# The Last Crawford Bachelor

Judy Christenberry

In Michael Crawford's "Five Year Plan," ' marriage came dead last. Even if he wanted a wife, it wouldn't be the slender blonde who arrived at the Circle K claiming to be the long.lost granddaughter of the late childless owner. 'Though Michael suspected Dani Langston of staking an unfounded claim on his loved ones, 'her blue-eyed innocence won over his family. ^ Like a saddled bronco he suddenly found himself a roommate, a co-worker–and a pretend fiancée!Dani's fire-andice personality knocked the confident Mr. Crawford off balance. One minute he wanted to kiss her, the next, run and save his hide. But the Crawford family "Cupids" had their own ideas….

## “I want you to warn off Mom.”

Michael’s father looked puzzled at the request.

“She’s getting introduced to Dani Langston and I don’t want her to get the wrong idea.” Michael rubbed the back of his neck. “I have nothing to do with the woman.”

His father raised a shrewd eyebrow. “You sure about that, son? You know, of the six of you, you’re the only bachelor Crawford. Your mother has no one else to concentrate on.”

Michael’s oldest brother must have overheard. “Is little brother complaining about marriage again?” Joe clapped Michael on the back. “Go ahead and fight it, but you’ll find a woman.”

“That one looks pretty good,” said another brother, pointing at Dani.

“No! She won’t do!” Michael turned to face his brothers, and their knowing smiles alarmed him even more. “But…I’m not ready for marriage. You know that, Joe.”

“I know that, little brother,” Joe said smugly. “But it’s Mom you need to convince.”

Dear Reader,

April showers are bringing flowers—and a soul-stirring bouquet of dream-come-true stories from Silhouette Romance!

Red Rose needs men! And it’s up to Ellie Donahue to put the town-ladies’ plans into action—even if it means enticing her secret love to return to his former home. Inspired by classic legends, Myrna Mackenzie’s new miniseries, THE BRIDES OF RED ROSE, begins with Ellie’s tale, in The Pied Piper’s Bride (SR #1714).

Bestselling author Judy Christenberry brings you another Wild West story in her FROM THE CIRCLE K miniseries. In The Last Crawford Bachelor (SR #1715), lawyer Michael Crawford—the family’s last single son—meets his match…and is then forced to live with her on the Circle K!

And this lively bunch of spring stories wouldn’t be complete without Teresa Carpenter’s Daddy’s Little Memento (SR #1716). School nurse Samantha Dell reunites her infant nephew with his handsome father, only to learn that if she wants to retain custody then she’s got to say, “I do”! And then there’s Colleen Faulkner’s Barefoot and Pregnant? (SR #1717), in which career-woman Elise Montgomery has everything a girl could want—except the man of her dreams. Will she find a husband where she least expects him?

All the best,

Mavis C. Allen

Associate Senior Editor

## The Last Crawford Bachelor. Judy Christenberry

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Books by Judy Christenberry

Silhouette Romance

The Nine-Month Bride #1324

[*]Marry Me, Kate #1344

[*]Baby in Her Arms #1350

[*]A Ring for Cinderella #1356

[†]Never Let You Go #1453

[†]The Borrowed Groom #1457

[†]Cherish the Boss #1463

[**]Snowbound Sweetheart #1476

Newborn Daddy #1511

When the Lights Went Out… #1547

[**]Least Likely To Wed #1570

Daddy on the Doorstep #1654

[**]Beauty & the Beastly Rancher #1678

[**]The Last Crawford Bachelor #1715

Silhouette Books

The Coltons

The Doctor Delivers

A Colton Family Christmas

“The Diplomat’s Daughter”

Lone Star Country Club

The Last Bachelor

Hush

JUDY CHRISTENBERRY

has been writing romances for fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers do. She’s a bestselling author for Harlequin American Romance, but she has a long love of traditional romances and is delighted to tell a story that brings those elements to the reader. A former high school French teacher, Judy devotes her time to writing. She hopes readers have as much fun reading her stories as she does writing them. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two adult daughters.


## 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 One

“Logan, are you sure I won’t be in the way?”

Michael Crawford looked at his older brother. Though now twenty-eight and as tall as Logan, he knew Logan still saw him as his kid brother.

“Don’t be silly, Mike. How could you get in the way on a ranch the size of the Circle K? Besides, you know that manager’s house is empty. I’ll help you clean it up, then you can come and go as you please.”

Michael looked at the small white frame house one more time. “I appreciate it. This way, I won’t miss the family so much since I’ll be in the middle of yours.”

“True. The kids have already decided you’re quite a special uncle,” Logan said with a chuckle.

They had just started back toward the main ranch house, where Logan and Abby, his wife, lived, when a car came down the long driveway.

“Guess you’ve got company,” Michael said.

Logan shrugged his big shoulders. “We’re not expecting anyone.”

The car stopped near them and a beautiful young woman got out. “Excuse me. I’m looking for Mrs. Beulah Kennedy. Is she here?”

Michael knew that Kennedy was Abby’s maiden name, but he looked at Logan to answer. After all, he was just a guest.

Logan stared at the slender blond woman. “Who’s asking?” he said politely.

“Daniele Langston. I’m a—a family connection.”

Logan extended his hand. “I’m Logan Crawford. My wife, Abby, is part of the Kennedy clan. Maybe you’d better come talk to her.”

“Would that be all right?” the woman asked.

“Yes, of course. Come with us.”

Michael followed his brother and the blonde, wondering what she wanted. Abby and her sisters had inherited the ranch and a lot of money when their elderly great-aunt Beulah Kennedy had died. He figured this Langston woman intended to stake a claim to the inheritance. No doubt she was some scam artist.

He hid the smile he felt coming on. His sister-in-law always accused him of being too cynical because he was an attorney. She could be right. But he reserved the right to wait and see.

They entered the big kitchen, where Abby was setting the table. “I was about to send one of the kids to—” She stopped when she glanced up and saw the stranger. “Oh. Hello. I’m Abby Crawford.”

Logan put his arm around his wife. “This is Daniele Langston. She says she’s a family connection to Beulah.”

