Especially Kevin marrying Win, which was an absolutely normal thing for an adult man to do. But he hadn’t talked to her before the wedding. They’d always been such partners, and now he had a new one.

He’d moved into the life of a completely reasonable adult.

She had to do it, too. Not just hang around here feeling pitiful.

And furious.

Both feelings, she was sure, were sins. And sins she was committing with great regularity. It had to end, and she’d end it by getting on with living.

She turned to her cooking. She’d make the noon meal the best they’d ever had. She was a better cook than Win and a far better cook than Cheyenne. Kevin was probably the second-best cook around here, Andy third. The rest of them were nothing to boast about. Although she had to admit that Falcon might do wonders with a possum.

An unworthy part of herself wanted them to miss her.

She’d fry chicken because she had a knack for that, and she knew just the chickens she’d use. A few young roosters were still about from the spring hatching.

Her chicken gravy was delicious, and her mashed potatoes smooth and fluffy.

Gleefully, she decided to make up a delicious custard with an unusual crunchy caramel topping that always left Andy and Kevin groaning with full bellies and pure bliss.

She hadn’t made it since she’d come here.

Surely, they’d say thank you. Maybe they’d even show some kind of true appreciation for her. Maybe they’d even be so kind she’d settle down and decide to stay.

She thought of the way Wyatt had run off once he was free of the sling. Not even a backward glance.

When they all abandoned her again, she’d take her satchel and all her worldly goods and ride to town to find work. Maybe, if she was in a good mood, she’d leave them a note.

Five

Where’s supper?” Wyatt came in dragging after his first day back in the saddle. He’d taken it easy. He sure hadn’t busted any broncs or thrown any cattle. But he’d ridden long hours and thrown in with his cowhands to herd cattle from one stretch of pasture to another.

He’d handed his horse’s reins to Jesse, one of their younger cowhands, and come straight in from the chilly night. The sun was setting early, and the wind had a mean bite to it. His shoulder ached like a wolf had sunk fangs into it.

And he was starving.

“Molly’s gone.” Kevin slapped the note hard against Wyatt’s chest. “I’m riding to town to find her and bring her back. Falcon’s out saddling the horses. I stayed behind when I saw you coming. What did you do to her?”