Wanted: One Mummy. Cathy Thacker Gillen

in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by other ranches and the occasional small enclave with a few houses, a gas station, post office, church and a general store. To her, though, this flat, barren land that stretched as far as the eye could see—with the picturesque outcroppings of blooming wildflowers, cactus, sage and mesquite—was quintessential Texas, perfect for a Mexican-festival-themed wedding at sunset. She gazed thoughtfully at their surroundings, already picturing where everything would go. Chairs here, wedding gazebo here, dinner tents here, stage for the band and dance floor there—additional flats of Texas wildflowers there. There was so much space they could have one heck of a party.

      Aware Jack was watching her as carefully as she was surveying the land, awaiting her reply, she turned back to him with a small shrug and an officious smile. “I don’t believe in signs.”

      The corners of his mouth turned down into a scowl. “How about fate, then?” He continued looking around with displeasure.

      Caroline brought out her notepad and pen and scrawled a few reminders to herself. Her mind was already made up. “Do you really think I’d be reaching so far outside the realm if it weren’t for the purpose of making your mother and Dutch’s dream come true?”