That Nevada Girl

By Jeanne Harrell

Kit Walker, only daughter of the mighty Walkers of Jake's Valley, is a spitfire. Beautiful and bold, she runs a horse breeding and buying business with her father. She goes through men like tissue paper and is nowhere close to settling down. With a lull in her business, Kit goes on vacation to Taos, New Mexico to visit and relax with cousins Joey and Anna Johnson (Rancher's Christmas). But it's not as relaxing as she thought it would be. She meets Rich Reed, a wild horse advocate, who gets her involved. He's beginning to stoke the fires of a relationship with her when ex-beau Trace Sadler shows up unexpectedly. Her plate becomes full with a burglary, wild horses and two men showing a keen interest in her. Her relaxing vacation is now a sprint to the finish line and the eventful trip home to Nevada proves it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeanne Harrell
• Release date: Jan 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310487712

Jeanne Harrell

Jeanne Harrell is an author who lives and writes romantic stories occurring in the Wild West. Her sweet and relatively innocent Western books include the Rancher series, The Westerners Series and Avila Beach Winery Series. Cowboys, Indians, stagecoaches and John Ford movies captured her interest long ago and held it. She lives in Nevada and captures many beautiful Western scenes with photos, found on her website. What she loves best is to tangle two strong characters, emboil them in conflict and let them hash it out. P.S. Jeanne also writes mysteries as SJ Slagle and children's books as Sinda Cheri Floyd.

Book preview

Yes, please. I’ll have another.

You sure, Kit? You’ve already had one.

I’ll have one more glass of champagne, Zane. It’s not like we’re going to run out any time soon. Mom bought four cases of the stuff.

Well, if you’re sure. Wouldn’t want the wedding planner to get tipsy and pass out by the corrals.

Give me a little credit, brother. This was the wedding of the century.

Huh. Really.

Yes. She took a sip, nodded. That’s good stuff. She licked her lips and looked over at him. "Why did you say really?

I just thought that your wedding would be the one for Bride magazine. The one to get all the attention.

Why? Because I’m the only daughter in the Walker family?

No, silly, because you’re you.

She put down the empty glass, hooked an arm around his shoulder for a quick, misty hug. Thank you. You really are sweet, no matter what anyone says about you. Kit smiled, wiped her eyes with a tissue discreetly stuck in her sleeve. But I’m not getting married.

His eyes blinked wide. What, never?

I’m nearly thirty years old, Zane. If I were going to get married, it would have happened by now.

You sure?

Pretty sure.

He picked up a crystal flute filled with frothy pink liquid and handed it to her. It ain’t over ‘til it’s over, little sis.

* * *

CHAPTER 1

The rural chapel in Jake’s Valley was decorated top to bottom with flowers, flowers and more flowers. Baby blue irises, bright yellow daisies, pretty pink roses entangled in accompanying greenery graced each row of the white, wooden pews of the airy church. The happy couple would stand front and center with the minister before a wall of windows with bridesmaids on the left and groomsmen on the right. Bright sunshine lit the church’s decorated interior and the pungent smell of flowers perfumed the air. The ceremony was set for one o’clock and Kit had been madly dashing around making sure everything was going according to plan, everyone was doing what was expected of them. It was a big job but she was surprisingly calm.

She should be -- Kit had been the official wedding planner for all her brothers’ weddings so far, save one. Eldest brother Paxton and wife Katy had been married in the small chapel at Carson City Hospital two days after Katy gave birth to their first child, Tommy. But Chance and Mariah, Reece and Hallie, and Beau and Sienna had all been married in this quaint, country chapel with Kit running the show. She considered herself quite the expert in managing weddings, but how their marriages went was not her concern.

After a last glance around, Kit smoothed the front of her gray, silk jacket and noticed with a frown that the matching skirt had a new wrinkle. She bent to tuck a wayward rose back into place by one pew and walked briskly back to the pair of rooms where the bride and groom with their respective parties were preparing for the event. Brushing a flyaway strand of raven hair back into her long, sleek ponytail, Kit paused before the groom’s door. She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders and knocked twice.

The door opened and one of her brothers peeked out.

Who dares enter this chamber?

Let me in, Reece. I need to check on a few things.

Aye, aye, captain. He opened the door wide. Like I could keep you out.

She smiled at her handsome brother and eyed every detail of his Western-cut black suit. His classic white shirt had studded buttons and matching pocket square. She flicked a bit of lint from one shoulder and nodded.

You look good, brother. Don’t get dirty or wrinkled.

Reece laughed as she took in her other brothers with a critical eye. Zane hadn’t wanted anyone to bother with fancy dress-up clothes, so Kit had suggested that they each wear one of their own dark suits. And if they didn’t have one, she gave them the name of a store in Reno that did. She checked out every minute detail of each man’s clothing.

She marveled that all the handsome Walker men were impeccably dressed, joking around and calm. Of course, the empty bottle of champagne in the shiny silver bucket on a table probably had something to do with their relaxed demeanor.

