Page 17 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

The silence continued. Kristy could hear her heartbeat in her ears as she looked from one blank face to another.

And then the chestnut-haired woman stood. “I love it. I think it will be very exciting and interactive for everyone involved.”

“Interesting concepts,” said the handsome cowboy who had been sitting next to the chestnut-haired woman.

“I like the bail-out-of-jail event. Maybe my daughter will enter. Lord knows she needs to get out more.” A gray-haired woman chuckled.

The tension in Kristy’s shoulders eased.

The chestnut-haired woman took a step forward. “The big question is, can you do it within budget and time frame?”

Kristy moved to Ariel’s side. This was her area of responsibility. “Pat gave us your budget figures, and I believe we can. None of what we are proposing is expensive, and I believe we can get some of our items, like bales of hay for the maze, donated. Maybe even from the people in this room.”

There was some nervous laughter.

“Well, I for one would be happy to donate the maze material,” said the chestnut-haired woman.

Kristy’s pulsed settled. “That would be wonderful. And you are?”

The chestnut-haired woman strode forward and reached out her hand. “Lexi Russell McClane. I believe you know my brother.”

Kristy sat across from Rusty’s sister as several committee people lingered at the table, asking Ariel questions about the proposal, including who exactly were going to be the bachelors and bachelorettes, which came from one of the co-chairs, Laurie Matthews.

“I was wondering that too,” Lexi McClane said. “Did you get my brother to agree?”

Kristy shot a quick look at Ariel. “We haven’t had a chance to ask anyone yet.”

“I suppose you and Ariel will be volunteering.”

A cold shiver traveled up Kristy’s spine. She hated to be the center of attention, much less auctioned off. But how could she say no if she was asking others to do it. “If need be, and as long as there aren’t too many other things to handle.”

“Oh, I’m sure An Affair to Remember will have everything in hand. According to Marcia, you’ve done this many times before.”

True, but not without Marcia.

“Where is she, by the way? I expected her to be here,” Laurie asked.

Kristy took a hard swallow. “She had an emergency, but she’s reviewed everything. Marcia is very involved in this gala and hated to miss this meeting.” Kristy was sure she spoke the truth.

“Well, I hope she will be at our next meeting. This event is very important to the town. Last year we broke a record, and we didn’t even have half the opportunities for donations that you’ve given us. Heaven knows the foundation will put the funds to good use. Seems more and more people are in need these days.”

“An Affair to Remember will bring our best effort, Mrs. Matthews.”

“I know you will. These ideas are wonderful,” Lexi McClane said

Kristy appreciated the vote of confidence. “Thank you, Mrs. McClane.”

Lexi frowned. “Lexi, please. I think we are about the same age, after all.” She rose. “Ask Rusty to bring you around the ranch. You can check out our bales and make sure we have enough for what you want.”

“I…” But before Kristy could say that she would visit on her own, Lexi was halfway out the door. The rest of the committee members followed.

Ariel sat down in the seat Lexi had just occupied, and Pat McEvy ambled over as the last of the committee people left. “Well, you sold them. Those were some pretty creative ideas.”

“Thank you. Ariel, here, is a whiz at creative ideas.”

“And Kristy knows how to implement them.”

Kristy smiled at Pat. “We make a good team.”

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