“I guess we have to go so I can show you off.”
“Does your family know you’re coming?”
“I texted them I’d be there.”
“Do they know you’re bringing someone?”
He cupped her beautiful face in his hands and kissed her thoroughly. “No. It will be fun to surprise them. That is if we make it there.”
They gave in to their desires once more before Kellie pulled away from him. “You have to go.” She moved to her side of the car and fastened her seat belt.
Resigned for the moment that this would have to wait until later, he got the car going and they drove the rest of the way to his parents’ home in silence. Before they pulled in the driveway, he saw a dozen cars parked on both sides of the street. Hurricane lanterns with lighted candles lined the walkway to the front door of the spacious rambler.
“Since the wedding and reception will be held at the church, my folks have gone all out for this party.” He turned off the car.
“I’m not surprised. Your sister is their only daughter.”
“Beth has been doted on. She came along when my parents didn’t think they could have another child.”
“My parents had to wait a long time before they got me. How old is she?”
“Twenty-three. She has her degree in English. After New Year’s, she’ll be teaching at a middle school.” He got out of the car and went around to help her out. “I’ll tell you a secret. She’s afraid of horses. Always has been.”
Kellie looked up at him in surprise. “Was she hurt by one?”
“No. But she fell off her mount during a ride when she was little. My dad tried to help her overcome her fear, but she wouldn’t do it. After that experience the only time she’d try it was if Dad or I took her on rides on our horses.”
“Oh... What a shame. Does her fiancé ride?”
“He tolerates it if he has to.”
She smiled. “Can you imagine having to tolerate Rosco P.?”
“No.” Kellie was so lovely he lowered his head to kiss her mouth once more. “She and Tom are a good match,” he whispered against her lips before he walked her to the front door and let them into the foyer.
“Well, look who’s here—”
Cy might have known his father’s older brother would spot them first. “Your mom said you were coming. We’ve all been waiting for the man whose name has been in the news for the second time this year. Well done, Cy.” He gave him a pat on the shoulder before his glance fell on Kellie.
“Uncle Bruce? Allow me to introduce Kellie Parrish. She’s—”
“All of Texas knows who she is.” His uncle shook her hand, eyeing her in admiration. “It’s an honor to meet our state’s leading rodeo champion.” He looked back at Cy. “And your wife, I understand. You always were a dark horse.”
“No—” Kellie blurted, darting Cy an anxious glance.
Hell. “How many people know about that?”
“Everyone at the party.” His uncle smiled at Kellie. “My son’s wife, Terrie, reads your blog religiously, and the word spread. Come with me. We’re all waiting to meet the two celebr
ities of the evening.”
“I’ll handle this,” Cy whispered to her and put a hand on her back as they walked into the living room. All the chatting ceased, then everyone started clapping. “Sorry about this, Kellie,” he said out of the side of his mouth.
“It was inevitable,” she whispered back.
The din died down. “Hi, everyone. I didn’t expect a greeting like this when it’s my sister’s engagement party. We don’t want to intrude on yours or Tom’s happiness, Beth, so let me just explain a few things so you can all enjoy the rest of the party. I understand you’re under the impression that Kellie and I are married. It’s not true.”
At that remark, expressions sobered. “We had to pretend to be married to smoke out the killer.”