A Lone Star Romance: Book 2 in The Only Love Series

by Violet Sparks

  Harden oversaw her packing, commanding her to leave her reference books at the ranch. Did he think she wanted to lug those things back home? He also insisted on taking her to the airport himself Friday morning.

  "I sent Jen an email letting him know I expect you back on the job Monday afternoon," he informed her as the Amarillo skyline came into view.

  "I won't be back until Tuesday, Noble. I already told you that."

  "What? How many days does a bridal shower last?"

  "I've got other things to take care of while I'm there. I have to do some stuff in order to prepare for the wedding, and my mother is joining me. We need time to visit."

  A stony silence followed. Minutes ticked by.

  "Will he be there?" he asked in a low tone, barely audible, giving her a sidelong glance.

  "Who?"

  "Your ex. Your best friend's brother."

  "No, James won't be there. I don't even think he'll make the wedding."

  "You know, Kiki, I've been doing a lot of thinking about the collection. I'm reconsidering selling it," he said, changing the subject.

  "You are? I thought you wanted a quick buck to help the ranch."

  "I did, at first. But now, I'm thinking maybe we should keep it together in one place. Give it some thought while you're away, and we'll discuss it when you get back."

  He pulled the pickup to the curb outside her terminal and grabbed her bags from the back seat. He'd cleared all the tools out the day before so her luggage could ride in style and she could sit in the front, next to him.

  Harden helped her from the truck and gave her a hug.

  "Be careful, and call me if you need anything," he said, holding her in his arms.

  She thought it an odd comment, especially since phone calls proved difficult at the ranch.

  "See you in a few days, Mr. Harden," she chirped and walked into the terminal, not looking back.

  If she'd turned, she would have seen him standing by his vehicle, eyebrows furrowed, the corners of his mouth turned down, his lips twisted in frustration.

  Her plane left on time, and Kiki enjoyed conversing with the man in the next seat and thumbing through a fashion magazine during the trip. She gained two hours flying west, arriving at noon. A thick, yellow haze obliterated much of the view from the plane's window. Southern California was in the middle of an unseasonable heat wave, and the smog had reached unhealthy levels.

  Her mother's overnight flight landed hours earlier, and Mrs. Tam had taken a shuttle to Kiki's condo. Eager to see her mom, she flagged down a cab, planning to drop by her place before touching base with Katrina. She had a lot to accomplish today.

  Kiki pushed the door to her flat open and dropped her bags on the terrazzo tile floor. Beyond the small living room, a balcony looked onto the Santa Monica mountains. She spotted her mother relaxing there, a mug of tea in hand, scowling at all the brown leaves spilling over the edges of her Italian terracotta planters.

  Julie Tam was half Caucasian but looked one hundred percent ethnic. At first glance, people assumed she was a Pacific Islander—in Hawaii, at least. In California, she passed for Hispanic, while on the east coast, most assumed she had Italian ancestry. William Tam had a Chinese and Island background. Both her parents could trace part of their lineage back to original, but different, missionary families in Hawaii. Both received educations on the mainland, her mother at Vassar and her father at Yale.

  "Don't you have a plant man to take care of these?" her mother called, pointing to one of the dead ferns.

  "No, Mother. Good to see you too," she said, then laughed.

  She made a dash for the patio and leaned down to hug her mother.

  "How was your flight, Mom?"

  "Fine. I slept through most of it. Have you lost weight?" the woman said, eyeing her daughter up and down.

  "I doubt it. I've been eating like a horse since I got to Texas. Speaking of eating, do you want to grab lunch somewhere?"

  "I already ate."

  Kiki launched an eyebrow towards the sky, knowing she had nothing in the fridge.

  "Don't look at me like that, Kiki. I phoned Aldo's, and Vittorio was kind enough to send over today's lunch special."

  Aldo's, a nearby Italian restaurant favored by Mrs. Tam, delivered—at least to their special customers. Julie Tam qualified as one.

