Cradling Kira in one arm, Skylar stood on tiptoe and reached up and circled his neck with her hand

Cooper tensed, but it didn’t stop her. She stroked his roughened skin and felt the texture of his thick hair curling into his collar.

At her touch, his eyes darkened and she pulled him toward her, meeting the firm line of his lips gently, softly. One touch and emotions exploded around them. He cupped her face and took over the kiss with a deep, yearning intensity. He tasted of sunshine and the outdoors. As he caressed her lips, a sensual heat built in her and mingled with the wildness in both of them. His callused hands held her face, but all she felt was his power—in her and all around her. A gentle power that was riveting. Evocative. Real.

The kiss went on and on, bonding them together in a new way—as a man and as a woman fully aware of the differences.

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the last book in THE BELLES OF TEXAS trilogy. This one is close to my heart, and I’ll tell you why. The heroine’s four-year-old daughter, Kira, has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a disease I’m familiar with. When I was planning this book, I knew Skylar’s child had something wrong with her, but I didn’t know what. One day I went for a checkup, and the nurse suggested I give her juvenile arthritis. I should probably tell you I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was eighteen.

I hesitated. I deal with the disease daily and I didn’t want to give it to a little girl, even if she was fictional. The nurse said I was well acquainted with how rheumatoid arthritis affects a person so the story should be easy to write. It wasn’t. Every pain Kira Belle suffered, I felt, too. But I made sure she had loving people all around her, just like I have in my life. I was pleased with the way the story turned out, even though I cringed a lot while writing it.

Some scenes in the book were taken from my childhood and I admit I used artistic license with the well scene. Enjoy Skylar’s story. I promise it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

With love and thanks,

Linda Warren

Skylar’s Outlaw
Linda Warren

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning, bestselling author Linda Warren has written twenty-three books for the Harlequin Superromance and Harlequin American Romance lines. She grew up in the farming and ranching community of Smetana, Texas, the only girl in a family of boys. She loves to write about Texas, and from time to time scenes and characters from her childhood show up in her books. Linda lives in College Station, Texas, not far from her birthplace, with her husband, Billy, and a menagerie of wild animals, from Canada geese to bobcats. Visit her Web site at www.lindawarren.net.

I dedicate this book to the millions of people

who suffer with arthritis.

May they soon find a cure.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A special thanks to:

J.O. Siegert for answering my many questions about water wells and ranching.

Mark Fuller, DVM, for always coming to the rescue for all my animal problems.

Micki Gutierrez, RN, for offering a great suggestion.

And, Lara Chapman for kindly sharing information on Giddings, Texas.

All errors are strictly mine.

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

EPILOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

SKYLAR BELLE HATED BEING ignored, especially by a man.

Especially by him.

The padded chair squeaked against the hardwood floor as she moved uneasily due to her infuriated thoughts. But she wasn’t going to put up with his blatant rudeness one more day.

“The ex-con has to go.” She said the words loudly and clearly, with an angry undertone, determined to snare her sister’s attention. What she got was silence.

Damn freakin’ silence.

Her oldest sister, Caitlyn, sat transfixed with her hand on her stomach, a goofy expression Sky had never seen before plastered on her face. The look seemed out of place on her responsible, bossy sister. Finding out you’re pregnant could do that to a woman, though. Skylar knew that.

Her other sister, Madison, held her four-month-old daughter on her shoulder, burping her and occasionally kissing the baby’s cheek. Maddie was enraptured and totally oblivious to everyone else in the room.

Neither sister had heard a word she’d said.

She might need a cannon or a bomb to break into their thoughts.

“She’s asleep,” Maddie whispered, gingerly getting to her feet. “I’ll put her down and then we can talk. I know you said something, Sky.”

“Yes, and I’d appreciate it if you two could focus.” They were in the study, having their monthly meeting to discuss the High Five ranch. Or trying to have the meeting, was more accurate.

As Maddie left, Cait rubbed her flat belly. “I can hardly believe a little person is growing in here.”

Sky leaned back, studying her sister with the black hair and Belle blue eyes. The ranch had always been Cait’s top priority, but now Sky couldn’t even get her attention to discuss it. “I never thought you’d be this sappy.”

Cait looked up, her eyes as bright as the May sun peeping through the study windows. “Judd and I are so happy.”

“And I’m happy for you, but could we please talk about High Five?”

“Of course, but we have to wait for Maddie. She’s busy with the baby.” Cait crossed her legs, that goofy expression still intact. “We thought Maddie would never have children, and now she has three. That’s so wonderful. No one deserves it more than our sister.”

“Yes.” Sky picked up a crystal paperweight and the scent of vanilla drifted to her from the candle sitting beside it—one of Maddie’s touches to the study.

Her sweet, loving sister had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was twenty-eight, and was unable to have children. But then she’d met Walker, a man with three kids who needed a woman in his life. They fell deeply in love. Maddie deserved her happily-ever-after, but Sky knew that type of relationship wasn’t for her.

Cait was the responsible one, Maddie the sweet one and Sky was known as the wild one. Their three different mothers had all been married at one time to Dane Belle. Sky’s mother had married five times, so Sky never had a stable environment, except when she visited her father, grandmother and sisters on the High Five ranch in Texas. Now her dad was gone and the ranch he loved had been left to his daughters. Their goal was to keep it going.

Since Cait’s mother had died in childbirth, she’d been raised on the ranch. Sky had thought her sister would never leave the place of her birth. Then a neighboring rancher, Judd Calhoun, had wooed her away. Now the responsibility for High Five was on Sky’s shoulders, and she didn’t take that lightly. She had to make her sisters understand her point of view.

Clearing her throat, she said, “We’re all dealing with motherhood, but we still have to run this ranch.”

Cait lifted an eyebrow. “Is bitchy getting responsible?”

Sky groaned at the nickname, but she had to admit she could be a bitch if the occasion arose.

“I’ve always been responsible.” She tried to keep a straight face.

“Yeah…”

Maddie slipped back into the room. “Sorry that took so long, but Georgie had the baby’s blanket tied around his neck, preparing to jump off the back of the sofa as Spider-Man. Kira was right behind him.”

Sky was immediately on her feet. Her child was her life. “Is she—”

“She’s fine.” Maddie motioned for her to sit down. “I had a talk with Georgie, and he won’t do it again.”

“Your talks are not exactly stern. I’d better—”

“Georgie won’t disobey,” Maddie said on a firm note. “Gran and Etta are watching them. So what do you want to talk about?”

This was it. She had their attention.

“Oh, darn.” Maddie glanced sideways at her shoulder. “I have milk all over me.”

Sky felt like bumping her head against the desk in frustration. Instead, she opened a drawer and threw her a box of tissues. “You smell great, too.”

Maddie made a face and caught the box. “Sour milk is my perfume these days. Walker loves it, so we’re both happy.”

Losing patience, Sky clapped her hands. “Listen up. We need to talk about High Five.”

“I’ve been here thirty minutes and nothing’s been said.”

“Because you’re not listening,” Sky shouted at Cait. “You’re in la-la land.”

Both sisters stared at her, and she leaped right in with what she had to say. “After the destruction of the hurricane and the fire, High Five is finally making a turn for the better. I think that’s what Dad wanted for us—to realize the importance of our heritage and to work together to secure it. That’s why he put that ridiculous clause in his will that the ranch had to be sold to Judd if it wasn’t showing a profit in six months.”

