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over the years. The girls’ mothers had been close friends and after Emma had died, Sarah, Alicia’s mother, had been a great source of comfort to Kara and her father. She and Alicia had grown inseparable over the years. The petite blue-eyed blonde always made her laugh and Alicia’s witty letters had helped her through the time away at school.
    “What is your problem? You’d think having not just one, but two, men coming to stay with you would thrill you. Instead you look like a skunk has snuck under your skirts. I’d love to have new people stay with us.” Alicia’s blue eyes twinkled mischievously. “Especially men.” Sitting next to Kara on the bed, Alicia grabbed her friend’s hands in excitement. “You know there’s no one interesting in White Oaks, and Papa won’t be taking us to Albuquerque until fall. Imagine,” she said breathlessly, “they’re real English lords. How can you look so miserable?”
    She couldn’t help but smile at Alicia’s enthusiasm. “I’m quiet Alicia,” she laughed, “because you haven’t let me get a word in edgewise.” Smoothing her skirt, she sighed. Her worries rushed back. “I don’t know why I’m so upset. Guess I just think this man has no business coming all the way out here and upsetting everything in my life. I just never thought Papa would sell part of the ranch.”
    Feelings of hurt and resentment washed over her. She felt like her dreams had been attacked. Her gut reaction was to strike back, show her father she was capable, and prove this so-called partner unnecessary. A part of her refused to believe there wasn’t a way to end the partnership. They didn’t need him.
    “Alicia, what am I going to do?”
    Alicia hugged her tightly. “You’ll put on your best face, be nice to this new partner of your father’s, and who knows,” she smiled gently at her friend, “maybe you’ll like him. After all, he’s young, right? Maybe he’s your knight in shining armor.”
    Kara grimaced at hearing that phrase again. She remembered how they had talked of their perfect man.
    “Alicia, you are the one who wanted someone to take you away from the ranching life, wanted to live in a big city and attend parties and the theater and shop to your heart’s content.” Never mind she’d never been to any town larger than Albuquerque. “I always planned on staying here, on the ranch.”
    Kara had always envisioned her true love like someone from her stories, a big man like her father, who would love the land, especially the Ladder J, the way she loved it. She wanted someone who could dominate this hard land, but still recognize the gifts the land had to offer. She had always thought this man would be a westerner like her. After all only those who had been born to this land could understand it and love it … . right?
    “Those were silly dreams and you know it.” Kara stood and looked out the window. Turning back to her friend, she decided to change the subject. “By the way, where is your brother? I didn’t see him arrive with you and your parents.” She had always envied Alicia her older brother Austin. Sometimes she missed not having any family other than her father.
    Twirling in front of the mirror, checking her skirts, Alicia waved her hand in dismissal. “Oh, he’s working the range today. He’ll be over tomorrow to say hello and accompany us home.”
    “Alicia.” Kara grasped her friend’s hand, pulling her from her contemplations. “I’ve had enough brooding for today. Why don’t you come help me say hello to the other guests? I saw the Valdez family, the Hewitt’s from town, and the Padens have arrived.”
    The two young women left the guesthouse and headed for the main house, animatedly discussing who else would be attending the party.
    • • •
    “I also heard Bob say — ” Kara stopped, realizing Alicia wasn’t beside her anymore. She turned to see Alicia stopped dead in her tracks with a stunned look on her face. Following her gaze,