Country Frost (King Creek Cowboys #8)

Chapter 3

3

“ I ’m so excited.” Leeann could hardly sit still as she looked at the box with her publisher’s name on the return address. “I’m finally going to see my first book in print.”

“I’m thrilled for you, too.” Ellie positioned herself several feet away, prepared to take a picture with her phone’s camera. “Get down next to the box.”

Leeann slid onto the floor, ready to open it with the box cutter she held in her right hand. “Come on, I’m rarin’ to go.”

As she shifted her position, Ellie’s wheat-blonde hair swung forward. “I want the right angle that shows your cozy living room and you in the middle of it. It’ll be perfect for social media.”

Amused by her cousin’s insistence on capturing everything for posterity, Leeann grinned.

Ellie gave a thumbs up. “Go.”

Leeann took the cutter and ran it down the middle of the packing tape, then on the edges to make it easier to open. Heart pounding, she took a deep breath and opened the box with a squee of excitement.

There it was in hardcover, Leeann McLeod across the bottom and Chasing Secrets in the middle. Her name and the title were on a dark background with a cracked mirror behind a vase of colorful flowers. The image told the story in another way, showing hope, even when the heroine’s life had shattered.

Her throat grew tight, and she teared up, seeing her dream come alive. She stared at the cover for a moment before selecting a copy and holding it up so that her cousin and the rest of the world could see her novel.

Ellie focused the camera on her a couple of moments longer, then lowered her phone. “I got a video of you opening the box and holding up your book, then I took a couple of pics, so you’d have those, too.”

Beaming, Leeann got to her feet. She handed the book she held to her cousin, who took it. “You get the first copy.”

“I want it autographed.” Ellie thrust it back to her.

“My first signed novel.” Leeann grinned and dug in her purse, found her favorite pen, then took the book from Ellie.

She sat at the kitchen nook table, went to the novel's title page, scribbled a note, then signed it. All the hard work to get here had made her dream come true. Leeann closed the cover and handed it to her cousin.

Ellie opened it and found the autograph. She looked up, sea-blue eyes sparkling. “Funny, but you’re my favorite cousin, too.”

“I couldn’t do this all without you.” Leeann gave her cousin a big hug and caught Ellie’s scent of strawberry lip gloss.

“Sure, you could.” Ellie hugged her in return. “But I’m glad to help in any way I can.”

They parted and returned to the living room, where Ellie picked up her oversized Coach purse and tucked the book and her phone inside.

“I’ll text everything to you.” She turned to Leeann. “The video is short, so uploading with the photos shouldn’t be a problem. ”

“Thank you.” Leeann walked her cousin to the door.

When Ellie stood on the porch, she paused. “I almost forgot to tell you to have fun today with Porter and his kid. And dinner, too. You’re a fast worker.”

“I’m sure the three of us will have a good time.” Leeann thought about the day she met Ashley. “I really like her, and she’s very sweet.”

“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Ellie went down the steps. “I expect a full report.”

As Ellie drove off, Leeann went back inside. She checked the time on her phone and saw that Porter and Ashley would be here in about half an hour. Carter and Kit had asked them to lunch at 12:30.

Leeann had already dressed in a nice sweater and jeans and put on makeup for the video and pictures. She was more than ready to go.

“I’ll wait here.” Ashley climbed into the back seat after Porter pulled his Ford up to the bicycle mailbox in front of Leeann’s home.

Porter left his truck and strode up the sidewalk and porch steps to the front door. He knocked and waited. He was more attracted to Leeann than to any woman in his past. With Leeann, he didn’t feel like he had to think up things to say because she had more than enough questions for both of them. But he wanted to know more about her, so he had a few things to ask, too.

Tonight, he hoped to get to know her better and decide if he wanted to pursue the relationship. His gut said yes , but his head told him he needed to be sure, and he needed to take it slow. He had Ashley to think about now and the fact that she could easily get attached to Leeann. The last thing he wanted was to have anyone break the girl’s heart.

Leeann opened the door and the screen. “Hi.” Her smile set his blood on fire.

A whiff of her floral scent met his nose, and his gut tightened. Unlike Leeann, he was not a hugger, but he sure wanted to have her in his arms.

