It’s dangerous, Jen. Not to mention improper. Prancing around an arena, rubbing shoulders with sweaty cowboys. Since you’re not going to college, the best thing for you is to find a good man and settle down. Start a family.
Jen scoffed. Hogwash. “I’m coming back in one week.” She smiled. “You better stay on your toes if you plan to keep up. Diamond and I always burn brighter after a good rest.”
Tammy laughed, but the joyful sound faded quickly. “Take care of them.”
“I will.” Jen disconnected the call and tucked her cell phone back in her pocket.
“Tammy meeting us later?” Colt asked.
Jen shook her head. “She’s already lined up more runs with Karla. Says they’ve paid entry fees for three competitions, started the drive yesterday and are halfway there. She can’t afford to dip out now. It’d put Karla in a bad position.”
She cringed. The kind of position she’d left Tammy in when she’d decided to stay behind with Colt.
Colt’s big hand settled over hers and squeezed, his blue eyes weary. “We’ll be back before you know it, Red.”
“We’re not going to worry about that at the moment,” Jen said, covering his hand with her free one. “Right now, we’re taking a break. One you and Margaret desperately need.”
His big body shifted and he tugged his hand away, reaching up and squeezing her shoulder. He returned his attention to the road, easing across a bumpy set of railroad tracks, then accelerating down the highway.
Jen inhaled, relishing the spicy scent of his aftershave and the warmth his touch had left on her skin. It was easier to travel with him when Tammy was around. Tammy’s cheerful chatter helped take the focus off Colt’s charisma. But Jen didn’t have that luxury on this trip.
Colt’s biceps brushed her arm as he maneuvered another turn, causing her belly to flip over. She placed her hands in her lap and tamped down the urge to scoot closer and press against him.
It was ridiculous, really. Indulging this attraction she had to him. She tried to convince herself that any man with Colt’s good looks and muscular frame would stir the same desire. They were friends. That was all he wanted. Nothing more.
A sleepy sigh emerged from the back of the cab. Jen glanced over her shoulder. Margaret had sat upright in her seat during the first half of the journey, but exhaustion had finally taken over. She was now slumped against the window, her shiny hair falling forward, hiding her face. A few strands lifted and fell as she breathed.
A lump formed in Jen’s throat at the sight. After arranging a place for them to stay, Colt had gently explained to his little sister that he needed a break, a vacation of sorts, and that he’d like her to come with him.
Ms. Parks had disapproved and Margaret hadn’t responded much one way or the other. But after a half hour of coaxing from Colt, they’d given in to his declaration that he wasn’t leaving without Margaret, and gone upstairs to pack a bag. Jen had offered to help, but Margaret declined in a formal manner that was much too mature for any nine-year-old. Especially one who had to be hurting as much as she was.
Jen bit her lip now and tried her best to make out Margaret’s face through the fall of her curls. The girl shared the same blond shade of hair as Colt. The brief glimpse Jen had had of her smile last night proved that was another similarity the siblings shared. Jen just wasn’t sure she’d ever see her smile again.
Her arms ached to wrap around Margaret and hug her. To offer comfort in some small way. But she knew the attempt would be refused. Margaret might have been provided for in every other way, but she’d been neglected in the most important respect. Being loved. And noticed.
Jen’s heart squeezed. Margaret was such a sad, beautiful girl—
Vibrating snorts rang out. Margaret’s head shifted against the foggy window, her hair slipping back and her small mouth falling open on a massive snore. A raucous chorus began, thundering against the roof and filling the cab. For the sixth time in the last hour.
Jen cringed, sharing a pained glance with Colt. Three hours ago, Margaret’s snores had been cute and endearing. Two hours ago, they’d become aggravating. Now they were excruciating.
Jen’s head pounded. Good grief, she couldn’t wait to get out of this stuffy truck, collapse onto a bed and savor some silence. Alone.
Ten snore-filled minutes later, Colt turned onto a long dirt drive, and a familiar wooden sign appeared ahead. Jen would recognize the rustic corners and rich brown of it anywhere. She’d driven past it with Colt several times over the past couple of years, to visit friends from the rodeo circuit.
