Free A Cowboy in Manhattan by Barbara Dunlop

campaign for him?”
    “Nah. All we have to do is show up, dance and smile for the cameras. Cakewalk for you.”
    Katrina retrieved a simple black knit skirt and a filmy copper cap-sleeved blouse. “Are we talking ballgowns and the whole nine yards?”
    Mandy nodded. “It’ll be formal.”
    “Then I’ll have to go shopping.” Which was a waste, since Katrina had a dozen perfectly appropriate ballgowns hanging in her closet in New York City. “And maybe do something with my hair. And I don’t know what I’ve got for shoes.”
    If she could be positive any photos taken at the event would only be used locally for Seth’s campaign, she wouldn’t worry. But she and her fellow dancers at Liberty Ballet were under strict orders from the publicity department that every single public appearance, every picture, every interview, had to comply with company policy.
    From the top of her head to the tips of her toes, she had to be esthetically perfect.
    “Lyndon does have stores,” said Mandy.
    “And I’m going to need them,” Katrina joked, stepping into the skirt.
    “You’ll probably have a lot more fun this trip. You’re dressing up and dancing instead of slogging through the barns and worrying about horses.”
    Katrina paused, sensing a conspiracy. “You didn’t tell Seth what I said?”
    “No, no.” Mandy determinedly shook her head. “It’s a coincidence, I promise.” She paused. “But there are some nice things about Colorado, you know.”
    Katrina fastened the skirt at her waist. “There are some nice things about New York City, too.”
    “You mean like traffic and muggings?”
    “I mean like Central Park and the Met.”
    “Lyndon has an arts center, an orchestra and a museum.”
    Katrina slipped off the robe and put on the blouse over her lacy bra, fastening the tiny buttons up the front. “You really love it here, don’t you?” She padded across the bedroom and joined her sister on the opposite corner of the bed.
    “I really do,” Mandy agreed.
    “Won’t you and Caleb mostly live in Chicago after the wedding?”
    “We think it’ll be about fifty-fifty. I’ll put up with Chicago for him, and he’ll put up with Lyndon Valley for me.”
    “So, one of you will always be unhappy?” Katrina didn’t want to question the wisdom of her sister’s marriage plans, but theirs didn’t sound like a particularly smart arrangement.
    Mandy’s voice went soft. “Caleb hated his father. He didn’t hate Lyndon Valley. And now that Wilton is gone, he’ll remember all the things he loved about the ranch.”
    “You sure?”
    “I’m positive.”
    Katrina plucked at the quilt. “Well, I’ll never leave New York City.”
    “Not even for the right man?”
    “The right man is already there.”
    Mandy straightened, her expression perking up. “I thought you said you didn’t have a boyfriend.”
    “No boyfriend.” Katrina was taking a page from Reed’s logic. “I haven’t met him yet. But I know he’s out there, picking out an impressionist painting for his penthouse, balancing his stock portfolio and dry-cleaning his tux.”
    Mandy laughed, even as Katrina’s thoughts flicked back to Reed.
    “Did you know Reed was building a house?” she found herself asking her sister.
    “What do you mean?”
    “He showed me the building site today. Up in one of the top meadows beside Flash Lake. He’s got it all staked out. I didn’t see the drawings, but he talked like it was all planned. He says he’s going to find himself a wife and start a family. You and Caleb get to keep this house.”
    “Really?” Mandy drew the word out in obvious contemplation.
    “So this is something new?” Katrina confirmed.
    “He told Caleb he was planning to raise a family here on the ranch. But, as far as I know, he didn’t say anything about building a new house.” Mandy shifted on the mattress. “I take it you’re not fighting anymore?”
    Katrina felt her cheeks heat and struggled to control the reaction.