Page 17 of The Unbuttoned Ranger (Texas Heat: The Heart of a Texas Ranger #1)

As soon as they saw Sharp the women stopped dead in their tracks and their gazes widened, sending their thin brows into their hairlines.

The shorter of the two women waved dramatically.

“Sharp Creed!” she said in a divine accent.

“I do declare. You’re looking as fit as ever.

” She reached out and touched his arm, practically salivating.

“Maragret Sinclaire!” The other woman chastised. “Flip the switch on your filter.”

“Good evening, Marg.” Sharp released CaDee’s hand so he could kiss the woman on her rouged cheek. “And hello to you too, AnaLise.”

“Ursula was just telling us that you were back in town. We’re glad you’re here, but what a shame about what happened,” Marg said with a hand to her chest.

CaDee listened intently.

“I’m disappointed, young man, that you haven’t come to visit us yet.” AnaLise beamed, craning her neck to give CaDee a side eye. “I guess you’ve been busy, so it seems.”

That was a lot of curiosity aimed in her direction.

“I’ve been a bit preoccupied. I’m guessing you two haven’t met CaDee.” He touched her shoulder, whether in support or warning she wasn’t sure.

“A little birdie told us Piper had hired help. It was about time she got some company out there.” Marg seemed amused as she took CaDee’s hand.

“Honey, you’re brave working out there on that old rundown farm.

I’ve been trying to get Piper to sell it for years, but she’s as stubborn as those old goats she loves.

It’s not healthy, I say. Those halls are haunted. ”

“Marg, reel it back,” AnaLise said lightly.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I tend to let my tongue get away from me sometimes.” Marg giggled.

“I’m sure you’re happy out there.” AnaLise dragged her large purse higher on her shoulder.

“I’m sure she is,” Marg added.

“I do like being there. Its peaceful,” CaDee finally managed to get a word in.

AnaLise cleared her throat and a grin monopolized her ruby-red lips. “Honey, when the peace gets to be too much, you should come in and join our sewing club. We haven’t filled Piper’s spot. I guess we always thought she’d come back.”

“I’m afraid I’m not much of a sewer. A button or zipper here and there, but not enough to be in a club.”

“Darling,” Marg leaned in slightly for a dramatic effect. “Neither are we. We’re there for cocktail hour and sharing secrets.” She winked. “The sewing club has seen generations of women who love to gossip. We do like our traditions in Fin’s Creek.”

“We meet every Thursday at six. BYOT And maybe Piper too.”

“BYOT?” That must be a sewing term that CaDee had never heard.

“Bring your own thread And booze, of course. The owner of Sew Smart shop, Delaney Hardwell, won’t complain as long as it’s in a cup.”

CaDee knew immediately these women would be fun to hang out with. “I’m pretty busy out at the farm, but I’d love to meet new friends.”

“We’d be delighted to have you join us. We need some young blood at the table.

We have more expiration dates than a broken refrigerator,” Marg exclaimed.

“Agnus and Tilly complain about their expiring concerns every Thursday. We don’t want to hear about arthritis or squeaking body parts, honey.

We want the juicy stuff.” Her grey gaze slitted on Sharp who remained quiet.

“I’ll certainly try my best.” And for the first time in a long time, CaDee didn’t feel that internal hesitation.

“Oh, now don’t go pulling a Piper on us.

No one is ever too busy to allow some fun into their lives,” AnaLise said in a sing-song voice, her pale eyes twinkling behind large round glasses.

“Piper created the group and then one day she quit coming. We promise entertainment. We have the tea on all Fin’s Creek rumors.

All in good taste though. Most of the rumors are about us. ” She looked delighted.

“I look forward to it,” CaDee said with a smile, already loving the women.

“Anyway, welcome to Fin’s Creek. Marg, we should be running along or we’re going to miss our show.”

“Jeopardy and a glass of wine.” Marg winked. “Ta-ta you two.”

AnaLise hooked her arm around Marg’s and the two tottered off down the sidewalk like two synchronized swimmers.

“Sorry that I didn’t get a chance to warn you,” Sharp apologized.

“Don’t be silly. They’re wonderful. A breath of fresh air.

