A Cowboy to Marry by CATHY GILLEN THACKER

it.
    Still, she needed to talk to him tonight. Needed the brand of comfort only he could give. “The doctors said my devastation over Percy’s death and the acrimonious way we parted, combined with my longing for a child, made my hormones a mess. I was barely eating or sleeping. I was dizzy and nauseated, more often than not. And I went three months without a period before I realized it.”
    Holden reached over and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “It’s only natural you concluded what you did.”
    Silence fell between them as she looked deep into his eyes, noticing yet again what a ruggedly handsome man he was. It was more than just the symmetry of his features or the strong line of his jaw. It was his kindness and compassion. His easygoing attitude and humor. The way he could always make a person feel better with an offhand comment or smile.
    â€œYou really think that?”
    â€œYes. I do.” He hugged her briefly.
    She drew back again, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off her heart. “I’m glad we talked about this.”
    â€œSo am I.” He looked as if he, too, had felt a wall come tumbling down.
    â€œBut now we really have to call it a night.” Before I start making this into something more romantic and meaningful than it really is.
    His expression radiated a distinct male satisfaction as he prodded, “So, our first official rebound date…?”
    â€œâ€¦will have to wait until we help Miss Rosa and Miss Mim temporarily relocate the Laramie Public Library,” Libby finished firmly.
    He squinted as if doing some mental calculations, then said, “Just so I know you’re not backing out on our agreement.”
    â€œI’m not,” she promised.
    She just needed to make sure that when it did happen, she was composed enough to acknowledge the date for what it was.
    Otherwise, it could mean trouble for both of them.
    Â 
    T HE IMPROMPTU MEETING at Libby’s home the evening before had involved mostly women. The gathering Sunday afternoon at the library was mostly of men. And for good reason, Libby thought, as she searched the sea of helpers for the person she most wanted to say hello to, since the task involved moving literally thousands of books to their temporary new homes.
    â€œLooking for someone?” Paige teased, coming up to stand beside her.
    Libby continued scanning the crowd. “Holden.”
    Her friend handed her a roll of tape, a marker and two collapsed cardboard boxes. “Not here yet. He should be soon, though.” She guided Libby to the toddler section,where work was already under way. “What’s going on with the two of you, anyway?”
    Libby ducked her head and focused on putting the box together. “What do you mean?”
    Paige pulled up a kid’s chair and sank into it. “Why was he at your house last night, looking like he was ready to go out? And why were you so dressed up?”
    Libby flushed. Leave it to her best friend…
    â€œAnd speak of the devil,” Paige murmured with a cheeky grin.
    Libby turned to see Holden coming to join them. He had on an old UT sweatshirt and a pair of threadbare jeans, and he hadn’t shaved. His dark hair had that rumpled, just-out-of-bed, can’t-be-bothered-with-a-comb look, and he was carrying a tool belt in one hand, a pair of leather work gloves in the other. Her pulse raced at the sight of him. “Hi,” she said, unable to help recalling the kiss they had shared.
    He looked as if he was doing the same. Even though she had panicked and kicked him out early.
    â€œHi,” he said, in a softer, sexier tone than usual.
    Paige scoffed. “You can’t tell me something isn’t going on!”
    Holden announced, deadpan, “We’re going to date. We just haven’t decided when.”
    â€œWhat?” She turned back to Libby. “Is he pulling my leg?”
    Holden looked at Libby, daring her