Page 98 of The Cowgirl's Chosen Love
Beside her, Josiah’s fingers meshed with hers as he chatted comfortably with Caleb and that was what made the difference.
Without pausing his discussion, Josiah leaned over and picked up another fresh biscuit and popped it onto her plate before she could interrupt him to ask for one.
Lisa squeezed his fingers, then stole her hand free to butter and demolish the flaky treat. The fact the man had learned how to read her mind was equal parts creepy and delightful.
Karen and Julia were both at the table and their father hadn’t yet left town. George Coleman seemed to be taking advantage of every opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren and his girls.
No longer did Caleb look worried, either, because Tamara glowed with health. She’d chased Lisa out of the kitchen the last time she tried to help, and only caved when all three of her sisters—astonishing to think that…threesisters—had demanded they wanted to spend time together.
Julia was learning there was no use being hesitant when it came to dealing with siblings.
In a different direction, Sasha and Emma beamed as they boasted about how wonderful their baby brother was. At nearly two months old, Tyler was changing rapidly, but while Lisa thought he was adorable, he didn’t have much personality yet.
Not according to his sisters, though.
“Tyler is really smart. He wants me to read to him tonight again. Uncle Walker says Tyler is going to be a great rodeo star someday and Uncle Luke says he’s going to be a great horseman. Uncle Dustin says Tyler will be a great singer—Kelli says that’s because he can cry really loud.” Sasha got that all out without taking a breath.
“Although he does get stinky,” Emma admitted softly, leaning closer to Josiah as she spoke. “Can I play with Ollie after supper, Uncle Josiah?”
Lisa froze, wondering what he was going to do with thatoopsof a title. She didn’t blame Emma for making a mistake when all the other men around them wereuncle.
Only Josiah just leaned closer like a co-conspirator, speaking so softly Lisa couldn’t hear, but whatever he said sent her niece giggling.
Across the table Tamara beamed as she glanced between Lisa and Josiah.
It had to be done. Lisa stuck out her tongue.
When Julia spotted her and snickered, Karen sighed as only an older sister could, then the four of them burst out laughing.
George shook his head, but he offered Caleb a wink.
After supper while they were clearing the table, Karen took a deep breath, then oh-so-casually dropped a bomb. “I started work on my application for equine therapist training today.”
“Get out.” Josiah was the first to react with his usual enthusiasm. “I didn’t know you were interested in that.”
“I love working with horses and the program is worthwhile. It seems as if I should get some official training, so…” She glanced at their father. “Dad and I were talking and he thought it was a good idea.”
Lisa opened her mouth to ask what the hell was going on when she caught herself barely in time.
Slamming her mouth shut didn’t go unnoticed, though. Josiah placed his hand on her waist and squeezed, promising attention later.
George spoke up. “Karen’s worked hard for Whiskey Creek, and if she wants to try something new, she deserves the chance.”
“There’s no guarantee I’ll get in this year,” Karen shared. “Deadline to apply is the end of this week and they’re announcing the final positions within the next two weeks. So the good part is I don’t have long to brood.”
“You’ll make it,” Julia said eagerly before glancing around with a hesitant smile. “I mean, you seem to know what you want and I hear you’re great with horses, so… Good luck?”
Karen laid a hand on Julia’s shoulder. “Thanks. I appreciate that, more than you know.”
Everyone hurried to offer their good wishes, including Lisa, but something inside still burned.
Josiah didn’t say anything until later, but once the conversation broke up a little and they were speaking more in small groups, he tugged her back against him. He arranged his lips close by her ear to whisper, “What’s wrong?”
She turned, pretending to be indulging in a public display of affection, but she caught herself one step away from growling the words. “Everything I did to orchestrate the Coleman ranch amalgamation? I did it so Karen could be happy there. And now she’s going to leave?”
“Ahhh.” Josiah stroked a finger over Lisa’s cheek. His love shone so clearly it soothed the ache inside her. “The good thing is your work went into making a better future for your entire family. Thebetterthing is your sister is doing something to make herself happy. Right?”
Yes. A hundred, thousand timesyesas Lisa realized that was exactly what was happening.
