Finally Found (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10)

A handsome, middle-aged man wearing a cowboy hat and boots stood on the porch. “Hi, honey.” With no reservations, Gary swept Jena’s mom into his arms and gave her a kiss. “And this young lady must be Matt’s sister.”

Janet nodded. “Gary, this is Carrie.”

“Pleased to meet you.” She held out her hand.

He smiled. “I’m a hugger.” Then he gave her a big squeeze. “The whole town is buzzing about you, Carrie. We are so happy that you’ve been found.”

Carrie wasn’t sure how she felt about being the center of attention. She was so used to keeping her life private and off everyone’s radar. But in Destiny it seemed that was impossible.

“Gary, I totally forgot about our breakfast date,” Janet said. “I’m sorry, but—”

“No buts, sweetheart. I plan on taking you and Carrie to Blues Diner. Alice and her husbands are so proud that the restaurant is back. They plan on having a grand opening soon to show off all the renovations they did after the fire. This week is what they are calling their “soft” opening. Only friends and family. Today’s breakfast special is your favorite, honey. Biscuits and gravy.”

“Carrie, Alice’s husbands make th

e best gravy you’ll ever taste.” Janet held Gary’s hand. It was clear that these two were in love. “What do you say? Shall we take this cowboy up on his offer?”

“Mom, you go. Enjoy yourself. I’ll unpack my clothes while you’re gone.”

“Okay, Carrie. If that’s what you’d like to do. Go ahead and get settled in. Gary and I won’t be gone long. All our numbers are listed by the phone in the kitchen. If you need anything, just call.”

She gave Jena’s mom a hug. “Have a good time.”

They left, and she closed the door, turning the lock.

She walked back into the kitchen and the phone rang. How many other homes had landlines in Destiny? She grinned, betting most did. The town in many ways seemed from an earlier era, where people greeted each other on the street with a wave, where honesty was the norm, and families looked out for one another.

The phone rang again. She wondered if she should answer it. What if it was important? It might be Kimmie’s school.

“Hello?”

“Hi Carrie. This is Josh.”

Images of the good-looking cowboy and his cousin Jacob filled her mind. “Hey, Josh. How are you?”

“Great. Jacob and I were wondering if you would like to go horseback riding and have a picnic with us.”

The idea thrilled her. “I would like that very much. When?”

“How about we ride over to your place at eleven?”

Your place? She glanced around the space, starting to believe that she had truly found a home. “That would be great.”

“Okay, we’ll see you then.”

She placed the receiver back on the cradle, remembering that Jena’s mom would be back shortly. “I hope she won’t mind that I’ll be leaving with Josh and Jacob.”

The phone rang again.

“Hello?”

“Carrie, Gary and I were wondering if you would like to go fishing with us,” Jena’s mom said.

“Thank you for asking me, Mom, but actually Josh just called and invited me to go horseback riding with him and Jacob.”

“That sounds like fun. Go ahead and enjoy yourself. There are some chocolate chip cookies that I made yesterday. Take them with you for those boys. We’ll see you around dinner time?”

“They are planning to take me on a picnic lunch, but I’m sure I’ll be back by then.”