Her Cowboy Reunion & Hill Country Reunion by Ruth Logan Herne

Author:Ruth Logan Herne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2020-02-14T20:52:37+00:00

* * *

Business at the doughnut shop generally slowed as lunchtime approached, which meant Diana could turn things over to Kimberly and get away for a while. Still shaken by the unexpected encounter with Tripp, she needed a break before her runaway emotions got the best of her—and before her nosy assistant had a chance to pepper her with more questions.

Figuring her parents would be too busy helping Aunt Jennie move in to think about lunch, she filled a small white bag with her great-aunt’s favorite doughnuts, then texted her mom with an offer to run by the supermarket deli and pick up sandwiches.

At the supermarket, a line of customers waited at the deli counter, so she picked up a sandwich menu and joined the queue.

While she studied the menu, someone paused beside her. “I hear the ham-and-Swiss is really good.”

The page nearly fell from her hand. “Tripp.”

“Yep, it’s still me.” His lopsided grin made her stomach dip. He held up a bulging deli bag. “Guess great minds think alike.”

Or not. Diana forced a smile. “Just moved in and you’re already discovering all the popular eateries in Juniper Bluff. When you’re ready to try Mexican, I recommend Casa Luis.”

An odd look crossed Tripp’s face. “Thanks, I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Oh, I forgot. You’re on some kind of health kick these days.”

“You could say so.” Tripp glanced away. “Well, don’t let me keep you. Have a good afternoon, Diana.”

“Yeah, you, too.” The line moved, and Diana took a giant step forward. She was so ready to end this conversation.

“Diana?”

She winced, then turned and met Tripp’s steady gaze. “Yes?”

“I just wanted to say how good it is to see you again. Your own business and everything—that’s...really great. I’m happy for you.”

At the pensive look in his eyes, the corner of her heart that had been frozen all these years melted a tiny bit. “Thanks. I’m glad to know you’re doing well, too. I hope you’ll be very happy in Juniper Bluff.”

“I think I will be. The slower pace is already a welcome change.”

“Funny,” Diana mused with a twist to her lips, “I didn’t think anything could lure you from your big-city lifestyle.”

Tripp shrugged. “Maybe that was true...once.”

“Well, I guess a lot can change in twelve years.”

“Yeah, a lot can change.” The words came out on a sigh. After a moment’s pause, he offered a parting smile and strode away.

Lost in trying to figure out what this new Tripp Willoughby was all about, Diana jumped when the deli clerk called her name. “Oh, hi, Stan. Yes, I’d like two Reubens, an egg salad on whole wheat and a ham-and-Swiss on rye, light on the mustard.”

She added a gallon of fresh-brewed iced tea to her order, then selected a large bag of chips. Fifteen minutes later, she was on her way to the assisted-living center.

By the time she arrived, she’d regained a semblance of composure. At the reception desk she asked for directions to Aunt Jennie’s quarters, then followed the signs to apartment 18C. The door stood open, and her great-aunt beamed from the opposite end of a small dinette.

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