Real Love'n Cowboy (Billionaire Cowboys of Lone Star, Texas Book 5) Hope Moore
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Title Page
Description
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
Epilogue
More BooksbyHope Moore
About the Author Copyright
TableofContents
REALLOVE’NCOWBOY
BillionaireCowboysofLoneStar,Texas,BookFive
HOPEMOORE
Hunter Buckleymeetstheweddingcakebaker VioletKringleandfeelsjinglesall thewaytohis heart…Butcanhelethisheartfeel whathe’smostscaredof?Canhetakethestepforwardthathis brother andmanyofhiscousinshavetaken?Canheseeklovewhenit’sthethingthathurtsthemost whenit’sgone?
Don’tmissthisdelightful,touchingstoryofacowboywholockedhisheartup--andthetinywoman wholookslikeaswirl ofwhipcreamwhenshewhirlsintotown,turnshisworldupsidedown,and putshisheartintoanuproar.
Welcome back to Lone Star, Texas… the town full of wonderful, meddling people who now have a wedding about to happen and a new couple falling in love as they fight hard to feel nothing. Sometimes love opens its arms wide and sweeps away everything but sweet love... like icing on the cake Violet is baking for Hunter's cousin's wedding--like the cake, he's just too sweet to ignore.
Could this be where her future began?
VioletKringle’sexcitementbuiltasshedroveher ancientbutloved,cherry-tonedVolkswagen vanintothetownofLoneStar,Texas.
Shehadlongedtovisitfromthemomenther friendKelsyhadleftthesuburbsofHoustonand begantellingher all thewonderful thingsgoingoneachtimetheytalkedonthephone.Now,atlast, shewashere.
Delightdancedthroughher asshepulledher vanintothelastparkingspaceinfrontoftheclosed bakery.Thebakeryshewasheretousefor thenexttwoweeks.
Theowner wasretiring,andthatleftnooneintowntobaketheweddingcakeKelsy’ssoon-to-be cousin-in-law,Jasmine,needed.So,she’dgottenthecall fromKelsytocomeandseeher,bakethe weddingcakeandtoseeifthiswastheplaceshemightwanttosettledownin.Inneedofabreakand wantingtocheckthetownout,shehadinstantlysaidyestotheinvitation.
Shealreadylovedthelittlebakeryfromthewelcomingoutsideassheturnedofftheignitionof her van.ShewassupposedtogotoKelsy’shomefirst,butunabletostopherself,Violethaddriven straighttothebakery.She had tolookatthebakeryonher own,gether reactionwithoutanyother voicesinsideher head lookingatitnow,shesmiled.Andonceagainthewordsechoedinher head withjustalittlechangetothewords… Could this be where my future begins?
Shewasabaker,taughtbythebestbaker ever,her granddad,andshelovedthatshe’dinherited hisgift.Shehadbeentaughtbythebest.He’dtaughther todoajoblikeitwasthemostimportant thinginall theworld,evenifshewasleavingthatjobthenextday.
He’dtaughther toalwaysfinishstrong.He’dtaughther that,andithadcomeintoplaywhenhe’d beenhitbyacar andthankfullylived,butwasnow inawheelchair,strongbutunabletowalk.While he’dbeeninrecoveryandthenrehabilitationlearninghow togetaround,she’dsteppedupandtaken hisplaceatthebakeryfor theowner andhim.She’dkeptitgoing,whichmadetheowner happy,and she’dwantedtodothatbecauseofMr.Simpson Mr.Smarty-pantshadbeenKelsy’snamefor him becausehe’dbeenarrogantandtakencreditfor her granddad’swork.Then,Mr.Simpsonhadpaid muchofher granddad’sbills,whichhelpedthemsurvive.She’ddecidedtoonlylookatthebright side,how muchhe’dhelpedthemandonlythat.Themanhadknownmoneyfor themwastight becauseofthetragedythathadhappenedwhenshewasagirl.Thattragedyhadtakeneverythingfrom her andher granddad.Everythingbuttheir lovefor eachother andtheir talentofbaking.Mr.Shad benefitedwell fromGranddad’stalentandheknew it.Now thatthey’drepaidhimofhisgracious debt,heknew theywouldbemovingforward.
Yes,themomentshefoundthespotthatcalledtoher likethisplaceatfirstglancewasdoing. Itwasquaint,withawhitewoodendoor andalargeglassfrontwindow inalightyellow painted woodenexterior.Itremindedher oflemonpuddingwithacherryontopsincethenameofthebakery waswrittenincherryredlikeher van,withthewords Arabella’s Delights.Arabellawastheowner
lookingtosell,andshehadagreatreputationbuthadreachedtheageshewasreadytositmoreand enjoylifelikeshewell deserved.Despitenothavingabuyer,she’dfinallyclosedthedoors.
Wasthisthedoor openingfor Violet?Somuchhadhappenedinher lifethathadputher lifein others’handsuntil now.Shepushedher pastback,notneglectingit,butthiswasher moment.Unable tostopherself,heartthundering,shepushedopenthedriver’sdoor andsteppedout…excitement filledher asshetookastepforward.
Itwasawarmday,soshehadonher favoritepair ofoldbutwell-wornflip-flopswithslipresistantsoles theyhadgreatarchsupporttoo somethingshe’dlearnedearlystandingonher feet solonginaday.Ifyoustoodonyour feetfor tenhoursaday,supportwassomethingyouhadtohave, nomatter whatyour age,youngor old.ItwasoneofthemanythingsGranddadhadtaughther. Althoughshe’dhadtoconvincehimthather flip-flopscoulddothejob,theyweren’tlikemanythat hadonlyaspongebottom.No,thesewerecute,greatarchsupport,andtheylether toesbefreewhile abletosupporther asshemadecakes,cupcakes,andmoreeachday.
Shelaughedjustthinkingaboutthat.Shemightworkall day,butshelikedher flip-flops,her jeans thatusuallycamerightaboveher ankles,andher T-shirts.Sheworeher hair jaw lengthtokeepit awayfromthefood.Thelastthingshewantedwasher curlyblondehair mixedinwithher whiteor darkicingstoppingabeautiful cake,cupcake,pastriesor frosty-toppedcupofspecial coffee.She needed nothing stealingthebeautyofher worksofart,asshelikedtocall her creations.Sheloved whatshedid.
Andher granddadhadbeenthebestteacher inall theworld,andshewassothankful she’d inheritedhistalent.Shecherisheditandthemanwho’draisedher fromanearlyageafter they’dlost her momandgrandmother inthesamecar crash pushingthethoughtsaway,shesteppedforward thenontothewoodensidewalk.Her hair,sinceshewasn’tworkingtoday,wasfreeandher curls bobbedasthebreezetossedstringsofitacrossher face.Shesweptitoutofher wayasshelookedat thislittlebakeryandeverythingabouther suddenlyfeltsetfree… Free.
Free to be me… thewordssangonthebreezeasshelookedthroughthelargewindow ofthe placethatmightholdher dreams.
Shepushedthethoughtaway.Itwasn’ttime.
Her granddad…again,theydidn’toweanymoneyanymore,buttheyweren’tready were they? Her gazesweptthefrontroomofthebakery Arabellahadkeptthisbeautiful,quaintplace perfect.
Shewasgoingtogettobakeherefor abouttwoweekspreparingfor thewedding.
Unabletohelpherself,shewenttothealley.Itwasalongshottotheend,withnothingtostopher, soshestartedwalking.Ohyes,shewantedtoseethekitchen.Maybeithadabackdoor witha window.
Shemadeher wayaroundtothebackandsteppedupontothewoodenbackporch.Therewasa window,wayuphighjustabovethedoor.For ashortgal likeher,itwasaverylongwayoff.But therewasalargemetal barrel sittingbesidethedoor.Itwascute,paintedabrightpinkwiththename Arabella’s Delights paintedacrossit.Whywasitbackhere shewasn’tsure,butifsheclimbedon
top,shemightbeabletoseeinthewindow.
Shebither lipandstudiedthewindow.Abouthalfafoottall andalittlewider thanthedoor,it lookedlikeitwasusedtoletair inor heatout.Sheautomaticallyassumedthatinsidetherewouldbe alongpolethatwasusedtoreachupandunlatchitasneeded.
Notonetostopherselfwhenshewasexcitedaboutsomething,despitebeingshort,shelifted herselftothetopofthebarrel tositandthenstoodup.Smiling,sheraisedtotiptoesasshegrasped theedgeofthewindow andpeekedover theedge. Drats shecouldseeonlythefar wall andthe ceiling.Shewasn’ttall enoughtoseeanythingbelow thatline. Drats andmore drats.
Ifshewerejustalittletaller shecouldseedown.Butatonlyfive-foot-two,sheclaimedthetwo inchesvoraciouslydespiteitactuallybarelybeingatouchover oneinch.Shesteppedfromonefoot totheother anddecidedthenandtherethatbarrel wassteadyenough,strongenoughtohandlemore weightontopofit.So,shehoppeddown,scannedtheareaandspottedsomepiecesofwoodentwoby-foursthatlookedlikethey’dbeenusedbuildingsomething.
Bingo therewasalsoacementblock.Shecouldstackthemandthenbejusthighenoughtosee moreofthekitchen.
Shecoulddothis.
Shewantedtodothis,andsoshedid.
Withinmomentsshehadtheshortfootlongtwo-byfoursstackedontopofthecementblocksitting ontopofthebarrel.Sheknew thatthiscouldbeasilly evenstupididea,butifshewerecareful and heldontothewindow edge,shecouldliftupontiptoeandlookdownattheinsideofthebakery.
Shejusthadtobesteady.Thelastthingsheneededtodowashurtherself.Butlifehadshownher thatsometimesthingsjusthappened,likeher granddadbeinginawheelchair.He’dbeenrunover by anout-of-control truckthatcameontothesidewalkandranhimover.Hehadn’tevenbeencrossing theroad,andyethe’dbeentheonehit.Nothingaboutwhathe’ddonehadbeenhisfault.
Butthis,ifshemessedup,thiswouldbeher faultandthenwhowouldtakecareofthewedding andher granddad?She’dbefine.Shewasonesteadygal,alwayshadbeen.Withoutanother thought, sheeasedherselftoasittingpositionontheedgeofthebarrel andthenslowlystood.Feelingsteady, shethenreachedup,graspingtheedgeofthewindow sill assheplacedonefootontopofthepile she’dbuilt.Slowlysheliftedupcautiouslyandsmiledasshefeltthewoodholdher.Graspingtightly tothewindow sill,shelookedthroughtheglass holysmokes itwas amazing.
Ahugesilver refrigerator andwheeledtraysfor bunchesofcoolingpastriesandcountersthat werewideandwaitingfor her creationtobegin.
Her gazelockedontoawidewoodentablethathadbeenvarnishedandglowedeveninthedim light.Thewoodshewasstandingonhadprobablybeentheleftoversfromthebuildingofthepretty, hand-builttable.Theyhadobviouslybeenmakingimprovements,makingitevenmoreattractivetoa buyer.Shelovedit.Shesighed,lettingher gazesweeptheroom,andfeelingsatisfied,sheknew now itwastimetoheadtoKelsey’s.
Suddenlyfrombehindher,sheheardanoise,lookedtooquicklyover her shoulder andthere, standingatthecorner ofthebuilding,wasanamazing-lookingman.Tall,broad-shouldered,with shortbrownhair peakingfrombeneathhiscowboyhat.Hehadnarrow jean-cladhips,emphasizedby
hiswidehandsthatrestedonthosehips,hiselbowsstickingout.Sheyankedher gazebacktohisface andhiseyes themostamazingblue-greensparklingeyesthathadnow widenedwithdisbelief.
“Whatareyoudoing?”hedemandedinclear dismay.
Inthequickinstanthemadethedemand,her suddenlytinglingtoeswobbled and down she flew.
