"Okay, now, back to the bunny." Chase cocked his head. “You know with a new female in town the posse is going to be on high alert.”
Rafe and all the others made several various grunts of agreement on that. The Matchmakin’ Posse would eat this up. His gaze slid across the yard to Norma Sue, Esther Mae and the petite Adela Ledbetter Green. The three older women wore their nicknames proudly after starting an ad campaign years earlier to save the town by advertising for wives for the local cowboys. The town was thriving because of their matchmaking efforts. They’d played both small and large parts in matching up most of the couples standing around the lawn right now. Including Cliff and Maddie.
Dalton cocked his head. “You better be watching your back if they get wind of you rescuing the bunny or you’ll end up like your brother.”
Hitching a brow, Rafe frowned. “I think they’ve figured out I’m not a good prospect.”
Everyone chuckled and Chase just shook his head. “Most of the cowboys who are married off now weren’t lookin’ either. They still got matched up and married off.”
Rafe’s neck suddenly started itching just thinking about it. He hoped that just because he’d helped Sadie they didn’t get an interest in him. He’d flown under the radar for a while now and he had his reasons to stay there.
He glanced toward the patio door unable to halt the anticipation of Sadie walking out in something other than the infamous bunny suit.
That in no way meant he was planning on jumping off into a romance with her. An elbow caught him in the side.
“Earth to partner,” Chase said.
“Sorry.” Rafe grunted seeing his other partners grinning. He scowled. “Aren’t y’all hungry yet?”
“No need to get testy,” Dalton drawled. “We’re going.”
Ty glanced from Rafe back to the door. “Yup. Fajita line’s calling our name,” he said, then sauntered off with a chuckle.
Chase tucked his fingers in his pockets and eyed him hard. “Just between you and me, you look kind of like you’ve been struck by lightning.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t bite my head off. It’s just an observation. Because you might be here in body but your mind never arrived.”
A throb started behind Rafe’s eyes. “Okay, so yeah, I think she’s something. But don’t go yacking to everyone about it. The last thing I want is to stir up the pot with the Posse.”
“Do you really think I’d go and do something like that to you?”
Rafe did not like the glint in Chase’s eyes. “Yeah, I do. Just because you think this is so funny.” Chase’s grin widened and Rafe scowled harder. “I’m warning you, Chase, no matchmakers.”
“Okay, okay, I’m just kidding you don’t go having a heart attack or something. For your information I’m staying out of it because I don’t intend to draw any attention to myself so you can stop worrying.”
“That’s more like it…” Rafe’s words trailed off as the patio door opened. Every muscle in his body tensed. Maddie walked out first and his heart thumped madly in his chest. His body hummed-as if he'd just ridden a fast horse across an arena. Nothing had ever given him the rush he'd felt when he'd competed in Steer Roping-nothing until the instant Sadie walked out of that door.
His thundering heart stumbled…wow.
The thumping regained its rhythm and galloped onward. He couldn’t move. She'd been something in a bunny suit, but now, wow. Holy cow he was in trouble.
The last time he’d felt that way had been over six years ago when he’d fallen in love with a girl who—he shoved thoughts of Rae Ann from his mind. This was not the time or the place to let old memories sideswipe him and he wasn’t sure why his ex-fiancée had suddenly started rolling through his mind. It wasn’t as if he’d spent the last three years mourning the fact that she’d dropped him and walked out of his life the night his NFR dreams had died.
No, it had been the opposite. When he’d jumped from his horse and destroyed his knee and any chance at the championship, Rae Ann had bolted. He’d wiped her from his mind after a few weeks of feeling sorry for himself but it still disgusted him to think back to how badly her leaving had affected him. He hated thinking about it, about how weak he’d felt. He’d felt weak and helpless as a kid against his dad beating his mother and it was a feeling Rafe couldn’t stand. He’d gone through it twice in his life and he didn’t plan on ever going through it again.
It was evidently leftover from when he was growing up.
