by Amelia Shea
Jasper drew in a breath. “She doesn’t tell me who I can or cannot be friends with. In fact, she’s never even tried, nor would she. That’s not her way. I’m telling you, I got no interest in any kind of relationship with you. This is over.”
She turned with her hair swaying over her shoulder, and he watched her march down the path. There was no way of knowing if Abby fully got his message. He had his doubts, but if it came to it, he’d make it clear again. He stepped back into the house and closed the door.
The end.
»»•««
Kellie had spent the last fifteen minutes trying to explain her motives to Britt. Apparently, her friend just didn’t get it.
“I would have stayed. A woman wants to profess her cheating, skanky, two-timing, undying love to my man? She can say it in front of me.” Britt stacked up the trays of food and hoisted them into her arms, sending a sneered grin to Kellie.
Kellie chuckled and grabbed the top two trays, making it possible for Britt to see. “If I had stayed it would mean I didn’t trust him.” Kellie shrugged. “I trust him, Britt, and I trust what we have. It’s better this way. Abby will know it’s coming from him, and he’s not just saying it because I’m standing right there.”
“Like a talk is going to stop her from pursuing him.” Britt turned toward the door.
She had to agree with Britt, she had her doubts Abby would give up on trying to get Jasper back. It may come down to a woman to woman chat.
They exited the house and down the porch steps, making their way to the main house. From the corner of her eye, she glanced over at Jasper’s house. I trust him. She needed a distraction.
“How many people are going to be here?”
Britt snorted. “Over two hundred were invited.” She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Do you even know two hundred people, ’cause I don’t.”
Kellie laughed just as they breached the Fords’ backyard. Tables had been set up with flower arrangements. The ranch had literally been transformed overnight. It was beautifully rustic.
“Wow.” Kellie was in complete awe of the setting.
Britt glanced over her shoulder, grinning. “Now you get why I want to get married here.”
She didn’t get a chance to answer. The back door flew open and the ranch hands, along with Grey and Tripp, filed out.
“’Bout time, Mom is waiting on you two.” Tripp walked straight for her and winked. Then he took the trays from her hand and moved to turn but stopped and stared past Kellie’s shoulder.
“That didn’t take long.”
Kellie turned to see what he was looking at. Up at Jasper’s house, he was standing on the porch, and Abby was along the path. Tripp was right, it was a shorter talk than she expected, too. It seemed everyone knew of Abby’s efforts.
Jasper went back in the house and closed the door. She hated to stare, but she couldn’t take her eyes off Abby. She walked quickly and wiped tears from her eyes. Kellie tried to muster pity for the other woman, but she couldn’t. Abby had done this to herself.
Seconds later, movement from Jasper’s caught her attention. He was walking down the hill toward the main house. She considered meeting him halfway but stood in the yard with Britt, who up until now had remained silent.
“Think she got the message this time?”
“I hope so.”
Britt rested her hand on her arm. “I got your back, Kell.”
Kellie jerked her head and chuckled. “I’m not gonna fistfight her, Britt.”
Britt smirked. “Hey, men do it all the time.”
“Oh God.”
Jasper made his way to her. She wasn’t sure exactly how to act. If they were alone, she’d greet him with a kiss and maybe something more, but they were surrounded by his family.
Jasper’s lips spread into a beautiful smile as he neared. He made no effort to stop, and he came up to her, wrapped his hands around her waist, and tugged her into his chest, pressing his lips against hers. All the uncertainty faded away, and she reached for his biceps and returned the kiss.
When he broke away, he hugged her into his body and kissed her head.
“We about done with everything?”
Kellie cocked her head to see his dad walking to them. Her heart beat a bit faster. She released her hands from Jasper’s waist where they rested. She expected him to do the same. Instead, Jasper pulled her closer into the curve of his side, his hand resting on her back, his fingers drawing circles. He was trying to calm her. There would be time later to ask what happened. For now, they were going to enjoy the day with his family.
“Yeah, we’re set. Guests should be arriving soon.”
