Page 46 of Heart of the West

I check the black-eyed peas. I put them in the crock pot to cook low and slow all day. They have smoked ham hocks in them. They’re perfect. Smiling to myself, I put the cornbread in the oven and get ready to drop the okra.

“Potatoes are ready for you to taste, Chef.” Effrem says with a wink.

I smile and grab a spoon. “Oh, these are good. Once we add the grated white cheddar and roasted garlic, they’ll be sheer perfection.”

“You’re making my mouth water.” Effrem says with a growl.

Too bad it’s my food and not my body making you drool.“That’s what you’re paying me for.”

Before he could respond, we were interrupted by a visitor. Two actually. Dustin Whitebear and perhaps the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. She has dark, flawless brown skin. Her hair is natural and surrounds her head like a lion’s mane. I always thought the lioness should get the pretty hair. What’s most striking is her violet-blue eyes.

She’s wearing Gucci jeans, Prada heels and I’m not familiar with the designer of her shirt. It's long-sleeve silk. And the same deep red as her full lips.

“Gilli.” Effrem smiles.

He lights up when he sees his friend. Lights up like a freaking Christmas tree. Jealousy stabs at my heart. I mentally shake my head. I have no reason. He made it clear he doesn’t want me. I turn my attention to Dustin. He hurries across the kitchen to give me a hug, then hands me a huge bouquet.

“Beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady.”

“Thank you. They’re beautiful. Let me run and get something to put them in.”

“I’ll do it.” Clyde says.

“Good to see you, Dustin. Aunt Gilli.”

“Ruby, I’d like to introduce you to my best friend Gillian Langtree.”

“I’ve heard of an attorney named Gillian Langtree. Roger’s father mentioned her once.”

Gillian steps forward and offers her hand. “That’s me.”

I smile. “Goodness, he does not like you.”

“With good reason. I won.”

“Willem Buffet doesn't like to lose.”

Gillian smiles and shakes her head. “He does not, and I like to make him lose.”

“I can see the pleasure in that.”

“I didn’t know what we were having, so I brought white and red. They’re in the car.”

“I’ll get them Aunt Gilli,” Dalton says.

“What can I help with?” Gillian asks.

“We’re starting to put things in the serving dishes.”

Clyde comes back with a beautiful crystal vase. I put the bouquet in it, getting a good look at the flowers for the first time. White roses, red lilies, red and white carnations, red berries and small pine branches.

“These are truly beautiful, Dustin.”

“It’s my pleasure, besides I get to eat your cooking and all I had to do was bring flowers.”

“You can help me make drinks while Effrem and Gillian get everything in serving dishes.”

I take drink orders starting with those in the kitchen and move to the living room where the rest of the family is.

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