He hoped that thought wasn’t written all over his face. “Ready?”

“Yes.” She stepped onto the porch and locked her door before turning back. She wore tight jeans and a cream-colored sweater that hugged her breasts in a way that made his mouth grow dry.

His boots made clomping sounds as he followed her down the steps and walkway. When they reached his truck, she waited for him to open the door—he liked that about her. She appreciated being treated as a lady.

“This is a different truck than the one you use as a farrier,” she said.

“Yep.” He gave a nod. “That’s my work truck.”

He helped her into the vehicle, and her hand felt good in his—small compared to his own, but her grip was confident and strong.

When he climbed into his side, Leeann and Ashley were talking.

“I love horses,” Ashley was saying. “I like most other animals, too.”

“Have you thought about joining the local 4-H club?” Leeann adjusted her seatbelt as she spoke. “There are a lot of different things to do with animals that you can choose from.”

“What about rodeo?” Ashley asked.

Porter shot a look over his shoulder, surprised. “Since when have you been interested in rodeo? ”

“I’ve seen your buckles.” Ashley shrugged. “And you’ve taken me to see some events.”

“If you’re really interested, we’ll look into it together.” Porter turned his attention to putting his truck into gear and heading away from Leeann’s home.

“We do have junior rodeo here and a high school team, too.” Leeann shifted in her seat. “I competed in both.”

“You did?” Ashley’s voice brightened. “How good were you?”

“I did okay.” Leeann laughed. “My brothers were pretty good, but my sisters were interested in other things.”

“Like what?” Ashley asked.

“Haylee liked to do centerpieces and artsy things in 4-H,” Leeann said. “Jill’s focus was more on academics.”

“What events did you participate in?” Ashley asked.

“Just barrel racing.” Leeann twisted a little in her seat, likely to see Ashley better. “I did come in first in some competitions.”

“That is so cool.” Ashley sounded excited. “Can you show me how to do it?”

“I’d be happy to give you the basics, if that’s okay with your brother,” Leeann said. “It’s been a very long time since I chased the cans. My niece Kaycee, a senior at the high school and a champion barrel racer, might be able to help you even more.”

“Awesome,” Ashley said. “Porter, do you think Toffee could barrel race?”

He thought about it. “She’s almost two, so she’s the right age to train, and she’s a Quarter horse, which is a good breed for the sport, and she’s whip-smart. So yeah, I think she’d be perfect.”

“That’s awesome.” Then Ashley added with enthusiasm, “I can’t wait to learn more.”

The drive from Leeann’s home to Carter’s ranch wasn’t long, and she and Ashley chatted the whole way.

When they pulled up to the ranch house, Ashley was out of the truck in a flash. Leeann unbuckled her seatbelt but waited for Porter to open her door and assist her in climbing out.

“You’re used to men treating you like a lady,” he said when she stood in front of him.

She laughed. “Cowboys, yes. Other men, not so much.”

“Porter, come see,” Ashley called from a corral.

He and Leeann walked to Ashley, who stood on the corral's bottom rail, which contained three horses—Leeann’s palomino, an appaloosa, and a sorrel.

“Is that your horse?” Ashley pointed to the palomino.

“Yes, that’s Applejack.” Leeann stood beside the girl.

She looked at Leeann. “Can I go in?”

“Absolutely.” Leeann pulled a few sugar cubes out of her pocket. “He loves these. Here’s enough to treat Cinnamon and Dakota as well. They’re two of Carter’s horses.”

Ashley took the cubes and followed Leeann into the corral. Porter shut the gate behind them before resting his upper arms on the top rail and watching them.

Leeann was so damned beautiful. Her dark hair hung around her shoulders and shimmered in the November sunlight. The way she smiled at Ashley and engaged her sent warmth through his chest.

Ashley had spirit and inner strength but wasn’t as strong physically as she liked to think she was, thanks to the cancer. She was so thin now and so frail-looking. He wasn’t so sure she could handle a sport like barrel racing, but he wasn’t going to let his concerns get in her way. However, they would need to talk with her doctor first.

