Page 13 of Cameron

A few minutes later, she returned.

“Before I make an offer, I don’t want these unsavory types to think they can just continue with me. What do I need to watch out for?”

She gave a chuckle. “As long as you don’t gamble, you’ll be fine. Edward likes to play cards. And he’s not real good at it.”

That made perfect sense. In college, he’d been one to play cards. It seemed he’d never learned his lesson.

Reaching into his pocket, he laid down a twenty-dollar bill.

“Thanks,” he said. “Keep the change.”

Walking out of the bar, he hurried to the car. Now he knew part of the truth, but how deep was Edward in?

And did Samantha have any idea her brother was in so much trouble?

CHAPTER 6

Late the next afternoon, Samantha glanced out the window. Where was Edward? Damn it, he knew how important this week was for their ranch and yet today he’d disappeared.

They needed another sleigh driver.

She hoped and prayed that Cameron would drive the team for them.

Looking through the glass, she saw Cameron talking to one of the hands. He got into the sleigh and clicked to the horses. He drove the team with no problem.

She admired that he was taking them out on a test run before they loaded their guests into the back. That was smart. Driving around in the pasture, she watched as he expertly handled the horses, calling to them and giving them clear directions.

Her heart warmed at the way he was helping her in this crisis while her brother had disappeared.

Emily walked into the room. “What if I put the cookies and hot chocolate in the barn instead of you taking them out to the pasture? I think our guests would be warmer there.”

Being used to the cold, she hadn’t considered they would be cold and it would be just another excuse for Bridezilla to complain.

The woman was driving poor Tara crazy.

It would also give her an excuse to sit beside Cameron as they drove around the property.

“I think that’s an excellent idea, Emily,” she said. “Are you and Ben getting along?”

Emily blushed. “He’s a really great chef. I just wish he’d been hired by me and you, instead of Edward.”

Nodding, Samantha sighed. Why did she get the feeling that this wedding event business was not going to be successful because of her brother? “I agree, Emily, but you’re doing a great job. And so is Ben. But you’re my go-to girl. Thank you.”

Emily smiled. “Thanks. Now you and Tara go take charge of the sleigh ride and we’ll have everything set up for you when you return.”

Maybe things would work out.

“Has anyone seen Edward?”

“No,” Emily replied. “I try to avoid him.”

She chuckled. Yes, Edward was her brother, but since her father died, he’d changed. He was not the same man any longer.

Rising from her chair, she grabbed her heavy winter coat. “All right, I’m going to help Tara take the guests on their sleigh ride. Maybe we can take out both sleighs. Oh, and you might have some hot apple cider to go with the hot chocolate.”

“We can’t. We’re out,” Emily said.

Damn, the food supply problem. For some reason, Edward had stopped their shipments. Why she had no idea. How did he expect them to make this a very special event for this couple without the proper food?

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