Page 56 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

The cast and crew wrap-up party was scheduled for Easter Sunday. Sam didn’t want to miss the party because it could be his last. They’d go to church, attend the party, and drive to Colorado afterward. Cindy would arrive at the ranch earlier on Easter Saturday.

She sipped her tea and practiced her deep breathing relaxation techniques. The play schedule had kept her busy, and she’d spent most of her spare time with Sam. She’d run out of pre-cooked frozen meals. Her new routine was dinner with Sam and Cindy in the cafeteria. When the menu wasn’t appealing, they ate at a restaurant in town.

The awkward moment had happened. Cindy had caught Becky kissing Sam one evening outside the dorm. Her dear friend was thrilled that Becky was dating her cousin for real. Cindy had claimed matchmaker of the year honors and declared her crazy blind date plan an outstanding success.

After their amazing first kiss in Oklahoma, they’d set up kissing rules to manage temptation and allow time for clear thinking about the future. The love words hadn’t been spoken, but Sam’s actions showed his love louder than any words.

Becky didn’t have a plan for June, other than praying for God to make a path clear. Her visa conditions made it difficult for her to stay longer in the States. She missed home. Missed her family. Missed the ocean and the convenience of city living. Time apart would help them make wise decisions on how they could make their relationship work.

Last week, the paparazzi had ramped up their surveillance of Logan. His doubles were helping, but they were outnumbered by photographers. It was too risky for Becky to meet Logan in-person at the petting zoo or the pond. They’d found a few places inside the auditorium and backstage where the public weren’t allowed. Privacy wasn’t guaranteed, and there was gossip flying around that Logan had a secret love interest.

Her phone buzzed and she connected the video call. “Hey, Mum.”

“My sweet girl, it’s so good to see your smiling face. How’s everything going with Sam?”

“Pretty good. We’re busy with the play and haven’t made any plans.”

“Taking things slow is a good idea. You want to be sure he’s the one before you turn your life upside down.”

She nodded. “I’m praying, Mum. You know that, right?”

“I’m praying, too. Relationships aren’t easy. Love sometimes isn’t enough.”

“Don’t say that, Mum. It’s depressing.”

“It’s also real life. Stuff happens. The test of any relationship is how you manage the problems that are guaranteed to come your way.”

“That’s fair.” She wanted to float along in her little love bubble and not think about what could go wrong.

“Anyway, Mel is here and she wants to talk to you about something. I’ll make coffee and be back after Mel’s finished.”

“Sure.” She pressed her lips together, an uneasy feeling gathering steam in her abdomen. Mel hadn’t messaged her about wanting to talk, which was unusual.

Mel’s face filled the screen. “Hey, lil sis. Are you alone?”

She nodded. “In my room. Door closed. You’re worrying me.”

“To be honest, I’m worried about you. I have a bad feeling…”

“About what? Tell me.”

“It could be nothing, but it’s about Jarrod.”

“Jarrod.” His name left a sour and bitter taste in her mouth. “Have you heard from him?”

Mel nodded. “After church on Sunday. He was alone. Waiting outside the church when the service ended.”

“Whoa. I didn’t know he was living near Manly.”

“He’s not. I checked his socials. He’s still being seen on the other side of town.”

The city and eastern suburbs were Jarrod’s home turf. “Then why was he outside our church?” He’d attended services with her until they broke up. Then he’d disappeared and stopped faking an interest in church.

“I think it’s about you. He asked questions. Wanted to know where you are.”

She inhaled a sharp breath. “What did you say?”

“Nothing.” Mel scrunched her face. “It was creepy.”

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