Wyoming Proud by Diana Palmer

Author:Diana Palmer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-07-18T14:32:23+00:00

* * *

GABBY’S FATHER’S HOUSE, which she was doing the cost estimate for, kept Erin’s mind joyfully occupied for days. It was nice to be able to use her skills, even in this small way. But it reminded her painfully of how her career had ended. She put it to the back of her mind and went on with her chore.

By the second week, she had what Gabby needed.

The younger woman actually whooped with glee. “We can afford it!” she said, and impetuously hugged Erin. “Oh, thank you so much! I’d never have been able to get my father to do this without actual figures. Honestly the roof is about to cave in, the well house needs rebuilding, the stalls need repairs, and that’s all that concerns Daddy,” she groaned. “The best building on the place is the stable where he keeps our horses, for goodness’ sake!”

Erin laughed. “Well, he should build a house while he has the capital for a home improvement loan.”

“I agree wholeheartedly!” She looked around, to make sure nobody was within earshot. She leaned closer. “Can I ask you something, well, sort of personal?” she asked almost in a whisper.

“Of course you can. What is it?”

“It’s Justin.” She bit her lower lip, still looking around nervously. “I mean, he’s around you a lot and he smiles more than he used to.” Her pale gray eyes were glistening like silver. “You don’t... Are you, I mean.” She stopped suddenly and colored.

“I’m not,” Erin replied gently, and smiled. Then the smile faded and her own gray eyes began to glitter. “And you want to know why? It’s because I’m stupid! Because I’m still in love with the miserable backstabbing son of a swamp rat who’s the father of my baby!”

Then she started crying.

Gabby got around her and hugged her, rocking her in her arms. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I know how it feels.”

“I know you do,” Erin sobbed. “I’m so sorry, too.”

“I’m just a fly speck in the swamp.”

Erin leaned up and whispered in her ear. “He thinks you’re too young.”

Gabby’s whole face lit up. “What?”

Erin wiped away tears and took a breath. “You don’t see the way he looks at you,” Erin said simply. “Two words. Be patient.”

Gabby looked almost ethereal. “You see things that other people don’t,” she said.

“Yes. It’s a nice skill. Pity it didn’t work for me when I really needed it to. That miserable rat...!”

“Now, now, you’ll upset the baby.”

“He needs to know the truth about his other parent,” Erin said doggedly. “He’s not going to grow up to be just like him!”

Gabby chuckled. “You said, ‘him.’”

Erin shrugged. “Well, Ty has a sister,” she said. “But Ty’s grandfathers on both sides had only sons. It’s sort of a fifty-fifty split, but it leans toward a boy.”

“Ty. Was that your husband’s name?” she asked, all at sea.

Erin sniffed and mopped at tears. “No. It’s the name of the man I’ve been in love with since I was thirteen, who fired me and accused me of selling him out.

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