Raintree Ranch. They’d finally made it. Privacy, silence and sleep were just up ahead inside the white, multistoried main house.
Margaret’s rhythmic snorts stopped as the truck bounced over a rough patch of road. Jen swiveled, to find her sweeping her hair back from her face and blinking sleepy eyes at the view outside her window.
“A ranch?” Margaret asked as the truck eased past the sign. “You said we were taking a vacation.”
Colt glanced in the rearview mirror, his smile strained. “We are. Raintree’s the best guest ranch in Georgia. There are lots of fun things to do. There’s a pool, game room and a pond with paddleboats. And there are a couple boys here around your age to play with. I’ll take you fishing one day this week. You’ll love it, Meg.”
Her expression fell. “It’s Margaret,” she whispered.
“I’m sorry.” Colt shifted uncomfortably, cheeks reddening. “Margaret.”
Margaret turned away and stared at the line of white fencing sweeping by. The air grew thick and heavy inside the cab.
Jen hit a button on the passenger door and the window slid down with a whisper, letting in a warm breeze. She stuck her head out, inhaled and pulled in a lungful of sweet spring air. The chirp of crickets and low notes of bullfrogs rushed into the cab; the late afternoon hour and misty fog coaxed songs from the ranch wildlife.
She soaked it up. The tension between her shoulder blades eased and the throbbing at her temples lessened. Just the wide green fields speckled with grazing horses were enough to lift her spirits.
The trailer squeaked as the truck dipped into a pothole. Jen lowered her cheek to the silver windowsill trim and looked back, catching a glimpse of Diamond’s white mane through the slats of the trailer.
She hadn’t ridden him in two days. Neither one of them had felt the whip of wind striking their face in ages. Or smelled the rich, earthy aroma of dirt kicking up from beneath them. And she was surprised by how eager she was to ride outside an arena rather than in one.
“Not long now, boy,” she whispered. “We can both stretch our legs soon. I’ll have you back in shape in no time.”
“What?”
Jen pushed herself off the door and straightened, glancing at Colt. His brow was furrowed.
“Just telling Diamond I’m gonna let him out soon. We’re anxious to stretch a bit. Maybe hit up some training in the morning.”
Colt nodded. She turned back to the window, an excited buzz spreading through her veins. Training. One benefit to taking a break was the opportunity to hone her racing skills. She and Diamond would be better than ever when they returned to competition.
Jen closed her eyes and savored the thrills chasing through her blood. Eighth overall. The Thomas & Mack. Vegas.
“There’s Dom.” Colt perked up, a pleased note entering his voice.
A tall, broad-shouldered man stood at the end of the driveway, a black Stetson on his head and dimpled smile on his face.
Colt cut the engine, jumped out and started toward him. The man met him halfway, tugging him forward for a brief hug and strong clap on the back. When they broke apart, Jen she could see that they were talking.
Before long, Colt nodded and motioned toward the truck.
“Who’s he?”
Jen swiveled, glancing back at Margaret. “Dominic Slade. He used to ride bulls with your brother. He co-owns this ranch with his father, Pop, and his brother, Logan.” She smiled. “They’re good people. And they’re all anxious to meet you.”
Margaret’s brown eyes drifted over Jen’s shoulder and she leaned forward, squinting up at the main house. “It looks small.”
Jen reassessed the building. The wide front porch, large double door entrance and multileveled structure was anything but small. It’d grown over the last two years with renovations and the addition of more guest wings. But she supposed it paled in comparison to what Margaret was used to.
“There’s plenty of room.” Jen stretched her legs and grinned. Rooms. One, in particular. With a large bed, en suite bathroom and plenty of sleep-inducing silence. All for her. Hallelujah! “Come on. I’ll help you get your bag.”
Jen had just hefted Margaret’s bag from the bed of the truck when the front door slammed and feet pounded down the front steps. Two blond boys loped across the lawn, shouting greetings to “Mr. Colt” and high-fiving him.
