Page 46 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

“Shockingly, my parents didn’t fight. Not once.” I shifted in my seat to look at Garrett.

“About that...” He shot me a quick glance, then focused on the road. “Your dad mentioned that they started going to marriage counseling in September. I’m not quite sure why he decided to tell me, but I figured you’d want to know.”

“I’m stunned. And happy, but really stunned. Although that fits with what Mom said the other day about trying.” I tapped out a text to Mom, letting her know Garrett and I had both enjoyed the visit.

Whatever they were doing seemed to be working. They hadn’t bickered or yelled at all today. Except at Coco, and she deserved it.

I thought back through the day and remembered the way Mom had smiled at Dad when he’d patted her hip in the kitchen. Public displays of affection weren’t common with them. Maybe they’d achieve marital bliss after all.

“Hearing that news makes little things that happened today stand out. They seem happier. I never thought they’d be happily married. Ever.”

Garrett smiled. “I’m glad to see them happy.”

“When are you going to talk to your dad? After you said you were thinking about moving into ranching, it’s been on my mind.”

“Sundays on the ranch are usually fairly quiet. So I’m planning to talk to him tomorrow.” He flashed a smile. “But I’m a little... nervous isn’t quite the right word.”

“That is going to be an early Christmas present for him. He is going to be so happy.”

“I think so. Ihopeso.” Garrett rolled his shoulders. “I’ll let you know how the conversation goes.”

“Thank you. If you aren’t busy, we could meet up after the shop closes. I really do want to hear how he reacts.”

He nodded. “That’d be great. I found a spot on the ranch I want to show you. Maybe we can walk tomorrow.”

“Perfect.” I tilted my head back, my eyelids drooping as it neared my bedtime. “Today was a good day. Tomorrow will be too.”

I stared at Garrett’s profile, appreciative of our friendship. But I also felt a little guilty. Although I was stubborn, I wasn’t stupid. If I changed my mind about dating, Garrett would ask me out in a heartbeat. I knew that.

Was it wrong to like things as they were? This was comfortable. And he wasn’t trapped. Our friendship would just change when he found someone who was open to romantic relationships. And when that happened, I wouldn’t... have any right to be upset.

Chapter 15

An hour before closing, I smiled as Beau walked into the shop. I opted to keep quiet about Garrett and ranching because I wasn’t sure if that conversation had taken place yet.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Henry. What can I get you today?”

He surveyed the glass case. “We’ll get to what I want in a minute. First, I want to thank you.”

“I didn’t mind helping Garrett. I enjoyed getting to know him better. He’s kind and funny. You must be very proud of him.” I couldn’t imagine any dad not being proud of a man like Garrett.

“I am. But that thank you wasn’t for taking care of him. It was for whatever you said that changed his mind. He wants to learn about ranching. My son will someday step into my boots, as it were, and that makes me very happy.”

I felt happy tears coming on. “I can’t take credit for that, but I’m very pleased that he’s going into the family business.”

Beau leaned on the counter. “Can’t take credit? Garrett said you were the one who made him see that he was letting fear get in the way. I will forever be grateful.” He rubbed his hands together. “As for what I want. I’ll take everything you have left.”

For a Sunday, it had been slow, and I had dozens and dozens of doughnuts left.

“You don’t have to...” I twisted the corner of the apron around my finger. “I can’t let you do that. There is too much here.”

“Too much? You’ve met the ranch hands. They can devour a dozen doughnuts faster than our bull Houdini can escape a pasture. And just so you won’t worry about those guys getting too much sugar, I’ll drop some off with the firemen on my way home.” He crossed his arms. “Will it cause you trouble if you sell out before closing?”

“No. It happens occasionally. I just put up a sign that says I’ve sold out.”

“Well, make that sign.” He pulled out his wallet. “You can get out of here an hour early and go do something fun.”

“Thank you.” I packed up the doughnuts and rang up the total, wondering if Beau had any idea that the something fun I’d planned was with his son.

---