Page 24 of Soldier Cowboy
“Well, sometimes love happens that way. Riggs and Winona were also an unexpected surprise. Both were married before and found each other later in life. Happened very quickly. The physical attraction was pretty immediate, but love wasn’t far behind. Now those two have one of the strongest marriages I’ve ever seen.”
“How about Colton? Was he…ever married before?”
Too late, Jennifer realized it might be a question she should have already asked. But Colton was thirty-five, and an early marriage would have been possible.
“He didn’t tell you?” Delores blinked. “Not our Colton. Oh, he had a teenage sweetheart, but they didn’t last. He was pretty singularly focused on the military early on. We tried but couldn’t quite wash it out of him. I figure it’s because Calvin had been in the service and Colton admired the heck out of him. He figured he could always be a cowboy later.”
“I’ve never been married, either, but I’m only twenty-five.”
“Oh, an age gap. You seem quite mature for your age.” Delores walked to the couch and Jennifer followed. “Are you from a big family, too?”
“No, just me and my brother, Joe.” Jennifer didn’t volunteer any more information.
She didn’t like talking about her brother and guarded his privacy. Joe had been through enough and finally seemed to have reached a good place.
“Do you think you and Colton will have many children?”
Jennifer blinked and Delores laughed and waved her hand dismissively. “You probably haven’t even talked about this yet. I’m sorry to spook you. I always thought Colton would have a bunch of children but he’s getting a late start.”
He’d been busy with other matters, Jennifer guessed. She tried not to think of those other matters.
“I want children.” This was true. “Someday.”
“Do you have a career?”
Of all the questions, this one was the toughest. “I…used to be a journalist. I had a popular podcast.”
“Wonderful. You’re taking a break?”
This was the easier answer. “Yes.”
“One good thing about writing is you can do it anywhere.” Delores went on, not waiting for a response. “My husband and I couldn’t have children of our own and neither could Marge, my best friend. When she and Cal adopted the boys, they became like my own. And, with Marge gone I’m all they have.”
“Colton speaks so highly of you.”
“Well, although a mother doesn’t have favorites, just between you, me, and the wall, he may have been Marge’s favorite. Such a sweetheart. Those beautiful eyes and sweet smile. He’s always been a looker.”
Jennifer was about to comment on the resemblance between Sean and Colton, but Delores kept talking.
“He won’t say anything, of course, but I’m sure his ex-girlfriend is going to be brokenhearted when she hears he’s engaged. But the breakup was her fault anyway, so she should talk. I’m so glad he came home with someone kind like you.”
So, there was yet another reason Colton might want a fake fiancée. A bit of bitterness between him and his ex? She didn’t appreciate being put in the middle of this drama.
“I hope she doesn’t hate me.”
“Don’t be silly, honey. Us women stick together in Stone Ridge. There are so few, and so many eligible men that there’s no room for petty jealousy or bitterness. Well, mostly. And if Colton loves you, we will all love you.” She stood and went hands on hips. “Now, should I teach you how to cook Colt’s very favorite meal?”
CHAPTER7
Colton woke and for a brief moment he did not recognize his surroundings. He sat up ramrod straight while his heart pounded against his rib cage. But then he noticed the pale blue ruffled curtains with bright sunshine spilling through them. A framed photo on the wall of his mother, Marge, and Delores when they were much younger. The throbbing in his chest slowed and eased. Gradually he relaxed in the knowledge that he was no longer in Germany, going through debriefings. Putting himself through therapy. He was home.
The commonplace was important, the familiar and routine key to readjustment. Today, he’d go riding and get reacquainted with his horse, Freya. He’d have to figure something to do with Jennifer. He hated leaving her alone for a few hours, even in a place where she should feel safe. It would take her time, too, since she’d been through her own form of terrorizing. He had to be patient and simply do his job. Um, favor.
Look out for Horace’s daughter until the threat was gone.
The scent of garlic and onion wafted through the house and smelled delicious. His therapist told him that familiar scents would be therapeutic and help with any flashbacks. He rose from bed and pulled on a shirt. He wouldn’t bother shaving, and dragging a hand through his hair was the most he’d do today about his appearance. There was a woman, sure, but she wasn’t his, and he would do well to remember that from now on. No need to impress.
“And that’s Colton’s first sleepover with his best friend, Taylor.”
