Taming the Cowboy (Family Ties Book 3) Read online

  “The rice helps draw the moisture out of the phone,” Kinsley told him. “I’ll leave it there until tonight then take it out.”

  “I guess you two know what you’re doing.”

  You two. The simple words created a connection and an unwelcome jolt. As if Zach sensed as well that things had shifted between Kinsley and Elliot.

  Zach propelled himself to his feet. “I need to get going too,” he said. “I thought I would stick around until you got up.”

  “Sorry about the eggs.”

  “That’s okay. I wish we had a dog to feed them to though.” He gave Kinsley a quick smile then walked over to the kitchen counter.

  Kinsley watched him, surprised at how much smoother his movements were. “You seem to be moving about better,” she couldn’t help remark.

  Zach shot her a look over his shoulder. “Yeah. I took Elliot’s advice and started seeing a massage therapist the last couple of weeks, and that’s helped a lot.” He turned to face her. “Maybe you should do the same?”

  She bit back a retort, knowing he was just being kind. Her mother often accused her of being too touchy when people gave her helpful hints and bits of advice that, overall, were useless.

  “Thanks. I’ll take that into consideration.”

  Zach smiled as if he sensed her evasion. “Sorry. I know I shouldn’t be giving you advice. I’m sure you’ve heard all kinds of it before. I know I have. It’s just that it worked for me.”

  “I’m glad it did. I might have to try it again.” She returned his warm smile, held his gentle gaze. “Did Elliot tell you where he left my purse?”

  “It’s over there. On one of the chairs. He cleaned it off for you too.”

  She found it and picked it up. The leather was water-stained but, as Zach said, clean. Another small considerate act that glided too easily into the lonely part of her soul.

  “Tell him thanks,” she said as she unzipped it, checking for her wallet, pens, notebooks, and all the other detritus of her life she collected in her purse. Everything was there. The only reason her phone hadn’t been was that she’d been holding it when they got into the accident.

  “You can tell him yourself when he comes back on Sunday.”

  That’s right. He was coming back to continue helping with the wedding.

  The thought warmed and frightened her at the same time.

  “I’ll make sure to do that,” she said. “Is it okay if I leave my purse here?”

  “I can put it in my office,” he said. “Tricia will come back today with the kids, and I don’t want them getting into it.”

  “Okay. Thanks.”

  “The guys put the flowers in the shop, so you’ll probably find Faith there.”

  “Shop?”

  “The large building by the corrals and the barn. Where we do all manner of fixing and stuff.” Another grin.

  “Ahh. A garage.”

  “Nah. Out in the country we call them shops.”

  “Duly noted.” She gave him another smile, then left.

  She wore more sensible shoes this morning, figuring it was best not to tempt fate with a wrenched ankle and high heels. She took her time, favoring her ankle as she headed over to the so-called shop, reveling in the bright sunny morning. The earth smelled fresh, cleaned, washed by the rain last night. She had to navigate a few puddles, and the grass was soggy. Tendrils of fog wisped the hills and the mountains beyond. It was a beautiful day, she thought, feeling a touch of envy for Faith that this wondrous setting would be her home.

  And a stunning backdrop for a wedding.

  Kinsley held the words close, lifted her chin, and took a deep, calming breath. The wedding would be perfect. She just knew it.

  Faith was, as Zach had told her, in the “shop.” The large overhead door was open, letting the sunshine in, and Faith was fussing with the pots all laid out on the concrete floor.

  “Hey you,” Kinsley called out as she came nearer.

  Faith frowned as she looked up. “You didn’t need to come out. I thought you would be resting.”

  “I’ve got things to do,” Kinsley said, reaching into her pocket for her phone to capture a picture of the future bride surrounded by pots and buckets of color.

  Then remembered that her phone was drying out.

  “They’re all safe and sound.” Faith stood as Kinsley joined her. “A few broken stalks, and we lost a few leaves and blooms, but mostly they look fresh and oh so purty.”

