Page 14 of The Cowboy's Unlikely Love

Really? He hadn’t considered that. His friend had a good point. “Thanks, Dillan. I appreciate your input, bro.”

Dillan laughed. “Anytime you feel the need to consult this wise old sage, feel free.”

Colt groaned. “Right, I’ll remember that.”

He got out to open the gate. The idea that Taylor might surprise him in her response intrigued him. Did she secretly have feelings for him too? He couldn’t help but hope that it was true. As long as she could handle the situation, that is.

With a smile he drove on through the gate, letting his mind wander over the possibilities. It couldn’t hurt to dream.

***

Taylor sat at the kitchentable and peered down at her swollen feet. She couldn’t imagine wearing shoes on the poor things. Sandals, maybe? Lord, they were sore. When they’d swelled up like balloons several days ago, Shannon had insisted that Taylor take maternity leave, and she’d agreed.

A knock sounded at the door, and her aunt said, “You stay put, honey. I’ll get that.”

A moment later, Colt followed Shannon into the room. “Hey, Taylor, how’re you feeling?”

She shrugged. “Huge and swollen and ready to pop.”

He laughed. “Well, you’re not huge, but you do look ready to pop.”

“Her feet look terrible, and I’m sure they feel the same,” her aunt said.

“They’re still all swollen up?” Colt asked.

“Unfortunately. Five more days. I tell you what, this little guy had better be on time, or I don’t know what I’ll do.”

“Don’t worry, little Derwood will be punctual,” he said.

“Derwood? Good Lord! Where do you come up with these names? I amnotnaming my son Derwood.”

He grinned. “What? Derwood is a very distinguished name.”

She just groaned.

Shannon set the hot casserole dish in the center of the table. “I tried a new recipe tonight, kids. Cheesy Croissant Casserole. It’s got two different kinds of cheese in it and eggs and whipping cream. I hope you like it.”

“It smells awesome,” Colt said.

“Auntie, you outdid yourself. It looks amazing.”

Shannon handed the serving spoon to Colt. “Serve yourself, and then tell me what you think.”

As he complied, she sat down and glanced at her niece. “Taylor, why don’t you and Colt go do something fun before you have that baby of yours? I promise you, it’ll be work, work, work after you have that little one.”

Colt looked up and caught Taylor’s gaze. “I’m game if you are, Taylor, but it’s okay if you don’t want to.”

She bit her lip. This would be like a real date. Was she even ready for that? She let out the breath she’d been holding.I guess I can give it a try. After all, I feel safe with Colt.“What about going to dinner and then seeing a movie?”

“That sounds great. Does it matter what day?” He seemed happy, and she was surprised at how glad that made her.

Then her stomach did flip-flops. She was really doing this. Had she made the right decision? The corner of her mouth lifted. “I’d say the sooner the better, wouldn’t you?”

He grinned. “Right. How does tomorrow night sound?”

“Perfect.” Well, she was in for it now.

***

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