“Dad knew I’d fight that like a hellcat and call y’all home to help, especially since I’d jilted Judd fourteen years before and considered him my archenemy.” Cait’s voice softened. “He also knew that if he pitted Judd and me against each other, we’d fall in love all over again.”

“He had a plan and it worked,” Maddie said, wiping at her blouse. “Even though he’d left the ranch in dire straits because of his gambling debts, he knew we’d pull together to save High Five. He wanted us to feel the same pride he had in home and family.”

Cait’s eyes grew wistful. “It’s ironic that Dad, who was the king of spoiling and pampering and who repeatedly told us we needed husbands to take care of us, took the biggest gamble of his life when he bet those same daughters would rescue High Five.”

There was silence for a moment as they each thought about their father. Sky knew they were getting sidetracked, and she had to bring the discussion back to her problem.

“As I said, the ranch is finally showing a profit and I want to keep it that way.” She gripped the paperweight. “I can’t do that with Cooper Yates as foreman. He has to go. I’ve put up with his insolent attitude long enough.”

Maddie’s head shot up. “I don’t understand why you can’t get along with Cooper.”

“Why do I have to? I own this ranch.”

“You’re a part owner,” Cait reminded her.

She gritted her teeth. “When Maddie got married, I agreed to take over running the place, but I can’t do that with someone who ignores me and my orders.”

Maddie and Cait shared a glance, and it irritated Sky when they did that. She was always the odd one out.

Cait got to her feet. “Bottom line, Sky, this ranch won’t survive without Cooper’s expertise. He puts in fourteen- to sixteen-hour days without any overtime pay. He’s dedicated to High Five, so I suggest you learn to get along, because Cooper stays.”

Sky rose to her feet, ready for battle. “You don’t get to make that decision alone.”

“I vote with Cait.” Maddie placed the tissues on the desk. “Cooper stays.”

Sky tucked her naturally curly red hair behind her ears. “I have a child and I thought you’d be more considerate of Kira. I don’t want her around an ex-con.”

“You know Cooper was framed for killing those horses, and all the charges were dropped.” Cait reached for her purse on the floor. “What else is bothering you?”

Sky had to be honest. “Not all the charges were dropped. He almost beat to death the man who framed him, and he’s still on probation for the assault. I don’t want a man with that kind of temper around my daughter.”

Maddie picked up her diaper bag. “I’d trust Coop with my kids any day of the week. I’ve worked with him and I know he’s a good man who’s had some bad breaks. Just cut him some slack.”

“I can’t believe you two.” Sky flung up her hands. “I ask for your help and you’re telling me to deal with him.”

“That’s it.” Cait glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to run. Judd has a decorator coming to give ideas on a nursery.” She slung her purse strap over her shoulder. “As if I need ideas, but I’ll cooperate because I’m such a good wife.”

Sky’s patience snapped. “If High Five needs Cooper Yates so badly, then I might as well not be here. I’ll pack my things and leave.” She glared at her older sister. “That’s my bottom line.”

“That’s just like you, Sky,” Cait shot back, just as Sky knew she would. Their relationship had always been volatile because they were so alike in their fiery temperament. “It’s your way or nothing.”

“It’s not about having my way. I can’t work with the man.”

“All right,” Cait shouted. “I’ll take over running High Five.”

“Cait!” Maddie was quick to come to her defense. “You can’t do that. You’re going to have a baby.”

“With Sky being so stubborn, I don’t see any other way. I’ll have to come back.”

Sky felt like a fifth grader, being mean for no reason. Except she had a reason.

“Cait…” Maddie trailed off as Gran walked into the room. Their grandmother’s hair was beautifully white and curled into a knot at her nape. In slacks, a multicolored blouse and sensible shoes, Dorthea Belle looked much younger than her seventy-seven years. Sky had often thought she had an ageless beauty, with a softness and a fragility that was very striking. Even in slacks Gran wore her pearls.

Southern manners had been instilled into her, and she tried her best to impress those views on her granddaughters. Somehow her teachings had missed the mark, but all three sisters were aware of Gran’s position on life, women and their roles. They respected her enough never to hurt her.

“What’s this I hear about leaving and coming back?”

Maddie hoisted the diaper bag higher on her shoulder and walked forward. Linking her arm through Gran’s, she asked, “Have you been listening at the door?”

“Certainly not.” Gran stiffened her shoulders. “A lady would never do such a thing.”

“Then how did you hear?” Maddie continued in her pleasant, soothing way.

“Cait and Sky were shouting, my baby. That’s how I heard.” Gran looked at Cait. “What’s this nonsense about you coming back to High Five?”

Cait stared at Sky, who wasn’t sure how to explain this to Gran. Damn Cooper Yates.

Gran patted Maddie’s hand. “Since your sisters seem to be tongue-tied, tell me what’s going on.”

As if it was the easiest thing in the world, Maddie started to explain. “Sky has a problem working with Cooper.”

“What? That’s ridiculous. Cooper is a very nice and polite young man.”

“We were trying to explain that to Sky, but she feels differently, and we have to respect her feelings. That’s the reason Cait offered to come back.”

“Respect, my ass,” Cait whispered under her breath.

“Cait’s not coming back to High Five to work,” Gran stated firmly. “She has a husband, a home, a baby on the way, and she doesn’t belong here, running a ranch.” Gran patted Maddie’s hand again. “Neither do you, so go home to your husbands. Sky and I will sort this out. If worst comes to worst, I can run the ranch.”

A collective gasp echoed around the room. Cait mouthed at Sky, I’m going to kill you.

“I can see you, Caitlyn,” Gran stated.

“Gran…”

She held up a hand. “Go home, my baby. That’s where you belong.”

“But you can’t run this ranch.” Cait couldn’t leave well enough alone.

Their grandmother bristled. “You don’t think I can.”

“Cait didn’t mean that.” As usual, peacemaker Maddie tried to soothe the ruffled feathers.

“Good.” Gran nodded. “Sky and I will talk about this. We’ll let you know how it turns out. Goodbye, my babies.”

“I’m going to kill you,” Cait muttered once again as she walked out the door. Maddie looked anxious, but followed her.

Don’t go. Don’t go.

As upset as she was with her sisters, Sky did not want to face her grandmother alone. Gran would pick away at her emotions like a buzzard gnaws at a carcass, laying bare every fear, every anxiety she kept hidden.

Gran took Maddie’s seat, her back straight, her hands folded in her lap. “Now, young lady, what’s the problem?”

Oh, God. When Gran sat as a proper Southern woman and called her “young lady,” Sky knew she was in trouble. However, she wasn’t a little girl or a teenager anymore. She was now an adult and able to handle her grandmother.

Yeah, a little voice mocked her, like when cows can vote.

She pushed the nervousness away and decided to be honest. “Gran…”

“Just so we’re clear.” Gran held up the forefinger on her left hand, and Sky noticed her platinum-and-diamond wedding rings. Sky had always loved them. When Cait married, Sky had felt sure Gran would give them to her, but Judd had had his own ideas for Cait’s rings, as Walker had for Maddie’s. Sky was the only granddaughter left, and she would never wed. She would never again open her heart to a scum like Todd Spencer, who had shredded her emotions like confetti.

