Shelby’s sharp blue eyes went wide, and she jigged from one foot to the other, humming a tune. Shoot, why had he told her that? Gossip to Shelby was like honey to a bee.
Sofie, and whatever had sent her running to Sky Lake, wasn’t his story to tell. The only excuse he had was that he didn’t want Shelby zeroing in on him. He loved her, but even though his initial plan to leave Fly Creek had been foiled, it was still going to happen. And if Shelby caught wind of it before he was ready, she’d make it her mission to get him to stay.
“Settle your bonnet. She’s surprising Emily and doesn’t want her to know. You need to zip those lips, Shelby Marks. You wouldn’t want to ruin a Christmas surprise, now would you?”
Shelby froze and narrowed her gaze on a humph. “Don’t be telling me what to do. I wouldn’t mess with a family reunion for the world.”
Dan choked back his sigh of relief so she wouldn’t catch it. “Good.”
He smiled, but before he could turn back around, she stopped him cold.
“You didn’t mention how you came across our guest.”
He wouldn’t lie to her, no matter what, so he would have to settle with being slightly rude. “No, ma’am, I didn’t.” He bolted for the front door. Shelby would hunt him down later for sure, but he knew her and knew she would be pacing the lodge until she saw that the two sisters were reunited. Then she would descend like an army, full of food and smiles, all while gathering every little bit of intel she could.
Shelby Marks would have made a fine general. And knowing that made Dan hurry even faster toward the far creek barn. He might have to rethink his plan and the timing of it. Then again, having the lovely Sofie distracting Shelby might be more of a boon than he could have hoped for.
…
Sofie took the massive staircase one step at a time. Earlier, when she’d been rushed in at the break of dawn, dead on her swollen feet, she hadn’t taken the time to appreciate the splendor and downright breathtaking beauty of the great lodge. Now, the wood and beams and stonework joined together to smile at her in comfort, like an old friend greeting her after a long day, welcoming her just as she imagined it had done to others as they stepped foot inside.
What made it even more magical were the decorations. Simple and understated but all the more gorgeous with the lodge as their canvas. Or at least she bet that was how Emily would describe it. Garland wreaths—fresh, if the smell was any indication—draped every available surface. Candles, some electric some real, and ribbons dotted mantels and tables. The chandeliers held red bows with the garland and, if she remembered correctly, white twinkle lights, too. Fires blazed in the two fireplaces that anchored each end of the room, as Christmas carols played softly. The smell of gingerbread wafted through like a pied piper intent on leading her to paradise.
Stepping down to the main floor, she debated if she had time to be led to gingerbread paradise. An older woman, with blond hair streaked with gray and dressed in jeans and a fringed button-down blouse, appeared at her side.
“Ms. Pennington?”
“Yes?”
Sofie was enveloped in a vanilla-scented hug before she could even blink. She tentatively returned it, unsure of what to do with both the gesture and the beaming smile that had encompassed the stranger’s face the moment before the attack.
“I’m so happy to meet you. Even if I hadn’t been told you were Em’s sister, I would have known instantly. The resemblance is remarkable, though the coloring a tad different. It’s in the eyes.”
So this woman knew Emily. Then again, all of Fly Creek apparently knew her sister, which made sense since she’d lived there for four years and ran a business in town. Not to mention having married a local rancher earlier that year. Mr. Rigby had said she was well liked.
She smiled. Well, of course she was. There was nothing not to like about Emily.
“Now you come—”
“Sof!”
Sofie glanced beyond the kind, if nosey, woman and rushed off as fast as her off-balance body would allow. She reached her sister and hung on for dear life. Tears spilled down her cheeks, and she finally allowed herself to really breathe. She’d done it. She was here with her sister in her new town, and life would be okay. Her baby would be okay. Giddiness erupted through her, threatening to send her to the ground, most likely taking Emily with her.
Closing her eyes on the rush, she and Emily clung to one another in the center of the lodge. It was enough for now. She knew her sister would pepper her with all sorts of questions, but she also believed Emily would wait to interrogate her.
