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“I’ll definitely give it some thought.”
“Please consider it,” Dusty said, refilling his coffee. “Zach and I would love to have you here.”
“And make no mistake,” Zach added, “this ain’t nepotism or anything. This was actually my idea, not Dusty’s. You are the best man for this job. I don’t offer just anyone a share in my ranch, not even my wife’s brother. I offer it to you because I know you’ll earn it.”
Sam opened his mouth to speak, but the doorbell interrupted him.
“Stay put,” Dusty said to Zach. “I’ll get it.”
A few minutes later, Dusty returned with Sydney Buchanan at her side.
Sam’s heart leaped.
Then dropped to his belly.
He stood. “I need to get going. Thanks for the coffee.”
“Can’t you stay for a few more minutes?” Dusty asked.
“Wish I could, Sis, but I’ve got stuff that can’t wait.” He grabbed his hat and nodded to Sydney. “Nice to see you again, ma’am.”
He walked out the door without looking back.
Too bad his heart was still in the room.
* * *
“Sit on down,” Dusty said to Sydney, “and I’ll get you a cup of coffee. You want some coffee cake? Seraphina left a nice one. She took Seanie out for the day.”
“Oh, no, thank you.” The cake looked delicious but it would taste like sawdust. She couldn’t eat right now.
Sam had run from her like an ant from a grasshopper. Not that she blamed him.
She hadn’t thought it would cut into her heart like this, though. Crap. Of course she had. That was a big ol’ lie.
Zach rose. “I’ll leave you ladies to your girl talk. Got work to do.” He gave Dusty a quick kiss. “See you later, darlin’. And nice to see you, Sydney.”
“You too.” Sydney sat down and took a sip of the coffee Dusty had given her. “I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Not at all. I’m glad to have the company.”
“I was hoping we could talk.”
“Of course. What’s up?”
“I know we don’t know each other that well. But really, you’re my only friend here. I’m actually surprised you remembered me yesterday.”
“How could I forget the woman who beat me in that race?” Dusty smiled.
“You should have won.”
“Nah. It turned out the way it needed to turn out. Sometimes it takes a while to see the ultimate plan, but it eventually surfaces.”
Does it?
The last five years had been a both a blessing and a hardship. Sydney wasn’t sure where she was going next. At least she wasn’t marrying Rod. That whole relationship had been a mistake, further evidenced by his visit this morning.
“I’m glad you see it that way.”
