Just What the Cowboy Needed

by Teresa Southwick

  “No.” Her tone was emphatic. “I stand by what I said. That doesn’t mean I don’t feel awful about her falling. It breaks my heart when she cries.”

  “I know what you mean. But the buck stops with me. I’m her father. I made the call. My bad.”

  Grace stood and put herself right in his path, stopping him from pacing. “You’re not wrong and you’re not bad, Logan.”

  “And you’re too nice—”

  “No, I’m not.” She looked kind of fierce and ticked off. “Quit being a martyr.”

  “What?”

  “You can’t take responsibility for every little thing that goes wrong in Cassie’s life. Your job is to let her try new experiences. Of course stuff will happen, but there’s a lesson to learn from it, too. You deal when things don’t go right.”

  “But I looked away for a few seconds. I wasn’t right there.”

  “The older she gets, the more that’s going to happen. If you don’t give her independence at appropriate intervals, she’s not going to be prepared when she’s an adult.” Grace looked up at him, so earnest, so damn pretty.

  “I just want to protect her.” This was familiar territory, and Grace was well aware. But it was all he had.

  “Trying to protect her from everything puts expectations on yourself that are impossible to live up to. It also gives Cassie an unrealistic view of the world. When she was learning to walk, I’m sure she fell down. Did you stop her from walking? Of course not. That’s life. Decisions will come up. You think them through and make the best possible judgment.”

  “That easy?”

  “No one said it’s easy. But it’s being a dad.”

  Logan felt the tightness in his chest ease up as she talked, and he could finally breathe again. What she said made a lot of sense. She was so close, and more than anything he wanted to pull her against him. Not being able to made his chest squeeze tight again, for a very different reason.

  He blew out a breath. “So you think I’m being a martyr?”

  She smiled sheepishly. “Not on purpose. I know you’re just trying to do the right thing. That counts a lot.”

  “I’m just trying not to mess her up too bad.”

  “That’s every father’s prayer. The sentiment should be cross-stitched and hung on your wall. Along with things never to say to your boss if you want to keep your job.”

  Funny, she didn’t feel like his employee right now. She was so much more than that. Way more than he wanted to even admit.

  “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that,” he teased. “You’re a little shy about expressing your opinion.”

  She laughed. “You must have me mixed up with someone else.”

  Logan smiled, something he never would have believed could happen when he carried his daughter in here just a little while ago. What magic made it possible?

  The exam room door opened, and Jamie wheeled his daughter back into the room. The two of them looked as if they’d been laughing, too.

  “That was fast.” Logan looked at his sister. “Well?”

  “I am officially not the favorite person in Radiology today. Squeaky wheel and all that. But I got the test, and the radiologist read it just to get rid of me.” She smiled. “Good news. As I thought, there’s nothing broken. I’ve cleaned up her scrapes, as you can tell by the bandage. She’s perfectly fine. Other than a flair for the dramatic, which she gets from her father.”

  “And that flair really takes off when she’s overtired,” Grace said.

  Jamie nodded. “I see you’ve met both my brother and my niece.”

  “You mean the world-famous horseback rider?” Grace teased.

  “Daddy!” Cassie’s eyes widened, a sign that she’d just thought of something. “I have to talk to Chocolate. Right now.”

  “He’s the horse,” Logan told his sister. “Why do you need to talk to him?”

  “He might feel bad for makin’ me fall off. I need to let him know I’m okay.” She got a look on her face, and he wasn’t going to like the next words out of her mouth. “Maybe he needs me to ride him again, so he knows for sure he didn’t hurt me.”

  “Simmer down, little cowgirl,” Jamie said. “You should probably take it easy for the rest of the day. You’re fine this time, but accidents do happen and you’re more likely to get hurt if you’re overtired.”

  Logan gave his sister a look that said he owed her big-time. “That sounds like very good medical advice.”

  “Because I’m a very good medical professional.”