Paxton’s black bow tie needed straightening. One of Chance’s cufflinks needed to be snapped shut and Beau was complaining about the wing-tip shoes she had insisted he wear.

I’m going to trip and fall with these fancy shoes, Kit. To prove it, Beau nearly tripped on the rug.

Don’t you dare turn into Mr. Klutz on your brother’s wedding day, Beau Walker. She crouched down to take a look. Let me see the bottom of this shoe. She pointed to the right one.

Here. Take a look. They’re slippery. He held onto a chair and lifted his foot.

Kit shook her head. You’re making something out of nothing. Just pick up your feet so you won’t slip. She glanced up at him. Sunlight streaked through a window highlighting his thick chestnut hair. You look good, brother and I expect you to do your part as Best Man to the best of your ability. After all, Zane did it for you.

Yeah, yeah. He put his foot gingerly back on the floor. He’s already tried to guilt me into not causing a scene during his big moment.

Hey! said Pax. It could happen. You tripped on a rug at Reece’s wedding and soaked poor Sienna’s pretty dress.

Yeah, agreed Chance with a grin. Your relationship with Sienna was almost over before it even started.

All the brothers laughed heartily as Beau’s expense. He rolled his eyes up to the ceiling and counted to ten out loud.

Okay, you’re all made your point. He held up three fingers. I promise to do my very best not to embarrass Zane on his special day.

Just then Zane came out of the bathroom and caught the last of Beau’s solemn oath. He stopped and stared at the sight of his brothers all smiling wide.

What’d I miss?

Nothing worth repeating, said Kit. She looked him over, smoothed his black wool jacket and noticed the sharp crease in the matching pants. He’d elected to wear the infamous white Western shirt that his bride-to-be, Sarah Jane, had bought for him, which had started the whole messy business of learning who was in love with whom. Unfortunately, it had culminated with a ketchup stain on the shirt but Kit took care of it. She was nothing if not thorough.

Standing back, she eyed her older brothers. All five were handsome men indeed and a grin spread amiably across her relieved face, as she looked them over. Pax, Chance and Reece favored their father, Wayne, with dark hair, rugged Western faces and sharp blue eyes. Beau and Zane looked more like their mother, Leeny, with lighter brown hair and eyes like melted chocolate. The older three brothers resembled one another but not the younger brothers. Interestingly enough, Kit noted that while Pax, Chance and Reece worked the big Walker Ranch with their father, Beau became a veterinarian and Zane a farrier. There were plenty of differences between the brothers but their temperaments were similar. They were all hard-working, dependable men, happy with their lives and families.

Kit had had a hand in helping each brother find his ideal woman and her score was 4 – 0. She knew that the wedding between youngest brother Zane and his true love, Sarah Jane Breen would bring her wedding total to five and she was looking forward to it.

So? asked Chance. Do we pass muster, chief?

You all look… She strung out the last word for a few seconds. The men looked expectantly at her.

…We look what, Kit? Quit stallin’. Pax shifted his stance causing a lapel to crinkle.

Kit stepped forward to smooth it down. You all looked fabulous and incredibly handsome until you messed up the picture, Paxton. She grinned and dodged his playful swat.

We about ready, sis? Zane asked nervously.

Ready to get the show on the road? She glanced at her watch. Ten minutes to show time, fellas. Heading to the door, she looked back and pointed a finger. Don’t mess up those clothes!

She heard their laughter as she closed their door, knocked and entered the next room. A sigh escaped when she assessed the women assembled inside.

You all look beautiful!

Thanks, Kit! Mariah was patting Sarah Jane’s upswept hairdo. Standing before a full-length mirror, Sarah turned this way and that, checking her hair from various angles.

Need any help? Kit walked over and picked up a brush.

Sarah, where are those pretty combs that Leeny and Wayne gave you for a wedding gift? Katy stopped one child from jumping on the couch, then smoothed the silky material over her baby bump.

You feeling all right, Katy? You’re not planning on going into labor during the ceremony, are you? Hallie, a bubble-blowing baby on her hip, walked over to Sarah Jane and held up the combs.

Everyone laughed. She already pulled that at my wedding, smiled Mariah as she crossed her fingers. She’s got a month yet. Let’s hope it holds.

Someone put the combs on for me, please, asked Sarah Jane. She exhaled a shaky breath looking in the mirror. I’ve never fussed so much with my looks in my entire life! With makeup and this huge dress, I feel like I’m caught in a painted cocoon.

Kit took the silver combs from Hallie and began placing them in Sarah’s pretty blonde hair. You look absolutely stunning, Sarah Jane and you’re going to make my brother lose his train of thought for a full minute.

Sarah’s smile bloomed. Really? You think so?

I know so. Appraising her work, Kit stepped back and glanced at her sisters-in-law. What do you think, ladies? Will she do?