Abby flipped back her long braid and looked at the young woman. “You are?”

“Yes. I…I wanted to meet Beulah, if that’s possible.”

Abby skittered a look at Logan before facing the newcomer again. “I’m sorry, but Beulah is dead. She passed away over seven years ago.”

Michael watched Ms. Langston carefully, sure she already knew that information. He was amazed to see surprise and sadness in her eyes. Boy, he thought, she was a good actress.

“I see. I’m sorry I bothered you.” She turned toward the door.

“Wait!” Abby called out. “What kind of connection did you have with Beulah? Are you a niece or—”

“She was my grandmother.”

“No, that can’t be,” Abby insisted. “Beulah had no children. You must have the wrong person.”

“Yes, of course,” the young woman agreed, and walked to the door. “I apologize for disturbing you.”

Abby moved toward her. “Don’t go! I’d like to hear why you came here. And I could introduce you to my sisters.”

“I don’t want to cause any trouble.” The woman was still edging toward the door, as if she intended to leave. Michael decided that was a nice touch. She looked the picture of reluctance.

“Nonsense,” Abby said. “You must join us for dinner.”

As if on cue their housekeeper came in. “Ellen,” Abby said at once, “I’ve invited this nice lady to join us. Her name is Daniele Langston.” She put a hand to her head. “Where are my manners? Daniele, this is Ellen, our housekeeper and the world’s best cook.” She looked to Ellen. “There’ll be plenty of food, right?”

“Yes, of course,” Ellen said, her graying blond hair bouncing as she nodded.

“And I want to invite the family over for dessert. Will we have enough?”

“I can make a cake while we’re eating,” Ellen said. “It’ll be ready in no time.”

Abby turned back to Daniele. “There, you see? It’s no trouble.” She smiled warmly. “Now, tell me. Where did you come from?”

“West Texas. I was born and raised in Amarillo.” Daniele drew a deep breath and added, “Please, call me Dani.”

Abby smiled at her. “Did my husband and brother-in-law introduce themselves?”

“I met your husband,” Dani said.

Michael stepped forward and extended his hand. “I’m Michael Crawford.”

She put her hand in his, again with reluctance, it seemed. Her smooth skin seemed to burn against his. She was an odd combination of fire and ice.

“Pleased to meet you,” she said, and stepped back, withdrawing her hand quickly. Michael made no attempt to hide he was watching her closely. Not even his sister-in-law’s obvious hospitality deterred him.

“I’m going to call my sisters,” Abby said. Then she turned to Logan. “Honey, would you corral the kids and make sure they’re washed up?” Taking her husband’s agreement for granted, she hurried out of the kitchen.

Michael realized he needed to seize the opportunity to warn Abby. Once again she was far too friendly for her own good. “Excuse me,” he said to Ellen and Dani and hurried after his brother’s wife.

Knocking on the office door, he opened it and stuck his head in. Abby was already on the phone, but she waved him in. After she finished her conversation with Melissa, she looked at him. “Is something wrong, Mike?”

“Could be. I’d be careful about taking in strangers who might try to claim some of your inheritance.”

Abby laughed. “Cynical Mike! Surely you don’t think she’s running a scam.”

“Why not? She’s claiming to be the granddaughter of a woman who never had children. While she couldn’t take all of your inheritance, she could be awarded a hefty sum if she can prove anything.”

“But, Mike, if she is Beulah’s granddaughter, she deserves some of the money.”

“Abby! Bite your tongue. Don’t give her ammunition.”

Abby smiled and shook her head. “I’ll be careful, but I don’t believe she’s a scam artist, Mike.”

He held up his hands. “I’m just warning you.”

“I appreciate it, but I think everything will be okay. I’ve got to call Beth now.”

Michael withdrew and returned to the kitchen. Ellen was busy mixing up the cake, and Dani was standing at the back door, looking out at the land.

Probably figuring out how much she could inherit, he thought. He stepped closer to her. “Dani, did you drive down from Amarillo?”

“Yes, I did.”

“You must be tired. That’s a four- or five-hour drive.” The Circle K spread was a half hour southwest of Wichita Falls.

“It’s not too bad.”

“Are you heading back after dinner?”

“No,” she said, but added nothing about her plans.

He decided to ask a few more questions, but Logan and his two children entered the kitchen. His daughter, who was a smaller version of her mother, rushed to Michael, holding out her arms. He swung her up into his arms with a laugh. “Well hello there. What have you been up to?”

Mirabelle was four years of age and always in constant motion. “I been painting my wall. Daddy got mad at me.”

Michael looked at Logan. He spoiled his daughter rotten, so Michael didn’t think Logan had lost his temper with her.

“I didn’t yell at you, but Mom’s going to be upset with you. She painted your room last year, remember?”

“Yes, but now it’s this year,” Mirabelle explained patiently.

Michael grinned. He was pretty sure the little girl didn’t comprehend a year, but she was smart enough to use it in her argument.

Logan put his toddler son in his high chair and tied a bib around his neck. “Dani, this is our daughter, Mirabelle—or should I say Michaelangelo—and our son, Scotty.”

Dani greeted the children with a warm smile, one that startled Michael.

“Hello,” Mirabelle said. “Who are you?”

“This is Dani. She’s having dinner with us,” Logan explained.

Mirabelle turned back to Michael. “But, Uncle Michael, you said I was your girlfriend!”

“Of course you are,” he assured her, not making the connection for a moment. Then he hurriedly added, “I just met Dani when she came to the ranch looking for someone.”

“Oh. Then it’s okay,” she said to Dani with a nod. “You can stay for dinner.”

“Mirabelle!” her father warned. “Mind your manners.”

“I said she could stay, Daddy.”

“It is not your decision, young lady, and you know it.”

With all the grace of a French dancer, Mirabelle shrugged her shoulders and hugged Michael’s neck.

“Mirabelle, you need to get in your chair.” Logan turned to Ellen. “Where’s your husband?”

“He’s upstairs. Could you call him?”

“Sure. And I’ll find Abby, too. Then we can eat.”

