Page 50 of Snowed In With the Maverick
Buck’s laughter echoed off the planks of the barn’s walls. “Nah, I’m talking about the best movie moment of all time. Harry running through the streets of New York on New Year’s Eve to confess his love to Sally before it’s too late. Nowthat’strue love.”
“I’ve at least seen that one,” Seth said. “But she’s not leaving town as far as I know, so I won’t be doing any chasing.”
“Well, then you just go to her,” Buck said. “Makes your job easier.”
“Thanks for the unsolicited feedback,” Seth said. “And if you’re ever ready to join the twenty-first century, I can recommend a few new movies for you.”
“Nah, I’m good,” said Buck, and chuckled lightly. “They don’t make ’em like they used to anymore.”
Chapter Sixteen
After doing a final walk-through of the ranch’s main floor, fluffing pillows, adjusting the lighting and turning on all of the Christmas lights, Andrea grabbed a mug from the kitchen cupboard and poured herself a second coffee. It would be nice to sit for a few minutes and relax before her guests arrived.
She was about to take a sip when her phone pinged from the kitchen counter.
Her breath caught in her throat when she saw the name on the screen.
Seth Taylor.
She closed her eyes for a moment, and took a long, steadying breath. She’d be lying if she said the sight of his name wasn’t a massive relief. There was still a small chance he hadn’t completely dismissed her from his life, even if her mind was still all tangled up with whether or not that would be the best thing.
She stared at her phone in her hand. Part of her was desperate to see what the text message contained. But what if it was upsetting?
She glanced at the clock on the microwave. Her guests would be there any minute. The cider was simmering on the stove, lamb was already in the oven, sliced and staying warm under tin foil, and the salad just needed to be dressed. Everything was under control, at least in the kitchen. Andrea had to have her head on straight and be ready to shift into gracious-host mode as soon as the doorbell sounded. As much as it killed her, she tucked her phone in the desk drawer at the front reception, then inspected her hair, running her fingers through the long strands she’d styled in soft waves. Her reflection in the mirror showed no sign of the knots twisting in her stomach.
Thankfully, the luncheon would be a distraction, and she would check her phone later on, and then if necessary, drop it right into the dishwater.
The sound of an engine approaching caught her attention, and she looked out the front window to see an SUV coming up the driveway. Guests were arriving and, she suddenly realized, the house was too quiet.
“Shoot,” she muttered. “Music.” She pulled her phone back out from the drawer and opened her Spotify app to put on the playlist she’d made for the event, and pursed her lips tight. Her thumb hovered over the notifications, and she fought the urge to just take a quick glimpse of Seth’s message. She hit Play on the music, then tossed the phone back in the drawer like a hot potato, silently congratulated herself on her restraint, then went to the door to greet her first guest.
* * *
So far, so good,Andrea thought, scanning the living room as she approached from the kitchen holding a tray full of drinks. Luca Sanchez and Brent Woodson were perched casually on the sofa, appetizer plates in hand and deep in conversation. Cassie Trent was taking photos of the Christmas tree, while Ellis Corey and Barrett Deroy were admiring the fireplace mantel.
Ellis looked over as she entered. “This is original stone,” he said. “Good job keeping some authentic detail.”
“It was in such great condition,” said Andrea. “And thank goodness for that fireplace when the power went out during the snowstorm.” The tray in her hands faltered slightly as a flash of that night fought its way into her consciousness, but no one seemed to notice. She placed the tray on the coffee table, then passed the drinks out to her guests.
“Cheers!” Graham Callahan said, then surveyed the room. “I’ve got to say. This ranch was on the market for months. I always knew it had good bones, but the seller didn’t do much to attract potential buyers. You clearly saw the potential in this place.”
Andrea grinned. She was proud, and happy that others were recognizing the work she’d put in. “Well, I’d love it if you spread the word,” she said. “If any of you ever have guests coming to town, it’s a good place for overflow. I have a friends and family discount too.”
Halfway through the meal, Andrea was finally fully relaxed and enjoying herself. Everyone had seconds of the lamb. JenniLynn had insisted on clearing the plates, and everyone conversed easily on a range of topics, from the recent election to upcoming holiday plans, to news from the rodeo circuit. Some people in her former life might have found the conversation small-town and trite, but to Andrea, it felt like a warm blanket. These were people who cared about their families and one another, who found purpose in their lives, no matter how common, and who were intent on making their community a better place.
“Now all we need is to get that dino park going,” said Graham. He looked at Andrea. “To be honest, when I got the invite to come here, I had half a mind it was going to be to take out my checkbook to finance part of that dig I kept hearing about. Not that I minded. Anything that might help bring some more business to town is a win in my book.”
“How’s that project going, by the way?” said Luca. “And where’s Seth? I was hoping we’d get some good news about the park today.”
“He had business at the ranch today,” she said. There was no missing a sideways glance between Nina and JenniLynn. No one was buying her lies. Time to change the subject. Andrea swallowed and did her best to flash a convincing grin. “But I’m sure Seth would be happy for any support. We’re not currently in touch but you can feel free to reach out to him directly.”
Even though the lunch had gone so well, his absence was like a toothache, and part of her felt bad not revealing that the original motivation for the lunch had indeed been to stoke some interest in Seth’s park.
“Relationships are never easy,” said JenniLynn. Clearly the woman wasn’t going along with Andrea’s false pretenses. “What’s that old saying, though? You have to figure out if your life would be better with or without that person.”
“Don’t give up,” said Nina, a look of reassurance in her eyes. “Barrett and I were separated for years and found our way back to each other. If it’s meant to be, it will happen.”
Cassie nodded. “Kind of like me and Graham too. We started off shaky. And now here we are, engaged. He even offered to drop out of the race for mayor to be with me,” she said, squeezing Graham’s hand on the table, then kissing him on the cheek. “I told him not to be crazy. And that I’d love to be the mayor’s wife.”
