Page 60 of A Rancher's Bride
They shared their meal with the owners of another smaller stable who’d been invited to the gala. The young couple were hoping to take their family operation to the next level. They were in the process of shifting their family to the next level as well, as the woman was a good six months pregnant and her husband was in charge of the two-year-old who’d been strapped tightly in a high chair to keep him in place.
Kelli grinned as the young family left, and she reached across the table for her third and what should be her final breakfast doughnut. Diane poured more coffee into her cup and sat back, gazing over the brim thoughtfully as she sipped.
Her new friend seemed intent on focusing anywhere in particular rather than on Kelli’s face.
“Is something wrong? Am I wearing my breakfast?” she asked.
Diane offered a quick headshake. “I was thinking how sad it is we have to go back to reality tomorrow.”
Now there was a sobering thought. Her idyllic fantasy getaway was drawing to an end. Still—
“There are things to look forward to back home, as well. I’m eager to try that technique you suggested on Chili Pepper.”
“I’ll have to get Jack to bring me up to Silver Stone so I can see you working with her myself.”
Wouldn’t that be exciting? “You guys are always welcome.”
—horror slammed into Kelli as she realized her mistake.
It was the same one she’d given Luke hell for, in a way, which meant she should have seen it coming. It was her own damn fault for agreeing to the deception in the first place.
Jack and Diane would come to visit Silver Stone, which was wonderful and fantastic. And considering what Kelli now knew about the things that Diane planned for the future, it could mean wonderful things for the ranch.
But it also meant they’d expect to see her and Luketogether.
The idea churned everything inside and shredded Kelli’s happiness to ribbons.
She scrambled for something to say that didn’t involve blurting out the truth, because, although that’s what she wanted to share, she couldn’t. Not without talking to Luke first.
So she held her tongue. But her doughnut didn’t taste nearly as sweet. It had turned to sawdust on her tongue, and it was nearly impossible to swallow around the knot in her throat.
Her new friend—the sweet woman Kelli had been deceiving, now that she comprehended her folly—leaned forward, concern in Diane’s eyes.
Kelli tightened her grip on her cup. Had she accidentally said something without meaning to?
“Tonight’s the big party,” Diane began slowly. “And I happened to find out something I think you should know.”
The sickening sensation in Kelli’s gut was a firm reminder why she stuck with telling the truth. Her imagination was working overtime coming up with horrifying revelations.
Once again, her face must’ve given her away because Diane clicked her tongue reassuringly. “Oh, honey. I didn’t mean to scare you. It’s nothing terrible, but I wanted to warn you ahead of time that the Talismans will be at the event. My father mentioned it to me because there’s a business item I’m supposed to ask Sean Talisman about, and it’s the only opportunity this week.”
Relief rushed in. “So, Penny will be there—”
“I assume so.”
Damn, this was the best news, relatively speaking, considering all the other disasters Kelli had been imagining. “It’s really not a problem.”
“So you said before, and I believe you,” Diane said quickly. “It’s just that I know if it weremeheading to an event whereJack’sex-fiancée was about to make an appearance—not that he has one, but you know what I’m saying—I’d want to know.”
Kelli nodded. “Being forewarned she’ll be there saves me from a few awkward moments. Thanks for telling me, but really, everything’s fine.”
Diane pulled apart her doughnut, tucking a tidbit in her mouth as she eyed Kelli closely. “You’ve got a dress?”
“One that will knock your socks off,” Kelli said proudly. “My girlfriends hooked me up, because like we talked about before, I’m more of a jeans-and-flannel girl.”
“Clothes don’t make a woman or a man.” Although, Diane was tapping her fingers on the table as she said it, and a mischievous smile was spreading. “But fine feathers are nice, and there’s nothing like the right knock-em-dead outfit to make a woman feel like a million dollars.” She checked her watch. “The schedule is light today, what with the formal dance this evening. I’m going to call the spa and sneak us in this afternoon for some pampering.”
Kelli hesitated.