  "Ah, I see. Do you mind if I dash off? I've got some errands to run before I drop in on Katrina. You can come along if you'd like, but you might prefer to stay here and recuperate from the trip. How's Dad, by the way?"

  "Your father's doing just fine and looking forward to seeing you next month at the wedding. And, I'll stay put this afternoon as long as you don't forget about me come dinner time."

  "I'll be back before six. If you want me to cook, call me by five and let me know what sounds good to you."

  "All right, Sweetheart. Be careful," Mrs. Tam called after Kiki, who was already half way out the door.

  * * * * *

  "What do you need dress for?" Irina interrogated her client.

  "It's some kind of fancy hoedown."

  "Irian does not understand hoe-down."

  "I think it's a ball with . . ." Kiki tried to think of a term the Russian would understand. "With folk music, but I need the dress to impress people," she added.

  "Hmm. You have budget?"

  The Hawaiian knew that meant that Irina had something expensive in mind.

  "No, no budget."

  "You wait," Irina commanded before disappearing into the back of the store.

  She watched the tall, thin Russian with gray hair as she walked away. The lady had a grace to her movements and an incredible eye for the perfect dress. The mound of hair piled high atop her head added to her height and commanding presence, as did her standard outfit of a plain black dress with ecru collar. This was Kiki's go-to stop for occasions that required something special, and Irina never disappointed.

  "Come," the shop owner called from down the hall.

  She headed to the dressing room, a magnificent dream of rococo mirrors, pastel colors, French furniture and chandeliers.

  "Oh, Irina!" the girl gasped.

  A cascade of crushed silver velvet hung from a rhinestone-studded collar. The Russian helped her into the garment that looked like something a siren of the silver screen had worn. The backless number clung to Kiki's curves as if made for her, pooling at her feet. With the proper heels, she wouldn't even need it hemmed. A two-inch choker of solid rhinestones held up the halter dress. A row of single-file, tiny square crystals was stitched to the edge of the fabric and trailed from the collar down the sides of the top and around the low, scoop back. A slit up the left side of the dress hit mid-thigh.

  The shopkeeper fastened the choker with its built-in clasp, then commanded, "You wear hair up, small drop earrings, nothing more. You need shoes?"

  Kiki knew shoes meant a trip to Ivan Zabel's for a custom-made pair.

  "What do you think of nude pumps?" she asked.

  Irina bobbed her head from side to side, thinking the situation over.

  "Da, that will work."

  The girl smiled.

  "I'll take the dress," she said, turning from admiring herself in the mirror back to Irina. "Can you help me with something else?"

  "Vaat vould that be? Katrina does not need vedding dress. She send me invitation, but never came by for dress."

  Kiki had introduced her best friend to Irina, and Kate ended up buying several dresses, as well as matching shoes from Ivan. The store owner felt slighted that she wasn't asked to provide the wedding dress as well. The Hawaiian thought fast.

  "I have a dear friend in Texas. She also needs a dress for the ball. I have her measurements. She's younger than I am and well . . . here, look at her picture."

  She produced a cell phone from her purse and handed it to Irina after bringing up a photo of Peg. The Russian's eyes grew large as she glanced at the electronic device.

  "Dis vun needs more help than Irina can g
ive."

  "I don't believe that for a minute. You've worked many a miracle before," Kiki flattered the shopkeeper, although her words were one hundred percent true.

  She handed the Russian a card with the measurements she'd hastily jotted down before leaving the ranch.

  "She vill need matching shoe," Irina pronounced after another minute of staring at the image of Peg.

  "Done!" Kiki said, a smile stretching across her face.

  * * * * *

  "Girl, how are you?" she squealed, hugging her friend with all her might.

  "Come in, Kiki. I'm so glad you made it back for the shower!"

  Katrina took her friend by the hand and led her to the sofa.

  "Kate, wild horses couldn't keep me away. Although, one tried."

  "What? Oh! I need to introduce you to Ireland."

  Katrina motioned towards the apartment's dining area, attached to the living room. There, at a small round table, Kiki spotted a mass of strawberry curls poking out behind a computer screen.

