The Lies Uncovered Trilogy (Books 4, 5, and 6 of The Dancing Moon Ranch Series) by Patricia Watters Read Free Book Online Page A

man."
    The expression on Rick's face told her any further discussion about his mother was closed, and Sophie had no intention of challenging him. But while she was deliberating whether to leave, or to wait for Jayne, the front door swept open, and Jayne stepped inside.
    Spotting Sophie, Jayne walked over and gave her a hug. Then she stepped back, holding both of Sophie's hands at arm’s length, and said, "You look wonderful, honey, and now you've graduated from college and you look like a young business woman. I love the outfit."
    Sophie glanced at Rick, who’d returned to his books, then said to Jayne, "I'm glad someone does." When Rick didn't acknowledge her remark, she knew all the feelings he once had for her had died. Yet, when she'd selected the outfit, she'd had him in mind, hoping he'd view her as he had before, with affection and appreciation. Now, all he felt was disgust.
    Jayne's gaze shifted between Rick and Sophie, then she looked at Sophie, and said, "Honey, I know you've had a falling out with your parents, and I don't intend to lecture you or interfere in any way because you're the one who has to sort through it and come to terms with it, but until you do, you're welcome to help me with the ranch guests. It would give you some experience in business to add to your resume, and with Adam and Emily's wedding coming in less than a month, you could help with that too."
    Sophie always felt deep affection for Rick's stepmother, and for his dad, and Aunt Grace and Uncle Jack, and Grandma Maureen. Actually, she'd felt affection for everyone at the ranch, including the pack of Hansen boys who kidded her like she was their sister, and for Maddy who was a gem of a little girl, who was also the heart of her six big brothers' affectionate teasing, and the apple of her daddy's eye. Over the years she'd wanted to be a member of a big happy family like theirs, and she'd told Rick early on that she wanted lots of kids someday, but made no commitment as to who the father would be.
    "Honey?" Jayne said, when Sophie didn't respond.
    "Oh, sorry. I was a little distracted," Sophie replied. "And yes, I'd love to help with the wedding. When should I start?"
    "Anytime," Jayne replied. "You're welcome to stay with us until Grandma Maureen returns from visiting her brother. I know she'd love to have you with her. Until then, Rick won't mind sleeping on the couch." She looked at Rick and waited for his response.
    Rick glanced up and shrugged. "That's fine," he said, then went back to studying.
    Sophie started to say, don't put yourself out on my account , but said instead, "I'm okay where I am." Rick never looked up, but Sophie saw the disgusted look on his face.
    Jayne gave Sophie anther hug, and said, "I have to round up the ranch guests and lead them to the barn for a trail ride, but when you're ready to start work, come over to the lodge and we'll take it from there." Jayne let herself out through the kitchen.
    Sophie was about to leave too, when she glanced out the front window and saw a truck pull up and was surprised to see Buzz Newman get out. He stood with his hands on his hips looking at the house for a few moments, then started toward it.
    Hearing footsteps on the front porch, Rick glanced up from what he was doing and went to the door. Finding Buzz standing there, he said, "What do you want, Newman?"
    "I'm looking for Sophie," Buzz replied, "Your mother told me she was here."
    "She's not here to you," Rick said.
    Buzz raised his palms outward in a kind of submissive gesture, and said, "Look, I'm not here to cause trouble, I just want to see Sophie. And I'm not the wild guy I was in high school. The party was kind of a get-together for old time sake, but we're all beyond that now."
    "So, what do you want with Sophie?" Rick asked.
    "To take her to dinner tonight to show her I'm not the guy at the party. We were all a little too high," he admitted, "but it was all in fun."
    "Yeah, I suppose a guy like you would view it as fun,"