“Well, well, well,” Avery said. “What do we have here?”

Jennifer raised her hand, palm out. “Stop. Don’t say anything that will make me regret coming here more than I already do.” She took a deep breath. “Do you still want a riding coach?”

“Maybe.”

“If I give you lessons, I need something in return. I need to learn how to use a sword.”

“Why ask me?”

She hesitated, then said, “My mother’s instructor is unavailable. I called your captain to ask about your unit’s saber instructor.”

“Which is me.”

Her gaze locked with his. “If you’re worried our past relationship will get in the way, I can assure you it won’t. You want to win the Sheridan Cup. I want to keep my mother’s commitment. We can work together to make this happen or we can fail separately. It’s up to you.”

“No strings attached?”

“None.”

Jennifer ignored the nagging little voice that said keeping things businesslike might prove more difficult than expected.

PATRICIA DAVIDS

Patricia Davids continues to work as a part-time nurse in the NICU while writing full-time. She enjoys researching new stories, traveling to new locations and meeting fans along the way. She and her husband of thirty-two years live in Wichita, Kansas, along with the newest addition to the household, a stray cat named Spooky. Pat always enjoys hearing from her readers. You can contact her by mail at P.O. Box 16714, Wichita, Kansas 67216, or visit her on the Web at www.patriciadavids.com.

A Military Match
Patricia Davids

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.

— Proverbs 21:31

This book is dedicated to my brother, Bob Stroda—

a real cowboy and a funny, funny guy. Thanks

for putting up with your bossy big sister and for

making me laugh more times than I can count.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Questions for Discussion

Chapter One

“S tay here…and honk if you see anyone going inside.”

Jennifer Grant pushed open the door of her old dark blue pickup, but paused to glance at her passenger. “Got it?”

Fifteen-year-old Lizzie Grant, the second of Jennifer’s three younger siblings, hooked a lock of curly brown hair behind one ear. She didn’t bother looking up from her math book. “I’ve got it.”

“I’m serious.” Jennifer stressed each word.

Lizzie shut her book and pulled her pink T-shirt collar up to cover the lower half of her face, mocking her sister’s intensity. She glanced in all directions. “Have no fear, Agent Double oh six, Double oh seven is on the job.”

“Don’t be a smart aleck.”

Dropping the fabric, Lizzie opened her book again. “Fine. Then stop acting like a wimp. If I see Avery, which is who you’re really trying to avoid, I’ll honk three times so you’ll know your ex-boyfriend is coming.”

“Very funny.” Jennifer gave her sister a dour look, but knew in her heart that Lizzie was right. Private Avery Barnes was exactly who she wanted to avoid.

“Why do we have to do this now?” Lizzie demanded. “It’s Saturday.”

“Because Dr. Cutter needs the follow-up films on Dakota’s leg done today.” And because Avery should be away from the stable for at least another hour.

Sighing with teenage impatience, Lizzie focused on her homework once more. “Is it going to take long? I don’t want to be late and neither should you.”

“It’ll take ten minutes, tops. I can get you to your chess meeting, drop the films off at the Large Animal Clinic and still get to my horse show on time.”

Jennifer was used to making the most of the limited hours in her day. To save time, she was already dressed in her tan riding breeches and white shirt beneath her pale blue lab coat. Her black show jacket hung in a garment bag behind the driver’s seat. Her knee-high riding boots, polished to a high shine, sat ready to be pulled on before she took the field.

After she stepped out of the truck, Jennifer pulled a large yellow case from the front seat and glanced around. The narrow strip of white gravel between the close, single-story stone buildings reflected the heat of the warm September morning. The parking area contained only a few cars, but one was the sleek lapis-blue Jaguar she knew belonged to Avery.

Glancing into the horse trailer hitched behind her truck, she saw McCloud, her gray ten-year-old gelding, standing quietly, his head up and eyes alert. It was a sign he was ready to get down to business. Both of them needed to be on their game today or she would have wasted an entry fee.

Money was tight in the Grant household, and the possibility that she could earn an extra five hundred dollars in prize money wasn’t to be taken lightly. Her riding, plus her work for Dr. Cutter, were paying her way though vet school. This semester’s fees were due in the next few weeks and she didn’t yet have the full amount she needed.

She walked quickly to the wide doorway of the old limestone and timber stable, pausing to check down the dim, cobblestone paved corridor. It was empty. She glanced over her shoulder at a small building a dozen yards away. It housed the offices of the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard at Fort Riley, Kansas.

No one stepped out to greet her. She relaxed and blew out the breath she had been holding. She had permission to be here, she just didn’t want to encounter a certain soldier.

The men who made up Fort Riley’s unique cavalry living history unit should be at their training corrals now. When the unit wasn’t performing around the country they practiced daily to hone their exceptional equestrian skills and train their horses. She didn’t expect anyone back for at least another hour.

Part of her was glad that the maddening Avery Barnes was nowhere in sight. Another part of her half-hoped she’d be able to show him exactly how little she cared if he was. Grasping her equipment case tightly, she walked down the corridor to the last stall on the left.

Inside the old building, the air was cool and laced with the smell of horses, hay and oiled leather. All scents she loved. Opening the upper half of the Dutch door, she spoke softly to the brown horse dozing with his head lowered near the back wall. “Hey, Dakota. What’re ya doing?”

When his head came up and she was sure he wasn’t startled by her presence, she opened the lower half of the door, stepped inside and held out her hand. Dakota whinnied and came to collect the slice of apple resting in her palm.

She patted his neck as she checked behind her. There was still no one in sight.

“Okay, fella, let’s make this quick. I want to get done before you-know-who shows up.”

Dropping to her knees, she felt along Dakota’s leg, checking for any tenderness or swelling. To her satisfaction she didn’t find anything but a nicely healed scar on the big bay’s pasturn. She popped open the fasteners on the cumbersome yellow case and removed the new portable X-ray machine her boss and mentor, equine surgeon Dr. Brian Cutter, had entrusted her with.

It only took a few minutes to set up and position the machine, and get Dakota to stand with his foot on the X-ray cassette. Taking the series of shots Brian needed to monitor the healing progress of Dakota’s fractured leg took only a couple minutes more. She propped one used cassette against the side of the stall behind her so she wouldn’t accidentally take two exposures on it, and set up for one final shot.

“Well, well, look who’s here. If it isn’t my darling Jenny.”

As always, the broad New England accent in his deep voice did funny things to the pit of her stomach. Apparently just telling herself she was over him wasn’t enough.

When Avery had asked her out the previous winter, Jenny had been flattered but cautious. His playboy reputation was no secret. She’d accepted because she’d sensed that beneath that smooth charm was a lonely man who needed her, and God, in his life.

Getting Avery to open up proved more difficult than she had imagined, but because she cared about him, she hadn’t been willing to give up. Jennifer Grant never walked away from a challenge.

In the end, she’d turned to a mutual friend, Lindsey Cutter, for help. Avery and Lindsey had served together in the CGMCG. Lindsey told her that Avery had joined the army after a falling-out with his only remaining family member, his grandfather.

Sensing she had found the key to understanding him, Jennifer had tried repeatedly to talk to Avery about his family, but he shut her out. After wrestling with her conscience, she’d made the decision to contact his grandfather herself. Her good intentions blew up in her face. Avery had found out and had been furious.

Their breakup that day at her clinic was both public and humiliating. Then, as if to prove he’d never really cared about her, Avery spent the next several weeks dating a series of Jenny’s classmates.

