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“Worked last time,” Boone said smugly.
Tildi narrowed her eyes, then suddenly lunged forward, snatched the piece of roll from his hand, and popped it into her mouth before he could react.
Boone stared at his empty fingers, then threw his head back and laughed. that big, booming laugh that always filled the whole hall. He hooked an arm around Tildi’s waist and dragged her closer, pressing a loud, smacking kiss to her temple.
“You just earned a spanking, little thief,” he accused fondly.
“But I’myourlittle thief,” Tildi replied sweetly, chewing with exaggerated satisfaction. “And don’t you forget it.”
Ruby cackled from the head of the table. “That’s my girl. You keep that Daddy of yours on his toes.”
The whole table erupted in laughter. Tanner glanced down at Junie, his eyes soft.
He leaned in and brushed a kiss against her temple, murmuring into her ear, “See that, Cupcake? That’s what we’re gonna be one day. Loud, ridiculous, and completely in love.”
A girl could hope. “Promise?”
“I already promised,” he said, voice low and sure. “You’re stuck with me, little baker.”
She melted at the words, even as a familiar flicker of fear twisted in her chest. She wanted so badly to believe him. She’d known the Daniels family her whole life. Had practically grown up on their ranch after her father passed, but this felt different. Like she’d finally stepped across an invisible line and into the heart of it all.
But the memory of the rodeo she’d gone to all those years ago still lingered like a bruise that refused to fade. The pain from that night had nearly killed her. If Tanner changed his mind now, if he decided she wasn’t enough after all and found someone else… she wouldn’t survive it. Not this time.
She smiled up at him anyway, heart pounding with equal parts hope and terror, and held on tighter to the man who had the power to break her completely.
Trace had Kip tucked securely in his lap, one big arm wrapped around her waist like he had no intention of letting her go anytime soon. She looked perfectly at home there, her back resting against his broad chest as she chatted softly with Joy. With quiet focus, Trace cut another generous bite of his perfectly grilled ribeye, speared it with his fork, and lifted it toward her lips.
“Come on, Foxy,” he coaxed, his deep voice more of a rumble. “Just one more bite. You’ve hardly eaten anything tonight.”
Kip turned her face away slightly, pressing her lips together. “I’m really not hungry, Daddy. My tummy’s been a little funny all day.”
“Just a tiny bite for me?” Trace murmured, tapping the forklightly against her bottom lip. “You’ll feel better if you get something in your belly. Open up, sweetheart.”
With a reluctant sigh, Kip opened her mouth and accepted the bite. She chewed slowly, then gave a tiny, satisfied hum. Trace’s mouth curved into a rare, tender smile. He pressed a slow kiss to the side of her neck, murmuring something low and private that made her cheeks flush pink.
But only seconds later, Kip’s eyes suddenly widened in alarm. Her hand flew up to cover her mouth as all the color drained from her face.
She scrambled off Trace’s lap so fast he barely had time to react.
“Kip?” he called, already rising from his seat.
She didn’t answer, just bolted toward the Little Ladies’ room at the back of The Post. Trace muttered a sharp curse under his breath and dashed after her, long strides eating up the distance.
Junie’s stomach twisted with worry. She leaned closer to Tanner and clutched his hand. “Is she okay?” she whispered.
Joy turned toward them, her expression one of someone who knew a secret. “She’s been feeling sick for several days now. She keeps brushing it off and saying it’s nothing, but she hasn’t had much of an appetite.” Joy rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “And master veterinarian Trace has no clue what could possibly be wrong.”
Kenzie gave her a knowing look and nodded. “Ruby’s been giving her ginger tea every morning to settle her stomach, but it hasn’t been working very well.”
Chance looked up from feeding Joy a bite of steak, his voice calm but serious. “If she’s still feeling sick tomorrow morning, you let me know. I’ll phone Doc Bradford and have him come out to the ranch to check on her.”
Joy smiled at her husband. “I will. Thank you, Daddy.” Then she shot a covert wink across the table at Kenzie.
Chance gave her waist a gentle squeeze, then glanced across the table at Tanner. “Speaking of stubborn creatures… I need you to side with me on the name for that new foal. Joy wants to call him ‘Marshmallow’ because he’s all fluffy and white. I keep telling her that’s not a proper name for a future cutting horse.”
Joy sat up straighter. “He’s sweet and soft! Marshmallow is perfect.”
Junie tilted her head, thinking for a moment. “What about Frost? It’s still white and strong, but it has a little softness to it too.”
