"Senator, I'd like you to meet some of the finest horsemen in Texas," I say, "This is Tommy Brennan from the Double B Ranch, and Robert Hayes from the Circle H."
The handshakes that follow carry weight. These aren't just cowboys in borrowed suits—these are men whose opinions shape voting patterns and whose wallets fund campaigns. As I watch them interact with the Senator, the strategic brilliance of what Hank has orchestrated gives me a whole new level of respect for the man. I nod to him in gratitude, and he lifts his glass to me.
I'm doubly grateful that Wyatt recruited him to our cause. A proper thank you is in order—which I plan to plant on his lips later tonight.
"Nice ranches you've got here in Gritstone," Tommy says, his weathered hands gesturing toward the windows that overlook the valley's patchwork of properties. "Though I imagine that fire zoning ordinance has all these families worried. Heck, it's got all of us spooked back home."
Robert nods grimly. "Government trying to tell us we can't manage our own land the way our grandfathers did.Next thing you know, they'll be regulating which direction we can ride our horses."
I watch Senator Martinez's expression shift subtly, the politician in him recognizing an opportunity when it presents itself. "Well now, gentlemen, that's exactly the kind of federal overreach I've been fighting in Washington."
“Don’t you chair the committee over the Forest Service?” Tommy asks. He manages to ask in such a way that it doesn’t sound like an accusation.
I’m praying that the Senator takes his comment in stride. I just got him here and I don’t want him storming out in a huff.
“I do. And I’ve been looking into this situation. I’d like to see it resolved favorably for all parties involved,” he replies.
Robert claps the Senator on the shoulder with the easy familiarity of men who understand power. "We'd sure appreciate any help you could provide," Robert says, “These regulations could put a lot of good ranchers out of business."
My instincts were right. This evening has evolved into a convergence of exactly the right people at exactly the right moment.
A gentle touch on my shoulder interrupts my satisfaction. I turn to find my mother beside me.
"Kinsley." She smiles at all of us. "A word?"
My stomach drops as I excuse myself from the group and follow her toward a quieter corner.
"I would have appreciated a warning," she says quietly, her eyes finding Ford across the room where he's charming a group of oil executives' wives. "But that’s neither here nor there. I have about twenty minutes left in me so point me to who you want me to talk to.”
"Mom, I—"
Jessica appears at my elbow. “Kinsley!” She hugs me and then Mom. “It’s so good to see both of you.” She’s smiling like this is the best night of her life. “I just pulled into town, and I came straight here.”
She looks incredible for just pulling in. Her flower print, off-the-shoulder dress hugs her curves and her boots are polished. Her hair is half up with a little twist and her makeup is flawless. Leave it to my best friend to blow into town looking like a million bucks.
I hug her back. “You look great.”
Mom hugs her and looks at me over her shoulder.
I glance around the room. “The group by the buffet.”
She nods and squeezes my hand. “Love you.”
As she walks away, I turn and watch my father watch her cross the room. It's shocking to see the openness on his face, the admiration. He couldn't still be in love with her. Could he? That would be … horrible.
Jess touches my arm. “Everything okay?”
“I hope so,” I mumble before brightening when I see Wyatt across the room, so grateful things are so good between us. I turn to Jess. “Okay, your job is to keep the band happy.”
Jess turns to see who is playing and she grips my arm and starts shaking it. “Are you kidding me?!” She squeals and jumps up and down. “Cash Thornton is my dream man.”
I laugh. “I told you I would introduce you to a man you could fall in love with. Well, tonight your job is to make sure he never goes thirsty.” I start pulling her toward the small gazebo where the band plays.
“Pinch me,” Jess whispers.
We wait for a break in songs, and I step forward to introduce Jess to the band. The guys are gracious and grin at Jessica and it’s all I can do to hold her up. “Are you going to be okay?” I’m a little worried she’d faint if I leave her here alone.
She nods. “I got this. Go do what you do.” She swirls her hand in a motion that tells me to get lost while never taking her eyes off Cash.