“Unless Jeff will loan you the money—”
“I tried that, too.”
“Then as I see it, you have two choices. Call Darby, get your job back, and stay until you’ve saved the money.”
Erin shook her head before McKenna finished her comment. “Or? And tell me this suggestion’s better.”
“Get a job in Wishing, stay with me without having to contribute toward expenses, and save the money.”
*
Since McKenna andZane made love, work again became a place of teamwork and success where she felt confident and enjoyed spending her days. Together they devised and implemented a new social media strategy. They also tackled other avenues of advertising. With the increased number of venues available to area brides, Ginny’s word of mouth and positive reviews approach needed reinforcing and broadening. McKenna shared her ideas for expanding to include corporate retreats and end of life celebrations. To her surprise, Zane said to create a proposal to discuss.
Zane often took a break during the day to hike around the ranch and cajoled her into joining him. McKenna learned afterward her productivity and focus improved. When she went into workaholic mode, Zane reminded her not to stress over what she couldn’t control. He even bought her a votive candle with that saying for her desk. She learned balance. Her career shouldn’t be all she had. While it gave her satisfaction, purpose, and confidence, it should allow her to live her life.
A few times after work or on the weekend, she and Zane went horseback riding. McKenna discovered he’d been right about that, too. Nothing gave a person a sense peace, clarity and put the world into perspective the way riding did. One day, they rode to his favorite spot on the Lucky Stars, an enchanting, secluded area with huge live oaks and red cedar trees. There the ranch’s small creek started as a spring. They ate the picnic lunch she’d packed, waded in the spring, and made love under a canopy of trees.
Once they went bowling with Zane’s friends and another time, they played miniature golf. For the first time, McKenna had a circle of friends. She tried not to think about if she’d have them when Zane returned to California. While she might not be invited to couple get-togethers, she hoped she could go out with Cassie, Grace, and Cheyenne for lunch or a girls’ night out.
But most nights, Zane spent with Ginny. He tried to cajole McKenna into joining them, but positive her eagle-eyed boss would realize the change between her and Zane and nervous about Ginny’s reaction, she declined. Zane countered saying his grandmother knew he wasn’t a monk, but she insisted that was different than Ginny knowing he wasn’t a monk with her employee.
Work and Zane couldn’t be better. If only McKenna could say the same about home. Though better since Erin started working at the hardware store, living together and their differences strained their relationship. McKenna’s orderly, clean kitchen became littered with dishes. How hard was it to put them in the dishwasher rather than the sink? Clean clothes sat for days in her favorite living room chair. Empty Diet Coke cans stood on her coffee table. The TV or Erin’s phone playing videos blasted almost nonstop.
Her sister had only been in Wishing two weeks, and already McKenna was considering revamping her budget to loan Erin money.
At least tonight she wouldn’t be stuck around the house with Erin. She’d finally gotten the courage to attend karaoke night at the Horseshoe. Zane was picking her up and they’d meet Cooper and Cheyenne at the restaurant.
When McKenna entered the house after work, she discovered Erin on the couch, watching YouTube videos. A bag of tortilla chips and a jar of salsa sat open on the coffee table. “What’s the plan for dinner?”
“I’m going to the Horseshoe for karaoke night.”
“That sounds fun.”
At her sister’s expectant look, a guilty twinge pinched McKenna’s conscience. Part of her insisted she should be a good big sis and invite Erin, but she couldn’t get the words out. All her life people looked past her to Erin. Her time with Zane was running out, and she wanted to savor every moment without being overshadowed by her sister. “You’re on your own for dinner. Now I’ve got to change.”
In her bedroom, she traded her skirt for jeans and slipped on a dusty rose floral top, with a neckline that sloped to leave her right shoulder bare. Of all the items Rosalie selected for her, this top was her favorite. Wearing the garment made her feel feminine and daring. She smiled, wondering if Zane would like it. As she sat on her bed tugging on her boots the doorbell rang.
“Hello. I’m McKenna’s younger sister, Erin, and I can’t wait to hear who you are.”
McKenna grimaced at her sister’s bright, sultry voice. Would meeting Erin affect how Zane viewed her? Would she appear less in comparison? Would he be like their father and push her to the side for a more beautiful woman?
Stop it. When they were together, Zane’s attention didn’t stray. But then, how often were they out in public other than weddings?
Chapter Fifteen
“Good to meetyou, Erin. I’m Zane.” While pleasant, his voice lacked the excitement and enthusiasm he used with McKenna.
“How do you know my sister?”
Not wanting to hear how he’d respond, McKenna raced to the living room. “Zane’s grandmother owns Lucky Stars Weddings. We’ve been spending a lot of time together since her surgery.”
After finishing her explanation, she turned to greet Zane and froze. Her sister’s dark hair, pale, translucent skin, and wide blues eyes stood in sharp contrast to Zane’s blond tanned good looks. Two beautiful people who made a striking pair. No one would ever ask what Zane saw in Erin.
McKenna glanced down at her top. Adventurous? Compared to her sister she appeared tame. What did Zane see in her? Was she simply nearby and when she threw herself at him, he figured why not?
No, there had to be more between them. Her old insecurities wouldn’t paralyze her. Determined to appear unflustered, McKenna smiled and announced she was ready to leave.
Zane flashed her a brilliant smile and walked around Erin to greet her with a kiss on the cheek. “That’s some shirt.” He trailed a finger over her exposed collar bone, sending shivers racing through her. “Remind me to show you how much I like it later.”
