Chapter 5

Ty spent the morning repairing some downed fence. At first, he had thought the barbed wire might have rusted through or been broken by animals, but now, he could see that the wire had been cut through with some kind of sharp shears. He could see the Carters being responsible for this kind of destruction, but he didn’t know why they would bother with terrorizing an elderly woman. Were they just being creepy, or would they actually try to harm her? Whatever it was, he thought he should look into their activities before he left.

He counted the cattle and could only account for eleven in Gran’s “herd.” There were a couple of goats in the pasture with the cattle. The goats seemed to be functioning in lieu of a lawnmower. And the remaining chickens were happily scratching in the dirt for bugs.

His head entertained all kinds of thoughts, wondering how people managed to eke out a living with so few resources. He thought of his family ranch with thousands of acres, some under tillage but mostly fenced pasture or range with many thousand heads of cattle.

Ty twisted the wire he had patched into the broken fence line, making sure it was strung tight enough to contain the small herd. He drew off his work gloves and reached in his pocket for a handkerchief to mop his sweating brow.

He thought about Leah, wondering how her first day on her new job was going. He knew she had been nervous earlier that morning, but he had a good idea his dad’s attorney was a pretty decent guy. He hoped Breck Ryan would treat her well.

He stuck the rag back in his pocket and slipped the thick leather glove on again. He gave the wire a final twist and moved on to the next gap in the line of fencing. The sun beat down on his shoulders, not uncomfortably, but he was already thinking about stripping off and taking a nice long and cool shower before dinnertime. He used his wire cutters to lop off another length of barbed wire from the reel he had bought at the hardware store and set about twisting it into a figure-eight link with the damaged section. He glanced at the edges of the original wire, realizing it looked as though this too had been cut and not broken or worn through. He frowned, making a mental note to carefully inspect the next area of damaged fence.

“Hey, Ty,” Gracie called.

He turned to see her walking hand in hand with her great-grandmother.

“Hello, ladies,” he replied. “What brings you out this way on such a warm day?”

Gracie giggled. “We brought you some tea. Gran says you might get hy-trated out here working in the sun.”

Gran held up a thermos and offered it to him. “That’s a fact. When my Albert was alive, I would always make sure he had plenty of liquid to keep him going.”

Ty grinned. Twisting the cap off the thermos, he poured out a cup full of strong tea. He drank it down gratefully. Sweet. Very sweet.

“We put plenty of sugar in it for you.” Gran smiled at him as he finished it off.

“Mighty good. Thank you, ladies, for taking such good care of me.” He screwed the cap back on, thinking it would be less sweet once the ice melted.

“I think you’re going to like what we’re having for supper. We’re making potato salad.” Gran held up Gracie’s hand. “And this little one is helping me.”

“I can’t wait,” he said. “Um, how long has this fence been down? It looks like it might have been cut in some places.”

Gran’s face twisted into a grimace. “Must have been them Carter boys. Old Man Carter has been trying to buy this place for years, but Albert didn’t want to sell out. Carter probably thinks I’ll be easy pickin’s.” She pressed her lips tightly together and shaded her eyes with her hand. “Them’s a mean bunch.”

Ty felt his jaw tighten. The thought that some men were putting pressure on this frail little lady didn’t sit right with him. “You ladies get on inside, and I’ll be there in a little while. Thanks for hydrating me.” He pasted on a grin and returned Gracie’s wave as she turned back toward the house.

Carters, huh? Maybe Breck Ryan can give me a little help. Resolutely, he set about mending the fence.

* * *

Leah finished her sandwich and was in the act of disposing of the empty plastic bag when the door of the office opened. Startled, she let out a yelp.

Sara Beth, the woman she had been introduced to earlier, stepped inside, and she had a baby on her hip. “It’s just me. I was going to make sure you came down to sample some of my cookies. I’m pretty sure you get a lunch break.”

Leah took a sip of water to help the last of the peanut butter sandwich go down. “Yes, yes, I do…but I ate at my desk. Mr. Ryan told me to take a lunch break, but I brought my lunch today.”

“Well, I hope you have room for some cookies. Come on with me. My shop is just two doors down.” She gestured out the open doorway.