Carter, with his Border collie at his heels, came up and stood beside Porter. “Your young lady looks like a good kid.”

Porter petted Lucy as he spoke to Carter. “She is.”

“I’m impressed with the job you did on Applejack.” Carter inclined his head toward the palomino. “I need my other horses reshod. I’ve got eight, including the two in the corral with Leeann’s horse.”

“I’d be happy to.” Porter turned his gaze back to the two ladies in the corral before looking back at Carter. “It’ll be an all-day job.”

“I’ll call you about it later this week.”

Porter and Carter watched Ashley and Leeann for a bit. Carter talked about neighboring ranches and sights that Porter might want to take his sister to visit.

“Superstition Springs Lake is man-made and not much bigger than a pond.” Carter gestured to the mountain range. “But the fishing’s good.”

“My dad taught Ash to fish,” Porter said. “I’ll have to take her.”

Carter moved to the gate. “Kit has lunch ready, so it’s time to head to the house.”

“I appreciate the invitation,” Porter said.

“We’re happy to have you join us.” Carter opened the gate. “Lunchtime, ladies.”

Leeann and Ashley were laughing, and they both smiled at Carter as they exited the corral. Carter closed the gate behind them.

Ashley knelt in front of Lucy and held her hand out for the Border collie to sniff before stroking her head. “Hello, pretty girl.”

“Meet Lucy,” Carter said.

Ashley beamed up at him. “She’s beautiful.”

“I’m starving for Kit’s incredible cooking.” Leeann walked alongside Porter, Ashley catching up with Lucy at her side. “Kit is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in L.A. So, prepare yourself to be amazed.”

Porter glanced at Leeann. “How’d she manage to end up on a ranch in King Creek? ”

“It’s quite the story.” Leeann smiled.

Lucy trotted off into the back yard, while they stepped inside the house behind Carter.

“Oh my gosh, it smells wonderful in here, Kit.” Leeann went up to a pretty woman with butterscotch-colored hair and moss-green eyes and hugged her.

Leeann faced Porter and Ashley. “Let me introduce you to my awesome sister-in-law, Kit.” She turned back to Kit. “This is Porter Gann, who reshod Applejack last weekend and his lovely sister, Ashley.”

“Welcome.” Kit took the hand Porter offered.

“Thank you for having us.” He released her hand and turned to his sister.

Ashley extended her hand and smiled. “Hi, Mrs. McLeod. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Call me Kit, please.” She took the girl’s hand. Carter’s wife was a lovely woman with a warm smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Ashley.”

A pair of identical twins rushed into the room. They both wore jeans and tees—the girl with the braid’s T-shirt had a horse on it, and the other, who wore a ponytail, had on a Hello Kitty shirt.

They both went to their mom, who rested her hands on their shoulders. “Emily, Olivia, meet our guests, Porter and Ashley.”

The twin wearing the horse T-shirt held out her hand to Porter. “I’m Emily. Nice to meet you.”

Porter gripped her small hand. “You like horses.”

Emily grinned. “I love them.” She introduced herself to Ashley.

“I love horses, too,” Ashley said. “I call mine Toffee.”

“I like that name. My appaloosa is Dakota.” She jerked her thumb in the direction of her sister. “Olivia’s is Cinnamon.”

“I just met them.” Ashley smiled. “They’re beautiful. ”

Olivia introduced herself to Porter and then Ashley. She was a quieter, more solemn girl.

Ashley gestured to Olivia’s shirt. “I have a Hello Kitty hoodie.” She smiled at Leeann before looking back at Olivia. “I almost ruined it, but your aunt saved it.”

“Our aunts are the best,” Olivia said. “Hello Kitty is my favorite. I have lots of things with her on them.”

Kit shooed everyone off to the dining room except Leeann. Porter, Ashley, the twins, and Carter seated themselves. A few moments later, Kit and Leeann came in with platters filled with plates and glasses of iced tea and started serving everyone.

“Burgers with caramelized onions, cranberry relish, and .” Kit set a plate in front of Porter. “On the side, green beans with bacon, pecans, and a little more cheese, just because it’s my favorite. The family pretends they like it.”

