Lone Star Refuge. Mae & Gwen Nunn & Ford Faulkenberry
a few years later.” Clint elbowed Joiner. “Her name is the one on the Welcome to Kilgore sign.”
“We were robbed.”
It was Stella’s turn to blush.
“It’s great to see you, man,” Clint said to Joiner. “What brings you back to God’s country? I thought you were traveling the globe on a polo pony.”
Joiner kicked an invisible football. “I was, but polo’s too expensive for a regular cowboy. It would be okay for one like you, though.”
“Too bad I’m no good on a horse.”
“You never were.” Joiner grinned. “You were pretty good with numbers, though, as I remember. Did you finish up at Harvard?”
Stella was learning a lot by listening to them.
“Yes, thank God. I got enough of living in Yankeeland to last me a lifetime.”
“What are you up to now? You live here?”
“I do. I built a house, and I’m running the family business for my dad, and raising my son, Cade.” Clint pulled out his wallet to show Joiner Cade’s picture.
“He’s the one I told you about,” Stella interjected, giving Joiner a look she hoped he’d understand. “I’m excited about having him at the school.”
Joiner nodded in understanding. “Oh yeah.” Then he turned back to Clint. “Well, cool! Maybe I’ll get to hang out with him some. I’m this lady’s new ranch hand.”
They visited awhile longer by the fence and then Clint said, “Well, Stella, I was just in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by to see your operation. But I don’t want to keep you guys any longer from what you were doing.”
“It’s fine. I’m glad you came.”
“Me, too,” said Joiner. “It’s awesome to see you, Cavender.” He turned to Stella. “Hey, Boss Lady, I could finish up while you show him around if you want.”
“Thanks. We do need to keep our donors happy.”
She’d meant it as a joke, but for some reason Joiner’s smile faded. He glanced between the two of them, then jumped back over the fence and into the pen without another word.
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