Country Lightning

Chapter 6

Today was Sunday and Jillian’s store was closed, and she had an outing with CJ to look forward to. King Creek’s week-long Spring Fling festival had started Saturday, and she would be going with him.

The week had sped by, with the flower shop bringing in a good amount of business. Jillian was thrilled with the way everything had gone. There had been some hiccups, but nothing she hadn’t been able to work through.

CJ had called every evening once she’d had a chance to wind down from the day. She had a store to run six days a week until she had a good grasp on what it would take to make and keep her business successful and felt comfortable hiring someone to cover when she was out.

Saturday, while she was in the shop, CJ had gone to an auction and purchased things he needed to run his ranch. He’d told her that once he had everything he required in place, he would start buying cattle and getting a couple more horses. She would have liked to have gone with him, but she’d known from the outset the kind of time commitment opening a new store would require.

She was excited for the day as she picked out a navy-blue broomstick skirt, a bright-white blouse, and navy flats. She selected silver earrings to go with the ensemble and a white sweater to ward off the evening chill.

CJ arrived right on time at 1:00 p.m. Leeann had already left to go to the festival with friends. He brushed his lips over Jill’s, and she shivered as he helped her into the truck. He still hadn’t given her a full-fledged soul-singeing kiss, but even though it seemed a lot longer, they’d only known each other for a week.

At the fairgrounds, they had to park a good distance from the entrance. It seemed like everyone in King Creek had turned out for the festival. The weather was perfect, so she left her sweater behind when he helped her out of the truck.

Hand-in-hand, they strolled through the gate and into the lively crowd. Giggles filled the air as children wove around adults, clutching colorful balloons. A red one bounced against CJ’s head. He swiped it away with an amused expression, and Jillian laughed.

They passed food vendors, the breeze carrying mouthwatering smells of Native American fry-bread, corn dogs, and barbeque pork.

“Are you hungry?” CJ led her toward the vendors. “I’m starving.”

She grinned. “I could eat a roomful of tacos.”

He laughed and escorted her to a taco truck. “Your wish is my command.”

They ordered and walked away with sodas and Styrofoam containers filled with rice, beans, and tortillas stuffed with beef barbacoa, along with limes, salsa, and hot sauce on the side. They found places at the picnic benches to sit, where they chatted and enjoyed their lunch.

Finished with their feast, they meandered further into the fairgrounds, their fingers entwined. Jillian said hello to several friends and acquaintances as they made their way. She’d lived her entire life in King Creek, and it felt like she knew almost everyone. In truth, a lot of outsiders had moved to town over the past few years, looking for a quiet place to retire or a small community to raise their kids in.

CJ, on the other hand, only ran into a couple of his old friends. But then, he’d been away for a long time.

A mariachi trio played as six senoritas dressed in red, blue, green, pink, white, and yellow gracefully moved to the music on a temporary stage, their brilliant skirts swirling above their ankles. CJ and Jillian came to a stop in the crowd surrounding the stage and enjoyed the dancing. The young women tap-danced while clicking wooden castanets.

After the number, CJ and Jillian moved on to the artists’ vibrantly decorated stalls. They first came to one with displays of beautiful handmade Native American silver jewelry created with turquoise, malachite, coral, and opal.

“I’ve always loved Native American jewelry.” Jillian ran her finger over a silver and turquoise bracelet. “This is gorgeous.”

CJ gestured to a man’s ring with a large malachite stone. “That looks like a ring my dad had. I don’t know what happened to it, but I would have loved to have it.” He shook his head. “All my mom’s jewelry is gone, too. She had a lot of Native American pieces.”

Jillian wondered if the man who had sold off all his property had done the same with his parents’ jewelry, but she didn’t want to bring it up.

“Oh, this is beautiful.” She held a silver and turquoise tear-drop-shaped pendant in her palm. “I’m going to celebrate a successful opening week by splurging on this.” She looked up at CJ and smiled. “It’s been a long time since I’ve treated myself.”

He matched her smile. “You deserve it.”

She paid for the pendant and a chain to go with it. After she threaded the chain through the eye, CJ took the necklace from her and turned her around by her shoulders. She lifted her hair so that he could secure it around her neck, and she turned to face him.

He arranged her hair around her shoulders. “Beautiful.”

She held her fingers to the stone at the base of her throat. “Thank you.”

He slid his arm around her shoulders. “Let’s see what else we can find.”

