and Tucker Lawrence. I figured you’d remember them.”
“I remember that you and Charlie took them in for nearly a year after their parents were killed in the car crash.”
Luke had been envious of the brothers, had wished the Kavanaughs had taken him in after his mother died instead of leaving him to take the brunt of his dad’s verbal abuse and mean disposition.
Luke twirled the strong black brew in his mug and then sipped. “Sounds like a family reunion.”
“I guess it is, of sorts, except that two of the Lawrence brothers are happily married and living in Winding Creek now. Tucker and Sydney have an apartment in Dallas, but with his rodeoing and Sydney’s work as an FBI agent, I think they call this home as much as anywhere else.”
“Whatever works.”
“That’s what I say, too,” Esther agreed. “Come to dinner tonight and the guys can catch you up on all their news.”
“I’d love to see them if you’re sure I won’t be intruding.”
“There’s always room for one more at my old dining room table. How about you, Luke? Are you married?”
“Nope. Never even came close and plan to keep it that way.”
She smiled and he could swear he saw a conspiratorial gleam in her eye.
“Seems like I remember Pierce, Riley and Tucker saying that exact same thing not too long ago.”
He stood to go. “Stay here,” he said. “I can let myself out.”
“We’ll be looking for you tonight. Come hungry.”
“I’m always hungry.”
When he reached the short hallway, he heard voices and recognized Rachel’s at once. An unexpected surge of pleasure overrode some of the anxiety about dealing with his father.
A decent meal and a visit with the Lawrence brothers would be nice, but it was the thought of seeing Rachel again that really cranked up his anticipation.
* * *
SYDNEY LAWRENCE LOOKED up from the fingernail she was applying a mending touch of red polish to as Rachel swept into the room. “Holy Smoly, do you look hot!”
Rachel did a quick twirl in the full-skirted, jewel-toned dress and then struck a sexy pose. “Is it too dressy for an afternoon party?”
“It’s perfect. I love the cutout at the neck.”
“Not too much cleavage?”
“Heavens, no. Barely a hint. Love those strappy heels, too.”
“It was either this or one of the depressing navy or gray suits I wear to work. Oops. I used to wear to work.”
“I have to say you’re taking your newly unemployed status well. I was afraid you’d be in the dumps and not even show.”
“I’m not sure the full reality of my situation has hit me yet.”
“Or maybe it has and that’s why you’re glowing.”
“No. That’s the new blush I picked up at Macy’s last week. Dusty Fire. Guaranteed to set me apart from the crowd.”
“From the way hunky Luke Dawkins was looking at you today, I’d say it’s surpassing promised expectations.”
“He was just being nice and making conversation.”
“Really? Because it sure seemed like there was a sizzle between you two when I met you at the door.”
“Don’t even go there. My life is too screwed up right now to even notice a man.”
But Sydney knew she had noticed. The rosy color creeping into her cheeks right now was proof of that. A casual flirtation might do Rachel good, but Sydney doubted she was emotionally ready for anything more.
Rachel sat on the edge of the bed amid the wrapped packages. “Is Esther going to ride into town with us?” she asked, no doubt ready to direct the conversation away from Luke.
“No, Pierce is going to drive Grace and Esther to the bakery and he’ll pick up Dani’s daughter, Constance, and bring her back here to play with his daughter, Jaci, while we party.”
“Dad in charge. Everything around here really is a family affair,” Rachel said.
“I know and I love it. Do you still want to keep the fact that you quit your job a secret from the rest of the family?”
“For now. This is Grace’s special weekend. I don’t want it to turn into a whine party for me.”
“I haven’t even had a chance to tell Tucker yet.”
“When are you expecting him?”
“He called a few minutes ago. He’s about an hour out, so he’ll be at the ranch by the time we get back from the party.”
“And then you’ll forget the rest of us exist.”
“True.” Which was exactly why she should tackle the bad news she had for Rachel now.
She couldn’t bring herself to do it. This was the most relaxed she’d seen Rachel since she’d lived through hell. She couldn’t bring herself to spoil the moment. Tomorrow would be soon enough to drag her back into the Roy Sales hell.
* * *
ODDS WERE AGAINST Rachel feeling at home at a baby shower in Winding Creek. Everyone in town knew of her terrifying past.
The saving grace was that since they knew the intimate details, no one ever mentioned it to her.
There would be no endless questions the way there often were when she met someone new. No staring at her as if the experience made her less human now. No more expressions of pity that made Rachel feel worse instead of better about herself.
She and Sydney grabbed the gifts from the back of Sydney’s car and joined the stream of chatting and laughing local women pouring into Dani’s Delights.
Rachel set the wrapped baby carrier on the floor next to a long table that was already overflowing with presents. A squeal captured her attention just as Dani and Riley Lawrence’s eleven-year-old newly adopted daughter threw her arms around Rachel’s waist.
“Yay. You came. You can go riding with us tomorrow. We have two new horses. And I’m learning to be a barrel rider. I can show you.”
Words spilled out of Constance’s mouth so fast, Rachel could barely follow her train of thought. Constance’s excitement was contagious, exactly what Rachel needed to keep her in the here and now. “I’m staying all day tomorrow and I brought my riding clothes. And I definitely want a barrel riding exhibition.”
“I’m pretty good. One day I want to be in the rodeo like Uncle Tucker.”
“Now,
