That’s what counted.

Kyle could spend the rest of his life second-guessing a dead stranger’s motives, or he could do as Celia had suggested weeks ago. He could let it go. Be happy with his windfall. Be grateful Marshall had given him some land, cattle, and money. Be grateful his mother had given him so much more.

Two weeks ago he’d authorized the lawyer to release the money Marshall had set aside for her, plus extra from his account. She’d called him immediately, completely in shock. When she’d started crying, he’d lied about having chores to finish and quickly ended the call. He’d had no idea how to deal with her gratitude.

Looks like he’d have to come up with something on the fly.

Sherry Gilchrist bounded up the steps and hugged him. “My boy.”

He hugged her back. Hard. “Hey, hot Mama. Come on in.”

“What’s this? You actually seem happy to see me.”

“I am.”

“So, how are you?”

Lonely. “Hanging in there.”

She glanced up. “Don’t lie to me, Kyle Dean Gilchrist. You look like hell.”

“Thanks for the confidence booster.”

“You’d be disappointed if I started sugarcoating my maternal responses to you now.”

He grinned. The woman who’d given birth to him definitely had her own way of doing things. And he appreciated more than ever the easy rhythm to their relationship. “What brings you by?”

“I’ve got appointments in Rawlins and I wanted to talk to you face-to-face so you couldn’t hang up on me.”

“Am I in trouble for that?”

“No. But I’m pretty sure I raised you better than that.” She kicked off her stiletto boots and wandered through the living room. “Oh, Kyle, just look at your home. It’s so nice. Not too fussy. Warm and welcoming. It’s perfect for you and Celia.”

“Thanks. I owe all the decorating and stuff to her.”

She sat on the love seat. “Where is your lovely wife?”

“Texas. Her best friend’s mom had a stroke, so she went down to be with the family.”

“That girl…She really is a sweetie, isn’t she? So thoughtful. So genuinely helpful.” Then she frowned. “Wait. She left you here to handle the ranch by yourself?”

He only bristled a little. “We’re through with calving, which is the worst part. I’m just fine on my own.” Liar.

“I’d hoped to talk to both of you on this family matter, but since I’m limited on time you’ll have to fill her in when she gets home.”

If she ever comes home. Kyle took the chair opposite her, secretly pleased that his mom already accepted that Celia would be part of their little family. “Fill her in on what?”

“A couple of things. First, I’m leaving Rick.”

“About damn time.” Then his gaze turned sharp. “He didn’t hurt you or anything?”

“No. He wasn’t particularly heartbroken about the breakup either. It just was easier to stay than to go for both of us. Second, I’m moving. Checking out places to live in Rawlins and in Muddy Gap.”

“Why Muddy Gap?”

“That’s where I’ll be working. Came about in a strange way. When I called Susan Williams to let her know I wouldn’t be attending your wedding shower, she remembered me from years back when I applied for a bartending job at Buckeye Joe’s and she hadn’t hired me. She thought I might run off with her husband.” She smirked. “So we’re shooting the breeze, talking about all the changes in the bar industry over the years, since we’re the same age.”

“Really? Because you look way younger than her.”

His mother preened. “I’ll take that compliment, you rascal charmer.”

Kyle grinned again. She’d called him that ever since he’d talked his way out of detention at age ten.

“Anyway, she’s burned out since her ex-husband bailed with that cocktail waitress. She wants to have a life away from the bar.” Her eyes gleamed. “So when you told me about the money Marshall left me, I called her and bought in. You’re looking at the new partner of the Buckeye!”

Stunned didn’t come close to describing how he felt. “Mom. That’s awesome.”

“I know. Isn’t it great? Susan wants me to start tonight. Introduce me to the regulars, that sort of thing. She’s letting me stay with her until I get my own place. After all the years I’ve slaved for others, this is a dream come true for me.” She laughed. “Being part owner in a bar. I almost can’t believe it!”

Her enthusiasm was infectious. “So that means free drinks whenever I stroll into the Buckeye?”

“You wish. But I will admit part of the appeal for me was moving closer to you. And any future grandbabies you and Celia might wanna give me.”

“Neither of us is ready for kids.” He scratched his jaw. “But I was thinking about buying her a dog.” That’s how desperate he was to lure Celia home. He’d contacted half a dozen different breeders in case she didn’t want another mongrel blue heeler like her beloved dog, Murray.

Kyle was going crazy without her. A minute at a time.

“Well, son, as much as I like dogs, I draw the line at calling a dog a grandbaby.”

“Understood.” He watched her fiddle and fuss with her buttons, which meant she had something else on her mind. “What else is up?”