When Dreams Collide by Brenda Sinclair Page A

It’s been wisely invested and multiplied like rabbits.”
    Jeremy whistled long and low. “Wow. You’re buying a fairly large spread then, setting up a substantial operation by the sound of it.”
    “I’m looking around at suitable properties. Or I’ll build a barn or a house or whatever is lacking if a find a place that’s close to perfect.” Dusty grinned. “Guess all that construction work we did together over the years on the Lazy B is going to pay off.”
    “If you need an extra guy with a hammer to help out, give me a call. And I talked to David. He and Catherine are on board with this, too. They’re both really happy for you.”
    “Thanks, Jer.” Dusty’s voice caught. “I’m glad my little venture into ranch ownership isn’t ruining our friendship at least.”
    “Never, Dust. I totally understand. Remember the fit Dad threw when I announced I was using my inheritance from Grandpa Branigan to start up my bucking horse operation? I thought we’d need to start CPR when his face turned all those wonderful shades of red. But after I turned a profit the first year, he realized I was on to something. And Dad will come around in time again, once his ruffled feathers get patted back into place. Rosalie probably had a few choice words for him. You were always one of her favorites.”
    “Oh, hell, I’m going to miss her strawberry rhubarb pie. And her beef stew. And her...”
    “Not too late to change your mind.” Jeremy chuckled.
    “Forget it. I’ll send her money and have her courier me some.” Dusty laughed.
    “We’re up in Canada for another week or so, but I’ll call you as soon as we get back.”
    “Enjoy yourself. I hear the scenery up there is out of this world. Amanda might like to enjoy some of it if you allow her out of your room once in awhile,” teased Dusty.
    “I’ll buy her some postcards.” Jeremy laughed and cut the connection.
    Dusty smiled. At least, he hadn’t lost his best friend over his decision. “Now, I’ve got to find me a ranch, and I’ve got the most wonderful woman in Montana helping me.” He waited for his call to be connected while he headed toward his truck, whistling.
    “Ellis Bank. Susan Sanders. How may I help you?”
    “Hi. It’s Dusty. I thought I’d warn you to pack an overnight bag, just in case something happens and we can’t see the property until Saturday or Sunday.”
    “Okay...I guess so...yeah, I can do that...” stammered Susan. “Did Jeremy get in touch with you?”
    “Yep, just talked to him. He’s on board with my little venture into ranching. Believes I’m doing the right thing. Gotta go. See you tomorrow morning.” Dusty ended the call and crawled into his pickup truck. Now, maybe he should make sure something happened. Nothing he would like better than to spend the whole weekend alone with Susan.
     

 
     
    Chapter 5
     
    Susan spent Thursday night cleaning her condo, doing three loads of laundry, and packing an overnight bag. She slipped a pair of silky baby doll pajamas in among two changes of clothes, a change of shoes, and her cosmetics and toiletries. Ten minutes later, she yanked the pajamas out and packed her favorite sleeveless short cotton nightgown. A few minutes later, she pulled that out, tucked a lacy black negligee under her clothes, flipped the top shut, and zipped up the suitcase.  Decision, final.
    She had no idea what Dusty had in mind for their weekend, but she wasn’t taking any chances. If this ended up a lost weekend with Dusty, she’d have no regrets even if the relationship didn’t progress further. And if he loved this ranch in Bozeman and purchased it, she would seldom see him again anyway.
    “But I could always take comfort in knowing ‘we’ll always have Bozeman’,” she whispered, smiling. And then she realized if Dusty’s suggestion was purely innocent and he simply didn’t want to inconvenience her if he decided it was necessary to stay another day, she’d be a little disappointed.