Page 62 of A Heart Falls Cowboy Christmas

Zach was silent for a moment before turning a wide grin on him. “You’re a sentimental sap.”

A laugh burst free. “Shut up.”

“Still true.” Zach nodded. “I wouldn’t change a thing either.”

They stood there for bit longer watching the toddlers play under the wide blue Alberta sky.

14

No matter how excited she was to be headed to Crooked Creek, Sasha wasn’t sure she was ready to give up moments like this.

She was stretching on the front porch of her house. In recent discussions, Uncle Walker had emphasized the value of keeping as mobile as possible to improve her riding. While some of his warnings seemed a long way off in terms of her excellent seventeen-year-old flexibility, it was worthwhile advice overall, so she’d follow it.

Next to her, Jinx lazed in the porch swing, looking very comfy as she petted Dixie, the dog curled up beside her.

The summer had passed in a flash, and Sasha had enjoyed every minute of it. Even making her pro/con list regarding Crooked Creek had seemed more like a fantasy than reality as she’d kept being interrupted by helping the expectant aunties and then visiting and cuddling the new babies.

But it was now officially September, and time to think more seriously about answering the question on everyone’s minds.

Including Jinx’s.

“You’ll be gone all week?” Jinx asked. “Are you really going to move?”

“Still nothing official, but Mom and Dad suggested that September is a nice time to try new things. Since school usually started then.” Sasha paused, switched legs. “Dustin and I are headed out in the morning. We’ll spend the week, and this time I need to think with a new mindset.”

“Do I want to run this place?” Jinx offered.

Sasha laughed. “Not going there off the bat. I have a long way to go even if that’s the direction I’m headed. No, I need to think about what it would look like if Crooked Creek was home instead of somewhere I visit.”

Jinx tilted her head to the side. “I’m going to miss you.”

“Ha on that. You’ll be busy at High Water getting your training in all things ranch. Plus giving Logan heart eyes.”

Her friend flushed. “We’re going on a date on Tuesday.”

“Ooooh, tell me more.”

Jinx shrugged. “A movie and ice cream.”

“And kissing,” Sasha teased gently. “I know you’re going slow. Good for you, and good for Logan. It’s fun to watch you guys figure this out.”

“Yes, there will be kissing,” Jinx offered before making a face. It vanished a second later, so Sasha didn’t push.

If Jinx wanted advice, she’d ask one of the dozen people eager and waiting to offer. If that was Sasha, she’d help however she could. If not? Jinx would figure it out.

Still, it wouldn’t hurt to plan ahead a little. Just in case an important conversation needed to happen.

“I’ll be back next Sunday. How about you and me plan our own date for Monday to get caught up?” Sasha offered.

“Yes,” Jinx agreed. “Part of me wants you to hate it there, but I’ll be a grown-up and say I hope you have a wonderful time at Crooked Creek.”

Those two conflicting thoughts were rolling in Sasha’s gut as she made the final approach to the ranch the next morning. She’d worked the ranch before, but it had always been under her dad’s supervision.

First time as a grown-up, basically on her own.

Although, yes, Dustin was along, but he owned that special place in Sasha’s life of being Bruncle Dusty—close enough in age they’d grown up together for the most part.

Beside her in the truck, Dustin had reclined his seat to nearly horizontal, snoozing for most of the drive. Sasha loved that he hadn’t insisted on being behind the wheel. She owed her dad, and uncles, and Charity, a big thank you for training him well.