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At the open barn doors, Meg stood very still. The sun wouldn’t set for another couple hours, and the daylight made the well-lit interior extra enticing. She couldn’t go inside yet.
She wasn’t sure where, or if, she belonged.
Scanning the crowd, she swayed with the bluegrass music and suppressed the very persistent urge to twirl. In her bedroom, she hadn’t been able to resist. She didn’t often don her favorite dress, the floral, sleeveless, cotton garment with the full skirt Grandma had made decades ago.
Meg had saved a few of her late grandma’s dresses. The quality of the home sewn vintage garments couldn’t be matched in modern factories. Every time she wore one, she linked the past in the present. Antiques weren’t merely a commercial enterprise but a way of honoring those she loved and lost.
Digging her cowgirl boots out of the back of her closet and applying eyeshadow and dark lipstick, she’d completed the look. She was probably overdressed. When she asked Colby, she barely got a glance. After a few hours at the store, customers cooing over the good girl, the dog was exhausted and happy. Meg hoped Hank was too. Grabbing her jean jacket off the hook, she’d hopped in her SUV and headed back to the Kincaid ranch.
In the entry, she didn’t twirl. She didn’t watch to catch anyone’s eye. She wasn’t sure if she’d accepted Ryan or Eric’s invitation. Pressing together her lips, she refreshed her lipstick. She had the unnerving sense that it mattered which man she greeted first. Not that she was sure why.
Eric had offered her a job. Ryan had extended a hand for friendship. She wasn’t in the middle of a tug of war. She should have told Ryan she had already been invited when he asked her. But he’d flashed such a soft smile. She hadn’t wanted to ruin the moment or push him away.
Inside the barn, the cowboy festivities were well underway. Under the hay loft, the seven-piece band performed on the stage. The fiddle dueled with a banjo, whistling through the night air, inviting all to tap their feet to the upbeat rhythm. The entire red painted structure hummed with the buzz of excited conversations and tittering laughter.
Footsteps sounded behind her.
A couple passed, the wife brushing Meg with a shoulder. “Oh, I’m so sorry, dear.”
Meg waved off the concern and crossed her arms over her belly, grabbing her elbows. She was at fault, standing awkwardly in the way. She stepped over the threshold, rolling her step from heel to toe in careful consideration. The worn, leather boots had a higher heel than her typical sneakers.
Darting her gaze, she spotted him.
Standing near the buffet, overseeing service, Ryan grinned. The expression brightened his whole face. The rare, genuine look of pleasure warmed her.
I wish he’d smile at me. Following his line of sight, she drew in a shaky breath. If he beamed at another woman, she’d be crushed.
On the other side of the line, guests—a family of four—returned his grin. He chuckled, throwing back his head.
He was natural with kids. Better than when he was a child. He’d always been destined to be a grown up running the ranch. With circumspection, she understood how being young must have been a struggle for someone who needed control.
“You made it.”
Eric’s voice snapped her to attention. She turned, tugging her jean jacket closed. “Hi, Eric. Yes, I’m here. Ta-da.” Why did she say that? She might as well have flashed jazz hands.
He stepped back. “I grabbed us a spot in the corner. Follow me.”
She nodded, glad when he turned. She nibbled the bottom of her lip. Where was Hank? Too tired after the long day? She strode behind Eric across the dance floor to the table in the opposite corner from the band.
Passing the buffet line, she met Ted’s and Joe’s gazes and smiled. Ryan never looked her way. She turned back and focused on Eric.
He reached the table and pulled out a chair.
This isn’t a date. She tensed. She appreciated chivalry and compliments but didn’t want any confusion. He’d offered her a job. She wasn’t planning to accept, but neither was she interested in more. She didn’t want to project the wrong idea to him or the community at large. On occasion, small-town living could be claustrophobic.
He walked around the table and sat opposite.
She dropped her shoulders a half inch. At least he wouldn’t insist on pushing her chair into the table for her. Or draping her lap with a napkin. She sat and scooted the chair forward.
“I realize this might be...” He raised a fist to his mouth and coughed.