“Looks and smells delicious.” Porter had never seen anything so fancy for lunch on a working ranch’s table. “Thank you.”

When everyone was served, Leeann sat on Porter’s left, Ashley on his right.

“Mom makes the most awesome food ever.” Emily picked up her burger. “Dad says she spoils us.”

“That’s ’cause she does.” Carter took a healthy forkful of his green beans.

Porter bit into the best burger he’d ever tasted. He chewed, enjoying the flavors he’d never have thought would combine into something so delicious. He swallowed. “This is great, Kit.”

She smiled and thanked him.

Ashley finished chewing her bite of burger and wiping her mouth with her napkin. “Mrs. McLeod, you are the best cook ever.”

“I appreciate you saying that, Ashley.” Kit smiled. “Remember to call me Kit. ”

She set down her tea glass. “Porter, Carter mentioned that you and Ashley are new to Arizona. How long have you been living here?”

Porter finished chewing and swallowing a bite of green beans. “A couple of months now. We bought the Henderson place on the other side of King Creek.”

“Wilber Henderson passed away not long after his wife, Pearl.” Kit rested her fork on her plate and picked up her burger. “I knew their kids put the ranch up for sale, but I hadn’t heard who bought it. Welcome to our community.”

“Thank you kindly.” Porter gave a nod.

Kit turned her attention to Ashley. “What year are you in school?”

“Sixth grade.” Ashley shifted in her seat.” I’ll be going to the middle school in King Creek in January.”

“We’re almost nine, and we’re in the third grade,” Emily said. “I want to be a vet like our Uncle Bear when I grow up.”

“I want to be a vet, too,” Ashley said.

Olivia piped in. “I want to be a doctor.”

Porter was glad to see the twins being nice to Ashley.

“I understand you’re a farrier, Porter.” Kit had a direct but kind gaze. “I also heard you worked the rodeo circuit in the northwest.”

He gave a nod. “Yes, ma’am. For the past sixteen years.” He smiled at Ashley. “Now we’re into ranching.”

After lunch, the three girls went into the corral with the horses while Carter showed Porter his operation, and Kit and Leeann stayed back at the house. The pair had insisted everyone else go outside while they cleaned up after the meal.

A short while later, Leeann and Kit joined the girls at the corral. Carter and Porter were near the bunkhouse, and Porter did his best not to ignore the man while staring at Leeann. She was just so damned sexy and beautiful that he could barely take his eyes off her.

It was close to 4:00 when Porter told Ashley it was time to get going.

Ashley promptly turned to Carter and Kit. “Porter and Leeann have a date, so we have to leave.”

Carter raised an eyebrow, and Kit grinned. “Have a good time,” she said.

When they were finally on their way back to town, Porter glanced at Leeann.

She smiled. “I’m grubby from all that dust and need a shower before we go to the Steak-Out.”

“I’ll drop you off and pick you up around seven. Sound good to you?”

“Perfect.” Leeann turned to Ashley. “Are you sure you don’t want to go?”

“Yup,” Ashley replied as Porter turned his attention back to the road. “I want to check my social media accounts and message with a couple of my friends from Montana.”

“Do you spend a lot of time on social media?” Leeann asked.

“Since I’m out of school and don’t have any friends here, I have been looking at responses to my posts more than usual.” Ashley had a shrug in her voice, and Porter frowned at the loneliness in her words.

He wanted to tell her she was spending too much time online, but they were new to the area, and she didn’t know anyone yet. It would be another month before she’d be back in school.

“Maybe you should go with us,” Porter said.

“No.” The tone of Ashley’s voice told him she wasn’t changing her mind. She was stubborn, and if he pushed it, he would upset her. “I’m old enough to stay at home by myself. I want to read some more of that new book about faeries and dark elves, too.”

Leeann engaged Ashley, asking her what kinds of books she liked, and they were well into the conversation when they arrived at Leeann’s home.

After telling Ashley goodbye, Leeann walked with Porter up the sidewalk.

“Really, you don’t have to escort me.” She smiled. “It’s broad daylight, and I’ll be seeing you in a couple of hours anyway.”

He stood at the foot of the porch steps as she disappeared inside her house, then headed back to his truck.