Cassie left the house wearing a clean, pale green smock over her clothes and got in her truck. Every Saturday she volunteered at the White Lodge Wildlife Sanctuary. It was one of several public refuges in Montana to save animals that were too sick or injured to be returned to the wild, or were too humanized to survive there.
Today she was going to join her married friends Paul and Lindsey Shaw, also volunteers, to paint the railings in front of the outdoor wolf enclosures. The sanctuary was adding new sections to accommodate the animals and birds found struggling. If they recovered and could handle it, they’d be released to live in their former habitat. Otherwise they were well taken care of.
Every Saturday there was a different assignment to tackle. Cassie had been helping out for close to a year. More and more tourists stopped to see the wildlife. She could understand why. She loved the animals, too, and through perseverance had made friends of some of them.
As Cassie started the engine and backed up, Trace, wearing boots and Stetson, rode into her line of vision on Masala. She put on the brakes. Like his father, he was such a natural on a horse you’d never have guessed he was also an ace pilot whose career had been cut short.
Her pulse raced when the hard-muscled male astride the horse walked them right up to her open window. She was almost blinded by the intensity of his hot blue eyes. “Where are you going in such a hurry?”
“To the White Lodge Wildlife Sanctuary.”
“I’ve heard of it, but have never seen it.”
“You’d love it. I’d tell you more about it, but I volunteer there and I’m late. Have a nice day, Trace.”
Without waiting for his response she took off down the dirt road. Seeing him had changed the rhythm of her heart. Until now she’d managed to put him out of her mind for a little while. It was astonishing how fast everything changed the minute he came near.
She was determined not to let him affect her day. Once she’d reached the area of the sanctuary closed off to tourists during renovation, she started painting with a vengeance.
Today’s project happened right outside the fencing where the wolves were enclosed. Paul had been sanding the surfaces of the railings, so the paint went on evenly. The old structures were being refurbished. The brown color was a great improvement over the weathered wood that had never seen a coat of paint.
One of the gray she-wolves came up to the fence and howled at Cassie when she got to work.
“Don’t be upset, Lulu. I know the smell is a hundred times stronger for you than for me, but it won’t hurt you. We’ll be gone pretty soon.” The minutes turned into a couple of hours.
Lindsey was painting the last railing. “Can you believe that constant yipping? It’s coming from Annie who went into her house to get away from Paul. She hasn’t stopped.”
Cassie nodded. “Lulu is defending her. The sound of the sander frightens them. I didn’t realize our work would stress them out so much. They’re usually so calm. We’ll be gone in a few more minutes, Lulu. Don’t worry.”
“Can anyone help?” spoke a deep, familiar male voice behind Cassie.
She turned around with brush in hand and almost dropped it. The man she’d been trying her hardest not to think about had come to the sanctuary. “Hi! What are you doing here?”
“I dropped by my Dad’s for a while and thought I’d check out the sanctuary before heading back to the ranch. What’s wrong with these wolves? They look healthy.”
“They are now, thanks to your dad. Two winters ago someone found them near dead in the forest just outside the town. Sam tested them for mange. Mites had burrowed under their skin and the scratching caused so much hair loss, they almost froze to death. Unfortunately they’re too domesticated now, so they have a permanent home here.”
“Did he name them?”
“No. That was the owner of the sanctuary. She passed away a year ago at the age of ninety-five. I heard she loved the Little Lulu comic books as a child so she named these sister wolves Lulu and Annie. Aren’t they beautiful?”
“They are,” he murmured, but he was looking at her. She could hardly breathe.
“We’re finished with the painting for today.”
“I bet your OB would tell you not to get around paint.”
“It’s okay. We’re outside, and this paint is VOC proofed. As long as you’re here, you need to see my favorite animal. Let me put my things away first.” She put the brush in the can of turpentine and sealed the paint can. As she started to pick them up, Trace took them from her and carried them down to the box at the end of the railing for her.
“Thank you,” she said. “See you next week, guys,” she called to her friends.
They waved her off.
