Page 19 of Bride ’N Boots

“I’m saying, that should you wish to relocate, it wouldn’t be hard to still be in business together.”

“That’s jumping the gun, don’t you think?”

“I saw Stratton watching you all through lunch.” She shook her head. “I’ll make you a bet.”

“What’s that?”

“I bet when he drives you back to Coeur d’Alene to get your car, he’ll want to pack up the rest of your stuff and move you into his place.”

“You’re crazy.”

“So, you won’t even make the bet?”

“Of course I’ll make the bet.” I shook my head. “How much are we betting?”

She peered at me. “If I’m right, I’ll move to Huckleberry Hill with you.”

“And if you’re wrong?”

She grinned. “I’m not gonna be wrong.”

“You’d be willing to move your entire life here?” I asked.

“You’re my entire life,” she said with a laugh. “We’re roommates, we run a business together and we’re best friends. Besides, don’t you think this place is special?”

“Special,” I agreed. “Feels like coming home, yeah?”

“It kind of does.” She cocked her head to the side. “Good place to raise kids, for sure.”

“Okay, time for you to go,” I said, nudging her into the driver’s seat.

“Oh, like you haven’t been thinking about that.” She grinned. “I’d be a fun auntie.”

“The best auntie,” I said with a soft smile.

I shut the door to her car and waved as she drove off, her words resounding like a bell inside my head.

CHAPTER NINE

The front door opened and I turned to see Stratton coming out to join me.

“She left,” I said unnecessarily.

“Yeah.” He cocked his head to the side. “You okay?”

“Hmm? Oh, yeah. Fine.” I chewed on my lip.

“Gotta stop doing that, gremlin.” He touched my mouth. “It’s distracting.”

“I should wash my face,” I said. “So you know what I look like without full armor.”

“You’ll be more beautiful than you are now.”

My insides hummed and then I remembered the unpleasant phone call I needed to make.

“I have to take care of something,” I said.

“All right.”