Kisses With KC (Cowboys and Angels Book 11)(21)

Did Ellis think Eliza couldn’t hear him ask that? It was none of his business, especially if it became completely her business. She punched him in the side.

KC smiled at Eliza. The joy in his eyes made her take a quick breath.

“No,” he answered. “Do you want to talk with me about yours?”

Although Ellis grinned like a darned fool, he didn’t offer up any details. Eliza wouldn’t be surprised if Ellis and Dorothy already had plans together. They’d been sweet on each other since the first Sunday five years ago. They’d gone to church in Bachelor and spent more time looking at each other than at Reverend Bing. The family had stayed for giving service afterward. During the potluck lunch, Ellis and Dorothy sat on boulders, floating leaves down the river like they were in their own world—had been ever since. It had taken on a new intensity lately.

KC continued. “I could use some advice.” He leaned over the map on the desk and pointed to the properties. “Which piece did you choose, Eliza?”

Her hand shook when she pointed it out to him. She wanted to believe that this was a beginning of a commitment to her. Why else would he choose one near hers? Eliza wondered if he meant every word and touch they’d shared. She stared into his eyes, searching to answer the questions she had.

KC held her gaze until Ellis jabbed him in the ribs.

“Is this section available?” KC asked the clerk. He pointed to the land that ran along the border of Eliza’s and ended at the north bank of the Rio Grande.

“That terrain is more mountainous, but it also has some decent meadows for grazing. There’s plenty of water,” Ellis said.

“It’s available,” the clerk replied. “Sign your name here.” When he’d finished, the man asked, “What does KC stand for?” His hand was poised, ready to write it in the ledger.

“It doesn’t stand for anything. It’s just my name.”

The clerk continued to prepare the paperwork each would need.

Eliza was curious. “Why did your parents name you KC?”

“They never said, and I never asked. I suspect that it has something to do with my father’s name, Kaye, and my mother’s name, Cici.” KC looked contemplative, then added, “I like that I carry both of their names with me.”

The clerk handed them their paperwork and sent them on their way. They shared bread and cheese on the ride to Creede. Eliza didn’t look forward to finishing the work she’d left at home that morning, but that evening they would have a cake to celebrate their birthday.

When they arrived at the Fillan ranch, Kailin ran out to meet them with her little shadow, Rayna, scurrying behind. “We got a letter from Ma and Pa.” She waved the paper in her raised hand. “Willie dropped it off when he was making deliveries.” Kailin handed it to Eliza. “I thought we’d all want to read it together.”

Eliza wanted to rip it open. She’d been worried about them every minute they’d been gone. This letter would at least satisfy her curiosity about what was happening with them, but it could easily contain bad news. “We’ll open it as soon as we get home.” Eliza turned toward her friend. “Thank you, Louise. Can you come to supper? We’ll have cake.”

“Only if Grant gets back soon enough. If we don’t make it, I’ll come by for coffee and cake tomorrow.”

The women hugged, and the group rode for home.

Rayna sat in front of Kailin on her horse, and Kailin let her hold the reins as she told her what to do to be soft on the horse’s mouth and guiding her hands or knees when needed. Eliza hadn’t noticed before Ma left how much Kailin had grown up. Rayna had been Kailin’s responsibility, and Eliza hadn’t had to take over in any way. Kailin was going to be tall like Eliza too. Even now, she was only a few inches shorter. She was a sweet girl, but there was a little extra spice in the mix that came out sassy now and again. And beautiful—she was already that. It wouldn’t be long before young men started to notice. They’d have to have a talk about that.

At dinnertime, the Moore family arrived to celebrate with Ellis. Mrs. Moore and Dorothy came into the house while Ellis spoke with Mr. Moore on the porch for quite some time. Eliza knew what he was asking. She wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Happiness warred with uneasiness. She didn’t know what it was like to not be a twin. He had always been there. Pa told them they were so tiny when they were born that they both slept together in one of the drawers they pulled out of the chest—one of them always holding onto the other. Ma told her they had their own language before they could talk. They were keenly aware of the other’s emotions, crying with each other out of sympathy. They’d soon be separating into new families.

Mr. Moore and Ellis soon came in. Eliza didn’t think she’d ever seen him happier. She went to take Mr. Moore’s coat but reached for Ellis’s hand and squeezed it. Their silent communication clicked in. He hoped she’d understand. She was glad for him, but it hurt a little. He squeezed her hand back. He would always be there for her. She had this to look forward to, also.

After the meal, the group sat in the family room. Ellis and Dorothy stayed back in the kitchen. Eliza wondered what he was saying and how she would respond. Soon, they came out and sat on the sofa, their fingers laced together. Tears pooled in Eliza’s eyes. She had lost something and gained something that night.