Hunter Buckleyhadbeenstartledwhenhe’dseenthetinywomanwithcurlyblondehair thatlooked likeitwasasthickaswhippedcreamandalmostaswhite.Shewasstandingonher tinytiptoeson topofArabella’scupcakebarrel butthatwasn’ttheworst.Theworstwastheconcoctionofthings shewasstandingonwithher flip-floptiptoes.Standingandstretchingupwithher handsgrippingthe window sill asshepeakedover thetop.Itfreakedhimout,sohe’drushedforwardashe’dyelledhis question. “What are you doing?”
Thathadbeenahugemistakeonhispart!
Her facetoldhiminstantlyhow startledshewas,andthenher startledeyesmethisand and instantjinglesrangthoughthimjustasterror slappedhimhardaseverythingtoppledover,including her.
Hedoveforwardasshescreamed.Thankgoodnessheslidbeneathher andatleastcaughther headasher shortlegshittheground.He’dsanktotheground,takingtheslamwithhiskneesbut protectingher headwithhispalmsandnow hegentlyrestedhispalmsonhisthighs.Her shoulders wererestingjustbarelyonhisbentkneesandshestaredupathimwithamazingblueberryeyes. “Youcaughtme,”shewhispered.
Hewasengulfedwithterror for her safety.“Don’tmove,”hesaid,hiswordsgruff.He’dbarely caughther headandher bodyhadslammeddown.“Ireactedwrong,startledyou,”hiswordswere clipped.“Seeingyouuptherescaredme,butthereisnoexcusefor meyelling ”
Shemovedher arms.“I’m ”
“No,don’tmove.Ineedtocall adoctor.We’vegottomakesureyoucangetup.”
Thosebeautiful blueeyesblinkedandafirmlookcameintothem.Alookofdetermination. “Thankyoufor grabbingmyhead,butI’mgoingtomove.Ifsomethingiswrong,I’ll know it.You savedmyheadandbrain,thankyouverymuch.Mybrainsaysmybodycanmove.Thankgoodnessfor thewoodenporchinsteadofconcrete.Now,I’mgoingtomovemyarms.”
Then,sheliftedbotharmsup,stretchedthemoutashewatched,flooredbyher declaration,her determination,andthefacttherewerenomoretearsinthosebeautiful eyes.Thiswasonetinybut strong,determinedwomanwhoshould never havebeenstandingonthatpile.
Hefoughtbackanyreaction,notwantingtomakeanother mistake.“Ineedtomakesureyou’re okay.”
Withoutanswering,sheputher elbowsbeneathher,liftedupontothem,rolledher headslowlyin acircletomakesureher neckwasokay,thenshestretchedher legs,andthenshesatup.
“All’sgood.I’ll beonesoregal tomorrow,buteverythingfeelsfinerightnow.Couldyouhelpme up?Withor withoutyour help,Iamgettingup.”
Heletoutanexasperatedbreath.Shewasgoingtodoit,likeshe’dsaid,withor withouthim.He stood,thensheliftedher tiny,daintyhandandplaceditinhis.Suddenly,likeanightwhenall the sparklingwhitelightsofthegigantictownChristmastreeandthebuildingsalongthemainstreetwere turnedon,hefeltthetinglingwaveofelectricilluminationroll throughhim.Everythinglitupinside ofhimtheinstanther fingersslidintohis.Electricwavesofilluminationracedthroughhim.Hefroze, lookedather hand,thenbacktoher eyes,justasher startled,sparklingblueberryeyesshotfromtheir handstohisgaze.
She felt it too.
Thesameelectrical sparkstravelingthroughhimlikeaspeedboatonaglassyoceanwave showedinher eyes then,asifthey’dhitthepeakofthewave,everythingcamecrashingdown. Her eyesflared,andsheyankedher handfromhis.“Never mind.Icangetuponmyown.”
Andbeforehecoulddoanything,shepushedherselfuponher handsandkneesandthenwentto stand.Butwhensheputher weightonher legs,her leftlegcrumbledanddownshetumbled
She was falling Hunter didn’thesitate.Hescoopedher intohisarmsandsavedher fromslamming tothegroundagain.Heheldher closeasneither oneofthemsaidanythingfor thefirstfew seconds, juststaredateachother.
Shereactedterriblyjustbythewaytheir handstouchedmomentsbefore,now their heartswere almosttouching,her shoulder wasthin,reallythinandnotgivingmuchpaddingfromher hearttohis.
Say something.
“Noneedtotell metoputyoudown,Iknow that’swhatyou’reabouttosay.Letmetakeyoutoa chair.You’veobviouslyhurtyour ankle,hopefullyonlythatandnotyour leg.Asmuchasyoudon’t wantittobe,thatwasahardfall youtook.Thatlegandankletookthepressureofthehit.Andthough you’resayingno,weneedtoseeadoctor aboutthat.”
Waryeyessnappedtohim.“I’mfine.”
“No,you’renot.Look,I’maniceguy,”hesaidonimpulse.“Everyonewill tell youthat.Idon’t know whatmanputthatlookinyour eyes,butbelieveme,I’mnotabadguy.Wejusthadarough start.I’mgoingtomakesureyou’reokaynow.MissArabellahadmeworkinginsidethebakeryandI hadcometofinishcleaningupbecauseKelsy’sfriendisarrivingtoday.Ihaveafeelingthat’syou.”
“Yes.”Shesighed.“IwassupposedtogotoKelsy’sfirst.ButIcouldn’thelpcomingtothe bakeryfirst,andnow lookatthetroubleI’vegotteninto.”
Hegrinned.“Relax.We’regoinginsideandthingsaregoingtogetbetter.”Heheadedtothedoor.
“Thankyou.Andyes,I’mactuallyatthisverymomentthankful thatyouarecarryingme,thatyou havestrengthenough Imean,yes,you’restrong,averystrongcowboy.”After stumblingover her words,itwasclear shewasnothappyaboutwhatshe’dsaid.
Obviously,blue-eyedTwinkleToessometimessaidthingsshedidn’twantto,buthelikedwhat shesaid,andthatstartledhim.
Hesteppedupontotheporchwiththesmall ladyinhisarms.“Reachinmychestpocketfor the key.We’regoingtoopenthedoor andI’mgoingtotakeyouinsideoftheroomyouweretryingtosee. I’ll sityoudownandlookatyour anklewhileyougetagoodview oftheroom. Maybe,ifwe’re lucky,wejustneedtoapplyanicebagtoyour ankle.”
Shereachedintohispocket,pulledoutthesinglekey,thenreacheddownandpoppeditintothe keyhole.Whentheclicksounded,shetwistedtheknob,pushedthedoor open,andhecarriedher straighttoMissArabella’slong-legged,high-backedbar chair.Wereall bakersshortandtinylikethis oneandMissArabella?
“MissArabellausedthisbar stool chair for manyyearstohelpher assheaged.Itenabledher to keepworkingwithoutstandingupfor solong.”
“That’sgoodshedidthat.Standingonyour feetall daycanbeharsh,soI’mgladshechosetosit whenshecould.”
Heeasedher ontothebar chair,yettotell himher name,andall heknew wasshewashissister-
in-law’sfriend… Violet VioletKringle,thatwasit.HerememberedKelsytellinghimher name,her unusual name,butashelookedather,TwinkleToes pretty TwinkleToeswonout.Shehadonpink flip-flopsthatfreedher sparkly,pink-paintedtoenails.Buttherewasmore,thewomanlookedlikea pastrytoo or…well shejustlooked heshutdownhisthoughtsnotneedingtothinkaboutanything other thanicingdownher ankle, not thinking that she looked like delicious icing on a cake.
“Okay,let’sputyour leguphereonthebar andlet’stakealookatit.”Hesettledher ontheseat, thengentlyliftedher foottothebar andshegrimaced.Itwasbetter thangrimacingwhenhe’dsather inthechair because,morethanlikely,itwasjustthisoneanklethatwashurtandnother hipor back. “Yep,it’sswelling.Letmegetsomeice.” Cold ice to smack against his forehead.
Hestrodetothebigfreezer whereheknew therewerealotofalreadypackedsmall bagsofice. MissArabellaalwayskepticeinbagsfor whencustomerscamein.IntheseTexassummers,they neededsomethingtohelpkeeptheicingfrommeltingintheheatwhiletravelingtotheir destinations.
Hepluckedathinlyfilledgallon-sizedbagfromthefreezer,ploppeditonthefloor tobustup, thenpulledopenthedrawer andtookoutadishrag.Hewrappedthebag,thenturnedtocarryitover tothealertladywhowaswatchinghimwiththoseblueeyes.
“Youactlikeyouknow exactlywhatyou’redoing,”sheoffered.
“MissArabellamakessurepeoplecancarrycakesandcupcakeswiththemiceddowninbags, boxesor anicechestmelt-free.”Heheldthebagup.“Shekeepsthemalreadybaggedupandready.” Violetlikedit.“Exactly.MyGrampasay’ssomebakerysdon’tthinkaboutthataddedhelp.Ican tell justbythatlittletidbitthatMissArabellaandmygranddadwouldgetalongverywell.Hetaught methatwhenIwasjustagirl sittingonastool,thishighwithmyshortlegsdanglingashetaughtme whatIknow.Hetoldmenever, ever bakesomethingandexpectthecustomer tohavethoughtabout whattheymightneed.Itwasmyresponsibilitytogetmycreationwhereitwassupposedtobe at leastpreparedfor thetripasitwentoutthedoor.”
“Your granddadandArabellasoundlikethey’dgetalongwell.Thatladyhasrunthisbusinessfor yearsandI’venever heardonecomplaint.She’smadeweddingcakes,birthdaycakes,andcupcakes. Frozenpiesthatmakeitwherever they’remeanttogowithnoproblem.Yes,thatlittlechefofapastry baker isreallygoingtobemissed.”Withthat,hegentlylaidtherag-coveredicepackonher ankle. Thenlookedather,hishandholdingthepackwhereitwas.“Canyoumoveit?”heaskedgently,not wantingher tobealarmedifshecouldn’t.Needingtocoaxananswer fromher clampedlips,sohe’d know ifheneededtotakeher toadoctor,hehitchedaquestioningbrow urgingher toanswer.
“Theiceiscold,but,”shesaid,easingthewordsoutasshegotusedtothecold.Hefelther move her anklebeneaththeice.“Icanmoveit.Sideways.Upanddown.”Shesmiled.“I’mgoingtobe alright.Thankgoodness,becauseIneedtobakeJasmine’sweddingcake.Whenwespokeonthe phone,shesaidsheismarryingthemanofher dreams,sothecakehastobewonderful.Shesaidher cowboyisthemosthandsomeandwonderful manintheworld.”Shesmiled.“Ilovebakingwedding cakesfor couples.Lifeisperfectatthatmoment.Shealsosaidhewasthemanwhohadmadeher dreamscometrue not was goingtomakethemcometrue,but had madethemcometrue.Ilovethat. He’saBuckleybrother,Kelsy’shusband,Ace’scousin,”shepaused.“Speakingofnames,Idon’t evenknow yours.”
Hegrinned.“First,youhaven’ttoldmeyours.I’massumingyou’reVioletKringle.”
Asmilebloomedinstantly.“Yes,Iam.AKringleatyour service…notkintoSantaClaus Kringle,thoughIdodeliver alotofChristmasdesserts.”
“Well,MissKringle,I’mHunter.Hunter Buckley,Ace’stwinbrother.CousintotheBuckley brother you’respeakingof ”hesaid,thenhaltedasher eyesgrew wide.“What’swrong?”
“You’re a Buckley? That Buckley?”
Shecouldn’tbreathe. This wasHunter Buckley Kelsy’shusband,Ace’stwin. Twin.
She’dseenapictureofhimstandingbesideAceatthewedding.Her memoryrolledbacktothe weddingpictureKelsysenther thathadhiminit,he’dlookeddifferent.Themaninthepicturehad wavestohishair peekingoutfrombeneathhishat.Now,hishair wascutclose,short,withnowaves stickingfrombeneathhishat.Andhehadafiveo’clockshadow alonghisjaw.
