A Woman of Fortune Read Free Page B

maneuvering through pockets of guests. As they faded from sight, she packed up her angst and headed in the direction of the house.
    â€œIt’s a shame Baker had to pull out of the race. Fighting cancer doesn’t work very well on the campaign trail. But Reece Sandell will make a fine senator . . .” Governor Jackson let his words fade as Claire approached.
    â€œClaire, dear—what a lovely party.” The governor’s wife clasped her hand.
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Jackson.” Claire brushed the woman’s cheek with a kiss before greeting her white-haired husband. “Governor.”
    Suddenly, Tuck was at her side. He patted Governor Jackson’s shoulder. “Glad you could make it, John.”
    â€œHey, there you are.” The governor’s eyes lit up. He extended a blue-veined hand and gave his host an enthusiastic handshake.
    A huge grin on his face, Tuck waved over one of the servers with a wide swipe of his hand. “Now, you two, listen up. I don’t want either one of you to be shy when it comes to dishing up for dinner.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “In addition to the T-bones, we had several cases of the filets you raved about last year prepared special. And,” he added, “there’s a case for you to take home.”
    Mrs. Jackson eyed the barbeque pit appreciatively and rewarded her host with a smile before sliding a tall glass of sweet tea from the tray offered by a white-gloved server, who then turned to the governor. “Sir? Would you care for something to drink?”
    Last election cycle, television pundits claimed John Jackson was past his prime, causing him to slip in the polls at a dangerous rate. Tuck stood up at the Cattle Baron’s Ball and endorsed John as a friend to Texas ranching, garnering the wavering candidate enough support to win the election, just barely. The act placed Tuck on a pedestal in the governor’s eyes, which should bolster Reece’s run for election. “It’s all about relationships,” Tuck often reminded his boys.
    Claire took in the scent of her husband’s cologne as he leaned in and kissed her. “So, where’ve you been, mister?” Her voice teased, but she hoped her eyes sent a more serious message.
    â€œSchmoozing.” Tuck winked at the governor and his wife. “If you two will pardon us, Claire and I must greet a few hundred guests.”
    Out of earshot from the governor and his wife, Tuck apologized. “Sorry, babe. I didn’t mean to get tied up. You know nothing could keep me from our party for long.”
    She squeezed his hand. “Yeah. Uh-huh. You’ve been spending way too much time out in the offices lately. Today is for you to relax and enjoy yourself.”
    As they neared the pit, the air filled with an intoxicating aroma of beef cooking over mesquite. Tuck patted one of the cooks on the shoulder. “Hey there, Charlie. Those steaks are looking mighty good.”
    â€œThank you, Mr. Massey. We’ll be ready to serve up the first round of this’n here beef in about ten minutes.”
    â€œMmm, can’t wait.” Tuck gave the old pit master a smile of approval.
    Claire felt a tap on her shoulder. “Mother, may I speak to you a moment?” There was an unusual urgency in her daughter’s voice. Claire offered up an apology and followed Lainie.
    Once they were a safe distance from being overheard, Lainie explained. “It’s Max.” She nodded over at the table where her younger brother sat, arm draped sloppily over the blonde seated to his right, who was looking a bit annoyed.
    â€œOh, goodness.” Claire waved for Lainie to follow, but before they could make their way to Max, Glory Sandell wedged herself in between the two women and their destination, blocking the line of sight to where Max was more than enjoying the party.
    â€œClaire, you’re fixin’ to put us all to shame. This party