“Kind of like a brother?” Raylen asked.

Liz busied herself with a box of ornaments. “Not at all. More like a best friend.”

Gemma sat down on a stool close to Liz. “Tell me more.”

“He’s tall. Blond hair. Strange eyes that are almost gold like a wildcat’s eyes. And he has this animal magnetism that draws women to him like he has supernatural powers or something. He’s a lot of fun and I can’t wait for you all to meet him,” Liz said.

“Are you planning to marry him someday?” Gemma asked bluntly.

“Oh, no, ma’am! Not Blaze. I’m not so sure any one woman could rope him in on a full-time contract. He’s my friend, not my boyfriend,” Liz said without a moment’s hesitation.

“Man, I’d like to try,” Gemma said with a sigh. “I should be going. I promised Mama after I delivered supper and made sure things were going all right here that I’d come over to the house and cut her hair. She didn’t have time to get to the shop today and she has that horse meeting in Wichita Falls tomorrow. I’ll see you tomorrow at the café, Liz.”

“Thanks for the food. Now that I know why there are so many boxes up there, I don’t need to look in every one of them. I’ll start putting things out right after Halloween. I want it all lit up so Mama can see it. I’ll take pictures to send Uncle Haskell,” Liz said.

Gemma headed toward the door. “Then we’ll plan to work on it in the evenings after the big party. If you see me lookin’ like Daisy Duke, then you’ll know Creed is there. Dewar better hang a tag around your neck that says for everyone to back off or those Riley boys will gather round you like a bunch of struttin’ bantam roosters.”

“More like vultures,” Raylen grumbled.

“What did you say?” Liz asked.

He wiped his hands on a paper towel and shook his head. “I was askin’ if you want me to help put any boxes back before I go. I’ve still got some chores to do at home.”

“No, they can all stay right here, and I’ll clean up,” Liz answered. “Thanks for showing me where the lawn things were hidden away, Raylen. I appreciate it.”

Everything had felt so right in the hayloft when she was in his arms and kissing him, but now that Blaze had been set loose, along with a cowboy named Creed and his brothers, there was an awkwardness between them every bit as big as a full-grown Angus bull.

“Be seein’ you around then.” Raylen headed for the door and then turned abruptly. “Are you really dressing up like a belly dancer?”

“Guess I am. What other women are coming besides Gemma, Colleen, and Slade’s wife?” Liz asked.

“The party is kind of an open invitation to everyone in this area. Becca will be there.”

Liz’s tone almost chilled her own heart. “And what does she usually wear?”