Page 102 of The Cowgirl's Forever Love
“Now?”
Her father shrugged. “Why not? You’ve never taken any holidays, and when you start the program in October, you’re not going to get any then. Not for a long while. Go to Heart Falls. Spend the summer. It’ll give you a chance to spend time with Julia while she’s around.”
The next hug was impulsive and perfect, building a more positive connection between them than ever before. “That sounds like a fantastic idea. Thanks, Dad.”
Suggestion turned into action.
The next week was a whirlwind as she talked to all her sisters about the incredible plan. Karen lined up some work to do in the Heart Falls area because she couldn’t imagine having four months without doing anything. She arranged to board her horse with Josiah and she packed up things that would be in the way for her father if she left them at Whiskey Creek.
The hardest part to organize was a space to live.
She didn’t want to bunk at Silver Stone, and Lisa had just moved in with Josiah. No way was she harshing that buzz.
Julia offered for Karen to join her, but she was in a bachelor suite near the fire hall and that was a little too intense of a “get to know you” situation.
The next offer that came through was too tempting to resist.
Josiah and Lisa got her on speakerphone to tell her the details.
“It’s a little cabin behind the main house. It was an in-law suite until recently, but the property has new owners. They plan on renovating everything, starting with the house. The cabin isn’t that big, but the owners would appreciate having somebody in it,” Josiah said. “The price is right and I can vouch for them.”
“I think you’re supposed to vouch forme,” Karen teased.
“That too. Should I tell them you’ll take it?”
She’d jumped on the opportunity and only three days later, she was settling in and looking forward to her upcoming adventure.
It was only four months. That was all the time she had before she’d be moving on, but a short stop in Heart Falls was exactly what she needed before getting started on her new life.
The house was perfect—fully furnished. All Karen had to do was drive up and bring in her suitcase.
The place was small but cozy and as she tucked her things away in the bedroom and came back into the kitchen, it was with a brand-new sensation wrapping around her like a ribbon and a bow.
When had sheeverhad a place to herself?
Exactly never. Somewhat pathetic for a thirty-three-year-old woman, yet her dad had been right. She’d always worked for family. Always lived at Whiskey Creek ranch.
It was time to do something new.
She meandered for a while, picking up things and putting them down just because she could. With a squeal of happiness, she threw herself on the couch and stared at the ceiling.
Time off. Time with her sisters. Timealone. God, this was going to be glorious.
A solid knock sounded on the door and Karen bounced to her feet happily. She peeked through the side glass window to see a tall masculine figure wearing a cowboy hat, looking back over his shoulder as if examining the land.
Probably Josiah. He’d said he’d come to check up on her and make sure she’d settled in okay.
She swung open the door. “Hey, what’s up?”
The next second her heart leapt into her throat and adrenaline flooded her system because it wasn’t Josiah or one of the Stone brothers. It was a memory from her past.
Finn Marlette, larger-than-life. His muscular frame was covered head to toe in brand-new black denim, a cowboy hat on his head, and a familiar serious expression on his face. Same chiseled jaw, same bright eyes.
Same tempting, oh-so-kissable lips.
He had a bouquet of her favourite wild flowers that he extended toward her. “Welcome to Heart Falls.”
Karen stepped back and slammed the door in his face.