The table was set for eight. Michael carried Mirabelle to her seat next to the end of the table where her mother always sat. He assumed the seat next to the little girl and motioned to Dani to take the seat beside him. “Floyd and Ellen like to sit together on the other side of the table by Scotty.”

“I see. Thank you,” Dani said, and sank gracefully into the chair beside him.

Suddenly the room seemed full as Floyd came in followed by Logan and Abby. They all took their places, and Logan said the prayer before they ate.

After the blessing, Logan introduced Dani to Floyd. He worked the ranch, having met Ellen here when Logan hired him years ago. In time, the platters of food began to be passed around the table. Michael noticed Dani didn’t take much of anything. He kept watching her, frowning. Finally he said, “Are you on a diet? Because from where I sit, you don’t need to lose weight.” He eyed her slender figure.

She looked up, startled, her blue eyes wide. “No, I’m not on a diet.”

“She’s probably saving herself for the dessert,” Abby said, smiling at the woman. “Never mind Michael. There are lots of men in his family. He’s the only one unmarried these days, so he’s still uncivilized.”

“Hey!” Michael complained. “Logan, are you going to let your wife say that about me?”

Logan grinned. “You can’t fight the truth. You know our brothers would agree with her.”

All four of Michael’s brothers had married good women. He’d never argue about that. But just because he wasn’t married didn’t mean he couldn’t handle women. He’d learned from his one sister. In fact, he was used to being on his best behavior around women.

Abby changed the subject. “Dani, have you lived in Amarillo all your life?”

“Except when I went to school. I moved to Lubbock for my education.”

“Texas Tech?” Abby asked, naming the large university located in Lubbock.

“Yes.”

“That’s a good school,” Logan said. He added with a grin, “My family all went to OU, but we try to keep that quiet around here.” OU was Oklahoma University, a fierce rival of the University of Texas on the football field.

That remark even drew a smile from Dani. But still she said nothing.

They continued with casual conversation throughout the meal. Dani answered any questions addressed to her, but she volunteered nothing about her life.

Michael realized all they knew about her was where she lived and where she went to school. He wanted to know a lot more.

When the meal was over, Ellen began clearing the table. Abby jumped up to help her. Dani, too, began picking up plates and carrying them to the counter next to the dishwasher. Michael picked up his dishes and followed suit. His brother was cleaning up Scotty so he could get down from his high chair. Then he took Mirabelle to the bathroom to wash up.

“Are your sisters bringing the little ones?” Logan asked as he came back into the kitchen with his daughter.

“No, I don’t think so,” Abby said over her shoulder as she rinsed a platter.

“Okay, then, come on, Mirabelle. I’ll go put on a video, and you and Scotty can watch it while you have some ice cream.”

“Chocolate,” Mirabelle insisted.

“Sure.” Logan got out the ice cream and dished up two bowls of it. Then he grabbed a couple of towels and told the children to follow him.

Michael figured it was the ice cream, Scotty’s favorite treat, that had the little boy chasing after his dad. He followed the trio, figuring Logan might need some help. Besides, he wasn’t sure he should stay for the dessert party.

After both children were settled in front of the TV, towels tied around their necks, eating their ice cream, he asked Logan if the rest of the evening was just family.

“What if it is? You’re family.”

“Not Beulah’s family.”

“I’m not Beulah’s family, either.” Logan clapped his brother on the back. “Come on. The dessert Ellen’s making is great. You’ll love it.”

They both headed back to the kitchen.

There’d never been a Crawford brother who could resist cake.

Helping clear the table made Dani feel less awkward. She liked Abby and Ellen. In fact, everyone had been very welcoming, except perhaps Logan’s brother. Sure, he was handsome, dark and muscular. And he’d been nice, but his eyes gave him away. She glanced up at him, and yet again he was looking at her, gauging her. She knew he didn’t think she was being truthful.

It didn’t matter what he thought, she told herself. She just wanted to know something about her grandmother. That was all she wanted.

A knock on the screen door interrupted her thoughts. Abby hurried over and opened it, and a young woman looking much like Abby came in, followed by a good-looking, strapping man. Abby turned to Dani.

“This is my youngest sister, Beth, and her husband, Jed.”

Dani stepped forward and shook their hands cordially, but she said nothing. She really didn’t know if any of them would talk to her about Beulah at all, since they didn’t believe Beulah had had any children.

“Oh, here’s my other sister, Melissa, and her husband, Rob. Which means we’re all here. Come sit down, everyone.” They all took seats around the kitchen table, Dani sitting next to Abby.

“Dani told me she thinks Aunt Beulah was her grandmother,” Abby said.

Dani suspected she’d already told her sisters, because neither they nor their husbands showed any surprise.

Only the youngest sister, Beth, questioned her. “Why do you think that?”

“I found some papers that indicated she was my mother’s mother. She gave my mother up for adoption when she was born.” Dani felt awkward revealing that information.

“When was your mother born?” Beth asked.

“In 1939,” Dani said. “I was born when she was forty, sort of a late surprise, I guess.”

“So you’re twenty-five?” Michael asked.

“Yes.”

Abby gave her the family history. “Aunt Beulah married our great uncle in 1942. We thought she’d never had a child. Even though our great uncle died in 1970, Beulah took us in when our parents died in a car wreck about twenty years ago.”

“I see. Was she…nice?”

Dani was taken aback when the youngest sister laughed. The other two smiled.

“She was wonderful,” Beth said. “A tough old bird.”

“Beth!” Abby protested.

“She was, Abby, and you know it. But she loved us.”

“What Beth means is Beulah believed it was best to work for everything. She trained us to do the work on the ranch. She said it would be good for us to earn our keep.”

“Oh. So she was mean to you?”

“Never,” Abby said emphatically. “She made sure we didn’t think we were a burden to her. We got over our misery and sadness fairly quickly because we were too tired when we went to bed to lie awake and think.”

Dani closed her eyes, thinking about what Abby said. Memories of her own past assailed her, and she shook herself free. “I see.”

“I hope you do,” Abby said. “Beulah believed hard work was good for you. And we do, too.” She smiled at Dani. “Though maybe not to the extreme she did.”

“Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’ve been…curious about my family.”

