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“That reminds me, Josie, Annabeth called from the elementary school earlier. She wants you to do a story time there.” Her father spoke up.
“I’d love that.” She smiled. Other than her father, Annabeth was the only one in Stonewall Crossing she’d kept in touch with after she’d left.
Hunter looked at her, his voice soft as he said, “The kids would, too, Jo.”
Jo. For an instant she wanted him to grab her and kiss her, just as he used to. When he’d kissed her, nothing else mattered. She nodded, staring into his eyes wordlessly.
“We should go, Dad. I’ve got a math test Monday morning.” Eli stood up. “Thanks for helping us out...Miss Stephens.”
She turned away from Hunter and beamed at the boy. “You really can call me Josie, Eli, please. I don’t like feeling old.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He barely glanced at her, his answering smile forced. “Thanks for the breakfast this morning, Mr. Stephens.”
“How’d you do?” her father asked.
“Eli got a one at the stock show.” Hunter smiled at his son, placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “He’s been working real hard with Bob, his steer. And the judges could tell.”
It was clear Hunter was a devoted father, just as she’d always known he’d be. Something hard settled in the pit of her stomach, a hollow, empty ache.
“I wasn’t the only one.” Eli’s cheeks were red. “Now there’s nothing big until after Christmas.”
“Time to get ready for the next one.” Her father winked at the boy. “You should be proud, Eli.”
“Thank you, sir.” Eli nodded and headed for the door.
“Don’t get up,” Josie said to her dad.
“Now, Josie—” her father started to argue.
“Dad.” She held her hand up.
“We know the way out. Don’t get Jo all worked up.” Hunter shook her father’s hand. “Have a good evening, Carl. Thanks for having us over.”
Her dad winked. “You’re welcome anytime, Hunter. You know that. You, too, Fisher.”
She knew her father cared for Hunter—he always had. After all, Hunter had been almost family. Her gut twisted. She led Hunter to the door, needing him to go—now.
“I know you’re a big-time author now, but I expect to see you some before you go.” Fisher hugged her again before following Eli out and into the truck.
Hunter lingered in the doorway. His gaze wandered over her face. “You and Carl want to come out to the ranch tomorrow? Have dinner with us? I’ve made a lot of changes.”
Josie stared at him, surprised. Did she want to go? No, she really didn’t. It would be awkward and painful. Us. She didn’t think she could handle seeing his family unit together, in a place she’d truly loved. Where Amy now lived. “I don’t—”
But her father interrupted her, loudly. “Sounds good.”
No, it doesn’t. It sounds like a nightmare. She mumbled, “Are you sure that’s okay?”
Hunter smiled that crooked smile. “It’s my home. Of course it’s okay. See you about six?”
She stood there, searching for some sort of excuse, while he climbed into his truck and drove away.
Chapter Two
Hunter didn’t say much on the drive back to the ranch. Fisher, who was never at a loss for words, kept Eli talking all things steers and Future Farmers of America. And Hunter was thankful for it. Spending time with Jo was harder than he’d expected. Leaving her was worse. If he could get her alone, if he could talk to her... What would he say? He was eleven years too late to apologize.
Fisher said good-night and headed to his place, leaving Eli to his homework and Hunter to his paperwork.
“I guess she is kinda pretty.” Eli sounded thoughtful.
