their way to the stables and quickly saddled their horses.
Minutes later, the cool, April morning stillness was punctured by the slapping of saddle leather, the jingling of spurs and the rhythmic beat of horses’ hooves on the soft ground as Wesley and Jameson rode their horses down the road toward the pasture where the workers had taken the cattle to graze.
“I’m going to ride around the perimeter,” Wesley stated. He usually performed a check every other day to make sure there were no broken or stretched wires, broken posts, fallen trees or branches on the fence line.
There was a time when he was excited to be outside with the cattle, but things had changed lately. He was restless.
Ranching was in his blood. Wesley was born into the lifestyle, but there was a longing—a longing to try something new. He just had no idea what he wanted to do. It wasn’t what he considered a burning desire, but an itch to explore the possibilities was severe enough to stay in the forefront of his mind.
His mother considered his restlessness as a sign to settle down with a wife and have a family of his own. Wesley wasn’t exactly opposed to the idea of marriage; it was finding the right woman that presented a challenge. He had already decided that he would have to look outside Granger for a wife. Most of the women he had come in contact with seemed to have more of an interest in the family wealth than in him. His parents were both well-off when they met and married. Wesley believed he would have to find a woman who already had financial security to take as his mate.
He valued honesty above all other qualities. The rumor mill had him painted as a ladies’ man, but while he enjoyed the attention of women, he had no patience when it came to manipulation and deceit.
* * *
Lydia turned around slowly as she eyed her reflection in the full-length mirror. The dress really was gorgeous and cost more than what she made in a month. Thankfully, she had not been the one to foot the bill for it.
In keeping her true identity a secret, it was important that she dress the part, as well. She was about to mingle with some of Montana’s wealthiest residents. Lydia inhaled deeply, and then exhaled.
Please don’t let me make a fool of myself, she prayed.
This should be easy, Lydia silently reasoned. After all, she had been pretending most of her life. Her father left when she was young and appeared sporadically throughout her teen years. The story Lydia told to her friends growing up was that his absence was because he worked overseas. No one ever knew how hard it was for Lydia and her mother to make ends meet.
At one point, her mother worked two jobs, leaving Lydia to fend for herself. When she started high school, her mother landed employment with the post office where she was now a supervisor.
Lydia shook away thoughts of the past. She wanted only to focus on the present, and right now she had a gala to attend.
She grabbed her clutch purse and made her way downstairs to the ballroom where the gala was being held.
Shortly after Lydia’s arrival, Wesley strolled into the ballroom alongside his brother, causing a stir among the ladies in attendance.
She was careful to stay out of sight. Lydia wanted a chance to observe Wesley without his knowledge.
He was very handsome, and from his body language, it was obvious that Wesley knew that he looked good.
He was well aware of the magnetism he exuded. Lydia was sure of it. She was by no means blinded by his appeal, but such an attraction could prove disastrous. Lydia was determined to do exactly what she came to do—nothing more. The last thing she intended to do was get involved with a cowboy. She couldn’t imagine anything they would have in common.
She took note of his parents when they arrived with daughter Laney. The Browards were a stunning family. Steven stood tall like his sons; he was bald with a graying beard. His wife, Gwendolyn, was a tall woman with a medium brown complexion and intelligent eyes that missed nothing. Wesley’s sister had an athletic build, although she moved about gracefully. She wore her long brown hair straight.
The patriarch, Charles Broward, entered the room within minutes of the rest of the family, smiling and even flirting with a few of the women. He was still a handsome man with distinctive blue eyes despite his advanced age.
Lydia noticed a couple of females staring in her direction and whispering. Most likely, they were discussing her. After all, she was the interloper. She supposed this was due to Granger being a small town with a population of about two thousand.
She lifted her chin, meeting their curious gazes straight on. Lydia gave them a tiny smile before walking toward the bar. Lydia caught sight of Wesley coming toward her and quickly changed directions. She was not ready for him to take notice of her.
“Your dress is stunning,” a young woman complimented. She was standing directly in Lydia’s path.
“Thank you. I love the color of your gown,” Lydia responded with a smile. “That shade of blue is a favorite of mine.” After a brief pause, she added, “Hi, I’m Lydia.”
“It’s nice to meet you. My name is Maggie. Welcome to Granger.”
“I suppose in a town this size, everyone knows everybody.”
Maggie nodded. “You’re absolutely right, honey. We can spot an outsider as soon as they step across the city limits. If you don’t mind my asking, what brings you to Granger?”
“A few months ago, I came across an article on the town and decided it would be the perfect place to visit,” Lydia stated. “I’ve always wanted to see Montana.”
“Since Laney Broward won a gold medal at the Olympics, we have had a flood of folks from all over. Some come to visit and end up staying. I think it’s wonderful. This town can use some new blood, if you ask me.” Maggie took her by the arm. “C’mon over here, honey. Let me introduce you around. Maybe that way the folks will stop staring you down. We’re a curious bunch here in Granger.”
Lydia chuckled.
They moved about the room, pausing here and there so that Maggie could introduce her.
“I don’t think I’ve ever met people who were so warm and welcoming,” Lydia said.
Maggie led the way to where a group of important-looking attendees were standing. Lydia glanced over her shoulder, searching for Wesley. She found him standing near the buffet table with two other men.
Their gazes met and locked.
After what seemed like an eternity, Lydia turned her attention back to Maggie.
“Where are you from?”
“Los Angeles,” Lydia replied. She stole a glance to where she last saw Wesley. Lydia’s eyes traveled the room, searching when he was no longer there. She found him sitting down at a table with his sister. The two appeared deep in conversation.
At the sound of her name, Lydia pasted on a smile as Maggie continued to make introductions.
As they neared the table where the Broward family was sitting, Lydia released a soft sigh. It seemed the men had decided to leave the table for whatever reason.
“Hey, y’all,” Maggie uttered in greeting. “I want to introduce you to Lydia. She’s visiting our lil’ town.”
Gwendolyn smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you, dear.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, as well,” Lydia responded. She turned her attention to Laney and said, “Congratulations on winning the gold.”
“Thank you,” Laney murmured. “I hope you’ll enjoy Granger.”
“I’m sure I will. It’s so beautiful here.”
Lydia was glad when they moved on to the next table. Maggie was intent on her meeting everyone at the fundraiser, it seemed.
“Oh, the auction is about to start,”