At least for another five minutes or so.
Emily pulled back but didn’t let go. She searched Sofie’s face and then her gaze dropped to her stomach. “Was this some sort of surprise? You wait until you’re ready to burst to tell me you’re pregnant?” Her sister hadn’t managed to disguise the hurt in her statement.
Heat flooded Sofie’s cheeks. She hadn’t intended to keep the baby a secret, but in making her plans and her escape, it had become necessary. Even her parents didn’t know the truth, as they’d been out of the country for most of the end. Certainly since she’d started showing enough to not be able to hide it. But by then, things were done.
So many things to explain, including the truth about why she hadn’t been at Emily’s wedding.
“Why don’t we get you girls settled with some food?”
Emily looked beyond Sofie and smiled. “Thanks, Shelby. That would be great.” She spun Sofie around and slid an arm through the older woman’s arm. “Sofie, this is Shelby Marks. Owner of Sky Lake, meddlesome mother hen, and all-around amazing woman.”
Shelby clucked, but it was obvious to Sofie this woman adored her sister, and any person who recognized how awesome Emily was, and had helped bring about the happiness radiating from her sister, was someone she wanted in her corner.
“Nice to officially meet you, Mrs. Marks.”
Shelby put her arm around Sofie. “None of that ‘Mrs.’ crap. It’s Shelby to you.”
She nodded and let Shelby and Emily lead her in the direction of the gingerbread smell. This day was getting better and better.
Once they were settled, and tea and coffee poured, Emily and Sofie eyed each other.
Sofie wasn’t quite ready to spill, so she took the offensive. “How are you feeling? Over the morning sickness yet?”
Emily set her tea down as a hand crept to her barely swollen stomach. “Yes, thank God, although I still can’t even think about seafood without hurling.”
Food appeared, despite neither of them ordering. Emily just smiled at the young woman who brought it and unrolled her silverware. Following her lead, Sofie grabbed some eggs and the salt and pepper.
“So. What are you really doing here?”
Sofie swallowed the bite of eggs that suddenly clung to her throat like glue and narrowed her gaze at her sister across the wooden table. She was famished, and at the rate Shelby and the waitress were shuttling platters, she would have to be rolled out of there a la Veruca Salt.
“Gee, and I thought a Christmas surprise would be something you’d enjoy.”
Emily reached across and covered her hand. The sympathy and encouragement in her sister’s hazel eyes were almost her undoing. If anyone would support her at this time, it was Emily. Emily, who had run clear across the country because of grief. Who had turned her life around and found love again in the wilds of Wyoming.
Not that Sofie planned on the love part, but a nice change of scenery while getting her feet under her was exactly what she needed. A place where no one could control her. Or try to dictate how she raised her son, how she spent her moments, what job was best for her. Hell, even her clothes would be of her choosing. If she wanted to wear yoga pants all day, damn it, she would wear yoga pants.
“It’s the best surprise. I cannot wait for you to meet Adam.” Her sister rubbed Sofie’s empty
ring finger. “Is Brent coming?”
Sofie slid her hand away and grabbed the coffee mug. Decaf, but still coffee. “No. He isn’t. He isn’t anything to me anymore.”
Emily slumped back in her chair. “Oh, Sof. What happened? Are you sure it can’t be fixed? Why didn’t you tell me? Do Mom and Dad know?”
Another plate of food arrived, and Shelby smiled when Sofie looked up at her. “Eating for two is always a fickle thing, ain’t it? One minute you want sweet, the next, salty. Don’t you worry—Laney in the kitchen can whip up anything you want. It’s just so nice to meet family of Emily’s. I think the world of her.”
Emily softened and hugged Shelby. Contentment and happiness gave her sister a glow. Sofie wanted that. Needed that again. For her baby’s sake. If Emily could come back from the tragedy of her life, surely Sofie could overcome being married to a social-climbing wolf in sheep’s clothing.
