Page 20 of Her Saltwater Cowboy

He looked up. The roof groaned. The leak widened, creating a pattern that zigged and zagged its way toward unsuspecting guests.

Willow leaped toward a tray of cornbread, gasping as water drops began to fall.

Chance raised both hands in disbelief. “Fantastic.”

Outside, the rain continued to hammer the gravel and dirt beyond the doors, an unwelcome sight to guests watching it fall, their cars a long, muddy hike away.

As they stood there under what might have otherwise been a cozy, rainy day, a flash of lightning lit the treetops. An aggressive gust blew in another sheet of rain, accompanied by thunder. Guests groaned, and murmurs of disbelief crowd-surfed through the barn.

Chance shoved the door fully closed. He spun around, addressing everyone, his arms open wide, “All right, everyone. It’s time to move. The main house is warm—and open to everyone.”

He sent a pointed glance at Willow, who nodded her agreement. “I’ve got scones and lemon bars inside!”

Chance responded with a nod. This old roof wasn’t going to hold if the wind kicked up. He had to get them inside. Willow knew that too.

“Hear that, everyone? Scones and lemon bars!”

He caught Rafael’s eyes. “Lead the front group.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll get the coffee on once I’m inside.”

He nodded, then to Eli, he said, “You’ll help me.”

“You got it.”

Chance clapped his hands, ignoring the fat droplet of water that landed on the brim of his hat before falling onto his hand. “Amazing! Our plan is set. You all go inside quickly and get dry and warm. Eli and I will help anyone who needs assistance. Let’s all stay safe—no running in high-heeled boots!”

That sent laughter through the barn.

Chance shoved the door open fully again, and Rafael waved guests through.

Quickly, Chance assigned Eli a group, then he took the other. He snagged a couple of hands to help, making sure someone was on either side of Miss Helen, who hadn’t missed a Sutter Creek gathering in thirty years.

Ace appeared, shoulders hunched against the spray, just as Chance brought up the rear. Water saturated the old man’s face, and Chance grabbed a towel from a nearby table and pressed it into his father’s hands.

Ace took in Willow, who guided several to safety. He swung his chin back to Chance again and gave him a single, sharp nod.

Chance nodded back.

Rain poured across their path as they made their way to the grand portico with columns flanking the entry to the main house. Once everyone had made it inside, Chance spun around.

Willow’s eyes searched his face.

“Go on. Get inside,” he said.

She sidestepped him. “You going back?”

“Have to. The barn needs battening down.”

“I’m going with you.”

He shook his head, but she stopped him with a touch on his arm. “Scones and lemon bars are laid out. Kit and Bella are serving them up.”

His eyes searched her face. Shewantedto go back out into that mess?

She squeezed his arm tighter, and he rolled a look to the heavens. “Fine,” he said with a quick shake of his head. “C’mon.” Then he took her hand and they sprinted back to the barn.

Together, they discarded empty plates and cups, stacking them up in gray, rubber bins. They dragged tarps over tables they hoped to salvage once the storm was over, and gathered up belongings, such as sweaters and scarves that guests had left behind.

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