  Cassie thought that over. “Okay, then, can I ride again tomorrow, Dad?”

  Grace squatted down in front of the little girl and brushed strands of loose hair behind her ears. “Why don’t we talk about that tomorrow? I bet you’re getting hungry.”

  “How did you know?” Cassie asked.

  “Because it happens right about this time every day.” Grace looked up at him. “And there’s a rumor that the Grizzly Bear Diner has really good hamburgers. I wouldn’t know because I’ve never eaten there. Since it was a job interview, I just had iced tea.”

  “Daddy, can we take Grace to the diner?”

  Logan looked at Grace and the thought went through his mind that he would take her anywhere she wanted. And not just because her dinner suggestion had been the perfect distraction when he really needed it. She just made everything better.

  “Grizzly Bear Diner it is.” He looked at his sister. “Can you join us?”

  She shook her head. “I still have patients. Rain check?”

  “You bet. Ladies?”

  Cassie hopped out of the wheelchair. “Let’s go.”

  After a hug from her aunt, the little girl took Grace’s hand and they walked down the hallway to the front door. Logan followed, thinking about the woman who’d come into his life. She badgered and threatened to convince him to teach his daughter to ride a horse, and he’d learned something, too. Hold the reins a little looser.

  He had a feeling he wouldn’t have gotten through today without Grace. Lessons were all well and good, but needing her did not make him happy.

  Chapter Twelve

  Grace was racking her brain to come up with an afternoon activity for Cassie. Her attempt to set up a playdate hadn’t worked out because Emily and Paige had other plans, and all the usual activities were considered boring. After being on a horse the day before and having her father’s undivided attention, everything suffered by comparison.

  “We could do some baking,” Grace suggested. “Chocolate chip cookies.”

  If possible the little girl looked even more down. She was sitting on a high bar stool at the kitchen island and had her chin resting on her folded arms. “I wonder what Chocolate is doin’ today.”

  Oops, Grace thought. She hadn’t thought that through. “Maybe some blueberry muffins?”

  Cassie shrugged. “I guess.”

  “Okay. Muffins it is.” She’d never realized before how exhausting fake enthusiasm could be. “Let’s get out everything we’ll need.”

  She got a mixing bowl from a lower cupboard, then found measuring cups and spoons. Opening the pantry, she poked around for the flour. “I know it’s in here somewhere.”

  The kitchen door opened and closed, and Cassie said, “Daddy!”

  “Hi, baby girl.”

  Grace straightened and turned. She should be used to the way her stomach dropped to her toes every time she saw Logan, but no. The strong jaw, straight nose and blue eyes were something special, and the way he smiled at his little girl just made her heart want to burst.

  He looked at her and the baking stuff on the island. “Am I interrupting something?”

  “We’re going to make blueberry muffins because Miss Cassie is bored and nothing else I suggested appealed to her sense of adventure.”

  “No tea party?” He wa
s standing beside Cassie and removed his Stetson, then dragged his fingers through his hair.

  Even hat hair didn’t weaken her acute reaction to him. Why was that? Apparently he just didn’t have a bad look. And in a couple of weeks she’d be gone and wouldn’t have to see him at all, so that would put an end to her stomach-dropping problem. Funny how that thought didn’t produce a whole lot of comfort.

  “I didn’t feel like having a tea party today,” Cassie told him. “There’s nothing fun to do.”

  “Hmm.” He settled the hat low on his forehead and frowned. “I’m sorry to hear it. That’s a bummer.”

  The little girl looked up at him with what appeared to be a little like hope in her eyes. “My arm doesn’t hurt at all, Daddy.”

  “Really?”

  “This is the first time she’s even mentioned it,” Grace told him. She’d chattered off and on about the horse and riding but never once brought up the fall or her scraped arm.

  “Good.”

  Something was going on, Grace thought. He almost always came in for lunch, but it was unusual for him to show up at the house in the afternoon. “Is there something you wanted? A snack, maybe?”

