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“Dad seems happy in Horseback Hollow,” he said, trying to subtly change the subject.
He figured Gabi was wise to his tactic, but she played along. “He fits here. It’s given him a way to feel a part of the community and taken away some of his loneliness.”
“He seems to be pretty close to some of the Fortunes, as well.”
Gabi nodded. “They’re a wonderful family. In fact, Jude’s parents, Jeanne Marie and Deke, are having a barbecue out at their ranch this weekend. I’m sure they’d love for you to join the fun. It would mean a lot to me for you to get to know Jude and his family.”
Cisco did an internal fist pump. He’d meet more of the Fortunes and make his sister happy in the process. Nothing like multitasking. “That sounds great. Text me their address and the details on when to be there.”
“I will.”
“I’ve been hearing a lot about the new amusement park in the works. They call it Cowboy Country, right?”
Gabi’s smile dimmed. “I wouldn’t bring that up at the barbecue. Most of the Fortunes aren’t too pleased about it.”
Cisco took a casual sip of coffee. “Really? Why?”
“A lot of locals like Horseback Hollow just the way it is,” Gabi told him. “Besides, from everything I hear, the company in charge doesn’t care about the history of the area. The place is hokey and utterly lacking any authenticity. People around here take the cowboy lifestyle seriously. It’s not just a carnival show to be exploited.”
“But won’t it mean more jobs?”
His sister shrugged. “True, but the cost of that sort of progress may be more than Horseback Hollow wants to pay.”
“So are all the Fortunes against it?” Cisco’s gut felt as if it had taken a direct hit with a sledgehammer.
“Jude thinks it’s an awful idea and so do his parents. In fact, I’d say the only member of the family who’s the least bit excited about it is Delaney, Jude’s baby sister.”
“Delaney,” Cisco repeated quietly, trying to picture her from the wedding. “Tiny thing, lots of blond hair?”
“That’s her, but add in a thousand-watt smile and the energy to match. The topic of Cowboy Country came up at dinner a couple of weeks ago, and Delaney mentioned she thinks the park might be fun. She’s a total sweetheart, but Horseback Hollow is all she knows. I think she wants a little adventure in her life.” Gabi cocked her head, looking at her brother. “And why are you interested in Cowboy Country, anyway?”
He busied himself with adding cream to his coffee, avoiding his sister’s shrewd gaze. “Just want to keep up on the local business news. And if Delaney Fortune is looking for adventure...”
“No way, Cisco. She’s not your type of girl.”
“What’s my type?”
“Brainless and shallow,” Gabi snapped.
He’d made the comment to sidetrack her but had to admit his sister’s assessment of his taste in women stung.
Gabriella’s smile turned sympathetic. “Speaking of women, Matteo and Rachel will probably stop by the barbecue for a bit. Are you okay with that?”
Before Cisco could answer, the waitress brought their food. As she put the plate down in front of him, she also slipped a piece of paper under the edge. “You’re new to town, right?”
“All the way from Miami,” he said with a practiced smile.
“Give me a call sometime,” she answered. “I can show you the sights.”
Gabi let out a delicate snort. “Horseback Hollow doesn’t have ‘sights.’”
The waitress ignored her. “Call me,” she whispered to Cisco, then turned on her heel, her hips swaying gently as she headed back toward the restaurant’s kitchen.
Cisco’s smile widened as he gave his sister a quick wink. “I’m happy for Matteo. He and Rachel are great together.” Before his younger brother had claimed Rachel Robinson, Cisco had gone on a date with her, more to spark Matteo into action than because of any deep feelings between Cisco and Rachel. “You know I’m not going to settle down anytime soon, Gabi. It’s not who I am.”
His sister only studied him, a knowing smile playing at the corner of her mouth. “Famous last words, Cisco. Famous last words.”
* * *
“I’m here, Mom.” Delaney Fortune Jones rushed into the kitchen of the house she’d been born and raised in, snagging a chocolate-chip cookie from the counter as she did. Her parents were hosting one of their big family barbecues tonight, so there would be plenty to be done to get ready.
“Put the cookie down and wash your hands, young lady.” Her mother, Jeanne Marie Fortune Jones, had her back turned toward Delaney as she reached in the pantry. Delaney was pretty sure her mother had eyes in the back of her head, not to mention some psychic ability. She seemed to always know exactly what was going on with each of her children no matter where they were.
