Chapter 20
The day of the Boots and Bells charity event had arrived. Kristy’s pulse beat in her ears, and her palms were sweaty as she surveyed the transition of the enormous convention space into a barnyard, complete with an awesome maze, a chuck wagon ice cream stand, a saloon-style bar, and the fake jail Rusty had helped build—which was now sitting in the center of the stage.
They’d already given Marcia a virtual tour via video chat. She’d made suggestions about the placement of the jail (more centered), the saloon bar (a mirror to be hung behind it), and the dance floor (not big enough), requiring Kristy to get the workmen to make a few changes.
Kristy had dressed in her classic gala outfit of fancy black palazzo pants, a beaded white sleeveless top, and spiked black heels. She couldn’t wait to see Rusty in his tux, with his broad shoulders, tanned skin, and trim waist. Having seen him in his birthday suit, she knew she’d be in for a visual treat.
At least with Rusty, things had gone well since their cabin excursion. Despite her busy schedule, they’d managed to celebrate his academy acceptance with a night together at her place, which only made the struggle harder not to succumb to his charms. Or fantasize about a future with him in it. Or pick up the phone and call him just to hear his smooth, deep voice.
Now that those thoughts were creeping into her day, when the gala was over she needed to find out if he could be her “destination.” If he could be the one. If she cared enough about him to put him first. The other question to be answered, but by him, was whether she could be his destination. And was he even looking for a destination? She’d seen him as a perfect “boyfriend” precisely because he hadn’t wanted a serious relationship.
He’d confessed that it was because of the demons that haunted him. When he’d stayed at her place, there were no alarming shouts in the middle of the night, as there had been at the cabin. Maybe those demons were leaving him. And maybe being back in the police force would awaken them again.
She wished she could banish his nightmares with a wave of her hand. But she feared it would require a trained therapist to get to the meat of it. The trauma he’d endured from such a young age tugged at her heartstrings. Knowing what was at the root of those nightmares, however, made her want to help him, not abandon him. He needed her. It was nice to feel needed.
The true test of their relationship would come when Rusty spent three months away at the academy. She’d been burned before, and badly. She wasn’t looking to set herself up for a similar fate again. She hoped the separation with limited time together would give her space to find answers.
Ariel scooted across the cement floor, practically skidding to a stop in front of her.
“What’s wrong?” Kristy was usually the uptight one, not Ariel.
“There’s a KSGW van outside. I know you said you hoped for media coverage, but I didn’t think we’d make the television news.”
That was a surprise. “I did do a press release, but I never dreamed the TV station would be interested. Do you think it’s because of Greta?”
“It’s because of your father and his friends. When I asked the crew what they were doing here, they said some of the state legislators ”—she emphasized the plural—“were coming down from Cheyenne to show support for local foundations helping with community issues. Do you know who else is coming?”
Kristy picked up the clipboard from a nearby table as hammering commenced to enlarge the dance floor. “I just got the seating chart from Lexi, so I haven’t even looked at the guest list.” Knowing her father was coming had been unsettling enough. Anyone else in the government, other than the governor, wouldn’t matter.
She browsed the list. The district assemblyman. Several mayors from the area. She continued down, and her finger stopped. There was his name. It stood out as if it had been in bold type.
Ariel craned her neck around to see the clipboard. “What is it? You went white.”
“ He’s coming.” Her stomach felt like she’d swallowed a lead anvil as she glanced back at the Ls. This was a disaster. She tapped a finger next to the name of the man she dreaded, even more than her father.
Ariel gasped. “No way? Why?”
“Obviously to psyche me out.” What other reason could there be for Dean to show up at a regional event like this one?
“So are you going to let him?”
Kristy took a deep breath. She’d moved on from Dean. She didn’t care what he thought. And she was proud of what she’d accomplished. “No. I’m not going to let Dean psyche me out. Not so sure I can say that about my father being here though.”
Her father likely was hoping she’d fail so she’d come work for him. Her temple started beating in time with the banging of the hammers.
“Maybe your dad really is going to run for governor?”
“The election is two years away.” She pulled in air. She had to stay calm. Now was not the time to panic.
“Guess he’s decided he needs to get noticed in other places. He’s probably the one who called the station.”
