Before the Storm (The Cochran/Deveraux Series Book 9) by Melanie Schuster

Author:Melanie Schuster [Schuster, Melanie]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Melanie Woods Schuster
Published: 2015-06-21T04:00:00+00:00

“Now it’s time for lunch,” she informed him as she cantered up next to him. “I’m going to help Marilyn.” She leaned over to kiss him lightly. “Don’t forget who loves you,” she whispered.

Mac watched the two women ride off with a smile on his face. “See what I’m telling you? Never say never my friend, it’s a big bold word but it really doesn’t mean that much.”

Marilyn seemed genuinely happy to have Ruth’s company, especially since Falling Water Farms was hosting a big party that night. “We’re not big party people. We don’t go to a lot of them and we sure as heck don’t give them. This is a working ranch and we just don’t have a lot of time for a social life. But since Rainy is doing so well, we kind of felt we needed to do something festive,” she said wanly.

Ruth’s heart went out to the woman. She was obviously uncomfortable with her new role as hostess to a multitude of friends, neighbors and strangers, and fortunately, entertaining ran in Ruth’s blood. She patted Marilyn on the shoulder and assured her it would be a great evening. “I’m going to tell you a secret,” she said in a conspiratorial tone. “All you really need for a great outdoor party is a lot of good food and some good loud music. If the weather cooperates, you’ve got it made.”

Marilyn brightened at once. “We did get the best caterer in the county. From what I understand she and her staff are like magicians. She was on the Food Network and she’s been in Gourmet magazine and Bon Appétit,” she recited, and then reddened along her cheekbones. “I have no idea what that means,” she confessed. “I read it in her brochure. I don’t spend a lot of time watching television and when I do, I’m so old-school it’s pitiful. I watch Columbo and Matlock reruns, stuff like that. And the only magazines I ever read are about horse breeding and training.” She blushed again. “I’m pretty hopeless, huh?”

Ruth wanted to hug her, but sensed it would just embarrass her to tears. Marilyn was tall and naturally slim with the muscle tone that came from years of hard work. Her wavy brown hair with natural blond highlights was pulled back in a long sensible braid and she had piercing gray eyes that were just like her brother’s. She had a strong profile and beautifully chiseled features, the kind of aristocratic beauty that couldn’t be bought or painted on, yet she seemed as shy as one of her foals. All she needed was a little dose of self-confidence, something Ruth had in abundance and was more than happy to share.

“You’re hardly hopeless. I admit to an addiction to Charmed and Murder, She Wrote, so we’re even. Marilyn, relax. The caterers are taking care of the setting up, the decorations and the serving, right? The music is covered because your neighbor’s son has a jazz band that’s playing and you hired a DJ to alternate with the live music,” she said as she ticked off points on her fingers.

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