Page 25 of Soldier Cowboy
“Delores, what are you doing?” He found both women on the couch, a photo album settled on both of their laps.
“Taking a walk down memory lane, Mr. Popular,” Jennifer said.
“Hello, sleepyhead.” Delores stood and reached up to tousle his hair like he was still nine. “You’ll be happy to know I brought y’all some groceries.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to. And guess what? I showed your fiancée how to make your favorite meal. You’re welcome.”
“What’s my favorite meal?”
Delores knew this even if he didn’t. Colton used to eat whatever was put in front of him.
“Pot roast, of course!”
He scratched his beard stubble, so thick it made a sound. “Oh yeah, I forgot.”
“You’d forget your head if it wasn’t screwed on!” Delores waved a hand dismissively. “Anyway, it ought to be tender and succulent for supper. Just keep checking the water, Jennifer. I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone.”
Jennifer stood. “You don’t have to—”
“I’m afraid I do. I promised little Cal I’d play hide and seek with him after his nap. His favorite game. You should see how he plays! When it’s his turn to hide he just covers his little face with his hands. He’s adorable. We don’t have a lot of baby photos of Riggs, but I still see his face in that little boy.”
“Don’t let us keep you.” Colton bent to kiss her cheek. “Don’t tell anyone, by the way, but you’re my favorite.”
“Aw.” She beamed. “I’ll see y’all tomorrow. I’m so glad you’re home.”
“Bye, Delores.” He shut the door behind her.
“Colton?”
He turned to Jennifer. “What’s up?”
“I feel terrible lying to your family. Delores is so sweet and caring. And she’ssohappy that you’re engaged.”
“I know.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “And I thank you for that.”
“But she’s going to be angry later. I don’t want her to hate me.”
“No one’s going to hate you.” He made his way to the kitchen stove and lifted the lid to peek inside. “You should at some point stop caring what other people think of you.”
She behaved as though he’d slapped her, her neck swiveling back. “I…I don’t.”
Realizing he’d hit on a nerve, he back pedaled. “Okay. I believe you. Look, letmebe the bad guy when the time comes for truth telling. This isn’t your fault.”
“Fine.” She crossed her arms and jutted her chin. “And I hope this hasn’t given you the idea that I’m going tocookfor you every night. I wouldn’t do that even if I was your fiancée for real. I was happy to peel potatoes, but Delores seems to think I want to be some kind of domestic goddess for you.”
“Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t let you in my kitchen if you tried.”
That seemed to stop her short. “Excuseme?”
“No offense, but I’m going to do all the cooking around here.” He held up both palms. “It isn’t that I don’t trust you, far from it. But cooking relaxes me. So please, let me handle this.”
“Cookingrelaxes you?”
“Don’t believe me?” He chuckled. “I listen to all the cooking podcasts. I’m finally going to have time to make all the food I’ve been dreaming about.”
She narrowed her eyes. “I can’t decide if you’re teasing or telling me the truth.”