Leah pushed her chair back and groped for her bag. “Okay, I can come for a little while.” She stood and grabbed the keys off the desk. Following Sara Beth, she placed the sign on a hook and gave herself a return time of thirty minutes. The old lock on the door looked as though it would match one of the skeleton keys, and her guess was correct. The key she selected turned the lock with a metallic thunk. She twisted the handle, and the door rattled, causing the glass to shake. The thought ran through her mind that the security left a lot to be desired.

Sara Beth waited for her a little farther down the sidewalk. “I’m so glad you and Breck hooked up.”

Leah swallowed hard. “Hooked up?” she asked.

“I mean, I’m glad you came to work for him. He’s a very nice man.”

Leah nodded as she walked alongside the woman and baby. “He seems to be. Your baby sure is cute. Is it a girl?”

Sara Beth stopped and jiggled the baby. “Yes. This is Cami Lynn. I named her Camryn after our doctor. She delivered my daughter.” She reached to open the door to her shop and stood back for Leah to enter.

“That’s nice. Must be some doctor.” Leah crossed the threshold and smiled. The shop was filled with all kinds of items. Handmade quilts were displayed on most of the wall space, and antique furniture was placed in groupings. There were tables with all kinds of bric-a-brac on top, and other items were displayed on shelves and in old-fashioned armoires. The space was large and airy, with an embossed tin ceiling peeling paint. “Wow,” she mouthed.

Sara Beth’s face split into a grin. “Does that mean you like my shop?”

“Oh yes. I love it.” Leah spun around gleefully. “I could live here.”

“That’s just the way I feel,” Sara Beth agreed. “No matter how I’m feeling, when I walk inside, I get real happy. Maybe it’s all the pretty things.”

“Must be,” Leah agreed. “My daughter would get lost in here.” She inhaled deeply. “What is that great smell?”

Sara Beth giggled girlishly. “Lots of things. I just mixed together everything that smells good.”

“Mmm. It’s lovely.”

“Have a seat.” Sara Beth indicated one of the stools placed in front of a glass display case. She went around to the other side and lifted a glass dome off a plate of cookies. “I made these for my boyfriend, Frank, but I really made a lot of them, so I thought I would bring them with me.” She nudged the tray closer to Leah. “How about a soda? I have some in the fridge.”

“Oh, I’ll have whatever you’re having.” Leah selected a cookie and bit into it, inhaling the scent of spices. “Heavenly. Your boyfriend is a lucky man.”

Sara Beth looked pleased. “He’s a real sweetheart. I think I’m the lucky girl to have snared him.” She let out a little laugh and headed to the back of the store.

Leah nibbled her cookie, tasting cinnamon and cloves…maybe a little ginger.

Sara Beth reappeared with two canned drinks and slid one across the scarred glass to Leah before taking a seat on the other side of the counter. “So, where do you come from?”

Leah sighed. “I was living in Oklahoma, but my grandparents live not too far out of Langston.” She shrugged. “Well, my grandpa passed away, and I came to be with my grandma.” She left out the part about running away from Caine and hiding out on the farm.

“That’s real nice of you.” Sara Beth selected a cookie and broke off a piece for the baby. She placed the little one in a playpen situated behind the counter with several pieces of cookie to entertain her.

“I don’t know how nice it was. I think my gran needs a lot of help. I hope I’m able to do what she needs done.”

Sara Beth gazed at her earnestly. “I have a feeling you’re the kind of person who follows through on whatever she sets out to do.”

Leah took a deep breath and released it. “From your lips to God’s ears.”

She stayed to chat for a while, enjoying the cookies and soda, but she kept an eye on the clock. When she had been there close to thirty minutes, she slid off the stool. “I’d better be getting back to work. Don’t want to be goofing off on my very first day.” She turned to leave, but Sara Beth called her back.

“Here, let me wrap some of these cookies for your daughter.” She went to the rear again, returning with a sheet of aluminum foil to wrap a generous number of cookies. “I hope she enjoys them.”

“Oh, that’s a lot of cookies. Don’t you want to save them for your boyfriend?”

“I have plenty more at home.” Sara Beth grinned and folded the edges of the foil around the bundle.

Leah gratefully accepted the gift, glad she would have a treat to present to Gracie at the end of the day. She walked back to the law office, but Breck failed to reappear for the rest of the day.

She delved into the files and tried to figure out what kind of system her predecessor had used to store these important papers. She finally discovered most things were filed according to the kind of work Mr. Ryan had done for the client. The criminal defense cases were filed alphabetically, as were the civil cases. The estate work was a jumble, but at least it was somewhat together.

