On Lone Star Trail by Amanda Cabot Page B

she’d been disturbed by her conversation with Brianna and by how distant TJ seemed when they’d walked back to Rainbow’s End, but that shouldn’t have been enough to keep her from sleeping.
    Kate laid the spoon on the table and looked up at Gillian. “Sorry. I didn’t realize it was obvious. I’m a little nervous about one of the reservations that just came in.”
    That didn’t sound like Kate. In all the years Gillian had known her, she hadn’t been one to worry. Kate had always been a decisive, take-charge person. “Is it a big group? Do you need me to move out?”
    Kate’s reaction was instantaneous. “No, never! Isaiah’s yours for as long as you want the cabin. The reservation I’m worried about is for one person.”
    Perhaps the shifting hormones of pregnancy were the reason for Kate’s concern. “Then what’s the problem? I know you’re not full.”
    Kate let out a small sigh. “It’s who that one person is that worries me. The name Mike Tarkett probably doesn’t mean anything to you, but the Tarkett family is one of the most influential in the Hill Country. They practically own the town of Blytheville. And whether it’s ranching, oil, gas, or wind energy, you’ll find a Tarkett involved. I’ve even heard that they’re planning to get into politics on the state level with a possible eye on Washington.”
    If the Tarketts had a résumé like that, Gillian would have thought Kate would be pleased to have a member of the family visit Rainbow’s End. If Mike Tarkett was happy here—andGillian couldn’t imagine that he would not be—he might recommend the resort to others. That kind of word-of-mouth advertising was something even Greg’s money couldn’t buy.
    â€œI still don’t understand the problem. You’ve had powerful people here before, not to mention that you’re married to one.”
    Kate’s small wince and the way she rubbed her belly told Gillian the baby was extra active this morning, perhaps in response to Kate’s mood.
    â€œIt’s not Mike himself that worries me. The problem is, I can’t figure out why he wants to stay here. We’re only half an hour away from his family home, and from everything I’ve heard, that home is a mansion on a huge estate.”
    â€œMaybe he’s looking for a change of pace.” That was part of what had brought Gillian here, that and the need to reevaluate her life.
    Kate appeared dubious. “The only reason I can imagine is that Mike wants to buy a resort and is checking us out. The hospitality industry is just about the only thing the Tarkett clan doesn’t have.”
    â€œBut Rainbow’s End isn’t for sale.” Kate had made it clear that she and Greg had no intention of leaving, although they’d discussed the possibility of building a home in Firefly Valley once the RVs were gone so they’d have more privacy and space when their baby became a toddler.
    â€œThat’s true,” Kate agreed, “but what if they build something similar and try to put us out of business?”
    â€œThey can’t do that, can they?” Greg had very deep pockets, which was part of the reason Rainbow’s End had a philanthropic arm, providing low or no-cost vacations for people who needed them.
    â€œI don’t know. Maybe I’m overreacting, but I can’t help worrying.”
    Though Gillian suspected Kate was suffering from a major case of overreaction, there was no reason to say that. Insteadshe leaned forward and placed her hand on Kate’s. “What can I do?”
    â€œStay another week.” The answer came so quickly that Gillian knew it wasn’t a casual request. “I need moral support while Mike Tarkett is here.”
    â€œSure.” As the answer slipped out, Gillian realized how right it felt. The vague malaise that had plagued her