Sharp Shootin' Cowboy by Victoria Vane Page B

“He’s the one who encouraged her to swap majors, but we’re still hoping she’ll change her mind.”
    Reid digested that tidbit as he took a bite of pie. Was she involved with this guy? The pie was delicious, but his thoughts left a bitter taste in his mouth.
    â€œShe never mentioned any involvement with a marine,” Dorothy said.
    â€œNo. I don’t suppose she would have since we weren’t technically involved .”
    Dorothy’s tiny hand rested on his. Her gaze softened. “I’m surprised Haley would have led you astray. She detests the military. Always has.”
    â€œI gathered that,” Reid replied. “It’s an unfair prejudice.”
    â€œShe has good reasons,” Bill argued.
    â€œDoes she? She told me her father was a marine. I’d like to understand the circumstances.”
    Dorothy sighed. “Yes. He was a marine, but we never met him. Don’t even know his full name. He got our Beth pregnant and shipped out. She was only eighteen and not ready for a child. She wanted to abort. We talked her out of it. She had Haley, and we filed for legal guardianship.”
    â€œWhere’s her mother now?” Reid asked.
    â€œUp in Seattle. She’s married with four kids. Beth tried to get Haley back about ten years ago, but Haley won’t have anything to do with her.”
    Reid shook his head. “That’s got to be a real tough situation for all of you.”
    â€œIt has been.” Dorothy’s eyes misted. “We love them both, but Haley needed us more.”
    â€œEveryone needs someone in their corner,” Reid said.
    â€œWe just want her to be happy,” Dorothy said. “She loves animals. Always has…sometimes I think more than she likes people.”
    â€œThat’s often a matter of trust,” Reid said. “Animals love unconditionally. People don’t.”
    â€œTrue enough,” Bill admitted. “Haley’s never gotten over her mother’s abandonment, and I think we’ve spoiled her in our attempt to make up for it. I admit we’ve never taken to her politics, but we’ve always tried to stand behind her.”
    â€œShe’s lucky to have you.” Reid said.
    â€œWhat about your family, Reid?” Dorothy asked. “How did they feel about you joining the military, with all that’s happening?”
    â€œMy mom tried to talk me out of it, but my ol’ man is from the school of tough love. When I told him my plans, he said the best gift a father could give his son on his eighteenth birthday was a suitcase.” Reid chuckled. “We come from a long line of military men. There’ve been soldiers, sailors, and marines in the family for five generations.”
    â€œWhere are you from, Reid?” Dorothy asked.
    â€œWyoming. My family runs a hunting outfit in Dubois.”
    â€œHunting?” She gave him a look of surprise. “Does Haley know this?”
    â€œYes, ma’am.” He grinned. “It was one of several controversial topics we’ve discussed. As a matter of fact, I’m going home for Thanksgiving. I came in hope of persuading her to drive out there with me.”
    â€œIf you know how she feels about the military and hunting, why Haley?” Dorothy asked.
    He shook his head. “I can’t rightly answer that. Wish I could. There’s just something there.”
    The older couple exchanged a look he couldn’t interpret.
    Reid stood. “Thanks so much for the pie, Miz Cooper. It was a real treat.”
    â€œJust a moment, Sergeant—”
    â€œReid,” he corrected her.
    â€œReid, there’s a jacket in Haley’s closet. Is it yours?”
    â€œIt is,” he said, “But I’ll come back for it when she’s here. Do you expect her home for Christmas?”
    â€œWe’d hoped so, but she hasn’t committed yet,” Dorothy answered.
    â€œMaybe I’ll try and