Page 76 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

“He’s bringing people with him, but I don’t know who. That should help with the fundraising.”

Why didn’t she know this? Why hadn’t she been curious enough to check the guest list? Because she had so much else to attend to.

“Are you coming?” Having her mother there might help. Or not? Kristy was so taken back by the news she didn’t know what would help.

“I’m in the middle of a major project. Renovation of an old Victorian for a very wealthy client. But if you want me to come, I will.”

“No, Mom. I was just curious.” She took a deep breath, hoping her rapidly beating heart wouldn’t devolve into a full-blown panic attack. “Thank you for the heads-up.” No telling how she would have responded if she’d suddenly seen her father walk into the event.

“He wants to surprise you because he doesn’t want you to get nervous ahead of time, but I thought you would want to be forewarned.” Her mother sounded a little unsure as to whether she should have called.

“Absolutely. You did the right thing, Mom.”

“It’s going to be a big success, Kristy. Your father being there is not going to mean anything one way or the other. You do good work and that is going to come through. Your plans are wonderful.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”

“And just so you know, I filled your father in about Rusty.”

Just great. “Did you have to?”

“We were just talking. He hadn’t told me yet that he was going to the event. Call me on Sunday to tell me the glowing reviews.”

“Sure.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too.”

Ariel grabbed Kristy’s arm as she clicked off the call. “Your father is coming to the gala?”

Kristy could only nod.

Chapter 20

The day of the Boots and Bells charity event had arrived. Kristy’s pulse beat in her ears, and her palms were sweaty as she surveyed the transition of the enormous convention space into a barnyard, complete with an awesome maze, a chuck wagon ice cream stand, a saloon-style bar, and the fake jail Rusty had helped build—which was now sitting in the center of the stage.

They’d already given Marcia a virtual tour via video chat. She’d made suggestions about the placement of the jail (more centered), the saloon bar (a mirror to be hung behind it), and the dance floor (not big enough), requiring Kristy to get the workmen to make a few changes.

Kristy had dressed in her classic gala outfit of fancy black palazzo pants, a beaded white sleeveless top, and spiked black heels. She couldn’t wait to see Rusty in his tux, with his broad shoulders, tanned skin, and trim waist. Having seen him in his birthday suit, she knew she’d be in for a visual treat.

At least with Rusty, things had gone well since their cabin excursion. Despite her busy schedule, they’d managed to celebrate his academy acceptance with a night together at her place, which only made the struggle harder not to succumb to his charms. Or fantasize about a future with him in it. Or pick up the phone and call him just to hear his smooth, deep voice.

Now that those thoughts were creeping into her day, when the gala was over she needed to find out if he could be her “destination.” If he could be the one. If she cared enough about him to put him first. The other question to be answered, but by him, was whether she could behisdestination. And was he even looking for a destination? She’d seen him as a perfect “boyfriend” precisely because he hadn’t wanted a serious relationship.

He’d confessed that it was because of the demons that haunted him. When he’d stayed at her place, there were no alarming shouts in the middle of the night, as there had been at the cabin. Maybe those demons were leaving him. And maybe being back in the police force would awaken them again.

She wished she could banish his nightmares with a wave of her hand. But she feared it would require a trained therapist to get to the meat of it. The trauma he’d endured from such a young age tugged at her heartstrings. Knowing what was at the root of those nightmares, however, made her want to help him, not abandon him. He needed her. It was nice to feel needed.

The true test of their relationship would come when Rusty spent three months away at the academy. She’d been burned before, and badly. She wasn’t looking to set herself up for a similar fate again. She hoped the separation with limited time together would give her space to find answers.

Ariel scooted across the cement floor, practically skidding to a stop in front of her.

“What’s wrong?” Kristy was usually the uptight one, not Ariel.

“There’s a KSGW van outside. I know you said you hoped for media coverage, but I didn’t think we’d make the television news.”

That was a surprise. “I did do a press release, but I never dreamed the TV station would be interested. Do you think it’s because of Greta?”

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