Which only confirmed that he didn’t care about me.

Choosing to ignore her reaction to the sound of his voice, Jennifer snapped the last shot, braced herself, then rose to face him.

Lizzie was in so much trouble. A heads-up really would have been nice.

Leaning with his tan forearms resting on the half door, he grinned at her with a cocky smile that had probably melted more female hearts than she could count. It had certainly softened hers the first time she saw it. Fortunately, she knew him better now. Un fortunately, the lesson had been an emotionally painful one to learn.

He wore the unit’s standard issue red T-shirt. His matching red ball cap was pushed back on his head revealing his military-cut dark brown hair above his deep-set hazel eyes.

Eyes that a woman could get lost in—if she didn’t have the good sense to see Avery Barnes for what he was—a playboy who broke hearts without a second thought.

“I’m not your anything, Private Barnes, and you know that I don’t like being called Jenny.”

It had taken months, but she had patched her heart back together with will power and hard work. She wasn’t about to let him think she still cared. She didn’t. She was so over him.

“It’s Corporal Barnes now. I’ve been promoted since we last met and now that you mention it, Jenny, I do recall that you don’t like being called Jenny.”

“I’m busy. Go away if you can’t be nice.” She imbued her voice with as much toughness as she could muster.

A second soldier came up to stand beside Avery. Jennifer recognized another member of the mounted color guard. Private Lee Gillis was dressed in the same red shirt with the unit’s logo embroidered on it. His smile, unlike Avery’s, showed genuine warmth.

“Hi, Jennifer,” Lee said brightly. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be riding in the Deerfield Open today.”

Lee, like many soldiers assigned to the CGMCG, had never been on a horse before his transfer into the special unit a year ago. Everyone who came into the unit trained in cavalry tactic from manuals the U.S. Army had used during the Civil War. Once exposed to the world of equestrian sports, Lee had quickly become a fan of all things horse related, particularly show jumping and dressage. Jennifer often saw him at the local events when she was competing.

“Yes, Jenny, what are you doing here?” Avery interjected with mock interest. “Besides looking for me.”

“I have absolutely no interest in seeing you. Dr. Cutter sent me to take Dakota’s follow up films this month and if you call me Jenny one more time, I’m going to make you regret it.”

Avery shook his head as he gave her a reproachful look. “Shame on you—threatening a member of the U.S. military. I could get you in serious trouble for that.”

Jennifer smiled at Lee. “You’ll short sheet his bed or put a large snake in it for me, won’t you?”

Lee’s eyes brightened. “Gladly.”

Folding her arms over her chest, she said, “You see, Avery, I can get to you whenever I want.”

“Lee, do you know why she doesn’t like to be called Jenny?”

Holding up both hands, Lee took a step back. “I think you two should leave me out of this.”

“Because a jenny is a female donkey,” Avery said with a smirk. “Can you see the resemblance? Cute, with big ears and a long nose that gets into everyone’s business, and too stubborn for her own good—that’s my Jenny in a nutshell.”

“I didn’t come here to be abused by you. I’m here to do a job and you’re interfering. Do I need to tell Captain Watson that you’re ignoring your own work and keeping me from doing mine? I’m sure it won’t be the first time he’s heard that you’re slacking.”

“She’s got you there, Avery.” Grinning, Lee slapped his buddy on the back then walked away.

“You can tattle to the captain if it makes you feel better, Jenny, but the truth is I’m not doing a thing to prevent you from working. I’m just standing here watching.”

Jennifer bit back a retort. The last thing she wanted was to get into a verbal battle with the man. Instead, she turned away and stuffed the X-ray machine into the carrying case before snapping it shut. “I’m finished anyway.”

Picking up the case, she spun around and marched toward the stall door. Avery pulled it open, swept his arm out and bowed low in a courtly gesture as she passed. She wasn’t sure, but she thought she heard him chuckling behind her.

The man was insufferable. Why she had ever considered him handsome and interesting was a complete mystery.

The bright sunshine made her squint after the dimness of the barn’s interior. She shaded her eyes with one hand as she crossed to her truck and yanked open the door. After depositing the equipment inside, she slid behind the wheel.

“Thanks a lot, Lizzie. I thought I told you to honk if you saw anyone coming.”

Tapping her lips with her pencil, Lizzie frowned at her book. “I didn’t see anyone.”

Jennifer took a few deep breaths before inserting her key in the ignition. “Dr. Cutter is just going to have to get one of his other students to come do these films.”

“Didn’t you volunteer to do them?” Lizzie scowled as she wrote in her notebook.

“I did, but good grades are only worth so much aggravation.”

“Oh, he was there.” Lizzie turned the page and copied a set of numbers on her paper.

“I could care less about Avery Barnes,” Jennifer stated firmly, hoping to convince herself as much as her sister.

“You were drooling over him last winter when the army had Dakota at your clinic.”

“I don’t recall drooling over anyone.”

“You went out with him last winter and every other word out of your mouth was Avery this and Avery that and Avery is so charming.”

Jennifer still wasn’t certain how she could have been so mistaken about him. Her first impression had been that Avery was devoted to his friends and to helping care for injured animals. Both were qualities she greatly admired. She had sensed something special in him. She had begun to see a future with him.

A future, as it turns out, based on foolish daydreams with no basis in reality.

“He’s charming all right. He’s also as shallow as a petri dish. We saw each other for a few months, but then I learned how superficial and self-centered he really is.”

“Why? Because he stopped asking you out?”

Her sister’s comment hit a little too close to home. “I’m not having this conversation with you.”

Rolling her eyes, Lizzie said, “Whatever. If we don’t get going, I’ll be late for my chess club.”

Jennifer started the engine and checked her rearview mirror as she pulled away from the stable, but she wasn’t granted another glimpse of the unbearable Avery Barnes.

Which was just as well, she decided as she headed toward the checkpoint at the east entrance of the post. If she never had to see him again, it would be too soon.

Chapter Two

A s Avery listened to the sound of Jennifer’s truck driving away, he tried to ignore the ache in the back of his throat. He rubbed his hands on the sides of his jeans and hoped the fact that she still took his breath away had gone unnoticed. Acting like a jerk wasn’t usually so hard.

He hadn’t expected to see her again after the painful brush off he’d given her. Certainly not here in his company’s stable. The harshness of his behavior after their breakup pricked what little conscience he had left, but he tried to ignore that, too.

He thought he’d put his feelings for her behind him. Now, standing here with the lingering scent of her perfume filling him with warmth, he knew he hadn’t. It had been a long time since a woman had affected his equilibrium the way Jennifer Grant did.

It wasn’t that she was such a knockout in the looks department. She wasn’t overly tall, but she had a trim figure and a self-assured way of tossing her blond hair back with a flip of her hand that made a man sit up and take notice. Her nose had a little bump in the middle that the women in his circles would have had smoothed out by a plastic surgeon before they finished high school.

Jennifer’s appeal wasn’t in her deep blue eyes or in her looks. It was how she looked at others. Her kindness and her compassion lit her from the inside like a candle in the darkness. She was unlike anyone he had ever met. The only trouble with Jennifer was that she never knew when to quit.

His first reaction when he saw her today in Dakota’s stall had been a surge of happiness. He was thankful her back had been turned and he’d had time to school his features into a smirk he knew would annoy her.

