Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 101501 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101501 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 508(@200wpm)___ 406(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
I’d spent most of my life avoiding her because of Chance, so I only knew what I’d observed when she was in town. Those glimpses hadn’t been favorable, but my eyes had been opened in the past twenty-four hours. Underneath all the tight dresses and high heels was a broken woman putting on a brave face. That was clear when we’d huddled in my office for a few hours the day before. She’d been single-minded in her focus: beat her ex-husband at his own game and teach him a lesson about losing what he wanted most.
I’d barely been old enough to understand what was happening when she married my half brother at the age of sixteen, but I’d seen her in town before the wedding and she’d seemed cautious, almost withdrawn. It was obvious to anyone watching she was hesitant about the marriage. And it only got worse. The marriage changed her from a smiling teen to the sad-eyed, haute couture wearing warrior she was today.
Kenzie was six years my senior, but she’d always seemed much older. It hit me she’d been robbed of part of her youth because of Chance. That the cold woman she’d become after five years of marriage was a byproduct of that union, but not who she was deep down. The fancy clothes and constant flirting with men were armor she used to hide her pain. Chance had thrown her away like yesterday’s garbage—just like Justice had done to my mother. The only difference between them was, Chance hadn’t fought for custody of their son, Chace. And all things considered, it was a miracle.
Maybe growing up without my mother had left an impression on Chance after all?
“I’ve been on the phone all morning,” she began before the door closed fully behind her. “You wouldn’t believe how many people are jumping at the chance to help out with the carnival. The minute I told them what was happening, they were rearranging their schedules and signing up. Lloyd Boggs even has a brother-in-law who is part owner of a traveling circus here in Montana. He’s gonna call and see if they can work out a deal. If we can get them to sign on board, we’ll be able to advertise in more counties and the draw will be twice as big.” She looked at the line of men warming the stools in front of me and grinned. “That means you old coots don’t have to worry about losing your drinking allowance.”
Each sour face in front of me grinned at that announcement and raised a glass to Kenzie, who was scouring the bar like she was looking for someone.
“Are you looking for someone?” I asked
“I need room to work,” she returned. “Jordan, Lacy, and Elizabeth are joining me for a powwow of sorts. We’re gonna knock out the details today so we can apply for the permit.”
She beamed at me then pointed to my largest table in the corner and moved that direction. I dried my hands on a towel then walked around the bar and headed in her way. We’d spent time brainstorming yesterday, but I hadn’t properly thanked her. I’d been too jealous to get the words out when I’d thought she and Logan had slept together, so I figured no time like the present.
She didn’t waste time organizing the table while I approached. Files were set out for each woman with color-coded tabs that looked professionally printed, along with markers and pens in every color. She even placed a plate of cookies in the middle of the table for refreshment.
Before I could open my mouth to apologize, she handed me a file with my name on it. I opened it, expecting to see a detailed outline of what we’d discussed the day before, but I found a contract in its place. Confused, I scanned the simple document twice, then sat down abruptly as my brain caught up to my eyes. It was a loan document for the full amount I owed Chance. There were no terms or interest rate, just a clear cut amount to be paid back within ninety days less what we earned from the carnival.
“You want to loan me the full amount?”
She flipped her wrist at me like it was no big deal, averting her eyes, but I could see a blush running up her neck. She was embarrassed for some reason.
“Kenzie, I . . . Why?”
She looked back at me and it was then I saw tears glittering in her eyes. “Because I lived in that house for five years. I knew what Chance was capable of, and I didn’t warn you when I could have. I should have thought of it yesterday when we talked, but after last night, I knew I had to act. This way you don’t have to rush around to find a loan in thirty days, and the carnival will help pay the rest once you’ve secured the loan.”