Read Montana Love: Multicultural Romance for Free Online

brainy children, too old for their age. Yes; they would get along just fine.
     
    After spending a few more minutes chatting with Carson, Cynthia and the boy walked hand-in-hand in the yard so she could meet Miss Emma.
     
    After Carson finished introducing her, Miss Emma turned to Cynthia.
     
    “Well aren’t you as pretty as pie,” the old lady said. “And fresh, too,” she glanced at Dex giving her approval. Not like some of these gals running round here.”
     
    Cynthia was shocked at the seemingly nice little lady’s comment.
     
    Dex knew Miss Emma was referring to his own sister.  He dropped his head and avoided the conversation. He’d learned long ago to carefully choose his battles. Apple had spun a reputation in Cattlewood, and it was not a good one.
     
    Cynthia gave the woman a curious glance, wondering what that was all about. 
     
    “I’m sorry sugar, I didn’t mean to talk about you like you weren’t standing right there.”
     
    Miss Emma chatted a few minutes more before telling her she lived not too far away if she needed anything. She reminded her she would be picking Carson up for bible study soon.
     
    “You kids have a good night,” she said.  “And Carson, you behave yourself for this nice lady, or as God is my witness, I will get my switch,” Miss Emma warned behind a wagging finger.
     
    “Yes, ma’am,” the little boy said, suddenly sounding his age.
     
    “Do you want to come in, have something to eat?” Cynthia asked Dex after Miss Emma drove off. She caught herself as quickly as she’d said it, remembering the blonde who had planted him with a kiss.
     
    Dex hesitated, looking down at his sweaty and dirty appearance. 
     
    “You can bring, err, your girlfriend,” Cynthia added quickly so he didn’t get the wrong idea.
     
    Dex looked at her and smiled.
     
    “You mean my sister ,” he said. 
     
    Cynthia gave him a puzzled looked.
     
    “The girlfriend I assume you’re referring to is the lady from the barn.”  He nodded toward the barn where Apply had kissed him earlier. 
     
    Cynthia nodded.
     
    “That was Apple “And she’s my dear sister.”
     
    “But…”
     
    “Color doesn’t make family,” he said, knowing what she was getting ready to say. It wouldn’t have been the first time a newcomer to the area questioned it.
     
    Cynthia smiled, feeling silly. “You’re right, and I’m sorry,” she said, suddenly remembering the lady Martin had had the affair with was named Apple, too. She knew it had to be the same lady.  Small town. Cynthia shelved the thought, just relieved the lady was not Dex’s woman.  “Let’s start over,” she said.  “Would you like to come in for some dinner?”
     
    “I would love to,” he said. “But let me freshen up first,” he gestured toward his homestead in the distance.  In one swoop, he hopped up on the tall stallion.
     
    “Good, we’ll see you in a little while. And bring an appetite, because Thelma left a huge casserole.”
     
    Dex smiled, already knowing it was the meatball, sweet potato, and macaroni casserole he’d prepared and given to Thelma. It was Carson’s favorite meal, one they had created together.
     
    “Come on, Carson,” Cynthia said. “I have a snack for you in the house.”
     
    “But I want to go with Uncle Dex.  Carson pulled away from Cynthia, but the look on his face told her he was half-way considering the snack.
     
    “Stay with Cynthia, Bud,” Dex said, using the nickname he’d given the child. “Your favorite meal is in the house already.” 
     
    “ Our recipe ?” the boy asked.
     
    “Mm-hmmm,” Dex said, smiling.
     
    Carson inched back toward Cynthia.
     
    “Go ahead, I’ll be right back,” he chuckled. He and the child did have a special bond. Dex treated Carson as if he were kin; he treated him the way he would have liked his blood father, had he known him, to treat him.
     
    Cynthia reached her hand out to Carson.
     
    “Go on,” Dex laughed.