“So you really think Beulah was your grandmother?” Beth prodded.

“Yes,” she said simply, and finally. Then she stood and eyed the sisters. “I appreciate your talking to me. And thank you, Abby, for inviting me to dinner. It was a delight to meet all of you. But now I should leave.”

“But you haven’t eaten your cake,” Ellen pointed out.

“It looks delicious, Ellen, but I think I’d better go.” She slipped out onto the porch before anyone could say anything.

Abby jumped up and hurried after her. “Dani? We were shocked by your appearance, but we may be wrong. If Beulah had a child before she married, it’s not surprising that she would give the baby up for adoption. Those were different times back then.”

“Of course. I don’t blame her. I just wanted to know something about her. And in spite of what you said about Beulah, I think you all loved her very much. And she loved you, obviously. I appreciate knowing that.”

“Why?”

Dani smiled and leaned over to kiss Abby’s cheek. “Never mind. Thanks for inviting me in.”

Then she hurried to her car, afraid she’d burst into tears in front of everyone.

## Chapter Two

Michael was up early the next morning, but he didn’t awaken anyone. The entire household was at the breakfast table when he came down from his temporary room.

Floyd poured him a cup of hot coffee and set it at his place, and soon after, Ellen handed him a plate filled with all his favorites—scrambled eggs, bacon and biscuits.

“Mercy, I’m getting spoiled,” he complained with a smile. “This is a great way to start my day.”

“Since it’s your first day at a new job, that’s a good thing,” Logan said.

“Yeah. I’ve heard the caseload is heavy in this office.”

He had taken the job of assistant district attorney in Wichita Falls, the nearest large town in the area.

“You know you love it, brother,” Logan said. “That’s why you started looking around. You didn’t have enough to do in Norman.” Michael had been an A.D.A. in Norman, the town where OU was located, for several years.

“True. With two new attorneys starting today, we can make a dent in the caseload. I don’t think the other A.D.A. is as experienced, but he’ll be another pair of hands.”

“Do you know the other person they hired?” Abby asked.

“No. I’ll meet him today.”

“Well, good luck,” Abby said as she stood. “I’m going to ride out with the guys to check on the herd in the south pasture. Are you and Floyd going to check the well that’s stopped working?” she asked her husband.

“Yeah, but we should be back for lunch.”

“Good, I’ll meet you here. Be careful,” she added as she rounded the table and kissed him goodbye. Then she hurried out the back door.

“It’s still hard to believe Abby is a cowboy,” Michael said, shaking his head.

Logan laughed. “I didn’t believe it either when I first met her. But she convinced me pretty quickly.”

Years ago Logan had applied for the job of ranch manager. Michael recalled that Abby hadn’t wanted to hire him at first but she had, solely out of necessity. As Logan had put it, it had been a match made in heaven. Michael looked over at his brother. After two kids, Logan was still crazy in love with the woman.

Checking his watch, he told everyone goodbye and headed for his car. He wanted to get to the office a little early for his first day. He’d already been shown to his desk last week.

An hour later he was organizing his workstation when District Attorney Ned Cobb called a meeting to introduce the new A.D.A.s. Michael hurried to the conference room, looking forward to meeting his fellow workers.

As he stepped into the room, he was called over by Ned, a mover and shaker in his midsixties, with slicked-back dark hair sprinkled with silver. “I want to introduce you to our other new attorney, Michael. This is Daniele Langston.”

Dani stepped forward, offering him her hand…again.

Dani felt betrayed. Michael Crawford had mentioned nothing about himself last night. All along she’d looked forward to beginning fresh without anyone knowing anything about her past. Now she found herself confronted with a member of the Kennedy family, no matter how remote the connection.

She stuck out her hand, because she had no choice. He stared at her as if he were as displeased as she was. Finally he took her hand and covered the awkwardness with a comment about not expecting such a beautiful woman. The remark did little to impress her.

The D.A. introduced Michael to another attorney Dani had just met, an older man, calm and friendly. He explained that Dick Stanton would be Michael’s mentor for the first month.

Ned hadn’t offered Dani a mentor. She looked at him curiously, and as if reading her mind, he smiled and said, “And I will be your mentor, Dani. It will be a real pleasure to show you the ropes.”

Dani froze. She’d heard that tone of voice before. The man thought he had an easy prey.

There was an awkward silence until Ned ordered all the attorneys in the room to sit down around the big conference table. He guided Dani to the seat next to his, giving her a smarmy smile that made her want to lose her breakfast.

She took her seat and discovered it was opposite Michael. The look on his face told her he thought she’d planned the pairings to her advantage.

She glared at him.

“Right, Dani?” Ned said, catching her off guard.

“I’m sorry, Ned. I was trying to remember the names of the people I’ve met.” She gave him a brief smile and paid attention as he explained he’d told them all she was from Texas Tech Law School. “Yes, that’s right.”

“And Michael, of course, is from Oklahoma. But we’ll have no feuding between the two of you even when OU comes to Texas to play football.” Ned gave a hearty laugh, and his staff briefly joined in.

Dani looked around the table. She was the only female, and she was beginning to understand why. Call her naive, but in this day and age it hadn’t occurred to her that there would be problems for a female lawyer.

She’d wanted so much to connect with her grandmother, she just assumed a nearby job in Wichita Falls would be perfect.

After a brief discussion, Ned sent them all on their way—except for Dani. She grabbed the opportunity to showcase her initiative. “I’d appreciate it, Ned, if you’d give me some time to study the files on the active cases at the moment. Then I might be able to help out.”

“Why, no, Dani, I have no intention of throwing you to these wolves. I’m working on the most important case, and I could use a good researcher. Come along to my office.”

Michael actually felt sympathy for Dani as she followed the D.A. out of the conference room. Ned Cobb was easy to read. He was acting like a three-year-old with a new puppy.

He stepped up beside Dick. “Has this happened before?”

“New people?”

Michael gave him a knowing look. “New woman.”

Dick sighed. “Yeah. She won’t last long unless she plays along.”

“He’s not married?”

“Sure he is. For forty years. A sweet, gentle lady. But he’s our boss. There’s nothing we can do.”

