Cowgirl Up and Ride (Rough Riders #3)(129)

You’ve no idea the guilt your father and I felt about how you worked so hard and got nothing in return but more work. In hindsight, we knew what we did was wrong. There’s no way to make up for the lost time now, except to offer you this check as “back wages”


and hope it eases the way for you to start your own business. You earned it. I’m so proud of you for finishing school. I miss you. Bring your new hubby and son up for a visit after you get settled. Congratulations!


Love you, baby girl,


Mama


She glanced down, in utter disbelief, at the check for thirty-five thousand dollars. “I don’t understand. Where did she get the money?”


“Our buyout was very generous, AJ. But I had nothin’ to do with this.” He pointed to the check. “I ain’t gonna argue that you earned it. You shouldn’t argue either.”


AJ’s mind was already whirling. She could rent that storefront space in Sundance she’d been eyeing. Heck, she had money to renovate even if the loan from the state didn’t come through. She looked up at Cord. “Do you know if that space in the Sandstone Building next to Macie’s restaurant is still up for grabs?”


He shook his head. “Afraid not. It’s spoken for.”


“Shoot.”


Cord put a finger under her chin. “By you. I leased it in your name, AJ, last month.”


“Why? Did you know Mama was gonna give me this money?”


“No. I know you. I have faith in you. I know how good you are at givin’ massages and so will everyone else in the county. Even if you wouldn’t have gotten this unexpected windfall, I figure the state of Wyoming ain’t dumb enough not to fund your business. I didn’t want you to miss out on the space you’d set your heart on.”


“Really? You did it for me?”


“There ain’t nothin’ I wouldn’t do for you.” Just as he bent down to kiss her, the door opened and Keely and Colt burst in.


“Did she say yes?”


“Of course she said yes. The woman’s been in love with me since she was five.” He whispered, “I’ve got a lot of catchin’ up to do.”


Keely squealed and AJ smacked Cord in the arm before Keely squeezed her tight.


“We’re really gonna be sisters now. This is so cool! So, you guys ready?”


“Ready for what?”


Cord cursed.


“You haven’t told her?” Colt grinned. “Typical.”


He sauntered over and hugged AJ. “Welcome to the family. I’m gonna enjoy teasin’ my bro about bein’ a cradle robber for a long time to come.”


AJ looked at Colt. He looked fit and healthy, even when a sense of wariness surrounded him that hadn’t been there before. She whirled back around and faced her intended. “Tell me what?”


“That we’re goin’ to Vegas. Tonight. To get married. Thought I’d surprise you. Colt and Keely are standin’ up for us.”


She stared at him, stunned.


Which caused him to babble. “Come on, baby doll. I love you. You love me. I don’t wanna wait. You told me when we talked about gettin’ married on the phone the past coupla weeks that you didn’t want a big weddin’ ceremony. Colt and I got three days before we’re needed at home. Keely said she’d kill me if she didn’t get to see us tie the knot. Ky’s stayin’ with my folks, though it’s makin’ him mighty antsy waitin’ for us to come home. I thought we could get hitched, and spend the night in the honeymoon suite of a swanky hotel. Then we’d come back here, pack your stuff and you could come home with me for good.”