“You won’t believe how darling this little female fox is. Logan found her in the forest behind your house. He said she acted disoriented, so we took her to your dad’s clinic. He discovered the poor darling was close to blind. Wait till you see her.”
Trace followed her around to the next enclosure. “Right now she’s housed in a special raptor mew waiting for new animal quarters. The owners call it the ‘fox condo.’”
A low chuckle escaped him. Cassie felt it to her bones as she approached the fox. Her little goldish-red head lay propped on the grassy platform. “Look, Trace. That sweet face with all the white below. Have you ever seen anything like it? She’s elegant. You would think she was gazing out at the whole world, seeing everything.
“Giselle?” The fox’s ears pricked like Buttercup’s. “Giselle? It’s Cassie.” The animal lifted her head and put her black nose to the fence. Cassie touched it with her finger. “I brought a friend. His name is Trace. Do you know what? He owns the ranch where you were found. Isn’t that amazing?”
The fox moved its head as she talked.
“Good heavens. That animal understands you,” Trace said under his breath. “I never saw anything like it.”
“Then you haven’t watched Liz talking to her horses. It’s almost spooky the way they know everything she’s saying. On her last round barrel racing at Finals, she had to ride Polly because Sunflower had gotten stall cast. She spoke to Polly the way I’m talking to you and told her they had to win for Connor. I swear that horse knew exactly what she had to do.”
Their eyes met. “I wish I’d been there.”
“You can’t be everywhere while you’re protecting our world from the air. But now that you’re here, why don’t you say something to Giselle? Let’s see what she does. Touch her nose at the same time.”
Trace moved closer and put his index finger on it. “Hello, Giselle. You don’t know me. I’m Trace.”
“Trace rhymes with Ace, Giselle. Guess what? Would you believe his eye got hurt, too? You two have a lot in common.”
The man standing next to her threw back his head and laughed. It was a marvelous sound. Happy. Cassie wished he’d do it more often. When he quieted down he said, “Are you the one to name her Giselle?”
“Yes. The woman who ran this incredible French auberge in Switzerland had that name. I think it’s beautiful, and it just seemed to suit my precious fox. I wanted to take her home with me to raise, but of course that was impossible. She was turned over to the sanctuary. That’s when I started coming on a regular basis to help where I can.
“You should see all the animals and birds. They’ve got a rough-legged hawk that’s only half-flighted, and a lynx that can only see light and dark. Then there’s a vulture with an amputated wing. The list goes on and on.”
Trace smiled at her. “Pretty soon you’ll be occupied with your own little daughter. Maybe if the fox lives for a long time, you can bring her to see Giselle and tell her the story of how her daddy found the fox.”
The tenderness in Trace’s voice was too much. She felt her eyes smarting and fought tears. “Maybe.”
“I’m sure you’re tired. I’ll follow you home. You’ve worked so hard, you need to put your feet up.”
“You’re not supposed to remember everything I tell you.” Trace was way too attentive.
“My former commanding officer would tell me the exact opposite.” He walked to her truck. “Drive safely.” His eyes narrowed on her face. “Remember there are two of you to consider.”
“As if I could forget,” she said, sounding out of breath to her own ears. The things Trace said shook her world.
He got in his truck just as Paul called to her from outside his car. “See you next Saturday.”
Cassie wheeled around. Lindsey smiled, giving Cassie a knowing look that said she approved of the attractive cowboy who’d come to the sanctuary looking for her. This town was too small for Trace and Cassie. Gossip would build. There’d be a price to pay if he didn’t leave for Colorado soon.
“I’ll be here, you guys. What will we be working on next?”
“That’s anyone’s guess. Let’s go for pizza after.”
“I’d love it.”
Adrenaline spilled into her system as she drove back to the ranch. Out of her rearview mirror she noticed how Trace stayed behind her. She’d been alone just long enough without Logan that she’d forgotten what it was like to have someone watching out for her.
Cassie had to admit it was a nice feeling. She couldn’t understand why Trace’s girlfriend hadn’t arrived here already. A man like him didn’t come along every day. The Rafferty men were exceptional.