“You are not leaving High Five.” Gran’s declaration broke through her musings. “Kira loves it here and you can’t keep uprooting her. She needs stability. It’s time to stand up to Todd’s parents, but that’s another discussion. Right now I want to talk about Cooper.”

For once Sky would rather talk about Cooper, too. Ever since Todd’s parents had found out about Kira, they’d wanted a paternity test done, in hopes of gaining custody of their only grandchild. Sky had been on the run since then. She would fight with her last breath before she’d let the wealthy Spencers take her child.

She forced Todd’s parents out of her mind. “Cooper doesn’t like me and I’m not that crazy about him, either. I don’t see how we can continue to work together.”

“How do you know he doesn’t like you?”

“He won’t speak to me and he avoids me. When I tell him to do something, he ignores me.”

“Well, that’s just rude.”

Sky blinked. Hot damn. Gran was on her side. She didn’t expect this.

“But, my baby, you’ve been rude to him, too. Cooper doesn’t even eat at the house anymore because of you and your intolerance. I’ve taught you better than that. Being part owner of this ranch gives you certain rights, but prejudice isn’t one of them.”

“Gran!” She could feel Gran stripping away all her defenses and her rights as she envisioned them, exposing a painful reality that wedged its way into her heart—she’d disappointed her grandmother once again.

Gran shouldn’t be able to ignite her guilt. But she managed to, because Sky loved her. Gran and Sky’s father had been the only stability she’d ever known in her life. And disappointing them had always taken a slice of her pride. Like now.

“But my granddaughter will not be treated that way. I will have a word with Cooper.” Gran slowly pushed to her feet.

Guilt screamed full blast through her conscience, awakening a barefaced truth. Since when had she needed anyone to fight her battles? This wasn’t Cait’s, Maddie’s or Gran’s problem. It was hers. And it was time to stop acting like a fifth grader and run this ranch with authority, as Cait and Maddie had. Cooper Yates would not make her turn tail and run.

“No, Gran.” Sky rose to her feet with confidence, stopping her at the door. “I’ll talk with Cooper. It’s my job and this time he will not ignore me.”

Gran fingered her pearls. “I wondered what had happened to your fighting spirit.”

She winced. “Momentary insanity.”

“Baby, give the man a chance. High Five can’t afford to lose him.”

“Cait said the same thing.”

“Well, then, enough said. Pull up your big-girl panties and get this done…the Belle way.”

Sky’s laughter echoed around the room. “Gran, you’ve said that since I was small, and I still don’t know what the hell it means.”

“But you get the gist? And no cursing, please.”

Sky wrapped an arm around the old woman’s thin shoulders. “Yes, ma’am.”

“That’s all that matters, and thank you. I really didn’t want to saddle up in the morning.”

Sky stopped and stared at her grandmother. “You had no intention of saddling up. You played me like a fine-tuned violin. You knew if you made me see how selfish I was being, I’d relent.”

Gran shrugged. “Whatever works.”

“Mommy. Mommy,” Kira called, running from the parlor, with Etta, the housekeeper, on her heels.

Before the child reached Sky, she fell headlong onto the hardwood floor. Loud cries filled the room. Sky immediately scooped her up.

Don’t ask if she’s hurt. Don’t ask.

Her four-year-old daughter had been diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and the doctor warned about constantly asking if Kira was hurting. It would make the child paranoid and deeply aware of her condition. Kira would tell her if she was in pain. Still, Sky couldn’t help thinking about it constantly.

Kira’s cries grew louder. Sky rubbed her back. “You’re okay, precious. Shh. Mommy’s here.”

Raising her head from Sky’s shoulder, she wiped at her eyes. “I fall down.”

Sky kissed a wet cheek. “Yes, you did.” Kira fell a lot but the doctor said that was normal. There was nothing normal about her baby hurting, though.

Kira’s right knee was red and swollen this morning. Her child living in pain kept her on tenterhooks, and she tried not to let it show. She didn’t always accomplish that.

“How about a nap?”

Kira stopped rubbing her eyes. “’Kay. Is Georgie coming back?”

“Not today, precious.”

“I wanna play with Georgie.”

“Maybe tomorrow.”

“And we’ll have some chocolate pudding when you wake up.” Gran kissed Kira. “I love you.”

“Love you, too.” Kira rested her head against Sky’s shoulder again and all her motherly instincts kicked in, feelings she thought she would never have. But the moment she’d first held her baby, her whole personality seemed to change. Kira depended on her, needed her. Sky had never had full responsibility for another person and at first it had overwhelmed her. Now it was natural.

She stroked her daughter’s red curly hair, hair just like her own, as were her blue eyes. Very little of Todd was evident in Kira, and Sky was grateful for that.

Slowly, she made her way up the stairs to their bedroom. Kira really needed her own room, but Sky was afraid she wouldn’t hear her if she needed her during the night. Besides, it was just the two of them, and probably always would be.

After she gave Kira some children’s liquid Tylenol and settled her down for a nap, Sky planned to have an up-close-and-personal meeting with Mr. Cooper Yates.

And this time he wasn’t ignoring her.

WITH A KNOT in his gut, Cooper watched Cait and Maddie drive away. He strode into the barn, his jaw clenched. The redhead had called a family meeting and he knew exactly what it was about. She wanted to get rid of him.

If he knew Cait and Maddie—and he did, since he’d worked side by side with both—he couldn’t see them going along with such a plan. But they were sisters, and owners of High Five. He was just the hired hand. A cowboy.

He threw a saddle over his brown-and-white paint, Rebel, and tightened the cinch. The horse did a quick side step and reared his head. Cooper had just bought and broken the gelding, which was still fidgety. But he’d settle down.

The calluses on Cooper’s hands rubbed against the leather strap. He was a working man—work kept his demons at bay. Cait had understood that. So had Maddie. But the redhead wanted him gone, and he wondered if she’d get her wish. It didn’t matter to him. He didn’t know if he could continue to work for the woman, anyway. Maybe it was time for him to move on.

To what?

Dane Belle had given him a job when no one else would. High Five was his home now and the redhead wasn’t getting rid of him. Besides, he was on probation and couldn’t leave the county. He was here to stay. Once he made that decision the knot in his stomach eased.

But not for long.

The redhead was coming his way.

CHAPTER TWO

“MAY I SPEAK WITH YOU, please?” Sky was determined to be polite, using her best manners, as Gran would want her to.

“It’s a free country.” The deep drawl came from the other side of the horse, and the man made no move to look at her or to acknowledge her presence.

She gritted her teeth, but his insolence wasn’t going to cause her to lose her temper. “We have to work together so could you please look at me?”

He lowered the stirrup, raised his head and glared at her over the top of the saddle. For the first time, she noticed his eyes were a deep green, not brown as she’d thought. Green and cold as a frozen pond. She actually felt a chill and wrapped her arms around her waist.

“I’m guessing you want to talk because the meeting with Cait and Maddie didn’t go your way.” His voice was as cold as his eyes. Even so, it had a gravelly intone that would be attractive if it hadn’t been delivered with such an edge.

