Page 37 of A Rancher's Heart

Tamara’s actions were wrong, and she’d been fired when the news finally came out. Didn’t matter that it was years earlier—she’d screwed up.

And with one fell swoop, years of training and her career were history.

She sighed. “You know if I told the truth, that wouldn’t make it any better, because somehow, someway, people would still get it twisted.”

“Worse, it would hurt Allison and her family. We know.” Karen laid a hand over hers. “Hon, we don’t think you did anything wrong. Allison got to be home with her mom during her last months. I’d have been tempted to do the same thing.”

Lisa nodded. “We won’t tell anybody what you shared, but I am glad you told us. Makes it easier to put up with the bullshit.” Her sisters and Caleb’s sister, Dare, were the only ones Tamara had told the truth.

“Well, I know you guys can keep your mouths shut.”

The three of them looked at each other. They’d never complained in public about how annoying their particular…situationwas.

“I just think it’s better nobody knows.”

“We agree.”

But they were still thinking about it. “Dad’s having a hard time, isn’t he?”

Lisa nodded reluctantly. “The guys at the coffee shop keep poking him for details, so whatever you do, keep your mouth shut with him. Sharing what happened is not an option because that would end in a big old mess.”

“You seem extra distracted.” Tamara poked her older sister. “Dad troubles?”

Karen shook herself. “What? No. He’s been grumpy lately, wondering what the truth is about you leaving, but he hasn’t been any worse than usual when it comes to the ranch. Working with the cousins has made life a lot better, and the rest of the ranches are more than happy to take my advice. With Jesse back, I think we’re going to do some good things with the stock. In fact, I was thinking about combining bloodlines more—”

Lisa shoved the plate of goodies toward her and spoke loudly to cover her words. “Eat. No breeding talk at the table.”

Coughs of surprise rose from the two men at the table next to them. The one with dark hair smiled before looking away, but the blond made eye contact, a wide smile on his handsome face. Lisa flushed, then wiggled her fingers in greeting.

Tamara smacked at her sister’s hands. “Stop that. I live around these people now.”

Lisa leaned around her to check out the guys again. “Which is why I’m perusing the menu.”

Good grief. “Karen was about to tell us why she’s moping,” Tamara reminded Lisa.

Lisa waved a hand, easing her chair back so she had a better view of the neighbouring table. “Oh,that. She’s pouting because old Freddie Wilson crawled out of that ancient RV he’s been entombed in for half of forever and asked her to a Halloween party.”

“Lisa,” Karen snapped.

“Frankly, I think she should go because while she’s there, she can ditch him and find somebody younger.”

“I’ll ditch you somewhere on the drive home,” Karen threatened.

Without moving her gaze off the hotties at the next table she was batting her lashes at, Lisa reached into her pocket. She swung a keychain around her finger. “Going to be hard to kick me out when I’ll be driving.”

Karen slapped her pocket before eyeing Lisa evilly. “Thief.”

“We all need hobbies.”

Tamara sat back, positive her smile went from ear to ear. “I love you two,” she said impulsively. “I’m glad you’re my sisters.”

The two of them responded instantly, hands sliding forward to meet in the middle of the table. Fingers grasped, surrounded by empty plates and latte cups. “We’re the three Whiskeyteers forever,” Lisa proclaimed.

“That nickname makes me think you’re calling us mice,” Tamara confessed.

Karen snorted. “I always figured we were opening a barbershop.”

A hoot escaped Lisa. “God, you guys. It’s our family cheer. Get over yourselves.”