Sara waded into the tense atmosphere. “Did you guys have a problem out there?”
“He’sthe problem.” Lani gestured toward Rance. “He thinks he knows everything.”
“No, I don’t, Lani-Lou. I simply?—”
“Don’t call me that.”
“But it’s cute. Middle names don’t get enough respect and Louise is?—"
“Not the favorite part of my name, okay?” She turned to Sara. “See what I mean? He slaps a nickname on me to prove how clever he is.Not.”
Sara glanced back at Kieran. “Maybe this isn’t the time.”
“I think it is. Unless you need to get goin’, Rance. When is Clint givin’ you a lift?” His accent was more pronounced after talking to his granny, who had a much stronger accent. Endearing.
Rance turned, one hand on his saddle. “He’s picking me up here in another hour or so. Has something happened, buddy?”
“It has, yeah. Granny wants to switch countries.”
Rance and Lani both gasped, but Rance got in the first question. “Countries? Are you sure she didn’t saycounties?”
“She knows what she’s sayin, mate. She’s willin’ to come to New Jersey or Wagon Train, but?—”
“New Jersey?” Lani glanced at Sara. “Why would she come there?"
“Steady, sis. She’s not coming to New Jersey. Kieran and I talked it out. He and Granny will be relocating, but to Rowdy Ranch.”
“Hot damn. That’s a wonderful surprise.” Rance grinned and held out his hand to Kieran. “Welcome to the Ponderosa, buddy.” Then his gaze flicked to Sara. “Although you two don’t seem overjoyed.”
Giving a little shrug, she looked at Kieran. “We talked about the New Jersey option, but Granny would be miserable and Kieran and I aren’t willing to sacrifice her happiness so that we can be together. Not to mention Kieran really belongs here with the McLintocks.”
“There’s gotta be a tasty option for you out here, Sara.” Rance’s tone was more intense than usual. What had happened on the trail must have knocked him off kilter. “We just haven’t thought of it.”
Lani whirled toward him. “Don’t you dare suggest that she give up a career she loves, something she’s wanted for years and invested her heart and soul into, so she can?—”
“But what if there’s something better out here? An exciting opportunity that would give her even more chance to develop her talents? Maybe it’s a long shot, but isn’t it worth investigating? Why can’t she and Kieran have it all?”
“Because this isreal life, Rance.” Lani’s eyes blazed. “This isn’t like one of your mom’s books where the good people win, the bad people get punished and everybody’s hunky-dory at the end. Grow up.”
“Ouch.” Rance gave her a half-hearted smile. Then he looked at Sara, clearly chastened. “Please know that I respect your choices.”
“I know you do.” She appreciated Lani’s support, but Rance wasn’t a chauvinistic jerk who thought all women should follow blindly when a man crooked his finger.
Evidently Lani had just figured that out. She took a shaky breath. “I’m sorry, Rance. That’s a hot button for me.”
“I’m aware. I shouldn’t have pushed it.” He offered his hand. “Friends?”
“Friends.” She shook it quickly and looked away. “We need to finish tending to these patient horses.”
“I know, right?” Rance’s laugh sounded hollow. “Diablo’s usually a pain in the ass. I think you intimidate him.” He looked at Kieran. “You’re here for Pie, I take it.”
“That’s the plan.”
“He’s in his stall. Buck kept him in this morning so he’d be handy. Buck would probably appreciate it if you guys would turn him out when you’re done.”
“We will.” Sara walked over to Lani and gave her a hug. “We’ll talk soon.”
“Definitely.”
