Page 73 of One Summer Day (Prosperity Ranch 1)

Kellie smoothed back her blonde hair. “You know . . . I have an opening in my next retreat.”

Holt shook his head. “I’m good.”

She leaned a bit closer. “For Macie.”

Just then, the door opened again. Not that Holt had been exactly paying attention to who was coming and going at the party, but his attention was snagged anyway.

Macie walked in with the last person he’d ever expect in a hundred years.

“Oh my gosh, this party is rockin’,” Barb declared.

Macie stood on the other side of Barb, but it was obvious they’d come together. Barb was decked out in a candy red blouse, red-and-white striped capris, and red nails longer than should be legal. Holt much preferred what Macie wore. A white blouse tucked into faded jeans that followed her curves. She was wearing the boots he’d given her, and that fact made a bubble of pride rise to his throat.

Ruby was clutching her mom’s hand, but as soon as Ruby spotted Rex, she broke away. “Grandpa!”

There were enough people milling about that Macie hadn’t yet seen Holt sitting on the other side of the room with Kellie.

Barb led her toward the kitchen, chattering up a storm.

Huh.

“That was Macie and Ruby?” Kellie asked, breaking into his thoughts.

“Yep.” He met her gaze. “What are you grinning about?”

“You’re a goner, cuz.” Kellie shook her head, still smiling. “And if I’m guessing right, her showing up tonight is a big deal, and neither of you will need my ranch retreat.”

“I hope you’re right,” he said. “No offense to you.”

She laughed. “None taken. Now, introduce me to your sweetheart.” She stood and motioned for him to join her.

“I’m going to need a few minutes,” Holt said. “At least until Barb isn’t latched onto her like an octopus.”

“Barb? Do I hear a story in that?” Kellie teased.

“Nothing to tell, much to her dismay.”

Kellie laughed. “All right. Catch you later, cuz.”

Holt leaned back on the couch as Kellie moved off into the crowd, greeting and interacting with people. He was impressed with how she’d turned her challenges into a way to help others.

And now . . . Macie was here. He brushed off his questions as to why she hadn’t called him for a ride. No matter. He could forget that little detail. She’d come, hadn’t she? But was it only for Heidi, or had she wanted to maybe reestablish her place at Prosperity Ranch and with him?

More people arrived, and the house was getting packed. It seemed that half the town had come to wish Heidi Prosper a happy birthday.

Holt slipped out onto the front porch. The night air was refreshing, and he set off down the porch steps. A light inside the barn was on, and he needed to check it out.

“Hi there, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Miles,” he said as two older women arrived.

Holt continued toward the barn, only to find Lane inside, leaning against one of the corrals and stroking a horse. Lane was a younger version of their mom. Blonde hair, blue eyes. He’d always been the quiet brother. More introspective, and a whiz in academics.

“Hey there,” Holt said. “Needed an escape?”

Lane glanced over at him, then turned back to the horse. “She’s pretty.”

“Bonney’s always been a fine horse.”

“I meant Macie.”

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