chapter 1

By the next morning, any nervousness Kat felt about being at the ranch had passed. She rose early and made a pot of coffee, waiting to share a cup with Rachel.
It wasn’t long before Rachel entered the kitchen and Kat noticed even the woman’s walk had a bouncy cheerfulness about it.
“I could smell that coffee all the way upstairs. Do you know how long it’s been since someone made me a cup?”
Kat set two cups on the table and poured the steaming coffee. “I wanted to surprise you.”
They visited for several minutes before Rachel’s face turn serious.
“I have a problem. Jake’s always good about picking up whatever I need in town, but he can’t get this,” she said, heat stealing her face before she looked away.
Kat cringed as several miserable explanations, beginning with an illness, came to mind. She twisted the napkin in her lap and swallowed before asking, “What would that be?”
“Well,” Rachel began, ill at ease, “I don’t have . . .”
Kat picked up her hand and squeezed it tight. “Yes, do go on.”
“You see, Dallas asked me to . . .”
Kat leaned forward, encouraging her to continue.
“He asked me to go to this dance for Marcus Hayes . . . a neighbor. It’s on Saturday and I don’t have anything nice to wear. I can’t make a dress by then. Kat, I need to buy a ready-made dress.”
Having expected something much more sinister than a dress, Kat choked back a laugh. “Then we need to go to town. I think Abby and I would like to come along.”
“Sure, if you really want to go back into town you’re welcome to keep me company,” Rachel said. “Marcus Hayes has been back east. He’s a friend of the family and Jake knows . . .” She bit her lip, looking worried again. “I’m sure Jake will take you. There just hasn’t been time to sort it all out yet.”
Kat ...

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... of his supply wagon. She squirmed as he squeezed in beside her. It was a wonder she didn’t have splinters in her behind. In the process, her dress had hiked up, revealing her ankles. Their conduct drew a crowd of curious faces. She placed a hand to her brows.
Jake’s subdued anger hardened his features. “Don’t move. We are going to talk this out.”
Rachel hesitantly approached the wagon.
“Jake.” Rachel looked from Jake to Kat. “Kat. Thank you.”
“Rachel.” Jake tipped his hat. “Would you take Abby and return to the Lucky Chance. We’ll be along.” The grim set of his mouth booked no argument.
Rachel offered Kat a sympathetic smile and hurried off.
Jake grabbed the reins and mumbled, “Giddyup.”
* * *
Angela McAllister watched the public display from outside Herman’s General Store. A satisfied smirk spread over her lips as she turned and strolled down the street.