  “No, I’m good.” He looked at her, then his daughter. “I was just wondering if you’re interested in taking a ride on Chocolate this afternoon.”

  Cassie’s mouth dropped open and made on O. “Really?”

  “If Grace thinks it’s all right.”

  Of all the things he could have said, that was the most unexpected. “Well—”

  “Please say yes, Grace.” Cassie’s eyes were pleading.

  “Your dad is the boss, kiddo. I really don’t have any authority on a decision about you and horseback riding.”

  “But I respect your opinion,” he said.

  “And I believe you are already aware of what I think. I expressed my views very clearly yesterday at the clinic.” She laughed, recalling how he’d teased her about being shy. “I would have thought you remembered.”

  “I do.” His expression turned serious for a moment. “In fact, what you said yesterday is why I’m here right now suggesting it. I’m just checking to see if you had second thoughts.”

  “If that means you’re saying no and I can’t ride Chocolate, please don’t have second thoughts, Grace.”

  “You’re in luck, Miss Cassie, because I have no such thoughts. I think a ride on Chocolate would be super awesome.”

  “So, can I, Daddy?”

  “Yes,” he said.

  “Thank you!” She held out her arms to her father. “I’m so happy.”

  Logan pulled her close and held her for a long time, clearly savoring the hug. And Grace noticed that this time he wasn’t the first to let go. Cassie did and started to slide off the stool. Her father intervened and set her on the floor.

  “We hafta hurry. Chocolate’s waitin’ for me.”

  “Have fun, you two,” Grace said. “There will be freshly baked blueberry muffins tonight.”

  “Aren’t you comin’?” Cassie looked at her as if she’d suggested cutting off Princess Aurora’s head.

  Grace met Logan’s gaze as she answered the little girl. “You’re in good hands with your dad.”

  “You hafta come and watch and see how good I do today, Grace.”

  “Wow, you’re really bossy,” he teased the little girl. “Not unlike someone else I know.”

  “I’m not bossy. I just want Grace there, too.”

  Logan’s expression was carefully neutral. “It’s okay with me.”

  The last thing Grace wanted was to intrude on this father/daughter moment. She’d been pushing for this. “Who’s going to cook dinner if I hang out in the corral with you two?”

  “Unless you have something complicated planned, why don’t we just throw burgers on the grill? Those frozen patties?” he suggested.

  “I want a hot dog,” Cassie said.

  “That would work.” He shrugged, and it was impossible to know how he felt when he met her gaze. “Cassie wants you there, so what do you say, Grace?”

  “Just so everyone is clear, there won’t be fresh blueberry muffins.” She waited for someone to object. “All right, then. I wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Yay!” Cassie grabbed her father’s big hand in both of hers and tugged. “Let’s go.”

  “Last one to the barn is a rotten egg,” he told her.

  “Not me.” Cassie took off out the back door.

  Logan started after her, then glanced over his shoulder. “You coming?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay.” He pulled the door wide and let her precede him.

  “You made her so happy, Logan. Did you see her face?” Grace glanced up and saw him smile.

  “Yeah. I felt pretty good about that.” As they walked down the rocky slope, he grabbed her arm when her heel hit a big stone and made her stumble.

  His touch burned like fire, and her stomach clenched. Suddenly it was hard to breathe. For a couple of beats, she was unable to form a coherent response. “You should feel good. I guarantee that this is the right thing to do.”

  “It feels right.” The confidence in his voice was new.

  As a teacher, Grace had so many rewarding experiences, but none more than this breakthrough. It was a turning point for him as a father. Proof that he could have a positive influence on his daughter if he let himself get involved. Grace felt a lump in her throat and was glad he didn’t say anything else just then that required a response. She couldn’t form one. Moments later they walked into the barn, where the little girl was waiting.

  “You guys are both rotten eggs.” Cassie gave them a triumphant look.