She felt she had made some headway when five o’clock rolled around, and she was reluctant to stop, but her daughter would be expecting her. Gracie and Gran would worry if she didn’t show up in a reasonable amount of time. And there was Ty…

A smile crept across her face. She had studiously tried not to think about him today. Not to picture his clear blue eyes gazing at her. Nor thought about how strong he was when he picked her up like she weighed nothing. Or the tingle of anticipation she felt when she relived one of his toe-curling kisses. She heaved a sigh. Oh yeah…those kisses.

Leah closed the file cabinet she had been working on, and grabbing her purse and the bundle of cookies, she headed for the door. It was still bright daylight, but it looked as though some of the other storekeepers were closing too. She heard someone call her name and turned to see Sara Beth waving at her. A tall young man in a cowboy hat and boots carried the baby and gave her a wave. This must be the boyfriend. He led Sara Beth to his truck and opened the door for her. His gentlemanly gesture reminded Leah of Ty. She watched as the young man helped secure the baby in a car seat and then climbed in on the driver’s side. The picture of the three people in the truck caused an ache of yearning deep inside Leah.

She pocketed the office keys and groped in her bag for the keys to her car. When she turned around, she saw Ty sitting casually on the fender of his truck, gazing at her with an amused expression. Her heart rate quickened just to see him there. “What are you doing?” Her voice came out all raspy. “Have you been waiting very long?”

“Not long. I just wanted to make sure you got home okay.”

She swallowed and stepped off the curb toward him. “That’s mighty sweet of you, Tyler Garrett, but I do know the way home.”

“Yeah, but you might run out of gas on the way. I thought I would take you to the gas station.”

Nodding, Leah headed to her car, but Ty fell into step beside her. He took the keys out of her hand and opened her door. When she stepped closer, he circled an arm around her waist and leaned in for a kiss. The melting from the inside out feeling washed through her. Some distant part of her wondered how he did that with just a kiss, but the rest of her was fully engaged in the process.

His dark-lashed eyes seemed to stare right into her soul. So blue. So intense.

He broke the spell by gesturing for her to get inside, and he closed the door. “Follow me,” he instructed, handing her the keys.

Numbly, she nodded her head, still wrapped up in his kiss. She turned the key in the ignition and followed behind when he pulled out. A convenience store was only a couple of blocks ahead, and he turned in, pulling up to the forward pump. Leah slowed and nosed in behind him.

“Sit tight, Beautiful,” he called and swiped a card through the self-serve pump to begin pumping gas into her car.

She dug out the ten dollars, waving it at him, but he shook his head. After he filled her tank with gas, he filled his own with diesel, which took much longer.

He pocketed his receipts and returned to her open window. “Do you mean to tell me you didn’t use that money for lunch?”

“I—I brought a sandwich today.” She bit her lower lip. “And I made a friend who owns a store close to the office. She gave me cookies.”

He huffed out a sigh. “Glad you got something to keep you going.” He smiled. “Let’s get out of here. Gracie and your grandma are cookin’ up a storm.”

* * *

Fern Davis realized she was happy…really happy. This was the kind of everyday happy she had felt when Albert was alive. Not the edgy, frightened, and frustrated tension she had been living with since her husband’s passing.

The only difference was that her granddaughter had come home. And she had brought her own daughter with her…as well as a very nice young man.

Now, this beautiful Tuesday, her beloved granddaughter had gone to her very first day of work at her brand-new job. A job she would never have landed without the reference from Ty.

A broad grin spread across her face. A very nice, responsible young man. Ty had done his chores and gotten cleaned up to go into town. His express purpose was to make sure Leah had enough gas in her car to make it home from work.

Fern glanced out the front door at her granddaughter, laughing and playing with the two dogs. Gracie was coming out of her shell too. She had been such a scared little thing when they had first arrived. Now she was settling in. If only she can be happy about school.

“This will be your place someday, Gracie. You an’ your mama will always have this land. It’s your birthright.” Fern turned away from the doorway, returning to the kitchen to check on her preparations for supper. Cooking for her family gave her great pleasure. So nice to have my girls home.

Fern set a dinner plate on top of a saucepan of mixed vegetables. She had no idea where the lid had gone or if there had ever been a lid, but the dinner plate would keep the vegetables from cooling off too quickly. When her family gathered around the table, she could just turn up the heat for a few minutes, and everything would be ready.

