advice, but Stacey stretched and took a few deep breaths. “I may have to take lessons from you on pacing myself.”
“I’m available for hamburger-eating pacing lessons,” he said with a mischievous grin that made her stomach take an unexpected dip.
A few minutes later, Stacey gave up on her fries, and she and Colton walked to the connecting bar. Colton ordered a couple of beers, and Stacey took a sip. Country music was playing in the background. If she closed her eyes, she could almost time travel back to over a year ago when she and Joe had just gotten engaged. She’d been unbelievably happy. Her future had been so bright. She’d clearly been a big fool.
Stacey hiccupped. “Oh, my,” she said and hiccupped again.
“Drink too fast?” he asked.
“I didn’t think so,” she said, but hiccupped again. “It’s just been so long since I sat down and drank even half a beer.”
“Maybe you need one of those sweet mixed drinks,” he said. “I’m not sure the bartender here can do that for you.”
“It depends on whether he has vodka or not. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t keep cranberry juice on tap.”
Colton laughed. “You’re right about the cranberry juice. I see Greg Townsend over there. He’s the president of the local ranchers’ association. Do you mind if I have a word with him?”
“Please, go ahead,” she said. “Let me catch my breath.”
“I’ll just be a minute,” he said.
Stacey closed her eyes, took a breath and held it. She counted to ten. Memories of how foolish she’d been with Joe warred with her enjoyment of her evening with Colton.
“Can I buy you another beer?” an unfamiliar male voice asked.
Stacey opened her eyes to meet the gaze of a man she didn’t know. “Excuse me?” she said. He was tall and wore a Stetson. He also had a beard. She wasn’t a big fan of beards.
“Can I buy you another beer?” he repeated, extending his hand. “I’m Tom Garrison. I haven’t seen you around here before. I work at the Jergen’s ranch.”
“Oh, I know the Jergens,” she said and briefly shook his hand. “Well, I know Ella Mae.”
“And you are?” he asked.
“Stacey,” she said, suddenly noticing her hiccups had disappeared. “Stacey Jones. Stacey Fortune Jones,” she added, because the Fortune part was still very new to her.
“A pleasure to meet you, Stacey Fortune Jones,” he said. “I’m kinda new in town and a little lonely since it’s winter. Maybe you could show me around.”
“Oh,” she said, shaking her head and feeling uncomfortable. “I’m super busy. I have a little baby.” She figured that would put him off. Most men were afraid of babies who weren’t their own.
“I like babies,” he said. “I’m good with them.”
Stacey began to feel just a teensy bit nervous. She searched the room for Colton. “Good for you, but, like I said, I’m super busy.”
“I don’t see a ring on your finger. That must mean you’re not taken,” he said, moving closer.
“Well,” she said, trying to shrink against her bar stool. She wished Colton would return. He would know how to take care of this pushy man. “Like I said, I’m extremely busy...”
“I could give you a good time,” he said. “Make you laugh. Maybe more...”
“Or not,” Colton said, suddenly appearing next to the pushy cowboy. “She’s with me.”
Stacey breathed a sigh of relief.
“She was sitting here all by herself when I saw her,” Tom said.
“For all of two and a half minutes. Go stalk someone else,” Colton said. “Trust me, she’s not your type.”
“She’s everybody’s type,” Tom grumbled, but walked away.
“Hmm,” Colton said. “Can’t leave you alone for even two minutes. There you go, seducing the new locals.”
“I didn’t seduce anyone,” she protested. “I was just trying to get rid of my hiccups.” She frowned. “I think my beer is flat.”
“You want another one?”
“No. I just want to go home,” she said and stood. “I’m glad you came back when you did. This was good enough for me. I won’t be wondering how the other half lives. I’d rather eat a meal I’ve prepared and watch a good TV show.” She met his gaze with a lopsided smile. “I’m getting old, aren’t I? An old mama.”
Colton shook his head. “Nah. You’re just growing up. And you’re the hot kind of mama, so keep up your guard.”
Colton wasn’t sure his evening out with Stacey had been all that successful. She’d been quiet on the way home. He was bummed that he hadn’t been able to cheer her up more. He wondered if he’d made things worse. He focused on his work at the ranch during the next couple of days and avoided the inquiring glances from the rest of his family.
As he drove home after a long day outdoors, his cell phone rang. It was Stacey. He immediately picked up. “Hey. What’s up?”
“I’m trying to find Rachel,” Stacey said. “I need her help.”
“I’m just pulling into the drive. Let me see if I can find her and I’ll call you back,” he said.
Colton strode into the house and called for his sister. “Rachel,” he called. “Rachel.”
No answer. His parents didn’t even respond.
He looked through the house and called a few more times. Sighing, he stabbed out Stacey’s cell number. “Hey,” he said. “No sign of Rachel or my parents.”
“Darn,” Stacey said. “My parents have gone to a town meeting.”
“Oh, mine must have gone to the same meeting. This place is like a ghost house,” he said and chuckled. “I think my voice may be echoing off the walls.”
“Oh, bummer,” Stacey said.
He heard the despair in her voice. “What’s wrong?”
“Rachel was my last hope since my parents are out, and my sister Delaney isn’t feeling well.”
“Last hope for what?” he asked, pacing the hallway in his house.
“Well, you know my brother Toby took in three foster kids,” she said. “He called me tonight and said the youngest is feeling bad. He has no experience
