A Son for the Cowboy by Sasha Summers

Author:Sasha Summers
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Western Romance
Published: 2017-07-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“It’s certainly a fixer-upper, now, isn’t it?” Rose stood in the middle of the kitchen, a mix of horror and sympathy on her still-too-thin face. “I guess I can see the potential. But, wow, there’s a lot to be done.”

Poppy didn’t argue. She liked the white walls, wide-wood-plank flooring and large windows that let in natural light. But there was a fair amount of work to do. From the appliances to the plumbing, new lighting fixtures and a curtain here or there...

“What’s wrong with it?” Bob asked, hands on his hips, already radiating impatience. “Stove, fridge, microwave, sink, dishwasher. It’s a kitchen.”

Poppy pressed her lips tight, refusing to smile. She’d always found Bob’s directness amusing. Rose, however, was unimpressed.

“Did you look at the stove? Honestly, Bob—”

“The fire alarm has gone off lots,” Otis offered. “But the chicken wasn’t burned. Aunt Poppy makes good fried chicken.”

Rose frowned at her. “Fire alarm?”

“It’s an old stove, Rose. The element smokes something fierce. New one should be here in a few days.” Poppy sighed, staring out the window at the wavering skyline. It was hot. So hot the air seemed to shimmer and sway. “Just a little smoke and a lot of noise.”

“We figured out how to turn it off with a broom handle.” Dot was proud of this. “We’ve had ice cream. And painted the bathroom in Aunt Poppy’s shop. We learned to ride Cheeto. Oh, and we swam in the river, too.”

Poppy looked at her niece with an approving smile. The girl had a golden hue to her skin. The last week they’d spent a lot of time at the shop and even more time outside. Both Dot and Otis seemed more comfortable around the horses. And they weren’t squeamish about catching grasshoppers for fishing bait anymore—a big victory in her eyes. Putting them on a fishing hook was another matter.

“Swimming in the river?” Bob asked.

“Right down the hill behind the house,” Otis said. “Wanna go? It’s a scorcher out there.”

“A scorcher, huh?” Bob found this hilarious.

“Toben said that,” Dot offered. “He says all sorts of cowboy-y things.”

She glanced at Rowdy, noting his glum expression and knowing why. Any mention of his father upset him. Toben had driven away three days ago and had not bothered to send a text or call his son. He’d left Rowdy to draw his own conclusions about why he’d suddenly disappeared—something that made her want to give Toben Boone a talking-to. Not that it would help. Poppy knew the truth. Toben was scared. He’d been fine when it was all fun and games. But as soon as it got serious, as soon as it got real, he’d bolted. That picture had been too much for the man. Nothing like seeing how devoted his boy was to freak him out. Toben Boone knew nothing about commitment or loyalty.

She ruffled Rowdy’s hair, glancing at her sister. Rose’s eyes were round and her mouth hung open. Poppy knew it was too much to hope the topic of Toben wouldn’t come up over their weekend visit, but she’d hoped, anyway.

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