Page 23 of Lone Star Lovers


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Or if I’m pregnant with your grandchild.

“Where’s Dad?”

“Hors d’oeuvres.” Elle rolled eyes that were a muted shade of Zach’s envious greens. “Since his heart attack, I make him eat healthy, but the very moment he’s out of my sight, he’s elbow deep in sausage canapés.”

Elle waved over an extremely tall, white-haired man who was patting his lips with a napkin. Zach’s father didn’t look like a man who’d suffered a heart attack. He walked with a lazy swagger, his tuxedo fitted over his lean body. His hair tickled his collar, in need of a trim like his son’s. His gray eyes narrowed on Penelope as he approached.

“Hey, son.”

“Penelope Brand, this is my father, Rand, but everyone calls him Rider.”

“Pretty girls like you can call me whatever you please,” Rider said in a deep baritone before he kissed her hand. Then he held her hand out at arm’s length. “Congratulations on your engagement to Zach. Looks like he chose better the second time around.”

“Rand! Honestly,” Elle scolded, clucking her tongue. “It’s lovely to meet you, Penelope. Zach, your brother was looking for you earlier. If you see him, do ask him to bring his date by to say hello. He’s being quite rude.”

Zach’s parents linked arms and walked away and Penelope let out the breath going stale in her lungs.

“They’re intense,” she said.

“Are they?” Zach looked after them and then turned to face Penelope. “My mother’s favorite phrase is quite rude by the way, so don’t let that alarm you.”

Still, the woman made Pen’s shoulders crawl under her ears.

“What can I get you to drink?”

“Anything clear and sparkling.” Sadly. She could use a glass of champagne.

“Club soda?”

“With a lime.” What the hell. Might as well go crazy.

“Perfect timing. Stef!” Zach lifted his voice to be heard and a few heads turned in their direction. It was clear that he was comfortable in the stuffy crowd. Pen already wanted to slip outside for some fresh air.

“Hey, kids.” Stefanie approached in a fuchsia dress, her dark blond hair wound into a fancy twist. She smiled over her martini. “Penelope, you have to try these. The gin is the best I’ve ever had.”

“Pen’s not drinking this evening. Hang out here for a moment with her while I get her a club soda.”

“Club soda?” Stef asked, but her words bounced off Zach’s retreating back.

“I haven’t been feeling well today.” It was the truth. Pen woke with morning sickness that kept her in bed an extra hour. She nibbled on saltine crackers while checking her email on her phone. She’d yet to throw up as a result of morning sickness, but she’d become increasingly grateful that her private office had an attached bathroom.

“You don’t look the least bit pale, so that’s a plus.” Stefanie’s assessing gaze trickled over her, and Pen worried for a moment the younger woman might see right through her facade.

“I hear your oldest brother has a date,” Pen said, successfully rerouting Stef’s gaze.

Stef’s eyes swept the room. “He does. I met her. She’s a stiff like he is.”

Pen saw them then, a slight woman with dark hair whose arm was linked with Chase’s. He was talking to his parents now, so there was no need to pass on Elle’s observation that he was being quite rude.

“Did you bid on anything?” Pen asked Stef.

“The spa package.” She pointed to one corner and then to a painting to the right. “And that horrible artwork.”

A chuckle erupted out of Pen before she could help it.

“I like you, Penelope.” Stef’s sincerity was obvious. The woman didn’t say things she didn’t mean. Pen knew that much. “If anyone is going to enter this family, I’m glad it’s you. Zach hasn’t always had the best taste.”

“Oh?” Pen stepped closer, curious about Zach’s dating habits. “Let me guess. Complete playboy.”

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