Inappropriate? She wouldn’t supply him with his lines. She didn’t have a copy of the script.
“Have you had a minute to think about the job offer?”
She nodded, pressing her lips into a straight line. The career change remained top of mind. One good week at her store wasn’t enough to salvage the business but could give her time to diversify. She had to get the online store running.
“I’m guessing from your serious face, your answer is no?”
She pursed her lips. Taking him up on his job offer was the sensible choice. Lately, she’d had the urge to leap and try for the big, scary unknown. Ryan had a lot to do with her change of heart. Looking at Eric, I’m sorry tickled her tongue. She wouldn’t apologize.
“I won’t bug you about it. I am disappointed. If you ever reconsider.” He reached into his jeans pocket and pulled out a business card, sliding it across the table.
She smiled and pocketed the card. Her tight stomach eased. After Hank’s implication, she worried she’d given Eric the wrong impression. “Thank you. I appreciate your time and consideration.”
He snorted. “You sound like a formal rejection letter. I understand.” He scanned the room, staring past her. “Herd is a special place. Carving out your own path here is almost a throwback to another time. It’s a rare chance.”
I wish I knew it was the right one. If she was being honest, which she tended to save for self-reflective nights with Colby, she’d admit she was afraid of failure without any excuse to make herself feel better. She turned in her chair and scanned the room, waving at acquaintances.
Stephanie helped the bluegrass band, moving the mic stands.
Entering through a side door, Abby from the barbeque food truck carried three stacked, covered trays. Ted and Joe grabbed the trays and settled each in respective chafing dishes. Brisket and corn bread scented the air. Meg’s stomach rumbled. She lost track of Ryan. Twisting all the way around, she spotted him in the doorway, assisting Hank. I should help.
From the corner of her gaze, she spotted Stephanie backing away from the band. Meg couldn’t give up on participating in the Frontier Days. At the very least, she could donate a few baskets for the raffle. Everything converged into this moment.
She started to rise from her seat and froze. Where would she go? She would get in the way. She had no role. Wasn’t Ryan always frustrated she was underfoot?
Stephanie disappeared from view.
Meg scooted her chair closer to the table. She’d stay put. Five years and a childhood of summers wasn’t enough to make her a true resident. The stranger showed her in a handful of days she didn’t truly blend in with her surroundings. She might never belong, but she had to try even if she’d always stand out.
Lifting her chin, she faced Eric again. She nodded. “I have to give the store everything I’ve got. I owe my grandmother and my mother.” And myself.
With luck, she didn’t have to spell out for him what had only—in recent days—become clear to her. She chose Herd. But she hadn’t made a real effort to get to know anyone else. It wasn’t too late to try. “Should we get some food while we can? The line is almost empty.”
“After you, please.” Eric smiled.
She pushed back her chair and strode with her head held high. She might be a temporary member of town, more guest than resident. But she wouldn’t give up and walk away. She’d stay and fight. Sometimes, the best course of action was a life well-lived. She’d start by enjoying herself tonight.
Ryan couldn’t catch a break. For the past hour, no matter which direction he turned, he glimpsed Meg’s smile, inhaled her scent, or bristled at her laugh. He yearned to be included in the joke. Behind the buffet table, he rubbed a palm over his heart. Yearned? He hated even thinking that word, but it was spot-on.
He grabbed the last of the silver frames, holding the chafing dishes, off the table. He looped the empty rectangles over his wrist like a ridiculous oversized bracelet and strode the length of the buffet.
“Hey, Ryan.”
Stopping at the end of the table, he turned and met Abby’s gaze. In a few steps, he reached her. “Thanks for increasing the order so quickly. I didn’t realize we’d have so many plus ones tonight.”
She shrugged. “I’m always glad for the work. Thanks for letting me park my truck for lunch during the week. Let me know if you want to do anything for you-know-who.” She widened her gaze.
He frowned. For Meg? Was he that obvious? Turning, he spotted her again with Eric.