When she finally reached the ranch house, Trace pulled up alongside her and opened his window to talk to her. “Jarod called me a minute ago and asked me to meet up with him. Before I go, I want to make sure you get in the house safely.”
Her spirits didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed he was leaving. “I’m fine, Trace. Don’t forget I’ve been doing this for a long time. But thanks for caring.” She climbed down from the cab and hurried up the porch to the front door.
“Wait, Cassie—before you go in let’s exchange cell phone numbers in case we need to get hold of each other.”
“That’s a good idea.” She pulled the phone out of her purse and programmed his number. He did the same thing with his phone. After opening the front door, she waved him off.
Who knew when he’d be back? Please don’t care, Cassie. Please don’t.
Once she showered, she’d grab a bite to eat and watch a little TV before going to bed. Maybe because she knew he would be coming back, even if it was late, Cassie was able to fall asleep faster. For the first time since Logan’s passing, her husband didn’t fill her thoughts. She found herself thinking about Trace and what an amazing man he was. Any woman loved by him would feel cherished.
* * *
TRACE DROVE OVER to Jarod’s to pick him up. Jarod had talked to Zane after he and Avery had returned from the reservation. She was eager to visit her grandfather and tell him about her day, so Jarod thought this was the best time to drop in on Zane.
They took off for the Corkin-Lawson Ranch bordering the other side of the Bannock spread. “What does Avery do at the reservation?”
“She’s a historian, writing a book on Crow folklore. On Thursdays she teaches classes on Crow culture at the college.”
“You must be very proud of your sister.”
“I am. The tribe has given her a special name. Winterfire Woman.”
“What does it mean?”
“Because she does her research on the reservation year-round, not just in summer, the tribe considers her an authentic teller of their histories. She reminds them of the storytellers of old who gathered children around the fire on long wintry nights. Avery doesn’t make them feel used.”
“That’s a phenomenal compliment. Are she and Zane happy?”
A smile broke the corner of Jarod’s mouth. “You ought to see them together. I know she’ll be anxious to see you.”
It didn’t take long for them to pull up in front of the small, one-story ranch house. They got out and knocked on the front door. Only one other time had Trace ever been over here. His father had been called out on an emergency and fifteen-year-old Trace had gone with him.
The owner of the ranch, Daniel Corkin, was in a drunken rage because his best horse had broken a leg. When his dad told him they needed to put the animal out of its misery, Daniel ordered him off his property. If he didn’t leave, he’d shoot him.
Trace still remembered that day and understood why Daniel’s daughter Sadie had fled to California to live with her mother, who later on remarried. His thoughts drifted back to Cassie. Her father Grant Bannock may not have been in a drunken rage, but he was unstable enough to drive his flesh-and-blood daughter out of his home and his life. Considering Ned Bannock was his son, it proved the adage that the proverbial acorn didn’t fall far from the oak tree.
Trace’s thoughts were jerked away when a striking man, Trace’s height, in cowboy boots with dark brown hair answered the door. He wore a plaid shirt and jeans. “Thanks for coming, Jarod.”
He nodded. “Zane Lawson? Meet Trace, Doc Rafferty’s son.”
His gray eyes swerved to examine Trace. Dimples formed when he smiled. “Your fame is legendary. Avery will be sorry she wasn’t here to welcome you home, Trace. She’s thrilled to know you’re back to stay for good.”
That meant Jarod hadn’t told him about Trace’s plans. Everyone assumed he was home to take over the ranch. “It’ll be great to see her again.”
“I’m finally shaking hands with the Ace!”
Trace liked him right away. “I’m a has-been. You’re the famous SEAL.”
“You couldn’t be talking about me. My nephew Ryan has reduced me to Deputy Dawg status, isn’t that right, Jarod.”
All three men chuckled before Zane grew serious. “I know you have other things you’d rather do tonight, but I felt this visit couldn’t wait, not after talking to Jarod. Come on in. Can I get you a drink?”