  "Ireland, this is my best friend, Kiki. Kiki, this is my new assistant, Ireland."

  The curls bounced as a lovely, fresh face emerged to the left of the laptop. The girl stood and moved towards the couch, unsure of herself.

  "Please, call me Landi. I'm so glad to meet you, Kiki. Katrina talks about you all the time," she said, smiling.

  "Assistant?" she questioned, shooting a glance at Katrina.

  "Yes, I do need one now that I'm consulting with museums and auction houses across the country. I'm still writing the blog too. It became more than one person could handle," Kate explained.

  Kiki gave Landi's hand a vigorous shake.

  "I'm pleased to meet you. I hope you can keep this one on the mark, Landi," she said, laughing. "Have you noticed she tends to daydream a lot?" she added.

  Ireland glanced at the floor, embarrassed and unsure how to answer.

  Katrina burst out laughing and gave Kiki a playful swat.

  "Don't poison the girl's mind. She's been a huge blessing to me."

  "Katrina, should I pick up your dry cleaning and run those errands now?" Landi asked.

  "That would be great, Ireland. If we're not here when you get back, you can take the rest of the day off."

  "Thank you, Katrina," the girl said and scurried from the apartment.

  "Well, what do you think?" Kate asked as soon as the door closed.

  "She's pretty, kind of young, though. Where did you find her?"

  "The Gemology Institute recommended her. She goes to school in the morning and comes by here to help out each afternoon. Landi's been a real godsend."

  "How's Robert?" Kiki asked with a raised eyebrow.

  "Wonderful," Katrina replied, her voice taking on a dreamy tone.

  "How's your, uh . . . purity plan going?" she asked with a giggle.

  "It's been a struggle. We had to enact Stage Two!" Kate said between laughs.

  "What on earth is Stage Two? Did you ship him off to a monastery?

  Both girls had a long chuckle. It sure was great to be home again.

  "He doesn't step over that threshold over there," Katrina said, nodding to the door, "and I don't step over his."

  "Wow, Girl! I guess you mean that literally and figuratively. He agreed to that? I hope you can hold out 'til the wedding."

  "Kiki, you're terrible! I wouldn't marry a man who didn't agree to it. We've got the rest of our lives to sleep together. Now tell me about what's been going on with you. What was that comment about a wild horse?"

  "More of a donkey, really."

  The girls huddled close as they shared the latest developments in their lives. Kiki explained all about Noble Harden, including the mixup at the airport, the blizzard, his insistence that everyone go to church, and his reluctance to let her return to LA for the bridal shower. Katrina talked about her new career opportunities, Robert and his mother, her wedding dress, and how Bernard, the man she once dated, helped her get consulting jobs with two other museums.

  "I just can't figure him out, Kate. He's hot and cold. Sometimes, he seems serious about me, and other times, he's just plain serious. And you know I could never live in the middle of nowhere. I mean, can you really see me in Texas, of all places, with some redneck cowboy?"

  Katrina examined her friend, not sure of how to bring up the subject of James.

  "First of all, I don't think we've established that he's a redneck. Second, he risked his life for you in that terrible storm. That should count for something. And, I think it's good that he wants to go to church—shows he's got a spiritual side. I know I'd follow Robert to the ends of the earth, if necessary."

  "Well, he's no Robert. I haven't been dreaming of him for six or seven years."

  Kiki didn't mention that Noble often made appearances in her dreams.

  "You know, I'm awfully sorry things didn't work out with James. I guess he just wasn't ready to settle down," Kate volunteered.

  "Girl, you've already apologized a dozen times for your brother. Please, let's forget about it. I don't hold anyone responsible," she said.

  "He called me yesterday, Kiki. He asked about you and said he's going to make the wedding after all. I might as well tell you. Jim is out of the service."

  The Hawaiian's jaw dropped. Had James lied to her about re-enlisting? How could he be out of the military? It had only been about six months since he signed up for another tour of duty. Katrina saw her friend's expression and explained, reaching for the girl's hand.

