she should tell him no because staying away from him was best for both of them.

“I can’t stay away from you, either.”What? Glutton for punishment. Plain and simple.

Jaxon smiled at her. “All right.”

“Who are the other aunts and uncles?”

“Aunt Catherina and Uncle Declan are Reid’s parents. Aunt Bridgett and Uncle Arden are Roark’s and Jackie Butler and Uncle Liam are engaged and getting married soon.” Jaxon grinned. “Jackie is Priscilla’s mother. Jackie and Uncle Liam met at Priscilla and Roark’s wedding.”

“Oh, my God. That is wonderful.” She smiled. “I bet you love your big family.”

“I do. We’re all close. Since the cousins are all close in age, we grew up running around together—”

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