over at her bed. She would’ve loved nothing more than to curl up and sleep. That’s when she realized how not in the mood to party she was.
When she finally went out to find Lando and tell him she was ready, she discovered he’d fallen asleep sitting upright in his favorite chair in front of the floor-to-ceiling kiva style fireplace.
At that moment, she would’ve loved nothing better than to kick off her shoes, get out of her clothes, and curl up next to him. Glancing over at the dogs sprawled out on the rug like they didn’t intend to move for the next decade. She decided they were sacked out because they were happy to be home on a Monday evening. She so wanted to join them.
But it was not to be.
They were already running late when Gemma gripped Lando’s shoulder to wake him up. “I’m sorry. You looked so peaceful and comfortable sleeping, but we have to go. Do you need more coffee to stay awake?”
Lando stretched out his long legs and scrubbed his hands down his face. “I couldn’t drink another drop. Thanks, anyway. I’ll be okay once I get moving.”
She reached out a hand to help him get to his feet. “I wish we didn’t have to go. But I’ve tried to think of a dozen excuses, none of which will work, none Leia will buy anyway.”
“Same here.”
Taking pity on him, she reached for his keys. “I’ll drive. You still look wiped out.”
“Maybe you should. I don’t plan to argue.”
The trip to Long Shadow Stables took under twenty minutes, but they were still running late. Gemma gunned the Volvo past the sign at the Longhorn property entrance, a ranching outfit located across from the Reservation. The family had owned the land for more than a hundred years. The compound stretched from the foothills of Fire Mountain to the walls of Shadow Canyon, where the Longhorns lived in several different homes, one of which belonged to Zeb, and now, Leia.
Gemma could see an anxious Leia standing on the porch, waiting for them.
“Sorry we’re late. It’s been a hectic day.”
“I was beginning to think you guys weren’t coming at all. I called you five times and left messages.”
Gemma rolled her eyes as she wrapped an arm around her friend. “I didn’t answer because I was rushing to get here. Cut me, us, some slack, will you? We’re lucky to get here at all because Lando is dead on his feet. He’s been up for twenty-four straight hours. He even fell asleep while I changed clothes. I almost took pity on him and left him there in his easy chair.”
“What’s to eat?” Lando wanted to know as he came around the other side to hug his sister. “I’m starving.”
“Baked ham and scalloped potatoes. Help me set the table, and we can eat in five minutes.”
“You got it.”
The minute Lando stepped into the living room, Zeb slapped him on the back. “You get all the fascinating cases, don’t you? While I get you a beer, why don’t you tell me about Ben Zurcher’s murder?”
Leia watched the men disappear into the kitchen before steering Gemma toward a sulking Lianne sitting across the room.
Leia lowered her voice. “She and Luke had a dust-up a few minutes ago. It looks like wedding jitters are getting to both of them.”
“Is that why she looks like she lost her best friend?”
“Probably.”
“What was the argument about?”
“Luke wants to push the wedding to June.”
“Ouch. Did he tell her that in those exact words? Why would he do that?”
“He wants to go trout fishing next month.”
“Trout fishing? That doesn’t sound like Luke. Where is he?”
“He’s been hiding in the kitchen, nursing a beer.”
Gemma pushed up her sleeves and headed that direction. Once she reached the table where Luke sat, she grabbed his arm and yanked him out the backdoor. “I want a word with you, Mister.”
“What’d I do now?”
Gemma waited until they were alone on the back deck, the shadow of Fire Mountain watching like a giant fortress in the background. The chilly night air didn’t do much to cool off her temper. After several long minutes, staring out into the foothills, she whirled on her brother-in-law. “Why are you postponing the wedding?”
“Jeez, it’s not like I’m backing out or anything. I just want to go fishing next month. Is that so hard to understand? It’s my time off, and the only time I can take vacation this year. Sue me because I want to do something fun. For