Page 38 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“I do like being there. Its peaceful,” CaDee finally managed to get a word in.
AnaLise cleared her throat and a grin monopolized her ruby-red lips. “Honey, when the peace gets to be too much, you should come in and join our sewing club. We haven’t filled Piper’s spot. I guess we always thought she’d come back.”
“I’m afraid I’m not much of a sewer. A button or zipper here and there, but not enough to be in a club.”
“Darling,” Marg leaned in slightly for a dramatic effect. “Neither are we. We’re there for cocktail hour and sharingsecrets.” She winked. “The sewing club has seen generations of women who love to gossip. We do like our traditions in Fin’s Creek.”
“We meet every Thursday at six. BYOT And maybe Piper too.”
“BYOT?” That must be a sewing term that CaDee had never heard.
“Bring your own thread And booze, of course. The owner of Sew Smart shop, Delaney Hardwell, won’t complain as long as it’s in a cup.”
CaDee knew immediately these women would be fun to hang out with. “I’m pretty busy out at the farm, but I’d love to meet new friends.”
“We’d be delighted to have you join us. We need some young blood at the table. We have more expiration dates than a broken refrigerator,” Marg exclaimed. “Agnus and Tilly complain about their expiring concerns every Thursday. We don’t want to hear about arthritis or squeaking body parts, honey. We want the juicy stuff.” Her grey gaze slitted on Sharp who remained quiet.
“I’ll certainly try my best.” And for the first time in a long time, CaDee didn’t feel that internal hesitation.
“Oh, now don’t go pulling a Piper on us. No one is ever too busy to allow some fun into their lives,” AnaLise said in a sing-song voice, her pale eyes twinkling behind large round glasses. “Piper created the group and then one day she quit coming. We promise entertainment. We have the tea on all Fin’s Creek rumors. All in good taste though. Most of the rumors are about us.” She looked delighted.
“I look forward to it,” CaDee said with a smile, already loving the women.
“Anyway, welcome to Fin’s Creek. Marg, we should be running along or we’re going to miss our show.”
“Jeopardy and a glass of wine.” Marg winked. “Ta-ta you two.”
AnaLise hooked her arm around Marg’s and the two tottered off down the sidewalk like two synchronized swimmers.
“Sorry that I didn’t get a chance to warn you,” Sharp apologized.
“Don’t be silly. They’re wonderful. A breath of fresh air.” CaDee watched the women continue down the sidewalk, arm in arm, their high-pitched voices lingering on the breeze as they chatted about something that had them bickering in a friendly manner. “What do they do besides run a militia style sewing club?”
“Taxidermy.”
She had to look to see if he was being serious. He was.
“Those two stuff dead animals?” She was stunned and amused at the same time.
“You should see inside their house. It’s a bit eerie how the glass eyes seem to follow me.”
She grinned. “This town keeps getting more and more interesting.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet,” he joked.
“I thought I heard voices out here.” The screen door opened and this time a beautiful brunette appeared at the threshold.
Sharp took the steps two at a time and drew the tall woman in for a tight hug. Unexpectedly, CaDee felt a tinge of jealousy, but it was short lived because Sharp pulled back and said, “CaDee, this is my cousin Ursula.”
Of course they were related. Every relative she’d met so far had those amazing cheekbones and lush hair.
“Did you two make it to the theater to see Mom play?”
“Lucy is your mother?” CaDee said.
“She was excited when I told her she’d have an audience. She always liked the attention,” Ursula said with a smile.
Squeals and feet hitting the floor sounded behind her. She barely got out of the way before the stampede came crashing through. A boy and a girl rushed toward Sharp. The twins, probably around six, wrapped their arms around his waist, clamoring for attention.