She gave the old Formica countertops a quick wipe down and then folded the dishcloth over a rack under the sink. Straightening up, she smiled as she surveyed her feast. Providing meals for those she loved was one of her greatest pleasures…well, cooking the food Tyler actually provided.

All at once, she heard a loud commotion coming from outside the house. She rushed to the door and stepped out onto the porch.

From behind the house, she heard yelling and the sound of horse hooves pounding the baked earth.

A man rounded the corner of the house, his loose shirt flapping behind him. A straw cowboy hat fell off and was immediately trampled by a large black horse in hot pursuit.

“Prince!” Gracie screamed, and the dogs took off behind the horse.

The man veered toward the road, and Prince reared on his hind legs to lash out with his front hooves. The man yelled again, threw his arms up to protect his head, and stumbled, falling on one knee. He then righted himself and ran full tilt to the caliche road leading to the highway.

Gracie ran to Fern, clasping her around the middle, she buried her face against her great-grandmother’s shoulder.

A vehicle motor cranked up, revved hard, and drove away with a squeal. As the vehicle disappeared in the distance, only the sound of horse hooves and barking dogs could be heard.

Gracie lifted her head, gazing anxiously toward the road. In a matter of minutes, they heard hooves clip-clopping at a slower pace.

Lucky and Eddie raced up to the porch, tails wagging, apparently satisfied with their part in the pursuit.

Prince appeared, wearing his outrage like a shroud. He danced a bit, lifting his hooves high and bringing them down hard. Nostrils flaring, he bobbed his head, sending his magnificent mane flying. He approached the porch, slowing, then pounding one hoof on the bottom step. His reins dangled loose.

“Prince,” Gracie said, her voice soft. She raised one hand and took a couple of steps toward the horse. “It’s all right, boy.”

“Be careful,” Fern whispered.

Gracie reached out to stroke the horse’s nose. He nickered, and then she stroked his neck. “Good boy. You’re okay.”

Cautiously, Fern approached and grabbed the dangling ends of the reins. “Easy, boy,” she whispered. Wrapping the reins around a post, she made sure they were securely fastened.

Gracie, however, was still rapturously stroking Prince and talking to him in loving tones.

Fern let out a little snicker. “I swear, Gracie. I think that horse is sweet on you.”

* * *

Leah followed behind Ty in his big red truck.

Her gas gauge was pointing all the way over to the right, showing how very full it was, thanks to his generosity. She had never experienced such caring or kindness from any living creature, except perhaps her grandparents, and they never had anything tangible to give. Every time she considered this unrequested and probably undeserved outpouring of compassion and benevolence, she experienced a tearful tingle and had to blink fast to keep from drowning in her own waterworks. Nope! Time to stop bawling and get my life together…for Gracie and for Ty. She swallowed hard. And for me. I need to grow a pair of big ones.

When Ty turned onto the caliche road leading to her grandmother’s little ranch, she realized she had accomplished something that day that hadn’t happened in some time. She had done a day’s work for a day’s pay. She hadn’t been able to work for a while, and it felt good to be back in the habit of earning a living, supporting her daughter, and now she would be pitching in to help Gran with finances. One day down, three more to go. It was Tuesday, so she would get paid for only four days on Friday, but a paycheck was a paycheck.

Her insides were soaring, like a helium balloon, but she immediately put a clamp on her inflated emotions. She knew she was falling in love with Tyler Garrett, and he would break her heart in just a short time. He had his own destiny to fulfill. Even though he was acting like her personal hero, she had to gut up and save herself…for Gracie…for Gran. She pressed her lips together. For me.

When they arrived at the house, Gracie was sitting in the old wicker rocker on the porch, flanked by Eddie and Lucky. Ty’s big black stallion was tied to the porch railing. All four perked up and assumed an air of expectation as Leah and Ty parked and climbed out of their vehicles.

“Mommy!” Gracie shouted, and Eddie wagged his tail in greeting.

Leah pulled the scrunchie out of her hair as she approached the porch and rotated her shoulders to relieve the remaining tension.

Ty frowned and made an all-inclusive gesture as he strode to the porch. “What’s all this? Did you take Prince out for a ride, young lady?”

Gracie laughed. “No, it was the man.”

Leah felt her insides go cold. “What man?”

Gran stepped out onto the porch, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “I think we was almost the victims of a horse rustler.”

