Comrade Cowgirl

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by Yolanda Wallace


  The driver was dressed in a black chauffeur’s uniform, complete with matching cap. The cap was pulled low, obscuring most of the driver’s features.

  “I’m Laramie Bowman.”

  When the driver looked up, Laramie found herself staring into Anastasia’s distinctive blue eyes.

  “You’re my driver?”

  Instead of responding, Anastasia held up the sign in her hands. As she looked closer, Laramie noticed Anastasia was holding not just one sign but several.

  Anastasia placed the first sign behind the others.

  Welcome back, the second sign read.

  “Thank you.”

  Anastasia placed a finger over her lips, effectively shushing her.

  “Oh, so that’s how you want to play it? Okay, what else you got?”

  I am sorry for the way I reacted when you left, the third sign said.

  When Laramie nodded to let Anastasia know she had finished reading what she had written, Anastasia moved the sign so she could read the next one.

  But I thought I would lose you and did not know how to react.

  Laramie had felt the same way. As she made her way back to Russia, she hadn’t been certain what she was making her way back to. Being greeted by Anastasia’s smiling face gave her hope that the journey hadn’t been in vain.

  A few months ago, the fifth sign read, Mischa told me I have grown up. While you were gone, I realized how much growing up I still have to do.

  Laramie had realized something, too: that family wasn’t a matter of biology. Family was a matter of the heart. Anastasia and all the people she had met in Godoroye each had a place in hers.

  I love you, the final sign read. Please forgive me.

  “Is it my turn now?” she asked when Anastasia finally lowered her bundle of signs.

  Anastasia nodded, and Laramie stepped toward her.

  “I only have two things to say.”

  She pushed the brim of Anastasia’s cap up so she could get a better look at her face. The last time they had seen each other, Anastasia’s eyes were filled with tears. Today, they were filled with something else: hope.

  “First of all, I love you, too.”

  Unconcerned about who might be looking on or what they might think, Laramie kissed her long and hard.

  “What is second thing?” Anastasia asked after they finally came up for air.

  “My brother’s taking the reins back in Broken Branch, which means I’m free to accept the ranch manager job Duke offered me. We might have to fight Elena and Shorty for it, but I thought we could move into Yevgeny’s old room. Spruce it up some and—”

  Anastasia’s eyes widened. “Does that mean you are staying?”

  “If you’ll have me.”

  Anastasia dropped the signs and jumped into her arms. This time, Laramie didn’t intend to let go.

  “You’re gonna get us arrested,” she said as Anastasia peppered her face with kisses.

  “For me, would not be first time. I will show you ropes, yes?”

  “I’m still waiting for that lesson you promised me back in Godoroye.”

  “Did you bring it?” Anastasia asked with a smile.

  Laramie slowly lowered her to the ground. “I might’ve.”

  Anastasia reached for her hand. “In that case, let’s go home.”

  About the Author

  Yolanda Wallace is not a professional writer, but she plays one in her spare time. Her love of travel and adventure has helped her pen numerous globe-spanning novels, including the Lambda Award-winning Month of Sundays and Tailor-Made. Her short stories have appeared in multiple anthologies including Romantic Interludes 2: Secrets and Women of the Dark Streets. She and her wife live in beautiful coastal Georgia, where they are parents to two children of the four-legged variety.

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