His Hometown Cowgirl by Anne Marie Novark Page A

happened?"
    Ruth's eyes twinkled merrily. "He kissed you
again?"
    " Yes! After all that, and telling Dad
he didn't blame him for almost breaking his nose, because he knew
he'd do the same if he had a daughter--then he goes and kisses me
again."
    "Did you kiss him back?" Ruth asked
softly.
    Kelsey hung her head. "Yes, damn it. I have
no business kissing Pete. Especially when I'm still dealing with
Chris's death."
    "Well, it sounds like to me you've finally
started working through your grief. Perhaps you're ready to put it
behind you and move on. So what happens now, sweetie? Are you going
to start a relationship with Pete?"
    Kelsey looked at her grandmother and shook
her head. " Hell no . . . Pete's totally the wrong guy for
me. Why, he's a bigger heartbreaker than Uncle Tyler ever thought
of being."
    Ruth concentrated on folding her handkerchief
and stuffing it back in her apron pocket. "Well, you know Tyler did
settle down when the right woman finally came along. He and Caitlyn
are mighty happy together. There's no doubt about that."
    "Yes, they are happy," Kelsey said, thinking
about her uncle and aunt and their three kids. "But there's no
guarantee that . . . never mind . There's another reason
Pete's not right for me. I don't want to fall in love with another
firefighter. Chris died fighting that warehouse fire. I can't risk
going through that ever again."
    Ruth reached over and patted Kelsey's cheek.
"I hope you never have to either, dear. But life is full of risks.
People can die from anything--sickness, car accidents, choking,
even tripping in the bathtub. You just can't hide your head in the
sand because something might happen. Life does happen; it unfolds before us every day we're lucky enough to wake
up and live it. You can't withdraw from the human race just because
something bad could chance to happen. That's no way to live. Your
father lived that way for twelve long years. You remember how
unhappy he was."
    "I know, Grams. I remember, but this is
different."
    "Not that different-- Oh my lands! The
chicken! " Ruth jumped up and ran to the stove. She grabbed her
metal tongs and plucked the crispy pieces of batter-fried chicken
from the skillet onto a platter. "Whew! Thank goodness it isn't
burnt. We'll continue this conversation later, okay? After supper.
The twins should be home any minute. Why don't you set the table so
we can all sit down to eat as soon as they come in?"
    Kelsey pushed back her chair and stood. "Sure
thing, Grams. Thanks for listening. I really appreciate it."
    "No problem," Ruth said with a smile. "That's
what I'm here for. And don't worry too much. What will be, will
be."
    "Yes, I know. Please don't mention this to
anyone, okay? I mean, I guess everyone will find out since Uncle
Cam patched up Pete, and I'm sure Uncle Tyler will know something's
going on when Pete shows up for work with a bandaged nose. Damn, I
hate being the butt for family gossip."
    Ruth set the platter of chicken on the
backburner to keep it warm. "Well, rest assured that I won't
discuss it with anybody. And I'll try to deflect any questions that
come my way."
    "Thanks, Gram. You're the best." She gave her
grandmother a hug and kissed her cheek again.
    Ruth wrapped her arms around her and hugged
her to her ample bosom. "I love you so much, sweetie. You've grown
into a lovely young woman. Things will work themselves out; they
always do. Just give it a little time. Now, let's get this supper
ready."
    Kelsey hugged her again, then gathered the
napkins and silverware and placed them on the table. Grams had
given her a lot to think about. A lot to think about, for sure.
     
    ****
    The next afternoon, Pete sat on his sofa,
drinking a beer and watching an old John Wayne movie. He hadn't
been able to work that day and called in sick. He'd had to endure a
twenty-minute lecture from Tyler McCade on the evils that would be
visited upon his body if he ever messed with Kelsey again. In other
words, Tyler promised to kick his ass if he so