Page 88 of Saltwater Cowboy

Marie was smart and kind, but right now, I wasn’t sure if I was really thinking about her or something else entirely. With my mind spinning, I decided to take a leap.

“What are you doing next Friday?”

Marie raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the question. “Next Friday?” she repeated, her voice thoughtful. “I haven’t really made any plans yet. Why, what’s up?”

I leaned against the wall again, trying to play it cool, even though the idea of asking her out had my stomach tied in knots. “Well, I was thinking maybe we could grab dinner. You know, something casual. Get away from all this for a bit.”

Her expression softened, and I saw a flicker of surprise in her eyes, but it quickly turned into a smile. “Dinner, huh? You’re not really my type, Wells,” she teased, “but I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, the tension in my chest easing just a little. “Yeah, I’ve been called a lot of things, but I’ll take ‘not your type’ as a challenge.”

Marie chuckled, her gaze flicking over to the window again. “You’re bold, I’ll give you that.” She thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Alright, Friday works. But if you start talking about farm animals, I’m out.”

“Deal,” I said with a grin, feeling like I had just taken a small victory lap.

Before she could turn away, I added, “But just so you know, I’m not the kind of guy who asks around a lot. This… it’s new for me.”

Marie’s smile softened, and for a moment, it felt like I was talking to someone who understood more than I’d given her credit for. “Well, I’m all for new things.”

As she walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of something I hadn’t felt in a while. Hope. Maybe I had been wrong all along. Maybe opening myself up, even just a little, was exactly what I needed.

I turned back toward the nursing home, hoping the brief moment of boldness hadn’t left me looking like a fool. My footsteps felt heavier now as I made my way inside, like the weight of my thoughts was suddenly too much to carry.

When I pushed the door open, I spotted Rose and Wren sitting with Mrs. Turner in the cozy corner, the three of them deep in conversation.

I leaned against the doorway, watching as Wren tugged on Rose’s hand, giggling as she whispered something that made Rose roll her eyes but smile. Mrs. Turner sat back in her chair, looking mighty pleased with herself like she was watching her favorite soap opera play out in real time.

“You three scheming over there?” I asked, pushing off the doorframe and walking into the room.

Wren grinned up at me. “Auntie Rose needs to come with us every W Squared Day.”

Rose arched a brow. “I told you, my name doesn’t start with a W.”

Wren waved her off. “You’re an honorary W, remember?”

Mrs. Turner chuckled, patting Rose’s hand. “She’s got you there, dear.”

I smirked. “She does have a point.”

Rose sighed, “I don’t want to intrude on your time together. We can have Auntie and Wrenny days.”

Wren pouted in response. “I want you to spend more days with you before baby brother gets here.”

I watched as the corner of Rose’s mouth twitched. “Did you ask your uncle how he feels about that?”

Wren glanced at me.

“I don’t mind. Your aunt is more than welcome to hang with us.”

Rose piped up. “Fine. But only if we only start calling it W Squared Plus Day.”

“Now that’s a mouthful.” I added.

Wren cheered like she’d just won the lottery, pulling Rose into a tight hug. “Best news ever!”

Mrs. Turner winked at me. “She’s a keeper.”

I cleared my throat, ignoring the way my ears burned at the implication. “Y’all ready to head out?”