At twenty-four, Delaney was the youngest and the only one still living with her parents, but she was in no hurry to move into a place of her own. She loved her childhood home and the hustle and bustle that went with living on a working ranch.
“Sorry I’m late.” She set the cookie on a paper towel and turned to the sink. “I went for a ride after I helped the guys secure the fencing near the west border and lost track of time. But I’m here to help with whatever you need.”
Jeanne Marie turned, holding a large ceramic bowl in her arms. “It’s under control, sweetie. No worries. There’s still plenty left to get ready. You can help dish out the potato salad after you shower. We’ll need plates and napkins ready to go. And there’s a big pitcher of sun tea brewing on the back porch.”
“Potato salad, plates and tea.” Delaney flipped off the water, dried her hands on the paper towel, then took a bite of cookie. “These are so good, Mom. As always.”
“It doesn’t take much to please your sweet tooth,” her mother answered with a smile. “I’m sure Angie will bring her brownies, so save some room.”
Delaney patted her stomach. “I always have room for dessert. Besides, riding makes me extra hungry.”
“You’ve been out on longer rides than usual this week. What’s going on?”
“Flapjack has been restless,” Delaney answered before popping the rest of the cookie into her mouth. She went to the cabinet where her mother kept the paper plates and wicker holders for them and began stacking things on the counter. “I wanted to give him some extra exercise.”
“He’s not the only one who’s been restless.” Jeanne Marie’s soft arms came around Delaney’s waist as her mother rested her chin on Delaney’s shoulder. “I know it’s been difficult for you now that most of your siblings are partnered off.”
Delaney leaned back against her mother, breathing in Jeanne Marie’s familiar sweet smell. “It’s just Galen and me left now. I’m happy for the rest of them, but it makes things...different. Good, but different.”
“You’ll find the right man, Delaney. You’re an amazing woman with so much to give.”
“Spoken like a true doting mother.” Jeanne Marie stepped back and Delaney turned with a smile. “I know the perfect guy is out there for me, and I’m not in a hurry. I want what you and Daddy have. I love Horseback Hollow, and I’m going to find someone who values this town and the lifestyle that comes with it as much as I do.”
“Well, your brothers all have friends.”
“Who see me as their baby sister.” Delaney wrinkled her nose. “That’s just weird.” She reached behind her and unfastened the clip holding up her two braids. She’d taken to pinning up her long hair under her hat as she rode to keep it out of the sun and wind. “You never know—maybe the amusement park will attract some new cowboys to Horseback Hollow.”
“None of any substance,” Jeanne Marie said through her teeth. “I don’t understand your fascination with that development, Delaney. It’s a thorn in the side to most of the town.”
“Not to everyone,” she countered. “Amber Rogers is working with them, and Wendy and Marcus Mendoza can’t be too unhappy with the additional business for the Cantina. Maybe everyone has been too quick to judge Cowboy Country. Did you ever think of that?”
“I haven’t,” her mother admitted with a rueful smile. She gave Delaney another quick hug. “You have such a beautiful heart, my girl. I look forward to the day you find a man who will value it as much as I do.”
Chapter Two (#ulink_e2d0e0dc-481c-518d-ac39-8fffc64bab82)
Delaney came down the steps from her bedroom two hours later, putting her still-wet hair into a braid that trailed past her shoulders. The barbecue was already in full swing. As usual, there had been plenty of ranch chores to sidetrack her. After helping her mom she’d found her father in the barn feeding afternoon hay to the horses. Delaney loved nothing more than spending time with her dad, especially with the sweet, musty scent of the barn surrounding them.
Deke Jones was a quiet, sometimes crusty rancher and his relationships with his children, especially Delaney’s brother Christopher, hadn’t always been easy. But Delaney felt like she understood her dad and his stoic devotion to the land and his work, so his long silences and gruff tone had never bothered her much. So many of her good memories from childhood centered around life on the ranch. She knew that was part of the reason she felt so strongly about creating her own life in and around Horseback Hollow.
But as her gaze trailed across the crowd of family and friends gathered in the house and spilling out to the back porch and yard, her breath caught in her throat. There was no doubt she loved her large, boisterous family, and her brothers and sister had all made excellent matches in love. But the overabundance of couples and kids made her feel the tiniest bit wistful for a love of her own. It was silly, she knew. Delaney had always been the bubbly, happy-go-lucky kid in her family. She was in no hurry to settle down, but she’d always been a part of a group. As the youngest of seven, she’d never truly been alone. While her brothers and sister focused on their new families, she was suddenly left on her own and it didn’t sit well.