She was lucky vampires weren’t real. She kept throwing back her head and flashing her long, white neck as she chuckled along with what Ryan could only assume were dry, history-related jokes nobody else would understand. Ryan frowned. He’d invited Meg and yet she made no effort to say hi.
Abby snapped her fingers. “Yoo-hoo, earth to Ryan. Ryan, do you copy?”
He shook. “Sorry, you were saying?”
“Hank’s birthday?” She lifted a shoulder. “It’s not the big nine-oh, but every year is worthy of a celebration.”
“You’re right.” He nodded. He’d totally forgotten. Was getting older the impetus for Hank’s clean-out? Was he worried about leaving the project unfinished? Or did he want an excuse to focus on the past and the people long gone? “I’ll keep you posted.”
She smiled. “Please do. I’ll get out of your hair now. Have fun.”
He opened his mouth to protest he was working not playing and stopped. Not every comment needed a reply. He used to know that. He smiled, pressing together his lips.
She turned and strode past him toward the exit.
Joe approached, extending both hands. “Need any help?”
“I’m good here. Go check on Abby.”
A funny look passed over Joe’s face. He puckered his mouth like he bit a lemon and tried to cover it with a smile. Ryan would have to invite the guy around for poker if he made such bizarre facial expressions. He could only imagine the tells. Another night, when I have time. “Please?”
“Of course,” Joe said.
Ryan reached the end of the table and nodded at the bluegrass band, comprised of more of Joe’s colleagues from the kindergarten through eighth grade school. The townsfolk stepped up to the task of putting on a good show for the tourists. He was grateful for everyone’s help and willingness to jump in and lend a hand. Why hadn’t Meg joined in?
He passed the bathrooms, heading into the walk-in closet lined with shelves. When he had converted the barn into the event space, he’d carved a storage space in a slim hall opposite the newly added bathrooms behind the stage. Scanning the contents, he found the correct spot and deposited the frames in position one at a time. The first cowboy dinner of the season always had a few kinks. He couldn’t complain about her. He invited her but hadn’t specified what the request meant.
The band started another tune. The fiddler taking the lead in kicking off the dancing with a lively number. A cheer erupted.
“Why are you hiding out here?”
Ryan turned toward the open doorway and frowned at Hank.
The old man shuffled through the tight space.
“I’m not hiding. I’m doing my job. What are you doing back here?”
Hank shrugged. “Went to the bathroom and heard a commotion. Figured I’d better make sure you weren’t making trouble.”
That’s your job. Ryan set the last frame on the shelf and strode toward his grandfather. “I’m heading out right now.”
Hank held up a hand. “Let me stop you for a second, boy. You have anything to tell me?”
Ryan stared at the older man, unseeing. Had Hank witnessed the almost kiss a few days ago? Ryan slipped a finger under the starched collar of his checkered western shirt. He dressed up for the guests, but the start of the season involved reassessing what shirts no longer worked. This one almost choked him.
“About whatever’s happening behind my barn? I spotted the string lights on my way inside. What’re you playing at?” Hank narrowed his gaze.
I wanted to take Meg outside and show her I value her input. And her. Ryan unbuttoned the collar and resisted the urge to fan himself. The storage closet was stuffy. He’d add improve building ventilation to the project checklist. “Meg had an idea about expansion. Nothing’s been decided. There is no conspiracy or attempted coup here. I’m developing the plan and determining feasibility. I would never move ahead without involving you.”
“Oh. Meg?” Hank softened his hard stare. “Puts a different spin on it. Are you taking her outside? Showing her the view? Lots of stars tonight. Nice atmosphere.”
I was... Ryan frowned. If, when, and how he acted, he wouldn’t follow a dictate from his grandsire. On the flipside, however, following orders took off some of the weight of free will. He clenched his jaw. Back and forth uncertainty wasn’t good for his stress levels. “I’d better get back out there.”
“Good. You need to start dancing.”
“Excuse me?” Ryan frowned.
“You heard me. Why did you invite a pretty girl to a dance if you’re not going to twirl her around the floor?”
Ryan gaped. Did Hank have spies everywhere?
