Page 3 of The Cowbears of Curvy Bear Ranch

Or, she could turn left and drive straight up to the small town of West Yellowstone. Her mother owned the Huckleberry Pie Shop on Electric Street. She could leave Jimmy with her while she made the trek out to Brady’s family’sranch.

She squeezed the steering wheel. Although she wanted to avoid a confrontation with Brady’s brothers, she had no choice. They’d know if he was still in Afghanistan. She’d find a way to make them tell her. She wasn’t afraid of five bear shifters. So what if they could transform into grizzlies and tear her limb from limb? She’d face death in order to save her son. No one mattered more than him. Brady would be mad—no, he’d be furious—but he’d help her,wouldn’the?

Hours later, she pulled into the parking lot behind the pie shop. Jimmy sat sleeping. She hated to have to wake him. The peaceful expression on his face was rare. She’d learned to treasure every moment of happiness he had in his short,painfullife.

She stepped out of the car into the chilly winter wind. Clouds loomed in the distance. According to the news radio station, it wouldn’t snow until tonight. It was already three p.m. and the sun hung low in the horizon. The trip to the ranch would take at least thirty minutes, depending on how well the brothers had maintained the road. She’d be lucky to make it back bynightfall.

The back door to the pie shop swung open to reveal her mom. Dressed in a faux fur-lined teal jacket, matching boots, and a patchwork shirt and skirt, she exuded eccentricity. Wild blonde hair spiked out from under the hood. Two months ago her hair had been jet black and she’d shown up clad in a leather biker outfit. She changed her look faster than she changed the menu at her shop. But beyond the crazy outfits, her mom was the most wonderful woman in theworld.

Hands on her hips and a grin on her face, June bustled over to the car. “Why didn’t you call? I would have had Leah take over the shop untilclosing.”

Rachel turned to embrace her mom. At fifty years old, June had the energy of someone half her age. She’d always said good food and good friends made for alonglife.

“We just came up from thehospital.”

June frowned. “How’ditgo?”

She glanced at her son to make sure he was still sleeping. “Not good. The doctor said he needs a bone marrowtransplant.”

“Okay. I can help you through thesurgery.”

Rachel shook her head. Her voice wavered. “Notfromme.”

“What do you mean?Whynot?”

“I don’t have any shifterblood.So…”

Her mom’s eyes widened with realization. “Oh,crap.”

“I have to findBrady.”

June let out a low whistle. “How do you plan todothat?”

“I’m going to theranch.”

“Alone?”

She shrugged. “It’s not like they’re going to tear me topieces.”

June arched a brow. “Are you sureaboutthat?”

Jimmy’s eyes fluttered open. “Namma!”

After swooping in to unbuckle him from the car seat, June scooped him up. “How’s my favoritegrandson?”

He grinned. “I got to play withblocks.”

Rachel noted the flush on his cheeks. She placed the back of her hand to his forehead. It wasn’t hot. Thank God. Most of the time, he was so pale that even the slightest change was cause foralarm.

“I hate having to leave him with you, but I’ll be back as soon asIcan.”

“Where are you going,Mommy?”

June said, “She needs to go visit her friend. Why don’t you come inside and I’ll get you a cup of hotcocoa.”

He shrieked, “Withmarshmallows?”

June laughed. “I have some that are peppermint-flavored.”

---