Michael didn’t like Dick’s attitude. The Crawford family tradition said a woman in trouble should be helped. But did he necessarily think Dani was a young innocent?

He dived into the files, enjoying the cases he worked on. He hadn’t yet been given his own case, but, after all, it was his first day. A first day that, all things considered, had gone quite well.

When he joined his family later at the dinner table, Abby wanted to know how it went.

“Fine. I’m going to be busy.”

“Beulah would tell you that’s best,” Abby said with a chuckle.

That remark made him feel guilty for not mentioning Dani, but he kept his silence.

Halfway through the meal, Abby said, “I tried to call Dani today, but I couldn’t find a listing in either Lubbock or Amarillo.”

“Sorry, hon,” Logan said. “Maybe she’ll contact you again.”

“I doubt she’ll make the drive from Amarillo after—”

Michael couldn’t stand it any longer. He interrupted them. “She’s here.”

Abby’s eyes widened. “She is? At the ranch?” She started up from her chair.

“No, Abby, I didn’t mean she’s here at the ranch. She’s here in Wichita Falls.”

“How do you know that, Michael?” Logan asked.

“She’s the other new A.D.A. at the office.”

Abby looked horrified. “Why didn’t you tell us? We could’ve asked her here for dinner after her first day.”

“I didn’t tell you, Abby, because I’m still not sure she’s not trying to pull a scam on you.” He stuck his stubborn chin out, ready to argue with her.

“After reminding us how an attorney is an officer of the court, Michael?” Abby asked slowly. “You said nothing would be worth wasting those three years in law school.”

“Yeah, well, it might happen in some cases.”

“How interesting,” Abby said thoughtfully. “Dani has a law degree, like you. How is she settling in?”

Michael started to tell her Dani wouldn’t be around long, but he didn’t. Maybe Dick didn’t know what he was talking about, or maybe Dani would have no problem cooperating. He didn’t know. “Fine.”

“Good. I’ll call her tomorrow.”

Michael said nothing at all. He knew it would do no good.

Dani appreciated Abby’s phone call the next morning. It was one friendly moment to count against the hours spent in Ned Cobb’s company. But she didn’t accept her invitation to have dinner at the ranch.

“How are you settling in?” Abby asked. “If you need any help, I’m sure Michael would help you at the office. Did you find a place to live?”

“Not yet. I’m holding out for the right one,” she confessed to Abby, hoping that would stop the questions.

Abby agreed with her attitude, making her feel bad for lying. But she couldn’t admit that she didn’t think she’d be able to stay, so she didn’t want to sign a lease.

When Abby called on Friday to extend another invitation, she was harder to resist.

“Have you found a place to stay yet?”

Initially Dani hadn’t intended to tell anyone she was going to stay at the hotel. Unfortunately, Ned had found out about her quarters. He’d shown up last night about nine with a bottle of wine in his arms, wanting to “talk.”

She never answered his knock. Nor did she answer his call when the phone rang a few minutes later.

“Um, I’ve decided to stay at the hotel—”

“Oh, no!” Abby interrupted. “That’s impossible. We have a spare bedroom. You’ll stay with us.”

“No, Abby, I can’t do that,” Dani said, even as she recognized it as a perfect answer to her problem. But she didn’t know Abby and it wouldn’t be fair to ask the woman to shoulder her problems.

“Would you at least come out Saturday? We’re having a workday with everyone pitching in. We could use some extra hands. We’ll swap a good lunch for all your help.”

That sounded so appealing. She’d made no friends because the men in the office were standoffish, understandable under the circumstances. And one didn’t make friends in a hotel.

“Could I really be of some help?” she asked.

“Oh, yes. It’s not skilled jobs. We’re talking cleaning and maybe some painting.”

“All right. What time Saturday morning?”

“Anytime it’s convenient,” Abby told her.

When she hung up the phone, Ned entered her office. “Was that a personal call?”

“Yes, it was.” She didn’t apologize. She already knew he’d use any excuse to put her on the defensive.

“I’ve been waiting for you to be free. We’re going to lunch today with one of the top defense lawyers in the city. I’m sure you’ll like him.”

Dani was sure the man would cancel and Ned wouldn’t tell her until they’d reached the restaurant. He’d already done that once this week.

“I appreciate the invitation, but I’m afraid I can’t do that. I already accepted an invitation to lunch.” She didn’t explain it was for lunch on Saturday.

Ned stiffened. “In the future, you should clear your invitations with my schedule before you accept.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought an hour for lunch was part of my job.”

Ned put his hands on her desk and leaned toward her. “Don’t get sassy with me, Ms. Langston. You won’t have a job if you don’t cooperate.”

“I have every intention of cooperating, Ned. About work. But I do not intend to have a personal relationship with you.”

He glared at her. “We’ll see about that.”

She leaned back in her chair, drawing a deep breath as he stormed out of her office. So much for her new job. Her fingers shook as she carefully straightened every piece of paper on her desk. Good thing she hadn’t found a place to live.

After a moment she got up and went to the law library they had on the premises. She hadn’t so much as smelled a legal question this entire week, much less actually worked on anything.

“There’s got to be a good case for this, but I can’t think of one,” Dick Stanton was saying. He and Michael were sitting at a table in the law library, open books scattered around them.

Michael suggested several cases.

Dick said no, he didn’t think they were right.

Dani stepped forward. “There’s a case one of my law professors argued a couple of years ago. I think it’d help if I can find it.”

Dick and Michael both seemed doubtful, but they nodded. She scanned the shelves, pulled down a recent book and turned right to the case. She’d never forget it. Her professor had spent an entire week on this one case because of his star appearance.

After reading the case, Dick looked at her with more respect. “Thanks, Dani. This is perfect.”

“Yeah, thanks,” Michael offered.

She shrugged her shoulders. She knew not to make too much of their appreciation.

“Are you looking up something for Ned?” Dick asked.

“No, I think he’s going out to lunch.”

Dick laughed. “Oh. Then you’ll be free for two or three hours. Want to do some work?”

“I’d love to,” she agreed, enthusiasm coloring her voice.