“No, thanks.” They walked into the living room and sat down on the couch and chairs placed around the coffee table.
Zane eyed Trace. “Jarod said you’ve got something to tell me pertaining to Ned I need to hear. He said it would be better coming from you. What’s going on?”
For the next ten minutes Trace told him virtually what he’d told Jarod about his conversation with Owen Pearson, plus his own plans to sell the ranch. “Whoever the buyer is, I want all of you to approve. That includes Connor.”
He saw Zane eye Jarod. “I can see why you felt this was important.” Then his gaze switched to Trace. “I’m glad you haven’t spoken to a Realtor yet. For your ranch to be put on the multiple listings, it could rip off the Band-Aid of a very old wound that has never healed.”
“What do you mean?”
“How much do you know about the history between the Bannocks and the Corkins?”
“My dad told me Daniel Corkin has always had it in for the Bannocks. Something about oil, but he never knew the details.”
“Then let me fill you in. Silas Bannock, a Scottish Presbyterian, drilled for oil on his property in 1915. At the time it was part of the Elk Basin Oil Field, and he hit a spewing gusher. Since it was on private land, he claimed all the money and built up the Bannock ranch. With wise investing over the years, Ralph Bannock has turned it into one of the wealthiest cattle ranches in Montana originally funded by oil.”
Trace had no idea.
“In 1920, Pete Corkin, an English Methodist and neighbor of Silas Bannock, established the Corkin Ranch, the one we’re sitting on right now. He drilled on this land and made some strikes that fizzled. In that same year Congress established a law that you had to lease federal land from the government and pay a royalty. Over the years, the Corkin descendants couldn’t get rich by drilling for oil so they turned to cattle, and thus began a jealousy and a rivalry that developed into hostility.”
Jarod sat forward and picked up the story. “Over the years this envy on the part of the Corkin family over our family’s success escalated. Daniel Corkin swore he heard a story from one of his hands that a Crow Indian saw a vision about oil being under Corkin land.
“Convinced he’d be wealthier than the Bannocks when he made his strike, he became so obsessive about more drilling, his wife, Eileen, Sadie’s mother, divorced him and went to her family in California. But he threatened to kill Eileen if she tried to take Sadie with her.”
Trace couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. “So that’s why Sadie spent so much time with Liz’s family.”
Jarod nodded. “Daniel left the raising of Sadie to the Hensons, his foreman and wife. When Daniel died, he left nothing to Sadie in his will, and he made it impossible for any Bannock to buy the ranch. But that didn’t hold up in a court of law. When the ranch was put on the market, Ned Bannock wanted it and was determined to buy it.”
“Ned?”
“That’s right. He was still in love with Sadie and wanted her, too. Using his father’s and grandfather’s money, he put in his bid with the Realtor. But my grandfather went to his attorney and we found a way to outbid him so Sadie could keep her property.”
“They did it by helping me so I could buy it in my name,” Zane interjected. “By that time I’d come from California with Sadie to help her raise Ryan, who is my brother Tim’s son. I wanted to start a new life here after both Tim and my wife died. This property is now called the Corkin-Lawson Ranch. It’ll be my nephew Ryan’s legacy one day.” His voice grew husky. “I’ll be indebted to Jarod and his grandfather forever for what they did for Sadie and for me.”
“But we still have a big problem,” Jarod interjected. “Like Daniel, Ned is still convinced there’s oil under all our ranches. On his last birthday three weeks ago, he came into his inheritance. The second he hears that you’ve put the Rafferty ranch on the market, he’ll forget his idea to go in on a feral stud farm with Owen, and use the money to buy your ranch. In his sick mind, he’ll want it so he can drill for oil and be wealthier than anyone. Then Sadie will want him.”
“That’s really sick, Jarod.”
“You don’t know the half of it.”
“Jarod’s right,” Zane said. “In my mind Ned is a sociopath. Maybe he didn’t kill Logan. That I have yet to discover. But he tried to kill Jarod.”
“I know. Last night Cassie told me about the therapy sessions. They revealed that Ned has always hated her.”
