The Rancher and the Event Planner - By Cheryl Gorman Page 0,48
and not Rafe’s delicate touch on her mouth. When she opened her eyes, Rafe was staring at her. “Juicy, definitely juicy.”
He nodded, still looking at her. “Yum,” he said in a low voice. “Finish chopping the vegetables while I help put some pies in the oven. Just wait until you taste how juicy the ingredients are when they’re hot.”
When he mouthed the words juicy and hot, she wanted to leap into his arms, clamp her legs around his waist and go for it.
In a few minutes, the first pies were ready and the crowd began sampling the tasty treats. After the first rush, JC took a breather and stepped out of the tent. Rafe was standing with Molly munching on slices. Molly smiled and waved at her while Rafe tipped his hat. Something swelled inside JC, a feeling of accomplishment and pride but also pride in the people of Salvation. It was amazing how so many people had come together to help her. And Rafe had offered his expertise as well. He’d not only taught her something about making a great pie, but had helped her realize how close she’d come to her lust threshold.
“To Jennifer,” Rafe called interrupting her thoughts, “for making the best pizza in the state.”
Unexpected tears filled JC’s eyes as pride flooded her body. Despite the rocky beginning, the day had turned out to be a success.
Chapter Twelve
“Contestants, please walk your dogs around the ring one more time, while the judges make their final decisions,” Ellie Blakeley said in a chipper voice.
Molly’s tiny fingers clutched JC’s hand and her other held a female white lab’s leash as they circled the rink. Hope lit Molly’s eyes, yearning for a win and with a little luck, she would take home not only the blue ribbon but the dog as well.
Cooler temperatures ruled the day. Thank God. A breeze stirred JC’s hair, soothing her heated skin. The dog, named Dixie, wagged her tail in response to the relief from the oppressive heat. As they passed by Rafe, standing on the outside of the ring, Molly waved to him. “Hi, Daddy.”
JC tingled from head to toe at the sight of him, his handsome face, his blue eyes glinting with love for his daughter. He looked incredible today in his white shirt, jeans and cowboy boots sporting a spit shine. His cowboy hat sat perfectly on his head casting a slight shadow over his face.
“Hi, punkin,” he said. With a slight tilt of his head, his blue gaze settled on JC. Suddenly, her world tilted. Dizziness tangled with a swooping sensation, the emotions swirled through her stomach. She stumbled.
I’m in love with Rafe. I’m totally in love with him.
“Are you okay, JC?” Molly asked.
No, no I am definitely not okay. Her throat squeezed, tears burned the back of her eyes, but she blinked them away. Keep smiling even if it kills you. “I’m fine, sweetie. I tripped on a rock.” And my foolish heart tripped over Rafe and went splat.
“Okay, everyone, the judges have made their decision. Please line up in the middle of the rink to award prizes.”
Twenty dogs and their companions formed a line with Molly and JC in the middle. Molly squeezed JC’s hand and looked up at her. “I did good, didn’t I, JC?”
She smiled at Molly. “You were fantastic. Promise you won’t be disappointed if you and Dixie don’t win.”
Molly lifted her chin. “I promise, but Dixie’s going to win. I just know it.”
JC laughed. The honorable mentions were awarded first then the countdown began. Holding her breath, JC waited for the final announcement.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the Grand Prize Winner for Best in Show is Dixie, shown by JC Barrett and Molly McCord. Congratulations!”
Molly squealed. “We won, we won.”
JC beamed. “I know, I can’t believe it.”
Together, JC, Molly and Dixie accepted the ribbon and trophy. Rafe walked over and swung Molly up into his arms. “Congratulations, I’m so proud of you.”
“JC,” one of the councilman said, “On be-half of the entire city council, we think you’ve done a fabulous job on helping Salvation’s chances of winning the Best Texas Vacation contest. Don’t you agree, Mr. Mayor?”
“Absolutely,” Rafe said.
“Thank you, it was my pleasure.” She turned to Molly and said, “You’d better give Dixie some water. She’s had a busy morning.”
“Okay,” Molly said and kissed Dixie. “I love you, Dixie.”
A lump rose in JC’s throat. You are the sweetest kid. “I’ll see you soon, Molly,” JC said her voice cracking, because now that she knew she was