Heartpoundingonemoretime itwasbecomingacommonthingsincefirstlookingatthis cowboyhadknockedher feetoutfromunder her literally.
Thegood-lookingcowboyhadstartledher,helpedher,heldher,andnow thoseamazingeyesof hiswerelookingather likeshehadlosther mindor something.
Get a grip!
Sheletoutabreath hadn’tevenrealizedshewasholdingher breath.“Ididn’tmeanthatto soundbad.TheBuckleymeantyou’reAce’stwin.Look,Imessedup,Ishouldn’thavecomehere. KelsyisexpectingmeandI’mmakingher wait.So,Hunter,thanksfor savingme.Um…andIthink myfootisgoingtobeokay,soI’mgoingtrytomakeitouttomyVolkswagenandheadtowhereI’m supposedtobe.”
Thatgrinofhisspreadacrosshisface.Heshiftedfromoneboottotheother,hishipjuttingoutas hishandwenttoit.Instantly,her traitorousgazefollowedthathandtohisleanhipattachedtohis long,jean-cladlegs.Andhisboots,whichheimmediatelytappedthetipofoneonthefloor asif saying, “Hey, I see you studying me ” Sheyankedher gazebacktohis histwinklingeyes.
“Don’tgrinlikethat.Imessedup,”shewarned.
Whyhadn’tsherealizedwhohewas?Helookedlikehistwin,butnotexactly.Hislackof shavingtodayhadhelpedcamouflagehim.Amazinghow thatlittletouchofhair onhisjaw andhis lackofcurlyhair stickingfrombeneathhishat whatabigdifferenceitmade.
Hechuckledasifseeingher mindworking.“Comeon,don’tlookalarmed.I’mjustanold cowboyouthererescuingadaintylittle well,honestly,youremindmeofalittlewhipofwhipping cream.Your hair,curlinglikeitdoesandalmostwhite ”heshutup,lockinghislipsfirmly.“Ah, anyway,your name,MissKringle,goeswithyour hair.Kelsydidn’tsayher bestfriend,theamazing dessertchef,lookedlikethetoppingofher desserts.”
Violetchuckled,couldn’thelpit,andthankfullyrelaxedatouch.“Yes,Ido.Mygranddaddyhasa greatsenseofhumor,andwhenIwasbornIcameoutwithabigwhite,curlyheadofhair likethis. Well,mynamewasalreadyKringle,butwhenmyeyesopenedup,andearlyonmyblue-violeteyes
weremorepurple.Theyeventuallyturnedbluer tonedthanpurple,butIgotnamedrightthenand there.VioletKringleatyour service.Itfitsrightinwithmyloveofbakingdesserts,whipped meringueontopofpies,whippingcreamontopofpudding,icecream.Younameit,mynamefitsit. Yes,therewasaplanfor mydestiny.I’mverythankful tomygranddad.He’sagreatguyandamaster atdesserts.”Shewasrambling,andcontinuedashiseyesdugdeep.
“Imightbringhimoutbeforetheweddingbecausehewouldlovethis.Ineededtocomeoutand getthingsstartedfirst.I’msogladhisamazingtalentwithdelightful,deliciousdessertsworeoffon me.BecauseIowehimeverything.”Sheclampedher mouthclosedfinallyandtookadeepbreathas shemetHunter’spenetratingeyes.
Eyesthatsaidhelikedwhatshe’dsaid.
“I’mgladyour granddadknew whathewasdoingandpassedhistalentontoyou.”Hisvoicewas slow andsoothing,asifheweretryingtocalmher down.“Ihavetotell youour littletownloves MissArabella.We’reall sosadshewon’tbehere,creatingher masterpieces.Weall hopethisplace will reopenand,whoknows,her buyer mightbesittingrighthereinfrontofme.Withatalentlike yours,Icanalreadytell youthetownladiesareputtingtheir hopesonyouopeningitupagain.”He hitchedhisbrow.“Imightnotshouldhavesaidthat,butsomethingtellsmeImightneedtogiveyoua littlewarning.”
They wanted her here.
Well,iftheylikedher bakingthey’dwanther here.Shewasn’tabraggart,butsheknew shewas good. Why?Becauseshe’dinheritedeverythingfromher granddadandhewasthebestofthebest.
“Thanksfor thealert.KelsyknowsIhavemyheartsetonopeningmyownbakerysomewhere. AndIknow,justbetweenyouandme,shemayopenupandtell methetruth,butshewantsmehere. AndIhavetoadmit,after everythingshe’stoldmeaboutthiswonderful town,Iamdrawntoit.But, I havetomakethatdecision.Itwon’tdependonanyoneelse.”
“Igetthat.Butwhysounyielding?”
“I’vehadtobeguidedbyadecisionsincemygranddadgothurt.DecisionsthathelpedhimandI don’tregretitatall.I’veworkedwhereI’mworkingtopaybackhisboss,whoputoutthemoneyto payanyhospital billsthatinsurancedidn’tpay.Inever lookbackor goagainstthatbecauseI’m grateful tohim.GranddadhasmadehugeprogressandIhavethedebtspaidoffnow,butIhaven’t mademydecisionyetonwhat or whereIwanttogo.”
“Igetthat.I’mgladyouhadhelp.”
“Yes,therewasalottomypast,alotmygranddadhadtodeal with,andIcouldn’t,can’t,ever let himdown.Butthisnextstepinmylifeisgoingtobeall mine.I’ll gowherever itfeelsrightfor him andfor me.Wherever Ifeel comfortable…anyway,enoughaboutme.It’snicetomeetyou,Hunter Buckley.Thankyoufor savingme,andnow IneedtogetinmyVWvanandheadout.It’stimetogo seeKelsy.”Sheclampedher mouthshut.Shehadtostopall thisrattlingshewasdoing.
Heheldhisarmouttoher likeanescort.Sheknew sheneededhelp,sowithoutanother thought, shepickedupher icepackinonehand,slippedher freearmthroughhis,andgentlyeasedher footto thefloor betweenthem.Itwastimetoheadout.
Anddefinitelytimetoignorethewaytouchingthiscowboysenttinglesfromher headtoher toes.
Hunter smileddownatthebeautiful pieceoficingandgrinnedasshetookher firststep.Themoment shefaltered,whichhe’dbeenafraidshewould,hewasreadyandslippedhisarmbeneathher knees andliftedher backintohisarms.
Thankgoodnessher injuredanklewasontheleft,nottheright,sowhenhegother toher vanshe wouldbeabletodrive.Butfor now,shewasinhisarmsagain.Andasmuchashedidn’twantto admitit,hisheartwasbacktothundering.
Shelookedathiminshockandhegrinned.“IwaswatchingbecauseIwasworriedaboutthat.I’m goingtocarryyououtthroughthefrontsoyoucanseeeverythinginthemainroomandthenwe’ll go toyour van.”
“AndIcandrive,”shedeclared.
“Yes,Iknow.Your rightfootworksjustfine.Butifyoudon’tfeel likeit,I’ll driveyou ”
“No,Icandrive.Thankyou.OnlythingIcansayisyoudoobservethings.Myankleisn’t workingandIdowanttoseetherestoftheplacebetter thanpeekingthroughthewindow.That’snot sayingI’mgoingtobuyit,Ijustneedtoknow whatIhavetoworkwith.Thekitchenisaged,but perfect.Ilovethemixtureofoldandnew.”
Hetriedtofocusonher wordsandnotonthefeel ofher inhisarmsagain.“You’regoingtofitin herebecauseLoneStar hasabigmixofpeoplewhocomefromancestorsthatsettledhereinwagons topeoplewhojustmovedtotown.I’msureKelsytoldyouthatour monthlydanceisagreatsuccess. Youcouldprobablybringthingstothatandgetthewordoutonyour baking,andyou’ll probablyhave aherdofcowboysliningup.”Athiswords,her heartbeganthunderingagainsthischestagain,and therewasnodenyingthathelikedit.
Likeditalot.
Her browsknittedtogether.“Um,well…that’skindofagoodidea,notthatI’msayingI’m movingherebut,therearealotofcompanieswhodoagreatonlinebusiness.Imightconsider that, fromwhereever Iendup.”
“Soundslikeaplan.”Notwhathe’dmeant,butstill shewasobviouslynotwantingtotalkabout movinghere.Unabletostophimself,headded,“Youcouldtestthewatersatthedance.Lotsof peoplewill show up.”
“So,I’veheard.Thatdanceisabigthinghere.Seemslotsofmatchesaremadeatthedance.I know thatJasminecameherebecauseher mother askedaboutadanceandeveryonegotitgoing.And now she’smarryingyour cousin.That’scool.Thedanceisagreatdraw for thetownbusinesses,soif IboughtthebakeryI’dmakesureImadethemostofthedances.NotthatI’dbelookingtoget married,it’sanotothat.I’djustmakesureeveryonewhocameknew aboutmybakeryandmy weddingcakeskills.I’madrivengal whogotsidetrackedbytheneedtohelpmygranddad.Butthat didn’tstopmefromknowingonedayI’dbeseekingmywayagain.Irefusetoletanything,or person, getinmywayoffindingmyownsuccess.I’mnottalkingaboutfamous,I’mjusttalkingaboutbeing
abletosupportmyself.Andmysweetgranddad.Nothingwill ever getinthewayofthatgoal.”
She’dmadeherselfclear andwhileshewastalkingher direct,pure,andsimplewords,Hunter carriedher intothefrontroomofthebakery.Heunderstoodher focus.Hewasn’tlookingfor marriageeither.Sincehe’dlosthisparents,hehadn’tthoughtaboutahappilyever after.Never plannedonlooking.
He’dlivedthroughtheir deathsandlovedthemwithall hisheartandknew how muchlosshurt. Hecouldn’tanddidn’twanttothinkaboutfallinginloveandlosingthatwoman…nohewouldnever loveawomanwithall hisheart.Never loveawomansomuch,heaskedher tomarryhim,knowing thatonedayinaninstantshecouldbegone.
Nope,nothappening.
Hewasn’tgoingtobeinthatspot,lostinpainandagonyonemoretime.Heknew thatlosinga spousewouldbeevenharder thanwhathe’dalreadylivedthrough.
“Imightbecarryingyouthroughthisbakery,thisplacethatisknownfor weddingcakesandbright earlymorningdeliciouspastries,butI’mnotlookingfor anythingtodowiththat.Youcanrestassured thatI’ll bearoundtohelpoutifyouneedanything,butyoudon’thavetoworryaboutme.Heck,even thoughIgotothetowndances,Idon’tdance.So,youdon’thavetoputthedeclarationoutfor me.I won’tbetheoneaskingyoutodance.Or tryingtogetyououtonthedancefloor likeI’mcertainis goingtohappenwhenyoushow uponSaturdaynight.I’mjusttheguywhocausedyoutofall offthat stackonthebarrel outthere.Sonow I’mcarryingyouaroundinmyarms,tryingtogetyou somewheresafewhereyou’ll becomfortable.”
Shestaredathim.“I’mnotaskingyoufor anything.”
“Iknow that.You’vemadeyourselfclear andI’mdoingthesamething.Ifyouneedanything,feel freetocall mebecauseIwon’tbeaskingfor anythingelse.Nomatter how beautiful youareor how muchyoulooklikeasweettoppingondesserts sorry,butyoudo.Your momandgranddadknew exactlywhattonameyou.Itfits.ButIcantell you,MissKringle,ifyoumovehere,ifthisplacecalls toyou,you’regoingtomakealotofpeoplehappy.Then,oneday,youmaydecideyou’regoingto wanttolookfor someonetoo.Icantell youthatyou’ll havealotofcowboyscomingtoyour door thisdoor.You’ll bebusyhavingcowboystravelingfromall over tobuydonutsfromyou.Sure,your dessertswill begood,butthey’ll justwanttoseethosesparklingblueberryeyesandthatfrostywhip creamhair movearoundwhenyoutiltyour headtotheside,likenow.Or flopoutwhenyouyankyour headstraightlikeyoujustdidinshock.”
