Read Forever Kisses (Romance on the Ranch Book 7) for Free Online

he approached. He wasn't sure what was going on with her.
    As he came closer, he heard quiet sobs that spurred him into action. He said softly, "Sally, honey, are you okay?"
    She jerked up and whirled toward him. Tears drenched her face and she lifted a hand, waving him away.
    He said, "Honey, I can't leave you like this. Can I take you home? Should I call someone to pick you up?" He stepped closer.
    Her lips trembled and she began sobbing loudly while at the same time trying not to.
    He rushed forward and pulled her into an embrace. "What is it Sally?"
    He was surprised when she answered. "H-Howard got married. H-He's never coming back here."
    Flatfoot held her close. "Oh, baby, I'm so sorry."
    She sobbed. "I love Howard. I've loved him for over forty years. I-I thought when he retired he might decide to return to Paxtonville and we could spend our golden years together. I don't think I can live through this, Flatfoot."
    He rubbed her back. "Oh, sweetie, you just need to cry your heart out. Let it all out."
    As soon as he said that, she did exactly what he said and cut loose with sobs that broke his heart. For a long time he held her, rubbing her back and hair and crooning words of sympathy.
    The back door to the Barn opened and a voice yelled, "Hey, Sally! You out here?"
    Flatfoot recognized Jason, the bar's owner, and asked, "Sally, do you want me to answer. I can tell him you're ill and I'm taking you home."
    "P-please do that. I just can't work anymore tonight."
    Jason must have seen them because he was walking in their direction. His eyes widened when he saw Flatfoot holding Sally.
    Flatfoot said, "She's not feeling well, Jason. I'm driving her home."
    "You got that damn flu bug, Sally? I heard it's makin' the rounds."
    She didn't turn from Flatfoot's arms. She just said a weak "yes" and nodded.
    Jason looked at Flatfoot. "You better not let her breathe on you or you'll be pukin' your guts up." He addressed Sally again. "Maxine and Polly are just going to have to carry the load tonight. They'll bitch about it, but that's too bad. Okay, you go home, but keep me posted on your recovery."
    She nodded again against Flatfoot's chest.
    Jason hurried back inside the Barn.
    Flatfoot said, "My truck is parked in front. Why don't you wait here and I'll drive it around. Tomorrow I can bring you back here to get your car."
    "Okay," she mumbled, her nose sounding stuffy.
    Flatfoot ran to his truck and drove it behind the bar. He hopped out and opened the door for Sally. "Do you need to get your purse or something?"
    "It's locked up. I'll get it tomorrow."
    He assisted her into the truck. "Which way do I turn on the highway?"
    "Left. Follow the highway through town. I live off Sweet Acres Drive."
    He ran back to the driver's side and jumped in his seat. Reaching into his console he shuffled through the contents looking for some kind of tissue. He came up with a napkin emblazoned with "Shop Til You Drop Truck Stop" and handed it to her.
    "Thank you. I really appreciate this." She blotted her eyes.
    Since the Barn wasn't far from town, it only took about ten minutes to reach the outskirts. It was nearing midnight so the town was deserted. Flatfoot reached Sweet Acres Drive about fifteen minutes later. After he turned off the highway, Sally said, "You'll pass a couple of houses and my place is about two miles farther." When he was almost there, she said, "This road ends at my drive, which is a quarter of a mile long."
    "You live way out here all by yourself?"
    "Yes. It's the family home. My great-grandfather purchased it for his bride and it's always been in the family. My brother left when he was in his early twenties and he only returns now and again to visit me. My father died about twenty years ago, and my mother shortly thereafter. I love this old place." Suddenly she sobbed again. "And Howard always said he loved it, too. I was hoping he'd come live with me and we'd fix it up."
    Flatfoot reached and patted her knee. To take her