Mr. Fords had always been a stern looking man, and his reputation of a shrewd but fair rancher followed him everywhere, especially in Cloves County. Aside from the horseback ride when she was eight, she’d never spoken a word to him. The lines creased deeply in his forehead.
“Good.” He turned his gaze to Kellie, and her breath hitched.
“Kellie, glad you could join us today.” He held out his hand. “Edward Fords.”
Her hand shook as she took his. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Jasper squeezed her back. “You’ve actually met before, Dad. One of Tripp’s birthday parties. You convinced her to ride a horse, even though she didn’t want to.”
Kellie felt her heart race faster. He wouldn’t remember. Kellie licked her lips. “It was a long time ago.”
Mr. Fords stared at her as if he was trying to place her face. His eyebrow quirked up, and the corner of his lip curled. “Pigtails, last in line? Actually, if I remember correctly, you kept letting kids go ahead of you.” He snickered. “I remember.”
“You said, ‘you can’t come to a ranch and not ride.’”
His face softened. “I still believe that.”
The cars and trucks started to roll in, and his dad excused himself.
The next thirty minutes were spent greeting guests. All the while, Jasper kept her hand in his. Aside from the few times she left to help Mrs. Fords, they were together. She was coming from the house when she saw the small familiar group gathered by the large oak tree. She walked up and slid her hand around Jasper’s waist to rest on his stomach. He glanced down at her.
“Been looking for you.”
“I was helping your mom.”
Jasper nudged her to his side, and they listened to Travis tell some story about the circuit. He’d just gotten back. Kellie was only half listening as she scanned the ranch. It looked like all two hundred people showed up. Most people she didn’t know, some she had seen around town but never met. She expected more glares, but she was only getting that from one small group.
Off to the side of the house, a table of women gathered. Only one set of eyes were on her, though she caught a few whispers and side glances. Abby was staring at her. Not a hateful glare, more envious than anything else. Kellie hadn’t seen her since she had walked down from Jasper’s earlier.
Kellie watched as Abby took in their stance, focusing on Jasper mostly. This was beyond uncomfortable. She pulled away slightly, but his grasp tugged her back in. When she looked up, he smiled and bent down, pressing a kiss to her lips.
He seemed oblivious to Abby’s stares. He squeezed her waist and jerked his chin over her head. “Cara’s here. You go, I gotta check on something.”
Kellie turned and then started to her. She was surprised she actually showed up. Cara had made it clear she didn’t want to. Kellie hurried, careful of her steps, and reached her friend.
“You came.” Cara looked uncomfortable, out of place. She tugged on her dress, which was cute, but Kellie knew money wasn’t spent on clothes.
“Take a good look ’cause I’m seconds from bolting.” Cara looked around her as though the entire place was giving her glares. In truth, no one was paying them any mind except a man in a suit off in the corner speaking with Mr. Fords. His gaze was set on them, but more specifically on Cara, and he wasn’t glaring. It was de
finitely interest, glinting in his eyes. Interesting.
“You look really pretty.”
“I look like a fraud. God, I should have just worn jeans.”
“Shut up, you look fantastic showing off your legs. Come on.” Kellie looped her arm into the curve of her elbow and pulled her into the small group formed by the porch. She could feel Cara pull back, but Kellie ushered them closer to the group.
“Well, damn, Car, look at you.”
“Shut up, Travis.”
Travis barked out a laugh. “That was a compliment.”
“Really, that was a compliment? You need to work on it ’cause that sucked.”
Kellie chuckled along with Britt who moved in closer on the other side of Cara. She must have sensed her friend’s uneasiness, too. The conversation went back to bull riding, and Kellie followed it as much as she could. She’d been to a few events and knew the minimum.
Lucas came out from the house with Sarah following close behind. The girl hadn’t even muttered two words to her since she arrived. She wasn’t expecting any kind words, but a smile would have been cordial, especially since Kellie had gone out of her way to wave hello. Sarah glared, and her gaze shifted to Cara and then trailed down to her friend.
