Page 93 of The Cowgirl's Secret Love
He grumbled his disgust, though. “I want to hold your hand and not deal with this nonsense of being close by but not touching.”
“Newsflash, cowboy. Even when you do get your cast off, we’re not going to spend twenty-four seven attached at the hip.”
It was good to hear a soft chuckle, and Karen glanced to the side to find he was smoldering at her again. “I plan to do my best. Oh, wait. It’s not quitehipsI’m thinking of.”
“Bad boy.” She raised a brow. “I thought you liked cowgirl position.”
“Love it,” he agreed. “Anytime you want, I give you the go-ahead. But more variety will be fun.”
The conversation drifted then, deliberately becoming lighter as they avoided talk of the serious matters that had blown up their day. There were plenty of other things to discuss, between ongoing plans for the ranch and Karen tentatively exploring possibilities for the future.
Those ideas needed to be talked through with more than just Finn, which is how a couple days later she finally built up the courage to share her news with her sisters.
They’d gathered at the cottage, supposedly to introduce one of their favourite family traditions to Julia. Karen figured the interactive, hands-on meal would be a good distraction after she’d dropped her bomb.
It also meant cooking and cleanup would be a snap, and with the long days they were putting in at the ranch to keep things moving at an accelerated rate, right now Karen was all about easy.
Julia stepped through the door. “Sorry I’m late. Where do you want these?”
She held out a block of Swiss cheese and a carton of eggs.
Lisa grabbed them then headed to the kitchen. “That’s the last we need. I’ll get the omelet mix together. Karen, slice the cheese.”
It was like old times. Karen exchanged a glance with Tamara. “I’m not in charge of my own home.”
“Get used to it. I have.” Tamara admired Tyler, who was conveniently eating before they started their meal. “Auntie Lisa is a bossy pants, isn’t she? Yes, she totally is a bossy pants and we love her for it.”
Karen snickered as she joined the other girls in the kitchen and obediently cut up the cheese as per Lisa’s instructions. Ollie wander under Lisa’s feet, sweetly begging for treats until ordered to the pillow Karen had placed in the corner.
As soon as the dog settled, Dandy crawled from under the couch like a wild tiger, intent on stalking Ollie’s tail.
By the time they gathered around the table, Tamara had finished feeding the baby, burped him, and put him down to sleep. She rubbed her hands together. “I’m starving. After nine months of not eating, I’m still playing catch-up.”
“I can’t believe you were actually nauseous your entire pregnancy.” Julia hesitated. “Okay, technically and scientifically, I believe it. I just mean that was a pretty shitty hand to be dealt.”
“I hope it doesn’t run in the family,” Tamara said dryly.
“I nominate Karen to be the next guinea pig to get pregnant,” Lisa said instantly.
Karen gasped. “What?No. I just got into a serious relationship. It’s obvious you’re the next to fall.”
Tamara gently tapped her fingers against the side of her glass, just enough to get their attention and not loud enough to wake the baby. “Instructions for Julia so she knows what we’re doing. This is a raclette.”
“Raw food meets hot surface, cook till it’s done.” Karen pulled one of the little pans from underneath the top broiler plate. “You can cook little omelets in here or melt cheese to pour over top of your food. Eat until you’re ready to burst.”
Lisa lifted a pair of chopsticks. “The only other family rule you need to know is even if you put a piece of food on the top surface, it might not be there when you go back for it. It’s kind of a free-for-all when we get rolling.”
The newcomer watched for a while as the three of them started eagerly. They passed around sauces and dips, and easy conversation drifted while tidbits were consumed and laughter danced in the air. The animals made the occasional forage attempt before being sent back to theirno beggingzone.
It was comfortable, and it was family. Karen’s concerns about sharing her change of plans eased when confronted by how sweet the connection between them felt.
Still, the deed had to be done.
She waited until everybody had food in motion then laid her utensils down and sat up a little straighter. “Got a couple things to let you know. All of it good, and I hope you’ll be happy for me.”
Three sets of eyes turned on her, filled with curiosity.
And eagerness. “Are you and Finn engaged?” Lisa asked.