  “It’s Grace’s fault,” he said. “She’s slow.”

  “Them’s fightin’ words. I was just being polite, keeping you company. Next time watch out. No more being nice. I will take you down.”

  “No way, although I look forward to it,” Logan teased back. “I can beat you running backward.”

  “That I’d like to see—”

  “Guys.” Cassie’s arms were folded over her chest, and there was a stern little look on her face. “You’re keeping Chocolate waiting.”

  “Who knew a horse could be so bossy,” Grace said to Logan in a voice only he could hear.

  “I noticed.” He put his hand on the little girl’s shoulder and steered her to a small room in the barn. “I have a surprise for you.”

  “What is it, Daddy?”

  “If I told you it wouldn’t be a surprise.” He pointed to a bag on the workbench in the tack room.

  Cassie ran over, and her body was quivering with excitement when she pulled a sparkly pink bicycle helmet out of the bag. “For me?”

  “Protective head gear,” he confirmed. “I made a quick trip into town for it this morning. Every beginning rider should wear one. It’s like a crown for the corral.”

  “I love it. Thank you, Daddy.”

  “You’re welcome, baby girl.”

  Wow, Grace thought, if Logan kept this up, he would be a hands-down favorite for Father of the Year. “Way to go.”

  Logan smiled at her praise, then was all business. “Now it’s time to saddle up Chocolate.”

  As he did that, he explained to his daughter everything he was doing and why he was doing it, even though she was too little to handle this herself. Or even remember everything. He was planting seeds, making every moment a teachable one.

  Grace would bet everything she was saving for a house that Logan’s grandfather had started his training like this. The parental instinct groundwork had been put in place even though he didn’t yet realize it. He’d just needed a push to take a leap of faith.

  When Chocolate was all set, he looked at his helmeted daughter. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes!”

  “Okay.�
�� He scooped her into his arms and settled her in the saddle, then handed her the reins. “Remember, hold them firmly but don’t tug. That’s what happened yesterday, and Chocolate got confused and nervous.”

  “Okay, Daddy.”

  He walked toward the barn’s exit into the corral, and the horse moved with him. In a quiet, reassuring voice he reminded Cassie to sit up straight, let her body go with the animal’s movement and learn to feel her balance. He showed her how to signal the horse if she wanted him to go left, right or increase his pace.

  “You’re doing a great job, Cass.” There was parental pride in his expression and his tone. “You’re a natural.”

  “Must be in the genes,” Grace commented.

  “My legs are in my jeans.” Cassie took it literally, making them laugh. She looked indignant. “What’s so funny?”

  “Grace just meant that you take after me,” Logan explained.

  “Mommy says I look like you.” Cassie kept her eyes straight ahead, watching where she was going as instructed.

  “Your mom is right,” Grace said. “And I see a lot of your mom’s even-tempered personality in you.”

  “When’s Mommy comin’ home?”

  “Not too much longer.” Logan’s voice seemed unusually deep.

  What did that mean? Grace had been aware that the days were flying by and there was only a short amount of time left on her employment contract. But for some reason the words hit her squarely in the chest, right around her heart. There would be only a few more days like this one. She was here in the corral because Cassie had insisted and Logan had agreed.

  She’d been wanted.

  The joy of that realization spilled through her before her old friend loneliness pushed it away. The irony didn’t escape her. Grace had insisted on yesterday’s riding lesson because she couldn’t bear the thought of Logan keeping himself cut off from the people he loved. Because she would be leaving soon. She’d tried not to become attached to Cassie and Logan but had failed miserably. So she was the one who would be cut off.

  She was going to miss both of them terribly when she went back to Buckskin Pass.

  * * *

  “Mommy’s here!” Cassie had been in a flurry of expectation ever since Tracy called to let them know she was back from her trip and would come by late in the afternoon to pick her up. The little girl had been looking out the window for a while now, and the wait was finally over.