then showed her the cupboard where microwavable cups of soup, popcorn, chips, single-serving-size cereals, packaged pastries, candy bars and a variety of other food items and treats were stored. The kitchen was equipped with modern appliances.
“How often are perishable items changed out?”
“Most food items have expiration dates. Our employees check the refrigerator and pantry often. Small cartons of milk are changed out daily.”
China laughed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply anything sinister. I’m terribly curious by nature. I’m a nurse so I always concern myself with health-and-safety issues.”
“A nurse, huh? Well, the closest medical facility is twenty miles away. We’ve thought of hiring a full-time RN, but we haven’t had enough incidents of illness or injury to warrant it. As well as staff members, our lifeguards are certified in CPR and first aid. We also supply transportation to and from the medical facility.”
The expression on China’s face showed amazement. “You Kingdom brothers got it going on. I’m looking forward to my stay.”
“We’re happy to have you. If you’re not interested in cooking, breakfast is served in the dining room of the main building from five-thirty to ten-thirty. Look at the activity schedule for whatever you’re interested in. There’s plenty to do out here.”
“I recall reading an endless list of activities. I want to go fishing and learn to ride a horse, but I’m a bit intimidated by their size. Your horse is one big boy.”
“Thunder is gigantic but gentle as a lamb. Let me know when you’re ready to get acquainted with him. Fishing excursions begin at five o’clock.”
A gasp was followed by a loud groan from China. “Why so early?”
“The fish are hungry and biting.” He moved toward the door. “I’d better get going. See you around. Have a great evening, China.”
“You, too, Zaire. Thanks for everything, especially for rescuing me.”
He grinned. “Glad I could be of service.” Backing out of the exit, he closed the door behind him. Turning around again, he rapped hard on her door.
China appeared immediately. “Did you forget something?”
“Not really. Wanted to tell you since it is Friday, there’s a great band playing tonight in the pavilion, which also serves as a clubhouse, bandstand and dance hall.” He looked down at his watch and whistled. “The band starts in a couple of hours.”
“I think I will check out the band. I probably won’t get there at starting time, though. A shower and short nap will help rejuvenate me. Will you be there?”
“The entire Kingdom family will be there. We pretty much check in on everything happening around the place. I rarely stay until the last set, but I’ll definitely drop in.”
Resisting a strong urge to flirt with Zaire, China smiled. “Good. Hope to see you there.” China wished her lifelong best friend, Brooke Clay, had come to keep her in line.
Zaire grinned. “You probably will. Get settled in. Later, China.”
Hearing the door close, she crossed her arms, rubbing them up and down. Zaire unsettled her in the strangest way. Her wild attraction to him was crazy. Walking around the cabin, familiarizing herself with the surroundings, she was pleased with everything.
Along with washcloths and hand linens, large, thirsty white bath towels were stacked on a rack above the bathroom sink. A hair dryer was mounted on a wall. Complimentary toiletry items, nestled in a decorative gold wire basket, were set out on the ceramic tile counter. A shower cap, shoe shine and a mini sewing kit were included.
The Jacuzzi caused her to change her mind about showering. Relaxing in a tub was more appealing. Turning on the faucets, she fiddled with the dials until the water temperature was right. After filling the tub to where it was safe to turn on the jets, she rushed back to her unpacked suitcases. Opening the smaller case that held aromatherapy products, she quickly chose lavender oil and hurried back to the bathroom, eager to enjoy this soak.
Wrapped up cozily in a thick white velour robe, China lay in the center of the bed, her head propped up on several pillows. Though she felt drowsy, she wanted to read through the ranch brochures before taking a brief nap. Next to the numerous offerings of supervised activities, the instructors’ names were listed. Zaire’s name appeared on the schedule quite a bit. The man was busy as a swarm of worker bees.
The Kingdom brothers had thought of everything when they’d planned out the ranch. A house of worship was built next to the main building. A retired clergyman, Pastor Royal Clark, came from nearby Brownsville to minister to family and guests.
Checking off each interesting activity, China made sure to schedule it on Zaire’s watch. She liked the thought of having him as her instructor. The idea of getting to know him on a personal level appealed to her.
Wearing sexy, formfitting white jeans and a chic designer mint-green scooped-neck linen top, China looked like a fresh spring day. Sucking in a deep breath, she stepped into the cavernous barnlike pavilion. Blaring full-blast from numerous speakers, DJ-spun music greeted her. Figuring the band was probably on break, she covered her ears briefly. Spotting Hailey near the bar, China strolled in her direction.
As if they were old friends, the two women exchanged warm pleasantries.
“Glad you came out to join the fun tonight. Zaire told us you might show up. I’d like you to meet other family members and a few employees. Okay with you?”
China nodded. “My pleasure. I’d love to meet everyone.”
Hailey took China by the hand. “Come on. We’ve got a great table where we can see everything that goes on. It’s reserved for family and special guests.”
Did Hailey consider her a special guest? At any rate, it was a nice thought. China felt nervous as Hailey introduced her to tall, dark and gorgeous Zurich. Family resemblances were striking. Hailey then introduced the family matriarch, her mother-in-law, Bernice Kingdom.
Bernice smiled sweetly. “Welcome to Whispering Lakes Ranch, China. I hope your stay with us is memorable.” Bernice turned. “This is my husband, Morgan.”
The tall man with a dark brown complexion was good-looking. As she pointed to another male, China could easily see he was another brother. “My son Zane and his girlfriend, Gayle McCray, are high school teachers. They work with the family on weekends during the school year and full-time in the summer. Gayle helps out with arts-and-crafts and fills in wherever else she’s needed. She has God-gifted hands.”
China shook hands with everyone, flashing a radiant smile.
It hadn’t taken China long to notice how stylishly Bernice was dressed. Appearing much younger than her fifty-plus years, she had layered medium-length mixed-gray hair. Sparkling pecan-brown eyes were as pretty as her caramel-brown face.
Three lovely older women joined them. Bernice warmly hugged the ladies, introducing them to China. “Up until I married, my sisters and I lived together.”
China greeted the animated ladies, who were as stylish as their sister. She turned to Bernice. “What a wonderful family you have. It’s nice to meet each of you.”
China’s thoughts went to her mother, who had run off with another man when China was a little girl, leaving her father to raise her alone. She still felt that she’d missed out on something wonderful by the absence of a solid family. Having no mother or siblings around had been hard, and, now that her father rested in peace, China felt totally alone in the world.
Sensing China’s sadness, Bernice slid her arm around her shoulders, hugging her in a motherly way. “We’d love for you to join us at our table. But let me warn you. We’re a lively bunch, a very vocal one. Our guys can get a bit racy with the jokes.”
China laughed. “It sounds exciting.