  "I'm sorry to be the one to drop this bomb on you, Kiki. He joined up for a special mission. At the time, he couldn't explain it to anyone, but it had something to do with one of his buddies. They had to extract him from some situation, and James knew a lot about what was going on over there. The navy needed his expertise and offered him a special six-month term. I don't even know if everything turned out all right. But, he called me a couple of weeks ago and said he'd be coming home earlier than expected."

  Kiki clamped her mouth shut and pinched her lips together. She wanted to cry, yet felt angry at the same time. She had just come to terms with not having a future with James, with the fact that he didn't want her enough to resign his commission and enter private life, as he claimed he wished to. She put her hands over her face.

  "If he were anyone besides my brother, I'd tell him not to come," Katrina said.

  "No, of course he has to be here. I'll just have to buck up and get over it," she said, still holding her face in her palms.

  "I'm sorry, Kiki."

  "Stop apologizing. It's all right. I just need to get used to the idea of seeing him again. We didn't even date for that long, you know?"

  "It doesn't take long to fall in love."

  "I guess not," Kiki whispered.

  Different emotions warred within her and her stomach felt tied in knots. She wasn't used to this kind of turmoil swirling inside, and she didn't like the feeling.

  Get hold of yourself. This is supposed to be all about the bride.

  "Hey, what's our day look like tomorrow?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

  "Well, as you know, we're having high tea at the Fairmont for the shower at three p.m. I've got a room reserved there for the seamstress, so all the girls can get a fitting before the party. I'm planning on getting there at eleven. I'll have a light lunch sent up for everyone. I can't wait for you to see your dresses!"

  "Speaking of dresses, where's yours?"

  "It arrives from the designer next week. I have my first fitting then. I'm so excited!"

  Kiki guessed the gown must be incredible. Her friend appeared downright giddy over the garment.

  "I've gotta warn you, Girl. Irina is a bit, shall we say, hurt because you didn't go to her for your wedding dress. Be extra nice to her when you see her next time."

  "Oh. I hadn't thought of it. I just didn't want a used gown for my wedding."

  "Vintage, Katrina, vintage. Irina sells vintage designer dresses, worn once, if at all."

&n
bsp; "Okay. I'll smooth it over with her, somehow. Does your mom want to come to dinner tonight?"

  "I told her I'd do the cooking. I figured you'd be with Robert."

  "No, he's with his buddies this weekend in San Diego. I'm all yours if you want me," she said with a smile.

  "Why don't you come over to my place and I'll cook for all three of us? I'm sure Mom would love to see you before the shower."

  * * * * *

  The fittings and shower went off without a hitch. Katrina received oodles of lingerie, along with dozens of double entendres. The guests ribbed her extensively about her wedding night. Once they'd exhausted the subject of the bride's virtue, Kiki's plight in Texas became the next hot topic. Friends kept mentioning Deliverance, a movie she'd never seen but concluded it featured backwards people. Eye rolls aplenty went around when she tried to defend the Texans she'd met. It seems the thought of her even setting foot in the Lone Star state provided amusement for others. They treated the idea as ridiculous, ludicrous even. She felt resentment and anger building inside. What did these Californians know about Texas, anyway? Half of them had never been further east than Las Vegas. Somehow, the girls she'd once considered close companions seemed catty and rude. The nicest person in the room, besides the bride and her own mother, was Ireland, who kept her comments positive and sweet. Katrina remained a good sport, but Kiki could have busted a few heads together that afternoon.

  "Did you hear those awful things they said at the Fairmont?" she complained to her mother when they returned to the condo.

  "They were a bit vulgar in their comments to Katrina and boorish about you, Darling. I think jealousy got the best of most of them today. Kate is about to marry the man of her dreams and your career is taking off. It's a shame, really."

  "Well, at least Kate is too over the moon, deliriously in love to notice."

  "Oh, I think she noticed, Kiki. She's just too much of a lady to let it show. Take a lesson, Sweetheart. Tempering that fireball personality of yours could go a long way towards getting you where you want to be in life, and—"