Helaughed,couldn’thelpit.“But,remember,Isavedyouthistime,myownfault,butifyouneed anything,feel freetocall mebecauseI’mnotlookingtobematchedup,andeveryoneintownknows it.I’mjustheretohelp.”
Shestaredathim,her beautiful mouth,thatlookedlikeacherrythatfell offthetopofthewhipped creamhair andlandedonthesideofthe heyankedhisgazeoffher lips.Histhoughtsoffofthinking ofher asadessert.
Hedidn’tknow whathisproblemwas,andobviouslyneither didshebythelookinher flashing eyes.
“Believeme,Icantakecareofmyself.”
Hegaveher asolemnnod.“I’mnotkiddingyouaboutour littletownofmatchmakers.They alreadyknow thattryingtomatchmeupisgoingtobetheir missedshot.I’mnotlooking.I’mnever goingtohurtlikeIdidwhenIlostmyparents.Iknow how muchlovematters.Iseemybrother and cousinsandtheir wivessohappy.AndIsaw Kelsyandhow muchshewashurtingafter losingher husband.Sheandher adorablelittlegirl wereinpain.Mybrother helpedher overcomethat,butI’m notgoingtoever worryaboutgoingthroughthat.I’mnever puttingmyheartoutthereandhavingto worryaboutlosingtheloveofmylifelikeIlostmyparents.Hurt?Yeah,thatwouldhavetobethe worsthurtofall.AndIhaveahappyliferightnow.Ilovemylifethewayitis.AndIplantomake themostofit.”Whyintheworldwasherattlingoffthesewords?Thisdeclaration?
“IbelieveyouandIgetit.One,I’dlovetobeabletolovethewayyoudescribeit,butnotnow. I’vegotthenextfew yearsofmylifelinedout,andonceIdecidewhereI’ll settleandputitinto motion,nothingelseisgettingintheway.MygranddadsentmeherealonebecausehesaidthatIhad givenupmylifefor himover thelastfew yearsandwantsmetomeetmydestiny.”Sheshookher head,toreher gazefromhisandlookedabouttheroom.
“Mydestiny,”shesaidafter apause.“Thosewerehiswords ‘Now, go meet your destiny,’ he said.So,he’srootingfor LoneStar tobemyplacetoopenmydreamsupandletthemfly.Obviously, othersaretoo,butintheenditwill bemewhodecides.Likeyou’redoing.Wehavethatincommon.”
Therewasazapinhisheartlookingather sparklingeyes.Wordshedidn’twanttoacknowledge echoedthroughhim… meet your destiny. “Here,I’mtakingyououtthedoor now.I’msendingyouon your waybecauseyouhavemynew sister-in-law waitingtoseeyou.”Heneededher no,wanted her outofhisarms.Hedidn’tneedanything.
Withthat,heopenedthedoor andstrodeoutontotheboardwalkandheadedstraighttoher bright redVolkswagenvan.Obviously,shetookimmaculatecareofthishistoricbeauty.Hewonderedhow muchofher ownhistorywasinthevan?
Itdidn’tmatter,all heknew washeneededtogetthisprettyladyoutofhisarmsandthatVWvan woulddothetrick. ***
Shewantedoutofhisarmsandwasfilledwithreliefashepushedthedoor openedandsteppedout intothesunshine.Butthereonthesidewalkstoodatall ladywithshortredhair.Shewasdressedina brightredcowgirl shirtwithlongsleevesfinishedoffwithapolishedsilver snap.Theblousewas tuckedintojeanswithaglisteningthree-inchgoldandsilver buckle,highlightingher leanwaist. Violet’sgazewasdrawndowntowesternboots thejeansweretuckedinside,displayingthelarge redstipe,thewhitestripe,andthebluestripe,colorsoftheTexasflag.Thewhitestar ontheblue finisheditoff.
Thewomanstoodout,andVioletknew instantlywhothiswas.MillieWatts.Thiswasthe championbarrel racer Kelsyhadtoldher about,saidshewasunmistakableandshe’dbeenright.
FromwhatKelsysaid,Milliestoodbehindher tableofdrinksatthedancesand,until recently, hadnever comeouttodanceherself.Butwasnow enjoyingdancingwithher new partner,Kelsy’s
grandfather.Kelsyhopedher grandfather andMilliemightfall inlovewitheachother notjustlove dancingtogether.
Violetsmiledbecauseifshedidcometotowntoopenthisbakeryasher own,she’dbetheone now standingbehindthedrinktablewatchinginsteadofparticipating.Thatwaswhatthewidowed cowgirl hadbeenknownfor,supplyingsafetybehindher drinktable,herselfincludedfor thosenot lookingfor love.Onlyproblem,lovehadfoundthemanditmighthappentoMillie.Still,behindthat tablewouldbetheplacefor Violet.
“Hello,I’mMillie,”Milliesaid,her voicewarm.“WhenIspottedthiscutelittleredVW,Iknew instantlywhoyouwere.Kelsytoldusaboutyour van,saidyouloveditandhadowneditmostofyour life.Evenasachild,inheriteditfromyour mom.Ifmymother hadleftittome,I’dcherishittoo. Theydon’tmakethemlikethisanymore.”
Kelsyhadtoldtheladiesthestoryofher van,or atleastpartofthestory.“You’reright,theydon’t makethemlikethisanymore.Buteveniftheydid,theywouldn’tmeanwhatthisonemeanstome.”
Millie’seyessoftened.“Iunderstandthatfully.”
Andfromwhatshe’dheardaboutthiscowgirl’slossoflove,Kelsybelievedher.Shefelt Hunter’sgazeonher andmetit.Hisarmshadtightenedonher,asifsensingsomethingdeepwas beingreferredtoo.“Thatvanbelongedtomymother,whoIlost.IwasyoungbutGrampsstoreditfor mesoI’dhaveitwhenIwasoldenoughtodrive.There’salongstorythatgoeswithit.Butit’smine now andI’ll alwayscherishit.I’ll driveitaslongasitletsme.”
Henodded,takinginher words.“For itsage,itlooksgreat.Likeit’sbeenredone.”
“Yes,itdoes,”Millieagreed.
Shesmiled,couldn’thelpit.“TherearetwothingsIlove: bakingandkeepingmyVWinperfect shape.”Andthatwastrue.Itwastheonethingshehadthather mother loved,andshe’ddriveituntil itstoppedrunningandthenitwouldhaveaplacetorestandshine,justlikeher mom’smemoriesdid insideofher.
Memoriesher grampstoldher fromthedayshewasoldenoughtoremember.“Darlin’,”he’dsay, “Deathtakestheir bodiesaway,buttheir memoriesandloveliveon.”Andso,itwasasifher grandmother andher mother livedonwiththemeverydayafter they’dlostthemtogether inawreckin Grandma’scar.
Shepushedthethoughtsaway,now wasnotthetime.Yes,she’dnever forgetthemandtheylived oninher heart,butrightnow shewasinthearmsofacowboy.Acowboywhosearmshadtightened evenmoreasshe’dspoken.She’dlookedawayfromhim,buther gazewasnow drawnbacktohis eyesandshesaw wonder…whatwashewondering?
“Iknew youmustbecheckingoutthebakery,”Milliebrokein,thankgoodness.“Icameover to welcomeyoutotownandseeyou’vegotanawesomecowboycarryingyouaroundandanicebagin your hand.Areyouokay?”
“I’mfine.Hunter iscarryingmebecausemysnoopinesshadmeclimbingonthingstoseeinside thekitchen.Mychoiceofstackingunsteadythingsontopofabarrel wasabadchoiceandsoIfell andthiscowboy ”
“Helpedher after I startledher andcausedher towobble.Icausedall thetroublewhenIwent
aroundthecorner togoinsideandcleanupmyworkingarea.IfIhadn’tstartledher,she’dprobably madeitdownjustfine.”
HiswordssurprisedViolet.Hewastakingtheblame.“Hesavedme ”
“Maybe,anyway,”hesaid,thenlookedatMillie.“I’mcarryingher toher vansoshecanheadout toseeKelsy.”
VioletwasstunnedasshelookedbackatMillieandsaw aflashinthelady’seyes wasitaflash ofhopethattherecouldbesomethingbrewingbetweenher andHunter?
Shemovedinhisarms,needingoutofthem.
Sheneededoutnow.
Thankfully,he’dmadehimselfclear,sotheywereonthesamewavelengthonthat.Andasifhe tookthehintfromher movements,hisgriptightened.
“It’snicetomeetyou,”shesaidtothesmilinglady.“I’veheardalotofgoodthingsaboutyou fromKelsyandI’mgoingtocometoyour store.IpromiseIcan’twaittoroamthroughall thestores ifIhavetime.”
Milliegrinned.“Itwasgreattomeetyou,too.Now,Hunter,goonandcarrythisprettyladytoher van.We’ll meetagain.Ifyouwanttotestyour goodbakingoutinthemornings,I’msureyou’dhavea lotoffolksdroppingbyexcitedtohelpyoutestoutanythingyoubake.”
Her heartthunderedasshefeltthestrongarmsofthecowboytightenaroundher again.“I’ll see, I’ll letyouknow.”
“Seeyoulater,Millie.”Hunter walkedtoher vanasMilliesmiled,thenwalkedaway.
Violetlikedthefeel ofHunter’schest,thesolidnessofhim.Asifhewereprotectingher fromthe bigmistakeshe’dmadeclimbingwhereshehadnobusiness.Everythingtodaywasamistake,coming intotownearly,climbingontopofthatmakeshiftdeathwish.
Shereachedfor thedoor andpulleditopen,andhesmiledasheslippedher intothevan’slong skinnyfrontseat.Shelovedher VWbuttherewasnothingluxuriousabouther ancientvan,thefront seatespecially,itwasmorelikeathinwoodenbenchseatwithaslightpaddingwrappedaroundit.
“BesafeheadingouttoAceandKelsy’splace.Iknow Ishouldbetakingyou,butIknow bythat lookinthoseeyesofyoursthatyoustill wanttodriveyourself.Besafe.”Hesteppedback,grinned thatamazinggrin,theneasedher van’sdoor shut.
Sherolledthewindow downasquicklyasthehandleonthevanwouldlether.“Thankyou,and again,I’msorryfor all thechaos.Comeouttoyour brother’splacewhenever youwantto.Kelsy alreadysaidshecouldn’twaittointroduceus.Ithinkshe’sgoingtobestunnedwhenItell her I alreadydidthatmyself.”
Shegaveagrin,feelingweirdinsidewhenhislipshitchedupandheliftedhishandingoodbye. Notwastinganytime,shebackedoutandheadeddownthestreet.Shesaw Millieandacoupleof other ladiestalkinginfrontofastore.Theyall wavedandgrinnedasshedrovebybuttookasecond toreturnawavetothem.
What a day.Morelikewhatacrazystarttoher timehereinLoneStar. Hopefully,itwasuphill fromhere.
“Youfell offthe top ofthebarrel!”Kelsyexclaimedfromwhereshestoodbesidethevanwaitingfor Violettoexititafter listeningtoher quickretellingofher townescapade.Mistakewasabetter word.
“Yes,Idid.”Violetsatstill andhadn’ttoldKelsyyetthatshecouldn’tgetoutofthevanalone. Instead,whenher friendleanedinandhuggedher themomentshegotthedoor opened,shereturned thehugthentoldher aboutthemishap.Toexplainwhyshewaslate,she’drattledoffthestartofthe storyrightafter thegreeting.
“Itwasn’tthebestintroductiontoyour new brother-in-law,”Violetadded.“Buthe’ll always remember it.” As will I.
Kelsy’ssmilewidened.“Youdohaveawayofmakingentrances.It’sthatexcitementinsideof youaboutdoingthingsyouwanttodo.ItmakesyouthepersonyouareandIcan’twaittointroduce youtothetown.Ialreadyknew you’dbeentotownbecauseIgotacall fromMillietellingmeshe’d justmetyou.ShesaidHunter waswithyouatthevan.”