What he should have done was keep walking and let her leave without speaking to her. Even now he wasn’t sure why he’d felt compelled to engage her in conversation. He knew she wouldn’t have anything nice to say to him. Perhaps he had been hoping for a tongue lashing from her. Maybe he even had it coming.

Dakota thrust his head out the stall door and whinnied after Jennifer. Avery reached up to scratch the horse behind his ear. “Sorry I ran her off, big boy. I know you like her.”

Dakota had gone through a rough time after his fracture the previous autumn. For a while, it had looked like the horse wouldn’t survive. Jennifer had been one of the people involved in his care, and his recovery was due in part to the hours she spent helping take care of him.

Avery remembered Dakota’s stay at the Large Animal Clinic with more fondness than the circumstances warranted. It had been Jennifer’s company, her upbeat attitude and her bossy but kind nature that had helped everyone from the mounted color guard cope during those difficult days.

It was only later that Avery had realized what a danger she posed to his peace of mind. She was far too likable—and good. Definitely not what he looked for in the women he dated.

He patted Dakota’s neck. “If she wasn’t so cute when she gets mad I might have been able to stop egging her on. Did you see the way that fire leaps in those deep blue eyes?” Giving himself a mental shake for discussing Jennifer with a horse, Avery walked on toward the equipment room.

Lee came out of the door with two long-handled pitchforks and handed one to Avery. It was their turn to muck out the stalls before the rest of the unit returned from exercising the horses.

“Why do you razz Jennifer like that?” Lee asked as he pushed a wheelbarrow toward the first empty stall.

Avery wasn’t in the habit of sharing his feelings or explaining his actions. He shrugged. “She can take it.”

“And dish it out, but you seem to take a special delight in ruffling her feathers. What did she ever do to you?”

“Nothing.”

“I seem to remember that the two of you had a thing going for a while. What happened?”

“We went out a couple of times. It didn’t work.” Avery began pitching the straw from the first stall into the wheelbarrow.

Lee stopped and grinned at him. “She dumped you.”

“Get real. Women don’t dump me.”

Only one had. After that, he never gave another woman the chance. He was always the first to call it quits in a relationship.

“Jennifer didn’t fall for your smooth-talking ways, did she? That must have bruised your ego.”

“My ego is unscathed, thank you. It just so happens the woman can’t leave well enough alone.”

“What does that mean?”

“She wanted me to go to church with her.”

Lee resumed his work. “I go to church. It wouldn’t hurt you to give it a try.”

“Believing that someone or something is in charge of my life doesn’t do it for me. Anyway, she didn’t stop there. After I turned her down and expressed my views on the subject, she made a point of telling all the women at the clinic to steer clear of me.”

“So that’s what the big ears and long nose comment was about?”

“She thinks she knows what’s best for everyone.” She thought she knew what was best for him.

“I heard she was the one who got Dr. Cutter and Lindsey Mandel to patch things up. Now look at them.”

“Exactly. They’re married. In a year they’ll both be miserable and filing for divorce because they hate each other.”

Lee paused and leaned on his pitchfork. “Not every marriage ends in misery.”

“Enough do. If flying in a plane was as risky as marriage, nobody would be racking up frequent flyer miles.”

One look at his parents’ marriage and his own near miss proved his point.

“That’s a grim view.”

“I call it like I see it.”

“I wonder if that’s true.” Lee propped his pitchfork against the wall and lifted the handles of the wheelbarrow.

Avery looked at him sharply. “What does that mean?”

“It means you might not want to admit it, but you’ve still got a thing for Jennifer.” Lee maneuvered the loaded cart out the doorway, leaving Avery to stare after him.

Jennifer pulled up in front of the youth center at the Community Christian Church and checked her watch. “See, I told you I’d get you here on time. Is your math done? You know I’m not going to let you shirk your school work just to have a wild time with your chess-loving friends.”

Lizzie scribbled one more number on her sheet and snapped the textbook shut. “I’m done.”

“Okay, but I still need to check it before I turn you loose.”

Handing over her work, Lizzie said, “Like that’s a surprise. You’re way stricter than Mom is.”

“That’s because, unlike our mother, I believe your education is more important than a silly hobby.”

As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Jennifer’s conscience pricked her. She shouldn’t be criticizing her mother’s behavior, or calling her sister’s hobby silly.

Still, Mary Grant’s obsession with history and re-enacting the life of frontier widow Henrietta Dutton had been taking up more and more of her time. Her involvement with the local historical society’s plans for the town’s upcoming Founder’s Day Festival had turned into a time-consuming passion that left all of her kids feeling ignored.

There were times when Jennifer wondered if the line between reality and re-enactment were blurring a bit too much even for their eccentric mother.

“Your horse shows are a hobby,” Lizzie said defensively.

“Yes, they are, but I don’t let them interfere with my education or my job.”

Someone in the family had to keep a level head. Since her father’s death eight years ago, that lot had fallen to Jennifer. It wasn’t that she resented it, because she did love her family, but there were times when she felt stifled in responsibility.

She glanced at her sister’s downcast face and realized that she had sounded much too stern. Reaching over, she playfully tweaked Lizzie’s nose. “Only God and shoe shopping are more important. Right?”

Jennifer was rewarded with the smile she had been hoping for. Lizzie rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Whatever. Is my math right?”

Jennifer checked it. “As usual, it’s perfect. Go on and have a good time.”

Lizzie pushed open her door, hopped out and slung her tattered black backpack over one shoulder. “Bobby Pinkerton has been telling everyone he’s going to beat me in fifteen moves. I can’t wait to make him eat his words.”

Jennifer grinned. “You go, girl. Trounce that boy.”

“I will. I hope you and McCloud win today, too.”

“If we do, I’ll get pizza for supper. Mom is picking you up, right?”

“Yup. I told her four o’clock.”

A teenage girl came racing across the parking lot and Jennifer recognized her as one of Lizzie’s friends. Slamming the door shut, Lizzie hurried toward her friend and the two of them entered the building.

After dropping her sister off, Jennifer drove a few more miles to the Kansas State University campus. The Large Animal Clinic was part of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Jennifer’s boss, Dr. Brian Cutter, was the chief equine surgeon at the facility.

She parked her truck and trailer at the side of the building. Getting out, she turned and grabbed the X-ray machine. The second she did, she realized her mistake.

“Oh, I can’t believe it!” She stamped her foot in sheer frustration.

“What’s wrong, Jennifer?”

She whirled around to see Brian coming out of the building. Dressed in his usual dark slacks and pristine white lab coat, he leaned heavily on his cane as he walked toward her. Under his arm, he held a small, tan pet carrier.

Jennifer’s shoulders slumped as she admitted her mistake. “I took the films you wanted of Dakota’s leg, but I left one of the cassettes in his stall. Can you send someone else to get it?”

“It’s Saturday. No one is in today except Deborah and I, and of course, Isabella.” He nodded toward the crate under his arm where his pet rabbit rested, her nose pressed against the cage door and quivering with excitement.

The brown French lop was a favorite with everyone who worked at the clinic. She had the run of Brian’s office plus a small enclosed pen outside the building where she happily napped in the shade or nibbled grass. It was well known that she had her owner and half the staff wrapped around her dainty paw.

Jennifer sighed. “I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that Isabella doesn’t have a driver’s license.”

He grinned. “Not even a learner’s permit.”

“And if an emergency came in they would need you and you need Deborah to answer the phone and check people in, so that leaves me to make the trip back to the fort. Are you sure you need the films today?”

