Page 13 of The Rancher's Fake Fiancée

A petite blonde stepped from behind the counter to greet them. “Well, hi there Miss Emmie,” she said. “This is a nice surprise.”

“Hi Miss Dodi. I brought my dad’s fiancée in to see if you have a pretty party dress for Friday.” She supplied that without a preamble. The woman’s brown eyes flashed surprise in Jessie’s direction and something else.

“Fiancée? I am shocked. When did this happen?”

“She’s from Kentucky. Dad met her there and now here she is.”

“Really? And here she is,” Miss Dodi said with an immovable smile on her mouth but not reaching her eyes. Jessie couldn’t help but recognize something akin to a green-eyed monster lurking in those brown depths turned on her. Jessica stepped forward, her hand outstretched.

“Where are my manners? I’m Jessica McCord. As Emmie already said, I am Cole’s fiancée and in need of some expert advice on something to wear to this important dance. Something in blue would be lovely…it is Cole’s favorite color.”

The woman was still in some shock but managed to respond with a light handshake. “Well, what a surprise. And yes, I believe I have some outfits in that color that might suit you. Let’s find them and start a dressing room.”

Four outfits came off the various racks. The first two were nice but did nothing for her in Emmie’s estimation. The third received a half-nod and the fourth was next. Emmie sat up in her chair and nodded with enthusiasm. “That’s the one. Wow…it’ll knock his socks off when he sees you in that.”

Jessie looked longer in the mirror. It had a strapless neckline, and the corseted bodice was snug, highlighting a thin strand of rhinestone-laden belt at the waist. The skirt was full and fell to just above her knees, giving a swish here and there as she twirled in front of the mirror. There was a brief, matching bolero jacket with a small rhinestone button closure that gave it a demurrer look if preferred.

“Are you sure this isn’t too much for a dance for a rodeo?”

“It isn’t just any old dance for a rodeo,” Miss Dodi said, correcting her. “This is the kickoff with all the large donors from the large ranches and banks and people of money. We might not be the types of bluebloods who have balls and such where you come from, but we do like to dress up now and then. My dress was something I chose on a trip to New York. It has red sparkles from top to bottom. So, this charming dress will fit right in.”

Jessie knew that the woman had just attempted to put her in her place and assure her that she would be outshone no matter what. Jessie had her typed right from the beginning. She turned and walked over to the jewelry counter. “Well, then let’s add that little sparkly necklace of blue stones and matching earrings. And those blue heels I saw in the display window.”

Dee had grown silent as she gathered up all the items a few minutes later and placed them on Jessie’s card. “Is that all?”

“Thank you so much for your help. I’ll look forward to seeing you at the dance. Bye now!” Jessie couldn’t help smiling as they walked back across the street. And the smile widened as she noted the blonde watching as they backed out and headed down the street in the bright red convertible. Was there a reason for the jealousy she felt emanating from the woman as she waited on her? Maybe Cole and she had something going? She was clearly taken by surprise at the engagement news. Well, all would be settled after Cole’s ex made her appearance and then Jessie could be on her way back to her life. Then a strange feeling set in. It wasn’t the same as she normally would feel thinking about moving on from an assignment. Maybe it had to do with Emmie? She glanced at the girl sitting beside her, humming along to a George Strait song on the radio. She was a sweet little girl that was fun to be around. They had already made friends. And then there was her dad. And that was when she closed a door that she didn’t want to look behind. A very strange reaction indeed.

*

“We’re back!” Emmie’sloud greeting as they came in the front door, could be heard by anyone in the house. Cole stepped out of the den and met them at the bottom of the stairs.

“Look Dad! Jessie and I found some great things.” She held up both hands laden with bags.

“I can see that. You best get them put away though. You’ve got your animals to take care of before dinner.”

“I’m on it, Dad. We had lots of fun.” She turned to Jessie and without hesitation, gave her a spontaneous hug around her waist, bags and all. “Thanks so much, Jessie. You’re super.” Then she was off up the staircase.

Cole looked at the woman left standing next to him. She had an almost mystified look on her face and then for a moment he saw a softness in her gaze as Emmie disappeared.

“Thank you.”

His words brought back the woman he recognized. She was on the job again. She looked up at him. “For what?”

“For taking care of Emmie. Keeping an eye on her during all of this. For getting her to enjoy shopping for herself and not her horse.” He attempted to end on a laugh.

“No thanks are necessary. It’s my job. But off the record…she’s an amazing child and easy to like being around. You are a lucky man.” She left him then to follow the same stairs up to her room, packages of her own in her hand.

Cole stood alone with his thoughts. All was quiet and there was a decided feeling of peace and all being right. Something that hadn’t been the case in recent days. It began with Emmie and Jessie coming in the front door. His mind was intent on working out the reason why.

Chapter Seven

“You are goingto love Uncle Joe’s place,” Emmie gushed from the back seat of Cole’s double cab pickup. “It’s on the river and there are rocks that make these waterfalls and they fall into a deeper pool that is the best swimming ever in the hot summer because the water comes from springs that are ice cold. And the water is really clear, too.”

Jessie smiled at the enthusiasm. “It sounds like a perfect place. It was nice of Uncle Joe to invite us over for dinner. He wouldn’t even allow us to bring a dessert.”

“You’ll learn that he likes to plan and execute his own invites,” Cole added, his gaze remaining on the road ahead. “If we’re lucky, maybe dessert will be ice-cold watermelon. He puts them in the river.”

“To make sure they’re ice cold. Nothing better than that on a hot Texas afternoon.” Jessie grinned and then felt it fade. Personal memories have no place when on duty. That was a slip that felt odd as it wasn’t usual for her to do so. It just feltrightin the moment. This wasn’t a normal moment. And that was something she needed to not forget.

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