“He’s been jealous of his sister and brothers, my cousins, and me for as long as I’ve known him,” Jarod murmured.
Trace eyed both men. “I can tell she’s afraid.”
Zane grimaced. “With good reason.”
Jarod said, “The other day Grandfather told me and Connor that according to Uncle Grant, Ned has been a model patient and his doctors feel he’s ready to come home for good. But none of us believes it. There’s something wrong in Ned’s nature. If he gets upset, he’ll go after anyone who gets in his way.”
“After what happened to Logan, Cassie has to be terrified,” Trace said.
“That’s why Uncle Grant has always been afraid of Ned. We have a situation we’re going to have to handle.” Jarod got to his feet. “Sorry to have held you up, Zane, but I felt this was important for you to hear.”
“It’s vital,” Zane replied. “If you’re intent on selling the ranch, Trace, get it done discreetly by private sale. Hopefully Ned won’t find out about it until long after it’s a fait accompli. As for Cassie, she knows she’ll always have a home with us.”
“Or me or Connor,” Jarod exclaimed. “Now that she’s pregnant, she’s going to need family. We’re all going to have to help keep her safe.”
Trace got to his feet. “You two have given me a lot to think about.”
Zane walked them outside. “Let’s keep in close touch from here on out. Now that you’re retired from the Air Force, I know Avery wants to give a party to welcome you home.”
“That sounds terrific.”
“Words can’t tell you how sorry we are about your eye injury.”
“It’s nothing compared to the many guys who’ve lost lives.”
Trace waved Zane off before they drove away and headed for Jarod’s house. The conversation had increased his fears for Cassie’s welfare. Jarod slanted him a piercing glance.
“With you back, it feels like the circle is complete once more.”
Emotion thickened his throat. “It’s great being with you again, Jarod. I’d forgotten just how much I’ve missed my oldest friends.”
“Then prove it and stay put.” He got out of the truck. “We’ll talk again soon.”
“Yup. Tell Sadie hi for me.”
Trace drove back to the ranch, hoping Cassie was still up. There was a lot he needed to say to her. But when he walked inside, it was quiet and he knew she’d gone to bed. After talking with Jarod and Zane, he could see things were more complicated than he would have imagined. Nothing was black-and-white.
When he got ready for bed, he remembered what his doctor had said about working things out with Nicci before he made any decisions. Trace fell asleep frustrated that she hadn’t called him today. His last thoughts were of Jarod telling him to stay put.
* * *
LATE SUNDAY MORNING he came awake to the smell of strawberries drifting through the house. Cassie was at it again. He was glad she hadn’t gone anywhere yet. He was glad her brother wasn’t back living on the Bannock Ranch yet.
Content that she and the baby were safe for the moment, Trace could relax while he thought about the conversation with his father yesterday. “Before you make a decision you can’t take back, why not rent the house for the next year, son, to give yourself time?”
In the light of morning his father’s suggestion made sense. The right renter would pay a lot for the use of the house sitting on prime hunting land. If Trace charged enough money, his father would receive substantial monthly payments that would add appreciably to his income.
Once he was working in Colorado Springs, Trace could fly to Billings for a weekend once a month to see his father and inspect the property. It could work. How would Nicci feel about it? He needed her to come! The doctor in Billings was right. There was no way he could make definite plans about anything until they were together and could make a decision about getting married.
He rolled onto his side and reached for the phone to call her. To his chagrin it went through to her voice mail. Trace asked her to get in touch with him as soon as she could. Had she refused to answer his calls on purpose? They needed to talk before any more time went by.
Once he’d showered and dressed, he walked through the house and heard voices in the kitchen. One of them was male. Connor! A smile broke out on his face as he entered. “Well if it isn’t the king of the rodeo!”
“Dude!” His dark blond friend made a beeline for him and gave him one of those hugs he was famous for—one that could throw a bull to the ground in a couple of seconds. No one had ever called him that but Connor.
“I thought you were injured at finals, but I swear you’re tougher than ever.”
