After the Storm: Clean Historical Western Cowboy Romance Novel (Dawson Chronicles Book 2) by Linda Bridey Page B

little girls, Renee,” Marcus said.  “I was with Aiyana.  When I caught her and Mason kissing, I was madder than heck and it took Black Fox to help convince me that Mason was worthy of her.  Of course, it didn’t hurt that Mason came to me and asked permission to court her.  It makes a father respect a man if he’s willing to do that.  Are you attracted to this fella you’re friends with?”
                  Renee finished her sandwich.  “I might be.  I should be.  He’s a virile, great-looking man.  I just never thought about him like that; I don’t know why.”
                  “I’ll tell you why, or rather, you just told me why.  You wore blinders because you liked having him as a friend and you don’t want the relationship to suffer.  You must feel safe with him and have a good time with him.  Now, he took the blinders off your eyes.  You have to decide if you’re willing to risk a chance at happiness or play it safe,” Marcus said.
                  She pondered his words and then smiled at him.  “You are very wise, Dr. Samuels.  I see what you’re saying.  I knew that you could help me.  Now, do you know of anyone who’s renting a small apartment?  I’d like my own place.”
                  “You’re moving out of home?” Marcus asked.
                  “Yes.  I’m ready to be independent.  It doesn’t have to be overly fancy and I don’t mind fixing it up.  It’ll be fun.”
                  Marcus thought for a few moments.  “Check with Sawyer.  I think the apartment overtop of his shop is for rent, actually.  I heard him mention it.”
                  “That would be perfect as long as the rent is reasonable,” she said.  “I’ll check with him this evening.”  She cleaned up her area and rose.  “Thank you for the advice and for the lead on an apartment.”
                  “You’re welcome,” Marcus said.  “Always willing to help.”
                  “And that’s why everyone loves you so much,” Renee said, squeezing his arm before leaving the cafeteria.
     

Chapter Six
     
                  Meeting Kyle’s family the following Monday was an experience unlike Art had ever known.  As soon as they stepped off the train in Helena, the Dwyer clan surrounded them, Lacey embracing Kyle tightly as she cried with joy over his safe return.  Everyone else shed tears, too.  Kyle laughed and blinked back tears as he was passed from one person to another. 
                  It felt surreal to be among his family again and he tried to keep up with what everyone was telling him.  It was impossible; finally, he said, “Hey!  Slow down, everybody.  I can’t talk to you all at once.”
                  Devon said, “We can’t help it.  We’ve just missed you so much.”
                  He smiled at his little sister.  “And I missed you, too.  Now, let me introduce you to my good friend, Art Perrone.  Art, these are my parents, Lacey and Joe.”
                  Art had been expecting a cool reception despite what Kyle had told him.  He was shocked when Lacey hugged him and Joe warmly shook his hand, clapping him on the shoulder.
                  “Art, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Lacey said.  “Thank you for keeping Kyle safe.”
                  “We owe you, son,” Joe said.  “I don’t know what sort of work you do, but there are a couple of different jobs you could work at if you want.  We’ll get into all that later, though.”
                  The rest of the family was just as welcoming as they introduced themselves.  Then the two men were borne to the Dwyer estate amid much laughter and conversation.  Art thought, it’s like a party on wheels.   He’d never ridden in such a fancy car as the Brougham and marveled at its