Jen smiled and set the bag on the ground. “That’s Kayden and Jayden, Dominic’s twin nephews. The boys Colt told you about. They oughta be fun to hang out with, don’t you think?”
Margaret tucked a curl behind her ear and ran a hand over her plaid skirt. “They live here all the time? With their mom and dad?”
Jen’s smile slipped. “The boys live here, yes. With Dominic and his wife, Cissy.”
She hesitated, unsure of how much to share. Kayden and Jayden had lost their mother several years ago to cancer. Their father planned on giving them up for adoption, but their aunt Cissy had taken them in. After finding Cissy and the boys stranded in a broken-down car, Dominic had brought the trio to Raintree and they’d eventually become a family.
Jen shrugged, thinking it best to keep the darker details of the boys’ journey to herself. It might help soothe Margaret’s grief to know she wasn’t alone in her pain, but it could backfire just as easily. Jen didn’t want to add more negativity to Margaret’s world at such a difficult time. Besides, they were here to help her heal. The brighter the thoughts, the better.
“The boys have baby sisters, too. They’d be about, oh...” Jen squinted, counting the months “...almost two years old now.” She waved at Dominic. “Hey, Dom. It’s good to see you.”
He flashed a dimpled grin and called out, “Back atcha, Red. It’s great to have you here.”
Jen eased to the front of the truck and motioned for Margaret to follow. “Come on. I’ll introduce you.”
The little girl stepped forward, but her hot-pink tennis shoe halted in midair over the dirt.
Jen followed Margaret’s stare. The boys had left Colt and now stood stock-still, side by side, a few feet away, big blue eyes fixed on Margaret. Their hushed voices carried.
“Another girl?” Kayden shared a frown with his brother. “Ain’t we got enough of those around here?”
Jayden harrumphed, crossing his arms over his chest. “I know. Thought it was gonna be a boy.” He shook his head. “That messes up all our plans.”
Great. Preadolescent disdain for the opposite sex. A fantastic first impression.
Jen smiled. “Aw, now. Y’all cut that out, boys. I’m a girl, too. Aren’t you happy to see me?” She laughed at their eager nods, dropped to her knees and spread her arms. “Then get your cute tails over here and show Miss Jen some love.”
They flashed crooked grins and sprinted over, barreling into her and wrapping their arms around her neck. They’d grown since she last saw them, Kayden a good three inches and Jayden at least two. They’d be almost nine now.
“You bring Diamond, Miss Jen?” Kayden asked, pecking a kiss to her cheek.
“I sure did.” She jerked her chin toward the trailer behind them. “Go tell him hi. He’s been cooped up a long time and would appreciate the company.”
Kayden released her and headed for the trailer, his step slowing as he passed Margaret. Their eyes met and then drifted down the length of each other. Kayden’s attention returned to her blond curls, and he blushed.
Jen stifled a laugh and stood. “You know, it’s usually routine to at least say hello when you meet someone new.”
Kayden shrugged a shoulder. “Hey.”
“Hello.” Margaret held out a hand. “I’m Margaret Mead.”
Kayden’s nose wrinkled. He studied her outstretched hand for a moment before shaking it awkwardly. “I’m Kayden.” He nodded toward his brother. “That’s Jayden.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Margaret said.
Kayden eyed her flashy sneakers. “Me and Jayden race a lot. He’s fast but I’m faster.” His head tilted. “You ever race?”
“No.”
“You build forts?”
“Uh-uh.”
“Shoot BB guns?”
Margaret shook her head, her expression appalled.
Kayden sighed. “Then what do you do?”
Jayden snorted. “She paints her toes and stuff.” He walked over, shoving his brother toward the trailer. “Come on. Let’s pet Diamond.”
Attention diverted, Kayden sauntered over to the trailer with his twin. They climbed up on the tires, slipped their hands through the open window and patted Diamond, praising him. Margaret took a hesitant step toward them, but froze when Diamond shifted, hooves clanking on the bed of the trailer. She looked at the boys’ T-shirts, jeans and boots, then lowered her head and picked at her silk blouse.
