Page 41 of Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire

Travis hugged Mindy to his side. “That she is, little firefly, that she is.”

“Well, enough of this. You are here for a dress for the charity ball on Saturday. This will be the first time Travis has ever actually attended, so we want something spectacular.” She rested one elbow in her other hand and placed two fingers on her chin. “Hmm.” She snapped her fingers. “I think I have the perfect dress. Just a moment.”

While she was gone Jennifer came over. “Can I freshen your drinks?”

“No, thank you.” Willow looked over at Mindy. “I see Mindy still has juice, so she’s fine, too.”

Travis held up a hand. “I’m fine, too. Thank you, Jennifer.”

Kelly returned carrying a sapphire blue dress in her arms. She held up the dress by the hangar so Willow could see it. The bodice and shoulders were sparsely covered with not sequins, but with stones that looked like diamonds. The dress was designed to fit like a corset in front, but the back was low and flowed down to a full skirt.

It was the most beautiful creation Willow had ever seen, and she fell immediately in love. “May I try it on?”

“Of course. Follow me to the dressing rooms.” Kelly glanced over her shoulder at Travis and Mindy. “You two wait here and prepare to be dazzled.”

A short while later, Willow returned. The dress was perfect and fit her like a glove.

“Well?” She looked at Mindy. “What do you think, little firefly? Can your mother pull this off?”

Mindy’s eyes were wide. “Mom, I’ve never seen you look so pretty.”

“That’s high praise. Thank you.” Willow then looked at Travis. “What about you? Do you like it?”

“You’re more beautiful than normal. With your hair up and a diamond necklace?—”

Kelly shook her head. “No necklace. I want the dress to shine. Maybe some diamond earrings. That should be enough.” She stared at Willow, her right hand holding her left elbow while her index finger tapped against her sealed lips. She took in the entire gown. “Travis, I think Grandma’s long diamond earrings would be perfect. Do you know the one’s I mean? And her lace shawl. Something Willow can wear to keep warm between the building and the car. She can check it at the door.”

He narrowed his eyes. “I know the ones you mean, and I think you’re right. I’ll pick them up from Mother on my way home.”

That most of his family lived in the Denver area surprised Willow. It would be nice to have more family around. She loved having her parents close to her. She didn’t know what she would have done without her mother handling most of Mindy’s schooling for the last two years.

“Wonderful. I’ll get this hemmed and you can pick it up tomorrow. Will that work for you, Willow?”

She nodded. “We’ll be by whatever time you tell us to be here. Won’t we, Mindy?”

“We will.”

“I have to get a hanger for my door so the dress won’t get wrinkled.” Then she looked at Kelly. “When do you want it back?”

Kelly put her hands up in front of her and shook her head. “I don’t. This is yours. I don’t loan my creations. If a celebrity wants to wear one, they have to buy it like anyone else. I don’t need to build my name anymore.”

“Wow! Really? That’s amazing. Thank you, I don’t know what to say,” said Willow. “As I told Mindy, everyone who is anyone will wear a K. Starr gown.”

Travis nodded. “I agree. But no one will look as spectacular as you.”

“You’re biased.”

He grinned. “That I am, m’dear.” He took her hand and kissed it. “That I am.”

I hope he’s right. I want to prove I can move in the circles Travis does. But does he really? He seems to avoid these kinds of functions and is only going to show me off. But to who?

Chapter 10

The night of the ball arrived.

Willow carefully dressed in the beautiful gown from Kelly. She put her hair up in a sleek chignon, leaving her back and neck exposed. She wanted nothing to detract from the gown.

Travis was bringing the earrings and she would put them on in the car. He aimed to arrive at seven-thirty. It was nearly seven at the moment.