Lucas walked over, but Sarah didn’t follow. Instead, she turned and started to talk with an older couple on the landing.
“Hey Lucas, they serving food yet?” Britt asked.
He shook his head. “About ten minutes Grey said.” He lifted his drink and stopped when his eyes set on Cara. Like his ex, his gaze traveled the length of Cara’s body and back up slowly. Unlike Sarah, Lucas smiled.
“Cara.”
“Hey.”
“You look nice.”
Cara eyed him suspiciously. “Thanks.”
“Didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Why?” Cara had obviously taken offense to the comment.
Lucas seemed to sense her anger and shrugged. “Just didn’t think this was your kind of thing.”
“Oh, didn’t think I could be charitable?”
His back straightened and he blinked. “What? No.”
“Don’t act like just ’cause you’re banging the niece, you got some clout here, Lucas. You grew up not too far down the road from me, you ain’t no better.”
Jasper walked over, and Kellie was floored. What the hell just happened? Cara pulled her arm and spun around, slamming into Jasper. He grasped her arms lightly and stepped back.
“You okay?”
“I gotta go.” She pulled away from Jasper and darted down the path toward the cars.
“What the hell just happened?”
“I have no idea.” Kellie raced after Cara. It wasn’t really a run, more of an intense, determined walk. Kellie doubled her steps and soon jogged to catch up. They were just at the wooden fence when she caught up.
“Cara, wait.”
She turned around, clearly upset.
“What’s the matter? Lucas wasn’t trying to be rude.”
She pointed up the hill over her shoulder. “That jerk is no better than me, and I’m tired of him acting like he is.” Kellie was missing something. Cara was overly angered, and she couldn’t figure out why. Lucas had been nothing but kind, or at least he was trying, but she seemed set on flipping every word that came out of his mouth.
“Whatever, I’m leaving.” Cara started forward but stopped when Kellie grabbed her wrist.
“Stay, Cara.”
“I don’t fit in here.”
“Neither do I.”
Cara shook her head. “Yeah, you do.”
Kellie caught the sight of Jasper’s mom walking toward them with a smile.
“Hello girls, you both look so lovely.” She turned to Cara and grinned. “I’m Beth Fords.”
Cara wiped her hand on her dress and reached out her hand. “Hi, I’m Cara.”
“Cara’s a friend of mine. We work together.”
“How nice. I hope you are aren’t leaving. The food is ready, you girls come up before the men eat it all.”
Kellie laughed, but Cara stood awkwardly shifting on her feet. “I’m not feeling well so I need to go.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Kellie, sweetheart, you run up and make Cara a plate to take home.”
“No, I’m fine. But thanks.”
It was almost painful to watch Cara.
“Well, I hope you feel better, Cara, and it was so nice to meet you.”
“You too.” She turned and walked down the hill. Kellie was struggling with what she should do. Her friend was obviously upset, she just didn’t know exactly why.
Cara turned, and for a brief second, Kellie thought she was reconsidering leaving.
“Um, excuse me, Mrs. Fords?”
“Yes?”
“I’d like to make a donation.”
“Oh well, that would be wonderful. I’ll put you down in the book. How much were you thinking?”
Cara swallowed. “Five hundred dollars.”
Kellie gasped, and her eyes shot to Cara. She wasn’t privy to her bank account, but she knew Cara was not in the position to be giving five hundred dollars away, even to charity.
“That’s so generous. Thanks so much.”
Cara’s entire demeanor changed. Her shoulders stretched back, and she stood tall. She smiled and nodded before turning and walking away.
Kellie followed Mrs. Fords back, wondering if she should say something. Where the hell was Cara going to come up with that kind of money?
Chapter Seventeen
She was rounding the street corner to the bar when her phone rang. She glanced down at the screen.
“Hey there.”
“Hey, darlin’.”
Kellie stopped mid step. His tone was not his usual easy self.
“What’s wrong?”