“Would you take this plate of fruit out to the tables?” her mother’s voice called from the kitchen.
Delaney made her smile especially bright, although she didn’t think for a moment that fooled Jeanne Marie and her laser-sharp instinct for her children’s moods.
“I remember the year Stacey finally went off to kindergarten and you were left alone here,” Jeanne Marie said as she handed Delaney the ceramic platter. “You got into more trouble that school year than all the other kids combined when they were little.”
“I’m not a little girl anymore,” Delaney offered. “I can handle this.”
“I know you can, sweetheart.” Her mother absently touched the turquoise pendant around her throat. “But you have a tendency to get reckless when you’re bored. I wouldn’t be doing my job as a mother if I didn’t worry over you.”
“I love you, Mom.” Delaney placed a light kiss on her mother’s cheek. “You go enjoy the party. I’ll take this plate out and make sure everything else is running smoothly.”
Jeanne Marie nodded and Delaney followed her into the backyard. She greeted her brothers and their wives and girlfriends, plus Stacey and her new husband, Colton, on the way. After she set down the fruit, several of her nieces and nephews came running up and she was once again lost in the happiness of her large family. She forgot about her restlessness and feeling alone in the midst of so much love and affection.
“These gatherings just keep getting bigger.”
She turned as her brother Liam walked up. He was followed by another brother, Toby, who handed her a glass of lemonade.
“It makes Mom and Dad happy to have all the kids running around again.”
“It makes me happy to have mine occupied by something other than making a mess for Angie and me to clean up.”
Delaney punched him lightly on the shoulder. “You’re not fooling me,” she said. “You’re the biggest softy in the world and those three kids are amazing.” Toby had taken in three foster children last year and then adopted Brian, Justin and Kylie, making a home for them along with his new bride, Angie. They were a wonderful family. Delaney loved seeing her brother so content.
“It’s a good life,” he agreed, grinning. “And between us, Angie left a special plate of brownies on the kitchen counter for you.”
“She’s the best sister-in-law ever.”
“Don’t let the others hear you say that,” Liam warned in a teasing tone.
Delaney laughed. “They’re all the best,” she amended quickly. “I’ll deny to my grave that I ever said anything else.”
It was a beautiful evening, the warmth of the day cooling to the perfect temperature as the sun began to set. The expansive Texas sky turned brilliant shades of orange and pink across the pasture behind her parents’ house. Once everyone ate and the food was cleared, her father turned on a movie for the kids and they snuggled up together on the comfy couches and chairs in the large family room. The adults drifted between the kitchen and the back patio, where the talk centered around calving season and the Texans’ chances in the upcoming baseball season.
Delaney grabbed a denim jacket off the hook near the kitchen door but found herself lingering at the edge of the gathering as she came back outside. For once, she was almost happy being alone, until a deep voice spoke at her shoulder.
“What’s a pretty lady like you doing out here by herself?”
She whirled around to find Cisco Mendoza staring down at her and fought the urge to fidget. Of course she recognized Cisco, since his sister, Gabriella, had married her brother Jude only a couple of months ago. Cisco had come to Horseback Hollow for the wedding and decided to stay in town. She’d met him briefly at the reception, making a complete fool of herself thanks to her body’s reaction to all that male perfection. But she couldn’t quite figure out why he was still here, since he clearly belonged in trendy South Beach more than her hometown. Even tonight he projected an air of cool sophistication at odds with his relaxed button-down shirt and dark designer jeans. No Wrangler jeans for this guy. It annoyed Delaney that her stomach did a tiny two-step at the way his lean shoulders filled out the expensive silk of his shirt. No one could deny Cisco was gorgeous, but Delaney wasn’t interested in a too-hot-for-words guy. She wanted someone strong and steady and doubted Cisco fit the bill.
“I’m not by myself,” she countered, trying not to sound breathless. “I’m surrounded by my entire family.”
His dark eyes flicked to the people gathered on the farside of the patio. “It was generous of your parents to include me in the party. My sister is lucky to have married into the Fortune family.”
“I’d think someone like you would find us a little country bumpkin.”
“Like me?”
She waved her hand in front of him. “You’re a sophisticated city slicker. All smooth angles and—” she leaned in to sniff him “—expensive cologne.”