“Very sure. My grant money depends on accurate and up-to-date information on the results of my gene therapy subjects. The bone growth study Dakota is part of is one of my most important projects. I wouldn’t ask you to make another trip to the fort if I didn’t need it today. Do you want me to call and see if they have someone who can bring it over?”

Jennifer checked her watch and blew her breath out through pursed lips. She didn’t want to miss her competition, but she didn’t want Avery doing her work for her. “No, I’ll go back.”

“Before you leave, I wanted to ask if you could rabbit-sit for a few days. Well, actually a week. Lindsey and I are going out of town and I know how much you like Isabella. We’d pay you the same as last time.”

“I’d be happy to watch her.” Every extra dime helped, but Jennifer would have done it for free.

“Great.” He deposited Isabella in her run and took the X-ray case from Jennifer. “I’m sorry you have to make a second trip to the post. This won’t make you miss your show, will it?”

“No, I can still get there.” She smiled but it took more effort than usual.

Getting back into her truck, she made a tight turn and sped out of the parking lot back toward the fort. If she picked up the film and got back in thirty minutes, she could still make her events, but it wouldn’t leave her much time to warm up McCloud. The show jumping would be first with the more intricate dressage class scheduled for the afternoon. If she missed the first event she could still enter the later one, but only the horse and rider with the best overall score in both classes would win the top prize money being offered.

It was money she sorely needed. Both her younger brothers had outgrown last year’s school clothes and she had noticed Lizzie’s backpack was falling apart. Every extra bit of cash came in handy to help her mother support a family of four children and two horses.

Ten minutes later, Jennifer stopped at the gates of the fort to hand over her identification. As she waited for permission to enter, she mentally braced herself to face Avery again. Having to admit he had rattled her enough to make her forget her job was a sobering thought.

After being waved through the checkpoint, she quickly drove to the stables and parked beside them. She got out of her truck just as a black limousine drove up and stopped in front of the CGMCG office building. A chauffeur in a dark blue uniform stepped out and moved to open the door for his passenger. A white-haired man in a beautifully tailored gray pinstriped suit emerged.

Distinguished was the first word that popped into Jennifer’s mind when she saw him. Money was the second word.

She tilted her head as she studied him. There was something familiar about him, but he entered the office building before she could place where she might have seen him before.

It didn’t matter. What mattered was getting her job done and getting to her contest on time. She got out of her vehicle and walked boldly into the stable all the while praying she wouldn’t run into Avery again.

Reaching Dakota’s stall without meeting anyone, she opened the door and stepped inside, speaking softly to the big bay who had his nose buried in his feed bucket. The X-ray film cassette was exactly where she had left it leaning against the wall. Snatching it up, she turned and started toward the door when she heard someone call Avery’s name.

“Coming,” he shouted back. He was just outside.

Without thinking, Jennifer dropped into a crouch behind the half door. He must have been in the tack room on the other side of the walkway. She heard the creak of the door and his boots on the stone floor, but they didn’t pass by. They stopped right outside Dakota’s stall.

Jennifer closed her eyes and let her chin drop onto her chest. Realizing just what a ridiculous position she had placed herself in, she tried to think of a way to exit with her dignity intact but couldn’t come up with anything.

“What are you doing here?” Avery demanded with cool disdain.

Chapter Three

J ennifer looked up expecting to see Avery glaring at her over the stall door, but the space above her was empty. He wasn’t talking to her.

“Can’t I pay my only grandson a visit?”

It was Avery’s grandfather. The man Jennifer had tried and failed to contact. His dragon of a secretary had refused to put Jennifer’s call through the day she’d attempted to call.

“I don’t have anything to say to you. Did she put you up to this?” Avery’s cold tone made Jennifer cringe.

Great! He’s going to blame me, anyway.

“I don’t know who you’re talking about. No one put me up to this. Coming here was my own idea. Can’t we at least try to let bygones be bygones?”

“Why should I?”

“I thought perhaps you would have seen the error of your ways by now.”

“I knew you didn’t come to apologize.”

“I have nothing to apologize for. I was protecting you. You would see that if you opened your eyes.”

Jennifer pressed a hand to her mouth. Her foolish pride had placed her in the awkward position of eavesdropping on a family quarrel. There was no other way out of the stall. She braced herself to stand up and let them know she was there when Avery’s next words stopped her.

“I don’t have to stay and listen to this.”

Jennifer heard his footsteps moving away and she breathed a sigh of relief. She just might get out of this with her dignity intact.

“She didn’t love you. All she cared about was your money,” Avery’s grandfather called out loudly.

“No, all you ever cared about was money,” Avery shot back.

“It never bothered you to spend the money I earn,” the older man answered sharply. “You never had to work for anything…and that was my fault as much as anyone’s.”

“What you really mean is that I’ll never amount to anything. I’ve heard this speech before.”

“I have been guilty of saying that in the past, that’s true, but I simply wanted you to stop wasting your life.”

“It’s my life. Which is something you never understood.”

Dakota had finished his meal and walked over to Jennifer. He nickered softly and nuzzled at her pocket. She pushed his head away. He gave a loud snort and she tensed. He snorted again and whinnied.

“Shh,” she whispered with her fingertips pressed to her lips, hoping to quiet him and praying the men wouldn’t notice anything unusual.

“Thanks for the visit, Grandfather. I’m sure you can find your own way out.” Avery’s voice drifted to her from the front of the barn and she knew he had walked away.

“Wait!” the older man called out. “I didn’t mean for this to become one of our shouting matches. Please come back.”

There was no answer. Jennifer heard his heavy sigh, then his unsteady footsteps faded, too.

A wave of sympathy engulfed her. How terribly sad for both men. Avery had always avoided talking about his family except to tell her that his parents were dead. He had never mentioned his grandfather. Now she knew why.

Rising, she opened the stall door and stepped out. A few feet away, the elderly man from the limousine sat on a bale of straw. His eyes opened wide at the sight of her.

Heat rushed to her cheeks. “I’m so sorry,” she stammered. “I didn’t mean to, but I couldn’t help…overhearing.”

He closed his eyes and waved his hand. “It doesn’t matter. I’ve lost him. He’s all I have and he hates me.”

The resignation and pain in his voice touched her deeply.

“You mustn’t think that. There is always a chance for reconciliation.”

He shook his head. “You don’t know all that stands between us.”

She took a step closer. “You’re right. I don’t, but I do know that faith is a powerful tool. Faith and hard work can overcome the most insurmountable problems.”

“Wise advice from someone so young, but my grandson isn’t the forgiving kind.”

The old man tried to rise to his feet, but sat down abruptly with his hand pressed to his chest. Beads of sweat popped out on his forehead and his face grew bright red. She dropped to her knees in front of him. “Are you okay?”

Nodding, he fumbled at the breast pocket of his jacket. He pulled out a small, dark glass bottle but couldn’t hold on to it. It tumbled from his trembling hand. Jennifer caught it before it hit the stone floor.

A quick glance at the prescription label confirmed her suspicions. It was heart medication.

She opened the cap and shook one tiny white tablet onto her palm. Pinching it between her thumb and forefinger, she held it out to him. “Put this under your tongue.”

He nodded, took the pill from her and put it in his mouth. She closed her hand around his wrist to check his pulse. It was fast, but not irregular. “I’m going to call 9-1-1.”

He managed a tight smile. “No. The medicine will help. I don’t need an ambulance.”