They came up to a chocolatier’s stall decorated with hearts and roses, and CJ bought a box of four extra-large chocolate-dipped strawberries. He handed one to Jillian and she enjoyed the taste of the creamy milk chocolate and juicy, sweet strawberry.

“Oh, my God, this is fabulous.” She took another bite.

He chewed and swallowed his chocolate strawberry “Damn, these are good. I might end up wishing I bought a dozen.”

They came across a stall containing gold-framed paintings and bronze sculptures. “This artist is so talented.” She looked at CJ. “Did you know Haylee’s an artist? She has another showing going on in Scottsdale.”

He shook his head. “I’d love to see her work.”

“She began painting full-time after she and Tyson started dating.” Jillian slipped her hand into CJ’s, and they strolled to the next booth. “Now she handles their nonprofit and paints.”

He squeezed Jillian’s fingers. “What kind of nonprofit do they have?”

“A horse rescue ranch.” She tugged on CJ’s hand. “There’s my sister-in-law Marlee. She’s doing face painting—she does it to raise money for various organizations at just about every event that comes up.”

They reached the stall, where Marlee artfully designed flowers on a little girl’s face. She painted the finishing touches on her cheek, and the girl’s mother slid a folded five into an acrylic moneybox with a sign painted with a 4-leaf clover above “Donate to King Creek 4-H.”

Jillian moved to her sister-in-law’s side. “Hi, Marlee.”

“Jillian.” Marlee broke into a broad smile. “How is your grand opening going? Sorry I haven’t had a chance to stop by yet.”

“My first week went very well.” She glanced at CJ then Marlee. “This is CJ Jameson. He used to run around with Colt and Carter when they were in high school, and he recently moved back to King Creek.” She turned to CJ. “Meet Marlee, Colt’s wife.”

“Hello, CJ.” Marlee stood and held out her hand. “Welcome home.”

He took it in his. “Thank you. I haven’t had a chance to give Colt a call since I’ve been back.”

“We’ll have to get together soon.” She released CJ’s hand. “We’d love to have you both over for dinner, and you and Colt can catch up.” She smiled at Jillian. “And I can spend time with one of my favorite sisters-in-law.”

Jillian laughed. “Considering you have seven of them, you have a lot of favorites.”

Marlee grinned. “I love every last one of you.”

“Getting together sounds fun.” CJ slid his hand around Jillian’s. “Colt has my number.”

“Great,” Marlee said. “And I have Jill’s.”

CJ touched the brim of his hat. “Have a nice afternoon, Marlee.”

“See you.” Jillian smiled as she and CJ started to leave the booth.

Marlee gave them a little wave, and they continued on through the stalls.

“Your sister-in-law is nice.” CJ smiled down at Jillian. “Colt chose well.”

Jillian nodded. “Haylee, Leeann, and I are fortunate sisters because we love all of our brothers’ wives.” She shook her head. “And we adore all the kids. Their parents breed like rabbits.”

CJ chucked. “How many nieces and nephews?”

“Nine counting Carter’s stepson, although Noah is more like a brother to Leeann, Haylee, and me since he’s close to our ages.” She smiled. “All good kids. Their parents raised them well.”

“Your mom and dad didn’t do a shabby job, either.” CJ squeezed her hand. “You all turned out pretty well, too.”

“Thanks.” She smiled then caught sight of a card reader ahead. “Ooh, let’s have our angel tarot cards read.”

“What’s an angel card?” He let her lead him in the direction of a stall with a beautifully painted cardboard angel with gold wings in front.

“They tend to be more positive and uplifting than traditional tarot cards. At least I think so.” She brought him to a stop in front of a small white picket fence with a round table and two chairs on the other side of the fence.

She smiled at the card reader, a woman in her fifties with her silver hair in a loose bun. She wore sparkly gold chandelier earrings and a purple caftan with gold embroidery around the neck opening.

“Hello.” Jillian gestured to CJ with her free hand. “I’d like to have my cards read.”

CJ touched the brim of his hat. “Howdy, ma’am.”

“I’m Beth.” The woman motioned for Jillian and CJ to come in through the gate. “Have you had your angel cards read in the past?”

“I have.” Jillian inclined her head to CJ. “This will be his first experience.” She purposefully didn’t mention their names. She didn’t like to give away any information.

“Very good.” Beth held her hand gracefully out to the chairs in front of the table that had a deck in the center. “Please have a seat.”

