The Cowgirl's Chosen Love - Vivian Arend Page 0,68
will always be there for you.”
Dammit. Tears were just around the corner. Julia had tangled thoughts regarding her mom and all the secrets that hadn’t been shared over the years. Now there were also mixed-up emotions regarding George Coleman and his attempts at getting involved in her life.
Still, in spite of how confused her emotions were regarding her parents, one thing was crystal clear.
Julia caught Karen by the hand. “What you’ve got as sisters is strong and real. I feel as if I’m cheating, being allowed to step into the middle of it, but no way will I turn it down. I feel very lucky to be your sister.”
Karen blinked hard, her eyes as watery as Julia’s. When she scooted her chair over and wrapped Julia in a big hug, the sensation was amazing.
The squeeze lasted for a good minute. When they finally separated just far enough to give each other a faint smile, Karen spoke. “There are things about Dad I don’t enjoy. I’m learning to be okay with that. I’m learning it’s okay to be angry about the past, but also that I’m allowed to control my future. I want good things going forward. That’s what Finn keeps reminding me.”
Lisa returned to the chair on the other side of the table, glancing between the two of them with a knowing expression.
“You guys need more chocolate,” she said decisively, placing a plate in front of them with three massive chocolate-covered, cream-filled doughnuts.
Karen raised a brow. “Thanks. Did you bring a knife to divide the third one?”
Instantly, Lisa claimed the extra doughnut. “Are you kidding? I need chocolate as well. Serious conversations linger on the air and can only be dissipated by the consumption of massive amounts of calories.”
Julia couldn’t agree more. Their laughter was still ringing as she sank her teeth into the gooey treat. Chocolate and sweet whipped custard exploded onto her tongue right as a hand landed on her shoulder.
Zach slipped into the chair beside her. “Looks delicious.”
Her mouth was far too full to answer. He stared at her lips, which just made chewing and swallowing that much more difficult.
“You picking up stuff for the ranch?” Lisa asked when she finally had an empty mouth.
“Doubtful, considering Finn and Cody went to Calgary this morning,” Karen said, licking chocolate off her fingers as she eyed him.
“Just looking out for my girls,” Zach offered slyly. “Need me to buy you another round?”
“Maybe.” Lisa leaned forward, mercenary smile in place. “None of us are silly enough to turn down extra chocolate doughnuts.”
He stretched his arm along the back of Julia’s chair. “Take your time. Maybe when you’re done, I can take you for a ride.”
That last bit had been directed at her. Julia finally emptied her mouth and licked her lips clean. “I drove into town.”
He shrugged. “We’ll come back and get your ride when we’re done. It’s a pretty day out there, and since Josiah’s entertaining your dad until dinnertime, we should enjoy your time off.”
“You could always go do some yoga,” Lisa suggested.
Zach’s grin flashed. “Maybe later. Hard to do a downward dog in Delilah.”
By the time they’d finished the teasing and chatting, Lisa and Karen were both carrying boxes of doughnuts, with an extra one put aside to take to Tamara.
Julia tucked herself into the passenger seat of Zach’s convertible, and a moment later, they were out on the highway, headed toward Highwood Pass.
With the top down on the custom Corvette, the air temperature was perfect. The breeze through her hair made Julia feel alive. They didn’t talk or listen to the radio, just drove the highway as it rose and dipped, passing tall pine trees looming like towers, their dark-green needles contrasting against the blue sky.
Here and there larch trees were turning colours, the needles brightening to yellow and orange. A few of the deciduous trees had begun to change as well, the occasional flash of red a bright contrast against a sea of green.
Thirty minutes later Zach pulled into a lookout over the Rocky Mountains. Julia’s heart pounded with sheer joy at being alive, and her cheeks were sore from smiling.
She twisted toward him. “It’s gorgeous out here.”
His gaze darted over her face, lingering on her mouth. “Totally gorgeous.”
She flushed.
Her cheeks got even hotter when his thumb brushed the corner of her mouth. And when he leaned in whispering the word chocolate, she wasn’t sure if her heart was pounding from the adrenaline of the ride or the knowledge he was about to kiss her.