“Shall I get Avery?”

Shaking his head, he said, “I don’t want him to see me like this.”

“Sir, you aren’t well. You grandson should know that.”

“I’m fine now.”

Although she was relieved to see his color returning to normal and his voice growing stronger, his statement didn’t fool her. “Not to be disrespectful, sir, but you are not fine. Those pills are for angina. If you are having heart pain, you need to see a doctor, ASAP.”

“I thought perhaps I was talking to one.”

“Me? I’m a veterinary student. Give me a lame horse and I can help, but I don’t treat people.”

“That is a pity.” He patted her hand. “You have an excellent bedside manner and you’re much prettier than the crusty old fellow who treats me.”

She relaxed a fraction and smiled at his teasing. “Flattery—while always deeply appreciated—will get you nowhere.”

“I really am feeling better. As you must have heard, I’m Avery’s grandfather. My name is Edmond Barnes. I don’t believe I caught your name, young lady.”

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Barnes. I’m Jennifer Grant and I should still call an ambulance.”

He rose to his feet. “I’ll simply refuse treatment.”

Rising, she planted her hands on her hips. “When I first saw you I thought I noticed something familiar. Now I see the resemblance. You and Avery share the same strong chin, the same eyes and the same hole in your head where your common sense belongs.”

He chuckled. “You must have more than a passing acquaintance with my grandson.”

Heat rose in her cheeks. “We’ve met,” she admitted.

Edmond studied her intently. “What do you think of him?”

His question caught her off guard. Should she tell the truth, or amend it to make a sick old man feel better? She didn’t want to do either. “Perhaps you should ask his commanding officer that question.”

“I’m asking you.”

“Avery and I don’t exactly see eye-to-eye on things,” she admitted slowly. “Sometimes, I think he is his own worst enemy.”

“That’s very astute.” Edmond began walking toward the stable door. Jennifer took his elbow to steady him. When they reached his car, his driver got out and opened the door for him.

Edmond paused, but glanced back at her and said, “When I was a young man, I started a small real estate firm. Over my lifetime I turned it into a multi-million dollar corporation. I learned to read people well and quickly because I had to, but I’ve never been able to tell what Avery is thinking.”

Jennifer hesitated, then found herself saying, “You shouldn’t give up on him.”

Where had that come from? She was the last person who should be sticking up for Avery.

“I’ll admit things didn’t go well today, but thanks to my crusty doctor and a triple bypass surgery, I’ve been given the chance to make things right. I’m not giving up on my grandson. I’ll find a way to reach him.”

She smiled. “Good.”

“Thank you again for your kindness, Miss Grant.”

After he drove away, Jennifer glanced at her watch. If she left right now she might just make the first round of jumping at the Deerfield Open. Even though she knew she should leave, she found herself staring toward the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard office.

Edmond Barnes was a sick man who wanted to reconcile with his grandson. Could she help? Had God placed her here today for that reason? If it were only Avery’s feelings to consider she might drive off without a backward glance. She bit her lip in indecision.

As if summoned by her thoughts of him, the office door opened and Avery stepped out into the sunshine. “I saw your truck was here again. Where were you? Hiding in the hay loft?”

“I forgot an X-ray film in Dakota’s stall. Avery, I honestly had nothing to do with his coming here.”

“A likely story. Just admit you can’t stay away from me, Jenny.”

She struggled with her rising indignation. Why did he have to turn everything into a joke? “Trust you to kill any kindness I might be feeling.”

“Kindness? Don’t tell me that manipulative old man made you feel sorry for me? Does he want you to help us patch things up?”

“Would that be such a bad thing?”

A shadow flickered in his eyes and she understood what Edmond had meant about not being able to read him.

“Careful, Jenny. Your nose is cute but it doesn’t belong in my business.” The edge in his voice should have been enough to send her on her way, but for some reason it wasn’t.

“Our families are an important part of who we are. You shouldn’t dismiss him out of hand. Forgiveness heals the forgiver as well as the forgiven.”

“Shame on you for eavesdropping.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks. She folded her arms across her chest. “I wasn’t eavesdropping. I accidentally overheard part of your conversation,” she conceded.

Raising one eyebrow, he asked, “How is that not eavesdropping?”

She glanced down at the toe of her work boot. “Okay, I’m sorry I didn’t let you know I was in Dakota’s stall.”

“Skip it, Jennifer. It doesn’t matter.” There was a touch of defeat in his tone.

She looked up and met his gaze. “I honestly didn’t mean to listen in on a private family matter. I am sorry.”

A smile twitched at the corner of his mouth. “I can’t believe I lived to see the day Miss Jenny Grant acknowledged a fault. I’m going to have to mark this on my calendar.”

Raising her chin a notch higher, she countered, “Unlike some people I know, I can admit when I’m wrong.”

“Unlike some people I know, I mind my own business.”

She touched a finger to her lips as she pressed them together, then pointed at him. “You know what? You’re right. It’s none of my business if you shun your own family, but in the end, you are the one who is going to suffer.”

The sound of horses approaching at a rapid trot heralded the return of the troop. Avery took a step closer to her. “Do you charge for your advice, Dr. Jenny? I hope not, because it isn’t worth anything.”

Jennifer drew a deep breath to keep from making another comment. No matter what she said, he would always find a way to have the last word at her expense.

She spun on her heels and marched to her truck. Trying to help Avery had been a total waste of time.

Avery started to go after Jennifer and apologize, but stopped himself. It was better to let her believe he was a complete jerk. That way she wouldn’t be tempted to interfere again. She was better off staying out of his family feud. His grandfather might pass himself off as a caring old man, but Avery knew better.

Edmond wasn’t above using anyone or anything to gain the upper hand. He had certainly proved that to Avery beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Yet the old man still possessed the ability to make Avery feel worthless and insignificant.

No one could live up to the expectations his grandfather had set. Avery had given up trying years ago. It wasn’t until he saw his grandfather again today that Avery realized he still cared what Edmond thought of him.

As the column of riders approached the stable yard, a jeep stopped on the roadway in front of them and a young corporal got out. Captain Watson reined his horse to a halt beside him as the rest of the unit continued on. The corporal saluted, handed the captain a thick envelope, then jumped in the jeep and drove off.

The previously quiet stable became a hive of activity around Avery as the group dismounted and led their animals into their stalls. The men’s jovial chatter, the eager nickering of hungry mounts and the clatter of iron shod hooves on the old cobblestone floors brought the stable to life as it had for more than a century.

Although Avery would never admit it out loud, he was proud of his part in keeping the cavalry’s heritage alive. He loved the unit and all it stood for. The army had been good to him.

Captain Watson rode up, dismounted and handed the reins to Avery. “Tell the men to gather in the ready room. We have new orders.”

“Yes, sir.” Avery saluted and led the captain’s horse into the barn where he passed the word, then rubbed down and stabled the captain’s mount.

Twenty minutes later, the sixteen soldiers of the Commanding General’s Mounted Color Guard were seated in gray folding chairs in a small meeting room at one end of the barn. They rose to their feet when Captain Watson walked in.

“Take your seats, men. As most of you know, the American Cavalry Competition is being held at Fort Riley this year and we’ve just received permission to participate.”

A cheer went up from the group. Grinning, the captain motioned for silence. “We also have three major performances scheduled during the next few weeks. That means a lot of travel for some of you, but I’m confident that this year we’re going to bring the Sheridan’s Cup back where it belongs. To the home of America’s cavalry!”

