Rush couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Too bad, partner. You’ve broken your share of hearts. Now it’s your turn to bleed.”

“Well, just so you know, I haven’t given up. Megan’s one in a million. But she told me in no uncertain terms not to call her. She sounded like she meant it.”

“Did she tell you why?”

“Yeah, she did. I was a jerk. I can’t blame her for getting upset.”

“Wow. What did you say?”

“Not much. Just being my old insensitive self.” Conner wasn’t ready to tell the full story. At least he could respect Megan’s secret enough to keep it to himself.

“I remember her saying she didn’t plan to be at the Christmas Ball. Too bad you won’t have a chance to see her there and mend some fences.”

“Yeah, too bad,” Conner muttered. Actually, Megan would be there, but not as herself. And she probably wouldn’t give him a second look. The crazy part was, after a year of holding out, dreaming, and fantasizing about the bewitching singer, it wasn’t the woman with fake hair, false eyelashes, and movie star makeup he wanted. It was sweet, sensible Megan with her cute pixie haircut, sparkling brown eyes, kissable pink lips, and caring disposition. For him, she would be the perfect wife—and, damn it, a life with her was what he wanted. He loved her. And if he could talk her into taking him back, he’d be on one knee as soon as he could buy the ring.

* * *

For the people of Branding Iron, the last Saturday before Christmas was the most celebrated day of the year. For those who didn’t mind waiting in line for a feast, the day started early with a fancy buffet at the Branding Iron Bed and Breakfast. The B and B would close in time for people to finish eating and get to the parade, which started at 10:00.

The afternoon would be spent getting ready for the biggest event of all, the Cowboy Christmas Ball, held every year in the decorated high-school gymnasium. There would be live music and lots of dancing, games for the children, and a long plank table sagging with donated casseroles, salads, breads, and desserts. Everyone would be in traditional western costume—the men dressed as cowboys or gamblers, the women in long western-style gowns.

Last year, Megan’s parents had stayed home all day. This year, Megan was determined to get them out of the house and into the festivities, or at least some of them, starting with the breakfast.

“Are you sure I’ll be all right?” Her mother tended to be anxious about leaving the house, especially if it involved meeting people.