” CaDee watched the women continue down the sidewalk, arm in arm, their high-pitched voices lingering on the breeze as they chatted about something that had them bickering in a friendly manner.

“What do they do besides run a militia style sewing club?”

“Taxidermy.”

She had to look to see if he was being serious. He was.

“Those two stuff dead animals?” She was stunned and amused at the same time.

“You should see inside their house. It’s a bit eerie how the glass eyes seem to follow me.”

She grinned. “This town keeps getting more and more interesting.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” he joked.

“I thought I heard voices out here.” The screen door opened and this time a beautiful brunette appeared at the threshold.

Sharp took the steps two at a time and drew the tall woman in for a tight hug. Unexpectedly, CaDee felt a tinge of jealousy, but it was short lived because Sharp pulled back and said, “CaDee, this is my cousin Ursula.”

Of course they were related. Every relative she’d met so far had those amazing cheekbones and lush hair.

“Did you two make it to the theater to see Mom play?”

“Lucy is your mother?” CaDee said.

“She was excited when I told her she’d have an audience. She always liked the attention,” Ursula said with a smile.

Squeals and feet hitting the floor sounded behind her. She barely got out of the way before the stampede came crashing through. A boy and a girl rushed toward Sharp. The twins, probably around six, wrapped their arms around his waist, clamoring for attention.

And Sharp didn’t disappoint. He lifted them, one in each arm.

“They love him,” Ursula said to CaDee.

She watched and felt…what? A giant of a man was reduced to weakness by two kids. And it touched her.

“Shah, will you come play?” The girl pleaded with her big blue eyes.

“Yeah, Shah. Come play!” the boy joined in.

“I should be angry that you bought them the video game because all they want to do is play,” Ursula gave him a side eye.

“I made sure I bought the educational games,” he said with a wide smile that softened his features.

“Mommy? Can we play?” the girl said anxiously.

“Yes, but first you should properly say hello to our guest,” Ursula said firmly.

“Hi, I’m Sarah.” The girl said, obviously the most outgoing one of the twins. She held out her tiny hand for a handshake.

“Hi, Sarah. I’m CaDee.”

The boy curled into Sharp and peeked up at CaDee coyly.

“This one is Saul,” Ursula said, giving his curls a tousle.

“Hi, Saul. How old are you?”

He gave her a small smile and held up five fingers.

“I have a son. He’ll be turning five soon.” CaDee saw how Saul’s expression changed some.

“Can we go play now?” Sarah asked after fulfilling her obligation to be a proper hostess.

“That’s up to Sharp,” Ursula looked to him.

“Of course. One game,” he said firmly but the twinkle in his eye said he could be talked into two or three.

He set them down and much like windup toys they shot into the house.

“Honestly, I don’t mind. This will allow CaDee and I to get to know each other better.”

"Be polite," Sharp said.

"When am I not polite?" she replied.

“Just keep the stories to a minimum,” Sharp said over his shoulder as he disappeared inside the house.

“I’ll definitely tell you stories,” Ursula said as she welcomed CaDee into her large, inviting kitchen with kids’ artwork hanging in every available space. “Coffee or tea?”

“Tea.”

“So, how are things out there at Piper’s?” Ursula asked as she busily took tea bags out of a canister, heated up water in an electric carafe, and took down a sugar bowl and set it at the table.

“It’s beginning to feel a lot like home.”

Giggles came from the living room and CaDee peeked in. Sharp was sitting on the couch between the twins and he was hunkered down over a controller. She smiled, taking in the cute scene.

“He’s great with kids,” Ursula said from beside her, holding two cups. “I didn’t put any sweetener in. I have honey if you prefer it over sugar.”

“This is fine.” CaDee accepted the cup.

“After Ely passed away, I had no clue what I was going to do. I couldn’t even wrap my head around the smallest things, but Sharp and Bradley have always been a big help.”

“Ely was your husband?” CaDee felt her chest tighten.

She nodded imperceptibly and her gaze took on a faraway look. “Let’s go sit outside on the patio and let the kids play.” Her smile returned but didn’t quite reach her eyes.