Instead of mourning the loss he’d banned thoughts of Rae Ann from his mind.
But now she suddenly kept popping into his thoughts and all because Sadie hit a cord inside him that ran deep.
Maddie headed over to join Cliff and the group he was talking with while Sadie crossed the grass to him.
“I feel so much better,” She said, eyes sparkling. “Maddie was great and I’m grateful we were about the same size.”
“Yeah, that was a lucky break or you’d have been wearing my clothes.” The moment he thought about her putting on his shirt his entire body flushed with heat.
Okay back up hoss. Way up.
She was standing close enough that the fresh, sweet scent of her filled his senses. Flowers and spring time-he fought the urge to lean in and breathe his fill of her. As if she felt the tug of awareness too, she stared at him with huge green eyes as the moment stretched into two. She would think he had lost his mind if he traced the curve of her cheek with his fingertips then tilted her chin up and kissed her. Nope not happening and certainly not here in front of God and everyone. Including the Matchmakin’ Posse. He glanced over and sure enough caught Esther Mae watching them with a speculative eye. He stiffened and tried to look less interested in Sadie. Which was hard to do when this woman he’d just met had him feeling like a skinny kid with his first crush.
“Maddie said everyone was excited that you hired a cook.”
“Um, yeah, they are. They’re cowboys. Cooking isn’t our top priority but eating ranks real high. You’re going to be one popular lady. Speaking of that, prepare yourself-the stampede is coming.”
“What?” she said and he nodded behind her.
Chase, Cliff and Maddie were making their way over across the yard. As were several others. Lacy and Cliff Matlock, Dottie and Brady Cannon, and the three worrisome ladies responsible for “fixin’” the two couples up and marrying them off…and there was a glint of joy in the ladies eyes. He was in trouble.
Big trouble.
And he’d walked straight into their sights like his head was stuffed with feathers-or bunny fluff instead of a brain.
Yup, bunny fluff…that was exactly what had just put him in hot water.
Chapter Four
Chase was the partner she’d not met and he was the first to reach them. A handsome man with serious eyes but a ready smile.
“Glad to meet you,” he said. “Also glad Rafe happened upon you. This was too hot of a day to be stranded on the side of the road. Looks like we have company,” he said, and winked. “You are officially the talk of the town.”
After that Sadie met more people than she would ever be able to remember names. There were couples of all ages and cowboys without wives of varying ages too. Norma Sue and Esther Mae introduced her to their other friend, Adela. She was a tiny, almost fragile looking lady with a snow white cap of hair framing amazing blue eyes that seemed to read Sadie’s very soul. Sadie would have no trouble remembering her name.
“I believe you’ve got a treat in store for yourself working at this ranch,” she said, taking Sadie’s hands in her finely boned hands. “These are a fine bunch of young men and a wonderful lady you’ll be working with.”
“I told her the same thing about this rowdy bunch I work with,” Maddie said. “I’m glad to have another female around.”
Then she met Maddie’s fiancé, Cliff who was supposed to be Rafe’s twin but there was only enough resemblance for them to be brothers so she assumed they sel
dom got pinned as twins. Cliff held Maddie around the waist and shook Sadie’s hand with his other hand. He was recognizably smitten by Maddie and Sadie felt a twinge or regret for what she and Andrew had not had.
Before she could get too morose she was introduced to more people from Mule Hollow. Lacy and Clint Matlock. Lacy co-owned the hair salon in town and Clint owned a large ranch. Lacy was pregnant with their second child. Sadie felt that familiar ache of baby envy as she shook Lacy’s hand. She was twenty-eight years old and wanted a baby so badly that it had driven her to irrationally-accept Andrew’s marriage proposal-that mistake topped the list of mistakes she could see now.
“We are so excited about the baby,” Lacy beamed. She had a wild head of wavy blonde hair that hung just above her shoulders.
Clint was in his mid-thirties and really looked like a great guy. The way he was looking proudly and lovingly at Lacy sent another ache through Sadie.
