Cowboy Take Me Away (Rough Riders 16)

“Really? I mean, that is so kind of you to offer, but at this late date I wouldn’t want you to go to any trouble.”

“No trouble at all. Especially for a new incoming member to the St. Ignatius congregation.” Agnes paused and cocked her head. “I assume you will transfer to our church in Sundance and not drive clear to Gillette every Sunday?”

Carson ended his silence. “We’re still discussing it, bein’s Carolyn’s family has long-held ties to that church.”

Carolyn wanted to elbow him. They weren’t even married yet and the man was already looking for ways to get out of going to church.

“I understand.” But it was clear Agnes didn’t understand.

“I am thrilled you’re considering hosting a bridal shower for me. It would be wonderful to have my own household items to help make Carson’s house our home.”

“Consider it done. If you’ll give me your phone number after I meet with the ladies circle I can call you with a firm date. I’ll suggest Saturday afternoon, a week from tomorrow.”

“That would be perfect.” Carolyn recited her number, watching Agnes write it on the back of her green stamps booklet.

Agnes tucked the booklet in her purse. “I’ll be in touch. It was so good to meet you, Carolyn.”

“Good to meet you too.”

“Carson,” Agnes said.

“Nice seein’ you again, Mrs. Varlo.”

She waited until Agnes was out of earshot, before she said, “Wow. That was generous of her.” She smiled. “A bridal shower is so exciting! My mother still has things from hers.”

“I’m glad you’re excited, Caro, but I told you I’d buy you anything you wanted.”

“I know, but a bridal shower is a rite of passage for women. And it’ll be good for me to meet women in the community since I don’t know anyone.”

“Agnes is thoughtful, but don’t think for a second she isn’t already assigning you to several church committees,” Carson warned.

“I’m grateful, but don’t think for a second I’d pass up a chance to tout my seamstress skills for a price.”

Carson laughed. “But you don’t have to take in sewing jobs after we’re married. It’s my job to provide for you.”

“I know. But I’ll go crazy without some sort of work to keep me occupied.” She frowned. She was not looking forward to Missy’s final fitting tomorrow. Might not be so bad if it was just her, but the nasty bridesmaids duo was sure to be there too. “I hope the alterations fit perfectly and I can be in and out of there in fifteen minutes.”

“These are the women who questioned whether me’n you were really dating?”

“Yeah.”

“Where’s the fitting?”

“At the Methodist Church in Moorcroft.”

Carson picked up her hand and kissed her engagement ring. “Guess when they see this that’ll squash any argument that we ain’t really a couple.” He released her hand. “Let’s get these groceries paid for. Is someone home who’ll help you carry them in?”

“I’m sure one of my brothers is,” she lied. Even if they were around they wouldn’t help her, simply because they wouldn’t think of it.

Part of her wondered if Carson would be that way after they’d been married a while.

But she watched him unload the groceries from the cart into the trunk and then hold the door open for an elderly woman after he’d returned the cart; she knew his gentlemanly side was ingrained.

At least in public.

Carolyn arrived early at the church the next day.

The alterations for Missy’s dress were perfect. They waited for what seemed like forever before Tammy and Edie made an appearance.

Missy lit into them. “You’re both hung over? That is just great. If you puke on the bridesmaid’s dress during the fitting you will not be in my wedding, understand?”

“You’re crabby today. You on the rag or something?” Edie said with a yawn.

Which sent Missy into another tirade, and Tammy joined in to defend Edie.

Carolyn wanted to crawl under a rock. These women considered themselves friends?

“Enough. Get your dresses on,” Missy commanded.

Both Edie and Tammy dressed in the small church nursery. First Carolyn checked the hems. Good to go. Then she checked the lace panel on the bodice.

Edie snatched her hand. “What’s this?”

Tammy leaned over to look. “Is that an engagement ring?”

“Yes. Carson and I are getting married.”

“When?”

“In three weeks.” Carolyn yanked her hand back.

“Are you pregnant?” Edie demanded.

“Are you always this rude?” Carolyn said. “That is none of your business.”

“Ooh. Testy.” Tammy and Edie exchanged a knowing look.

“Since the dresses fit, I’ll be going.”

Carolyn exited the room and stopped when she saw Carson leaning against the wall. Looking like a million bucks in his dark jeans, a blue plaid shirt that brought out his eyes, and his dress cowboy hat. “Carson? What are you doing here?”

He ambled forward, his eyes never leaving her face. When he reached her he slanted his mouth over hers for a lingering kiss. “I knew my beautiful bride-to-be had an appointment in town so I thought I’d swing by and take you to lunch.” He pushed a section of hair behind her ear and caressed her jaw—a gesture more intimate than his kiss. “I was just missin’ you, Caro.”

No, the sweet man just wanted to show these doubters that he was entirely hers.

“That’s a great idea. Let’s go.” She didn’t turn around and see if Edie and Tammy were watching; frankly, for the first time she didn’t care.

Seemed Carson’s attitude was rubbing off on her.

Chapter Sixteen

Carson

Carson’s job today was chasing after stray calves that broke away from the herd as they moved cattle to a different grazing area. Casper led the herd, Charlie handled keeping the first third in line, Cal the second third and Carson the back third. They’d had a good go of it so far, but he didn’t like the way the clouds were forming. A spooked herd was a scattered herd, and since they still had one road to cross, that could be problematic.

Jed usually waited on the road for them with the horse trailer. He’d open the gate to the next pasture and warn the few souls who used that road there’d be a delay.