The patio was surrounded by beautiful flowers. “Your landscaping is beautiful.” CaDee said as she sat down in a cushioned wicker rocker. One day she hoped to have a garden and an outdoor escape again.

“Thanks. I call it “green therapy”. I needed something to help me stop overthinking and when I get out here I feel like I’m writing in a journal.

” Ursula sat and stretched her legs. “Who expects to lose a spouse at thirty-two?” She stared into her tea.

“It’s been two years. Ely loved being a flight instructor.

He knew the operations from front to back.

There was an activation error in his seat, and it ejected during a training. ”

“I’m so sorry.” CaDee could see the sadness etched in Ursula’s face.

“Sharp and Ely were best friends. Grew up together, even joined the military together.” A reminiscent smile turned up the corners of her mouth. “When Sharp was shot, I saw the terror in Bradley and I did my best to console him. I don’t know what he would have done had Sharp not made it.”

“Sharp was shot?” CaDee blurted. That made sense, the ghastly wounds on his torso that were healing.

Ursula’s eyes widened, and then she sighed. “Oh? You didn’t know?”

“No, I didn’t.”

After setting her cup on the glass table, Ursula folded her hands in her lap. “Men like Sharp prefer not to talk about things they can’t control. Take it from someone who knows, I had to pry communication and information out of Ely. You have a son?”

CaDee guessed Ursula wanted to pull the conversation away from Sharp’s private life after she revealed something huge. “Carsen is a wonderful boy. He’s loving exploring at Piper’s.”

“I just had an amazing idea. You should join our playdate group. Once a week moms of Fin’s Creek get together and do yoga while our kids play.

We hire two teen girls who are fabulous with them.

They sit for everyone’s kids in Fin’s Creek.

After yoga we drink coffee and share useful information.

From sore breastfeeding nipples to how to care for a sick kid to postpartum depression.

It’s a place where moms can share everything without judgement. ”

“If I can get away from the farm I’d love to come. I’ve also been invited to the sewing club.” She sipped her tea.

Ursula laughed, not even bothering to hide her humor.

“I love those ladies, I really do, but they are fueled by rumors. I did the sewing club myself for a hot minute. I decided I didn’t need to know that a reputable citizen of Fin’s Creek was cheating with one of the church ladies.

They were sneaking off into a quiet room while Pastor Stevens was preaching Sunday mornings.

Or who has had plastic surgery to look more like Barbie. ”

“Every town has its stories,” CaDee said. She wanted to return to discussing Sharp because she had lots of questions.

“You’re coming to the annual magnolia barn dance, right?”

“Squirrel” came to mind because Ursula flitted from one thought to the next so fast that it gave CaDee whiplash. However, she knew that she and Ursula would become good friends. “I don’t know anything about the dance.”

Ursula leaned in as if she wanted to reveal top secret information. “You’ll love it. We have so much fun. Carsen can come here and stay with the twins. I have a phenomenal sitter. All the women bake a pie as contribution.”

“Not potato salad or cole slaw? A casserole?” Those were the things that people normally brought to picnics and gatherings.

“No, it has to be pie.” There was a twinkle in her eyes as she sat back in her chair, picking up her cup to cradle it between her hands.

“Is there a shop in town where I can grab some clothing?” CaDee asked.

“We don’t have a lot of options, yet. Can I ask you a question without offending you?”

“I don’t get offended easily.”

“I have nearly an entire wardrobe of clothing that I can’t fit into after the twins were born. You can have them. Some still have tags.”

“Thank you. That’s very kind.”

Ursula laid her hand on CaDee’s. “Honey, you’ll find out that the women of Fin’s Creek stick together. You’re one of us now.”

Before she could say that she wasn’t sure she would be staying permanently, Sharp stepped onto the patio. “What are you ladies discussing?” he asked.

“Nothing, just chatting,” Ursula said, winking at CaDee.

Sharp grinned. “Ursula’s quite the talker.”

“Should I mention when your tongue got stuck to the ice statue at Willie Bee’s wedding reception or when you toilet papered Coach Toole’s house and you had to hold a sign on Second Street admitting what you did?”

“Let’s not,” Sharp replied wryly.

The banter between the two made CaDee smile. She missed family. Maybe staying in Fin’s Creek meant having family.