“This is a sexual harassment case and we could use the female perspective.”

How ironic. She was about ready to file suit against Ned. Maybe she’d put together her own case while she worked on theirs.

She spent the afternoon in the library, looking up cases and discussing issues with the two men. It was the first enjoyable hours she’d had at work.

Ned stepped in a few hours later and told her to come along to his office. The anger in his voice warned her it would be even more unpleasant than usual.

Michael hurried to her defense. “Dani’s being very helpful to us. You know, you need a female perspective for these harassment suits. Could we borrow her for a little longer?”

Ned’s anger rose. “Yes, fine. Use her for the rest of the day!” Then he stormed out of the library.

No one spoke or moved for what seemed an eternity.

Finally Michael said, “Believe it or not, I was only trying to help.”

“And I appreciate it. Do you mind if I stay?” she asked Dick.

“I don’t mind, but you might not have a job on Monday morning. He’s rather difficult that way.”

“Then maybe I’ll file a harassment suit against him.”

Dick looked alarmed. He excused himself and followed Ned out of the room.

“Careful about throwing out threats,” Michael warned. “You’re not exactly in a position of strength.”

“How do you know?”

“Just because the guy is making life easy for you, it doesn’t mean he’s harassing you.”

“Why, thank you, o learned comrade. I’m glad you understand my position so well.” She began to put away the law books she’d been using.

“Not interested in good, hard work?”

As much as she hated to admit it, he’d pointed out an important fact. This was the first work she’d been given in the entire week. If she threw a tantrum and ran away, she would never establish herself here. She quietly opened the books again and began writing on her legal pad.

When Dick came back, he seemed nervous, watching Dani out of the corner of his eye. She continued to work quietly, addressing any comments or questions she had to Michael. He gradually relaxed again.

When the afternoon ended, Dick actually thanked her for her hard work. “I’m not sure Michael and I could’ve gotten this far alone. We go to trial on Tuesday. Could you help us prep our witness on Monday?”

“I’d be delighted to.”

“Ned said you could work with us. It’s an election year and he said it would look good to win a harassment suit.”

Dani smiled, glad to understand what was going on. “Yes, I guess it would, to win the female vote.”

“Uh, yes. Well, good working with you. See you Monday.” He got up and started out of the room. Then he paused. “Coming, Michael?”

“Yeah, I’ll be right there.”

After Dick had left the room, Michael whispered, “Don’t let this go to your head.”

Then he was gone.

Dani stared after him. What did he mean? The compliment from Dick? The success in avoiding Ned? She didn’t know. But she was enjoying the moment, whatever Mr. Michael Crawford thought!

## Chapter Three

Michael planned to work all day Saturday on the manager’s house. The place hadn’t been used since Rob lived there when he’d first arrived at the Circle K before he married Abby’s sister Melissa. When he came down to breakfast Saturday morning, Michael was joined by Logan wearing old jeans and a shirt with paint splotches on them.

“Gee, bro, I don’t know how much use you’ll be if you put that much paint on yourself,” he teased.

Abby walked in at that moment, similarly dressed.

“Abby, you don’t need to help us. You must have a dozen things to do,” Michael protested, realizing at once that she intended to join in.

“Don’t be silly, Michael. Of course I’m going to help. So are Beth and Jed. And our family master carpenter, Rob. Even Melissa’s coming to take care of all the kids.”

“That’s wonderful of everyone, but it’s not necessary. I just thought I’d slap on a coat of paint and be done.”

“Absolutely not,” Logan said with a sigh. “These ladies go to extremes when they take on a project.”

Abby began laying out plans. It seemed Floyd had actually worked as a plumber in his youth and would be installing the new fixtures for the bathroom and the kitchen that Abby had ordered. And Jed had done some electrical work.

Michael stared at her, his mouth open.

“Don’t worry,” Abby said. “It’s to improve the house’s value.”

He knew better, but he thanked her as if he believed her. What a family! They reminded him a great deal of his own. That was why he enjoyed living here.

Within an hour, they were all working hard. He was taking out some old fixtures when a car pulled into the drive. He recognized it at once. Dani Langston’s.

“What’s she doing here?” he asked Logan.

“Abby invited her,” he said, giving his brother a sharp look. “Is that a problem?”

“No, of course not.” What could he say when they were doing all the work for his comfort?

He noticed Dani was dressed casually, also, though she didn’t have paint stains on her clothes. As she went past him, with Abby leading the way, she gave him a cool nod of recognition. Nothing more.

He didn’t see her for almost an hour until he stuck his head in the kitchen. She and Abby were laying a new linoleum floor.

“Whoa! That looks great!” he exclaimed. “I didn’t know you were going to all this trouble.”

“We’re having a good time.” Abby looked at Dani, who nodded in agreement.

“Well,” Michael said, not sure what to say. But then he remembered why he was there. “Logan said to tell you he’s getting hungry. Hard to believe after that big breakfast, but he insisted I tell you that.”

“Oh, wonderful! Come on, Dani. I’ll explain.” Abby jumped to her feet and caught Dani’s arm, pulling her after her.

Michael stood there, his hands on his hips, wondering what that was all about. Then he admired the floor. The old flooring had been nothing but thin sheets of linoleum dating back to the original structure from thirty years ago.

He heard a car honking and wandered back to the living room where he and Logan had been painting. He suddenly understood the message Logan had sent. The entire Crawford family had descended upon the Circle K.

Though it was only a two-hour drive from the Crawford ranch near Lawton, Oklahoma, Michael hadn’t considered that his family might come down for the day. Abby, however, had called and made arrangements. Now she was organizing picnic tables under several shade trees. He could see his mother and sister and his sisters-in-law carrying big bowls and plates into the house.

The door to the ranch house burst open again, and this time a herd of kids, led by Mirabelle, ran out screaming and cheering. The group swelled as his nieces and nephews joined them.

“Abby planned all this?” Michael asked Logan as they joined their brothers, father and Michael’s sister Lindsay’s husband, Gil, and his manager, who had married the mother-in-law of brother Pete. They never bothered with the exact relationship. They were all family.

