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“That has to be an interesting career,” Sloan stated

“It’s like la else”

“Are you stationed here in the States now?” Cat wondered

After a slight hesitation, he replied, “In a ned from the State Department a few years back Noork as a private consultant, usually for companies with overseas business interests”

“So what brings you to Montana?” Laredo eyed him curiously while he dipped his knife into the butter for his roll

“I had soeneral area, and since I had a couple free days on my calendar, I decided to trade on lesoso close and not seeing it for myself—well, I just didn’t want to pass up the chance,” he concluded

“We’re glad you didn’t,” Cat said with a wide smile

“So alance long enough that Jessy noted it She shot a look at Cat, and caught that tell-tale glow about her face She gave Laredo a little nudge and tipped her head in Cat’s direction Like her, he observed the very personal interest she was taking in their guest And his reaction was to ers

“So where do you live now?” Cat asked, with seely polite curiosity

“In one of the DC suburbs, on the Maryland side”

“Maybe you should ask hiested, his head cocked in her direction

“Dad—” She uttered his name in a breathless protest and shot a self-conscious and e his attention to the food on his plate Yet Jessy was al back a smile

“Well, the way you’ve been boan in defense of his coood husband material”

“Dad” Cat glared at him to shut up

Before Chase could respond, Wade spoke “As it happens, I’m a er I lostin his expression or tone of voice revealed any awareness that this topic ht be aard