Her father would be judging everything, including Rusty now that her mother had spilled the beans. And what were the chances he wouldn’t find something to disparage. He hated the idea of her being an event planner working for someone else. And he’d been a supporter of Dean before Dean’s betrayal. His biases would be on full display.
“What does it matter? And if it brings publicity, all the better.”
“This is the man who told me he didn’t think I could be successful in this job, who didn’t think this was the best use of my skills, who doesn’t believe event planning is a profession. I’m going to be under a microscope.”
“We’ve got this, Kristy. Look at this place.” Ariel swept her arm in the air. “What are you worrying about?”
Kristy scanned the room. From the lace and burlap tablecloths, to the maze entrance, to the old-fashioned bar, to the saloon doors at the entrance, to the jail cage on the platform, to the chuck wagon ice cream station, the décor provided a fun but elegant vibe.
And it would all look even better when Rusty brought in the flowers.
Rusty was going to be in the same room as her father. And her ex-fiancé.
She took a deep breath.
She’d moved on, she reminded herself. She was with Rusty now, and neither her father nor Dean was going to change that. Or dampen her spirits. The place looked amazing. She was proud of the work she and Ariel had done.
“You’re right, Ariel.”
“I know I’m right,” Ariel said with her typical confidence.
With that, Pat McEvy entered at the far entrance door, passing the wagon wheels that would soon hold flowers. He had on a black tuxedo and white shirt befitting a gala patron.
“I hear we have press coverage.” He was rubbing his hands together as he drew near.
“Apparently. Did you call them?” Maybe it wasn’t her father’s doing.
“They heard some state politicians were coming, which I didn’t know about until this morning when State Representative Glenn Tucker submitted the list. I see your father is on it.” He patted Kristy’s shoulder. “Nice that he’s so supportive of you. You should have told me.”
“He didn’t tell me .”
“Guess he wanted to surprise you. I asked Lexi to put their table front and center so they can see all the action, especially for the bail-out-of-jail event.”
Great. Just friggin’ great.
She’d noted that Lexi had placed the Russell family table right behind her father’s table. Nothing like a baptism by fire. The pounding in her head increased.
She spotted Rusty in the doorway, with a dolly filled with blooms. Too early for him to don a tux, he still looked good in jeans and a T-shirt.
She wasn’t superstitious, she reminded herself. Just because some things had blown up shouldn’t mean the event would be a bust, right?
***
Kristy’s face, scrunched into a grimace, looked flushed when Rusty spotted her across the room, talking to Pat, the complex liaison. Something was wrong.
He fought the urge to rush over and take care of it. He’d been trying hard not to step in where he wasn’t needed.
Instead, he watched her school her features as she strode toward him, the heels of her shoes clicking on the cement floor. By the time she reached him, the pained look was gone, replaced by clenched lips.
“How are things going?” A nice, neutral question.
“Fine.” Her tone was terse.
Okay, she wasn’t planning on telling him. That meant she had it under control, didn’t it?
“Place looks spectacular. How did you get it to look classy and like everyone is going to have a good time?”
She smiled, relieving the tension around her mouth. “That’s what we do at An Affair to Remember.”
“I doubt anyone’s going to forget this. Especially with the auction you’re planning.”
“That’s the idea. And thank you again for agreeing to do it. I know you’re doing it for me.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek.
She was right. He was doing it for that look in her eye and that kiss on his cheek because no one else would have ever been able to get him in that jail cell. “You’ll keep your promise and bid on me?”
“Even if someone else does.”
Now that warmed his heart.
“Regardless, if I can find a moment, I’m claiming a dance with you,” Kristy said.
Now he was blushing. “Good to hear.”
“I’ll help you place these cowboy hat arrangements. They look great. June did a stellar job.”
“You’re sure everything’s okay?” He’d try one more time.
“Yup. And now that you’re here, and with the flowers, it’s better than okay.”
Hearing that made his heart bump against his ribs. “Let’s get to work then.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he spied Greta Hutchins walking toward them with Ariel. Greta was a very pretty woman. A little too plastic for his liking, but in a sleek black gown, she certainly would stand out in a room. Stetson had been pumped after meeting her at the studio, even if she’d declined to go out for coffee with him.
