Page 55 of The Cowgirl's Secret Love
Before she got into anything too drastic, Karen made one attempt at making a call, but as expected, got zero reception. She did the next best thing, which was to write a quick text so it would go through as soon as she did hit cell phone range.
All the while she stroked the mare’s flank, calming her. Reassuring her. Praying like hell.
Karen leaned down and pressed her forehead to the mare’s. “You and me, we’ll see what we can do, okay? Let’s give it everything we’ve got.”
She took a deep breath and got started.
Hangingout at the community hall was the last thing Finn wanted.
He’d been pretty much hog-tied and hauled to the Canada Day celebration with the reminder this was a community event, and they needed to play nice. Living in Heart Falls and setting up a business and all that.
At least that was the warning Zach gave him.
“I thought having a broken leg meant I was allowed to be a grumpy ass and recluse for a while,” Finn offered dryly.
“Did I say that? I’m sure I never said that.” Zach pulled into an open parking space right outside the community hall. “If I said anything, it would’ve been that you’re a grumpy ass, period.”
Finn laid a hand on the wheel before Zach shut off the ignition. “You did not just park in the handicap stall.”
“I’m dropping you off.”
“Move the damn truck.”
His friend sighed hugely then moved to a different spot.
They’d barely even entered the hall before being surrounded by a bevy of women.
“We saved you a seat,” a particularly fine brunette said to Zach as she batted lashes in his direction. She glanced over at Finn. “You poor baby. You come too.”
Finn kept his expression blank as Zach attempted to wave off the encouragement to move in three different directions.
“Ahem.”
Finn glanced to the right to discover Julia Blushing standing a little ways off.
He looked for mercy. “Dear God, tell me you have somewhere for us to sit.”
She winked. “My sisters saved spots for you, Zach, and Karen.” She glanced over his shoulder. “She didn’t come with you?”
Well, shit. He shook his head. “Said she’d meet us here.”
Julia hesitated then shrugged. “Come on. We’ll leave Zach to fend for himself while we track Karen down.”
Long rows of tables stretched from one side of the community hall room to the other. Typical metal chairs were lined up at regular intervals, and the whole room was full of laughing, chatting people.
The Stone family had control of a corner. Caleb and Tamara were there with their two girls and baby Tyler. Luke and Kelli chatted with Walker, while the youngest brother, Dustin, nervously adjusted his collar, glancing over at a group of young ladies who eyed him speculatively.
“Still can’t believe they do a bachelor auction at a family event,” Finn said to Julia as she led him toward three empty chairs beside Lisa and Josiah.
“If it raises money, anything goes,” Julia quipped. “It’s okay. You’re off the hook for this year.”
An entertaining thought struck. “I get to see Zach go up on stage, yes?”
She snickered. “This is a best friend thing, isn’t it? Gloating over each other’s suffering?”
“It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.” Finn adjusted his crutches and eased himself into the chair at the very edge of the table.
Josiah immediately shifted position to join him. “I won’t ask how you’re doing, but it’s good to see you.”
