“I don’t know enough to ask. I just think we should get to really know each other.”
He nodded. “All right, Stella. Whatever you want. Let’s eat breakfast together. The more we’re together, the better we’ll know each other.”
“I’ll see you at breakfast. Thanks again for today. It was nice to raise the money for people here and to have your moral support in Lubbock today.”
“Good. See you at seven in the morning.”
“Sure,” she said, following him to the door. He turned to look at her and she gazed into his eyes, her heart beginning to drum again as her gaze lowered to his mouth. She wanted his kisses, wanted to stop being cautious, but that’s how she had gotten pregnant. Now if she let go, she might fall in love when he wouldn’t. Yet, was she going to lose a chance on winning his love because of her caution? She couldn’t see any future for them the way things were.
Five
The next morning after breakfast with Stella, Aaron sent text messages to three more Texas Cattleman’s Club members in Dallas. Stella had given him permission to plan two meetings, so he wanted to get them arranged as soon as possible.
Next, he drove to the temporary office R&N Builders had set up in Royal. It was a flimsy, hastily built building on a back street. He saw Cole’s truck already there and was surprised his partner had returned a little earlier than he had planned.
Seated at one of the small tables that served as a desk, Cole was in his usual boots, jeans and R&N Builders T-shirt. His broad-brimmed black Resistol hung on the hat rack along with his jacket.
“How’s Henry?” Aaron asked in greeting.
“He’s getting along, but he needs help and he still has a lot of repairs to make. He had appointments with insurance people and an attorney about his brother’s estate, so I came back here.”
“I’m sorry to hear he still has a lot to do. That’s tough. In the best of times there’s no end to the work on a ranch.”
“You got that right. And he’s having a tough time about losing his brother. I figure I’m a good one to stay and give him a hand.”
“I’m sure he’ll appreciate it. I think a lot of people are glad to have you back in Royal. You didn’t go home much before the storm.”
“I’ve avoided being here with Craig and Paige since their marriage. I’ve gone home occasionally for holidays, but never was real comfortable about it since Craig and I both dated Paige in high school,” Cole said, gazing into space. Aaron wondered if Cole still had feelings for Paige or if he had been in love with her when she’d married Craig.
“When the folks died, I came even less often.” He turned to look at Aaron. “I’m ready to leave for the TCC. Want to ride with me?”
“I’ll drive one of the trucks because I’m going to see Stella for lunch. She raised $12,000 from people in Lubbock yesterday afternoon.”
“That’s good news. Royal needs whatever we can get. There’s still so much to be done.”
“Cole, she has an idea—she’s worried about Christmas and the people who lost everything, the people with little kids who are having a hard time. She wants to have a Christmas drive to get presents.”