Avery observed the buzz of excitement in the group with mild amusement. The chance for the CGMCG to showcase their skills and outshine the unit that had won last year’s contest had them trash-talking like a pumped up high school football squad.

“Okay, men,” the captain continued. “This isn’t just about beating the socks off the Fort Humphrey boys. We’ll be facing police mounted units, National Guard mounted units and quite a few re-enactor units in the Platoon Drill event.

“All of you are free to enter the individual riding classes. They include Mounted Saber, Mounted Pistol, Military Horsemanship and Military Field Jumping. A plaque will also be awarded for the outstanding horse at the competition.”

“It should go to Dakota,” Lee suggested.

Captain Watson smiled. “Dakota has certainly earned a special place in this unit, but I’m not sure he is up to performing at such a high level. Dr. Cutter will give us his opinion on that soon.”

Avery had been riding Dakota in the various parades and performances where jumping and rapid stops weren’t required, but he suspected the horse was strong enough to compete.

Shuffling through the papers in his hand, the captain found the one he was seeking. “Winners of the individual events will be invited to compete in a combination test of skills for the Sheridan Cup. Besides the silver trophy and a one thousand dollar cash prize, the winner will have his name added to the bronze plaque displayed in the U.S. Cavalry Memorial Research Library. I don’t need to tell you that Command is hoping it will be a Fort Riley soldier this year.”

Captain passed out the entry forms to the men crowding around him and then dismissed the group. Avery rose and left the building. He had just reached his car when he heard Captain Watson call his name. Turning, he saw his commander approaching holding out a sheet of paper. “Aren’t you going to enter?”

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

The captain pressed his lips together and frowned. “The Sheridan Cup carries a lot of prestige for the brass here. You are better than anyone I’ve ever seen with a saber and just as good as most with a pistol. I think you could win.”

Taken aback by the praise, Avery found himself at a loss for words. In the back of his mind he heard his grandfather’s voice telling him he’d never amount to anything. Yet here was his captain, a man he admired, telling him he believed he could win the most coveted prize in the modern cavalry.

“I can’t order you to enter the individual classes,” the captain continued, “but I’m asking you to do it for the honor of this company.”

What if he entered and failed to win?

His grandfather would expect him to fail.

According to him, I fail at everything except spending money. So why do I still care what he thinks? I’m not a failure.

He did care what his captain and the men in the unit thought of him. Could he face disappointing them? “I’ll think about it, sir.”

“Let me know by tomorrow. Dakota is assigned to you, but you can pick another horse for the competition if Dr. Cutter doesn’t think Dakota should participate.”

Lee, who had been waiting nearby, came over after the captain walked away. “Are you going to enter?”

“I said I’d think about it.”

“You can enter, but don’t plan on winning.”

Avery cocked his head to the side. “And why is that?”

“I’ve seen a couple of the riders from the National Guard Volunteers in action. You’ll be outclassed.”

“You just heard the captain say that I’m the best he’s ever seen with a saber.”

“Oh, I agree, but that’s only a quarter of the overall score. You might be as good with a pistol as those boys, but they’ll ride you into the dirt in Military Horsemanship. That’s like dressage and no offence, but you stink at that.”

“Okay, my fancy riding could use some work. You seem to know so much about it, why don’t you give me a few lessons?”

“Me? I’m worse than you are. You need someone who really knows how to work with you and your horse.”

Avery glanced at the men leaving the building. “So which of the guys in the unit is better?”

Lee shoved his hands in his pockets. “I hate to say it, but most of us are pretty average.”

Exasperated, Avery said, “All right, you go to horse shows all the time. Who’s the best in this area? Who can I get a few pointers from?”

Lee burst out laughing.

Avery scowled at him. “What’s so funny?”

Controlling his mirth with difficulty, Lee managed to say, “Jennifer Grant is the best dressage rider in the area, but from what I’ve seen, she isn’t going to give you the time of day.”

Chapter Four

I t was almost dark by the time Jennifer turned into the gravel drive that led to her family’s double-wide mobile home on their twenty acres outside Dutton. To her relief she saw her mother’s green-and-white pickup and horse trailer sitting in front of their small barn. She had been half afraid that her mother wouldn’t be home yet.

The front stoop light came on and Lizzie, followed by twelve-year-old Toby and eight-year-old Ryan, piled out of the door to race toward her. She stopped beside the chain link fence that surrounded their tiny overgrown yard and rolled down her window.

“I smell pizza,” Toby shouted as he pulled open the gate.

Picking up the warm cardboard box from the seat beside her, Jennifer passed it out the window to her eager siblings.

Lizzie took the box, holding it over her head to keep Toby from grabbing it. “I told you she would win.”

Toby snatched the box from his sister’s hand. “I hope it’s pepperoni.”

Lizzie snatched it back. “I hope it’s cheese.”

“Be careful or it will be a dirt pizza,” Jennifer warned, but the two of them were already on their way into the house.

Ryan, the youngest and quietest of the Grant kids, looked up at Jennifer. “Did you win?”

She gave him a tired smile. “I won the dressage class.”

“But not the jumping class?”

“No.”

“Why? Did McCloud miss some jumps?”

“I wish I could blame him, but the truth is, I didn’t get there in time to enter.”

“Oh.” He shoved his hands in the pocket of his jeans and kicked at a bit of gravel with the toe of his shoe. “I guess that means you didn’t win enough to get me a new bike.”

“No. I’m sorry, sweetheart. I only won enough to cover the money I spent to enter, the pizza and feed for the horses.” Jennifer stepped out and began walking to the back of the trailer.

Ryan followed her. “That’s okay. I don’t really need it. It’s almost winter anyway.”

She wanted to hug him, but she knew he wouldn’t appreciate the gesture. He hadn’t been able to go dirt bike riding with his friends since their mother had accidentally run over his bicycle. Jennifer knew he missed hanging out with his buddies, but there were so many other things the family needed first.

“You should go inside before your brother eats your slices of pizza.”

“I’m not hungry. Can I help you put your stuff away?”

“Sure. You get the saddle and pad and I’ll take McCloud. I almost forgot to mention that Dr. Cutter has asked me to keep Isabella for a few day.”

His eyes lit up. “Really? That’s great. She’s a cool rabbit, but won’t Mom be upset? She got kind of mad when Isabella was here last time.”

He stood aside as Jennifer backed her horse out of the trailer. “Mom was just upset because Isabella liked to run in and out of her long skirts and chew on the lace. We’ll keep Isabella in her cage when Mom is in one of her costumes.”

“Maybe we should keep her in the barn.”

Jennifer stopped and looked down at him. “Mom or the rabbit?”

Ryan’s mouth fell open, then he started to laugh and Jennifer grinned, too.

Ten minutes later, they finished putting McCloud out into the pasture with Lollypop, their mother’s black mare. The two horses greeted each other with soft whinnies. Soon they moved off and began grazing together as the last golden rays of sunlight faded from the western sky.

When Jennifer and Ryan entered the house, she sent him to wash up. Lizzie and Toby were sitting on the worn blue sofa in front of the TV. The pizza box, with two small slices remaining, sat open on the kitchen table.

Jennifer washed up at the kitchen sink, then put both slices in the microwave. When Ryan returned, she handed him the plate and a glass of milk. He took it and joined his brother and sister on the couch.

