Three Little Words (Fool's Gold #12)(46)

“He’s not afraid. My Jeep’s a classic.”

“Then you should treat it with the respect it deserves. You really need to think about painting it. At least get rid of the flames.”

“The flames are the best part.”

They pulled up to the valet.

“Thanks,” Isabel murmured as her door was opened. She was careful as she stepped to the ground. Heels and a long drop to earth were not a good mix—especially when wearing a wrap dress. But she managed without flashing anyone.

As they walked toward the entrance, Ford put his hand on the small of her back. She liked the warm pressure of his fingers against her body—even with the firm layer of Lycra between his skin and hers.

Once inside, Ford motioned to the bar. “They’re meeting us there.”

She hesitated. “I’m oddly nervous.”

“It’s not your fault you’re the most beautiful woman in the room.”

The unexpected compliment caused her to burst out laughing. She knew she cleaned up pretty well and could comfortably call herself average-plus, but the most beautiful woman in the room? Not on this planet.

Ford’s eyes narrowed. “You’re not supposed to laugh.”

“Then stop being funny.” She slipped her arm through the crook of his elbow. “Lead on, faux boyfriend.”

“You’re still giggling.”

“I’ll do my best to stop.”

“Ford!”

They turned and saw a couple in their late thirties walking toward them. He was a few inches shy of six feet and she came to his shoulders. They were both dark haired. The woman was obviously pregnant.

“Clyde,” Ford said, stepping forward and offering his hand. He turned to the woman. “You must be Linda. Nice to meet you.”

“You, too,” Linda said with a pretty smile that lit up her face.

“This is Isabel.”

There was more handshaking.

“At the risk of stating the obvious,” Clyde said, putting a possessive hand on his wife’s waist, “it’s probably best we skip the bar and head into dinner.”

Isabel nodded and Ford agreed. They walked toward Henri’s on the west side of the resort.

Linda fell into step with her. “I love this town,” she said. “It’s adorable. Clyde was telling me that there are festivals nearly every weekend.”

“We do like to celebrate.”

“So you’re from here?”

“Born and raised. I’ve spent the past six years in New York, though.”

“But you came back.” Linda sounded delighted. “We’re in Phoenix and it’s nothing like this. For one thing, the heat in the summer is brutal. We also don’t have the trees. Everything is so green.”

“Wait until the fog rolls in and frizzes your hair,” Isabel said lightly. “It’s almost heaven on earth here, but Phoenix has its appeal, too.”

Linda laughed.

Ford gave his name to the hostess, who showed them to a table by the windows. They had a view of much of the town and the valley beyond.

“Are those vineyards?” Clyde asked.

“Yes,” Ford said. “We have a few wineries in the area. They have tastings every weekend.”

“Something for next time,” Linda said, resting her hand on her belly. She sighed. “Let’s just say number three is a surprise. We have two children already, a boy and a girl. We were done. Or so I thought.”

Clyde nodded. “Jack’s our youngest and he’s nearly seven.”

“I couldn’t believe it.” She leaned toward Isabel. “Clyde’s been in for the surgery now, but it’s too little too late.” She sighed. “Not that I’m not excited about the baby, but was he unexpected!”

“You’re having a boy?” Isabel asked.

“Clyde Junior,” Clyde said.

Linda looked at her husband. “You are not saddling a tiny infant with that name.”

“Why not? You can call him CJ,” Isabel said.

Linda looked at her. “That’s certainly better.”

Their server appeared with menus and explained about the specials. She took their drink orders and left.

Linda put down her menu. “So, what do you do? I’m a stay-at-home mom. I was just getting my résumé polished to get back in the workforce when I turned up pregnant with this one.” Her smile turned wry. “Not that I don’t love my kids. I do. But there are days I want to put on office clothes and go talk to adults.”

“My sister has four kids and another on the way. I’m sure she shares your feelings.”

The mention of Maeve reminded Isabel to go see her sister. They’d talked by phone a few times, but it was silly that they were in the same town and rarely saw each other. It wasn’t as if Isabel was staying in Fool’s Gold forever. After the first of the year, she would be heading back to New York, and she wasn’t sure how long it would be until she returned.

“Do you have kids?” Linda asked.

“No. I’m divorced and we never quite got to that stage.”

“I’m sorry.” Linda’s brown eyes filled with sympathy. “That’s hard. But Ford’s very handsome.” She smiled and leaned in conspiratorially. “In a sexy, muscled, tall kind of way. If you like the type.”