Page 20 of Home to the Cowboy

Willow touched June’s arm, bringing her out of her musings. “We’re all very glad to have you here with us as well.”

Taken aback, June stared at Willow. “How … oh, I see. You’re reading my mind.”

“Your happy thoughts,” Willow smiled. “One of the themes in Shirley, I think, is about women’s friendship. Shirley and Caroline have many scenes and conversations alone, and their relationship exists outside of men. I think that’s one of the reasons I enjoy this group so much—the friendship, the time with other women.”

Janice chuckled. “In Shirley, the Old Maids in the village are given a large segment of text as well.”

Arlene laughed. “I haven’t thought of it like that.”

“I especially love the input the two of you have when we discuss a book,” Annie said pointing at Arlene and Janice.

“I agree,” Rose nodded. “You bring more depth to every discussion.”

“What about another glass of bubbly?” Arlene asked and everyone burst into laughter.

“And they bring the bubbly,” Ellie giggled.

It was nearly ten o’clock before Arlene dropped June off at Ellie’s cottage.

“Thanks, Arlene,” June said as she got out of the car. “I really enjoyed the evening.”

“I’m so glad you came,” Arlene smiled as her phone bleeped. “It’s Willow, let me just quickly check if everything is okay. Willow?” She nodded and uh-huh-ed a few times before she ended the call. “You are still joining us for the shopping trip to Bozeman tomorrow, I hope?”

“Yes, thank you. What time?”

They arranged a time before Arlene left.

Hugging herself, June looked up at the clear night sky where a crescent moon curved delicately among the stars. Oh, this was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Inhaling the crisp night air, she turned around to head for the house. The sound of a nearing truck stopped her movement. Headlights flashed as it pulled into her driveway. Dylan’s, if she wasn’t mistaken.

Heart thudding against her ribs, she waited. The lights and the engine of the truck were switched off and the sound of a door closing softly reached her as Dylan’s tall frame approached her.

“Hi,” she said as he stopped in front of her.

“Hi.” His voice was husky, his eyes glimmered in the streetlights. “I … we’ve been to Grey’s Saloon. I’m on my way home.”

As he spoke, he touched the chain around her neck, his fingers skimming over her skin. The movement was ever so gentle, but she felt it down to her toes.

“Dylan …”

He dropped his hand. “So how was your date?”

She chuckled. “You know I’ve been to the book club.”

“You have no idea how glad I was to hear that. Dinner tomorrow night?”

“I’m only here for a short while …”

“Do you want to go to dinner with me or not?”

“Dylan …”

Turning on his heel, he stomped back to his truck and got in. Seconds later, the engine started, the lights came on.

Her feet were moving before she realized she was running toward him. “Dylan!” she called out.

The engine stopped as she reached his side. Leaning with her hands on the door, she tried to catch her breath. “What time?”