let Karen know, and Lisa, but other than that, we’re keeping this quiet, okay?”
He dipped his chin. “Secrets have a way of eventually getting out,” he warned.
“It’s only until I leave at the end of October.”
A slow frown spread on his face. Finn took a deep breath. Seemed to consider speaking, paused, then shook his head. “Don’t hurt him.”
She blinked. “Of course not.”
Finn examined her face steadily before turning back to the horse to finish his job. “He’s got a heart of gold. I imagine he’d do anything for you. Don’t take advantage of that.”
The twist in the conversation was beyond her, so Julia stepped away in search of Zach.
She found her sisters first.
She’d looked all over the barns and arenas before heading toward the ranch house Finn and Karen were renovating for their personal use. When she spotted the women on the back deck, she slowed her pace. That gave her time to examine Karen and Lisa—two of the three unexpected additions in her life.
What was she saying? Three additions? Try three sisters, one father, and a whole mess of cousins she hadn’t a hope of untangling without a roadmap and a who’s who of the Coleman clan.
After spending her life as a single child with just her mom, then losing her mom a couple years earlier, being thrust into the noisy, curious mob was invigorating and terrifying.
The thin thread of anger that rose up and tangled around the thought of her mother was ignored for now, because staring at two people who wore her face was enough to focus on here and now.
Lisa was only a couple of years older. She’d recently cut her hair to shoulder length, and blond highlights shimmered in the loose strands. She was a live wire, constantly coming up with some kind of mischief, and Julia was drawn to her in a way that felt all sorts of uncomfortable.
She wasn’t used to having confidants. Her few friends over the years had proven to be more fair-weather opportunists than real soulmates.
Lisa’s completely out-there and honest personality was a little daunting at times, but Julia was smart enough to know it was the change in circumstance that made the interaction feel wrong, not her sister’s open and honest caring.
At seven years older, Karen was less bubbly and enthusiastic, but her eyes were kind, and she definitely had that big-sister vibe going on.
All three of them did, as Julia included Tamara Stone in the mental gathering. The other three women also seemed to have a tangible connection. Roots that were so deeply meshed together, Julia both craved being a part of it and worried how she could keep following her own goals without being overwhelmed.
Yeah. Being grafted into the juggernaut called family would take some work.
Julia was about to announce her presence when Lisa spotted her. The true delight on her sister’s face helped ease more of the tension about having forced herself in where she wasn’t wanted.
Lisa opened her arms as Julia hit the top of the stairs. “Glad you’re here. Have we got a surprise for you.”
The hug Julia got felt good, and so did the flash of inspiration. “I bet you want to tell me we’re going to Vegas.”
A snicker slipped from Karen as Lisa rolled her eyes then offered a glare. “Someone told you.”
“The imminent groom-to-be,” Julia admitted before turning to Karen. “I’m really excited for you. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Her sister pulled her hair back into a ponytail, tightening the scrunchie to hold it in place. “Not much we need to do. Josiah’s brother has taken care of most of the details for us—he’s already in Vegas. We’ve got accommodations, the wedding chapel, and reservations for dinner at the Paris.”
“And there’s the show on Sunday night, if you can stick around.” Mischief rose in Lisa’s eyes. “Of course, if you want to go dancing, we can work that into the schedule.”
“I need to make a couple of phone calls,” Julia assured her, ignoring the dig about dancing. Had Karen also seen her with Zach? “I’ll let you know as soon as I can if I have to come back early.”
“Hey, ladies, flight is confirmed. Two o’clock, so we need to leave by noon at the latest.” Josiah marched onto the deck, a small, tan-coloured terrier at his heels. They both strode to Lisa’s side where Josiah picked her up and spun her in a circle, Ollie barking enthusiastically the entire time.
“Put me down,” Lisa said with a