“That’sthepartIhaven’tgottento.WhenIfell behindthebakeryhecaughtmyheadandprotected mefromaterribleinjury.Butmybodyhittheporchandmyankleisswollenbecauseofthefall.He tookmeinsideandgotmeiceandthenwasactually carrying meouttothevanwhenImetMillie.”
Kelsy’sexpressionturnedtoshockanddismay.“Ohmygoodness.Areyouokay?”
“Thankstohim,yes.ButI’ll needhelptogetinside.”
Millieobviouslyhadn’tsaidanythingaboutHunter carryingher inhisarms.
“Ifiguredshe’dhavetoldyouall kindsofthings.”Violetshuther mouth.Whyhadshesaidthat? “Oh, whatthings?”Her eyeslitwithcuriosity.
Shegroanedinside,thiswasnotgoingthewayshewantedittogo.Sheslowlyturnedher legs andeasedherselftostandingonher onegoodfoot.“Nothingmore,exceptIdidthatstupidstuntof standingonthepileI’dmadeonthebigbarrel soIcouldlookinthatlittlewindow.Ifell offand thankfully,hecaughtmyheadatleast,andsavedmefromareallybadinjury.”Sheomittedthatifhe hadn’tstartledher,sheprobablywouldn’thavefallen.“Hetookmeinandgotmetheicepackand thencarriedmeouttothevan.AndhereIam.”
Kelsytookinher swollenankle,theshort-leggedjeansexposed.“Oh,Violet,I’msosorry.You’re goingtoneedmyhelp.”
Violetnodded,thenreachedbehindher andpulledtheicepackfromtheseatstill wrappedinits cloth.“Yes,togetintothehouseandtoachair.ThenIcanputitupandletitgetbetter.”
“Surething.”Andso,her friendslippedher armaroundher waistontheinjuredankle’sside. ThenVioletusingher goodfoothoppedonitonestepatatimeastheymadeittothestepsandup them.
Itwasaprettyhouse,aranchhouse,whitewithlotsofflowerssurroundingitandaredbarn behindit.Cattlewerehangingoutnear thefence,watchingthem.Thereweresomehorsesinthe distance,notascuriousasthecows.Violetlovedit.“Thisiswonderful.Itfitsyou.”
Her friendlookedather.“Iknow itdoes.IloveAcewithall myheart,butthisplaceextends contentmentandsatisfactiontomethatIwouldnever haveknownifIhadn’tcomelookingfor Grandpa whocan’twaittomeetyou.He’sheardlotsofstoriesfrommeaboutyouandyour granddad.Hewantstomeethim,too.”
“Ican’twaittomeethimandGrampswill loveit.Doesheliveclose?”
“Justdowntheroad.Acehadacutecabinontheranch,butwedecidedtobuythisplacebecause itwashalfwaydownthisprettyroad,betweenhishugefamilyranchandGramps’place.Andalso, becausewebothloveditwhenwecametolookatit.Wedidn’tneedalargeranchsinceheisalready partofone hisfamilyranchisgigantic.Wejustneededaplacetofeel likehome,toenjoyquiet eveningstogether andwalksacrossthepasture.And,ifyoukeepwalkingacrossthatpasture,the placehelovesthemostisthere.Thecrazystreamthatleadstoalakeheloves.It’sawonderful place becareful onthesesteps.”Holdingher tight,KelsyhelpedVioletupthesteps.
“Didithurt?”
“No ”Shefeltbadlying.“Okay,yes.”Shesighed.“Itdidhurt,butit’ll getbetter.Whenweget inside,I’ll sitdown,putitupandiceitagain.Hopefullytomorrow I’ll beabletowalk,maybewith somepain,butwalk.Thatwill begreat.I’mreadytobake.”
Theygotinsidetheprettyhome.Itwassoft-tonedbeigewallswithleather furnitureandcolorful rugsonthehardwoodfloors.Thediningroomwastothesideandthechair Kelsyhelpedher getto andsitdowninsatatanangle,givingher agreatview ofthelargeopenroom.Thechair hadaleather ottomanandKelsymoveditintoposition,thenliftedViolet’slegontoit.
“Now,restthatlegandI’mgoingtogogetyousomethingtodrink.Whatwouldyoulike?”
“Ifyouhavecoldwater withlemonI’ll takethat,butifyoudon’thaveit,thenanythingwill be great.”
Kelsygrinned.“Ialreadyhaveitinapitcher full oficeandlemons.YouandIstill havethesame lovefor lemonwater.”
Thenshewasgone,sweptquicklyfromtheroomonamission.Violettotallyrelaxedfor a second.Sheleteverytensemuscleinher bodyeaseagainstthecushionsofthechair.Shewashere. Gothereinacrazyway,butshewashere.Her gazeliftedtothepictureonthewall acrosstheroom. Itwasawonderful pictureofthehugefamily,sheassumed.ThentherewasapictureofKelsy,Ace, andher granddad theywerestandingcloseandfishing.AndthenKelsy’swholefamilytogether again.
“You’relookingatmypictures.Thebigoneisofthewholefamily.ThosetwothereareAceand Hunter,andtheir momanddadrightbeforetheytooktheplaneflighttheydiedon.Theothersaretheir cousins,andtheir parents,whotravel alotandit’sjustagreatpicture.Ihadtohaveit.Theoriginal is onthemainwall atthehomeofGennaandWest.Theonetheir grandparentslefthimbecausehe wantedtomakesurehisgrandmother’slovefor goatslivedon.You’ll seeitwhenwegovisit tomorrow eveningfor supper.GennahadacopymadefromaphotoItookandhereitis.It’snotas goodastheoriginal,butIloveit.Thenall ofusasafamilyagain.We’reall gettingalongagain.It’s all becauseIfoundthatpictureofGrampsandIhadtocomeseehim.I’mjustgoingtotell you, sometimeswhenyougetthatfeelinginsidethatthingsareright,itis.Youjusthavetogolookfor it.”
Shetookabreath,tookasipofthelemonwater Kelsyhadhandedher.Her thoughtswererolling. Somethingaboutthisplacefeltright.Evenwithher crazyintroductiontoHunter.Butshehadtokeep her shieldsup.Justbecauseitfeltrightdidn’tmeanshe’dlether guarddown.Didn’tmeanthiswas whereher futurewaited.
Shewaslookingfor theperfectplacetoopenher ownbusiness.Nothingwouldhaltthatsearch. Nothingwouldcauseher todetour again…yes,her friendwashere.Buther future…shewasn’tyet sure.
Theshopwasbeautiful,thetownwaslovely,andKelsywashere.Whatelsedidsheneed?That echoedthroughher brainandsheignoredtheinstantvisionofthecowboywiththestrongarms…and thefeel ofthemholdingher protectively. ***
Hunter staredatthewoodenweddingarchhiscousinhadbuilt.Itwasmadewiththreelongtreelimbs thatCalebcut,thensandedslightly,butletthenotchofthesmall limbshe’dremovedshow.Thisgave thearchanatural beauty.All threepiecesofwoodwereropedtogether for strongsupport.
Nothuge,buteachlimbwasprobablyabouteightinchesthick.“So,thisiswhatyou’regoingto getmarriedbeneath.It’sbeautiful.”
Hiscousin,the“HappyDance’nCowboy”aseveryoneteasedhimwithever sincetheladieshad taggedhimwiththenickname,grinned.“Yep.Jasminelovedtheideaandwe’regettingmarriedout hereinthepasture.Ithinkit’sperfect.I’mgladyoulikeit.”
“Ido.I’veenjoyedwatchingall ofyoulonesomecowboysgettingmarried.”Hegrinned.
Caleblookedacrossthelimbheheld.“Iknow youhave.Butyou’retheleadlonesomecowboy anddon’tknow it.You’renotplanningonityourself.So,tell me,whichoneof us wasplanningonit? None.Butboy,areweall happyandyoucouldbetooifyou’djustopenyour heart.Openitandsee whathappens.”
Nottheconversationhe’dbeenplanning.“Look,youknow whenmeandAcelostoutparents,it wasrough.But,thankfully,wehadeachother andall ofyoucousins and your wonderful momand dad.Now,I’ll beanuncleonedayandlookingforwardtoit.However,I’mnotgoinganyfurther than that.ButI’mgoingtoenjoyseeingyouandJasminegettingmarried.AndIhaveafeelingthecakesare goingtobegreat.”
“Yeah,that’swhatwethink.Butlook,nottokeepbackingup,butkeepthedoor openandoneday, Hunter,youcanborrow thisweddingarch.”Hisgrinspreadwide,buttheteasingwasgone.“Imean it.Openup,dude.”
“Youneedtogetyour mindbackonthatarchandyour soon-to-bewife.Also,areyouinviting your twomatchmakers,SargentTwoToesandDaisyDuke,tothewedding?Thatcutelittledonkey wenttoalotofrisktobringyoutogether inthatquicksand.”Hisliphitched,littleDaisyDukedonkey hadstartedthisweddingwithasinkinsteadofasplash.“Iknow itcouldhavebeenbad,butnow we justhavetolookatitasafunmatchmadein ”
“Quicksand okay,I’mprettypositiveshe’ll wantTwoToesandDaisyhere,soinsteadofasking,
we’ll havethemheretosurpriseher.We’ll havethemonthesideonshortleashes.I’mforever grateful tothem.JasminewentintothatquicksandtosavethatsweetdonkeyandthenSargentTwo Toeshaddonehisduty,asifheweretrulyinthemilitaryonamissiontosavethem.Hefoundmeand ledmetothem.Ifhehadn’t,thenIwouldn’tbestandinghere,thehappiestmanintheworld.I’mjust goingtotell you.Godworksinmysteriousways that’sthewayIlookatit.I’mforever indebtedthat shetriedtosavethattinydonkeyandthatamazingoldBillygoatcameandgotme.Soyes,don’tknow whatIwasthinking,you’reright,they’vegottobethere.So,let’sdothis.”
Hunter nodded.Itwasalovestory,startedoutinaswampandendedherewithahappilyever after.Justthatthoughtsentaloadofheavinesstohim.Hedidn’twanttothinkaboutfallinginlove.
Hepushedthethoughtsaway,grinnedathiscousin,whowaslikeabrother.“Alright,youtell me whatyouwantmetodo.It’sgoingtobecool.AndnotthatIknow,buteveryonesaysVioletKringle isoneamazingbaker.So,dessertisgoingtobegreattoo.”
“That’saname,isn’tit?Kringle.DoesshelooklikeaKringle notthatIknow whatthatmeans, butsoundslikeSantaClausor apotatochip.”Hechuckled.
Violet’sprettyfacefilledhisthoughts.“Shedoesn’tlooklikeSantaClausor achip.Shelooks like…Christmaslights,whipcream,icing…”Hesnappedhislipstogether,realizinghiscousinwas watchinghimwithaverystrangelookonhisface.“Okay,alright,she’s beautiful.Shehascurly, wispyblondehair that’salmostwhite.She’sshortwithcurvesandlookslikeadaintycupcaketopped withwhitefrosting.Justwait,you’ll know whatI’mtalkingaboutwhenyouseeher.”
CalebgrinnedbecauseofHunter’scrazywords.“Thenyoubetter gettodinner,cousin.We’ll take careofthistomorrow.Youcantell meall aboutdinner atyour brother’swithMissKringlewhile we’reattheweddingsite.”
“Seeyoutomorrow.”He’dopenedhismouthandnow Calebknew hehadeyesonViolet.He turnedandheadedfor histruck.
Truthwas,hewasreadytoseeher again,buthewasn’ttellinganyonethatpieceofnews.
Violetgotcomfortableearlier asKelsytooktheicepackoffher ankleandletitrestfor awhile,then putitbackontokeeptheswellingdown.They’dhadanicerelaxingtime,andshe’dbeenabletoget her mindoffher crazythoughtsofthecowboy.
