Page 77 of Saddles

I can’t stop thinking about him.

“Maybe. I mean, I wouldn’t have met you.” I give them both a grin. “Now, didn’t you say there’s a coffee shop nearby?”

Sophia clutches my wrist, her big blue eyes widening. “I’ll do ya one better. There’s an ice cream place around the corner that you absolutely must try.”

“I could go for some peanut butter chocolate.” Char rubs her poochy abdomen. “I’m eating for three after all.” Her wink makes me laugh.

She’s so tiny and having twins.

And her husband is sobig.

I almost feel sorry for her, except I’ve seen how doting he is.

When he steps around the corner, he fills the hall.

“Everyone ready? I was catching up on some charting while we were here.” He jerks his thumb behind him, then snakes his palm around Char.

“Uncle Dix, we outvoted you and want to go to Frozen Bones.” Sophia dances next to me, then wags her eyebrows when she catches me glancing at her.

“Huh. Am I?” He looks down at Char, his mustache twitching as the corner of his mouth rises.

“I’m afraid so. Five against one.” She blows him a kiss.

He holds the passenger door to his truck open, and pats her butt as she crawls in. “I suppose with odds like those, I can’t argue.”

It makes my cheeks burn again watching them.

But it’s more from a little twinge of jealousy at the easy love they have for each other.

Sophia and I climb in the backseat while I tug out Ford’s phone.

I want to call him, but this archaic thing is already at only ten percent left on its battery.

I guess I’ll wait until I get back.

“April?” Dixon’s eyes meet mine in the rearview mirror.

“Yes?” I slide the cell back into my pocket.

“Wade texted, said he got called out, but would be in the office tomorrow. Are you okay waiting a day?” His crow’s feet deepen with his squint. “He did send his apologies. We’re all chomping at the bit to figure out who those assholes are and where they’re at.”

Good, that means I can call Ford sooner.

“I’m fine with that. I have nothing but time to kill.” He won’t be home until the day after anyways.

Actually, it’d be nice if he went with me.

“Is there any way to delay it until Ford’s here?” I feel guilty asking for favors, but just the thought of recounting the events of my nightmarish kidnapping makes me wish Ford was here to help me forget afterwards.

I can see Dixon’s jaw tighten as he nods. “Absolutely. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

Char gives him a soft smile, and grabs his hand with a little squeeze.

When we get to the ice cream place, Sophia and I are the first ones through the line.

“You’re right, this is amazing.” This coffee caramel is the best I think I’ve ever had.

“When do your classes start back up?” Sophia asks, scooping a big spoonful of her sundae.

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