Leanne Banks: Flirting with Fortune

During the course of the evening Jude had watched Gabi pull bottles of water and baby carrots from the brightly colored sack. Because he sensed drawing attention to her choice of snacks might bring her some good-natured ribbing from Rowdy and Dustin, he’d kept silent.

“Thank you.” When Gabi slipped the now-perfectly folded bag into her purse, Jude realized she really did mean to leave before they had a chance to say good-night properly.

“Stay a little longer,” Jude said in his most persuasive tone.

She may have shaken her head, but he found himself encouraged by the regret he saw in her eyes. “I promised to have breakfast with my father tomorrow morning. That means getting up extra early.”

“How is Orlando doing?” Jeanne Marie asked over her shoulder as she retrieved her and Deke’s coats from the closet.

“Better.” Relief skittered across Gabi’s face. “The orthopedic surgeon will be stopping by tomorrow. We’re hoping to learn when he’ll get a walking boot.”

“Once that happens—” Deke pointed a finger “—you’re going to have your hands full keeping him down.”

Gabi smiled. “That’s a problem I’d love to have.”

“I’ll be in Lubbock tomorrow, both at the hospital and the rehab center,” Jeanne Marie announced as she slipped on her coat. “Do you think your father would like company?”

“You’re going to the hospital?” Concern sharpened Jude’s voice. “Why?”

“No worries.” Jeanne Marie patted her son’s arm in motherly reassurance. “I’m simply filling in for Halcion. She’s visiting her new grandbaby in Arizona.”

Gabi inclined her head. “Halcion?”

“One of my mother’s many friends,” Jude responded before Jeanne Marie had a chance to open her mouth. “Hal grew up in Horseback Hollow, but moved to Lubbock several years ago.”

“She and Abe volunteer at the hospital and rehab center every week,” Jeanne Marie explained.

“How nice that she and her husband—”

Deke gave a snort of laughter.

“Abe is her golden retriever,” Jude clarified, shooting his father a dark look.

“He’s a certified therapy dog,” Jeanne Marie added. “The animal has a real talent for bringing comfort to the patients.”

“I’ve heard of therapy dogs.” Interest sparked in Gabi’s eyes. “But I’ve never seen one in action.”

Jeanne Marie looped her arm through Gabi’s and gave it a squeeze. “Looks like tomorrow may be your chance.”

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