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

dinner.
                  Fondly, T.D.
     
                  Renee laughed.  “They’re from Timmy.  He wants to have dinner tonight.”
                  “My goodness!” Polly said.  “That’s some invitation.  I thought you were just friends.”
                  Renee frowned a little.  “We are.  I think.  I don’t know.”
                  Polly gave her a knowing look.  “A man doesn’t send red roses when he’s just a friend.”
                  “It’s a little muddled right now,” Renee said with a fluttering hand gesture.  “We’ll see.  Don’t say anything.”
                  “When have I ever betrayed your confidence?” Polly responded. 
                  “Thanks, Polly.  I’ll go put these in Ma’s office so they’re out of your way,” Renee said, hurrying off.
     

Chapter Seven
     
                  Tim waited outside of Delaney’s for Renee, anticipation at seeing her again making him antsy.  He hadn’t talked to her since they’d gone to the Howler and he was anxious about her reaction to his remarks.  Then he saw her striding in his direction and he was mesmerized by her.  He walked towards her, smiling.
                  “Fancy meeting you here, Miss Keller,” he said.
                  She took the arm he offered her.  “Yes, what a strange coincidence.  I received a gorgeous arrangement of roses from someone with the initials of T.D.  I can’t imagine who that would be, can you?”
                  “Doesn’t ring a bell, but as long as you’re here, will you do me the honor of dining with me?” he asked, glad to see that she was as playful with him as usual.
                  He opened the door for her and they entered the restaurant.  She removed her coat, revealing a sapphire-blue dress that molded to her hourglass figure.  Tim looked at her so intently that he kept missing the hook on the coatrack as he tried to hang up her coat.  Finally, he paid attention to what he was doing and succeeded.
                  They chose a table and he seated her.
                  “I understand that congratulations are in order,” Tim said.  “I heard that you found an apartment.”
                  “You must have talked to Sawyer,” she said, taking in how handsome he was in his black suit.  He was freshly shaven and his hair was nicely styled. 
                  “Yeah.  I stopped in to see if he had some pictures developed that I had him to take,” Tim said.  “You look stunning, Renee.”
                  Normally, she took compliments like that in stride, but for some reason, Tim’s flattering remark made her blush a little.  “Thank you.  And you look dashing.”
                  He grinned.  “Thanks.  I’m glad you approve.”
                  “I certainly do.  How is Kyle?  I’m sure you’re all so glad to have him home,” she said.
                  “We are and he’s all in one piece.  He’s happy to be home, of course, but I think it’s gonna take him a little time to get used to everything again.  He said he didn’t sleep much last night,” Tim said.
                  “It has to be hard,” Renee said.  “He’s used to artillery fire all around him and sleeping in a trench and eating meat from a can.  It’s going to take some adjustment.  But with all of his family and friends helping him, he’ll be all right.”
                  Their waitress arrived and they gave her their order.
                  “You should come see him tomorrow night.  He’ll be glad to see you and you can meet Art,” Tim said.  “He’s a nice guy.  I think he’s a little overwhelmed.”
                  Renee chuckled.  “It’s no wonder.  It’s a whole