Page 22 of Fool's Gold

June said, "Same here, honey. I’d better see to the refreshments. You two have a fun time now."

Jim said, "Rafe, I'll call you next week about your proposal. So far, it sounds good."

Rafe was relieved. It was the news he'd been waiting for. Now, he could move forward with his plans to convert part of the ranch into an inn. This would help create a more secure future for his family. "Great, I'll be waiting for your call." He turned and guided Sarah toward the bar. "What would you like to drink?"

Sarah shrugged. "I don't know. What are you having?"

"A beer."

"I'll have the same."

His eyebrows lifted. "You, a beer?"

She shrugged. "Maybe I don't have the high faulting tastes you assumed I'd have. I'm going to try to fit in with your crowd."

He grinned, happy that she was starting to relax. Her attempt to fit in with his neighbors was a good sign. "I appreciate it, darlin'. Two beers it is. I'll be right back."

Sarah looked around the crowd while Rafe went for the drinks, and saw Blackthorn. Wrinkling her nose, she turned her back on him. Then she spotted Lisa and Gabe.

Lisa walked up to her, trailed by Gabe, who bore a striking resemblance to Rafe, but was a little leaner. "Hi, Sarah. I see you beat us here."

Sarah smiled back. "We just got here. Rafe's up at the bar."

"I think I'll join him," Gabe said eagerly. "I'll bring you back a cold one, honey."

Lisa shooed him away. "Go on and have your man talk. Sarah and I will do some talking of our own."

Lisa led the way to one of the benches on the lawn. "Thanks a million for watching Mandy for me this past weekend. It gave Gabe and me a well-needed rest."

"Don't mention it. It was a pleasure to have her," Sarah hastened to reassure her. "I hope she wasn't too shaken by the stampede Saturday."

Lisa shook her head. "No, it doesn't seem to trouble her. She did tell me you saved her, though. I owe you a big one, Sarah."

Her cheeks heated at the praise. "All I did was tell her to get behind a tree. She would have figured that out on her own."

"But not as quickly. I can't figure out how the stampede happened," Lisa said softly. "As far as I know, it's never happened before."

She shrugged. "Who knows? Rafe figured that somebody forgot to latch a gate."

"Oh, look. Here come our two Western Romeos."

Sarah grinned at Lisa. "Western Romeos, huh?"

Lisa grinned back, unrepentant. "Sure, tonight's a perfect night for romance. The stars twinkle, music plays, and we have a night out with our hubbies. I don't know about you, but it gives me ideas."

Rafe and Gabe crossed the crowded dance floor. Rafe looked especially happy tonight, she thought wistfully. And why not? Like Lisa had just said, it was a special night.

Rafe handed her a beer. "Here you go, sweetheart."

Sarah smiled at him. Hewasher Western Romeo. "Thanks."

He looked startled by her change in attitude. He leaned down to brush a kiss across her lips.

"What's that for?"

His mouth curved into a smile. "Just for you being you."

Lisa got up. "Gabe and I are going to take a turn around the dance floor."

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