Free Autumn's Hope (Cowboy Seasons) by Kathleen Ball Page B

laugh had him shaking his head. “Maybe a little.”
    She
laughed even harder. “It’s fine, really. I bet you have more I could eat. Do
you have potatoes?”
    “Yes,
ma’am, I do.”
    “A
baked potato will do just fine with a side of peas. You don’t have to be a chef
to be a vegetarian.”
    He
could do that. Potatoes were easy and she didn’t act fussy. “I’ll put the
potatoes in to cook.”
    “Let
me help.” She stood up and before she could take a step, Jonas shook his head
and pointed to the couch.
    “Sit.
I’ll get it. You’re on bed rest remember?”
    “Oh
pooh.”
    “Pooh?”
He cocked his right eyebrow.
    She
crossed her arms in front of him and glared. “Don’t you dare make fun of me. I
try not to swear.”
    Nodding,
he turned and went into the kitchen, trying desperately not to laugh.

 
 
 
    Chapter
Six

 
    The
next day, the birds chirped on the windowsill. Autumn opened her eyes and
smiled. Her bedroom had a vaulted ceiling with triangular windows near the
ceiling and the sun appeared to be pretty high in the sky. Glancing at the
clock, her eyes widened, it was just before noon. She never slept this late.
    Sitting
up in the spacious bed, she stretched her arms above her head. It was the best night’s
sleep she’d had in a long time. The baby kicked and she touched her stomach.
Her heart lightened and she realized that a lot of the burden on her shoulders
seemed to be gone.
    Jonas’
house welcomed her in a way no other place ever had and Jonas was a big part of
that feeling.
    Her
door opened and she pulled the sheet up to her chin.
    Richard’s
head came into view as he peered around the door. “Oh good you’re awake. I put
dinners in the refrigerator and some in the freezer. I’ll drop new ones off
every few days.” He walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. “How’s it going?”
    “I’m
fine. Isn’t this house wonderful?”
    “I
think you mean isn’t Jonas wonderful.”
    She
needed to put an end to this type of conversation. “He’s nice enough.”
    Richard
winked. “I think he’s more than just nice.”
    “You
know, Richard, you don’t know what you’re talking about. I plan to be a single
mom so you can put an end to your speculation.”
    “You
don’t fool me, Autumn.”
    “He’s
just a cowboy. We have nothing in common. I appreciate his kindness but there
will never be a me and Jonas.” Her heart sank as the door opened wider to
reveal Jonas standing there.
    “I
just stopped in to make sure you were all right. I can see that you are.” He
smiled but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll come back later. Nice to see
you, Richard.” Jonas turned on his heel and walked away.
    “This
is your fault.” She pointed at Richard. “This is his house. He shouldn’t have
to come back later.”
    “I
thought you didn’t like him?”
    “You
are so obtuse. Just please go so I can get dressed.” She sighed loudly.
    “You
take care and I’m sorry if I caused you any problems.”
    “I’m
mad at myself. You know you’re my best friend. I’ll call you later to talk
about the restaurant okay?” She couldn’t help the feeble smile she gave him. Her
heart had dropped and her morning happiness fled the minute she saw Jonas
listening to her conversation.
    “Don’t
worry about the restaurant I’ve got it. I’ll call you later.”
    She
waited until she heard the front door close and then threw her pillow at the
door. Jonas must think her a shallow opportunist. How could she have
categorized him as just a cowboy? He was so much more, and her aching heart
agreed with her.
    She
gingerly slid out of bed, ever mindful of her baby. Somehow she needed to make
things right with Jonas. He didn’t deserve her comments and there was nothing
wrong with being a cowboy. In fact, her heart beat for a certain cowboy.
    She
dressed and walked into the main room. There was a bagel and coffee sitting on
the table in front of the couch, probably from Jonas. Richard would