Page 6 of A Miracle for the Confident Cowboy

He glanced out the window where Sophie had once been. The funny thing was that he almost wanted to believe Pippa. Sophie was his type in several ways—inallof the ways except the one that mattered. “She hates me.”

Pippa dragged her eyes to the window then brought them back. She shrugged. “That’s a little strong, don’t you think?

Duke chuckled. “Sorry, Pippa. You might be right about a lot of things, but this time you got things wrong. Thanks for the comped meal. It was delicious as usual.” He got to his feet then grabbed his hat. He touched the brim and headed toward the door. In another lifetime, he might have gone after Sophie and tried to find something they could connect on.

He liked a girl who could hold her own—one with spunk. Sophie was a ten and then some in that category. She simply didn’t have any interest in him.

CHAPTER THREE

Sophie adjustedthe shopping bag on her arm as she and her two best friends left the adorable Christmas themed boutique. It had just opened up a few weeks ago. Cute home décor from throw pillows and blankets to knickknacks had lined the shelves and rustic tables. There was a wall of ornaments and beside it several cards. The store even sold wrapping paper and gift bags. She couldn’t help but get the candle named Christmas in a Jar. It smelled like cinnamon and vanilla with hints of citrus.

Allie and Pippa had dragged her to town today against her better judgement, but now she was actually starting to enjoy herself. When she was with them, she could stop thinking about Duke and all the ridiculous things she’d said to him.

Pippa draped an arm around Sophie’s shoulders. “See? You needed a date out with your sisters.”

Sophie laughed and shot a look toward Allie. “Technically, Allie is your sister-in-law. Not mine.”

Allie came up on Sophie’s other side. “Nope. None of that. We’re sisters by proxy. I married Pippa’s brother and she married yours. As far as I’m concerned you’re my sister too.”

Sophie beamed. The best part of having a brother was so he could marry someone cool. When Sophie had picked up and moved everything down to Texas, she’d given him the excuse that she liked the warmer temperatures. In truth, she simply wanted to be closer to her new sister—sisters, now.

Yes, an outing like this one was exactly what she needed to get Duke and his rudeness out of her head. He had been such a jerk. He didn’t even try to get along with her.

“Uh oh. I know that look,” Pippa bumped her hip against Sophie’s. “You’re upset about something…” She wagged her brows at Allie. “Orsomeone.”

Allie snickered.

Sophie gasped. “You told her?”

“Sisters share everything,” Pippa shot back. “And in my defense, I told herbeforeyou went on the date.”

Heat flooded Sophie’s face. She glanced from one woman to the next then let out an embarrassed laugh. “Did she tell you about how terrible the date was, too?” She directed the question at Allie who laughed again.

“Only the best parts.”

Sophie groaned. “Well, I’m sure she sugarcoated the whole thing to make Duke seem like a complete gentleman.”

Allie sighed. “It really is too bad you didn’t hit it off.” She pretended to fan herself with her hand. “That cowboy is… mmm.” She bit her lower lip.

Pippa reached over and smacked her arm playfully. “Hey! You’re married to my brother, remember?”

“What?” Allie laughed. “I’m talking about his accent. Who isn’t a sucker for a swoony accent? Especially when it’s wrapped in such a hunky package.”

Pippa’s stern expression broke and she laughed along with Allie. The only one not laughing was Sophie. She stared from one woman to the other. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that they were both head over heels in love with their husbands. This was all just fun and games—probably meant to get Sophie to admit that Duke was actually a catch.

As if they could read her thoughts, they turned to her. “Don’t you agree?” Allie asked. “Duke is easy on the eyes, right?”

Pippa nodded. “I told you he was. He has to fight off women all the time. I thought for sure you would be interested?—”

“Well, that explains a lot,” Sophie murmured.

“What?” Pippa pressed.

“He was full of himself. I told you he called me stupid.”

Pippa rolled her eyes. “He didnot.”

Sophie’s heart constricted painfully. “Did you talk to him?” She couldn’t decide if she was more curious if he’d said anything he liked about her or if she felt more betrayed over Pippa speaking with the enemy.

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