“You think I smell good?” He gave her a cocky grin.
Delaney huffed out a breath. “Not. The. Point.”
“What makes you think I’m such a city slicker? My sister fits in here in Horseback Hollow just fine. My father loves it here.”
“You’re nothing like Orlando.” She touched the tip of one of her red cowboy boots to his. “Your boots aren’t even scuffed.”
“They’re new,” he argued.
“That’s the point,” she agreed.
Cisco rocked back on his heels. To Delaney’s surprise, instead of looking offended at her comments, he seemed to enjoy her remarks. “Are all the Fortunes as opinionated as you?” he asked, his smile now genuine.
“I’m sorry,” she said, surprised to realize she was. Delaney was a positive person, always wanting to see the best in people. She didn’t normally give grief to someone she’d just met. “I don’t mean to get all up in your face. My mom tells me I seem restless. Maybe that’s making me a little prickly.”
Cisco stifled a groan as he watched her take a sip of lemonade, her soft pink mouth pressing against the straw. Delaney Fortune Jones could get all up in his face anytime she wanted, he realized with a start. It was strange. Gabriella had been right—the petite blonde in front of him wasn’t his usual type. He couldn’t deny she was attractive, but it was definitely in a more wholesome way than he was used to. She wore a floral-patterned dress with a wide leather belt cinched around her tiny waist. The collar of the colorful fabric was ruffled and soft, giving him tiny glimpses of the pale skin at the base of her throat. She wore red cowboy boots but even with the heel on them, she was almost six inches shorter than him. A tiny, adorable package of a woman with her long blond braid draped over her shoulder and clear blue eyes. She looked like the kind of woman you took home for Sunday dinner, not wined and dined the way he was used to.
He knew his sister would have his head if he made any wrong moves with Delaney but he couldn’t seem to walk away. He told himself it was because he needed to reel in a Fortune for his job with Moore Entertainment. That was simpler than examining any other possibility.
“I don’t mind prickly.” He took a slow pull on his beer and let his eyes wander up and down her petite figure. “Especially not when the lady in question is as pretty as you.”
To his surprise, she poked him in the chest with one slender finger. “Don’t do that. Don’t try to smooth-talk me, Cisco Mendoza. You might be God’s gift to women but that doesn’t mean I’m practicing your particular brand of religion.”
His mouth dropped open in shock for a moment before he managed to snap it shut again. He rubbed the center of his chest and placed his beer bottle on a nearby table. It was only his second drink, but maybe the alcohol was hitting him harder than he thought. Never in his life had Cisco had a problem charming a woman. Even when he was a boy, his brothers would be angry with him for sweet-talking himself out of class assignments. The fact was Cisco had a way with the ladies, and he didn’t mind exploiting that gift when it suited him. But now he needed to get in Delaney Fortune Jones’s good graces and was making a total mess of the conversation.
He decided his only choice was to lay the truth on the line and go from there. “You are pretty,” he began, holding his hands up, palms forward, when she narrowed her eyes. Even if Delaney was immune to his charm, her natural beauty couldn’t be ignored. “But the fact is I need a Fortune. The kind with a capital F. And I need one yesterday.”
She waved toward her parents’ back patio. “There are plenty to choose from. Why is a Fortune so important to you?”
“I’m working on a business deal,” he said, giving her the truth even if it wasn’t the whole story. “I can’t share details yet, but we need investors. My bosses know I have a connection to the Fortune family through Gabriella.”
“The Fortune Jones family,” Delaney clarified. “There’s a big difference.”
“How big?”
“A-lot-of-zeros big.”
He tried not to look shocked but must have failed, because she chuckled. “James Marshall Fortune, my mother’s long-lost brother, tried to give her money, but she returned it. We Jones kids had a totally normal life here in Horseback Hollow. My dad is the best. He works hard and made sacrifices for his family, but no one in my branch of the family has the money of the Red Rock or Atlanta Fortunes. We took the Fortune name to honor my mom and her connection to her relatives, not to cash in on their wealth.”
“That’s...honorable,” Cisco told her, suddenly wishing he had done a bit more research into the Fortunes of Horseback Hollow before making promises to Cowboy Country.
“But if you need a Fortune for a meeting, I might be able to make some time in my schedule. Jude is definitely out because of calving season, even if Gabi asked him for the favor. I’m not sure any of my other siblings would be up for it. You’d be stuck with me.”