They sat, and Beth took the chair on the other side of the table.

CJ didn’t look uncomfortable, just interested in a new experience. Jillian liked that about him.

Beth took the cards from the center and drew them over to her. “Who would like to go first?”

“I will.” Jillian leaned forward, excited to get started.

“I’ll do a three-card spread for each of you.” Beth shuffled the cards. “Think of a question.”

For a moment, Jillian considered it. She wanted to know how successful her business would be. She knew the level of success was up to her and her own actions, but things out of her control could interfere.

Jillian met the woman’s dark eyes. “Okay, I have my question.”

Beth spread the deck in a fan in front of Jillian. “Choose three and lay them in front of you in order. Don’t look at them.”

The flutter of her belly was a nervous reaction that she hadn’t expected. She drew three cards from different parts of the deck and laid them side-by-side.

The card reader set the deck down then touched the first card Jillian had chosen. “This card speaks to the past’s influence on the question.” She pressed her finger on the middle card. “This one speaks to the present.” She touched the last. “This speaks to the future if you don’t change your course of action.”

Jillian bit the inside of her lip and wondered if she should have wanted to get a card reading after all. What if it was negative? A little late for that, she told herself.

Beth flipped over the first card and nodded to herself. “The Dreamer. This excellent card speaks to creativity, positive outcomes, new opportunities, and independence. When you draw this card, you should be open to circumstances like quitting your job and starting a new career or business.”

Jaw nearly dropping from the accuracy, it was all Jillian could do to say nothing. From her side vision, she saw CJ look even more interested.

Beth turned over the second card and looked thoughtful. “Ace of Fire.” She studied the card for a moment longer before moving her gaze to Jillian. “According to what I’m seeing, you have already taken a leap of faith, and you are on fire, meaning things are going well for you. However,” she continued, “there are many ways your circumstances can play out. But this is good, very good.”

She picked up the third card and laid it down. “Four of Water.” She was quiet for several seconds. She tapped the card with her index finger. “I see you questioning your direction in the future. Don’t let yourself get waylaid by doubts. Look around you and see what you have and can continue to accomplish. Take full advantage.” She met Jillian’s gaze. “Have faith.” She paused. “If you have any grief to work through, don’t be afraid to lean on others to help you get through it.”

“Grieving is in my future?” Jillian frowned, not liking the sound of that at all.

“The possibility is there. You may need to deal with grief but move forward. Don’t let it derail you.” Beth cocked her head. “Do you have any other questions?”

Jillian considered it for a moment. “I had doubts, but I took the leap, and it’s going well, so you’re right about all of that. The third card concerns me, the grief most of all. As far as my dream goes, is failure an option?”

The woman studied Jillian for a long moment. “With you, I don’t think so. Remember that the third card speaks to future possibilities if no action is taken. If you focus on the positives and what you have already accomplished and are accomplishing, you will continue to be successful.”

Beth turned to CJ. “Are you ready to have your cards read?”

He shook his head. “Your card reading for Jillian was interesting, but I’ll pass.”

Jillian slid her hand into her skirt pocket and pulled out a small wallet. She placed a twenty on the table and got to her feet. “Thank you, Beth.”

CJ stood beside her and touched the brim of his hat. “A pleasure, ma’am.”

Beth rose and took Jillian’s hand. “The heavens are yours.” She released it, took CJ’s, and held his gaze. “Be cautious with your endeavor. Go with both your gut instinct and your heart.”

Jillian looked from the card reader to CJ. What was that all about?

CJ studied Beth for a moment then gave a single nod. “Have a nice time at the festival, ma’am.”

Beth bowed from her shoulders and smiled at CJ, then Jillian. “Go with the Angels’ grace.”

CJ took Jillian’s hand, and they walked away from the angel card reader’s stall. “What did you think of your reading?”

“It’s mostly for fun, but it was interesting how the first two cards applied to me and my business.” She considered all that the card reader had said. “If she is the real deal and the card readings were accurate, I wasn’t crazy about the Four of Water.”

“Doubts and griefs are common with anyone.” CJ shrugged. “It’s a sure bet that one day you’ll experience grief, and likely most people question what they’re doing and the direction they’re headed. It’s human nature.”

“You’re right.” Jillian gave him an impish grin. “What do you say to some friendly competition at ring toss or the basketball hoop game?”

He laughed. “You’re on.”