She bit her lip as fiery retorts zinged through her head. The cow dogs lay at his feet, but they were looking at her almost as if they were waiting for her next words.

She took a step closer, surprising herself at her calmness. “No. It didn’t go my way. I find it very hard to work with you when it’s crystal clear you don’t like me.”

His jaw tightened, as did the chiseled lines of his lean face. “Like you’re crazy about having an ex-con on the property.”

“Okay. I’ll admit I have a problem with that.” She tugged her fingers through her frizzy red curls. God, it was a humid day, and her hair was a mess. Not that the man on the other side of the horse noticed. And nor did she want him to. Focus. “But Cait, Maddie and Gran are on your side, so let’s make this work.”

The dogs rose to their feet, and she knew that was a signal the man was about to mount his horse. She grabbed the reins so the animal couldn’t move. The horse moved nervously and tried to rear its head, but she held tight. Her heart ricocheted off her ribs from the anger blazing in his eyes.

But she didn’t back down, though it was hard not to. The man stood at least six foot two, with a whipcord body and broad shoulders. Faded jeans and a pearl-snap shirt molded his muscled frame. He pulled his worn and dusty Stetson low so it hid most of his brooding expression.

She had a split second to get her words out before he exploded. “We have to run this ranch together, and you might as well accept that. If you have something against me, just say so and we’ll talk it out. But High Five comes first and we have to put our differences aside. I’d appreciate your cooperation. And Gran would like it if you’d have your meals at the house as you did before.”

His eyes seared hers like a hot iron as he jerked the reins from her hand. Without a word he swung into the saddle, spurred the paint and shot out of the barn like a rocket, the dogs following.

At his high-handedness, she freed the padlock she’d had on her emotions and kicked at the dirt. “You low-down, sorry bastard! You son of a bitch!”

“Girl, where did you learn words like that?” Rufus, Etta’s husband, came through from the corral, leading his horse.

She gulped a long breath. “Sorry, Rufus. I was letting off steam.”

Rufus was in his seventies, tall, lean and slightly bowlegged. He’d spent every day since he was a kid in the saddle, except for the years he’d been in prison.

“Cut the boy some slack.”

“I was just trying to do that, but he ignored me once again.” She frowned. “Why does he dislike me?”

Ru tipped back his hat. “Now, girl, that’s a mighty powerful question.”

The old tomcat that lived in the barn darted out and scurried across bales of hay stacked in a corner. The sweet, pungent scent of alfalfa reached her nostrils. That smell always reminded her of home, of High Five.

“Could be he took his cue from you?”

She brought her gaze back to Rufus. “What?”

“You never hid how you felt about him.”

“Oh.” What was it with the elders on this ranch? They were on a spear-Skylar campaign, making her aware of every lousy fault she had.

Ru patted his mare, Dixie. “You never felt that way about me, did you?”

Her eyes flew to his clouded ones. “Of course not. I’ve known you all my life and you’re part of our family.”

“I killed a man, though.”

“You were trying to keep him from murdering his girlfriend. You never meant to hurt him.”

“But I drank a lot back then. Etta didn’t like it. I went to bars, too. Etta didn’t like that, either, but I kept going. Maybe I wouldn’t have been so quick to hit the guy if I’d been sober. One swing from my fist and he was dead.” Ru flexed his right hand. “Sometimes in life those bad breaks happen. Prison woke me up, and I’ve always been grateful for the people who stood by me, like Mr. Bart, Miss Dorie, Dane and my Etta. Couldn’t have gotten through it without them.”

A lump formed in Sky’s throat. Ru was a quiet man. He rarely spoke and he never talked about that time in his life.

“Coop’s had no one,” he continued. “His mother died and his dad beat him regularly as a kid. Finally, he ran away and made it on his own. He was doing good. A lot of ranchers wanted to hire him, and then that man framed him to get the insurance money from the thoroughbred horses. In anger, Coop lashed out. I don’t blame him. I probably would have done the same thing, but it changed his life forever. No one trusts him. It’s like a brand he wears every day—‘ex-con.’”

She swallowed the lump, feeling lower than dirt. And Ru wasn’t through.

“Have you ever seen a ranch this size run by two men, one of them getting on in years? Coop’s a workhorse. We have corn, maize, coastal and alfalfa planted. It will all have to be harvested at about the same time. Coop will get very little sleep during those weeks. This is his home now. He has no family but the one he’s made here at High Five.”

Ru placed a worn boot into the stirrup and mounted his horse. The leather creaked from his weight. Dixie pranced around, ready to go. “If you love High Five, you’ll adjust your attitude. Remember, Dane Belle is watching.” After delivering that startling news, he slowly rode out of the barn.

Sky sank onto a bale of hay and let the sounds and smells of the old barn take her away. Most people would think the scents of manure, horses, dogs and hay unpleasant. Nevertheless, it brought back her childhood—days of fun and laughter and of being loved. She had very little of that in her mother’s world. They moved so much her suitcase was always packed.

Julia was good at spouting the same old line: “I’m gonna find the right man this time, sugar.” But the right man for her mother never appeared. She kept looking, though. Julia was a beautiful redhead who could attract any man’s attention, but she could never hold it.

The last one, Everett Coleman, had just about done them both in. Sky never liked him, but her mother was crazy about the arrogant, egotistical Texan. Mostly, Julia was crazy about money, and the way Everett lavished it on her. The only thing Sky liked about the man was that he lived in Texas and she could visit her father when she visited her mother.

It amazed her that Julia had stayed married to the man for five years. When he started having financial problems, her mother was out the door. That was four years ago. Sky never asked what had happened. Her mother’s marriages weren’t her favorite topic.

After that, she and her mother did grow closer. Julia had been a nurse before she’d married Dane Belle, and she was there when Sky needed her the most—to answer her many questions about Kira’s health.

Now her mother was out to capture husband number six. Sky had vowed never to be like that, so she and Todd had moved in together for a trial period. The stupidest decision she’d ever made. She was determined to avoid repeating her mother’s mistakes. In doing so, she’d fallen into the same pattern.

From the start Todd had said he never wanted kids, so they were very careful. But partying all night sometimes left “careful” at the door. When Sky told Todd she was pregnant, he’d thrown a fit, packed his things, told her she was on her own and left. She’d kept waiting for him to come back. He didn’t.

As her pregnancy started to show, rumors began to emerge. A friend told her that Todd’s parents knew she was pregnant and were just waiting for the baby to be born so a paternity test could be done. If the baby was Todd’s, they planned to file for custody.

She dismissed the first rumor, but then a friend of Todd’s told her the same thing, and she knew it was true. The Spencers were wealthy and they could take her baby with a high-priced attorney, something she couldn’t afford. Her party-girl status was well-known. She wouldn’t be portrayed as mother of the year.

The last four years she’d been on the run, making sure the Spencers never found her. It wasn’t easy, but she had to keep Kira a secret from everyone, even her family at High Five.

As her father had said, all chicks come home to roost. She’d arrived at High Five at Christmas and decided to stay. Mainly because Maddie was getting married, and Sky was needed on the ranch. Besides, she was tired of living out of a suitcase. And Gran was right—Kira needed stability. She needed a home. That’s what Sky wanted for her child.