Connor let out a bark of laughter. “Don’t I wish, but you’re looking ripped. How in the hell did you run into a laser?”
Cassie stood in the background, dressed in a blue-and-green print top and jeans. The pregnant woman was beautiful no matter what she wore. Her gaze swerved from Trace to her cousin. “It ran into him, Connor. Kind of the way that steer bucked upward and tore your shoulder. Talk about the walking wounded around here, but no one would ever know looking at the two of you!”
Both men chuckled. Connor’s blue eyes twinkled as he studied her. “I guess you thought you could keep your condition a secret, sweetie pie. But Jarod and I had our suspicions a month ago when we saw you leading Masala around instead of riding him. Liz and Sadie are already fighting over who’s going to get to babysit your daughter.”
Trace eyed Connor. “Did she show you the ultrasound picture yet? It’s like a miracle.”
“No.” Connor shot him a speculative glance. “I haven’t had that privilege. Cassie? Can I see it, too? Liz and I are trying for a baby.”
“I know.”
“What do you mean you know?”
“At your wedding reception Liz whispered to me that giving you a child would be her top priority in the foreseeable future.”
“Apparently there are no secrets.”
“Nope—I’ll run to the bedroom and get it.”
In another minute she was back. Trace smiled at her before he took the picture from her and showed it to Connor. While they tried to pick out all the parts, Cassie finished a batch of jam.
Connor let out a whistle. “Your baby’s going to be a real knockout.”
“You’re full of it, cousin.”
“That wasn’t nice. I may not have been born with Jarod’s gift of vision, but I can say without any doubt that your baby’s going to be just like her mother. You brought every cowboy in Carbon County to your doorstep in high school.”
“Stop, Connor. You’re embarrassing me in front of Trace.”
“Why? You know it’s true and Trace is practically family. You broke so many hearts when you went away to Missoula, it took me and Jarod at least a year to pick up the pieces you left behind. I think Russ Colby still hasn’t married because of you.”
“That’s absurd.”
“Nope. He stopped me at the supermarket the other day, wanting to know how you were getting along since the funeral. I could swear he was nervous and it wouldn’t surprise me if you hear from him one of these days. I know what you’re going to say. That it’s too soon since Logan’s passing, but I just thought you ought to know.”
Trace wouldn’t be surprised either. When he’d taken Cassie to that film on Friday night, every male in creation was aware of her. It wasn’t just her exceptional looks a man found appealing. She glowed.
When he’d first seen her in the garden at the side of the house, he was drawn to her in a way he hadn’t been to another woman besides Nicci. But he could tell Connor’s comments were getting to her.
He put the picture on the table. “Have you got time to ride with me this morning?”
“That’s why I’m here.” Trace could read between the lines. Connor had already been in communication with his brother and Zane.
“Good. Then we’ll get out of your hair for a while, Cassie.”
She darted Trace what could be a grateful smile. “When you get back I’ll have lunch waiting for you.”
“I’m looking forward to it already,” Connor said over his shoulder. They left through the back door and headed for the barn. The sky had become overcast. “It might rain later.”
“Maybe.”
“Jarod told me you handled Masala like he was your horse. You ride him while I take Buttercup.”
In a few minutes the horses were bridled, but both men rode bareback. They headed for the forest and rode as far as the second stream crossing the property. “When I think of the years we used to ride all over the Pryors...” Connor murmured. “It’s great to have you back, Trace.”
“I’m afrai—”
“Save it,” Connor cut him off. “I know all about your plans to get out of Dodge, but you can’t do it.”
“I’m planning to get married.”
“I know all about that, too. You don’t honestly think you’ll be happy at the Air Force Academy. It won’t work. I’ll give you a month at best before you want out. Anything less than flying again and you’ll hate it. You’re a crack pilot, Trace, but those days are over.”
“But if I stay here and work the ranch, I’ve a feeling in my gut Nicci won’t like it.”
“How soon is she coming?”
“I don’t know. I’m waiting to hear any day now.”