Sarah Jane turned from the mirror, giving them a full-on view. Although she’d insisted she didn’t want anything fancy, Sarah had fallen in love with a dress at the bridal salon Kit had taken her to. She wore a long-sleeved, silk tulle wedding gown with a breezy v-neckline and a lace overlay. She hadn’t wanted a veil so a hairdresser had created a lovely low bun style with the combs as accent. A sparkly, heeled shoe peeked out when she took a step and a collective sigh was heard. Even the little girls running around the room stopped and stared.

You look beautiful, Aunt Sarah, said Polly wistfully.

Gosh, you’re so sparkly, added wide-eyed Aileen.

Before the girls could rush up to the bride, Kit blocked them with outstretched arms. She turned and crouched down to their level.

I know you want to touch her dress but how about you wait until after the wedding? Is that okay?

Polly and Aileen nodded, still with open mouths at the shining vision before them. Katy and Mariah held out hands to move the children back so Sarah Jane could walk a few steps.

The door opened and Sienna walked in with the bridal bouquet.

Oh, my, Sarah! she gushed. You look gorgeous! Zane is going to swallow his tongue!

The women laughed, clustered around the bouquet Sienna held out. Again, Sarah Jane couldn’t help herself when she spied a picture of this bouquet at the florist’s shop. It was a classic bridal bouquet of white orchids, white roses and white mini calla lilies. The scent of flowers filled the room.

The florist just brought them out from the cooler. She said she wanted to tweak the temperature to make sure all the blooms were perfectly opened. Sienna glanced around. Whatever that means.

Kit nodded. It’s perfect and will look perfect with the dress. Let’s see.

When Sarah Jane took the bouquet, she sniffed each bloom before lowering it to her waist. It smells heavenly.

And looks it! Katy looked at Mariah who looked at Hallie. She glanced at Sienna and they all looked back at Sarah Jane with misty eyes. Kit nodded again.

It’s called bridal power, ladies, and Sarah’s got it from head to toe.

Then she lined them up, two on each side of the blushing bride.

Let me get last looks at you. I need to check dresses and makeup one last time. She reached for Hallie’s baby. Come here, Nash. I need to look at your mommy. When the smiling baby dove into her arms, she hugged him close, kissed his sweet face and looked up at the women.

And it was quite a view. Kit took in each lovely sister-in-law. Pregnant Katy with long dark hair curled around her pretty face. Her elegant ice blue chiffon dress hung loosely due to her condition. Blonde Mariah with an off the shoulder medium blue chiffon dress and petite Hallie with short curly hair and a midnight blue silk dress. Ava Gardner look-alike Sienna had chosen a pale blue tulle dress that swung beautifully when she walked.

I love the colors you chose, Sarah. They make everyone look good, but then… Kit chuckled, you all are gorgeous anyway and it would be pretty hard to make any of you look bad. My brothers did good.

The little girls in their fancy dresses and shiny Mary Jane shoes clustered around their smiling mothers. The mood in the room had gone from happy to euphoric when a knock at the door had them shifting their attention.

Ladies? May I come in?

Kit called out, Come in, Sam. We’re about ready in here.

When the door swung wide, Sam took a step and froze. Staring at his beautiful daughter, his face reddened and he looked ready to cry.

Honey, there are no words to describe how lovely you look.

* * *

CHAPTER 2

They met halfway across the room, the willowy blonde and her squat, red-haired father. Sarah stepped forward hesitantly in her sparkly new heels and Sam tugged on his jacket before offering his arm. Shy glances were exchanged and Sam grinned.

I wish your mother could see you now, sweetie, tears pooled as he lowered his head.

I bet she can, Dad. Sarah’s face was clouding up too so Kit stepped in. She straightened Sam’s crinkled jacket.

You both need to get a move on. Tears will wreck her face, Sam, and it’s five minutes until I do.

He cleared his throat and nodded briskly. Of course, Kit. You’re absolutely right. Turning back to his daughter, Are you ready, Sarah Jane?

I am. Sarah tightened the hold on her father’s arm as they walked out of the room with an air of confidence.

Kit glanced back at the women trying hard not to sniffle. Show time, ladies. No tears.

Lifting heads and dabbing eyes, Katy, Mariah, Hallie and Sienna smoothed dresses one last time, picked up their bridesmaids’ bouquets and walked out before Kit.

Beau and Zane waited at the altar by Minister Hill and the groomsmen. The men exchanged nervous looks before glancing towards the back of the chapel where the bride would eventually appear. The music would alert them to her presence so Beau took a step back tugging at the uncomfortable tie -- it was too tight. Feeling something sticky on the bottom of his slippery shoe, he looked down to see it was apparently stuck to the hardwood floor. With panic setting in, Beau winced as he tried to lift his foot.

What’s wrong? Zane whispered, darting a nervous look at Beau’s shoe.

Damn shoe.

Get it loose.

Just then the wedding music changed announcing the wedding was about to begin. Polly and Aileen skipped down the aisle tossing rose petals with the bridesmaids walking slowly behind them. Assembled guests smiled at the happy children and beautiful women moving towards the front of the room. Beau worked himself into a lather trying to free the shoe as all four bridesmaids took their places on the other side of Minister Hill. He felt Sienna’s eyes