Texas Lonestar (Texas Heroes Book 4) by Sable Hunter, Texas Heroes

she took him by the arm and led him to the couch. “Sit. What happened?”
    George answered gruffly, showing embarrassment. “I slipped in the shower. It’s nothing. My hip’s just being contrary.”
    “You need to be more careful,” she chided him.
    “Someone slashed all four tires on her truck,” Dallas interjected.
    “Well, I’ll be derned!” George fretted, his eyes already filled with pain.
    “I’m scared,” Sally whimpered, drawing the attention of all three adults.
    “Great…” Lennon left George’s side and went to Sally. “Come on, let’s go change clothes. We’re not going to church today.”
    “But I want to wear my pretty dress to the tea party!” Sally protested loudly.
    “Fine. Just come with me to change clothes while the men talk. You can sort through grandmother’s jewelry box.” With tears welling in her eyes, Lennon entered her bedroom, the same bedroom she’d slept in her whole life. George used the master bedroom. She’d chosen not to move into it after her father passed. “Here, baby.” She sat Sally down and handed her the rosewood box they both loved to pilfer through. It was all Lennon had left of her mother and she cherished every piece, no matter its lack of value.
    “Tank-you.” Sally accepted it, carrying the box to a chair by the window.
    “You’re very welcome. Just give me a minute and you can go to the sunroom. Okay? You like it there. We’ll set up for your tea party.” Lennon began to change clothes, unzipping the dress and returning it to her closet. Dallas had said she looked nice. Even if she was still hurt over his refusal to kiss her, the compliment he gave her was nice. Staring at the few garments in the closet, she pulled out her regular uniform–the sturdy work clothes that gave her some protection from the elements and the sharp prongs of a barbed wire fence.
    “I does like the sunroom. We still gots to make the cookies, though.” Sally mused as she held up a crystal necklace and smiled as the sun played with the facets.
    “Yes, cookies. What kind do you want to make?” Arguing with herself, Lennon huffed and rehung the flannel shirt. She was probably being stupid, but part of her wanted to be pretty for Dallas. Before she could change her mind, she selected a more feminine pair of blue jeans and a red sweater. Was she being silly? As she slipped the clothes on, she sighed. Oh well, they were just clothes.
    “Chokit-chip, of course.”
    “Of course.” Lennon laughed. “You’re getting to be such a big girl.” Where had the time gone? It seemed like yesterday when she’d gotten the call from Miranda. At first, she’d been afraid to take on the responsibility of a baby. Letting her eyes rest on the light of her life, Lennon knew it was the best decision she could’ve made.
    “I is.” Sally agreed. “Can I wear dis?” She held up a string of pink quartz beads.
    “Yes, you may.” She went to Sally and knelt down. “Let me help you put them on.” She slipped the necklace around her neck and fastened it. “Now. You’re beautiful!” Lennon kissed a silky baby cheek. “Let’s go make those cookies. Dallas will want his tea soon.” Just the mention of his name made her heart lurch. She was beginning to have feelings for him, and there was no hope of them being reciprocated. Squaring her shoulders, she vowed to give him no reason to suspect. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she frowned. Maybe this wardrobe change wasn’t such a good idea.
    “I ready to cook.” Sally carefully closed the rosewood box and brought it to Lennon.
    “Me too.” With one more look in the mirror, she decided she didn’t look fancy enough to worry about. It wasn’t like he’d even notice what she wore or how she looked.
    The events of the last few days were almost overwhelming to think about. Why would someone target her like this? She so hoped Dallas didn’t give up and leave them alone with this mess. He wouldn’t, would he?
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