So here she was, back at High Five, and her father’s presence was all around her, from the land he’d loved, to his collection of fine wines in the parlor, to the cigars he kept hidden in the study. Home. Family. Dad.

He’d been furious when he found out about Kira, and disappointed in Sky and her choices. That hurt. However, he’d supported her decision to keep Kira away from the Spencers, and made sure she had the money to do it.

“Spitfire, someday you’re going to have to grow up and face this.” God, she thought of his words often.

The tomcat eased around her on the bale of hay. “Hey there, Tom. Are you going to keep me company? Everyone else is on my backside, and I might just have to admit they have a reason. It’s hell when that happens.”

The cat curled into a comfy position and Sky rose to her feet. What was she going to do about Cooper Yates? All the way to the house the question plagued her.

She’d never had a problem with men before. Not that it was something she was proud of, but getting them to fall over themselves for her came relatively easy. It was a talent she’d inherited from her mother. Why hadn’t Cooper been bowled over by her?

Motherhood. Since she’d become a mother, her life and views had changed drastically. Protecting Kira, keeping her safe and happy, was Sky’s top priority. She saw Cooper as a threat to Kira’s safety, and had acted accordingly.

Or was it more? Something about the way he’d looked at her when she’d first met him got to her. It was an I-don’t-like-you stare. She didn’t understand it, and at the time, she’d felt it was his problem, not hers. Now she wasn’t so sure.

CYBIL SPENCER WAITED impatiently as her husband talked on the phone.

“Well?” she demanded when he clicked off.

“Leo Garvey, the P.I., located the apartment Skylar Belle was renting in Tennessee.”

“Was she there?”

“No. She got wind he was asking questions and disappeared again.”

“We pay him a lot of money. Surely he can do a better job than this. It’s amateurish, and I’m tired of all this waiting.” She swept back her blond bob in irritation.

Jonathan poured a shot of bourbon and raised the glass toward her. “He managed to get in the apartment before it was cleaned.”

“And?”

“He found a child’s hairbrush with red hair on it behind a sofa cushion.” He took a swallow of the bourbon. “He’s sending it to a lab for DNA testing. Now he has to get a sample of Todd’s DNA, and then we’ll know if the child is a Spencer.”

“Pour me a gin and tonic. It’s time to celebrate. After all this time, that Belle bitch is going to get what’s coming to her.”

WHEN COOPER RODE INTO THE barn, it was late. Darkness had settled in and the dim lightbulbs hanging from the rafters did little to chase it away.

The dogs trotted behind him, breathing heavily. Ru had quit for the day long ago. After checking the herd, Coop had sat in the grass near Crooked Creek. This time of the year, the grass was green and thriving. The cows were knee-deep in it. The hayfields were also flourishing. After the fire, he’d worried about that, but now High Five was back on track.

It was good to know that Albert Harland, the man who had set the fires to the land and house, and had attempted to kill Cait, was now serving twenty years for the crimes. That didn’t erase the damages, though. Coop had to keep working so the ranch could overcome its losses.

For what?

To work with that woman?

Dismounting, he undid the saddle cinch, and with one hand swung the saddle over a sawhorse. The dogs lay down to rest. After leading the paint into the corral, Coop removed the bridle and slapped the horse’s rump. The animal cantered toward the feed trough.

As Coop reentered the barn, Ru came in from the other door with a covered plate in his hand.

“You just getting in, boy? I left you two hours ago.”

“Yep. I had some things I had to check.”

“Like what?” Ru held the plate high as the dogs jumped to reach it.

“Just stuff.”

“Miss Dorie’s a might upset you’re not eating at the house.”

Coop hooked the bridle on a nail. “So I heard.”

“C’mon, boy. Give Sky a chance.”

He took the plate. “I don’t give women like her chances.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“Nothing. Thanks for the food.” He strolled away before Ru could grill him. The dogs followed, yapping all the way to the bunkhouse. Coop put the food on the counter, knowing he had to feed the dogs first. After being out most of the day, they were hungry.

He flipped on the front porch light and filled their bowls with a special mix of dog food he bought in Giddings. They gobbled it up, their short tails wagging. Australian blue-heelers, Boots, Bo and Booger were about the best friends he had besides Ru. They trusted him. They didn’t judge him.

Removing his hat, he walked into the house and placed it on a hook. Stretching his tired muscles, he felt the aches and pains of cowboying. At thirty-five he should have his own ranch, but that bastard had taken everything from him. Now he had a record, and it followed him everywhere he went like his shadow. It was a part of him.

Being angry didn’t help a thing. Coop knew that better than anyone. But when he was reminded of his past in surround sound and Technicolor, it was hard to remember.

Why did she have to come home?

With a sigh he headed to the kitchen sink, washed his hands, grabbed a fork out of a drawer and carried the plate to the table. He kept his mind blank. After years of practice, he had perfected that trait.

Tender roast, potatoes, green beans and homemade rolls—the mouthwatering aroma made his taste buds come alive. He was hungry. As he dug in, he knew he couldn’t keep making extra work for Etta. He had to bite the bullet and eat at the house as he’d done before.

As much as he wanted her to, Skylar Belle wasn’t going away. Chewing a mouthful of roast, he wondered what the odds were of them ever meeting again. When she’d come home for Dane’s funeral, he couldn’t believe his eyes. However, there was no mistaking the striking redhead with the sultry blue eyes. She’d treated him just as she had the last time he’d seen her—as if he didn’t exist. She’d had no clue who he was, or if she did, she hid it well. Luckily, she hadn’t stayed long and he didn’t have to deal with her.

Finishing the food, he pushed back his chair, which scraped across the old wood floor. He carried the empty plate to the sink and washed it. Etta didn’t believe in paper plates. He was drying the dish when the redhead’s words came back to him.

High Five comes first and we have to put our differences aside. I’d appreciate your cooperation.

Like hell…

He’d promised Cait he would do everything he could to keep High Five running smoothly, though Skylar Belle made that promise difficult. But he owed Cait, and he wouldn’t go back on his word.

No matter how much personal angst it cost him.

KIRA HAD TOYS STREWN all over the parlor floor. Sky sat cross-legged, watching her child dress and undress her Barbie doll, her favorite activity. Kira loved clothes. Maybe she’d even have a career in fashion…if she had a career. There was always that fear in Sky that Kira wouldn’t have much of a life, just a lot of pain and endless days of dealing with it.

The doctor had said there were three types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular, pauciarticular and systemic. After much testing, and because Kira only had redness and swelling in her knees and occasionally her elbow, the doctor concluded she fell into the pauciarticular category. That was good news. With less than four joints involved, Kira could outgrow the disease or go into remission as she aged. But there was also a possibility the disease could become progressively worse. No matter what, Sky would be with her all the way.

“Time for bed, precious.”

Kira shook her head. “I don’t want to.”

This was the hard part. Discipline. Sky held up the fingers on one hand. “Five more minutes.”

Kira nodded and kept tugging a dress onto the doll.

“Cooper didn’t come to supper,” Gran said from the sofa. “Did you talk to him?”

Sky helped her daughter slip high heels on the doll, and realized she was biting her lip. “Yes, and I told him he was welcome.”

“And…”

She looked at her grandmother. “And what?”

“What did he say?”

“Nothing, Gran. Absolutely nothing. That’s his modus operandi when it comes to me.”