Ty gave an incredulous look, shaking his head slightly. “Care to elaborate?”

“Gracie an’ me heard this ruckus, an’ a man come tearin’ around the side of the house, runnin’ for his life.”

Grinning, Gracie clapped her hands. “And then Prince came running after him. The man was screaming, and he dropped his hat right over there.” She pointed to where a straw hat lay crumpled in the dirt. “Prince was really mad. He chased the man away.”

Gran’s eyebrows rose up almost to her hairline. “I thought fer sure they wuz both gone, but then we heard a car or truck start up and go roarin’ off down the road. Your horse chased him for a while.”

Ty’s brows almost met in the middle. Turning, he stomped to where the crushed hat lay. He picked it up and inspected it before bringing it back to the porch. He stroked his hand over Prince’s back and flank. “So how did he get tied up here?”

Gracie’s dimples were working overtime. “Prince came right back here, and Gran tied him up. We’ve been watching him so nobody comes to steal him again.”

Ty shoved his Stetson back on his head, regarding Gracie with interest. “So that’s how it is. You ladies did a good job of taking care of him.” He turned to Gran. “Did you recognize the man? Was it one of the Carters?”

Gran shrugged. “Coulda been. He was about the right size, but I didn’t see his face. An’ he was wavin’ his arms in the air, tryin’ ta keep Prince from kicking him in the head.”

A muscle in Ty’s cheek twitched, revealing his inner turmoil.

Leah could barely breathe. “The man…he didn’t hurt either of you?”

Gran let out a bleat of humor. “Hon, that man was a-runnin’ for his life. I don’t think he was a-thinkin’ about nothin’ else but gettin’ outta here.”

Ty untied the reins and led the horse toward the barn. “I’m going to see what happened in the back. I don’t know if the barn is going to be secure.”

Leah handed her purse to Gracie and hurried after him. “I’ll go with you.”

His grim expression softened. “Sure. I’m just concerned that some thug came here when we were both gone. It just doesn’t feel right for Gracie and your grandmother to be here by themselves.”

She slipped her hand into his. “I know. I was feeling so good about starting my new job.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t even ask you how your first day on the job went.” Ty reached out and hauled her closer, managing to massage the muscles holding her head on her shoulders.

Heavenly! She exhaled. “It was great. Nothing much happened except for me trying to make heads or tails out of a very weird filing system. Mr. Ryan is very nice. He went to have lunch with his wife and never came back.”

Ty flashed a wide grin. “His wife is the local doctor. Between them, they own a lot of land around here.”

“Really?” Leah considered this news. “Is she any good?” She would have to use her first paycheck to take Gracie in for a checkup and make sure her wrist was healing properly.

“Yep. She’s great. Trained in Houston at the big medical center. Nice lady.” Ty quit ministering to her shoulders and gestured to the barn, its doors standing ajar. “Well, so much for security.”

Once inside, Leah could see nothing out of the ordinary. She trailed behind Ty as he led Prince to the open stall. He made a guttural sound in the back of his throat. “What a mess. It looks like Prince put up a fight.”

The expensive saddle Ty had carefully arranged over the side wall of the stall had been knocked to the ground. Prince’s feed and water were strewn about.

“Damn! I’m going to have to clean up this mess. Why don’t you go on back to the house and spend some time with Gracie? I’ll be there in a while.”

“Can’t I help you in some way?”

He leaned down to plant a kiss on her lips. “Let me change clothes, and then I can work off the boiling in my gut.” He looped Prince’s reins around a post and gestured for her to turn around.

She nodded and retraced her steps back to the house.

Gracie was waiting for her on the porch and opened her arms for an embrace. “I missed you, Mommy.” Both dogs huddled nearby, wriggling in ecstatic wags.

Leah felt a clutch in her chest. “Aww. Did you have a good time here with Gran? I mean, before the man came?” She squatted down to her daughter’s level, amid dogs wagging and panting gleefully. “I heard you had been helping her cook.”

Gracie’s face split into a wide grin. “I helped Gran make potato salad and coleslaw,” she said and then frowned. “I was just scared.” She assumed a stage whisper. “That…you know who…that he might get you.” She glanced up, over Leah’s head, and then blinked and looked away. “I’m sorry, Mommy.”