“Thank you, Mrs. Marks. You’re really being kind. Everyone here has been lovely so far.”
“Shelby, remember. And it’s our pleasure. So glad Dan was able to help you this morning.”
Sofie couldn’t stop the rush of heat to her cheeks but managed a commendable, “Yes, he was very helpful.”
A quick glance showed heightened interest in her sister’s face, but she would deal with that as soon as she could.
“Well, enjoy, and I hope we’ll see you around for a while.” With that, Shelby left.
Sofie reached for a cinnamon roll.
“Dan, huh?”
Dropping the roll on her plate, she looked at Emily and leaned forward. “How did she know?”
Emily burst out laughing. “Honey, this is Fly Creek. Everyone knows everything, and they usually get it from that woman right there.”
“Great, so she’s a busybody.” Sofie slumped back in her chair. Way to start her new life on the heels of rumors.
Emily sobered. “No, she’s an amazing, generous and caring woman. Who just happens to think she knows what’s best for people. Nine times out of ten, she’s right.”
Sofie digested that. What was best for her? At the moment, being here was, but she had no idea what her future held.
“Now, back to Brent.”
Sofie held up her hand. “Stop. I’ve done my grieving. I’ve ranted and raved, and then I decided to follow in your shoes and come out here. You’re here and that’s all I”—she rubbed her stomach—“we need right now. There’s no more to the story that needs to be said.”
“But the baby?”
“Is mine.”
Emily’s eyes widened at Sofie’s harsh tone. “Legally…”
“Mine. As in, signed away all rights. He can’t touch me or my son.”
“A boy?” Emily pushed away from the table and engulfed Sofie in a hug, tears streaming down her face. “Our boys will grow up together,” she choked out. And for the first time since climbing in her car with nothing but her clothes and a little savings, Sofie knew things would be okay. She felt like she could finally breathe again.
“Can I get in on this celebration?”
Sofie pulled away from her sister, and the surprise announcement of her impending nephew, to find a very handsome and very tall cowboy standing at attention with his hat in his hands. Was there something in the water in Fly Creek? Jeez.
“Levi!” Emily squeaked and crushed the man in a bear hug.
“Hey, sis.”
“When did you get back?” Emily asked, releasing him.
“Last night. Heard from Adam?”
Emily nodded. “He’s got two more rides, and then he’ll be home.”
“Good. I know it will ease your mind once he’s back in your arms.” The last was said with an exaggerated wink, and Sofie giggled.
“And who is this?” the cowboy asked.
“Levi, this is Sofie, my sister. Sof, Levi Conley, Adam’s big brother.”
Levi dropped a kiss on her cheek. “Any sister of Emily’s is a sister of mine. Welcome to Fly Creek.”
Lord, if this is what Levi looked like, she could only imagine what kinds of handsome Emily’s husband was. She’d seen pictures, but real life cowboy-on-a-stick was a lot more potent. Even as she smiled, her mind shifted to the black-haired cowboy who had rescued her. While the one in front of her was all sorts of sexy, Dan Rigby moved her blood and nerves in ways she wasn’t sure she recognized. Then again, it was probably just hormones and the fatigue and a whole host of other excuses.
“Thanks, Levi. And thanks for looking out for Em while her hubby is away.”
“Of course. Family sticks together.”
That was exactly what she was counting on in fleeing to Fly Creek—family in the form of one little sister, who would hopefully help her get her life back on track.
But as she turned back to her breakfast, she couldn’t help thinking of a certain cowboy and wondering what he was doing. And if she might see him again.
Chapter Four
Dan pushed open his door and threw his hat on the table inside the cabin entryway. Spying the note he’d left on the kitchen island, he took three long strides swiped it up, and crumpled it with more force than the damn paper deserved. Tossing it into the trash on his way, he grabbed a glass out of the dishwasher and poured some orange juice, despite wishing it was something stronger.
He should have known sneaking off in the middle of the night wouldn’t get him anywhere. Any time he’d ever tried to do something less than honorable, fate stood up, punched him in the face, and demanded he act like a man.
