Free Reined In: Lone Star Lovers, Book 7 by Delilah Devlin Page A

how it works?”
    “I know how it works,” Stormy said, lowering her voice. “But I’m curious about the rest. Does everyone in town know?”
    “You’ve been away awhile. Surprised the gossip didn’t reach you all the way in Austin. Congrats, by the way. Heard you graduated with honors.”
    “Thanks, but…” She met the other woman’s amused blue gaze. “I know not everyone’s as accepting as the folks here. How do you stand it?”
    Dani’s expression didn’t tighten. Her cheeks didn’t bloom with a blush. She met Stormy’s curious gaze with a steady one of her own. “I love them both. I refused to choose one over the other. Sure, my brother nearly disowned me, but he’s come around. We have a child together, and that made all the difference. Cutter’s a sucker for babies.”
    Stormy had indeed heard that both Dani and Katie had children within weeks of each other. “You…do you know who the father is?”
    Dani arched a brow.
    “I don’t mean to be rude, but I have so many questions.”
    “Rowe’s the daddy—this time around,” she said smiling. “Since I married Justin.”
    Stormy took a sip of her drink. “And you all live together.”
    “Yes. We share the same bed.”
    Stormy blushed. “This is Texas, aren’t you worried about the church ladies?”
    Dani laughed. “Sweetie, I have two strong, handsome cowboys who spoil me like crazy. They’re my whole world, and I’m not without friends.” She reached out and gripped Stormy’s arm, turning her gently toward the dancers on the floor. Only two Kinzies flanked Chrissi this time, moving to a ballad in dreamy bliss. But next to them was a pretty, plump blonde with a pronounced baby bump, dancing between foster brothers, Johnny and Killian Logan. In another corner, the Logan twins were wrapped around a very pregnant Molly Pritchet.
    Stormy’s jaw dropped. “But she’s a teacher.”
    “Was.” Dani sighed. “She quit, knowing she’d face censure from the school board. She’s plannin’ on settin’ up a homeschool program for all our kids once they start reachin’ age.” Dani put her arm around Stormy’s shoulder. “I don’t know if you’re plannin’ to go down this same road, but you should know you won’t be without community, without family.”
    Stormy’s eyes grew moist. “It’s nice to know. Sorry I pried.”
    Dani gave her a hug. “We have to stick together. We’re the luckiest people in this big old state, but few understand it.”
    Stormy found Cam and Joe standing with Cutter, whose gaze swept her, not a hint of what he was thinking in his eyes. She’d always found him intimidating, but the small smile playing on his lips welcomed her. “Hiya, Cutter.”
    He tipped his hat. “Good to see you. See your dad yet?”
    Blood drained away from her face. “What?”
    “He’s around. Sent him an invite, and he flew in. Said he wanted to see you and the boys.”
    Stormy felt ill. She handed her cup to Joe.
    Cam slid his arm around her waist. “You all right?”
    “My dad’s here,” she said faintly.
    Cam nodded slowly. “I’m right here. I heard.”
    “Here,” she said, her voice rising. “With all this goin’ on…” she said, swirling her hand toward Joe and Cam and then herself.
    Cam bent toward her ear. “Don’t get so worked up, baby. He doesn’t know about us. But he knows about everyone here, Stormy. And he’s still friends with the Standifers.”
    She pushed away from his embrace, feeling panic close around her. “I’m not ready to tell him. God, I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready. I can’t hurt him that way.”
    Cam stiffened against her and cleared his throat.
    “Hey there, Peaches.”

Chapter Nine
    Her dad’s voice came from right behind her, and she nearly fainted. How long had he been standing there? What had he heard? She pasted on a smile she knew must look funny since her face was likely a pasty green. She turned slowly to greet him.
    Her dad wasn’t wearing a cowboy hat, which