“She’s due any day now,” he says. “Lots happening this morning.”
“Life on a ranch.” I chuckle.
“Exactly.” It’s Hunter’s turn to chuckle. “Wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Later on, I’ll introduce you to the girls,” Jake says. “Allison is my wife. Miranda is Hunter’s fiancée. They live on the ranch, so it’s important you get to know them. Riley will be back on Wednesday from Houston. Her four kids and her nanny will also be around. You can meet them then.”
“I’m looking forward to it. April only has good things to say about your sister.”
“Riley is a handful.” Hunter chuckles. “The same goes for her twins.”
“You have no idea,” Jake says. “In fact, I should warn you. When Riley found out about your background, she insisted on throwing a big get together. She says it’s going to be low-key. Trust me, it’ll be anything but. The woman can’t spell the word.”
Whoa.“I’m honored, but she doesn’t have to go to any trouble on my account.”
“Let me tell you something about my kid sister,” Jake says. “When she gets an idea in her head, you might as well get out of the way—Rhett Sullivan will receive a hero’s welcome, Jake. It’s just right.” He lowers his voice by several octaves to say that last part as he imitates Riley, which makes this even funnier.
Hunter snickers.
“Those days are long behind me.” I can’t help the ping twisting my stomach.
My friend’s gone, but his cowboy boots still walk beside me.
Hunter frowns, takes a step closer, and drops a hand on my shoulder. “I’m sorry for your loss, Rhett, but you’re still a hero and a champion in my book.”
“I agree,” Jake says. “You’reaneight-timeworld champion.”
Hunter nods. “That’seightgold buckles under your belt, champ.”
I avert my gaze for a beat.
“You were the best bareback bronc rider on the circuit,” Jake says.
I was. Past tense.
“No one can take away your achievements. And no one will ever forget the selfless way in which you leapt in front of the face of danger.”
I nod, too choked up to answer.
Like always, the memory of that day tears something loose inside my chest, as the tragic images flash in front of my eyes.
Chapter 6
Carina
“Look at you.” Miranda approaches. “I’ve only seen you in basic black work clothes since you got here, but tonight you’re the belle of the ball. I guess I should say, the belle of the cookout.”
We laugh.
“Thanks for the compliment. I hope I’m not overdressed,” I say, smoothing down the slinky fabric of my dress.
“Have you looked around?”
I scour the garden. “Definitely overdressed.”Crap.“Maybe I should go change.”
Miranda places her hands at her hips. “You will do no such thing. The dress is stunning on you. It would be a crime if you were to merely blend into the crowd. Good for you for standing out.”
“Orange has a way of screaming,I’m here.” I make ta-da hands.