Jen stepped close and placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’re welcome to pet Diamond, too, if you’d like.”
Her head shot up, face pale and tone tense. “I don’t want to.”
The boys’ hands stilled and they glanced over their shoulders, examining Margaret, who flushed and tilted her chin higher.
“No, thank you.” She glanced at the twins out of the corner of her eyes. “I’d prefer to go inside and recuperate. It was a long trip.”
Kayden hopped off the trailer and settled his hands on his hips. “She talks funny.”
Margaret’s brown eyes flashed.
“Dresses funny, too,” Jayden said, climbing down.
“That’s enough, boys.” Jen stepped between them when she saw Margaret’s chin begin to wobble. “I think your aunt Cissy would expect you to be more polite to a guest.”
They both dropped their heads, studying the scuffed toes of their boots.
Margaret’s eyes filled to the brim and she spun away, snatching at the handle of one of her bags. She couldn’t manage to lift it so she dragged it through the dirt behind her instead.
“What’s going on here?” Dominic rounded the truck and cast a stern eye on the boys.
They squirmed and Kayden peeked up from beneath his lashes. “Sorry, Uncle Dominic.”
“Yeah. Me, too,” Jayden added.
“Wait, Margaret.” Colt bent and reached for her bag. “Let me get that.”
“No, thank you.” His sister scrubbed the back of her hand over her cheeks and stomped off, dragging the case behind her. “I can do it myself.”
Colt frowned as she struggled across the lawn to the porch steps, her bulky bag flattening the lush blades of grass along the way. His shoulders sagged and the shadows darkening his expression deepened.
Jen cringed. Colt wanted so badly for this to work. For this visit to restore his relationship with Margaret. But the outlook was grim and she didn’t have the heart to tell him.
She glanced up at the large house and sighed. Margaret had a point, though. It was past time for some private recuperation. She and Colt both needed it.
“After I unload Diamond, why don’t we go in, too?” Jen asked, nodding at Colt. “Get settled in our rooms and turn in early? I think we could use som
e rest.”
“Yeah.” Dominic cleared his throat and shifted his stance. “About that.”
Jen’s eyes shot to his face. His grin widened.
“We had a bigger crowd than I expected. There’s only one guest room available.” Dominic held up a hand. “But I don’t consider y’all guests, anyway. You’re both family. Colt’s chosen to take the smaller guest room and I’m setting you up in a larger family room in the main house.”
“That sounds great. Thanks.” Jen shrugged and smiled. “Where’s Margaret staying? Family floor, too?”
Dominic nodded. “Yep. With you.”
Jen’s smile froze, a nervous tick forming in the corner of her eye. “Great.”
* * *
NOTHING WAS GOING according to Colt’s plan. Barely twenty-four hours after arriving at Raintree, he was beginning to believe he’d made a grave mistake.
He knuckled his hat higher on his forehead and wiped the sweat from his brow. At his side stood Margaret, squinting against the sun’s glare and wringing her skirt with both hands. They watched as Jen rode Diamond across the grassy field in front of them.
Though he tried to avoid it, Colt found himself focusing on the graceful way Jen moved with the horse. Each tap of her heel drew his eyes to the curves of her legs and every lift of her wavy hair in the breeze made him long to run his fingers through the fiery strands.
He shoved his hands in his pockets, stilling the desire stirring within him. His attention should be on Margaret right now. Not on Jen.
“Diamond’s big but he’s gentle,” Jen called, nudging the quarter horse with her heels and walking him farther out. “See, Margaret? He’ll do anything I ask.”
Colt’s sister looked down and edged closer to the fence. Wisps of hair stuck to her sweaty cheeks and her fair skin had turned red. The short-sleeved blouse and knee-length skirt she wore did little to block the strong afternoon rays.
From what Colt had gathered at the mansion, she spent a lot of time indoors. And she’d remained outside for the majority of her first day at Raintree. He hadn’t even thought about a hat or sunscreen. He’d been too busy thinking about Jen.
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