Suddenly he saw his mother talking to Dani. He recognized immediately what the result of that talk would be. “Uh, Dad, can I talk to you for a minute?”

Caleb Crawford was a big man, robust and active though he was approaching sixty. “Sure. Anything wrong?”

“I want you to warn Mom,” he whispered as they walked away from the others.

“Warn Mom? Why? Is someone going to hurt her?” Caleb was instantly on the defensive. His family was his main business, and his job was to protect them.

“No, Dad, nothing like that, but…Abby is introducing Dani Langston to her. We’re both A.D.A.s at the office and Mom’s going to think she’s here because of me.” Michael rubbed the back of his neck. “But it’s really because Abby thinks she might be kin to them. I have nothing to do with her. Will you tell Mom that?”

Caleb raised one eyebrow. “You sure about that? After all, you work together.”

“Not really. She’s working with…another group in the office. Just explain it to Mom. Otherwise she’ll think—Well, you know what she’ll think.”

Caleb grinned. “Well, of five sons and one daughter you are the only one not married. She doesn’t have anyone else to concentrate on.”

“I need to build my reputation as an attorney before I take on that job. Wives take a lot of work in our family.”

“Shame on you, Michael, saying such a thing about your sisters-in-law.”

Joe, his oldest brother, must’ve caught his father’s words. “Is little brother complaining about our wives?”

“No, Joe, not at all. I just said wives take a lot of time, and I work long hours.” Michael grinned at him, but he kept his eye on Joe. He didn’t want his brother angry with him.

Joe grinned in return. “Go ahead and fight it as much as you want. Mom’s not going to rest until she’s found you a wife.”

“That one looks pretty good,” Pete said. “The one talking to Mom now.”

“No! She won’t do!” Michael turned to face his brothers.

The knowing smiles on their faces alarmed him even more. “You tell Mom it’s too soon. I’m not even thirty yet. Joe, you were past thirty-five before you married, remember?”

“I remember, little brother,” Joe said. “It’s Mom you need to convince, not me.”

“I think it’s so nice that Mike has a friend at work. Sometimes he works long hours. At least he can let off a little steam with someone he knows.”

Dani couldn’t hold back a grin. Michael would be furious if he could hear his mother. Too bad they really weren’t good friends. She could use one.

“Well, I think it’s so nice that all of your family came today just to help Michael get settled.”

“Your family didn’t help you?” Carol Crawford asked, sympathy in her voice.

Dani smiled. “No. I don’t have any family. I managed on my own.”

“Michael will have to bring you home for Thanksgiving. And Christmas. I’ll go talk to him about it right now.”

“No!” Dani exclaimed. She’d been thinking about Michael’s reaction and enjoying those devilish thoughts. But Mrs. Crawford was serious. “No, Carol, you can’t. You see, Michael and I really aren’t friends. It’s because I came to Abby’s house to find out about my grandmother and then we accidentally discovered we both worked at the D.A.’s office. That’s all. Nothing more.”

“That doesn’t mean you can’t come for Thanksgiving or Christmas. You certainly wouldn’t be the first woman Michael has brought home. I know that doesn’t mean he’ll marry you. But I say—”

“What’s up, Carol?” Abby asked as she approached them.

“I want to have Mike invite Dani to Thanksgiving and Christmas. She doesn’t have any family at all. I know it doesn’t mean they’ll marry, but she shouldn’t be alone.”

Abby looked at Dani’s anxious expression. “I think Mike makes Dani uncomfortable, Carol. Besides, she won’t be alone. She’ll be celebrating here with us.”

Dani hadn’t expected that turn of events. She almost burst into tears. She hurriedly rushed to the kitchen, under the guise of helping Ellen.

“Oh, my,” Carol whispered. “Did I upset her?”

“No,” Abby said with a sigh. “I think I did. I hadn’t discussed holidays with her. But the more I think about it, I think she may be telling the truth about Beulah. I’m going to visit some of the older members of the community and see what they have to say.”

“And she and Michael?” Carol asked anxiously.

“They aren’t really at ease with each other.” Abby ducked her head and then smiled at her mother-in-law. “I’d like for them to get together, but it can’t be forced.”

“I know. And I’m so glad you’re keeping an eye on Michael. I worry about him, but at least he has you and Logan.”

“We’re delighted to have him, except for one thing.”

Carol grew alarmed. “Michael’s not behaving?”

Abby hugged her. “Of course he is. But he’s spoiling Mirabelle rotten!” She grinned to let Carol know she was teasing.

Carol sighed with relief. “Well, you can hardly blame him. Mirabelle is such a darling!”

Abby smiled. “And you are the best grandmother I’ve ever seen.”

They went into the house, arm in arm.

With the combined Crawfords and Kennedys, lunch was a great family affair. Michael enjoyed it, even while purposely avoiding Dani. By then, his survival instincts had kicked in big-time, and he didn’t want to give his mother any reason to believe he was interested in Dani.

He definitely was not. For all he knew not only was she trying to pull the proverbial wool over Abby’s eyes, she was leading Ned on, promising him things she shouldn’t. Not the kind of mother he’d want for his kids…when he had them years down the road.

After lunch everyone went back to the manager’s house and began projects. They worked steadily all afternoon, and by the time they sat down to leftovers for supper, once again gathering at the picnic tables, Michael had a nice place to live in. He thanked everyone, even Dani. He hadn’t intended to disturb every-one’s day to such an extent.

“Dani, it was kind of you to come help,” he said, trying to sound at ease. But he was sure he failed.

“It was my pleasure. You have a lovely family, Michael. You’re a very lucky man.”

“Yeah…well, thanks.”

She nodded and hurried back toward Abby’s house.

So much for trying to be nice. He’d wanted to be friendly, and apparently, he’d scared her. She ran away from him.

After telling his family goodbye, he went to the ranch house to gather his belongings to move into the manager’s house. His mother had brought kitchen supplies and linens; all he needed to move was his clothing and shaving things.

He came down from the room he’d been using, followed by Logan with a second load.

Ellen was holding open the door. “Michael,” she said, “don’t bother cooking breakfast every morning. You’ll always be welcome here.”