Jennifer settled for a glass of milk and the last apple in the vegetable drawer. After tossing the empty pizza box in the trash, she retrieved her textbooks from her room and returned to the table to study.

A few minutes later, Jennifer looked up as Mary Grant came out of her bedroom and entered the kitchen. Her mother was wearing one of her 1850s-style dresses, a deep blue and white plaid cotton dress with a full skirt over layers of white petticoats.

“Oh, good, you’re home,” Mary said, turning around. “Can you hook me?”

“Are you going out like that?”

“The historical society is meeting at the Dutton mansion in Old Towne tonight.”

“So?” Old Towne was a collection of log cabins, restored businesses and homes from the early 1850s. The Dutton mansion was a simple two-story house with pretentious white columns supporting a small balcony across the front of the building. It was the town historical society’s fondest hope that they could turn the area into a profitable tourist attraction.

“Really, Jennifer. You know as an employee of Old Towne I can’t go onto the property unless I’m in period dress. I am, after all, Henrietta Dutton. I’m not about to greet visitors to my home in anything but my freshest gown.”

Jennifer tugged on the tight bodice and began fastening the long row of hooks down the back of the garment. “It seems kind of silly to dress up when there won’t be any tourists to see you.”

“Perhaps, but this keeps me in the spirit of my role. I can practice greeting important people with the grace and charm of a southern belle.”

Jennifer fastened the last hook. “Don’t you think you’re carrying this a little far?”

Her mother spun around and flipped open a fan suspended from her wrist by a silken cord. “Of course not, darling,” she drawled as she fluttered the dark blue silk and ivory fan beside her face. “I’m simply enjoying my job. Wait until you see my performance on Founder’s Day. This year, for the first time ever, we are staging a stunning re-enactment of Henrietta Dutton’s charge up Dutton Heights. I get goose bumps just thinking about it.”

Snapping shut her accessory, Mary lifted her skirts with both hands and headed for the door. “I won’t be back until late, so don’t wait up. Thank goodness I don’t have to wear a hoop under this thing. I’d never be able to drive in it. But I do wish I had a carriage to ride in. It would so much more appropriate to arrive in a horse-drawn buggy than in my truck.”

As her mother departed in a flurry of petticoats, Jennifer glanced to where her brothers and sister sat on the sofa. They were all watching her with various degrees of concern on their faces.

Lizzie said, “It’s tough enough being the brainy girl in school. Having a mother who thinks she is Betsy Ross on top of that is the pits.”

“Mom does get a bit carried away,” Jennifer admitted.

Toby rose and brought his empty plate to the sink. “Carried away? Our mother is a nut case. She knows more about old Colonel Dutton and his weirdo wife than they did. Who cares what was happening in 1859, anyway?”

Their mother’s passion for re-enacting the past sometimes seemed to border on an obsession, but Jennifer felt the need to defend her.

“If it wasn’t for Mom’s respect for the history of our town and her determination to save our heritage, Henrietta Dutton’s deeds of valor would be forgotten.”

“And the town council wouldn’t have an excuse to hold a money-making festival every year and exploit mother’s zeal, not to mention her time and energy,” Lizzie added.

“When did you get to be such a cynic?” Jennifer asked.

“Between your job and school and riding, I’m the only one left to listen to her grand schemes to expand the widow Dutton’s ride into a national event.”

“I’m here,” Toby said, elbowing his sister when he sat down beside her.

Lizzie elbowed him back. “Oh, like you listen to her. All she talks about is making the exact same ride to show the world how brave Henrietta Dutton was. Mom doesn’t even ask about school or how my chess match went.”

“How did your match go?” Jennifer asked, feeling guilty for not asking sooner.

“I won—as usual. Most boys only think they’re smarter.”

Her comment started another round of elbowing with Toby. Ryan moved to the floor to get away from his jousting siblings.

“Cut it out,” Jennifer said sternly. “I’m sure things will get back to normal after the Founder’s Day Festival. Making the past come alive is Mother’s dream. We need to support her.”

Jennifer opened her textbook and prayed that she was right, but she couldn’t quite silence the nagging doubts at the back of her mind. The kids needed a mother who was involved in their lives, not one so involved with the past that she couldn’t see the present. How did one tell their own parent that they were falling down on their job?

The Founder’s Day Festival was only three weeks away. Jennifer would hold her peace until then, but after her mother made her big ride, they were going to have a mother-daughter heart-to-heart.

On Monday afternoon, when Jennifer was done with her classes for the day, she made her way through the veterinary hospital wards and down the short hall to the front desk at the Large Animal Clinic.

Her mother’s behavior was still on her mind, but she wasn’t as worried as she had been the day before. The entire family had spent Sunday together in a normal, modern-day fashion. They had attended church together and spent the afternoon visiting friends of the family. By the end of the day Jennifer decided that she had been making mountains out of mole hills.

Stephanie, another student who worked part-time in the clinic, sighed with relief when Jennifer opened the office door. “Am I glad to see you.”

“Busy day?” Jennifer tucked her purse into the gray metal cabinet beside the desk and took a chair behind the glass partition that separated them from the client waiting area.

“Three emergency surgeries on cows, two bad lacerations on a pair of draft horses and a sonogram to check if a llama is pregnant. Nothing too weird. I just need to get going. I’ve got an anatomy test this afternoon and I really have to study.”

“Is there anything I need to know?”

“Dr. Wilkes just brought in a ton of stuff to be filed.” Stephanie transferred a large stack of papers to Jennifer’s side of the desk.

“Oh, joy.” Dr. Wilkes was notorious for his bad penmanship.

Stephanie bit her lower lip. “Do you want me to stay and help?”

“No, I’ve got it. Go cram to your heart’s content.”

“You’re a doll, Jennifer.”

“Yes, I know,” Jennifer said, nodding sagely.

Stephanie giggled, then hurried out the door. Jennifer picked up an armful of papers and carried them to the shoulder-high black filing cabinets lining the wall behind her. She peered closely at Dr. Wilkes illegible scrawl and tried to decide if the first letter of the client’s last name was an A, an O or a misshapen D.

Fifteen files later, her eyes were beginning to cross when the sound of the front door opening made her look up in relief. Anything was better than this.

To her surprise, Edmond Barnes walked in followed by his chauffeur. His driver held a glass bowl overflowing with a bright bouquet of autumn-colored flowers.

She smiled at Avery’s grandfather, happy to see he was looking much better. “Mr. Barnes, what are you doing here?”

He took the bouquet from his driver. “I’ve brought a small gift to repay your kindness the other day, Miss Grant.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” Jennifer looked at the small opening in the glass partition between them, then hurried out of the office door and around to the waiting area.

He extended the flowers to her. “I didn’t have to do it, I wanted to do it.”

“How on earth did you know that I worked here?”

“You said you were a veterinary student. A few phone calls was all it took to discover that you both attend school and are employed here.”

Taken aback, she said, “That’s actually a little scary.”

His expression showed his surprise followed quickly by genuine distress. “I’m very sorry, Miss Grant. The last thing I want to do is upset you. Please enjoy the flowers and the knowledge that your kindness touched me deeply.”

“I will, thank you very much.” She couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer. Although it was clearly none of her business, she couldn’t help wondering if Mr. Barnes and Avery had made any progress in repairing their relationship.

“Have you been able to accomplish what you came here for?” she asked, hoping he and Avery had been able to heal their breach.