Thecowboywho’dplantedhimselfinher mindholdingher closeinhisarms.
Go away!
Thankfully,her friendhadbroughtoutcoffeeandfor anafternoonsnack,apieceofthepieRuby fromtheMulberryDiner hadsentouttowelcomeher totown.Shecouldn’thelpsmilingthemoment thecoconutdesserttouchedher lips.“Thisisamazing.”
“Yes,Redcanmakeeverything.Theyaren’tjealousaboutyoumovingtotown Imeanthey wouldn’t bejealous if youmovedtotownandopenedthebakery.Believeme,thismightbeasmall townbutLoneStar hasenoughbusinessfor boththebakeryandthediner.MissArabellaandRuby arebestbuddies,alongwithJosieJaneacrossthestreetandcowgirl Millie.They’reexcitedthat you’rehere.I’ll behonest,they’dloveitifyoumovedhereandreopenedthebakery.”
“Iamdrawntothatbakeryandyouknew Iwouldbe.ButIwon'tsayanything,I’vegottomake sure.WhenIopenmyplace,ithastobeasuccess.I’vealwaysdreamedofthatandIcan’thelpit. Yes,Iknow thatbeingthebestisnotsomethingIhavetobe,butmygranddadisandwill alwaysbe thebest.Hetaughtmeeverything.Iwasinthatkitchenwithhimeverymomentpossibleafter mymom andgrandmother died.Meandgranddaddyhavethatbond.Welovethatkitchenandthenwhenhegot slammedbythattruck Ihavetodogood.HedidthebestbymeandIhavetodothebestbyhim. Thankgoodnesshehadinsurance,butyouandIbothknow mygramwastheonedrivingandcrossed theline.We’ll never know ifitwasfromdistractionor likeGranddadsaid,somethingelsemight havehappenedbutwewill never know.”
“I’msosorry,”Kelsysaid.
“Ihateitbutthelawsuittookeverythinghehadandsomehearttoo.Butheknew hehadtosurvive andprovidefor meandsohedid.Thatsweetman,thebestthinghecouldprovidewasthiswonderful lovefor baking.Iwanttomakehimproud.Iwanttoshow himthateverythinghedidfor mewill pay off.AndIhavetotell you,eventhoughIdon’tknow ifLoneStar ismydestiny,I’mgoingtobringhim heretovisit.Ibelievehe’ll loveit.Eventhoughhecan’tgofishing.Ihaven’tmetyour granddadyet, butIhaveafeelingthey’ll getalongandhe’ll bereallyjealousofall thatfishingthaty’all do.”
Kelsy’ssmilewidenedacrossher face.“Well,girlfriend,I’mgoingtotell youmygrampsis lookingforwardtotakingyour grampsfishing.He’sabigmanandverycapableoftakinghimfishing. So,whenareyougoingtobringhim?”
“That’swonderful.IfIhavetime,I’ll gogethimnextweek.Hewantedmetocome,settleinand seeyouandtheladiesbeforeIeventhoughtaboutbringinghimintothegroup.Hesaidthiswasabout Jasmine,nothim.Buthealsosaidiftherewasroomfor himandhiswheelchair inthekitchen,he wouldcomeandhelpbake.”
Kelsygrinnedandtearsglistenedinher eyes.“Yousaw inyour sneakylittlewaythatthereis roominthatkitchenfor youandhim.Yousaw exactlywhatIsaw thedayIwalkedintothatbakery kitchen.Isaw youandyour amazingGrampsthere.And,Hunter,sweetguythatheis really,hemay beacowboybutthatdudecanbuildanything.Hebuiltandvarnishedthatprettywoodentableyou saw inthekitchen.Hebuiltitsoamaninawheelchair couldeasilyroll uptoitandbecomfortable working.Your granddadcanmakeandbakeanythinghewantstointhatkitchen.Hunter alsosaid anythingelseyouneedjustaskhe’ll buildit.Hesuggestedalower-to-the-groundsinkcouldbeputin attheendofthecounter.Asinkyour granddaddy’swheelchair couldpull uptooandhecouldwork at.Hehadn’tevenmetyouyet,buthelovesmeandwoulddowhatever Iaskedhimtodo.”
Whoa,whatalotofinfoaboutacowboywhotookher breathawayinsomanymorewaysthan thathewasonehandsomecowboy.“That’ssweet,”shemanagedtosay.
“Ihaveafeelingsinceyour firstgreetingthismorning,thathe’slookingforwardtocomingupto thekitchenandshowingyouhecandomorethanjustcatchyouwhenyoufall.”Kelsylaughed,her eyeslightingupwithmischief.“I’mverythankful hedidcatchyoubutlet’sjustsayhecandomore thanstartleyouintofalling.”
“Don’tgetanyideas.”
Kelsyhitchedabrow.“IjustthoughtI’dputthatoutthere.Anyway,Acealreadysaidyoujusttell himwhenandhe’ll headoutinthatbigtruckofhisandbringyour granddadhere.”
“How canIsaynotoanyofthat?And,okay,soHunter is aniceguy.Itwasn’thisfaultIwas standingonthattipsy-turvystackI’dmade,thencamecrashingdownsimplyfromhearingthe disbelievingwordsofamanandlookingover myshoulder.Thatwasn’thisfault,itwasmine.I’ll havetothankhimfor all thethingshe’sdonetohelptheplacelookgood.Andthefactthaty’all are alreadypreparingit ”
“Don’tthinkwe’redoingthisjusttogetyoutomovehere.Whenyoudecidetomovehere if you decidetomovehere itwill bebecauseyouthinkit’srightandonlythat.Okay,soIneedtotell you I’mcookingdinner andjustfor tonightit’sgoingtobeyou,me,Ace,andhisbrother Hunter.ThoughtI better forewarnyouandhopethat’salright.”
Her heartpaused,likeher brainscrambledandshesoughthardtogether thoughtsinorder.Butat themomentitwasn’thappening.
Hunter Buckleyhadthrownher entiredayintochaosanditwasn’tover yet.
ThateveningHunter satatthediningroomtableonthefar sideofhisbrother’shomewithViolet Kringlesittingacrossfromhim.He’darrived,saidhelloandtookhisseatatthetableacrossfromthe prettyblonde.They’dsaidhello,andhe’dmanagedtoactlikehimselfdespitethatthemomenthis gazemetthoseblueberryeyesagain,heknew shewasn’tsurehow toacteither.
Thatmadetwoofthem.
Hehadalwaysfoughthardtokeephisemotionsandthoughtsoutofhisexpressionor hiseyes.
Triedhardnottoshow her thatthemomenthelookedintothoseeyesofhersagain,his
temperatureshotstraightuptohigh.Shemadehisbloodburn hewipedthattruthoutofhisbrain.Or tried itwasclear thewomanaffectedhim.
Thatwasitandhedidn’tknow how todescribeit.Or acceptit.
Heyankedhisgazeoffofher,determinednottofocusonthosetemptingeyesor thatwhipped creamhair thatmadehisstomachgrowl andhisbraingoberserk.Fightingall thatshesetinconflict insideofhim,he’dyankedhisgazeawayonlytothenlockgazeswithAce.Hisbrother waswatching himclose.
Real close.
Ace’sliptwitchedupononesideandHunter knew histwinunderstoodsomethingirrational was goingoninsidehishead.Henarrowedhiseyesinwarning.Theymightnotbeidentical twinsbutthey werecloseinlooksandthoughts,notalways,butsometimestheyfeltwhattheother wasfeelingifthe feelingrandeep.Andthoughhedidn’twanttoadmitit,thisreactiontojustlookingatVioletsenthim intodeepchaos uncommongroundfor him.
“We’resogladyoucame,”Kelsysaid,breakingintohisdisturbedthoughtsasshecameintothe roomcarryingabowl offreshrolls.Shesetthemonthetableamongtheother foodthenleaneddown andgavehimahug.“It’salright,relax,”shewhisperedinhisear.
Somuchfor justhisbrother seeinghisreactiontoViolet.
Heeasedinadeepbreath,fightingtobarelylethischestmoveashefoughttolooklikeitwas justanother dayintheneighborhood.Butitwasn’t,andheknew it.
Didn’tmeanhewantedit.
Didn’tmeanhewasgoingtoactonit,butheknew he’dnever reactedaroundanywomanlikehe didaroundViolet.
“Thanksfor invitingme,”hesaid,holdinghisvoicestrong,determinedtobenormal.“Andit’s goodtoseeyouagain,Violet.How’syour ankle?”There,he’dsoundedprettymuchregular.
“It’sstill swollenbutI’mpositivethattomorrow,thankstoyouandKelsyandtheicepacksy’all providedme,itshouldbebetter.I’mreadytobakeandtomeetthebrideandgroomandeverybody elsetomorrow.”
“Theyarereadytomeetyoutoo,”Acesaid.“Ihadtoruntotowntothefeedstoreandwentinthe diner andsaw Ruby,JosieJane,andMilliewhileIwasgrabbingaburger togo.TheysaidJasmine’s mom,Audrey,iscomingtotowntomeetyoutoo.”
“That’sgreat.SheprobablywantstohavesomeinputonwhatIbake.Themorethemerrier,” Violetsaid,andHunter likedthesoundofher voice.Itwaseasytotell shereallylovedwhatshedid.
Kelsysatdownatthetable.“Audreyactuallystartedour townhavingthedances.Shecameto towntoshopatGenna’sfamousstorerightafter Gennaopenedit.AndsheaskedGennaifLoneStar washavinganysocial eventslikeadance.Shehadadaughter startingover andwantedtobringher to towninhopesshemightwanttogetajobhereandmakeanew life.Shewantedher daughter tofinda goodcowboy,fall inlove,andgetmarried.”
“Andshedid,”Acesaid,grinning.“Asdidall ofmycousinsandsomeofour friendstoo.”
KelsysmiledatAcethenbackatViolet.“Now you’reheretobakefor CalebandJasmine’s wedding.Funnythingiswedidnotknow Audreyknew thatdancingwouldeventuallybringJasmine
outofher internal hidingspot.She’dbeenahugecontest-winningdancer andnoneofusknew thator thepainithadcausedher…until Caleb,our ‘dancingcowboy’gother onthedancefloor.Now,she’s marryingintoour family.Andyou’readdingthespecial touchofperfectdelightstohelptheir special daybeevenmorememorable.”
LightinstantlysparkedinViolet’seyes.TheworryHunter hadseenmomentsbeforedisappeared. Obviously,settingher backontracktowhereshewantedtobe.
“AndthatiswhyIcame,”shesaid.“Makingweddingcakesismynumber oneloveandthisis goingtobefun.”
Helikedthelightnow aliveinher eyes.Likethefireshininginthemasher gazetouchedhisbut thistime,therewasnoworry,nouncertainty.Thistimehesaw clearlywhather missionwasandto show thatshewasontrack,shesmiledathim.
“Thanksfor savingme,Hunter.Now,I’ll domyjob,thejobIloveandthisisgoingtobeagreat time.Ifyouhadn’tcaughtmeafter myoverzealoustrytoseethekitchenI’mgoingtocreatemyhappy cakesin,I’dbelettingdownthiswonderful,inlovecouple.So…”Shesighedandlookingatthem all,clearlyontargetandhappytobethere.“Thisisgoingtobeawonderful time.It’swhatIdo.It’s whatGrampstaughtmeandIcan’twait.”
Hisgazehungonher asshereachedfor therolls,pluckedonefromthebowl andtookabite. Therewasnouncertaintyor worryinher now.Thiswomanhadamission,andshewasonit.
Him.Oh,hewasintrouble.
Real troubleandheknew it.
Kelsyhadmadeitthroughthefirstdayandhadfinallygottenbackontarget.
Now,themorningsunpeekedthroughtheedgeofthecurtainonher window andthegentlelight wokeher.Sherolledover inbedandstaredupattheceilingandsmiled.Dinner hadgonewell last nightdespitetheimpactofHunter walkingthroughthefrontdoor andtakingher breathaway.