“And Skylar Belle can’t change that?”

A smile touched her lips. “Not with Southern manners.”

Gran laughed, a real laugh that warmed Sky’s soul. It felt good to be home with people who loved her.

“On that thought, I think it’s time for all of us to go to bed.” Gran rose to her feet.

Without a word Kira began to pick up her dolls and clothes. Sky found that remarkable. One word from Gran and Kira obeyed, much as she, Cait and Maddie did. Sky helped her tuck everything into a small suitcase reserved for her Barbies and then the trio headed for the stairs.

“Can I play with Georgie tomorrow?” Kira asked.

“We’ll see what Aunt Maddie has to say.”

Kira beamed at her. “She say yes, yes, yes.”

Sky glanced at Gran. “She knows Aunt Maddie.”

“Yes, she does.”

They hugged on the landing. “’Night, Gran.”

“’Night, my babies.”

After getting Kira into bed and taking her own shower, Sky stood looking out the window toward the bunkhouse. She could see the back of the structure and a light burning in a window on the left. That must be his bedroom.

She’d never dreamed he’d been beaten as a child. How horrific. She felt bad about how she’d treated him and how she’d thought of him like a narrow-minded simpleton.

But he had that effect on her and she couldn’t explain why. It felt as if she needed to protect herself. From what? That she couldn’t answer. But they definitely had a negative reaction to each other.

She crawled in beside her daughter, careful not to wake her. Dealing with Cooper, Sky had forgotten about the Spencers. But that worry was always there at the back of her mind. She prayed they’d give up their quest to find their grandchild.

Tomorrow was a new day. A day to start over. A day to forget the shadow hanging over her.

And another day to tackle Mr. Ignore Me.

Oh, he had a rude awakening coming if he thought she gave up so easily.

CHAPTER THREE

IN THE MORNING SKY carried Kira downstairs for breakfast. She placed her in a booster seat and Etta brought steaming oatmeal to the table. Fixing Kira a bowl, Sky prayed she’d eat it. Her child had very little appetite, and it was a struggle to keep her strong and healthy.

Kira played with the spoon and then glanced at her with those gorgeous blue eyes. “Can I play with Georgie today, Mommy?”

“If you eat your oatmeal and drink your milk.” That was such a lame bribe, but she’d take whatever worked.

“Do Georgie eat oatmeal?”

Sky kissed her baby’s cheek. “Every day. That’s why he’s so strong.”

“I wanna be strong like Georgie.” Kira shoved oatmeal into her mouth and swallowed.

Great!

“The devil’s gonna get you,” Etta whispered as Sky poured a cup of coffee.

“Don’t tell anyone, but he already has.”

The old lady grinned and Sky gave her a hug. Etta always reminded her of Granny on the old Beverly Hillbillies sitcom, except Etta had short permed hair.

Gran entered the kitchen already dressed for the day. Sky was still in her cotton pj’s, so she kissed her and said, “Please watch Kira while I get dressed.”

Gran took a seat by her great-granddaughter and Sky dashed upstairs.

In a second she had on her jeans and was stuffing the tail of a pearl-snap shirt into the waistband. She guided her braided-leather belt through the loops and buckled it. Sitting down, she slipped on her boots. Oh, yeah. Cowgirl up. She was ready to face Cooper Yates.

Then she turned and saw herself in the mirror. Crap! Her hair looked like a huge dust mop. She hated her naturally curly hair—another trait she’d inherited from her mother.

Grabbing a flat iron, her favorite tool in the whole world, she sat at the dressing table and went to work. Within minutes she had it in a manageable style, clipped back at her nape.

She took a second glance at the sprinkling of freckles across her nose. How many times had she cursed them over the years? Too many to count. Makeup would cover them, but she wasn’t taking that route today. She left her fair skin clean and natural. Now she was ready.

Pausing at the door, she reached for her cell phone to call Cait.

Brenda Sue, Judd’s secretary, answered. Sky groaned. The woman gave annoying a new meaning. “May I speak to Caitlyn, please?” She held her breath.

“Is this Sky?”

“Yes.” She choked back a groan.

“I thought so. You sisters sound very alike on the phone, if you know what I mean. I might be psychic that way, too. I’m very good with voices, and some people have said—”

“Is Caitlyn there?”

“What? Oh. I’m in the office, and when they don’t answer, it rings here, so I guess Judd and Cait are doing, well, you know what. Isn’t it great about the baby? Judd is over the moon and Renee is not even bitchy anymore. She’s finally getting a grandchild. I told Cait I’d give her some pointers, but you know Cait. She didn’t take that very well. She was quite offensive, actually, and—”

“Goodbye, Brenda Sue. I’ll try her cell.” Sky clicked off before the woman could get in one more word, then had to take a long breath to de-stress. Finally she punched in her sister’s cell number.

Cait answered almost immediately.

“I’m really surprised you haven’t killed Brenda Sue by now.”

Cait laughed. “Had a scintillating conversation with her?”

“More like mind-numbing.”

Cait laughed again, and then said, “I hope you’ve come to your senses.”

“Yes, and I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I can handle the ranch and Cooper.”

“That’s good news.”

“I tend to revert to my old selfish ways every now and then, especially when I want something.”

“So what changed your mind?”

“Gran. You know those talks where you think she’s on your side, and it’s like, oh great, she understands, but then you start to see how narrow-minded and wrong you really are?”

“Yep. I’ve had a few of those conversations with her myself.”

“I just wanted to ease your mind about Gran and the situation. I’m really happy about the baby, and I don’t understand why you won’t listen to any of Brenda Sue’s pointers on the topic.”

Cait clicked off with an expletive that burned Sky’s ears. On the way down the stairs, she called Maddie and apologized. Of course, there was no need to do so, as Maddie had already forgiven her.

Children’s voices could be heard in the background and Sky was delighted her sister was as happy as happy could be.

“Kira wants to play with Georgie. Can we set up a playdate?”

“Sure. I’ll call you as soon as I know what my day is going to be like.”

As Sky reached the bottom of the stairs, she heard rain pelting the windows. Oh, no. The weather affected Kira more than anything, but she had seemed fine this morning.

Sky hurriedly made her way to the kitchen, to find her daughter still yakking with Gran. But that didn’t necessarily mean she wasn’t in pain.

Don’t ask! Don’t ask!

Kira glanced up with a childish smile that melted Sky’s heart. Her baby turned up her palms. “Oatmeal all gone, Mommy. Now can I play with Georgie?”

“Aunt Maddie will call.” Sky scooped her out of the chair. “Time to get you dressed.” She’d been planning to ask Gran to do that, but now she wanted to check Kira’s joints.

Upstairs, she removed Kira’s princess pj’s, finding her right knee still red and slightly swollen. After dressing her in jeans, a T-shirt and sneakers, Sky gave her some liquid Tylenol. As Kira bounced down the stairs, Sky wondered if that might have been a waste. Kira didn’t seem to be in pain, but on a day like this she couldn’t be sure.

In the parlor, she brushed her daughter’s hair into pigtails. Looking at Kira’s pixie face, Sky thought her baby had to be the cutest on the planet—the way every mother felt.

“Precious, Mommy’s going to work and you’re staying with Gran and Etta, okay?”