Leah hadn’t heard Ty approach. Her chest felt as though a boulder was crushing it. She couldn’t look at Ty. She was afraid he was judging her. What kind of mother lets her child be fearful of a real-life boogeyman? “Don’t worry. We’re safe here.” She reached for the screen door and ushered Gracie inside without ever raising her gaze to meet Ty’s.

He stood on the porch like a statue, glowering after her.

She observed him from the corner of her eye as she greeted her grandmother and said nice things about the aromas coming from the kitchen.

Ty remained standing on the porch, staring in through the screen, his hands fisted on his hips. It was difficult to ignore the force of his gaze.

* * *

Ty shook his head. Who is this guy she’s running away from? Could she be married? The thought hit him like a semi barreling full speed down the highway.

He remembered how she looked when he first laid eyes on her. Like she was running from the devil himself. Gracie too. He’d never seen a kid look so downright scared.

He was already simmering with anger over the attempt on his horse. Now the festering kernel of anger roiled his gut.

Tyler Garrett didn’t get mad very often, but when he did, he was a force to be reckoned with. His dad had always sent him off to do some major chore where he had to work off his anger.

“You’d best put that bad temper of yours to work, Son,” Big Jim would say and set him to riding fence or slopping the hogs. Anything to work off the brewing maelstrom.

Now, he felt as if anger were about to choke the life out of him. He swallowed hard and tried to catch his breath.

What if Leah was married? Surely, she couldn’t kiss him with such passion if she was bound to someone else? But she sure had Gracie carrying on the subterfuge. He recalled how the child had glanced up at him and then away, as though there was a big secret and he wasn’t allowed to know it.

Well, all right, Little Missy. If you think you can keep your secrets, you’re wrong. He considered his options. Somebody would tell him. Surely, all three females couldn’t hold on to a secret long if he was determined to learn the truth.

Ty huffed out an irritated growl and unbuttoned his western shirt. He stripped it off and draped it over the back of the rocking chair on the porch. His T-shirt would serve as a work shirt while he was cleaning up Prince’s stall.

He was aware, with every step he took, that he was more upset with Leah for keeping secrets from him than he was over the attempted theft of his horse.

With shovel and rake, he cleaned out the stall and spread fresh hay. Then he removed the reins before refilling the water trough and feeding Prince the pricey sweet feed. “Good boy,” he muttered, giving the horse’s neck a few pats. He closed the stall and lifted his saddle back onto the railing.

“Okay, now the next problem.” He secured the barn and headed for the house.

His cell phone sounded. He pulled it out of his pocket and checked the caller ID. Huffing out a sigh, he felt a momentary irritation, but it was probably because he was already irritated with Leah. “Hello, Beau. What’s going on?”

“Hey, Ty,” his younger brother greeted him. “I was just wondering what was going on with you.”

Ty walked to the far end of the porch and took a seat on a dusty wicker rocking chair. “Not much. How are things on your end?”

A silence hung heavy between them.

“I’m okay,” Beau said finally. “I was just hoping you might be on your way back home.”

Ty let out a snort. “Why would you be hoping that?”

“We’re your family, man. You just can’t walk away like that.” Another silence. “I miss you. Dad—”

Ty let out another scornful snort. “Please, don’t tell me Dad misses me. I’d think he would be glad I’m gone. We sure don’t seem to be seeing eye to eye lately.” Ty arranged his boot on the rickety porch railing. Another thing that needs to be fixed.

“Of course he misses you,” Beau said. “He’s not going to come out and say it, but he’s pretty upset. I figure he’s worried about you.”

Ty laughed. “Don’t lose any sleep over me. If I need bail money, I’ll call.”

There was a chuckle on the other end of the line.

“I’m going to cut a demo in Dallas and then try out for a country music show. Maybe you can catch me on television, if I’m lucky enough to make the cut. If not, I’ll figure out something. You know I have to try.”

“I know,” Beau said. “It’s just—”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. Tell Dad not to fret. What’s the worst that can happen? I can become a major country-western star and ride around the good old US of A in a big tour bus.” He laughed as Beau let out a guffaw.

“Yeah right.”

“How is Colton?” The image of his older, very serious brother came to mind.

Beau let out a groan. “Don’t ask. He’s griping that he has double the work to do since you left, and he’s getting a lot of grief from Dad too.”

Ty couldn’t imagine that his father’s clone would ever do anything to displease the man. “You’re kidding me, right? Colton is the golden boy of the family.” He felt a tightness in his chest when he said the word family. He wasn’t quite sure what that meant anymore.