  Kinsley let her eyes rove over the plants, her gaze critical, but, as Faith assured her, they did indeed still look fresh.

  “I’ll forgive you the ‘purty’ comment because I’m so thankful they survived. We cleaned Adelle at Growing Things out, so if they weren’t—”

  “Didn’t happen so we’re not going there.” Faith dropped her hands on her hips, smiling as she looked over the flowers. “So flowers are done. What’s next?”

  “Bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces for the tables and wedding dress?”

  “Wedding dress is under control.”

  Kinsley held back her comment about wanting to see the dress.

  “And yes, I will go to Carmen’s with you today and then to Mia’s flower shop,” Faith said, forestalling Kinsley’s next question.

  “Excellent. We can go anytime you’re ready.”

  Faith nodded, still looking over the brightly colored pots of flowers. She released a gentle sigh. “I just love how this looks. I’m excited to see how you arrange them all.”

  Kinsley had to smile at her friend’s pleasure. Her happiness was Kinsley’s. Then she looked past Faith and saw the buggy in the dark recesses of the shop. Unease slithered through her stomach.

  “So you’re still stuck on coming in on that buggy?” She tried to sound positive. Encouraging.

  Faith shot her a puzzled look, and Kinsley knew she hadn’t hit the note she was aiming for.

  “Yeah. And you still don’t seem too thrilled about it all.”

  “The buggy will need a lot of work.” Kinsley decided to go with her objections. “And we’re only a couple of weeks away from the date.” She had to remind herself that things were coming together. That it would all work out. As long as she stayed on task and Faith didn’t come up with any last-minute additions.

  “Zach and Kane are done haying. Mason and Tricia will be back soon. Elliot will be back on Sunday. There’ll be enough manpower to get it done.”

  “And the horses?”

  “Mason and Tricia assured me they have the perfect pair. Evenly matched, so the pictures will turn out good.”

  Kinsley fought down a flicker of panic, recognizing the same emotion from the many other weddings she had worked on. She had to remind herself that Drake’s perfectionism and his mother’s constant criticism inflicted much of the panic.

  This wasn’t his wedding, or his mother’s. She was doing this one on her own and she was more than capable of taking care of it.

  “Well, we’ll deal with that later.”

  Faith shot her a knowing look then shrugged. “Fine. Let’s go to Carmen’s.”

  “I need to get my phone first.”

  “You don’t have it on you?”

  “Elliot put it in a bowl of rice last night. He said it got wet.”

  Faith gave her a coy smile. “Now wasn’t that sweet of him.”

  “Yeah. Really sweet.” Kinsley turned away before Faith could see the flush that warmed her cheeks at Faith’s comment. Seriously. She had to get things under control.

  Partnership. Think of your partnership with Jill. How you won't let anything stand in the way of this opportunity.

  With that she squared her shoulders and walked to the house to get her purse, phone, and laptop.

  The visit to Carmen was uneventful. They were to meet her at her home but when Kinsley phoned to double-check, Carmen told them to come to the coffeehouse. One of her workers had called in sick.

  With Carmen’s help and suggestions the menu came together quite nicely. C
armen assured her that everything would work out well, and Kinsley was feeling more positive by the minute.

  Mia Verbeek, the florist had some fantastic and original ideas for the bouquets and, again, Faith was willing to go with them. At least she wasn’t a diva bride.

  On the way back from town, Kinsley called the company who would put up the tent and finalized the date and time for setup. They were also supplying the tables and chairs and linens. Then another quick call—thank goodness for Bluetooth—to verify that the DJ who would do the music would also supply the sound system for the speeches and program.

  “Wow, you are efficient,” Faith said in admiration as she ended the last call.

  “That’s why I get paid the big bucks,” Kinsley said.

  “Okay, now I feel bad you’re doing this gratis.”

  “No. Please, no. I offered, don’t forget that. And believe me, the bucks aren’t that big. At least they weren’t with Drake’s company. Mind you, I never got to see the balance sheet.”

  “Why not?”