“Uh-huh.”

She kissed her nose. “You be good.”

“I be good.” Kira twisted her hands. “Is Georgie coming?”

Goodness gracious, the kid had a memory like an elephant. When the two had first met, Georgie had taken an instant dislike to Kira because Maddie was holding her. Once he realized Kira had a mother and wasn’t trying to steal his, they became good friends.

“I’ll call Aunt Maddie a little later.”

“Where’s my precious baby?” Gran called as she entered the room.

“I’m here,” Kira shouted.

Sky walked to Gran as Kira opened her case of Barbies. “Call me if you feel something is wrong. I’ll have my cell with me at all times.”

Her grandmother pushed her toward the door. “Go, and stop worrying.”

Sky grabbed a lightweight windbreaker on her way out. Flipping the hood over her head, she made a dash for the barn. She almost made it before Solomon blocked her path. The half-Brahman bull’s mother had died, and Cait and Maddie had raised him on a bottle.

He was now a huge pet—and a pest. Sky worried about Kira being around him, but Georgie loved him and led the bull around like a dog. Since Georgie was Kira’s hero, she followed him everywhere. It was almost impossible to keep her from doing things Georgie did. Solomon was a lovable creature, though, and hard to resist.

Rain peppered Sky’s face as she grabbed his halter. “Come on. I’ll feed you.”

Cooper and Rufus were in the barn, and they stilled as she entered with Solomon trailing behind her.

She tossed back her hood. “Morning.”

Rufus removed his hat and scratched his thinning gray hair. “Girl, this ain’t a day for you to be out.”

She placed her hands on her hips. “Now, Ru, that sounds just like my dad.”

“Maybe he had a point.”

“I don’t think so. I run this ranch now and I will be involved in every aspect of it.”

“Mmm.” Ru mulled that over. Cooper was in the background, straightening bridles on the wall. In keeping with his infuriating habit, he didn’t look her way. “We were going to change the oil in the tractors and baling equipment, so we’d be ready for harvesting season.”

“That’s a good idea.” She glanced outside at the rain making puddles in the dirt. “Don’t know how long this is going to last, so let’s get started.”

Cooper glanced up, his eyes narrowed beneath the brim of his hat. “Do you even know how to change oil?”

She bit her lip. “Yes, I do.” Being on her own, she’d learned to do a lot of things, including changing the oil in her car. It was much cheaper. And she’d seen Cait changing the oil in the tractors, so she knew she could do it.

Solomon, tired of waiting, butted her. Not hard, just enough to let her know he was still hungry.

“Okay.” She took his halter. “I’ll feed you.”

“I’ve already fed him,” Cooper said in an icy voice.

His tone irritated her. Well, everything about him irritated her. “He’s still hungry.”

“He’s always hungry.” The statement was just as frigid as his first response.

“I’ll give him a little something to appease him.”

“Suit yourself. You’re the boss.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “I’m glad we’ve settled that.”

She waited for a retort, but none came. With a frown deep enough to hold water, he strolled to the door that led to the lean-to equipment shed.

She stuck out her tongue at his back. Damn. She couldn’t help it.

Shaking his head, Ru followed Cooper. She reached for a galvanized bucket and went into the supply room for sweet feed. Solomon followed her to the trough under the overhang of the barn, and she dumped the feed into it.

Rushing back, she grabbed a pair of denim overalls from a hook. They were Cait’s, and Sky knew she used them for dirty jobs. She slipped into them and quickly joined Rufus and Cooper.

Several tractors and other pieces of equipment were parked in the lean-to. Ru was working on the hay baler, while Cooper squatted and looked at the underbelly of a John Deere.

She knew she was going to have to prove herself. Another thing that irritated her, but she was trying to be nice and get along. A little cooperation on Yates’s part wouldn’t kill him.

“I’ll change this one,” she said.

He stood and they were inches apart. A woodsy outdoor scent tickled her nose and a long-forgotten heat tempted her senses. Golden curls of hair peeped out of the V in his western shirt. He was too close for comfort. Too close without touching…Was she insane? This man hated her and she’d do well to remember that.

“By all means.”

Cooper tried not to look at her in the overalls, but he failed. He didn’t want to notice one thing about her, but her fair, clean skin, devoid of makeup, was a shock. That host of freckles spread across a pert nose was hard to miss, as were the curves of her body outlined by the denim. How did she manage to look sexy in those things?

“What do you put the old oil in?” she asked.

He pointed to a five-gallon bucket and a funnel, but made no move to hand it to her. That wasn’t like him. He helped Cait and Maddie all the time, but with her…

She reached for a crescent wrench from the toolbox on the ground and pulled the bucket forward as if she knew what she was doing. This could be entertaining, he thought, stepping back.

Locating the drain plug on the underside of the cylinder block, she applied the wrench. No luck. The plug was tight with grease and gunk.

The pouring rain hammered the tin roof of the lean-to with a soothing metallic rhythm as she worked on the plug. Suddenly, it popped free and dirty oil squirted everywhere. On the ground. On the tractor. On her.

With a quick reflex, Coop shoved the bucket forward to catch the oil. Oil splattered her face, her overalls and her hair. She looked shocked and he wanted to laugh. He didn’t. Instead he handed her an old rag.

She pushed herself to her feet, wiped her face and then made sure the bucket was still catching the dripping oil.

“I’ll finish,” he offered, for no other reason than to get rid of her.

“I can finish it.” She rubbed oil from her cheek, only managing to smear it. He thought she’d go running to the house, since the girl he’d briefly known wouldn’t get her hands dirty. Had she changed?

He knew she had a child; he’d seen the little girl playing in the yard. But there wasn’t a husband. Seeing her as a mother was a stretch. Seeing her as a responsible, caring woman was a stretch. Seeing her as much of anything besides a social piranha was an even bigger stretch.

And he was being judgmental—like so many people had treated him. He’d sworn he’d never do that. But with her…

“Thank you.” She handed him the rag, and he looked at this woman with the oil-smeared face. Why did he hate her? She really had nothing to do with his situation. She’d only been a bystander.

Keeping up this barrage of anger was eating at him. She was Dane’s daughter, and Coop had to shake whatever was driving him. Taking the rag, he turned and hurried into the barn.

He whistled for Rebel and the horse responded, galloping into the corral, his coat wet. In a matter of minutes, Coop was saddled up and bolted out into rain, needing to put distance between them.

The rain stopped after lunch, but still he didn’t return. He would finish the tractors that evening. Most nights he didn’t sleep, anyway.

He blocked out thoughts of her and concentrated on the ranch. The rain was good for the corn and the hayfields, as long as they didn’t get too much. If that happened, he’d have to figure out some sort of drainage. One way or another, High Five was going to have a successful crop this year.

Old boards tossed into the grass by the side of the main house caught his attention. He dismounted to check them out. They’d probably been blown around by the hurricane that had come through last September.

Squatting, he saw it was an old hand-dug well shaft, abandoned years ago. He picked up the boards. A cow could step in the hole and break a leg. Tomorrow he’d fill it up with dirt. That would be the safest way to avoid any injuries.

He used one of the small boards to scoop out indentation to lay the boards in so the wind couldn’t move them. He then kicked dirt on top with his boot. That would do for now.

