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“She’s walking toward me. Gotta go.”
“Ready?” Renie said to her mom.
“Where are we going?”
“We’re going to Blue Water on Main. Paige, Mark, the Pattersons, Jolene and Mary Beth are coming. And Mom, we’re celebrating tonight, one way or another.”
Liv smiled, although inside she was anything but. Why hadn’t Ben called her back? And if he came all this way, why didn’t he tell her he was coming? And why was did Renie say Paige was trying to keep him from leaving?
“I’m sorry, Mom.”
Liv went into mom-mode. “It’s okay, baby girl. This thing between Ben and me is complicated. I realize everyone wants to help, but some things just have to happen on their own. Come on, let’s go celebrate. Your mama is a barrel racer after all.”
Everyone, except Ben, was waiting under the bright light near the front door when Renie and Liv pulled into the parking lot.
There were so many shouts and cheers, people picking her up and hugging her, Liv almost, for a second, forgot about Ben. Not a whole second, but part of one.
“Let’s go eat,” Bill said. “Dottie’s treat.”
Dottie slugged him. “That’s right, big spender, make your wife buy your dinner, and everybody else’s too.”
“I’m just kiddin’, sweetie,” Bill said as he nuzzled up to Dottie. Watching them made Liv wish Ben was here even more.
Bill went in to get a table, followed by the rest of the group. Paige grabbed Liv’s arm and held her back. “Walk in with me,” Paige said and hooked her arm through Liv’s. Renie was right in front of them, and Mark was right behind them. Liv wondered if they thought she would back out, so they had her surrounded.
It took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the darkness, but as soon as they did, she saw him. His back was to her, but he was there. She stopped where she was, and took her arm from Paige’s.
“Go ahead,” she said. “I’ll meet you in there.”
Ben turned around. He felt her. The only thing he could do was smile, he was so damn happy to see her.
He stood, held out his arms, and she walked into them. When her mouth sought his, he crushed into hers. His arms were around her waist, and he pulled her body as close as he could to his.
The noisy restaurant went silent. He could only hear his own heart pounding and Liv’s soft, quiet whimpers as she kissed him. Her lips tore at his, as she ravaged him. Not the other way.
“Ben.”
It was the only word he wanted to hear.
“There’s my girl.”
“I’m so happy you’re here. I heard you watched me chase the cans.”
“You were magnificent.”
She looked down and even as dark as it was in the bar, he knew her cheeks were pink. He put his finger on her chin and tilte
d her head so her eyes met his. “Magnificent.”
Her smile left her face and her eyes bored into his. “I missed you so much.”
“I know, baby, me too.”
“I’m so glad you’re here, but—”
“Shh. No ‘buts’.”
He smiled and kissed her again. “Let’s go join your party, darlin’.”