“I’m here, Kristy. Thanks so much for letting me shadow you.” Greta wiggled her slender fingers in a wave.
“Ariel.” Rusty nodded his greeting. Ariel didn’t look so bad either, in a flowy white gown that reminded him of an angel with wings. “And Greta? Surprised to see you here already.”
“Greta asked if she could tag along today and help,” Kristy explained. “She’s interested in event planning. After modeling, of course.”
Greta smiled. “I believe in contingency planning for life after modeling.”
“You can help me place the cowboy hats,” Kristy said.
“Rusty, do you have the flowers for the entrance?” Ariel asked.
“In the van. I’ve been instructed that you know how to place them.”
“You can help me with that,” Ariel said.
“Great. You two do that while Greta and I place these arrangements. The volunteers should be here an hour before the event. Greta, I’ve a sheet you can use to check them in and give them their assignments.” Kristy waved a hand. “Let’s get started.”
Kristy had to, just had to be at the entrance to watch her father sweep into the reception area, an entourage surrounding him, including Dean. Unfortunately, Dean looked like he always did—good. He wore a tux well. With broad shoulders, a slim body, and a head of gorgeous black hair, he could have been an actor or a model.
“Go. What are you waiting for.” Ariel nudged her in the ribs. “You know what my mom has always said—never let them see you sweat. You go over there, act like you’re delighted and that you knew all along. Feign confidence and you will be confident.”
Good advice. She squared her shoulders and strode to the group as elegantly as she could in her spiked heels.
Dean was the first to spot her. His smile was wide and welcoming. She nodded but passed by him and tapped her father on the shoulder.
Her dad whirled around, his smile genuine. “Kitten. I’m here for your big night.”
Of course he had to use her childhood nickname, putting her in her place as his little girl. “Dad.” She leaned in and planted a kiss on his cheek. “I was so pleased to see your name on the attendee list.” The lie rolled right off her tongue.
His eyebrows rose. “Were you? I was afraid you’d be stressed. That’s why I didn’t tell you ahead of time. I didn’t want you to feel any pressure.”
“And why would I feel pressure when my father comes to show his unwavering support?” Why indeed.
His mouth turned up at one corner. “You can always count on that unwavering support, kitten.”
Even so, she mentally steeled herself for the judgmental comments he was bound to make. “We’ve given you a prime table for all the fun that’s coming up.”
“Fun?”
“While we loosen up your purse strings. I know you’ll be as generous as always for the good people of Campbell County.” She raised her voice so that those around wouldn’t miss a word.
His mouth tightened. “Of course. That’s why I’m here.”
“And I thought it was for me. But both are good causes, right, Dad?”
“Right.” His response seemed a little flat.
“Well, I’ve got to check on the preparations, you know. You go ahead and glad-hand your heart out, and I’ll catch you later.”
She spun to leave, just as Dean stepped in front of her.
“Aren’t you going to say hello, Kristy?”
“Of course.” She lowered her voice. “Welcome to our charity event. How nice of you to care about the people of Campbell County.”
“Your father invited me. I’m his guest.”
“Well, I hope you’ll be generous regardless of who brought you.” She stepped to leave.
He blocked her path. “I’m hoping we can talk.”
“About how much you’re willing to donate to our charity event? That would be Kurt and Laurie Mathews. They’re the head of the fundraising operation. Big donors too. I’ll send them your way when I see them.”
“I’m well aware of who the Matthews are, as is anyone who is anyone in Wyoming. I want to talk about us.”
He touched her arm. She shrugged him off as discreetly as she could. “There is nothing to talk about.”
“I know I’ve hurt you. I just want a chance to make amends. To show you I’ve changed.”
“You already showed me who you are, Dean. I don’t need a reminder.”
“Then you know how sorry I am.”
She moved her lips closer to his ear. “I know that you’re a cheater and a liar and someone I’m not interested in.”
“I hurt you that much, Kristy.” He shook his head. “I had no idea, which is all the more reason to let me make it up to you.”
“No thanks. And whatever hurt there might have been is long gone. I wish you the best.” She turned, heat climbing her neck. Now she had to figure out how to explain Dean’s presence to Rusty.