Page 7 of Rancher's Rescue
People packed Kipp Miller's barn. Laughter resonated through the air, and being in the community I grew up in felt good. Since Jeremiah died, I’d hidden away, focused on the kids and the ranch. I watched Kit dance with her friends from school, and Marshall was dancing with Jeremiah’s mom. His parents were very involved in the kids’ lives but it hurt them to see me, so we avoided one another as much as we could. “Would you like to dance?” His familiar voice made me forget everything I was thinking.
Turning in my chair, I looked at him and smiled. He held his hand out for me to take, and he helped me up from the chair. Stepping on the dance floor, Kane and I two stepped around laughing. Kane hummed along with the song the band was playing, and all eyes were on us. My dress twirled around my legs as Kane spun me around. The song ended and a slow song started immediately. Kane pulled me tightly to him and we swayed together in time with the music. “I wasn’t sure I was looking forward to tonight, but I’m so glad you asked me to come.”
“Well, it’s really hard to date you when all you do is work.” He whispered in my ear.
“Is that what you’re doing?” I questioned, leaning back slightly so I could look at him.
“Yes, it is. If that’s okay with you?” He smiled and let his hand fall lower on my back, to just above my ass.
“It’s totally okay with me.”
“Good.” He lowered his head and whisked his lips across mine. I wanted more. I wanted everyone in this barn to know there was something happening.
The song ended, and we walked off the floor to our table. “Well, I’ve never seen such a disgusting display in my life. Especially at a family event.” Looking at the woman who was standing beside me, I wasn’t the least bit surprised at who it was.
“Mrs. Worthington, how nice to see you.” I smiled as nicely as I could. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Kane’s slight movement to look at me.
“You bring shame to your late husband and my son, Palmer.” She huffed. Kane shifted in his chair and I placed my hand on his.
“Mrs. Worthington, I have mourned for an appropriate time, and from what I’m told much longer than you did, so I am not bringing shame to Jeremiah. As far as your son is concerned, there is and will be nothing between us. I would rather have myself branded ten times in a row than have anything to do with him.
“Now Francine, you aren’t speaking about my late son to his widow, are you? That is very inconsiderate.” Jeremiah’s mother walked up behind Mrs. Worthington.
“Helen, she’s out here cavorting with a stranger.” The woman whispered when she realized everyone was looking at her.
“We are all thrilled Maggie has someone in her life. The love she had for my son won’t ever leave, but she deserves to be happy.” Helen looked over at me and smiled slightly. “Jeremiah wouldn’t want her living her life in sadness forever. And my grandkids deserve a good quality male figure in their life.” She looked from me to Kane, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw him nod. Mrs. Worthington huffed and walked away.
“The kids told me you’ve been much happier since Mr. Watson came to your ranch, and they seem happy with him aswell, so that’s all I want. My son will always be a part of your life, but you need to move on.” She smiled warmly at me and it was the first time since Jeremiah’s death that she did. She hated that he ranched. He was raised as a town kid and she blamed me for pulling him into danger so this was huge. “They also know you kiss, and you like touching Mr. Watson. So stop sneaking around. They deserve to see a happy couple.” She arched her brow and sniffled her laugh as she walked away.
“You’re going to have to tell me about that relationship sometime,” Kane whispered as I watched her leave.
“It’s something else.” I said, turning to him
“Mom, Kristin says we’re leaving. Her feet are tired and she’s tired of dancing with all the old men since Linc isn’t here.” Kit said, as she and Kristin walked up to me.
“Kristin hasn’t danced with one old man tonight, and I don’t really think she’s missing Linc,” I said, shaking my head as I rolled my eyes at her.
“Well, there’s only one man here worth dancing with tonight and he only has eyes for you.” She popped her hip and rested her hand on the back of my chair. “Kristin Lawson.” She stuck her hand out and Kane stood and shook her hand.
“Kane Watson. Pleasure to finally meet you.”
Kristin looked from Kane to me and arched her brow. “Well, he’s the total opposite, isn’t he?” She smirked and shook her head. “I better keep your kids for two nights,” she said as she rounded them up.
“See ya, mom,” Marshall said as he hugged me.
“Night, mom,” Kit said, kissing my cheek before turning to Kane. “Night Kane.” She hugged him before running to catch up to Kristin and Marshall.
“I think we need to go home,” he whispered in my ear as he snaked his hand around my waist, lingering just below my stomach. I nodded, and we headed toward the truck.
“Are you leaving already?” I turned and looked into Nora’s smiling face.
“Kristin took the kids.” I tried to hide my smile, but I couldn’t.
“Oh, well then, I won’t hold you up. You both have a great night.”
“Wait, why are you out here? Shouldn’t you be at your barn dance?” Looking at her, he didn’t look nearly as put together as she had when we’d gotten here.
“Oh, umm, one of the Thomas kids wandered off.” She smiled nervously.
