Page 84 of The Cowgirl's Forever Love
She glanced around the room and noticed with pleasure all of her gal pals had arrived, except for Kelli. Time to get things rolling,
Lisa stood on the bolster by Caleb’s chair and raised her voice. “Hear ye, hear ye. Tonight’s gathering of HFH has officially begun,” she announced.
Tansy Fields enthusiastically offered help by knocking a spoon against the side of her glass, changing to gentle taps when baby Tyler’s arms shot out at the loud burst of noise. “Oops. Apologies to the youngest attendee. Enjoy it, kid, while you’re still allowed into this sacred women-only territory.”
Tamara held Tyler comfortably with one arm as she stole a cookie off the tray Tansy had brought as her contribution to the evening. “I appreciate you bringing the evening to me. I’ve missed you.” She glanced around the room, gaze landing on Julia. “I’m glad you get to meet all my friends. They’re pretty awesome.”
“I think I’ve met everyone over the last couple of weeks. And I’m always game for a gathering.” Julia had a drink in one hand and a fistful of chips in the other. “Is there a particular agenda for the evening or is it just to visit?”
Lisa was the official host for the evening which meant according to the girls’ night out rules, she was in charge. She’d had all sorts of ideas, yet couldn’t seem to settle on one—
She snorted. Seemed a familiar recent predicament.
She offered a partial answer. “Mostly chatter and food, but since I’m too wishy-washy to come up with a new project to learn, we’re headed back to grade school and making collages.”
Rose flipped her long black hair over her shoulder. “Nice. Honestly, collaging is getting popular again. I was thinking about setting up a class at the shop. One of those wine and art evenings.”
“There you go, Lisa,” Tamara teased with a smile. “Once again on the cutting edge of fashion.”
Hanna Ford, the petite, brunette woman with a soft smile and a very sparkly ring on her left hand, got to her feet. “Let me help. I swung by the library and picked up the discarded magazines you asked for.”
“I will continue to pour drinks, although most of your drink preferences are far from challenging,” Brooke Silver offered. Her long, brunette ponytail swung as she swooped in to grab Tamara’s empty water glass to refill.
Lisa sat next to Julia, enjoying the easy conversation that flowed between them. She’d been officially meeting with the local girls for the last couple of months, but it was neat to suddenly have Julia there. It was also entertaining to observe the interaction among some of the women, like Rose, Tansy, and Brooke, who had been friends for years.
“By the way.” Tansy’s tone was full satisfaction. “Heard through the grapevine the police made a couple of arrests over the puppy mill business.”
A sharp stab of pain struck Lisa at the remembrance of that day. “Good,” she growled. “I hope they get locked up without food or water or heat.”
“There’s the bloodthirsty sister I know and love,” Tamara drawled.
Lisa glanced at her.
Tamara showed her teeth. “Notice I didn’t say there was a single thing wrong with your suggestion.”
“Anyone we know?” Brooke demanded.
“A couple guys out of Okotoks.” Hanna offered the tidbit. “Brad told me they were with a pet store and it’s been shut down. There will be more in the news this coming week.”
It didn’t change the past, but maybe it meant a few more animals would be safe in the future.
Kelli James slipped into the room, shaking the snow off her cowboy hat before hanging it and her coat up. “Hey, guys, sorry I’m late. I was helping UncleLuke figure out how to make a pillow fort for the girls.”
Laughter drifted among the group. Lisa’s nieces had been in heaven at the idea of having a sleepover at their uncle’s house, no matter that it was just across the lake and only five minutes away.
“I thought Dustin was helping Luke take care of the girls tonight. And thank you for sweet-talking your guy into that, by the way,” Tamara said.
Kelli blew a raspberry. “Luke loves your kids. And Dustin is there. Between the two of them, they were debating the merits of building a reenactment of Stonehenge.”
Tamara shook her head. “As long as they don’t plan to make any sacrifices.”
“Caleb was walking in the door as I slipped out, so I’m pretty sure the girls are safe.” Kelli slapped high-fives with Tansy and Rose en route to stealing Tyler from Tamara and planting a kiss on his cheek. “Hey, cutie. Did you miss your Auntie Kelli? Of course you did. She’s the bestest cowgirl auntie in town since Auntie Karen’s not here…” Kelli paused, glancing at Julia and making a face. “Damn. Lisa’s still here. And you—you’re not a cowgirl, are you?”
Julia wiggled her fingers. “Maybe? EMT by training, but I grew up on a dude ranch. You could probably call me a cowgirl.”
Kelli sighed dramatically. “Well, I can’t go around handing out false advertising.” She rearranged Tyler to shake a finger in his face. “I’m your favourite auntie under five-foot-five. Lisa’s your favourite funny auntie. Julia can be your favourite red-haired auntie.”
“Does that make you Auntie Shorty?” Tamara asked with a snicker.