Kellie heard his heavy sigh. “We’ve got two hands supposed to show and they bailed. With Grey out of town, it just leaves me. I gotta cancel tonight.”
Her shoulders slumped. “It’s okay, I understand.”
“Tried to call Tripp, but he bolted after his shift, and I can’t get him. I think he’s dodging my calls.”
Kellie giggled. “Well, the boy can only change so much in a very short time.”
“Damn asshole.” Jasper paused. “No telling how late I’ll be, and I got a shift early tomorrow morning, so no time to even come by afterward. I’m sorry, darlin’.”
He sounded disappointed, which made up for the fact she wouldn’t see him. She couldn’t remember the last night they spent without each other.
“Jas, it’s fine. Tomorrow night?”
“You can count on it. Love you.”
“Love you too.” She clicked the phone closed and made her way to the bar.
The place was pretty quiet as she maneuvered past the tables. Lena passed by with a tray full of shots and jerked her head. “Garr and Patty wanna see ya.”
“Uh-oh.”
Lena giggled. “Never fun getting called into the principal’s office. Trust me, I should know.” She winked.
Kellie made her way down the hall, dropping her bag in the break room. This wouldn’t be the first time Garr and Patty had summoned her to their office. They usually called her in when they were thinking about doing changes, like menus or tournaments. They would run ideas by her and get her thoughts. Every once in a while, she would have an idea to share. While it may not seem like a big deal to them, it was huge to Kellie. It meant they valued her opinion. Most were taken and used. Except karaoke. Garr was set against it.
Kellie knocked on the office door and opened it without hesitation. Garr’s office was a small supply room, messier than most and full of papers.
“Heard I was in trouble.”
Patty laughed as Garr looked up from his desk. Patty sat in the chair in the corner behind his desk. The room was cramped and small but served its purpose.
“Never, baby.” Patty winked.
Kellie leaned against the wall and
folded her arms, smiling back at them. “You guys have me intrigued. Garr finally break down and buy a karaoke machine?”
Garr scowled. Patty smiled and leaned forward in her chair. A small bounce had Kellie furrowing her eyebrows.
“We have an offer for you.” Patty grinned.
“What?” Kellie tore her gaze from Patty and focused on Garr. He didn’t seem the slight bit excited about this secret offer. Then again, Garr rarely showed any emotion.
Patty stood up, coming to stand behind her husband. She gripped his shoulders. “We’d like you to buy into the bar, become a partner.”
“What?”
“We’re not going to be able to run this place forever. Eventually, I’m going to want him to retire and join the local bingo hall.” Patty smirked. Garr jerked his head up at his wife with a scowl.
“The only way you’re getting me there is by dragging my dead body through the streets.” Garr shook his head, clearly not amused by Patty. He turned to Kellie. “Probably got another ten years before I’m thinking of retiring, but it will happen. Need someone we can trust, someone who’s got a good head on their shoulders. Patty suggested you.”
Patty scoffed and hit his arm. “You know damn well when I suggested taking a partner, Kellie was the first name outta your mouth.” She looked up at Kellie and smirked. “It was, and I couldn’t agree more.”
“Um…” This was completely out of left field. Waitressing was one thing, but part owner? “I don’t know anything about running a bar beside waitressing, guys. I mean, I’m honored you’d think of me, but I don’t know.”
“You’ll learn, baby. It ain’t rocket science, if it was we would have been broke years ago.” Patty laughed. “Look, we’re not retiring tomorrow, like Garr said. There’s plenty of time to learn, hell, you might even teach us a few things we might not have thought of. Invest in your future, Kellie. We’re not rolling in the dough but we have more than we need. Savings is really good, and when it comes time to retire, we’ll be set. We love this place, put so much blood, sweat, and tears into it. We want to see it stay that way, and we know, you are just the woman to make it happen, keep it a success.”
Tears welled in her eyes. This was an opportunity for her future. She loved the bar and working it, but she couldn’t wait tables forever. This was the out she’d have in a few years when they retired, and she could run it.