Okay she was a little sentimental tonight and with good reason.
She didn’t get to get more than a first impression of the couple though as she was introduced to Dottie and Brady Cannon. Brady was the sheriff and he and his wife also owned and operated a shelter for abused women that they housed in a home on their ranch. They too looked so happy together.
“We were wondering,” Norma Sue broke into the introductions, “If you ever did something for the kiddos at shelters like No Place Like Home on Dottie and Brady’s place? We thought if you visited little sick kids in hospitals that you just might visit little kids who are hurting emotionally at shelters.”
Sadie’s heart leapt. “Yes, I love doing that. You really have a shelter here in this small town?” she asked Dottie. Her want of her own children fueled her love of all children and the need to reach out and help them in some way. Thus, the bunny ministry.
“Yes, it’s a long story of how it got here. But it’s true. We help a lot of ladies and their children find safety and a fresh start. We’d love to have you come out.”
“I will. After I get settled we’ll set something up.”
And after that it was a whirlwind of introductions. She tried hard to remember names but part of the problem was she was acutely aware of Rafe standing to the side, and she couldn't deny the draw between them.
She was also well aware that in an hour she was supposed to be at her engagement party back at the country club and her mother was residing over everything with bold authority-proud that their daughter was making such a match.
Her stomach knotted and she forced her thoughts back to the conversation.
“That will be awesome that you’ll come out as a bunny,” Lacy said. “You’ll get a blessing out of it. I guarantee it. Dottie does an amazing job out there. And she also owns the candy store in town where the women can work and learn about how to run their own business. You’d be amazed at how many women she’s given new starts to just through empowering them with skills.”
“Really, that is so neat.” Sadie was very intrigued by this and for a moment she forgot her other worries.
“Sadie,” Esther Mae said, her gaze flitting to Sadie’s left hand. “I don’t see a ring on your finger so I’m assuming you’re single. Is there someone special back home?”
Sadie coughed, choked. “Nno, ma’am.” Everyone was looking at her. Some of the husbands who’d chuckled and Lacy smiled and shook her head and started to say something but Rafe broke in.
“I think it’s time to get something to eat,” he said, placing his hand at the small of her back. “Aren’t you hungry?”
His touch was warm and she was extremely aware of it but she knew it was because she was so startled by Esther Mae’s question. She hadn’t been ready for that. “I am actually. It’s been a while since…lunch.” She almost said since breakfast, which was true but she didn’t want to bring more uncomfortable questions her way on why she hadn’t eaten.
Sadie didn’t miss the looks exchanged between the three friends as Norma Sue waved toward the food. “Y’all go on over there and grab some of Sam’s good food. And sit over there under that big oak. Sadie probably needs all the shade she can get after being stuck in this sun all afternoon.”
Sadie glanced from one smiling older lady to the other before Lacy’s chuckle drew her attention.
“Enjoy,” she urged. “And we’ll talk more later. Maybe over coffee or lunch at the diner one day this week.”
“Yes, that will be fun,” Dottie agreed. “Go eat right now.” She glanced from Sadie to the three beaming older ladies and shook her head slightly with a twitch of her lips.
Odd. Very odd. Sadie was missing something here and she knew it as she headed off with Rafe.
It was obvious that the ladies were really glad she and Rafe were eating together. And it was obvious that Lacy and Dottie found something slightly amusing.
But what? Her stomach grumbled reminding her she was starving.
“The fajitas look great,” Rafe said, stopping at the long table and picking up a plate and handing it to her.
They looked delicious and the scent was mouthwatering. Sadie’s stomach growled loudly.
“Whoa,” Rafe said, looking more alarmed than he had when Esther Mae asked the boyfriend question. “It’s really time I fed you.”
Embarrassment singed her cheeks. "I'm sorry. I haven't eaten for a little while. I didn't stop for lunch and then had the flat and well, a growling stomach is what I get."