“Well don’t do anything about the ranch until you’ve spent time with her here. It would be a waste to take her to Colorado Springs. You’re a cowboy to the roots, Trace. What would you have done if there’d been no injury? What if you’d finished out all those years as a pilot? Then what? Stay in Italy for the rest of your life away from your father? Doing what?”
Trace took a swift breath. “I’ve been asking myself that question since I was released from the hospital. I know what Nicci would want. She’d expect me to go on living there while her father found work for me.”
“No way,” Connor muttered. “When I married Reva, I thought I had it all figured out until she came home with me for a time. Our marriage took a nosedive. We could never get it back because it never worked in the first place. The ranch was my life. Hers was in the city.”
“I know. Cassie told me. Reva and my mother had a lot in common.”
“That’s right, but with one difference. We weren’t pregnant so it was easier to say goodbye. So learn from my mistake and take a leaf out of my book while you’re still free. Forget Colorado. You don’t really want to teach other guys how to fly. You’ve been there and done that.
“Bring Nicci to the ranch and let her get a taste of what life will be like with you. This is your home. Ask her to stay here and find out if she takes to it. Otherwise I can promise you’ll be miserable, and that’s without the benefit of Jarod’s special gift telling you the same thing. We don’t want anyone else living next door.”
“You and Jarod know how to make a guy feel good. I’ll think about everything you’ve said. But there’s still the problem of Cassie to worry about.”
“It’s been solved. Liz has already talked to her mom. Millie and Mac are going to keep Cassie with them until after the baby is born. She’ll be close by all of us and safe with them.”
“That’s a terrific solution, but Cassie won’t do it. She’s too independent.”
“She will when Zane talks to her. Jarod found out from our grandfather that Ned is being released from the mental facility a week from Thursday.” Eleven more days... “Because of the suspicion surrounding the reason for Logan’s shooting, he wants her away from your ranch. Mac Henson will be the best bodyguard she could have.”
Trace pondered everything. “When were you going to talk to Cassie?”
“After lunch I was hoping to take her over to our house where Liz and I will broach the subject.”
“Do me a favor and let me discuss that with her, Connor?” Several ideas were rolling around in his head now that he’d heard the date of Ned’s release from the facility. A new, possible option had opened up in his mind, but he wasn’t prepared to address it yet. “I need to tell Cassie about my plans for the ranch before she hears it from anyone else. Dad and I owe her that much after the fabulous way she and Logan have taken care of everything.”
After a moment of quiet, “Sure, Trace. We just want you to know we’re here for her in any capacity. And you.”
“Thanks, Connor.”
“That’s what best friends are for, right?”
“You know it.”
They headed back to the barn to give the horses water and fresh hay. When they entered the kitchen, Cassie had made them tuna fish and peanut butter sandwiches. She’d also put two quarts of milk on the table, unopened, and a bowl of potato chips. Trace couldn’t help but smile at her. “Trust you to know exactly what to fix.”
“It’s easy when you’re feeding a bunch of ravenous cowboys,” she quipped.
Did she really see Trace that way?
After they’d eaten, Connor thanked Cassie and excused himself to get back to Liz. Trace walked him out to the porch and waved him off. When he returned to the kitchen, the clock on the wall said it was ten after two.
Cassie had cleaned everything up and was packing her jam jars in some cartons.
“Need me to help?”
“Oh, no. I’m all done. Thanks, though.”
She wouldn’t look at him. “Who’s the lucky recipient?”
“Hopefully my baby. I plan to sell these at the White Lodge Fair in the fall so I can buy some essentials. You know. A crib and an infant car seat. Things like that. My time will be here before I know it. I need to be prepared.”
“Cassie?”
“Yes?”
“If you don’t have plans, how would you like to take a Sunday ride with me? Not a long one. I haven’t been up to Yellow Bell Lake in years. There won’t be many people around in case you’re worried about that.” He figured they’d beat the rain if it came.
She turned her head to look at him. “I’m sure you have other things you need to be doing.”
He stared at her through veiled eyes. “Talking to you is at the top of my list.”