Promise Them (The Callahan Series Book 6) by Mitzi Pool Bridges

them asleep and almost naked at the pond; how the mare got hurt, and how it took six of them hours to round up the cattle and get them back where they belonged, then fix the fence.
    “Poor Rey,” Dani said.
    Beau placed his fork at the corner of his dinner plate, crossed his arms. “Why do you say that?”
    “Because you’ll never let him forget he screwed up.”
    “He apologized. It’s over.”‘
    “Maybe. But you’ll dig him about it from now on.”
    “Dani, you’re being unfair.”
    “Am I?”
    She stood, took her plate to the kitchen. “I’ll put the finishing touch on dessert.”
    “Dani…”
    “Let her go, Beau,” Nellie said, laying a hand on his arm. “She’s entitled to her opinion.”
    He looked down at her hand.
    She jerked it away. What was she doing?
    Beau reached over, pulled her hand back, and smiled into her eyes.
    Once more, she pulled away, then sat up straighter. Was she coming on to him? Is that what he thought? Had she done the same to Carl Perkins all those years ago and not realized it?
    “She’s wrong,” Beau said forcefully, startling Nellie out of her thoughts.
    “I’m sorry. What are you talking about?”
    “She’s wrong. About Rey.”
    “Then she’ll see it for herself. Telling her won’t make a bit of difference.” Thank goodness, her uncomfortable moment was gone.
    “If you say so,” he said, taking the last bite of cod.
    “No point in getting angry,” Emma said. “Girl’s got a way of getting under your skin. Let her be.”
    “I’m outnumbered.” He laughed.
    But Nellie could tell the conversation had hurt.
    He refilled their wine glasses and turned the conversation once more to dinner.
    “Have either of you ever had such wonderful food?” Beau asked.
    “Not even in a fine restaurant,” Nellie responded, letting her gaze wander around the room. What a difference. The room was clear of all the bric-a-brac. Only a few decorator pieces were scattered on the antique buffet against the far wall. The matching table was polished to a high shine. Keeping the antiques in mind, Dani had chosen lace placemats and a centerpiece of flowers in one of Emma’s beautiful crystal bowls. The effect was stunning.
    Dani had missed her calling. With her abilities, she could easily work in one of the higher end restaurants as a cook or as a decorator.
    “I didn’t realize what a talent she has,” Beau said, turning to Nellie.
    “I think your daughter’s talents have been hidden for a very long time.”
    Dani came in to remove their plates. Nellie stood to help her. “I’ll get it,” Dani said. “Dessert is light, but then so was dinner. Hope you don’t mind.”
    “Do you hear any complaints, young lady?” Emma scowled. “Now get that dessert.”
    In less than a minute, Dani brought in a tray filled with four dessert plates.
    “Looks great. What is it?” Beau asked.
    Nellie nudged him. “Take a bite, then ask.”
    “Never seen anything like this before,” Emma said. “But it sure looks good.”
    “I hope you like it,” Dani said, taking her seat.
    Nellie took the first bite. “Fruit filled crepes, strawberries and blackberries, with sour cream and something else.”
    Dani laughed. “You’re very good.”
    Not good enough to stop these crazy feelings whenever your dad looks my way. Not good enough to stop myself from dreaming of another kiss. Not good enough to keep my eyes off his mouth.
    “So is this,” Beau said. “I don’t remember Lela ever making anything like this either.”
    “She did, but it was a long time ago.”
    “Did you make extra?” Emma asked.
    “Knowing your sweet tooth, what do you think?” Dani grumbled.
    “Then I’ll take another.”
    Everyone laughed.
    They were so taken with the meal that Dani told them stories of her disasters and near disasters.
    “If I had only known.”
    “You would have been angry. Remember the time you had a few senators over for what you called a working dinner? You specifically ordered