Furiouswithher reactions,she’dbeenquiet,fightingthechaosinsideherself.Then,she’dfound her footingwiththeweddingtalkandnow shefeltoptimistic.
Everyonehadbeensowelcoming.Then,beforesheturnedinfor thenightKelsyhadshownher theextraguestroomwithplentyofroomfor Grampsandhiswheelchair.AceandHunter weregoing togopickhimuponMondayandbringhimtoLoneStar,andhewasgoingtoloveit.
Grampshadlosttheuseofhislegsbuthehadsomepowerful armsandthathemadesureofby liftingweights.Hekeptinshapeinorder tohelphimgetinandoutofhischair.For amaninhisearly sixties,andinawheelchair,hemadecertainhecoulddowhatever hecoulddotobeindependent.
Her smilespreadwidethinkingaboutthat.HewasgoingtoloveithereandheandLumaswere goingtogo fishing.Lumashadcalledandcanceledcomingtodinner lastnight,saidsomethinghad comeupandheapologized.She’dmeethimtodayandcouldn’twait.He’dtoldKelsyhewasgoingto enjoytakingher granddadfishing.Andtheguys,Hunter included,saidthey’dtakehimtotheranchto seethecattleandhorsestoo.Andgoats.Andsowouldshe…shecouldn’twaittoseeitall.
Now,shejusthadtogetoutofbed.Hopingher anklecooperated,shesatup,thenslowlyroseto stand.Sheputher weightonit Yes! Shealmostjumpedfor joywhenthepainwaslow.She reframedfromjumpingsinceitmighthaveputher backonicepacks.
Happily,shegotdressed,lookingforwardtotheday,gettingtomeetJasmine,andtheothersand talkabouttheweddingandreception’sdesserts,whichwastheonlypartofthereceptionshewas doing,nocookingfor her,justbaking.Now thatshewasthinkingaboutit,shehadalotofpeople Kelsyhadtoldher aboutthatshewantedtomeet.Shealreadyfeltlikesheknew them.Similar tohow itfeltmeetingMillie.Itwasgoingtobeagreatday agreatcoupleofweeks.
Withaslightlimp,sheenteredthekitchensmilingandfoundKelsyatthestove.Shewasonly walkingwithaslightlimp,her anklelookedmuchbetter thankgoodness.
“You’rewalking!Hallelujah,”Keslysquealedandgaveher ahug.
“Ithinkit’sgoingtobefine.I’ll putitupwhenwegethometonightbuttomorrow I’ll getto baking.I’ll beeasyonittoday,thenwe’regoingtohavefun.”Shegrinned.“Areyouready?”
Kelsypickedupaplatefull ofeggsandbaconandledthewaytothetable.“Haveaseatand enjoy.Andyes,Iamsoready.Now,eatup.Coffeeisontheway.”
“Thanks,andremember,black.Iworkinabakeryandthere’stoomuchsugar intherealreadysoI candrinkall thecoffeeIwantaslongasit’sblack,nosugar.”
Kelsyfilledaredmugfull andsetitonthetablefor her.“I’malwaysamazedthatyouworkina bakerywithall thatwonderful foodyoubakeandyetyouareshortandsmall.How doyoudothat?”
Violethitchedabrow.“Imightnotalwaysbesmall,butIdon’tletmyselfeatalot.Testingismy goodspot.ButsometimesI’mtempted,andIpromiseyouthatI’mgoingtoworkdiligentlyon everythingIcreatefor thiswedding.We’ll havetosetupatasting.Iwasthinkingthedancewouldbe agoodtime.I’mgoingtoworkoncupcakesfor thatandeveryonecantestdifferentflavorsthatway too.It’ll befuntestingthingsouttomorrow for theweddingwhilebenefitingthedancerstoo.Will that work?”
“It’sgoingtobewonderful.We’ll setupatableover bythedrinksandwheretheladiessitand talkandsomeknit.Arabellawill besittingtherealongwithalotoftheolder ladies.It’sgoingtobe great.You’ll gettovisitandgetthefeel ofour town.AndI’mhopingyou’ll dancesometoo.”
“Idon’tknow aboutthat ”
“Hey,comeon,ifHunter asksyoutodance,pleasesayyes.LikeIsaid,Hunter wouldbetakinga hugestepforwardifheasksyoutodance.So,remember thatifhedoesit.”
Sheheldher breathandthewanttogrumble,“notdancingwiththecowboy.”Thepleadingin Kelsy’sgazehadVioletlockingher lipstogether.
Finally,shegavein.“I’ll doitifheasksandI’mnotbusydoingsomethingelse.”Thereitwas,a waytohaveanexcusetosayno.
Kelsysankintothechair acrossfromVioletandher expressionwassomber.“Thisisn’tjustabout you.AceandItalkedaboutitlastnight.Ever sincetheylosttheir momanddad,theybothhave struggled,moreinternallythatoutward.Acemadeittomovingforwardanddancingsomebutnever twice.Iwasthefirstpersonhedancedwithsincelosinghismother.Hedancedwithmebecausemy granddad,hisfriend,askedhimto.HeaskedAcetodancewithmebecausehetrustedhim.AndAce showedmyGrandadhow muchhemeanttohimbyaskingmetodance.Iwasn’tthefirstpersonhe dancedwith,hedancedsomebutnotmuch.Butwithmeitwasdifferent.”
Violetfeltbothsadnessandthenhappinessthather friendhadfoundlove.“Itwasmeanttobe.”
“Yes,itwas.Theywereyoungwhentheylosttheir parents,andtheir mother taughtthemtodance. Theyknow everywesterndancethereis.Shetaughtthemall ofthemandmore.Sheloveddancing andtheir dadloveddancingwithher.Theyloveddancingtogether.But,”shepaused,her eyesdigging deep,“sinceshedied,Hunter hasn’tdancedatall.Hecomestothedancesandwatchesbuthe’snot gettingoutthere.Sojustthefactthathesaidhewouldtakeyouonthedancefloor ifyouwantedto, thatwashuge.Weall know whatthatstatementmeanttohim.”
Instantlythefootofher uninjuredlegbegantappingautomaticallyonthefloor astheknowledgeof whatshewasbeingtoldrangclear.“I’mtouched.Ihopeall ofyouaren’ttryingtogethimtodo somethinghereallydoesn’twanttodo.Myanklejustmightnotfeel likegettingoutthereonthedance floor.Inmyheart,andyoushouldunderstand,youthoughtyou’dlostyour granddadthenyougothim back.Me,Ilostthetwomostimportantwomeninmylifeinthesameinstant.Itwasthehardestthing I’veever beenthrough.”
“Iknow.”Kelsy’seyesspokevolumesinagreementwithher words.
Violetgaveanencouraginglifttoher lips,justenoughtosaysheacceptedher words.“Youalso know Inever hadadadinmylife,thatmymommadeamistakeatayoungagebutalwaystoldmeshe wouldmakethesamemistakeagainbecauseitgaveher me,andIwasthebestgiftshe’dever gotten.
Shelovedmesomuch.OnthatdaywhenGramdroveacrossthatcenter lineandinaninstantthey weregone…Iwasbarelyeight.Butthankgoodness,Iwasoldenoughtoremember their smiles… their hugs.”Her wordstrembledwithemotion.
“Kelsy,itlivesinsidemyheart.So,Idounderstandwherehe’scomingfrom,butIdon’t understand,ifhelovedtodancewithhismom,whyisn’theouttheredancinginmemoryofher?She lovedit.Ifsomethinghappenedtomygranddad,I’dnever stopbaking.I’dbakeincelebrationofhim andhislovefor me.”
Kelsyplacedahandover hers.“Youkeepthatinyour thoughts.Maybe,thetimewill berightand youcansharethatwithHunter.Youunderstandhiminmanyways.”
Her throatcloggedinemotionasshestaredather friend.Thiswasacrosstheline.Panicroared throughher andshefoughtfor her voice.“Don’tgetyour hopesup.Ican’tstickmyselfouttherelike that.”
“Iknow,sodon’tletyourselfgetcarriedawaywiththatthought.Weweretalking,anditjustcame out.So,now,eatbreakfast,thenheadtotownandhavesomefuncheckingthingsout.We’vegota slew ofpeoplewaitingtomeetyou.”
Violettookasipofcoffee,hopingtheheatcalmedher downor burnedthetensionoutofher.
“We’regoingtoMissJosieJane’sfirstandeveryonewhocanwill meetustheretotalk,andthen wecaneither gotoGenna’sClassySassyBoutiqueandmeetGennaandJasminesoy’all cantalk abouttheweddingcake.Oh,wehavetogodownandmeetmygramps,he’swaiting.Thenwecan havelunchwitheveryone.You’regoingtoloveit.We’vegotagreatdayplannedandthentonight we’ll goouttotheranchfor dinner withall ofthefamily.”
Shelaughed.“Wow,we’rehavingaday,that’sfor certain.”
“ItoldyouIwasgoingtoletyouseehow wonderful LoneStar isandthatmeanssqueezingalot intoyour shorttimehere.You’ll lovethetownfolksandtheoldranch.Knowingtheir historyand seeingitisall there,whereitstarted goats,cows,horses,andalovestorythatcombinedthemall.”
“Don’tforgetaboutwhatyouandyour granddadaddedtothestory.”Shelovedher friend'slove story.
Kelsychuckled.“Yes,meandAceaddedfishtothelistoflovedanimalswhenIcametofind Gramps.So,it’sgoats,cows,horses,andfish.”
Theybothlaughedatthevision.Thankfully,thelaughinghelpedrelievethepanicthatwas buildinginsideofViolet.Thiswasgoingtobeagreatday,nodoubtaboutit.Butsheknew thatcould change,justbecausethethoughtofdinner tonighthadher knowingthatshewasgoingtobearound Hunter againandshewasn’tsurehow shewouldreact.
Thethoughtalonesentquiversofanticipationthroughher.Butitwasn’tjustseeinghimtonight,it wastomorrow nightthatreallycausedthenew sensationstointrudeintoher thoughts…shemight havetodancewithhimtomorrow night.
Focus. Thewordsoundedinher thoughts,loudandclear andshelistened.Shewouldasalways focusonbakingthingsthatmadepeoplesmile.
Andnothingelsewasgoingtogetinthewayofthat.Her dessertswereher magicelement.Her pathtothefutureshewasdriventoachieve.
Andnomatter how goodlooking,caringor intriguingHunter Buckleywas,thiswasnotthetime toletherselfgetdistracted.
TheywenttoJosieJane’s,andshewasintroducedtotheladieswhoweresittinginthegroupof chairsinthecenter ofthestore.Theywereall crochetingor knittingandlookingupather withsmiles ontheir faces.
JosieJanewasasmall womanwithabeamingsmile,andshehuggedher inwelcomeatthefront door.Thenshe’dtakenher tointroducetotheladies.Thetinyladyinthechair thathadaview ofthe frontdoor haddroppedher knittingprojectinher lapandbeamedather,holdingher tinyhands claspedtogether againsther chest.“I’mArabellaandsogladyou’vecome,”shebreathedoutinpure happiness.
Violetwassmall too,soshecouldseeArabellainthekitchenthatseemedmadejustfor Violet. Now shecompletelyunderstood.Shegrinned,excitementrampagingthroughher asshemovedas quicklyasher anklewouldlether tothelady’sside.“It’ssonicetomeetyou.Iloveyour bakery.It’s perfect.”
ThatmadeArabella’ssmilewiden.“Ihadnoideauntil youwalkedinthedoor thatweareabout thesamesize.Younoticehow Ihaveeverythingwithinacomfortzone.”
Shelaughed,grinninginsideandout.“Inoticed.Exceptasyou’veall heardI’msure,thetop window,theonlywindow onthebacksideofthebakery.”
Thatgaveeveryoneagoodlaugh.“Okay,soIknow y’all aren’tlaughingbecauseIhurtmyself frommyownsilliness.”
