The Taming of Delaney Fortune

“Dad seems happy in Horseback Hollow,” he said, trying to subtly change the subject.

He figured Gabi was wise to his tactic, but she played along. “He fits here. It’s given him a way to feel a part of the community and taken away some of his loneliness.”

“He seems to be pretty close to some of the Fortunes, as well.”

Gabi nodded. “They’re a wonderful family. In fact, Jude’s parents, Jeanne Marie and Deke, are having a barbecue out at their ranch this weekend. I’m sure they’d love for you to join the fun. It would mean a lot to me for you to get to know Jude and his family.”

Cisco did an internal fist pump. He’d meet more of the Fortunes and make his sister happy in the process. Nothing like multitasking. “That sounds great. Text me their address and the details on when to be there.”

“I will.”

“I’ve been hearing a lot about the new amusement park in the works. They call it Cowboy Country, right?”

Gabi’s smile dimmed. “I wouldn’t bring that up at the barbecue. Most of the Fortunes aren’t too pleased about it.”

Cisco took a casual sip of coffee. “Really? Why?”

“A lot of locals like Horseback Hollow just the way it is,” Gabi told him. “Besides, from everything I hear, the company in charge doesn’t care about the history of the area. The place is hokey and utterly lacking any authenticity. People around here take the cowboy lifestyle seriously. It’s not just a carnival show to be exploited.”

“But won’t it mean more jobs?”

His sister shrugged. “True, but the cost of that sort of progress may be more than Horseback Hollow wants to pay.”

“So are all the Fortunes against it?” Cisco’s gut felt as if it had taken a direct hit with a sledgehammer.

“Jude thinks it’s an awful idea and so do his parents. In fact, I’d say the only member of the family who’s the least bit excited about it is Delaney, Jude’s baby sister.”

“Delaney,” Cisco repeated quietly, trying to picture her from the wedding. “Tiny thing, lots of blond hair?”

“That’s her, but add in a thousand-watt smile and the energy to match. The topic of Cowboy Country came up at dinner a couple of weeks ago, and Delaney mentioned she thinks the park might be fun. She’s a total sweetheart, but Horseback Hollow is all she knows. I think she wants a little adventure in her life.” Gabi cocked her head, looking at her brother. “And why are you interested in Cowboy Country, anyway?”

He busied himself with adding cream to his coffee, avoiding his sister’s shrewd gaze. “Just want to keep up on the local business news. And if Delaney Fortune is looking for adventure...”

“No way, Cisco. She’s not your type of girl.”

“What’s my type?”

“Brainless and shallow,” Gabi snapped.

He’d made the comment to sidetrack her but had to admit his sister’s assessment of his taste in women stung.

Gabriella’s smile turned sympathetic. “Speaking of women, Matteo and Rachel will probably stop by the barbecue for a bit. Are you okay with that?”

Before Cisco could answer, the waitress brought their food. As she put the plate down in front of him, she also slipped a piece of paper under the edge. “You’re new to town, right?”

“All the way from Miami,” he said with a practiced smile.

“Give me a call sometime,” she answered. “I can show you the sights.”

Gabi let out a delicate snort. “Horseback Hollow doesn’t have ‘sights.’”

The waitress ignored her. “Call me,” she whispered to Cisco, then turned on her heel, her hips swaying gently as she headed back toward the restaurant’s kitchen.

Cisco’s smile widened as he gave his sister a quick wink. “I’m happy for Matteo. He and Rachel are great together.” Before his younger brother had claimed Rachel Robinson, Cisco had gone on a date with her, more to spark Matteo into action than because of any deep feelings between Cisco and Rachel. “You know I’m not going to settle down anytime soon, Gabi. It’s not who I am.”

His sister only studied him, a knowing smile playing at the corner of her mouth. “Famous last words, Cisco. Famous last words.”

* * *

“I’m here, Mom.” Delaney Fortune Jones rushed into the kitchen of the house she’d been born and raised in, snagging a chocolate-chip cookie from the counter as she did. Her parents were hosting one of their big family barbecues tonight, so there would be plenty to be done to get ready.

“Put the cookie down and wash your hands, young lady.” Her mother, Jeanne Marie Fortune Jones, had her back turned toward Delaney as she reached in the pantry. Delaney was pretty sure her mother had eyes in the back of her head, not to mention some psychic ability. She seemed to always know exactly what was going on with each of her children no matter where they were.

At twenty-four, Delaney was the youngest and the only one still living with her parents, but she was in no hurry to move into a place of her own. She loved her childhood home and the hustle and bustle that went with living on a working ranch.

“Sorry I’m late.” She set the cookie on a paper towel and turned to the sink. “I went for a ride after I helped the guys secure the fencing near the west border and lost track of time. But I’m here to help with whatever you need.”

Jeanne Marie turned, holding a large ceramic bowl in her arms. “It’s under control, sweetie. No worries. There’s still plenty left to get ready. You can help dish out the potato salad after you shower. We’ll need plates and napkins ready to go. And there’s a big pitcher of sun tea brewing on the back porch.”

“Potato salad, plates and tea.” Delaney flipped off the water, dried her hands on the paper towel, then took a bite of cookie. “These are so good, Mom. As always.”

“It doesn’t take much to please your sweet tooth,” her mother answered with a smile. “I’m sure Angie will bring her brownies, so save some room.”

Delaney patted her stomach. “I always have room for dessert. Besides, riding makes me extra hungry.”

“You’ve been out on longer rides than usual this week. What’s going on?”

“Flapjack has been restless,” Delaney answered before popping the rest of the cookie into her mouth. She went to the cabinet where her mother kept the paper plates and wicker holders for them and began stacking things on the counter. “I wanted to give him some extra exercise.”

“He’s not the only one who’s been restless.” Jeanne Marie’s soft arms came around Delaney’s waist as her mother rested her chin on Delaney’s shoulder. “I know it’s been difficult for you now that most of your siblings are partnered off.”

Delaney leaned back against her mother, breathing in Jeanne Marie’s familiar sweet smell. “It’s just Galen and me left now. I’m happy for the rest of them, but it makes things...different. Good, but different.”

“You’ll find the right man, Delaney. You’re an amazing woman with so much to give.”

“Spoken like a true doting mother.” Jeanne Marie stepped back and Delaney turned with a smile. “I know the perfect guy is out there for me, and I’m not in a hurry. I want what you and Daddy have. I love Horseback Hollow, and I’m going to find someone who values this town and the lifestyle that comes with it as much as I do.”

“Well, your brothers all have friends.”

“Who see me as their baby sister.” Delaney wrinkled her nose. “That’s just weird.” She reached behind her and unfastened the clip holding up her two braids. She’d taken to pinning up her long hair under her hat as she rode to keep it out of the sun and wind. “You never know—maybe the amusement park will attract some new cowboys to Horseback Hollow.”

“None of any substance,” Jeanne Marie said through her teeth. “I don’t understand your fascination with that development, Delaney. It’s a thorn in the side to most of the town.”

“Not to everyone,” she countered. “Amber Rogers is working with them, and Wendy and Marcus Mendoza can’t be too unhappy with the additional business for the Cantina. Maybe everyone has been too quick to judge Cowboy Country. Did you ever think of that?”

“I haven’t,” her mother admitted with a rueful smile. She gave Delaney another quick hug. “You have such a beautiful heart, my girl. I look forward to the day you find a man who will value it as much as I do.”

Chapter Two (#ulink_e2d0e0dc-481c-518d-ac39-8fffc64bab82)