“Whowas that?” Ida asked.
“Was it just me, or did she lookexactlylike Magnolia Hill?” Uma whispered.
It isn’t just you.
Corliss patted his arm as he set her on the ground. “Land sakes, Dane Knudson. You have the muscles of a Viking, that’s for certain.” She fanned herself. “I’ll have to swoon more often when you’re around. Now, where is Tansy?”
He’d managed to shift the ladies so that their backs were to Tansy—which was good since Tansy was completely oblivious to anything but the red-haired mystery woman. Even now, she was hurrying after the woman.
From the look on both women’s faces, this wasn’t a conversation Tansy would want overheard. Whatever was happening, it was important and private. If he didn’t do something, and fast, everyone would learn the Hills’ personal business. After being stuck in that public hell for the last few months, he wouldn’t wish it on his worst enemy. Which, technically, was Tansy.
“Ladies, I need your advice.” They were the first words that came to mind. What he’d say next, he had no idea. The women weren’t the least bit interested. Right. Something bigger, juicier. He sighed. “Your...romantic advice,” he declared, rewarded by all three women’s round-eyed stare.
“Romantic?” Ida stepped forward, lowering her voice. “You know we’ll help, Dane.”
Great. He had their full attention, so now what?
“Who is the lucky girl?” Uma’s hands were pressed to her chest. “Does she know how you feel?”
Dane opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He’d set the trap and caught himself. A quick glance told him Tansy was still talking to the woman. Dammit. “I’m not sure she’s interested.”
“Not interested? In you?” Corliss pushed her glasses up. “I can trip her so you can catch her, if you’d like. I guarantee that’ll do the trick.”
Dane was so surprised he was laughing. “Thank you. I think?”
“Sometimes, these things call for desperate measures, Dane.” Uma nodded. “I don’t think my late Charles would have ever noticed me if I hadn’t driven into his car in the grocery parking lot. Rest his sweet soul.”
All Dane could do was stare. The woman was absolutely serious.
“And Ida would never have caught her Waylon if she hadn’t faked spraining her ankle falling down the stairs of city hall.” Uma patted her sister’s arm.
“He was there to renew his registration. I remember it like it was yesterday.” Ida smiled.
Dane wasn’t sure if he was amused or horrified. He had so many questions. Did either Charles or Waylon know about this? The fake sprained ankle was bad, but driving into a man’s car? That was concerning.
“Hush now, you two. Dane is asking for advice. You keep telling him these things and he’s liable to run the other way.” Corliss’s tone was disapproving. “Now, then, Dane. You’re not sure the girl you’re interested in returns the...interest?”
Sure, why not. Dane nodded. He chanced another look at Tansy. She was giving the red-haired woman a business card.
“Have you properly wooed this girl?” Uma glanced at her sister.
“You know, made your intentions known?” Ida went on to say, “Whatareyour intentions?”
He ignored the last question. “No, I guess I haven’t.” He could hardly wait to hear what these women considered wooing. Honestly, he was a little afraid.
“Then you start there. Flowers.” Uma sighed. “My sweet Charles always brought me armloads of flowers.”
“Poems and chocolate, too.” Ida was ticking things off on her fingers. “Or wine.”
Beyond Ida, he saw the red-haired woman walk away. Tansy watched her go, her shoulders drooping. She looked defeated and it gutted him.
No, this was Tansy. She was strong. She was fine.
But the minute Tansy reached up to wipe the tear from her cheek, Dane was cursing himself. He wasn’t going anywhere.Because I’m a damn fool.He stepped around the women, to Tansy. He stepped close enough to shield her from prying eyes. “Tansy,” he whispered.
She sniffed, her attempt to glare pathetic. “What?”
“You have an audience. Behind me,” he murmured. “Take a minute.”