He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Ellen, you are too good to me, but I’ll be here in the morning. Your biscuits are too good to pass up.”

Then he walked to his new place and began hanging his clothes in the closet of the master bedroom.

Dani was helping Ellen clean up the kitchen when Michael came through on the way to his new home. She couldn’t help but be envious. Not only did he have a nice place to live, but he had family all around him.

That was a luxury she’d never had.

When the kitchen was sparkling as usual, Dani began saying goodbye. Ellen assured her she was always welcome at the Circle K, with Floyd backing her up. Logan, too, invited her to come back anytime. Mirabelle begged her not to go.

With tears forming in her eyes, Dani cleared her throat. “Uh, where’s Abby? I want to say goodbye.”

“She’s in the office. Had a phone call. Go on in. She’ll want to see you.” Logan smiled at her and gave her directions to the office.

She knocked softly on the door, and Abby swung it open. “Oh, Dani, I was just coming to find you. That was Melissa on the phone. She said she forgot to tell you how good you were with their little ones.”

“How nice of her. I had so much fun today, Abby. Thank you for including me.”

Abby took her arm and pulled her into the office, closing the door behind her. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. You certainly worked like a Trojan.”

“Thanks. I really should go now. I don’t like to get to the hotel too late.”

“Why don’t you stay here tonight? We’ve got a spare bedroom.”

“Thanks, Abby, but I’d better go.”

Abby shook her head. “You’re way too stubborn.”

“I guess so,” Dani said with a chuckle.

“You know, Dani, I didn’t mean to upset you today when I was talking about the holidays. But I meant what I said about you spending them with us.”

“I know you did. That’s why I almost burst into tears. You’re such a kind person, Abby.” She reached out and squeezed Abby’s hand.

“But we would enjoy having you so much. Everyone loves you. It would be great.”

“I may not even be here, Abby. Let’s just play it by ear. If I’m still around in November, then we’ll talk,” Dani said, sure she’d found a way to postpone Abby’s kind invitation.

Abby’s expression sobered. “Wait a minute. What do you mean you might not be here in November?”

Dani shrugged. “Things aren’t going so well at work.”

“But…you’ve only been there a week.”

“I know,” Dani agreed with a sigh.

“Tell me what’s wrong. Maybe I can help you.” Abby’s voice was soft with care.

“Oh, Abby. I don’t expect you to take care of me. I take care of myself. But that’s why I haven’t looked for a place to live. I realized the first day things weren’t going to work out.”

“Is it Michael’s fault?”

“No. Not at all.”

Abby stood there, frustrated. “I don’t want you to go away. What if Beulah is your grandmother?”

Dani shrugged. “What difference does that make?”

“It means you belong here, with us, as part of the family.”

Dani shook her head and walked back toward the door. “No, Abby, that’s not what it means and that’s not why I came here.”

“Why did you come here?” Abby asked, following her to the door and taking her arm. “Come sit and talk to me.” She led Dani to the sofa, and they sat side by side.

“The only family member I knew was my mother. She wasn’t a nice person. In fact, she was terrible. I was hoping to find a family member I could be proud of. Someone I could tell myself had passed on some positive things to balance out the negative ones.” She gave a wry smile to Abby. “And you gave me that, Abby. I’m very grateful.”

“Oh, honey, you ask so little,” Abby said, shaking her head.

“But then I’m never disappointed.”

“Look, let’s drive into Wichita Falls and get you a change of clothes so you can spend the night and tomorrow with us, too. Okay?”

Dani wanted to stay there, wrapped in Abby’s family, feeling a part of it, even though it might not be true. She certainly wouldn’t put it past her mother to make up papers for some scam. “By the time we did that, your babies would be in bed asleep. I don’t want to take you away from them.”

“That’s not a problem. I’ll fix that. Wait here.”

Dani shook her head as Abby left the office. If she could choose her family, Abby would be at the top of the list. She was a very generous person, along with her sisters. Just knowing Abby made Dani feel good.

The door opened and Abby came in again, beaming. “Okay, I’ve got it all fixed. Pack some clothes for church in the morning. And jeans for horseback riding.”

“Horseback riding? I don’t know how to ride!”

“Don’t worry. We’ll teach you. Oh, I’m going to love having you here even if it’s only for a day or two.”

“A day, Abby. Tomorrow night I go back to the hotel so I can go to work the next morning…while I still have a job.”

When they reached the kitchen, Dani thanked Logan for going with her to the hotel.

“Oh, it’s not me, Dani. I would but Michael insisted on going because I promised Scotty I’d give him his bath tonight.”

Surprised, Dani stared at Logan. Then she began protesting. “No, that’s not necessary. I can manage on my own. I can—”

The back door opened and Michael entered. “Are you ready, Dani?”

Now she regretted accepting Abby’s invitation. Even the short drive to Wichita Falls was too long for her to be alone in a car with Michael. He made her nervous, uncomfortable. “Look, Michael, I can go by myself. There’s no need to bother you on your first night in your new house.” That sounded like a reasonable excuse to her.

He ignored her remark. “It’s getting late. I’ll drive.” He held the door open and waited.

Abby stepped forward and kissed Dani’s cheek. “We’ll get the kids in bed and have some more of Carol’s cake when you get back.”

Feeling as if she had no choice, she followed Michael out into the growing darkness. When they reached his car, she made a last-ditch effort. “I can take my car and be back within the hour. Abby would never know.”

“I promised her. She spent all day trying to make things better for me. A drive into town isn’t that big a deal. Get in.”

With a sigh, she did so. She sat silently as he pulled out on the road, unable to think of anything to say. However, since he didn’t speak, either, Dani decided Michael preferred the silence.

“Where are you staying?” he finally asked as they reached the outskirts of Wichita Falls. She named the hotel and gave him brief directions.

“Why haven’t you looked for a place to live?” he asked.

She gave him a disgusted look. “Surely you know the answer to that.”

He frowned even more. “Why would I know that?”

“Everyone else knows. That’s why none of the other employees associate with me. I even get sympathetic looks from the secretaries, but they don’t want anything to do with me, either. They’ve all figured out that I won’t be around very long.”