Still, she was proud of her father, sitting tall in the driver’s seat of his prized wagon. And in the back? Her nieces and nephews all but overflowed the wagon, waving and blowing kisses her way as they made their way down the parade route and past the stage.
“How many grandchildren do you have now, Teddy?” Quinton called out.
“Not near enough,” her father called back, tipping his hat and shooting her a wink.
Quinton laughed, and so did Lola—but she winced, waiting.
“Well, you’ll have two more before you know it.” Lola shot her a look. “First things first, when’s that boy going to propose?”
“Can’t blame him for being gun-shy. We all know what happened last time he tried.” Quinton was chuckling.
That chuckle was beginning to wear on her nerves. Nerves that had been shot since Ash had kissed her in her office.
“Renata?” Lola prodded.
“Yes?” she asked, glancing at the older woman all decked out like Mrs. Claus.
“I asked who was next, dear.” She gave her a sympathetic click.
“Next we have the Stonewall Crossing Quilting Guild.” She read the card with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. There was no way they could tie this float into her pregnancy or nonengagement.
“We’ll have to see about getting them to work on a wedding-ring quilt for you and Dr. Carmichael.” Lola waved. “What do you think, ladies?”
“Already started,” Nancy Guerra called back. “And Tiffy’s started working on quilts for the twins, too.”
Renata slumped forward. This was torture. It couldn’t get any worse—
“Next up, we have riders from the University of East Texas Veterinary Teaching Hospital’s large animal clinic,” Quinton boomed. “Why, look there, if it isn’t your beau in the saddle.”
Of course it was. Renata didn’t want to look. She really didn’t. But, somehow, her gaze found him.
Eventually, she’d see him and her heart wouldn’t seize up like this. He’d always be handsome, there was no way around that. But her feelings would fade. This horr
ible pain would fade. She had to believe that.
His gaze bounced her way. The instant tightening of his jaw wreaked havoc on her pulse.
“Why, Dr. Carmichael, I bet Teddy Boone has his shotgun loaded and ready.” Lola was teasing—and the crowd loved it. “Should we expect a Christmas wedding?”
Renata wasn’t sure what was worse, the sweat breaking out on her brow and upper lip or the sudden churning of her stomach.
“No, ma’am.” Quinton shook his head. “I’m guessing you’re planning something big?” He looked at her.
She sipped her water, hoping it would settle her stomach. “No.”
Lola and Quinton both looked her way.
“No?” Lola asked. “Something smaller? Well, that makes sense. Considering.”
Renata ran a hand over her face, willing her stomach to behave. Now was the perfect time to set everyone—everyone—straight. She glanced up, only to realize Ash had reined his horse in and sat directly in front of the stage.
“Well, well, Dr. Carmichael looks like he has something to say.” Lola’s excitement was tangible.
In fact, a ripple of excitement seemed to spill out over the crowd.
But Renata had never seen that look before. Ash was...angry. Really angry.
“Um, Lola.” Quinton must have picked up on Ash’s mood.