“Close your mouth, you look like a fish.”
Ryan pinched the bridge of his nose. Getting into a fight with Hank served no purpose. “I don’t know. She seems happy with him. Why should I interrupt?”
“You’re not going to do anything? You’re going to stand by and smile?”
Ryan squeezed his nose tighter, his vision clouding with spots.
“Boy, you need to act. Why have I gone to so much trouble? I never would have encouraged those two to spend time together if I had thought you’d continue to be so obtuse. I was hoping a little jealousy might force your hand. I was wrong. You’re too stubborn for that.” Hank snorted. “Why don’t you admit what everyone else in town already knows?”
Ryan dropped his hands to his sides and stared. After their earlier fight, he’d spent the rest of his day setting up to impress her. Worried he’d lose her; he’d devoted hours to a showy task made the more frustrating because half the string lights were dead. He’d been played by his grandfather the whole time?
Hank exhaled a heavy sigh. “No more games. No more tricks. Just honesty. You two belong together.”
“That’s not true,” Ryan murmured. “No one thinks of us as a couple. Eric has more in common with her. She’s always smiling around him.”
“Boy, you’re a fool. Opposites attract.” Hank reached out, dropping a hand on Ryan’s shoulder, and squeezing. “Me and your grandma were all the proof you’d ever need for that. Go ask Meg for one dance, and I’ll leave it. I’ve got my sights set on helping out the rest of your sad friends.”
“Who? Ted?”
Hank shook his head. “Ted is a tough case. Widower. No, I’ll get to him eventually. I’m taking care of all the easy-to-match folks first. Joe is next on my list. I’ve got someone in mind.”
A laugh bubbled up Ryan’s throat. With verbal confirmation of his troubling suspicions, he felt lighter than he had in a long time. Should he tell Hank to stay out of his business? Berate the old man for his meddlesome ways?
Ryan stepped forward and embraced his grandfather. If Ryan stopped fighting and took Hank’s advice, what would he find? Happiness. He hugged the man tight. “Thanks.”
Hank kissed his cheek. “Always.” He stepped back, reversing to the entrance and tipped his head to the side.
With a nod, Ryan followed. He strode around the corner, pausing at the edge of the dance floor. On the platform, the band performed with vigor. Guests clapped and hollered, but the crowd remained seated. The empty pine planks looked lonely.
Hank was right, again. Ryan rubbed a hand along his slack-jaw. He shouldn’t have been surprised, but he was. He continued on to his destination, weaving through the tables until he reached one in the corner. “Excuse me.”
Two heads turned in his direction.
She looked at him with a steady, questioning stare.
He swallowed his discomfort. This was his chance. He extended his hand. “Meg, will you help me jumpstart the dancing?”
She stared at his hand.
The second stretched to eternity. Hank was wrong. Ryan shouldn’t have done this. He shouldn’t have invited her. He could back away and pretend no one saw. The table’s prime position, however, ensured the opposite. He was on display for consumption and dissection of the entire town and all the guests.
She put her fingers in his and nodded.
He smiled and helped her to her feet. Once clear of the tables, he lifted his arm and spun her in a circle. Her dress fanned out.
When she returned to her starting position, her gaze widened, and she laughed. “Aren’t you the guy who absolutely swore you’d never dance with me in public again?”
He lifted a shoulder. She was right. When he wanted to make a grand gesture, he found her steel-trap memory an inconvenience. For the gift of a long relationship, however, he’d pay the small price of having no secrets. “As long as you don’t start to shuffle off to Buffalo in the middle of the two-step...”
Knitting her brow, she wrinkled her nose.
He grinned. “Seems a shame to waste such a pretty dress seated behind a table all night.” He grabbed her other hand and lifted both, twirling her in the opposite direction.
“It’s one of my grandma’s. I was happy to have a reason to wear it. I’m not wearing my tap shoes tonight. You’re safe from my spontaneous choreography.” She bit her lip. “Thank you for inviting me. I didn’t get a chance to say hi.”
