Cowgirl Up and Ride (Rough Riders #3)(39)

“Telling me what I want to hear and honestly answering the question are two different things, Amy Jo.”


“I know. But Daddy left the ranch to you. Do I hope you sell it? No. But do I understand why you’d want to? Yes.”


AJ made her sandwich and sat down, wondering if she could swallow bread through a tight throat.


Lunch was a somber affair.


Table cleared, coffee poured, the last of the sugar cookies between them, her mother addressed the issue again, just as AJ expected she would.


“Neither Jenn nor Alan showed interest in ranching. If you were married—not that I’m wishing you were—and this place was supporting you and a husband, I wouldn’t even bring it up. But with you off at school, Jenn looking at starting over someplace else, and me half-crippled, it’s past time to talk about it.”


“Which means you’ve made your decision.”


“I have. After your daddy died, I promised Carson that the McKays would have first crack at buying it. No doubt they’ll give us a fair price, plus they have the same philosophy about ranching, so I don’t worry the land will be well cared for.”


AJ stared out the window at the place she called home. The elm and cottonwood trees beyond the driveway wavered in the blustery summer wind. The midday sun bleached all color from the blue sky, but the dazzling brightness would return before sunset.



How many times had she done dishes at this old enamel sink? She’d never once wondered if it’d be the last time she’d listen for the melodic coos of the mourning doves, or see the golden finches pecking at the bird feeders blowing in the sage-scented breeze.


“Sweetheart?”


“Where would you go?”


“Probably tag along with Jenn to wherever she’s going. Not to live with her, but I can’t imagine not seeing Krista, Mason and Ariel regularly. Does that bother you?”


“Why in the world would it bother me? I know that if I had three kids and an iffy future you’d be right there with me, instead of with her.”


“Instead—”


“Instead, I have school to finish.” AJ faced her mother and smiled. “I won’t pretend this is gonna be easy on me, Mama, because unlike you and Jenn, this is the only home I’ve ever had.”


“I know.”


“Have you called Carson yet?”


“No. I wanted to talk to you first, since it affects you the most.”


“I appreciate it. Call him after you rest.”


Florence squinted at the clock. “He’s probably having lunch, so I believe I’ll call him now.” She grabbed the cordless phone and dialed.


AJ half-listened to the conversation, wondering if Cord was chowing down at his folks’ house, but she suspected the man forgot to eat if he wasn’t cooking for Ky.


The phone beeped when her mom hung up.


“Well? What’d he say?”


“Carson will swing by around three.”


“You relieved?”


She nodded. “And tired. This decision has been weighing on me, girl.”


“I can see that.”


“I assume he’ll bring Cord along, since he runs as much of this part of the ranch as Carson does these days.”


At the mention of Cord’s name, a wave of heat flooded her body.


“Amy Jo, you okay?”