“Reconciling with my grandson? I’m sorry to say I have not, but I’m taking your advice. I don’t plan to give up on him. I did that once and it was my biggest mistake. I’ll be staying in the area for a while, although the service at my current motel leaves a lot to be desired.”

“That’s an easy fix.” Turning around, she retraced her steps into the office. Setting the flowers on the desk, she pulled her purse from the cabinet and withdrew a card for the bed and breakfast next to the café where her mother worked. She slipped it under the glass toward him.

“This place is on the main street of my hometown. It’s only a few miles from here on Highway 24. It’s called the Dutton Inn, but it’s a bed and breakfast. The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Marcus, belong to our church so I can vouch for them. It’s quiet, immaculately clean and the beds have real feather mattresses.”

Edmond took the card. “That certainly sounds better than where I’ve been staying.”

“I’m sure you’ll like it. The town has a historical section that you may enjoy exploring. If you want a really knowledgeable tour guide, my mother, Mary Grant, works at the café next door. She’ll be happy to bend your ear about our history.”

“I may do that. Thank you once again for your kindness and consideration.”

Just then the outside door opened again. Captain Watson and Avery walked in.

Jennifer pressed her lips together and looked down. How long would it take until the sight of Avery’s face stopped twisting her heart with yearning?

Calling herself every kind of fool, she pasted a polite smile on her face and greeted them. “Good afternoon, gentlemen. How may I help you?”

Avery stopped in shock at the sight of his grandfather talking to Jennifer. He had assumed, wrongly it seemed, that the old man had gone back to Boston.

Hanging back as Captain Watson approached the desk and asked to speak with Dr. Cutter, Avery tried to figure out why the head of his family’s empire was still in Kansas.

What motive could Edmond have for remaining in the area? Something wasn’t right.

His grandfather didn’t trust the day-to-day running of his company to anyone. In all the years Avery had known him, he could only remember him missing work once. The day of his son and daughter-in-law’s funeral. The next day, he had gone back to his office, leaving Avery alone in the sprawling mansion.

Jennifer picked up the phone and spoke to Dr. Cutter, then hung up and said, “You may go in, Captain.”

Avery spoke up quickly. “If you don’t need me, sir, I’ll wait here.”

Captain Watson glanced at Avery sharply, but nodded. “I think I can handle it. I shouldn’t be long.”

When his captain left, Avery gave his full attention to his grandfather. “I don’t know how you knew I would be here today, but I don’t have anything to say to you.”

Edmond gave him a tight smile. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I simply stopped by to thank Miss Grant for her kindness the other day. I had no idea you would be here.”

Avery wasn’t sure if he should believe him or not.

With a slight bow, Edmond said, “You have my phone number if you decide you wish to speak with me. Until then, I bid you good day.”

He walked past Avery and left the clinic followed closely by his burley and stoic driver.

Avery watched his grandfather leave, but he knew it wasn’t going to be easy to dismiss the man from his thoughts. Curiosity had the better of him now. What did Edmond have to gain by staying in town?

For a moment, Avery considered the possibility that his grandfather might actually want a reconciliation. The second the idea popped into his head, Avery dismissed it as foolish. And so was the notion that Jennifer had somehow arranged it. His grandfather never allowed sentimentality to influence his decisions.

“He seems like a nice man.” Jennifer said, drawing Avery away from his speculations.

“He isn’t.”

She looked down. “People change sometimes.”

“Not very often.”

He stepped up to the glass in front of the desk. Jennifer turned away and began filing papers, allowing him to spend a few moments admiring her feminine curves.

Watching her, he began to consider that he may have lost more than he’d gained when he’d broken it off with her. He’d been angry when he learned Jennifer had gone behind his back to contact Edmond.

Avery didn’t want anyone to know what a fool he’d made of himself over a scheming woman. Jennifer had made a mistake, but at least her intentions had been good. At the time, her tearful apology and explanation had fallen on deaf ears. All he saw was one more woman who’d betrayed his trust.

He didn’t trust easily, but he’d trusted Jennifer more than anyone in a long time. That was what hurt the most. His attempts at revenge hadn’t eased his pain. They only managed to make him feel worse.

But he felt better now that he was near her.

I miss her. I miss the way she used to smile at me.

Giving himself a mental shake, he looked down. It didn’t matter what he missed. Anything they might have shared between them was long gone. His behavior had made sure of that.

“How have you been?” he asked when the silence had stretched on long enough.

“Fine, thank you.”

“That’s good. How did your meet go last Saturday?”

“Fine, thank you.” Her tone didn’t vary.

“I guess that means you won again. Lee says you’re one of the best riders in the state.”

“Lee is too kind.”

“He’s a fan of yours, for sure. How is it that I didn’t know you were so accomplished? You never went to any shows when we were going out.”

“We went out during the winter. The shows run from April through November.”

“That makes sense. It’s the same for our unit’s exhibitions. To become such an expert you must have had a good teacher.” His show of interest sounded lame even to his own ears.

“I did.” She opened another file drawer without looking at him.

“Who taught you?”

She slammed the file drawer closed and turned to face him. “What do you want?”

He spread his hands wide. “I’m just making conversation.”

“I don’t think so.”

“All right, I’m interested in learning the same type of fancy riding that you do. Who taught you?”

“My grandmother was my coach.”

He decided to cut to the chase. “Does she give lessons?”

“She passed away two years ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” So much for his plan to take lessons from the person who had trained her.

“Thank you. I miss her very much. Perhaps that’s why I tried to intervene with you and your grandfather. I know how final it is when you lose them and how much you wish you had had more time with them.”

“I’ve had more than enough time with Edmond. Look, I need to find someone to teach me the basic dressage moves in the next couple of weeks. Money is not an object. I’ll double the going price for lessons. Are you interested?”

She tossed the papers she held onto her desk and folded her arms across her middle. “You’re joking, right?”

“I’m rarely serious, but today is the exception to the rule.”

“Why?”

“What does that matter?”

She tilted her head. “Humor me.”

“Have you heard of the American Cavalry Competition?”

“Of course. I’ve watched it several times.”

“It’s going to be held at Fort Riley next month and I plan to compete for the Sheridan Cup.”

“I remember now. There’s a military dressage class, isn’t there?”

“It counts for one quarter of the overall score. The saber class is a lock for me and I’m sure I can finish in the top three with a pistol, but Lee tells me I need a dressage coach and I believe him. He’s seen some of the other riders in action. So, what do you say?”

“No.”

“What? I just offered you twice the going rate for a few measly lessons.”

“And I said no. I don’t care what you offer to pay me. Money is not an object.”

His temper flared at being thwarted. “You’re just afraid you won’t be able to keep your hands off me.”

Her eyes narrowed. “That is so true. I can picture them around your scrawny neck right this minute.”

“That’s not a very Christian attitude, Jenny,” he chided.

Her eyebrows shot up. She opened her mouth and closed it again without saying anything.

He knew a moment’s satisfaction at seeing her speechless, but it quickly evaporated when he watched her bite her lower lip. He had kissed those full sweet lips before. He wanted to kiss her again.

She said, “It wasn’t a very Christian thing to say, but as you so clearly pointed out to me when we were dating, you are not a Christian. Good luck in finding someone to give you lessons.” She picked up her papers and turned her back on him.

The captain came out of Dr. Cutter’s office with a smile on his face. “Good news. Dr. Cutter has cleared Dakota to return to full duty. I can’t wait to tell the rest of the men. With proper conditioning, he should be fit to ride in the competition.”

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