“Are you having a good time?” He reached for her waist and spun around with her, whirling across the floor. With a glance over her head, he nearly sighed.
The couple celebrating their anniversary joined in. As did a young family. Several other tables were getting to their feet and participating in the contagious good spirit.
“I am.” She spun back into his arms. “I want to disclose, Eric invited me, too.”
“Oh?” He arched a brow. Any other reaction wasn’t appropriate. He’d taken too long to realize what she meant to him. He’d had nearly four decades. He couldn’t be mad a smarter man wouldn’t make the same mistake.
“He offered me a job. I think he wanted another chance to present his case before he leaves in the morning.”
“And?”
She held his gaze. “I’m right where I belong.” Her smile was soft and sweet. “Herd is my hometown. I’m not leaving.”
My place is here with you. Under his palms, he felt her shudder. Was this the moment for truth? Was she staying only for the town? Or was he included in her list of reasons? “Not sure if you caught a glimpse on your way in, but I marked out the proposed deck with spray paint in the corners. I strung up some lights in case you wanted to see.”
“You’re going forward with it?”
He adjusted his hand on her waist, liking the delight in her response and the feel of her in his arms. If he could keep his grip, he had the illusion of control. “I’m considering it. If I did, I’d need your advice to optimize appeal.”
She blushed. “I’m sure I’m not the person to ask.”
“You had the initial idea. You see the world differently. You make me ask questions.” You challenge me in the best way possible. He couldn’t tell her how much she scared him. Every encounter left him a little shaken, but he wanted more. If he invited her outside, what would happen?
First and foremost, he had to focus on keeping her in Herd. With enough time, he’d sort through the emotions and fears blocking his way. “I can help with your online platform.”
She frowned, scrunching her nose.
Had he overstepped? “We talked about it?”
The day she had smiled and his heart had started beating for the first time in recent memory. She didn’t remember? He’d never forget. They’d been standing on her old property talking about weddings. She had looked so beautiful and fragile. A fully formed picture of her in a veil with a sweet grin popped into his mind.
She continued to stare, tilting her head to the side, gliding across the floor with him.
No pressure. “I wasn’t sure if you needed any assistance. You’ve been so generous with your time, clearing out the shed. We owe you.” I owe you. Why was speaking honestly so hard? He’d known her forever. She must see his struggle. But he didn’t want her to give him a way out or to ease away from the difficult part. Until recently, he’d never seen her.
“I was kind of hoping you’d ask me for my than advice,” she murmured.
She did? What question did she want him to ask?
She cleared her throat. “Should we discuss plans for Hank’s birthday?”
He nodded. “I’m not sure about this year. I don’t want to do too much and overtime him. The shed has been taxing.” He adjusted his grip on her waist. Under his palm, she was slight and small. He never thought of her as less than a tornado, but she was a woman underneath it all. “If I make any plans, I’ll let you know.” He lifted his arm and spun her again.
Her dress fluttered around her.
When she returned to his embrace, she frowned for a second. Then she wiped the look off her face like she’d never had a second of hesitation.
Back to business as usual? He hoped so. Why did he feel like he’d dodged a bullet and missed his shot? How many other bad clichés would attack him?
He darted a glance at the doors leading outside. Stringing the lights had been a lot of work. He’d cursed under his breath more than once in the process. What would she think of his handiwork? Would she have ideas for improvement?
He had a niggling sensation he should ask her to join him at the ranch as the lead of the new events department. No one would do the job better or bring more creativity to the role. But then she’d be his employee. A romance would definitely be off the table if she was his subordinate.
Maybe that was for the best. Same with avoiding the proposed deck. Before their dance, he hadn’t thought through all the repercussions of leading her to such a cozy, almost intimate spot. It would look like he wanted more than friendship.
If she wasn’t going anywhere, she didn’t challenge him to change his stance and tell her the truth of his feelings for her. Maybe she didn’t want him to. Maybe it wasn’t just his foolishness separating them but her clarity that they’d be a disaster. He’d have to follow her lead. He could always count on her to be upfront and honest. Come what may.