"Make sure you get as much as you want. Sam catered this and there is no one around who knows food like Sam Green. There he is over there busy as a bee. The man is small but has the energy of about twenty people." He pointed a small man out who was hustling about at the end of the table and overseeing some servers as he added new meat to the trays. “I’ll introduce you when we get down there. You doing okay, other than being hungry?”
“I’m fine. Everyone is so welcoming.” She didn’t mention the odd look she’d seen exchanged between the older ladies. Instead, she began loading her plate. She didn’t go overboard but she could have easily done so with the beef and chicken and the onions and green peppers and much more that were set across the table.
She thought of the delicate meal her mother had carefully ordered for her dinner that night and she almost lost her appetite. This was in very bad taste for her not to have called. As if on cue her phone vibrated in her pocket. She’d not only had the shock of her life today but she’d become a chicken.
Rafe introduced her to Sam, a very nice man and then they headed to the table that Norma Sue had suggested sitting beneath a large oak tree.
"I need to return a phone call but I'll be right back," she told Rafe as she set her plate down.
"Sure, I'll go grab us some tea and meet you back here."
She nodded then walked a little away from everything and slid the phone from her pocket.
Her mother had called twice. Somehow she'd been so distracted that she hadn't even felt the vibration on one of her calls.
Andrew had called several times earlier but he was no longer calling. Hopefully he'd gotten the message that she wasn't ready to talk to him-the lying cheat.
But her mother. Sadie needed to tell her what had happened but it was complicated. Her mother really had her heart set on Andrew being Sadie’s husband. After losing her father two years ago it had been as if this wedding had put a spark back in her eye. And there was also the fact that her mother had a very strong personality when she really wanted something. This wedding had brought that out. But with Andrew she’d stepped over a boundary and had taken over everything and Sadie had let her. She knew it. Had told herself over and over again she needed to pull her mother back but she hadn’t. She had told herself she loved Andrew and had wanted a baby so badly and somehow she’d just let everything snowball.
Once she’d accepted the proposal and her mother had taken over, the wedding planning had taken on a life of its own…her plans for a year long engagement had shrunk to three months and Sadie had immediately started to
panic internally. Questioning her own motives had been her first point of worry but then she’d started to see Andrew’s motives too.
All the while her mother had happily ramrodded the wedding planning.
Unease burned in her stomach as she pushed the button and waited for her mother to answer.
"Where are you? Guests are starting to arrive and I have no daughter here."
"And hello to you too, Mom." Sadie was startled at her tone and her lack of apparent concern. Sadie could have been stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or something.
"I'm past hello, young lady. Andrew is here and he's asking where you are too. He said he hasn't spoken to you all day and that you haven't returned his calls."
He what? Sadie really couldn’t believe the louse had even shown up at the party and was leading her mother to think there wasn’t anything wrong.
"I’m sorry, Mother. I'm, I'm not-" she hedged, shocked. "Coming." Hurt stung deep that her mother hadn’t asked if she was hurt or even sounded worried. Did this marriage mean so much to her that she wasn’t concerned for Sadie?
Sadie’s stomach rolled at the thought.
There was only silence on the other end of the line. “What exactly does that mean?" her mother finally asked, her tone softening. “Sadie, are you alright?”
Tears welled in Sadie’s eyes. A little late to ask but at least she had finally realized something could be wrong.
"I should have called earlier. The wedding is off-”
"Young lady you listen to me you only have cold feet. I don't know where you are. But I expect you here within minutes. Cold feet are common. This is not acceptable."
So much for her concern. “Not acceptable?” Sadie’s stomach knotted. Despite her shock at her mother’s choice of words she’d actually, subconsciously known this would be her reaction-maybe that was why Sadie hadn’t stopped driving until she’d blown a tire. She was far enough away now that she couldn’t make it back to the party even if she wanted to. And she didn’t want to.
Rafe: (Contemporary Western Romance) (New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Book 2) Page 3