Summer Nights (Fool's Gold #8)

Theirs was not a traditional household, Annabelle thought, watching the exchange. Most brides-to-be didn’t live with future mothers-in-law. But last spring May and Rafe had moved in with Heidi and her grandfather. First Glen and May had fallen in love, then Rafe and Heidi. The older couple were having a small house built at the edge of the property and would be moving out as soon as it was finished.

Now Shane was living in the house, which made for crowded conditions. But Heidi seemed to be thriving with her new family. In truth, Annabelle felt a bit of envy. Her parents had split up when she’d been very young and they’d both made it clear neither of them wanted to be “stuck” with her. She’d been an only child and the house had been lonely. Having a lot of caring people around seemed pretty perfect to her. The sense of community that existed in Fool’s Gold had been the main selling point for her.

“I hear Shane is teaching you to ride,” May said.

Annabelle nodded. “It’s going well.”

“On Khatar?”

“He likes me.”

“It’s more than like,” Charlie said with a grin. “She’s his one true love. Shane can’t figure out how to keep him contained when she’s around.”

May frowned. “He’s a dangerous horse. Be careful.”

“I will, but actually he’s very sweet. So affectionate.”

“It’s true,” Heidi told May. “You’re going to have to trust us on that. Khatar wants to cuddle when he’s around Annabelle.”

“If you say so.” May looked doubtful.

“There’s more,” Heidi said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Little girls have been showing up to learn how to ride. They want Shane to teach them because he’s a real cowboy.”

Annabelle sighed. “That’s my fault. I didn’t realize all his horses were so valuable. I mentioned the lessons to a few of the girls who come to the library and it quickly got out of hand. Shane’s being great about it,” she added quickly. “He’s talking about renting some horses.”

“Renting? There’s no need for that.” May rose. “You girls go on with your planning. I’ll be right back.”

Heidi watched her go. “Uh-oh. I have a feeling a few more old animals are going to be showing up in the next day or so. Poor Shane. He’s being thrown in the deep end of the ocean for sure. Talk about getting involved.”

Annabelle winced, realizing that Shane’s worry about his mother hadn’t been in vain. Not that she was going to be the one to tell him. She reached for her iced tea and was about to take a sip when she realized Charlie was staring at her. “What?”

“Speaking of involvement,” her friend said slowly. “Were you trying to set me up with Shane?”

Annabelle shrank back. “No. Yes. Maybe. I’m sorry.”

“What did I miss?” Heidi asked. “Something fun?”

“Annabelle thinks I need to get out more,” Charlie said, never taking her gaze from Annabelle. “Start dating.”

“Does she…” Heidi pressed her lips together.

Charlie finally looked away. “Yes, I told her about my past.”

“I thought it would be a good idea to start with someone nice,” Annabelle said weakly. “Shane’s nice.”

“Not my type and way too into you.”

She sat up a little straighter. “Really? You think he likes me?”

Heidi looked at Charlie. “Looks like Khatar isn’t the only one with a crush.”

“I don’t have a crush on Shane,” Annabelle protested. “I said he was nice. There’s a difference.”

“Not when you’re blushing,” Heidi teased.

“You offered me to a guy you’re interested in?” Charlie asked, sounding outraged.

Annabelle pressed her lips together. “I wasn’t sure and you said you wanted to be fixed.”

“Now you’re making me sound like a stray dog. Look, I appreciate the effort, but I can handle this myself. I’ll figure out a way to get over my mistrust of men or not. I don’t need a man to have a family, right?”

“Well, you kind of do,” Annabelle said gently.

“She’s right.” Heidi nodded her head as she spoke. “But this is all good. You’re facing the problem. I’m glad. I’m also a little surprised. I didn’t think you liked kids.”

“I grumble about them, but I like them okay. I always thought one day…” She shrugged. “Who am I kidding?”

“Don’t,” Annabelle told her. “You can’t give up before you even start.”

“I know. It’s just you’re both so normal and I have this horrible mother.”

Annabelle knew her parents hadn’t exactly been what anyone could call loving, but that wasn’t the point. “She’s still alive?”

“Last time I checked. She’s famous. Or she used to be.” She seemed to brace herself. “My mother was a ballet dancer. World-renowned. Dominique Guérin.”

Annabelle frowned. “I think I’ve heard that name. Maybe seen a few of her DVDs. She’s beautiful and very talented.”

Charlie grunted. “She would be devastated to know your life doesn’t revolve around her greatness. And I’m not saying that to be funny.”

“Not the type to bake cookies?” Heidi asked.