It was Beau’s turn to issue a derisive snort. “Nope. Colton’s getting your share. He says Dad doesn’t expect as much out of me. He’s still giving me grief for being, as he says, the beloved baby boy.” There was a pause. “We sure could use your help.”

“Colton got you to call me, right?”

Another silence.

“Look, Beau, this is my chance to do the one thing I’m really good at. I was born to be a singer, so I’ve got to try.”

“You’re pretty good at ranching,” Beau put in wistfully.

Ty sucked in a deep breath and released it slowly. “I’ve learned how to be a rancher, but I was born to sing. Just tell Colton and Dad to step back and let me try, okay?”

“Yeah. I’ll pass that word along. And from me, Ty, I wish you the best. I hope you make it to the top. For Mom.”

Ty swallowed what felt like a big tangle of barbed wire at the back of his throat. “Thanks, Little Brother.” He disconnected, his jaw tight with warring emotions. He knew he had been given so much in his lifetime, and it was time to pay it back, but there was more than one way of giving. Maybe his natural talents would take him someplace. Maybe they would lead him home. Tucking the phone in his pocket, he leaned back, gripping the wicker arms of the chair.

He stared out at the pitiful yard with rusted farm equipment off to one side like the skeletal remains of dinosaurs he had seen when his fifth-grade class went to the museum in Lubbock. The sun was setting, casting these relics into silhouette. He sat motionless, until Gracie came out looking for him.

“Ty?” she called.

“Right here, Gracie.”

She approached warily. “Gran says you should come inside to eat now. The table’s all set.”

He heaved himself out of the chair. “That’s mighty nice of you to come give me that message.” He reached out to tousle her hair, and she grabbed his hand, leading him inside the small house.

He ate, letting the women converse and only responding to direct questions.

Leah cast several sidelong glances his way but, for the most part, kept her head down and poked food into her mouth. When the meal was finished, she jumped up and started clearing the table.

Ty pushed his chair back and picked up his empty plate and utensils.

Leah was furiously scraping the plates and placing them in a sink filled with warm, sudsy water. When she turned abruptly, she ran smack into him.

“Whoa!” he murmured.

“Oh, sorry,” she gasped and took the dishes from his hands. Turning back to the water, she sucked in a breath when Ty laid his hands on her shoulders.

He leaned forward, speaking softly against her ear. “We need to talk.”

She bit her lower lip and nodded, looking so distraught his heart went out to her.

“I—I’ll come to the bunkhouse when everyone has gone to bed,” she whispered.

He gave her shoulders a squeeze and released her. Stepping back, he almost collided with Gracie, who had come to stand behind him.

Gripping her plate and utensils with both hands, she gazed up at him with large, solemn eyes.

Ty tried to force a smile as he relieved her of her offering. “Thanks,” he said.

Tight-lipped, Gran stood beside the table, scraping leftovers into recycled plastic margarine tubs and snapping on lids. She looked to be as brittle as a dried mesquite bean and about as easy to break.

“Thank you for another great meal,” he said and made for the door.

Once on the porch, the darkness embraced him, like arms closing around him. Filling his lungs with the night air, he blew it out, trying consciously to relieve the tension crowding his chest. Guitar in hand, he whistled for Lucky and stood for a moment gazing up at the stars. He would go to the bunkhouse, and he would sing his songs with Lucky howling harmony. No matter where or when, at least some things were constant.

* * *

Leah dried her hands on a threadbare dish towel and wiped down the counter. Maybe she could buy Gran a couple of nice new ones once she started getting regular paychecks.

She gave herself a mental reality check.

Nice idea, but I better think about getting Gracie some clothes to wear to her new school. She’s going to need shoes and a winter coat of some kind. Maybe a heavy sweater will do for a little while.

Leah folded the towel over the edge of the chipped porcelain sink and surveyed the kitchen. Can’t get it any cleaner than this.

Gran had headed to bed straightaway, and Gracie followed close behind her.

Turning off the overhead light, Leah went into the room she now shared with Gracie and found her daughter already in bed with Eddie curled up near her feet. The bedside light was still on. Gracie’s eyes were closed but fluttered open when Leah leaned close.

“I’m sorry, Mommy. I didn’t mean to tell Ty about him.” Her brows were knit into a worried frown.

