A Cowboy's Christmas Reunion (The Boones of Texas 1)

Josie nodded, looking up as the little bell over the bakery door rang.

Amy stood there, her hair back in a ponytail. She wore a burgundy scrub top with the UET Vet logo on the left shoulder. She walked forward, her brown eyes fixing on Josie. “I’m here to pick up an order for the vet school.” She pulled out a credit card and slapped it on the counter. “And I’m in a hurry.”

Josie took the card, running it through the machine. “Was it called in?”

“Y-yes.”

“Dad?” Josie called out. “Did we get an order from the vet school?”

Her father came out, carrying a large box. “Got it right here.” His entire expression changed when he saw Amy, and his eyes widened as he looked at her shirt. “What—”

“I got it, Dad,” Josie said, patting his arm. “Thanks.”

“You sure you don’t need help?” he asked.

“You have the sweetest daddy.” Amy waved her fingertips at him. “Carl, you get cuter every time I see you.”

He didn’t say anything as he disappeared back into the kitchen.

“So, Amy.” Annabeth shot Josie a look. “I didn’t know you were back in town.”

“For good, since Hunter got me a job at the vet school,” Amy added.

Josie was very proud of the way she didn’t react. She didn’t burst into tears. Or scream in frustration. Or throw the box of pastries at Amy. Nope, she didn’t even twitch. She stood there, staring at the credit card machine, praying it would hurry up.

“Well, isn’t that something?” Annabeth pulled Cody into her lap.

“Guess the gossips haven’t got wind of it yet. But when they do, tongues will be wagging.” Amy laughed. “I love to give ’em something to talk about.”

“And you were always so good at it.” Annabeth smiled sweetly.

Amy ignored Annabeth, tapping her nails on the counter as she asked Josie, “What’s the holdup?”

“Old machine.” The machine spit out the receipt, which Josie handed over. “Just needs your signature.”

Amy signed it, grabbed the box, then paused. “Want me to tell Hunter hi for you when I get to work?” Her smile was a little too self-satisfied.

“Thanks but no thanks,” Josie said, keeping her tone light. She could hold it together until Amy walked out. After that, all bets were off. Relief swept over her as the other woman turned to go.

But Amy turned back suddenly, her brown eyes sweeping over Josie from head to toe. “Hunter’s a big boy, so it’s his own fault for making the same mistakes over again. But—” she lowered her voice “—you hurt my boy, and there will be hell to pay.”

Josie stared at Amy, surprised and a little impressed that the woman had any maternal instincts. She managed a tight grin. “You have a good day.”

Amy left, the little bell over the bakery door breaking the silence. And just like that, the entire bakery, all eight people, were whispering and talking among themselves.

Annabeth stood, putting Cody’s empty plate and cup on the counter. “Why would he get her a job?”

Josie’s heart ached. “She’s Eli’s mom. You know Hunter. If she needs help, he’s going to take care of her. For Eli.” It was one of the reasons she loved Hunter. And one more reason she should book that flight straight to New Mexico. She would always have to contend with Amy, with drama, with uncertainty. Hunter might love her, but he was loyal to his family. Eli and Amy were his family. Was there really room for her?

She’d find out tonight—she had to. There was too much to sort through, too much still left unsaid. If it couldn’t work, she’d start over again. It’s not as if she was tied to a place... She could go anywhere, thanks to her books.

Now she just needed to know where she was going.

“Josie?” Annabeth asked. “You okay?”

Josie nodded. “Yeah.”

“You sure?”