“Oh,no,we’renot,”Arabellasaid.
“Notatall,”another ladyagreed.“Weknow yougotsavedbythathandsomeHunter andwe’reall jealous.”
Shewastakenbysurprise.“Y’all gotmeonthat.Thankgoodnesshewasthere.”Shedidn’tgo intothatshe’dbeenfineifhehadn’tstartledher,shewasjustgladhe’dbeenthere.Italsogaveher somethingtoenjoywiththesesweetladies.
Theyall talkedfor amoment,andArabellatoldher shehopedeverythingwentgreatfor her.“And ifyouhappentobeinterestedinitfor morethanatemporarystop,pleaseletmeknow.You’dfitin hereperfectly.”
Shewasbeginningtothinktheywereright.Momentslater,she,KelsyandJosieJanecrossedto thedressstoreleavingJosieJane’sWashandRepeatandcrossingover toGenna’sClassy-Sassy Boutique.Sheloveditall.Sheknew theMulberryDiner wasnextdoor,andfurther downthestreet wasKelsyandher granddad’splace,New andAntiqueFieldandSteamSupplies,andaroundthe corner withinstraightview ofthefishingstorewasMillie’sPlace,andattheendofitall waswhere shewouldbetomorrow,Arabella’sDelights andshewaslookingforwardtoit.
LoneStar waslikealightintheskybeckoningher.Butshewouldn’tjumpintoanythingtoofast. Thishadtobeperfect,therightchoice,andnotmadeonthespur ofthemoment and she’d only been here a day and a half
AssoonastheyenteredGenna’sstore,shewasintroducedtoJasmineandGenna,whocameto meetthemattheentranceofthestore.
“Ijustknow thisisgoingtobeperfect,”Jasminesaidrightaway.“MissArabellahatedsomuch nottodomineandCaleb’swedding,anditwassotouching,andItotallyunderstood.But,theminute shetoldmeshewasn’tbakinganylonger,Kelsydeliveredher instantthoughtofyou.Ilovedit.We’re all excitedaboutyoubeinghere.Now,we’regoingtogohavelunchandyoucantell meall the wonderful thingswecouldhaveatmywedding.”
Gennagaveher awink.“Ican’twaittohear all thegoodthingsyou’regoingtobakefor the wedding.ButfromwhatIhear you’regoingtobaketestcakesfor thedancetomorrow night.”
“Yes,Iam.IthoughtI’ll restmylegtoday,it’smuchbetter thanitwassinceIhadtheescapade I’msureyou’veall heardabout.Buttomorrow I’ll getinthereanddowhatIlove,whichisbake.I’m goingtotestoutmycakesandicingusingcupcakes.Thatwayeveryonecantestthetaste.Butif neededwe’ll still haveacaketestingdayfor you,ifyouwanttodecidethatway,Jasmine.Andif anyonewantstocometothebakerytomorrow andgetinonbakingcupcakes,you’rewelcome.”
JosieJaneandKelsyinstantlybegantalkingabouthow theystill hadalottodotomorrow getting readyfor thedance.That’swhensherealizedittookmorethanshethoughttogetthetowndanceset up.Yet,shewasrelievedthatshewouldbeabletogetusedtothekitchenall byherself.Andnext weekher sweetgranddadwouldbeintherewithher or outfishing.Andasmuchassheenjoyed cookingwithhimshewantedhimtoexperiencealittlerelaxationandsomethingnew.ShehadAce andHunter tothankfor thisbecausetheyweregoingtopickhimuponMonday.Ithadbeendecided lastnightbeforeHunter hadheadedhome.
“Let’sheadover tothediner,it’sabitearlybut,”JosieJanesaid,“Iknow Rubyisprobably eager for ustogettheresoshecanmeetViolet.And,Iseeabunchofbigtrucksouttheremeaningthe cowboysarein.You’reabouttomeetalotofpeople.”
Theywalkedoutthedoor andGennalockedit,thentheyheadedtheshortfew stepstothediner. Andinfrontofthem,headingstraighttothediner too,wasthelong,tall Texascowgirl,andshewas walkingnexttoalargemanVioletinstantlyrecognizedfromaphotoKelsyhadsenther.
“Gramps,”KelsysaidasheandMilliestoppedatthedoor tothediner.
“’Mornin’sweetie.I’mheretomeetyour friend.That’dbeyou,”hesaid,lookingatVioletwith sparklingeyesandagrin.
“Yes,I’mVioletandsogladtomeetyou,Mr ”
“Nope,Lumasor Grampswhichever you’recomfortablewithbuttheMr.canbedropped.”Then heleanedinandgaveher ahug.Acareful hug.“Notwantingtohurtyour ankleagain.I’mgladtosee yougettingaround.Millietoldmewhathappened.Well,Kelsydidtoo,after Milliecamebackbythe shopandtoldme.”
Thesetwoweretalkingalotitseemed.Sheknew Kelsywasgladaboutthat.“Yes,I’mbetter and planningonworkingtomorrow inthebakery.Notfallingoffastackof disaster-waiting-to-happen.”
Thatgotlaughsfromall aroundher.
“Ihavetoadmit,”Milliesaid.“IfIwasexcitedaboutsomething,I’dhaveclimbeduptheretoo.I climbedonthebackofmanyhorsesnotknowingwhattoexpect.Onlythingisfor peekingina
window,I’msotall I’dhavebarelyneededthebarrel,muchlessthestackof disaster-waiting-tohappen.”
Everybodyhootedwithlaughter atMillie’swords.Violetfeltrelieved,theyweren’tall out laughingather butthepressureMillietookoffthesituation.Shesmiled.“Believeme,Ilearnedmy lesson.”
JosieJanedippedher chin.“And thankgoodnessour sweet Hunter wastheretocatchyou well, atleastkeepyour headfromslammingtotheground.”
Shesuddenlysaw theglow ofexpectationinall oftheir gazesasthewordswerespoken.
“Oh,yes,hehelpedme.”Whatelsecouldshesay?Thankfullythediner’sdoor openedinperfect timing.
“Well,y’all don’tjuststandoutthereblockingthedoor.Comeoninand.Letmemeetthispretty new baker wehaveintown.”
Sheinstantlyknew thiswasRuby.Sheworeabeautiful peach-tonedflowingblousethathungto thetopofher thighs,ankle-lengthcreamslackswithsparklingsandalsVioletnoticedwerefull of support shewasn’ttheonlystand-on-her-feet-all-dayladywhoknew supportwasimportant,andit couldbeprettyifallowed.
“I’mRuby,”shesaidassheledVioletintothediner andeveryonefollowedtheminandthen surroundedthem.“I’msoexcitedyou’rehere.Arabellaistoo.Shehasabeautiful bakeryandwe hopeyouwill loveit.Welovetocookdessertsandhavemany,butthebakeryandour diner don’t compete.Wemeetdifferentneeds.Myhusband,andthechefisRed,he’snotredjustnamedRed,”she saidwithagrin.“Ilikethesoundofanadwecouldrun, Red, Ruby, and Violet will bring your food cravings to life okay,maybeI’mnotapoet.”Sheandeveryonelaughed.
Violetdidtoo.How couldshenot?Thiswasdelightful.“That’scute,you’reanatural creator. Andactually,fromwhatI’veheardaboutthisdiner,Ithinkyouwill getthehighestvoteoflove.”
“Youtoo,fromall Kelsyhastoldus.Now,comeon,let’sgety’all seatedsothisweddingtalkcan begin.”
ItwasthenthatViolettookinthediner,several tablesweretakenevenateleveno’clock.Her gazefrozewhenitcametothetableinthemiddlethatwaspackedwithsevenbroad-shouldered cowboys.Thetablewasslantedandall ofthecowboyshadaclear view ofthefrontdoor andher gazelockedwiththeblue-greeneyesofHunter.Hishadalreadybeenrestingonher.
Themomenttheir gazesconnected,hestood,andall ofhiscousins,shepresumed,andhisbrother didthesame.Therewasonethingfor certain,heandAceweretwinsbutlookeddifferentintheir eyesandbuildsotheyhadtheir ownlook.Butthiswas all theBuckleymenandthiswasher first timeseeingthemtogether inperson wow.
Hunter hadwaiteduntil Violet’sgazemethisbeforehestood,butwhenitdidheinstantlyshotupand tippedhishat.“Hello,ladies.Violet,youlookgood.You’rewalkingbetter andthat’sgreat.Youmight evengettoplaywithsomegoatswhenyoucomeouttoWestandGenna’sranchhousetonightfor
dinner.”
Shefoughttokeepher crazyvoicesteady,“Ihopeso,I’veheardalotaboutthem.Andyes,Iam muchbetter.”
“Good,I’msureall their wiveswouldintroduceyoutothesecowboysbymyside,butI’ll start, thesearemycousins.”Hewavedhisarmatthegroupandnamedthemastheystoodinlinedownthe lengthofthetable,startingacrossfromhimandthenthoseonthesameside.“Dustin,Caleb,Ryder, andthenWest,Zack,andmybrother Acewhoyou’vealreadymet.”
Eachcowboytippedhishatastheir wiveseachwentandgavethemanabriefkissofhello.She lookedateachcouple;GennaandWest,SydneyandDustin,KelsyandAce,andsoon-to-beJasmine andCaleb.Theylookedgreattogether aseachgothiskissofhello.Violetcouldn’thelpthinkingonce morehow amazingaBuckleymanlooked,especiallywheneachwaslookingintotheeyesofthe womanheloved.Itwastouching,enticing andasunwantedatthismomentinher lifecouldbe. Againsther will,her gazewentbacktoHunter.
Hestoodoutlikeagoldenstar inthecenter ofanamazinggalaxy.Sheyankedher gazeoffofhim andbackontarget.“It’sgreattomeetall ofyou.I’mreallylookingforwardtodinner tonight.Wecan talkabouttheother pastriesor dessertsyouwantfor theeveningbeforetheweddingandtogoalong withthecakes.IlikethatI’ll gettovisitwithall ofyoutogether.Butyes,I’mlookingforwardto seeingthefamousgoatsI’veheardsomuchabout.AndSargentTwoToes will hebetheretonight? AndDaisyDuke?”
Gennagrinned.“SargentTwoToesrunsfree.Fencescan’tholdhiminsoifhe’sthereyou’ll getto sayhello.Asyou’veheardhesometimesgoesall thewayacrossthelargeacreagetogetto Jasmine’s.ThankgoodnessthereisnoquicksandinthatspothefoundthatendedupsavingJasmine andDaisyDuke.Theguysoverpoweredthatareawithhugebouldersandrocks.Itwouldbetoughfor anythingtogetstuckthereever again.AndDaisynow livesatJasmine’splacesoyou’ll havetotakea tripoutthere.”
Jasminesmiledandhitchedabrow.“Myplacewill soonbevacantasmeandDaisyDukeare movingtoCaleb’s.Areyouinterested?It’swhereGennastarted,thenme,aperfectplacefor anew start.”
“Oh,I’mnotsureifI’ll needaplacebutthanksfor theoffer.”Her gazeshiftedtothebrother atthe endofthetable,Ryder.Hewasthetallestandlookedalittleolder thaneveryoneelseandwalkedto standbesideHunter.
“It’snicetomeetyouatlast,we’veheardalotaboutyoufromKelsy.IhavetosaythatI’m interestedintestingoutthosecupcakestomorrow atthedance.AndI’ll havetowarnyouthatIloveto dance,sosaveadancefor me.”
Her gazeshottotheground. Another one askingher todance…
“Shemightnotwanttodance,”Hunter said,bringingher gazetohis.Hewaslookingathiscousin andRyder wasgrinningwidely.
Hewinkedather.“Iwasjusttestingthewater.Youknow Iliketodanceandifyoudon’tget askedtothedancefloor,I’ll bethere.”HelookedatHunter thenbacktoher.
WashegivingthatmessagetoHunter?“Well…thankyoubutI’mnotsureyetthatI’mgoingto