Aidan: Loyal Cowboy. Cathy McDavid
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They managed to make pleasant small talk for the remainder of the meal. Ace didn’t bring up the baby again, her moving to Billings or school. The closest he came was when he asked, “Has your dad had any offers on the ranch?”
“No, and he’s disappointed. A few people have come by, but they were more curious than anything else. The real estate agent keeps telling Dad it’s a difficult market these days.”
“I think more people are trying to sell their ranches than buy one.”
“Or they’re looking for a bargain. Dad’s pretty set on his price.”
“Did my mom call him about Sunday brunch at the house?”
“She did. I think it’s set for next weekend.”
The waitress appeared and removed their plates. “Can I interest you two in dessert? We have fresh-baked red velvet cake and key lime pie.”
“No, thanks. But don’t let me stop you,” Flynn added when Ace practically drooled at the mention of key lime pie.
“Do you mind?”
“Go on. And I’ll have a coffee. Decaffeinated, please.”
A rat-tat-tat sound started. Flynn and Ace simultaneously glanced at the ceiling.
“Guess the rain’s finally started,” the waitress said, and scurried off to bring their pie and coffee.
“I was hoping we might escape more foul weather,” Ace said. “I’m tired of mucking through soggy fields and getting my truck stuck in a wash.”
“It has been an awfully wet spring.”
Ace demolished his pie in four bites.
Flynn had no idea where he put it. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him, while she ruthlessly watched every crumb of food she ate in order to maintain her size six figure.
Size pregnant, soon.
She should probably enjoy Ace’s appreciative glances while they lasted.
He supported her elbow as they left the restaurant. Considerate, without being pushy.
“You want my hat?” he offered.
They waited outside the front door, assessing the pouring rain.
“I won’t melt,” she said with a laugh.
“You wait here while I get the truck.”
He’d no sooner uttered the words when they heard a loud metallic crunch in the darkness to their right.
“What’s that?” Flynn asked, peering through the downpour at the headlights of a compact SUV.
Ace was already in motion, sprinting in the direction of the disabled vehicle.
She followed, holding the flaps of her coat closed around her as she jogged between puddles. Reaching the SUV, she found Ace bent over the open driver’s side window.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” He had to practically shout in order to be heard above the rain.
“I’m fine. Just embarrassed,” came a disembodied female voice.
The door opened and Sierra Byrne stepped out.
Flynn immediately recognized the owner of the diner. She and Sierra had taken exercise classes together off and on through the years.
“Hey, Sierra. Can I help?”
Within seconds, the rain had soaked the young woman. Flynn could feel the dampness penetrating her own coat and ignored the discomfort.
“It’s just a fender bender,” Sierra insisted. “I mean, I hope it’s a fender bender.”
They all three inspected the rear of her car, which sat a few inches from the parked minivan she’d hit. Between the darkness and the rain, it was impossible to discern the damage.
“Do you have a flashlight?” Ace asked Sierra.
“No.”
“I do. In my truck.” He was off before Sierra could stop him.
Flynn put her arm around Sierra’s waist. “You want us to take you to the clinic?”
“Really, I’m okay.”
“You’re shivering.”
“I’m mad at myself. I can’t believe I missed seeing that van.”
“It was an accident.”
Sierra’s gaze went to Ace. “I’m glad to see you with Ace. I always thought you two would make a perfect couple.”
Flynn felt her flush return, though how that was possible in the midst of a downpour, she wasn’t sure. “We’re not together. Not like that.”
“Too bad.”
“We’re having a baby.”
Where had that come from? Flynn had decided to keep the news to herself, Ace and their families until she’d reached her second trimester and figured out her plans.
“You are?” Sierra’s face brightened. “I’m so excited for you. Congratulations.”
They were hugging when Ace returned.
“Forget about me,” Sierra chided him. “You two go on and celebrate. Flynn told me about the baby,” she added when Ace looked confused.
He grinned broadly, like a proud papa. “Thanks. But I’m here, and I have my flashlight, so we might as well take a look.” He aimed the beam at Sierra’s SUV first, then the van. “Doesn’t appear too bad. A couple small dings in the bumpers is all. Easily fixed.”
“Darn it.” Sierra pouted. “Guess I’d better get back inside and find the owner. Give him my insurance information.”
“Want us to go with you?”
“Honestly.” She gave him and Flynn a small push. “Get out of here. You’re soaked.”
They were, and Flynn’s teeth were starting to chatter.
Ace hurried her along to his truck with a parting “Be careful” to Sierra.
Opening his passenger side door, he helped her in, then raced to his side. The rain continued to fall in torrents, making a thunderous noise as it pummeled the truck.
Ace started the engine and turned on the heater. “Better?” he asked when the air finally blew warm.
“A little.” Flynn’s teeth had yet to cease chattering.
“Take off your wet coat.” He was already shrugging out of his jacket. When he finished, he helped her with a sleeve that stubbornly clung to her clothing.
She laid the sopping coat across her lap, which only added to her misery.
“That’s not helping.” Ace deposited the coat in the back alongside his jacket. He’d yet to put the truck in reverse. “I’d offer you a blanket, but the only one I have is a saddle blanket and it’s covered in horse hair.”
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