Page 48 of September’s Cowboy Travis

“About what?”

“You know what.”

He set the box down and looked at me. “You know who I am.”

The answer was simple enough that I didn't need anything else. “Yeah,” I said. “I do.”

His mouth curved before Beau called him back toward the horses.

I stayed behind to help Ruby arrange a collection of painted pumpkins on the steps of the Merc.

“You two look settled,” she said.

I looked over. “Who?”

Ruby didn't bother to answer, just gave me one of her knowing grins. Across the street, Travis and Beau were adjusting one of the harness straps while the larger Clydesdale stood patiently between them.

“That's a dangerous word,” I said.

“What is?”

“Settled.”

Ruby moved a pumpkin two inches to the left. “Only if you think it means stuck.”

I looked at her.

She smiled. “That piece of advice is free.”

“Do you charge for the rest?”

“I might have to start if the stubborn single men around here don’t start listening to me.”

Before I could respond, Morgan came out of City Hall carrying a folder. She spotted me and changed direction. I knew that look.

“No.”

Morgan stopped. “I haven't said anything yet.”

“You have a folder.”

“So?”

“Folders have caused me enough trouble in this town.”

Ruby laughed and set another pumpkin on the steps.

Morgan held up both hands. “This isn’t an audit.”

“Keep talking.” I put a hand on my hip, waiting to find out how involved she expected me to be.

“I found the Hale name again.”

That got my attention. “What kind of record?”

“Livestock.”

I looked at the folder, then at her. “That's officially not my audit.”