Message received. If he wanted to leave, he needed to own it. Speak it. Tell Shelby and the rest of Sky Lake the truth. He wasn’t happy.
Only the thought of facing his surrogate mother when he told her there was nothing here for him scared him more than his first attempt at taming a mustang. He cringed. He would rather be dragged behind a horse through the blizzard than hurt Shelby
But it was the truth. Did that make him selfish? Arrogant? He didn’t know, but a man was entitled to his own feelings, and these feelings were eating him up. Now when he did something for someone he was torn between wanting to help and feeling taken for granted. Like they didn’t really need him, they just asked him because that was who he was. He liked to give, but lately, it felt like all anyone did was take.
Slamming his glass down, he swiped up his hat and headed back out. He wasn’t leaving today and probably not anytime this week now that he’d mucked up so bad. He might as well get back to what he knew. Horses. Ranching. Helping people make memories. Being dependable because that was what he did. At least for now.
“Dan.”
Spinning on his boot heel, he saw Becky Jane, the veterinarian, hailing him. Her bright orange scarf muffled up to her nose, while her telltale red locks were covered with an equally bright knit hat.
“You know the horses hate your choice of outerwear.”
She snorted. “Those cattle of yours love me, and you know it.”
A gust of wind crossed through the grove of aspens, and Becky shrank her face even farther into the scarf, resembling something of a turtle, not that he would tell her that. At five-foot-one, she was testy at any mention of her height. Somehow he imagined being likened to a turtle probably wouldn’t go over too well, either.
“So, I just left Rainbow. Nothing active yet, but the signs point to any time in the next three weeks. I had Max move her into a birthing stall.”
“Thanks, BJ. I know you’re not usually on this type of duty at this time of year.”
“I don’t know why I’m shocked. That Winston of yours has had his eye on her for years. Leave it him to find a way to knock her up for Christmas.”
A grin slid across Dan’s face. Good ole Winston knew what he wanted and made sure he got it. Perhaps he needed to take a page out of his stallion’s book.
Becky Jane scoffed. �
�Men.”
Dan threw his gaze back to her, only to find fire snapping from her barely visible green eyes.
“You know you’re worth isn’t measured in your sexual prowess, right?”
“I wasn’t—”
“Weren’t you?” She stomped back toward the main lodge.
Of course he was. Not that he always thought in that respect, but these days, he felt like anything that gave him worth was something to cling to, especially since he didn’t seem to know anymore where his worth came from.
Lately, his relationships hadn’t been anything more than flings. He’d had a long, unrequited love for a close friend, but that had come to a close a few months ago. Until Sofie blew into town, he hadn’t felt more than a passing interest in a woman.
Tugging his gloves tighter, he pushed Sofie out of his mind and thought about where best to spend his time. When he’d decided to leave last night, he’d made sure his posts were covered for the day. He might have planned on sneaking out, but he would never have left Sky Lake in a lurch. That meant, though, that he wasn’t really needed anywhere at the moment.
A little voice whispered that he could leave now. Everyone would be busy. If someone saw his truck heading out now, they would assume a delivery or an errand. He could take the road to Cheyenne and figure out how to heal the exposed spots on his soul. By the time someone figured it out, he would be well on his way.
Own it. Despite all the positive, the guilt that swamped him this morning returned. No, he wouldn’t slink out. He would voice his reasons, whether they were understood or not, and then he would leave.
Reviewing the lists of activities for the day, he figured the lake and ice fishing might be his best bet. Heading off down one of the minor trails that was a shortcut to the lake, he kept an eye out for any of the permanent hands that he’d conscripted to take over for him. While he didn’t owe anyone an explanation, he didn’t want to have to lie. Since he was here at least for another day or two, it was probably best no one got wind of what he was up to. Especially Shelby.
He came through the tree line to see a couple of boys sitting on a bench swinging their legs. Their breaths made cloudy puffs in the air as they pointed and exclaimed over the visitors already out on the lake.
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