McKenzie Cousins Box Set 1

Sofia pauses with her coffee halfway to her lips. “He’s getting married, and you’re going after him?”

“God, don’t put it like that,” I grumble and feel my nose start to twitch at the first sign of tears. “I love him, Sofia. The night we had together was so different than anything I’ve experienced before and I know he felt it, too. I need to know, once and for all, if it’s all a figment of my imagination or if he misses me as much as I do him. I have to know.”

Sofia places her drink back on to the table and grabs my hand. “Then you have to go and talk to him. Face-to-face because that’s the only way you’ll get the truth.” She frowns. “Tanner Jackson? Don’t I know that name?”

I wince and admit, “I met him at Sirena and Garrett’s wedding. His dad and Garrett are best of friends.”

Her eyes pop wide. “You’re talking about the hottie with face scruff. The dark guy who spent the evening with his brooding eyes solely focused on you. That guy?”

“You noticed him?”

“Are you kidding me? Madison and I spent a good chunk of the evening watching him…and you. We both gave him a full ten for that amazing ass of his.” She snickers and I’m not sure if it’s because of the shocked look on my face or the memory. “We also saw him follow you to the garage.” She wiggles her brows. “You looked rather flushed when you reappeared, only to disappear straightaway…with him.”

“I didn’t think we’d been that obvious considering no one ever mentioned anything.”

“Oh please, you both were so obvious.” Sofia grins. “Besides, I figured you’d tell me eventually.” She shrugs before adding, “I promise to keep it to myself.”

“I appreciate that.” I pause and worry at the doubt that has been plaguing me for months. “Do you really believe I’m doing the right thing in going to visit him?”

“He doesn’t know you’re going, right?” Sofia taps her lips with a finger.

“No, and he’s alone at the ranch. His father is at the Texas one…I asked Sirena to find out.”

Sofia laughs. “I bet she enjoyed that considering Garrett won’t let her lift a finger until after the baby is born.”

“She’s the one who offered to find out what she could. Mom has been there every day helping with Elias who is a handful now and into everything while she rests. It’s driving her crazy.”

“She’ll survive and I’m sure she’s aware Garrett is the way he is because he loves her,” Sofia says, softly. “I want what she has.” She sighs. “A husband, a baby...just someone so I’m not alone.”

I frown at my cousin. “Sofia, you’re only twenty-two, you have plenty of time. You’ll meet someone. Maybe he’ll be a customer.”

“The only male customers I tend to meet are the groom to the bride,” she complains.

I chuckle. “Well, let’s hope you don’t find yourself in the same situation as I’m in.” My tears slowly slip down my face, which I curse at. “I thought I was doing so well not crying,” I blubber.

“Mom always tells me a good cry will make me feel better.”

“Aunt Rosie used to tell me that as well…Ugh! I need to pull myself together and then head home and pack.”

Sofia reaches over the table and hugs me. “I don’t think you’ll need it, but I’m going to wish you luck. If anyone deserves some

happiness, it’s you.”

As she says it, chimes echo through the store and Sofia glances back at the ovens, which are gently pinging. I quickly hug Sofia so she can get back to work and then leave, walking back to my apartment.

Snow slowly falls while Christmas music continues to follow me along the sidewalk. There’s a Santa collecting for a children’s charity, and a guy selling Christmas trees on the corner. The scent of pine hits my senses and I crave to have my own real Christmas tree, with a fire lit in the hearth, while I snuggle against Tanner knowing he’s mine. That’s all I want for Christmas.

62

Tanner

“I see your mood hasn’t improved any since last night,” Bo drawls, resting his hands on his utility belt. He looks tired and I don’t blame him...being a state police officer during the winter is pretty hard. He’d stopped by on his way back from a bad accident out on one of the main highways. He’s always pretty tight lipped about his work, and I guess I can’t blame him.

He sure looks warmer than I am right now. The cold seeps into my bones and no matter how many layers I wear, nothing helps. This is the first year in as long as I can remember that I’ve been so cold. If I were superstitious, I’d think it was telling me to leave and head for Lexington…or more importantly toward my heart.

“You know,” Bo adds in a tone that makes me stop and look at him, “Emma has been sweet as pie with you ever since that trucker. You don’t think that’s a coincidence, do you?”

Exhausted, I toss hay in his direction before I rest my hands on the handle of the pitchfork. “You’re like a woman.”