Renegade Hearts (The Kinnison Legacy Book 3) by Amanda McIntyre Page A

true. Poor dears. I remember the first time Jed brought them in here. They were in a world of hurt, those three. And now, well…” She sniffed and waved away her emotions. “They’ve all turned out to be men Jed would be proud to call his sons.”
    Sally sighed. “Yep, and just think, only one eligible Kinnsion male left.” Sally waggled her brows.
    Angelique narrowed her gaze at her friend.
    “Merciful heavens. I didn’t mean to go on so and interrupt your girl time. By the way, we’ve got some of your aunt’s double Dutch apple pie left if you all want a slice for dessert.” She winked and walked away, humming a carefree tune as she straightened chairs.
    Sally picked up her glass, settled back in her chair, and eyed Angelique.
    “What?”
    “I just wondered if you remembered all those apple pies you used to leave in a certain upperclassman’s beat up old truck.”
    The moment Betty mentioned the sweet treat, Angelique’s memory of sneaking them on the front seat kicked in. Not that it mattered now, but to admit her remembering it to Sally was akin to setting wild horses free.
    “I think you must have me mixed up with someone else.”
    “Oh, no. I also remember that you let that bitch Bonnie Stillman take credit for them.”
    “Bonnie Stillman. Where’d she wind up?” Angelique did her best to sidetrack Sally.
    “Waitressing at Dusty’s Bar for a while. I heard she moved to California last year to try to get into television.”
    Though there was no reason why that news should make her happy, it did. “Good for her. I seem to remember Dalton dating just about every female in school, didn’t he?”
    Sally chuckled and offered a nod.
    Angelique smiled and gave her friend a quizzical look.
    Sally’s hand shot up in defense. “Oh, hell, no. My mother would’ve skinned me alive if I’d gotten within ten feet of that boy.” She shook her head. “He definitely had a rep, didn’t he?”
    Angelique picked at her salad, looking for a way to change the topic. “Indeed, and it doesn’t appear that he’s changed much. I’ve heard he spends a lot of time at Dusty’s. Aunt Rebecca mentioned something about a fight with a few locals a while back--New Year’s Eve, I think she said?”
    Sally lifted a shoulder. “Yeah, pretty exciting night for End of the Line. We were having a fundraiser and this guy came on to Aimee—unsolicited, I might add. Wyatt and Aimee left rather abruptly and the guy--stupid as hell if you ask me--and his friends ganged up on Wyatt. Naturally, the Kinnison boys stick together.” Sally continued. “As any good brothers would do, I suspect. Anyway, Wyatt kinda came unglued on the guy and then Aimee came unglued on Wyatt. I didn’t see her or him the rest of the night, but guessing it must have been a turning point in their relationship, because next thing you know, we’re planning a wedding at the ranch.”
    Angelique laughed. “Dalton always did love a good fight. He had enough detention to show for it.”
    “Well, he’s very protective of his own, that much I know. It sounds like maybe you’ve been thinking a lot more about Dalton than you care to admit.”
    Angelique stopped her with an upturned hand. “I admit I might have been a little interested at first. But he’s made it pretty clear he wants to keep things distant.”
    Sally studied her. “Look, I don’t know everything. Someday I hope you’ll feel like talking about it, but I know you’ve been though a lot. I know your marriage wasn’t ideal. But time changes people, my friend. Dalton has some issues, but what man doesn’t? All in all, though, he’s a good man.”
    Angelique sighed, remembering the conversation she and her daughter had had in the car the other day. “I’m sure you’re right.” She held her hand up to gain Betty’s attention and glanced at her friend. “Listen, I’m not interested in dating anyone just yet. Thanks, Betty.” She smiled accepting the ticket from the older