  “I was never a full partner like his mother and him.”

  “I’m glad you dumped him. The more you talk about him the less I like him. He sounds like a screwball Momma’s boy.”

  “Well, Momma’s boy might be an exaggeration. He and his mother could fight pretty good if push came to shove.” And, sad to say, sometimes it did.

  “Wow. Well then, you’re better off without him.”

  “That’s for sure. And I’m not letting some guy's dream or vision overwhelm mine. Ever again.”

  Faith was quiet for a moment. “That sounds definite.”

  “It is. Drake represents so much time wasted while he went after his dreams and kept me hanging, so to speak. I waited too long to discover that.”

  “I can understand that. Your heart was broken.”

  Kinsley let those words settle. “I don’t know if it was broken so much as worn down. A steady drip, drip of inattention. Of being relegated to second place in his life. It grew tedious.” She gave Faith a quick smile to soften the somber mood that had penetrated the car. “But thankfully, Kane and you have found each other again, and you’ve made a commitment to each other.”

  “And it’s because of Drake that you don’t want to have anything to do with Elliot?”

  “Elliot has his own stuff, but probably, yes. I don’t need complications. For the first time in years I’m on track to do what I need to do. Take care of me.”

  Another moment of silence fell as Kinsley drove down the winding road to the ranch. Her words sounded defensive and challenging and when Faith spoke up, Kinsley knew she had heard the same thing.

  “So Elliot did kiss you yesterday?” Faith sounded curious and, if truth be told, a bit hopeful.

  “Again. No. Why do you keep asking that?”

  “Just because it seems like things have shifted between you guys. Just a sense I have.”

  “Well you better keep your senses to yourself. It didn’t happen.” Kinsley bit down another retort, realizing she was protesting maybe too hard. She breathed a sigh of relief when her cell phone ringtone sounded through the car speakers. She glanced at her console, not recognizing the number, but answered it anyhow.

  “So, are you out and about?”

  Elliot’s deep voice sounded even darker coming into her car and, quite frankly, just a bit intimate.

  “Yeah. And I’m here with her,” Faith sang out.

  Pause, then, “Okay. I see. Well, I was just calling to see how you’re doing, Kinsley. That’s all.”

  “I’m fine.” His “that’s all” created a surprising and unwelcome disappointment.

  “Your ankle is okay?”

  “It’s sore…” She let her sentence trail off, far too aware of Faith sitting beside her, listening intently to the conversation. Such as it was.

  “Fine. Good to hear. Like I said, I just wanted to check in. Drive safe.”

  And with that the phone call was over.

  The moment of silence that followed was broken by a light chuckle from Faith. “Well, well, well,” she said, drawing the words out. “Elliot is calling you.”

  “Just being polite.” Kinsley tried to keep her tone noncommittal, casual even as her renegade heart upped its beat.

  Faith blew out her breath in a sound of disbelief. “Elliot has never just ‘checked up’ on someone that I know of.” She made quotes with her fingers. “He’s the kind of guy who sails through life with no attachments.”

  “I wouldn’t call his past sailing through life,” Kinsley said.

  “You’re right.” Faith was quiet, and once again Kinsley hoped she would let it go. “Anyway, nice to know my future brother-in-law can be considerate.”

  Kinsley didn’t want to be talking about Elliot. Again.

  So she switched the topic back to the wedding. Faith, thankfully, played along. The conversation the rest of the ride was much easier to navigate.

  The next couple of days were busy with setting up seating arrangements and deciding on table settings. On Sunday Faith, Kane, and Zach went to church. Kinsley stayed home. While she would have liked to attend with them, she was uncomfortable going to a new church where she didn’t know anybody. Uncomfortable with the stares she knew she would have to face.

  So she sat on the deck, on the porch swing, reading her Bible, letting the peace of the ranch enfold her.

  And trying not to listen for a truck returning from a weekend of rodeo.

  “So you guys are really serious about restoring this buggy?”

