She didn’t care, but the more she thought about it, the more aroused she became.
She woke on May 24 thinking he might be arriving this day. If he had business on the 25th, he’d likely arrive a day early, unpack, get settled, clean up, and be ready for whatever business he had the next day. She stocked up on ingredients for some meals. She didn’t want to be running around for last minute supplies. She put clean sheets on the bed. After breakfast, she cleaned the kitchen and bathroom and gave the cabin a once over. Shadow was watching her closely. Could Shadow sense that Bear was coming? Molly had not been using Bear’s name because she didn’t want to create false expectations.
She started the day with her usual stop at the stables and, after brushing Jo down, she tracked Silas down at the corral.
“Hey, Silas, all good?”
“Hi Molly. Yeah, got an outfit leaving today. Getting the livestock ready. Six horses, four mules. Going out for two weeks into the high country. They’re going to find snow, but that’s what they want.”
“Who’s got the gig?”
“Pasayten Backcountry. They do a good job. The clients give them great reviews. I think they’re the best outfit we’re working with now.”
“Seen Bart lately?”
“He reserved a stall for Beryl starting today, so I’m expecting him midafternoon. That’s when he usually rolls in. I’ll send word if I see him.”
“Thanks, Silas.”
Silas leaned down to give Shadow a scruff.
“Hey girl, you looking forward to seeing Bear?”
Shadow started barking at the mention of Bear’s name. Okay, well, that was out of the bag. Shadow was now expecting Bear. She looked at her master for confirmation.
Molly said, “Yes, girl, Bear is coming today.”
Shadow excitedly barked her approval.
Molly made her rounds and did desk time reviewing financials, nervously anticipating Bart’s arrival. She pretended to be working, but all her thoughts were on Bart and what would be happening in a few hours. If he came mid-afternoon, she wanted to be at the cabin when he arrived.
Her plan was to leave work early afternoon. But when she walked out of the administration building at 2:00, Shadow started going crazy, barking and jumping wildly about. Molly figured she’d picked up Bear’s scent and, when she waved her to go, Shadow took off like a bullet for the stables.
Molly quickened her pace. It was a short five minute walk to the stables, her heart beating fast, periodically wiping her palms on her jeans. She had no doubt that Bart and Bear were there. But would Bart be happy to see her? Or had their weekend just been a fling? As she made the last turn in the bend, she saw Bart talking with Silas, Beryl standing by. Bear and Shadow were dashing around the stables. Her heart pounding, she went straight for Bart. Bear and Shadow gave her away, dashing toher. She knelt down to give Bear a welcome scruff as Bart turned to greet her. Silas gave Molly a knowing nod and slipped away.
“You came.” The words just came out. They were words of gratitude. She’d wanted him to come so badly.
“Did you have doubts?”
“Cowboys are not the most reliable sort.”
“Maybe not all cowboys are the same.”
“Thank you for coming. Shadow has been anxious to see Bear.”
“Looks like she’s expecting.”
Her nipples were pronounced and she’d increased weight.
“Yeah, Bear is going to be a father.”
“Exciting. When’s the big date?”
“Gestation is sixty three days. We’re at day twenty eight. So my calculation is birth in about thirty five days. Maybe July 1 or so. Hope you can be there.”
“Might work out. Would be fun to see.”
“You want to unpack Beryl at my place?” Molly’s heart was pounding. She was looking for confirmation that he was planning to stay with her.
