A Cowboy in Her Arms by Mary Leo

Author:Mary Leo
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-09-09T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Joel didn’t know what to expect when he pulled his SUV in front of the Grants’ ranch house early Sunday evening. Dusk threatened to settle in on the valley and the Grant house, with its redwood siding and tin roof that reflected the decreasing sunlight. Several other cars and trucks were already parked in a neat line along the front of the house and along one side. Joel had spotted a few more near what looked like stables only a few yards from the house. He could see people milling just inside the open front door and through the windows. The place looked more like there was a large party going on rather than a sedate Sunday dinner.

As soon as he turned off the engine, he could hear voices and laughter coming from inside the house. Apprehension raced through him. Joel had always felt awkward in these types of situations. Making small talk with strangers in a set environment had never been his forte, and he was especially apprehensive about meeting the rest of Callie’s family.

What if they hated him? Then what?

“We might not be staying very long,” Joel mumbled as he parked and turned off the ignition.

Polly turned to him, looking radiant. When she worked on the ranch, tending to her horses, cleaning out stalls and running the house, she rarely wore makeup and lived in torn-up jeans, some kind of loose-fitting shirt and a ball cap. Tonight, she wore her blond hair down with a slight curl to the bottom, a tailored dark blue dress and flat dress shoes. Polly was an attractive woman who took pride in not only her ranch, but in her health and appearance, as well.

“You’re letting your nerves get the best of you.” Polly reached over and touched his arm. “The Grants are a warm and loving family. I’ve known Mildred and Henry for most of my life, and they would never do or say anything to make their guests feel uncomfortable. Callie would never have invited us if we weren’t going to be welcomed with opened arms. Now tuck those nerves away and let’s enjoy the evening.”

Joel grabbed the round plastic container that held the carrot cake Polly had made, with Emma’s help, and the bottle of red wine from the backseat. He stretched his neck from side to side to work out the tight muscles, then he headed for the house. Polly took the cake and started up the stairs, while Joel followed close behind.

Emma had already jumped out of the SUV and charged up the steps, excited about seeing Miss Callie. By the time she stepped on the covered wraparound porch, two golden Labs had come charging out the open front door, their bodies swinging with each wag of their tails. Emma stopped for a moment until Callie appeared in the doorway. “They won’t bite, Emma. They only want to say hello.”

“I don’t like big dogs,” Emma said, cowering away.

Callie tugged on each of the dog’s collars, restraining them from getting too close to Emma.

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