Country Courtship: The Texas Two-Step, #4

Prologue

Even barn cats deserve love—and medical care. Veterinarian Kelli Palmer entered the barn at her family's home with her medical bag in one hand and a large can of tuna in the other.

The stable manager, Fred, greeted her. He was nearing seventy, but no one would have suspected it by the way he moved. He was more physically fit than most men half his age. Want me to saddle up Bronc for you? Lori is out on Felix right now.

No, thanks. Kelli hadn't seen her sister Lori in a couple of weeks and hoped they'd meet up before she left. Maybe they could even do lunch. I'm not here to ride today, Fred.

He looked at the bag in her hand. None of the horses are sick.

It's not that. The mama cat kitten's are now old enough for their vaccines.

His brow shot up, but he didn't say a word.

He didn't have to. She'd heard it all before. But she was a veterinarian for a reason. She loved animals. All animals. Even barn cats. I know what you're thinking, but they deserve to be looked after. They look after us and the horses by making sure we don't have any rodents.

He smiled. The fact you care is one of the things we all love about you, Kelli. I'll leave you to it.

He turned and went back to work mucking out one of the stalls.

Kelli went to the center of the barn and breathed in the heady aroma of freshly laid hay. The barn was quiet except for the soft sound of horses in their stalls.

She had spent many hours in this barn throughout her childhood. Her love for the animals and the hushed solitude were, in part, what led her to become a veterinarian.

A whinny captured her attention. Hello, Mable.

Kelli stepped over to greet the grey and ran a hand down her soft muzzle. At one time Mable had been her horse, but now belonged to Kelli's youngest sister.You're such a sweet girl.

She took a few minutes to distribute the sugar cubes she'd brought with her as well as a few hugs to the various horses in the barn. Once this fun task was completed, she stepped to the center of the aisle.

She opened the tuna, calling, Kitty, kitty.

Within minutes, eight cats and kittens magically appeared by her side.

It didn't take long to administer both shots and tuna. The cats seemed more than satisfied by the trade-off.

As she rose to her feet, a gelding trotted into the barn and headed right for Kelli. He had to be Lori's new horse, Felix. They hadn't met yet. He was beautiful, with a healthy coat and clear eyes. The cats and kittens dispersed, running back into the rafters. As soon as the horse got within touching distance, he nuzzled against her.

Hello, lover. She'd run out of sugar cubes, so didn't have anything to offer. She ran her fingers down his muzzle. It's nice to meet you, too.

She heard Lori's footsteps before seeing her face. Lori approached, her eyes red. Tear stains trailed her cheeks. She tried to turn away and tend to the animal, but Kelli had already seen the telltale signs of a crying jag.

She asked, What's wrong?

Nothing. Lori gave a heavy sigh and fell back on the stall wall. Everything.

Kelli gave Lori comforting pats on her shoulder.

Lori accepted the pats, but held herself stiffly as if shielding herself from painful blows.

Whatever had upset Lori must have been pretty awful. Please tell me what happened, Lor.

It took a moment for her sister to compose herself. It's over between Carl and me.

The pilot?

Lori nodded. I thought he was the one, you know?

Kelli nodded her agreement. You did seem to have a lot in common, you being a flight attendant and all. Plus, he passed the family stress test.

No small feat in her large family. Whenever one of the sisters brought any man in to meet the family, then it was serious. Their family was so large, not many men could hold their own amid the friendly, yet noisy chaos. But Carl had seemed to enjoy meeting everyone.

I'm so sorry, Lori. What happened?

At first he was really into me. I'm certain of it. Now he says he's just not anymore, at least not as much. He said I'm his second choice.

Kelli's gut clenched. What a terrible thing to say to any woman. Unfortunately, it wasn't the first time and she feared where this was leading, He said that? You're his second choice? That's awful.

Uh-huh, Lori said through a shuddering breath.

Kelli didn't want to ask it, but knew she had to, if she were to help her sister, although she feared the answer. Who is his first choice?

Lori lowered her head and began weeping again, and Kelli knew without a doubt that history was repeating itself.

If this is about me, I promise I didn't flirt with Carl or give him any indication I was interested in him.

That's the problem, Kelli. You don't have to do anything except breathe.

But I didn't do anything—

I know, I know. But did it have to happen yet again? With Carl?

After several minutes filled with tears and reassuring pats, Kelli said, I'm certain that when you do find the one, he'll only have eyes for you. This is proof that Carl wasn't the right man for you. And it's good that you found out now rather than deep into a relationship with him.

Lori wiped her eyes. I know you're right, but I do wish you'd leave my men alone. She grabbed Felix's reins and led him to an empty stall. Let's get you brushed down. I know you love that.

Kelli waited a minute before reacting, before saying something that would get her into more hot water. A rush of frustration coursed through her. How could Lori think she would ever go after one of her boyfriends? How many times did they have to repeat the same arguments? What could she say now that would be any different from the times before? At last she paced the few feet to the opening of the stall where Lori was brushing down Felix. You know you're my dear little sister, don't you?

Lori looked up and puffed at her bangs. Yeah, I know.

I wouldn't ever do anything to deliberately hurt you. I would never go after one of your men.