  Elliot looked up from the bolt he was loosening and had to do a double-take. Was this Kinsley of the tailored suits and businesslike attitude?

  Today she wore blue jeans and a T-shirt. Her hair was still pulled up, but at least it was just in a ponytail that hung down her back.

  She seemed friendly, accessible, and approachable. He released a gentle smile. He hadn’t seen her since Friday, but the entire weekend she was on his mind. The distraction she created had cost him a couple points on his rides. Thankfully he won, but he still had to put up with the critical phone call from his father as he was driving back last night. He knew he shouldn't have taken the call, but it was like an itch he couldn’t scratch enough. As if he hoped that someday it would be different.

  But it was Monday. A new day and a new week, and he didn’t have his phone with him.

  “You’re looking good,” he said, pushing those thoughts aside.

  “I didn’t feel like wearing a skirt and a tensor bandage. Can’t wear high heels with that, and running shoes would ruin the look with the suit.”

  Elliot grinned at her as he sat on the old buggy seat. “And how is your ankle?”

  “I have to be careful, but it doesn’t hurt as much as before. Got some good first aid.”

  Elliot rested his elbows on his knees, toying with the wrench he was holding, the day suddenly offering more promise. “And the phone is still working?”

  This netted him a coy smile. “You know it is. You called me the other day. But thanks for putting it in the rice.”

  “Good to hear.”

  “But back to my original question. You’re still fixing this buggy up?”

  “It’s what Faith wants, and Kane told me what Faith wants, Faith gets.”

  Kinsley made a face, and it wasn’t hard to read the concern in her expression. “If you’re worried about the horses…”

  She waved his comment off, but Elliot knew she was worried. He thought of what they’d talked about in Tanner’s house. No wonder it scared her.

  “Look, we need to do something about this. You can’t be on a ranch and be afraid of horses.” He set the wrench down and vaulted off the buggy. He walked over to her and took her arm to support her. “I want to introduce you to one of the horses we’re using.”

  She pulled back and almost fell. He caught her, but as soon as she regained her balance she yanked her arm free from his hand. “No. It’s fine. I don’t need to see them.”
/>   Elliot dropped his hands on his hips, tilting his head to one side, catching his lower lip between his teeth. He could see the dread etched on her face.

  “I think you do. You’ll be around them, after all.” Elliot took a step closer, holding her gaze. “I’m not asking you to ride them. Just come and see them. I’ll be careful.”

  She closed her eyes, and he could see her fighting her own fears.

  He took a chance and laid his hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’ll make sure nothing happens. I promise you. Just trust me.”

  Kinsley paused, pulling in a deep breath. Then she looked up at him, her eyes latching on to his. “You’re absolutely sure it’ll be okay.”

  More of a statement than a question, but he nodded, adding what he hoped was an encouraging smile.

  She still looked concerned. He tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on the soft skin of her neck. “Absolutely sure. You’ll be fine. You’re tougher than you think.”

  She released a harsh laugh, but then to his surprise she walked toward the corrals. Her limp was a reminder of what she had gone through and a reminder of how careful he had to be with the trust she had just placed in him.

  “I’m guessing this is where the horses are?” she asked.

  “So far so good,” Elliot said catching up to her, keeping pace with her. “Mason and Tricia are working with one of the teams right now, so you get to see them up close.”

  Though Faith had commissioned him to do the training, once Mason and Tricia found out, they volunteered. A job Elliot gladly conceded to them. Especially now that he had to restore the wagon to make it wedding-worthy.

  They walked together through the farmyard, neither saying anything. But somehow Elliot was comfortable with the silence. So many of the girls he had spent time with loved to fill the empty spaces with chitchat. Naturally gregarious by nature, he still enjoyed moments of quiet even when he was with someone.

  A few minutes later they came around the barns and headed toward the round pen. Elliot could see Mason and Tricia in the circle, working with one of the horses that was to pull the wagon. He was pleased to see that they had managed to get the collar on him and the traces clipped on the collar. Seamus was standing quietly while they worked the rest of the harness.