Read Online Wyatt: Return of the Cowboy by Cathy McDavid - Free Book Online

unstuck his truck, the casualty of a blind corner and an invisible patch of ice. Once at the ranch, inclement weather had forced the two of them to spend the night.
    “Since you’re still in town,” Ace said matter-of-factly, “You might as well go to your parents’ anniversary party. It starts, when? At two?”
    His parents’ plan was to close the saloon for the afternoon and, if the party continued, into the evening. Of course, since most of the regulars and all the Malones’ friends were attending the party, “closing” was a relative term.
    Wyatt scowled. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
    “I usually don’t agree with my brother,” Dinah said, sending Ace another stern look, “but in this case, I think he’s right.”
    Ace smiled with satisfaction.
    Wyatt combed his fingers through his rumpled hair. “I’d only ruin the party. Dad isn’t exactly the forgiving sort. Jay can carry a grudge longer than anyone. And Paige…” How would she react if he showed his face at the party? “I’m pretty sure she’s fed up with me.”
    “Of course she isn’t,” Dinah insisted.
    “Trust me, she is. She didn’t want me here in the first place.”
    “You’re wrong, Wyatt. Paige has been waiting twelve years for you to come home. Who do you think sent you the invitation?”
    “Not her.”
    “I’m telling you, it was Paige.” Dinah wiped her sticky fingers on a napkin. “I saw the invitation poking out of her purse one day when she dropped me off at the station. I didn’t say anything. None of my business.”
    Wyatt shook his head, not quite accepting the only explanation that made any sense. “She was surprised as anyone to see me.”
    “Being surprised has nothing to do with sending you the invitation. She probably assumed you wouldn’t come.”
    Paige sent him the invitation. Had been waiting twelve years for him to come home, at least, according to Dinah.
    Could it be?
    Wyatt frowned, still resisting. “Why didn’t she tell me?”
    Dinah sighed in exasperation. “If you don’t know the answer to that, and I find it hard to believe you’re that dumb, then you ought to ask her.”
    Not a bad idea.
    One thing was certain. If he did go to the party and talk to Paige, he’d best be ready to stay in Roundup and lay it all on the line for her. For them. She wouldn’t settle for anything less.
    She didn’t deserve anything less.
    “Don’t know why this is such a hard decision for you.” Ace plucked the last jelly donut from the box. “You love her, don’t you?”
    Love.
    Wyatt had been running from it for such a long, long time.
    From love and commitment and responsibility. Family, too. Reconciling with his and starting his own.
    He was tired of running. He’d nearly lost his life last year. When he’d received the invitation in the mail, the one he now knew Paige had sent, he couldn’t wait to come home.
    So, why the heck was he running now?
    He grinned at Ace and Dinah. “Mind if I borrow your shower? I’ve got to clean up before the party.”

Chapter Seven
    The party wasn’t exactly in full swing when Wyatt arrived with Ace and Dinah, but it was well underway. They might have gotten there sooner if not for the impassable roads. The last half mile, they’d driven behind the snow plow at a very irritating snail’s pace.
    Kicking snow and mud from his boots, Wyatt entered the saloon and was immediately reminded of his first day back in town. Had it really been just three days ago? Hard to believe the many changes wrought in such a short span of time.
    He caught sight of Paige talking to some guests. Seth came up behind her, carrying a tray, evidently recruited into helping. Like before, she suddenly turned as if sensing Wyatt’s presence.
    “Come on, Ace.” Dinah grabbed hold of her brother’s arm.
    “Wait a minute. I want to see what hap—”
    She dragged him away before he could finish.
    Wyatt barely registered their leaving, or anyone else in the room for that matter.