Page 47 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

“Just consider if he could be your destination. Not could he give you a good life, but would he be the kind of guy whose happiness mattered more to you than your own?”

Why did her stomach feel so funny? “It’s early days yet, and asking me to think about these things because his mother is worried really seems to be jumping the gun.” And freaking her out. They’d kissed and had a date… with her mother included. That was it.

“Well, he does seem to care about your happiness.”

She’d definitely gotten that feeling. But he was that way with everyone, it seemed. “He’s always looking for ways to help me. It’s sweet, but it does worry me a little.”

“Because?”

She shrugged.

“Reminds you of your father?”

She nodded. How did her mother figure that out? “Though until you said it, I’m not sure I would have made that connection, because he’s so unlike Daddy in other ways.”

“Maybe it’s not a control thing or a lack of faith. Maybe he’s simply eager to help. Like asking me to dance. He didn’t have to do that. I think you prompted him, but he could have said no. Instead he showed me a good time. I’d forgotten what a good time felt like. And he did it for you. To make you happy. And not because he wanted to get in your pants.”

“Mom!”

“Well, he knew I was staying over, so he knew that avenue was closed. At least for the moment.” She smiled. “The way he looks at you, the time is coming, mark my words. And I bet he’s a generous lover too.”

Kristy felt her cheeks heat. “Mom, we are not having this conversation.” Ever.

“Fine. Just think about what I’ve said. Find a guy who becomes your destination, and vice versa, and not your stepping stone, and you’ll be happy. Like Jewel.”

Chapter 14

“What’s up?” Rusty peered across the wooden kitchen table at Lexi and Cort’s place as the couple sat opposite him. When they’d married, Lexi had moved into Cort’s house, since he’d done renovations on the place when he took over his relative’s ranch. The kitchen had sparkling counters and gleaming new appliances. It opened up onto a dining room with a modern table and chairs and then to a large living area with a fireplace set in a wall of stone. It looked rustic and modern at the same time.

The home-cooked pot roast was tasty, the meaty scent still lingered in the air, and nice of them to invite him, since his mother and father were babysitting Parker. But the way they stared at him, he knew some sort of ask was coming.

“Well, now that you mention it, there is something we want to talk to you about,” Lexi began. Her hair was tied back and she looked more rancher than cook in her western chambray shirt and jeans.

Cort shifted in his seat, looking uncomfortable.

There wasn’t much ranch work at that time of year. Maybe they wanted to go on vacation and needed him to oversee things for a bit. But wouldn’t they ask that of his father, who knew more about ranching than anyone else in the family? Had to be something else.

“It’s her idea.” Cort tipped back his chair, as if that was all he intended to contribute. So not something to do with the ranch.

“What’sheridea?” He looked directly at his sister.

“The committee got together…”

“The Boots and Bells committee?” Was this going to be something to do with Kristy? He’d just gotten going with her, and his family seemed set on interfering.

“Yes. The committee is a little concerned”—with her pointer finger and thumb, she made a sign for tiny—“that An Affair to Remember may be a bit overwhelmed. What with Marcia Graham being on leave and Kristy and Ariel having never put on an event this big on their own.”

“That’s something to discuss with Kristy and Ariel, isn’t it?” Because he did not want to get in the middle of things. Particularly if there was a problem. “Aren’t they doing a good job?”

“So far. But there are a lot of moving parts, and this is a big project to take on.”

“How does this concern me?” He wiped his now sweaty palms down his jeans.

Cort leaned forward, and the front legs of his chair tapped the floor. “I’m planning on resigning from the committee. Just too much work here, what with integrating the two herds and all.”

“And I thought you would be a great replacement.” Lexi reached across the table and patted his arm. “You have the time. You’ve got a relationship with Kristy…”

“One I’d like to keep. Being on the committee she reports to doesn’t exactly forecast smooth sailing. Not to mention, I haven’t been to a Boots and Bells event since I graduated from high school. I haven’t a clue what goes into planning one.”

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