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[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] through her mind. That one and one another did she really want to know the answer? To love, she had to trust. Without trust, how long could any love last? That was a question Sloan had never asked herself. But it was at the bottom of all the others. Chapter Nineteen S tars glittered in the Texas sky, but their brilliance was dimmed by the city lights of Fort Worth. In the exclusive River Crest district, strategically placed lights marked a sweeping driveway that led to one of the area s many mansions. There was just enough chill in the January air to provide the perfect excuse for the female occupants of the arriving limos to don their favorite furs. Fully aware of how dramatic she looked in ermine, Tara had chosen an ermine jacket. One side slipped, baring a white shoulder when she moved to exit the limo s rear door, then paused to address the chauffeur. Remember you are to be back here promptly in one hour. I won t need to stay longer than that. Privately she thought an hour was too long, but to leave sooner would be an insult to the Holcombes, her misguided but well-intentioned and well-heeled hosts. Accepting the assistance of the liveried attendant, Tara stepped from the limousine and continued straight to the front door. The murmur of many voices, intermixed with the tinkle of crystal, greeted her when she walked into its spacious foyer. But an underlying boredom was what Tara s experienced ears heard instead of the electric buzz that a successful party generated. Aware that her arrival might be observed, Tara surrendered her wrap to the waiting maid with an unhurried grace, then made her way to the richly appointed living room where the bulk of the guests were gathered. Good manners Page 128 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html dictated that she seek out her host and hostess first, but she used the winding journey to discreetly survey the other guests. As she expected, most were from the B list. In all honesty, Tara knew she wouldn t have attended the party herself if the charity it was to benefit hadn t been one of her pet projects. At such times sacrifices had to be made. After chatting up her host and hostess, Tara collected a glass of champagne and went about the task of mixing and mingling. Turning from the first group, she caught a movement in her side vision and turned that way. For a split second, she went still at the sight of the wheelchair-bound Max Rutledge. He almost managed to look distinguished, with his grizzled hair and full black-tie regalia. Hesitating only briefly, Tara approached him. Max Rutledge, you old rogue. She bent and kissed the air near his cheek. I don t know why I m surprised to see you here. Lately you ve been keeping a very high profile and an open wallet. It s amazing what a little spreading of the green will do to improve one s image, isn t it? she cooed in a voice that was all Texas honey. But Max only smiled with a hearty broadness. Ah, Tara, still the stunning Texas vixen. How good to see you. The Holcombes said that you planned to come, but I had my doubts. He cast a jaundiced glance at the gathering, and murmured, I think it s been a night of disappointments for them. Tara couldn t disagree. Poor Margaret. I did try to warn her that at this time of year all the right people were either yachting in the Mediterranean or skiing in Switzerland. Next time she ll listen. I m surprised you re in town, he remarked. Actually, I leave tomorrow for St. Moritz, before going on to Monte Carlo. Good. That means you ll be back in time for the blessed event. Tara released a short, amused breath. What on earth are you talking about, Max? Sloan s baby is due somewhere around the end of February. Had you forgotten? He tipped his head back, studying her with mild interest. The smallest frown flickered across her forehead. You talk as if you know her. Perhaps it s because I do. Almost from the day she was born, as a matter of fact. Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes at the surprise Tara couldn t completely conceal. Her late father and I were partners in a few business ventures. Recognition dawned. She s that Davis, Tara murmured. You were named her guardian, weren t you? I was, Max confirmed. And, yes, the Calders are aware of it. I take it they haven t mentioned it to you. Tara managed an elegant shrug of indifference. Why should they? It s hardly important. I agree. Max nodded. Sloan deserves her happiness. Although I was troubled to hear they re having marital problems. The first year of marriage always requires many adjustments, though. It s probably nothing more than that foolishness about her work, Tara guessed at once. Once Sloan fully understands the obligations that will fall to her as Trey s wife, she ll put aside all this nonsense about a career in photography. Trey objects to it, does he? His idle tone masked his keen interest in her answer. Really, Max. What husband would be in favor of his wife being absent from home for long periods of time? Tara chided. You re right. I hadn t thought of it that way. Tara, A feminine voice called an instant before a slightly tipsy blonde descended on her. What are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to be in Switzerland. I leave tomorrow, Tara informed her. Excuse me, ladies. Max reached for the controls on the wheelchair s armrest. Now, be generous with your check, Max, Tara called after him as he rolled Page 129 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html away. It s for a worthy cause. And a worthy night, he murmured to himself. A strong Chinook wind swept over the rough-and-tumble roll of the Montana plains. Its warmth was a welcome relief from the freezing temperatures that had gripped the land for much of February. With calving season in full swing, its arrival couldn t have been more opportune. As he made his final tug to tighten the saddle s cinch strap, Trey let his gaze skip beyond the corral fence to the section of range beyond it. These first hours of morning were the time when the cattle were up and about, seeking water and graze. A cow heavy with calf never strayed too far from either. Armed with that knowledge, the stock tank and hay bales at the South Branch camp were both located close to the calving sheds, making a check of [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |