One Southern Cowboy - Jennifer Youngblood Page 0,55

Briggs interact with Milo and Madison, one would have assumed that he was their dad.

Seated to Zoe’s left were Knox and Birdie, happy as two lovebirds in a nest. Lemon still had a hard time believing that they weren’t actually together.

Madison held the marshmallows straight into the flames of the fire.

“Careful, Mads,” Birdie warned, “or they’ll catch on fire.”

Briggs caught Madison’s arms and pulled her back slightly. “There, put it near the flame, not directly in it.”

Lemon’s gaze moved to Ramsey and Hartley who were snuggled up together, their heads nearly touching. Both wore the radiant expressions of a newlywed couple. Lemon was a big fan of Hartley’s music. Never, in a million years, would Lemon have thought that she would be closely associated with her. Hartley was as gorgeous in person as she was on TV with her vivid blue eyes and copper hair. Ramsey and Hartley decided to stay in Franklin for an extra day before returning to their honeymoon in Maui so that Ramsey could assist Chief Blankenship in wrapping up the loose ends of the Wesley ordeal.

A shiver slid down Lemon’s spine. The entire thing was so harrowing. She didn’t want to think about how close she’d come to not only losing her life, but also Jaxson. Had Ramsey not been such a great marksman … she shook her head, pulling her thoughts away from the darkness as she offered a silent prayer of gratitude. A feeling of overwhelming love rose in her breast as she glanced at Jaxson’s handsome profile. She could hardly believe that she was here with him and that they were back together. She’d been given her innermost desire—a second chance with the love of her life. She intended to utilize that second chance to the fullest, holding nothing back.

It was nice being here, feeling like she was part of a family. Lemon was glad that Lucas and especially Lexi were here tonight. Lemon owed Lexi a lot. Had Lexi not given her the pepper spray, last night’s events might have played out much differently. Lucas was sitting beside Jaxson with Lexi on the other side of Lemon. Shockingly, Jaxson and Lucas had actually been having an amicable conversation about the ranch.

Ramsey tipped his head back, laughing at something Hartley had said. It was impressive how put-together Ramsey was considering that he’d shot two men dead just the day before. Then again, in Ramsey’s profession, he was probably used to tense situations and death. Lemon, on the other hand, knew it would take a long time before her brain would stop replaying the horrible sight of Wesley and his goon splayed out, lifeless on the asphalt.

“You okay?” Jaxson asked with a note of concern.

She offered a quick smile in response. “I’m good.”

Before Jaxson could question her further, Lucas cut in, “I know you think Vance Bryant can walk on water, but I’m not sure that he’s the best guy for the job. Walter McIntosh and his group have been begging for our business. I’ll bet they’d fix the feeder for half what Vance charges. I say give ‘em a shot to show us what they can do.”

Jaxson grunted. “Vance charges more because he’s the best.”

Lucas’s voice rose. “You’ve gotta get your head out of the sand, cousin, and get with the times. Vance is older than the hills.”

Back and forth they went. Lemon sighed. Maybe the conversation between Jaxson and Lucas wasn’t so amicable after all. She supposed that’s how it would always be between the two rivals.

Lexi touched Lemon’s arm. “How ya feeling about everything?”

Lemon swallowed. “I’m doing okay.” She really was okay, all things considered. It would take her time to fully heal, but she was hopeful about the future.

The corners of Lexi’s mouth turned down. “I’m really sorry about your mom.”

A lump rose in Lemon’s throat. “Me too.” She still found it hard to believe that her mom was gone. It was surreal. A few hours earlier, she’d spoken to a rep from the care center. The plan was to have the body sent back here where they would have a quiet memorial service and then put her body to rest at a local cemetery. The police were opening an investigation into her mother’s death. Lemon figured that Wesley had covered his tracks well. Still, she hoped the investigation would lead police to the hired killer.

“What will you do about your business?” Lexi asked.

Lemon felt Jaxson tense slightly. She grinned inwardly, sensing that he’d suddenly become interested in her