“Not a problem, sweetie. Not a problem.” When Eddie raised his head, Leah scratched the curly fur on his neck. She brushed a kiss over her daughter’s forehead. “You get some sleep, and I’ll be in shortly.” She snuggled the covers up around Gracie and turned off the light before tiptoeing out of the room.

Leah ran her fingers through her hair and located the flashlight Gran kept near the front door. Stepping quietly out onto the porch, she pulled the door closed behind her. She turned, gazing about anxiously. No. Caine isn’t lurking around in the darkness waiting to grab me. She released a pent-up breath and straightened her shoulders. The night sounds enveloped her. Crickets chirped, and the frogs they called “peepers” chimed in for counterpoint. Nice, familiar noises. Her footsteps sounded unnaturally loud on the wooden porch as she crossed and stepped off onto the soft dirt. Flicking on the flashlight, she sighed heavily and started toward the bunkhouse, reconciled to facing Ty’s wrath.

Of course he’ll be angry. He deserves to be angry. In spite of the temperature, she shivered, wondering how Ty would display his wrath. She couldn’t imagine his handsome face twisted in rage. Gut up, girl. He deserves to know.

A soft light glowed inside the bunkhouse. Leah lifted her hand to knock softly on the door, then repeated the process when she received no answer. She twisted the knob and stepped inside. “Ty?” she called hesitantly.

The only light came from a small reading lamp beside the bed. Gran had made this room really cozy. The usual sleeping quarters were in a separate room, with bunk beds against the walls, but Gran had arranged an old metal bedstead in the large room that had served as the dining hall and living room of sorts. Now, it looked like an efficiency apartment with the bed, a small stool serving as a nightstand, a rudimentary kitchen in one corner, a small table and chairs nearby, and one single upholstered chair, quite worn in places but still comfortable looking.

Hearing movement in the bathroom, Leah resigned herself to her fate. She sat down in the chair to wait.

Momentarily, the door opened, and Ty stepped out. His hair was wet, and he wore only a towel slung low around his hips. He stood, still as a statue, regarding her steadily. “I had given up on you.”

She sucked in a breath. “No, I’m here.” Her voice sounded small to her own ears.

He gave her a little smile. “I thought maybe you chickened out.”

“Maybe I should have.” She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin.

“I’m glad you didn’t.” He crossed to the bed and took a faded pair of jeans out of his duffel. “I’ll be right back.” He ducked into the bathroom and returned almost immediately with the denims in place, stretched over his muscular lower half, while his muscular upper half remained bare.

Undoubtedly, he had no idea how his hunky maleness affected her. She didn’t recall ever being sent into a state of drooling lust by the mere sight of a broad chest rippling with well-defined muscles and tight six-pack abs. A tracing of dark chest hair swirled over his pecs and descended in the middle of his ribs like an arrow pointing down into his denims.

She swallowed hard, trying not to think of where that arrow ended.

“Hey, don’t look so scared.” His voice cut into her thoughts. “I just need you to level with me. Tell me what’s going on.” He held out a hand.

Nodding, she stood and reached out to grasp it. Large and warm, he enfolded her, drawing her against him. Her cheek pressed against his chest, her palms flat on his stomach. “I owe you an explanation.”

“Just tell me one thing.” His voice rumbled deep in his chest. “Are you married?”

That question hit her like a slap in the face. She drew back, frowning. “No! Of course I’m not married.”

He looked relieved. The corners of his mouth turned up in a smile. “Good to know.” He lifted her off her feet and swung her around in a circle.

A rush of joy infused with passion surged through Leah’s being. Wrapping both arms around his neck, a gurgle of laughter escaped her lips. “Where did you get that crazy idea?”

He set her on her feet but didn’t release her. He gazed down into her eyes with such intensity she felt as though he was stripping her soul bare. “I was afraid this guy you’re running away from might not be an actual ex.” He planted a kiss on her nose. “I’m just glad to know you’re divorced.”

She thought her heart would stop beating right then and there. “Um, I’m not…divorced, that is.”

Ty’s dark brows knit into a perplexed frown.

Leah heaved a deep sigh, not wanting to reveal her ugly secret. Not wanting to spoil this one perfect moment. “I was never married to the man who impregnated me.” She gnawed her lower lip, trying to read the series of emotions playing out on Ty’s face.

“Whoa!” he said. “I’m not judging, Leah.”

She pressed her lips together as she looked away, not willing to let him see her dismay. “It—it wasn’t like that. He…he forced me.”