The Cowboy's Healing Ways (Cooper Creek) by Brenda Minton Read Free Book Online Page B

be the next Cooper she offered an heirloom ring to. He considered putting the rumors to bed right then, but he didn’t.
    For some crazy reason, he kept his mouth shut. He sat there next to Laura, her shoulder brushing his and her sweet perfume, springtime and fresh, teasing his senses, and he didn’t say a word.
    “I doubt I’ll be able to make it, Vera,” he finally managed. “But I can drop Laura off if she wants to attend.”
    Laura’s gray eyes widened as she looked at him. He grinned and lifted his brows. She shook her head.
    “I don’t think I’m up to it.” She turned to smile up at Vera. “But thank you.”
    “That’s a shame.” Vera shook her head and looked at his grandmother. “Isn’t that a shame, Myrna?”
    “It is a shame.” His grandmother glanced at the table of farmers then at her watch. “Look at the time. I forgot I have an appointment in Grove. Jesse, can you give Laura a ride back to your place?”
    “Of course I can. Where are you going in such a hurry?”
    His grandmother stood and for a second she seemed a little lost. She touched the back of a chair to steady herself, then smiled big as if nothing had happened. Jesse wanted to believe nothing had happened, but he wasn’t wrong.
    “I’ve just got an appointment.” She smiled again.
    “Gran, are you okay?” Jesse pushed the pie back and Laura was already moving out of her seat. But they were too late. His grandmother walked away.
    “I’m fine, Jesse. Make sure Laura gets home.”
    He watched her walk out the door, head held high. But he wasn’t convinced. Later he’d call and have a talk with his dad.
    Laura moved to the other side of the table. He watched her settle in the spot his grandmother had vacated.
    “Worried what people will say?” he teased.
    “People are already saying it, aren’t they?” She scooped up another bite of pie.
    “Probably, but they’ll move on soon enough, once they figure out there isn’t a story. How’s your car?”
    “Dead, apparently.”
    “What about your appointment Saturday, to see Abigail?” He remembered that she’d gotten a phone call the previous day arranging her supervised visitation.
    “I’ll reschedule.” She looked away as she said it and he knew it wasn’t that easy. He could see the heartbreak in her eyes, in her expression.
    “I can take you.”
    “You don’t have to do that. You’ve given me a job and a home, Jesse. You don’t have to take on this responsibility.”
    “I don’t mind.” He started to tell her how easy it would be but his phone buzzed. “Let me get this and we’ll make a plan.”
    He glanced at the caller ID and hesitated. But then he answered. He had to answer. Gayla’s mom seldom called him unless there was a problem. He held up a finger to Laura, hoping she’d understand, and he walked outside the diner to take the call.
    “Jesse, I wanted to call and let you know that I’m moving Gayla to Tulsa. I’ve been looking for a place and I finally found one that’s close, so I can see her every day.” Jamie’s voice sounded apologetic, concerned. He knew the concern was for him.
    “I understand. Is there anything I can do?”
    A long pause and then she sighed. “No, Jesse, nothing. Just move on with your life. Gayla made a choice that night. You weren’t responsible for what she did.”
    “I know, but if I’d realized...”
    “What? If you’d realized that a young woman would build dreams of marrying you after two dates? You’ve been paying penance for something you didn’t do. I’m moving her to Tulsa, Jesse.”
    Jesse heard the cowbell over the door clang. He turned as Laura walked out of the Mad Cow. She studied his face, offered a sweet smile and walked away. But she waited. She stood at the corner of the building, waiting.
    “I’ll go over and tell her goodbye.” He brushed a hand through his hair, then remembered his hat. He opened the door of the Mad Cow, pulled out money for the pie and coffee, and handed it to