Page 55 of A Cowboy's Bride
Aiden’s expression didn’t change. “I am one hundred percent not judging you. Considering what we plan for High Water, you know we’re on your side. Not all vigilantes act in a way that’s positive for society, but like Jake, I’m very grateful for your skill set right now. Thanks for trusting us enough to let us see what you’re capable of. Once again, you’ve made a huge difference in Jinx’s life.”
He rose to his feet and pulled her into his arms for a tight hug.
Gratefully, Petra let go. All of her tension, all the worry. The sheer stress of digging through those websites and worrying that she would somehow make things worse instead of better. She wadded all those negative thoughts up in a bundle and mentally tossed them to the floor, leaning wholeheartedly into Aiden’s embrace.
It took a while, but the tension in her shoulders slowly eased. An enormous sigh escaped, and Petra pressed her cheek against Aiden’s chest. “I’m glad I was able to do it.”
She stood there for a moment longer, enjoying the two strong arms wrapped around her, holding her as the anxiety drained away.
Doing the right thing wasn’t always easy. But in this case, she was very glad she knew how to do the wrong thing for the very best reasons.
14
By Friday, Petra felt as if they’d officially made progress. They’d bought Jinx a phone, some clothes, and all the items on the school checklist, an experience that had flashed Petra back to her own high school years.
With a few more days left before her first day of school, Jinx was already having fewer panic attacks, displaying the strength that had made her ask Danielle for help in the first place.
They still hadn’t decided whether she'd be taking the bus or getting a ride on Monday morning. Aiden promised Jinx she could decide at the last minute, but he and Petra had both promised to drop her off if Jinx decided it would help.
And Sasha had already informed Jinx that no matter how she got to school, Sasha had her back.
A promise that made Jinx blink hard. “She doesn’t even know me,” Jinx told Petra as they slowly walked back from morning chores, Dixie bouncing at their feet. “I mean, I’m glad to have her around, but she just accepted me right off the bat.”
Petra shrugged. “Some people hit it off immediately. If you’re happy getting to know Sasha better, I’m sure there will come a time in the future you’ll be the one who helps her. It’s okay to be the one taking for a while.”
Jinx nodded slowly. “Can I message her? She was going to go over the math they’ve already reviewed with me so I’m not behind.”
“Yes, but let’s stay in the living room like we agreed and please check first how long Sasha has so you don’t get her in trouble.”
Lord. Rules about phone usage.
Petra shook her head as she settled on the opposite side of the living room and pulled out her own phone. It was past time for checking in with her besties.
Petra: Supper tonight at High Water. It's my turn to cook and I’m conscripting both of you to help.
Tansy: You just love us for our culinary skills.
Sydney: OMG, I hope not.
Tansy: Don't knock yourself, sister. You’ve got the best carving skills of anyone I know.
Petra: That she does. But not much slice and dice tonight. I want to appeal to the masses and make pizza. Tansy, can I bribe you to bring over your portable pizza oven? Sydney and I can be your sous chefs and do all the chopping if you deal with the crust.
Tansy: High Water Pizzeria. Sounds like the place to be.
Sydney: I want to come and help, but six p.m. is the earliest I can promise. I arranged to go out to Mr. Talita’s this afternoon. Depending on how ornery he is, I might get back later than that.
Petra: Talita’s? Isn’t he the one my brother said went off the grid back in the eighties? Every time he shows up in town he gives the guys from Duck Dynasty a run for their money on redneck style.
Sydney: Even people with questionable fashion choices deserve quality health care.
Petra: Are you taking backup?
Tansy: That's what I was going to ask. Tell you what, I’ll come with you.
Sydney: Please. After years of night shift on EMS at Calgary General, I can deal with one ornery old man just fine, thanks. But I’d love to come for pizza and meet Jinx. Which I assume is the ulterior motive?
Tansy: Nice topic change there, slick. Call if you need help. But yes, P. How’s your new chica doing?
