“Bite your tongue. We still have a month or two of nice weather.”
“I suppose.” She nibbled her bottom lip.
“What’s wrong?”
“Every day, I think about my stolen cows and wonder what happened to them. Did someone kill them, or did someone buy them?”
“Let it go, baby.”
“I’m trying, Wilder. I am, but it still hurts that they’re gone. Especially Boo-boo. I can’t imagine never seeing her again. I babied her from the time she was born on this farm.” She sniffed and blinked back tears.
“I know. I’m sorry.” He put his hand out to her. “Come on. We need to head for the barn.”
She nodded, took his hand with a heavy sigh, and followed him.
Once they entered, they strode down the aisle. Then he stopped and tugged on her hand, so she’d look at him.
“Close your eyes.”
“Seriously?”
“Do you want your surprise or not?”
“Geesh, okay.”
Rory closed her eyes and smiled when he kissed her temple. Such a romantic man. He meant so much to her, and she knew she’d love him until her last breath.
“Keep them closed.”
“Yes, sir,” she said and saluted, making him chuckle.
“Smartass.”
She heard the barn door open, then he led her outside and she could feel the sunshine on her face. He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her a little, then she felt his warm breath by her ear.
“Open them,” he whispered.
Rory opened her eyes, blinked a few times, and gasped.
“Boo-boo!” she exclaimed and ran toward the cow.
Then she saw all the ones taken from her in the corral. She hugged Boo-boo and then turned to look at Wilder.
“How?”
“Buster owned some land close to here, where he took them. Reece got it out of him.”
“I won’t ask how, but remind me to thank him.” Her voice caught as she looked back at her cows, then ran back to him and jumped into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed his lips.
“Thank you. Thank you,” she said.
“You’re welcome.”
Boo-boo mooed, making them laugh.
****
“I think she missed you too, darlin’.” Wilder hugged her tighter.