Page 72 of Her Saltwater Cowboy

Does that thing run on gas or broken promises?

That car’s the reason the chickens won’t cross the road.

And the one that had Bella giggling for five minutes straight:It’s so optimistic … like it thinks it’s really a car!

She was laughing in spite of herself when Chance looked up from his work, tipped his hat back and sent a grin her way.

Willow smiled back, gave Bella a quick hug, then made her way toward Chance, the basket bumping against her hip.

“Hey.”

“Hey, yourself.”

He took off his hat and kissed her tenderly.

Rafael snickered.

Chance cut a look at the foreman. “Don’t you have some cow patties to round up?”

Rafael chuckled. He dusted his hands off, saying, “I know when I’m not wanted.”

“No offense,” Willow said.

Rafael smiled. “None taken.” He clapped Chance on the shoulder. “I’m going to walk the southern ridge before supper. Holler if you need anything.”

Chance nodded. “Tell Bella to save us some of those lemon bars.”

Rafael gave a mock salute and disappeared between the rows.

Willow put the basket on the ground. “You’ve settled in nicely to all this.” She paused, placing her hands near his shoulders. “How are you really doing?”

Chance’s expression softened. “Still feels strange sometimes. Walking into that office and knowing Ace isn’t there. Making decisions without even a nod from him.”

“He knew you could handle it. That’s why he did what he did.”

Chance wrapped his arms tighter about her waist, and buried his face in her hair, sighing. “Hope so.”

She pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes. “Nuh-uh. Not hope so,knowso.”

“Ace was right about you.”

“Right? About what?”

He grinned. “You’re good for me. He said as much.”

Willow pouted and put one hand on her heart. “He said that? That’s so sweet, but I-I haven’t done much.”

“Are you kidding me? You’ve done everything.” His voice was quiet now, steady. “You’ve held the kitchen, this house, this whole place together while I found my footing—even before Dad’s passing. And you did it while carrying your own grief. Your own story.”

She looked away for a moment, blinking back the sudden warmth in her eyes.

He reached for her hand. “I’ve been thinking.”

“Oh, now, haven’t I told you that’s dangerous?” She echoed the same words she’d said on the beach.

Chance grinned, his gaze growing serious.

“I was kidding, you know.”

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