Lori nodded. I know.

Good. So we're good then?

Just as she thought she had finally gotten their sisterly relationship back on an even keel, Felix pushed Lori aside to nuzzle Kelli. She closed her eyes, knowing that Lori wouldn't be happy that her own horse just snubbed her.

But Lori laughed. You just can't win, can you?

Kelli's eyes shot open. You're not mad at me?

As long as you're not secretly toting carrots or sugar cubes, how can I be?

My pockets are empty.

Lori reached over and gave her a hug, which Kelli returned in full force. God, how she adored her sister.

She and Lori were getting along better and better. Despite this latest setback, Kelli knew it wouldn't be long before they became the closest of friends again, just like they had been in childhood.

Chapter 1

July Fourth

Bobby Gray Nelson ducked into the Nelson Ranch dining room, trying to avoid his brother. Monty Joe was in a mood and Bobby Gray knew why, or rather, was the direct cause of Monty Joe's particular affliction.

Not that Bobby Gray deserved the negative attention. Although the Nelson Family interests were more than financially sound—in fact the two brothers were among the wealthiest bachelors in the country—Monty Joe was determined to run the show.

The two brothers and their sister, Charlie, were equal partners in their ranch and cattle business. As the oldest of their sibling unit, Monty Joe believed he should make all the decisions.

That had been fine when they were young.

But not anymore.

Bobby Gray had taken a stand.

After their parents passed away, Monty Joe had been risk adverse. He wanted to continue running the business in the same way it had been managed while their folks had been alive.

For the most part, Bobby Gray agreed. Although he didn't plan to make huge changes, not moving with the times could be detrimental. Diversifying their interests would help ensure the future success of the Nelson Ranch.

Where's my dang blasted brother? called Monty Joe.

Bobby Gray's cell phone chose that moment to go off and he sidled into the butler's pantry. 'Lo? he whispered, hoping Monty Joe hadn't heard the strains of God Bless Texas emanating from the phone. While Bobby Gray was willing to stand up for the decisions he'd made, he wasn't quite ready yet to face his brother.

Hey, Bobby Gray. It's Lori Palmer.

Hey. The flight attendant. It seemed a little odd that she would call him. They'd been on one date and there hadn't been any zing. Although they'd enjoyed each other's company, he hadn't expected to hear from her again. What's up?

I wonder if I could convince you to catch the next flight to Dallas? It's my family's big July Fourth party and my date reneged on me. It would be too embarrassing to attend without a handsome fellow like you. It'll be lots of fun, and if that doesn't entice you, there will be awesome fireworks.

Normally Bobby Gray would have declined immediately, but just then he heard his brother yelling a series of expletives that had even Bobby Gray's ears blushing. All because he'd taken the opportunity, while his brother was out of town, to have Monty Joe's favorite mare bred. What had Monty Joe all grieved was the expensive stud fee—and the fact Bobby Gray had taken a stand at all.

Bobby Gray stared down at his cowboy boots—all gnarled leather and stains. They were about as beat up as his self assurance.

Monty Joe would probably have never been the wiser, at least not until the mare showed, if he hadn't returned from Houston two days early.

While Bobby Gray knew he needed to stand up to his brother, it wasn't easy. He'd taken the easy way out by acting while Monty Joe was otherwise occupied. Given time, Bobby Gray would have found a good way to tell his brother.

But he knew, deep in his gut, that breeding the mare had been the correct step—with or without his brother's approval. They'd long-since made their name on cattle, but breeding horses had the potential to create a steady and rising profit for the ranch.

The fireworks sound like fun, Bobby Gray whispered into the cell phone. Are you asking me out on a date?

Not really. But you'll be doing me a big favor because I hate the idea of showing up without an escort. I wouldn't invite you if I didn't think you'd have a good time, though.

So we're going as friends.

Exactly. I need a male escort and I think you'd get along with my family. Nothing more.

That was the way he felt, so it seemed even more okay to go along with her idea. He certainly didn't want to give her the wrong impression. Lori was nice, but she reminded him a lot of his little sister. Before he could speak, he heard his brother bellowing.

Li'l Brother—I find you and you won't be walking again for a month, hollered Monty Joe.

I'm leaving now, Bobby Gray said into the cell phone.

Great, said Lori. I'll have an airline pass waiting for you.

Bobby Gray disconnected the call, grabbed his Stetson off the kitchen table and dashed out the back door just before Monty Joe reached the kitchen.

Getting out of town for a few days seemed like a great idea. It would give Monty Joe time to cool down.

Kelli Palmer was a woman on a mission. She added an extra dollop of Miracle Whip to the deviled egg mixture she was working on. She wore jeans and a T-shirt and knew she looked out of place in the state-of-the-art high-tech kitchen at the Palmoral estate.

But she was home, exactly where she needed to be. Her boss had wanted her to fly out of town for a fund-raiser, but her mom would never have forgiven her for missing the annual July Fourth family get-together and celebration. But she had no need to miss it. It was perfect for finding a slew of potential donors for the North Texas Equestrian Rescue where she worked as a volunteer.

Kelli added three tablespoons of sweet pickle