The Texan's Christmas. Tanya Michaels

you think that’s because of the pregnancy?” Adele looked upward with feigned innocence. “Not, say, because of a certain rodeo cowboy with a ‘strong sense of justice’?”

      Nicole scowled. “You’re mocking me at a time like this? Do you know how nervous I am about facing your family?” The weight of the responsibility, to paint her mentor in a sympathetic light, was crushing. “I really wish you were coming with me.”

      “I’m not the one they invited.” There was a hollowness to her words, and Nicole heard the echo of fear, the worry that Adele would never be welcome.

      There was a buzz as Nicole’s phone vibrated on the counter, making her stomach pitch and seize. Maybe she should have taken Adele up on those crackers.

      “That’s Daniel.” Nicole picked up her phone, scanning his message that he’d parked and was waiting downstairs. “I told him to text me when he got to the building and I’d meet him in the lobby.” It seemed plain wrong for him to meet Adele before her own children were given the chance.

      Emotion shone in Adele’s damp eyes. “I shouldn’t be putting you through this. Especially in your condition. I—”

      “You didn’t know I was pregnant when you asked me to go to the ranch today. Now, suck it up.” Nicole gave her a tremulous smile. “Only one of us can be a wreck at a time.”

      “I suppose it would be pointless to tell you to have fun?”

      “Probably.” Nicole tossed her cell phone and lipstick into her purse, checking to make sure she had plenty of peppermints. Sometimes sucking on them helped quell the nausea. Talking to Lizzie and the others would be awkward enough without Nicole having to bolt for the restroom midsentence.

      “You have a bit of a drive between here and the ranch,” Adele reminded her. “At least try to enjoy Daniel’s company on the way.”

      At the mention of Daniel’s name, Nicole’s stomach somersaulted again. But this time the sensation wasn’t unpleasant at all.