“Still in time-out while I figure out my life.” Megan used the tongs to make a line of cheese slices around the outside edge of the tray. “But we’re talking. I guess that’s a good sign.”

“I hope so. When he brought you to that dinner at Maggie’s, I could tell he really liked you. Have you told him about your secret identity?”

“Not yet. I keep putting it off.”

“Well, I wouldn’t put it off too long. Conner’s pretty easygoing about most things, but he’s a proud man. He doesn’t like being played for a fool.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” As Megan was finishing the tray, the babble of voices reached her ears. “It sounds like your guests are arriving. Do you want me to take this tray out now?”

“Yes, thanks. Maybe you can help Clara with the welcoming while I do a few last-minute things. Then we’ll get the party started.”

There were twelve guests at the shower, counting the bride. Some were women who’d worked with Maggie in the city building. Megan had met a few others before—Jess Marsden, the sheriff’s wife, and Francine, her mother, who ran the Bed and Breakfast; Connie Parker, who was Katy’s mother, and also Katy, who’d gotten time off from work to come. The remaining women were ranch wives, Travis’s neighbors. All of them were friendly.

Megan’s mother hadn’t been invited. But even if she had been, she probably wouldn’t have come. She was self-conscious about her disability and had made no effort to socialize with people in Branding Iron. That was a shame, because these women would have welcomed her, Megan thought. Maybe if she stayed, she could try to get her mother out of the house and help her make some friends.

Megan had half expected Ronda May to walk in the door. But as time passed and there was no sign of her, Megan relaxed and enjoyed the sense of relief.

Tracy had laid out an elegant buffet of croissant sandwiches, fresh fruit, salads, and cheeses, with a choice of wine or nonalcoholic punch. The guests nibbled, sipped, and visited, most of the talk centering on Maggie and her coming wedding.

“You’ve never told us how you and Travis met. How about a story?” The question came from a receptionist in the city office building.