Darkness fell like a heavy cloak, the moon hidden beneath its folds. He headed for the barn and rubbed Rebel down and fed him. The dogs whined at him, not liking that he’d left them behind.

Stepping out of the barn, Coop saw the lights were on at the house, but he didn’t turn in that direction. He marched purposefully toward the bunkhouse, his private space.

First, he fed the dogs and played with them for a while. They licked his face and wagged their tails, forgiving easily. He needed to find that emotion somewhere inside him.

His clothes were still damp, so he took a quick shower. Drying off, he heard a knock—no doubt Rufus, bringing supper. Coop grabbed jeans and hopped, skipped and jumped into them as he made his way toward the door. He’d have to tell Ru to stop bringing food. He could cook his own meals.

In the hallway, he shouted, “Come in.”

Sky opened the door, to find the dogs looking at her with an expectant gaze.

She forgot about them as soon as she saw Coop standing in the doorway, buttoning his jeans. And that was all he had on. His blond hair was wet from the shower and tousled across his forehead. Tiny beads of water glistened on his shoulders. A wide span of chest was covered in golden hairs that disappeared into his jeans. Her heart rate kicked into overdrive at the sight of him.

She must have been without a man too long. She wasn’t attracted to Cooper Yates. Was she?

He yanked a T-shirt from a chair and jerked it over his head. The muscles in his arms bulged from the movement. Oh, yeah. That helped to ease the tension. Not.

Focus.

For a split second Sky was caught by the simplicity of the bunkhouse. Years ago the sisters’ teenage curiosity had gotten the best of them, and they’d sneaked in to get a peek at where the cowboys lived. Of course, they were caught, and their father was not pleased. After a stern lecture, they promised never, ever to be so bold or so foolish again. Maddie was the only one who’d paid attention.

The bunkhouse was the same as it had been back then. Hardwood flooring worn by years of cowboys boot-scooting across it. Dark paneled walls. A large living area—kitchen combo highlighted with a huge stone fireplace charred by use. The hallway led to two oversize bedrooms that slept eight cowboys each. A bath separated the rooms.

“Nothing fancy—just a place to live.” Her father had said that many times.

What surprised Sky was the computer sitting on a small desk. And the TV in front of a recliner. All the comforts of home—Cooper’s home.

The warm plate in her hand reminded her she was standing there staring like that teenage girl of long ago. She walked over and set the plate on the homemade wooden table.

“I brought your supper, and for the record, this will be the last time anyone brings you food unless you’re sick. Even if you don’t care about anyone else, please respect my grandmother’s wishes and eat at the house.”

He just stared at her and then said, “You got the oil out of your hair.”

“What? Oh. Yes.” Her hand went to the freshly washed curls around her face. “It boggles my mind the tricks Etta knows to remove stains. I’ve never had my hair washed with Lava soap.”

He just kept staring.

“In case you’re wondering, running away didn’t help a thing. Rufus and I changed the oil and filters in every tractor.”

“No kidding.”

“No kidding,” she shot back.

Silence intruded and she thought it was time for her to leave. She’d said what she’d needed to. But being a true Belle, she could never leave well enough alone. “Are we clear on the meals thing?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She wanted to smack those words back at him, but instead, she turned to walk out the door. Since throwing caution to the wind seemed to be her trademark, she pivoted and said, “I’m not leaving this room until you tell me why you don’t like me.”

He took a step toward her, the green of his eyes overshadowed by some dark emotions. “You don’t remember, do you?”

“Remember? Have I met you before?” She couldn’t have. She wouldn’t have forgotten someone like him.

“Yes. Several times.”

Shocked, she gaped at him. “Where? When?”

“The name Everett Coleman ring a bell?”

A sliver of alarm slithered up her spine. “Of course, he was my mother’s fifth husband.”

“Four years ago I was his foreman at the Rocking C Thoroughbred Farms.”

“What?” Suddenly she couldn’t breathe.

“Everett Coleman was the man who framed me.”

CHAPTER FOUR

“WHAT?”

“While your mother lived at the Rocking C, you came many times to visit, usually with a couple of friends in tow.”

“Yes, but I don’t remember seeing you.” Her voice came out hoarse, and she curled her hands into fists.

“The cowboys and I were hired hands, and beneath you and your friends. You mostly made fun of us and called us names.”

She swallowed a wad of guilt that haunted her from those years—years of rebellion, years of living life on the edge. How did she explain that to him? How did she admit she had been a pampered, spoiled bitch?

Her throat worked but no words came out.

“You and your friends spent the afternoons around the pool in skimpy bikinis, leaving the privacy gate open so the cowboys could see. At night y’all hit the clubs in Fort Worth. One night y’all came in around 3:00 a.m. I was checking a mare that was about to foal. You were trying to put a saddle on Juniper Rose, and I told you no way were you going to ride that horse. You were drunk out of your mind. You gave me a tongue-lashing I won’t soon forget, but I refused to let you ride the horse. You told me to pack my things because I wouldn’t have a job in the morning.”

Sky felt color stain her cheeks. She remembered. Oh, God! She hated going to the Rocking C, but her mother had whined and whined until she’d given in. Sky had always taken friends with her to get through the weekend. And they did what rich girls did best—they partied.

“The next morning Everett said you were leaving that afternoon, and to make myself invisible until then. Ol’ Everett had a plan and nothing was getting in the way of it, including you.” Coop’s eyes bored into her. “I spent six months in a Huntsville prison because of him.”

“I’m sorry. I really am, but I had nothing to do with that.”

“I know,” he admitted, to her surprise. “But women like you and your mother, who drive men to do the unspeakable, rub me the wrong way.”

She licked her suddenly dry lips. “I’m not my mother and I’m not the same woman you met on that ranch.”

His eyes swept over her and a chill ran through her. “You look the same.”

“Really?” She lifted an eyebrow. “My hair is frizzed out. I’m not wearing makeup, and I have oil on my boots and on my jeans. Not to mention I’m broke. I’m hardly that self-centered, tongue-lashing bitch you met.”

“Maybe.” He folded his arms across his chest. “It’s hard for me to believe you’re Dane’s daughter. Cait and Maddie are so loving and caring. As a boy, I wanted to run away many times, but I stayed and finished high school because of Cait. She never gave up on me. And Maddie…well, she’s the nicest person I’ve ever met.”

“And I’m the bitch.”

His eyes met hers. “If you say so.”

“I don’t.” She straightened her backbone, determined to tell her side. “Motherhood has changed me. Back then I hated all the glitz and glamour of the Rocking C, and I especially disliked my mother’s husband. I suppose I felt if I rebelled enough, Mom would stop insisting that I visit. My life wasn’t as much fun as you might think, but I’m not going to stand here and try to explain my past behavior. I’m sorry for what was done to you by Everett. He’s a scumbag. But hating me is not going to help our situation here at High Five. That’s my concern now.”

Coop unfolded his arms, his eyes still holding hers with that sizzling glare. “You think you can work with an ex-con?”

“Yes.” Her eyes didn’t waver from the challenge in his. She took a step closer. “Cait says this ranch can’t survive without you. We can either see if that’s true or we can make High Five a prosperous operation once again.”

He didn’t move or speak, but the muscles in his arms worked from clenching his hands.

“Cait’s always talking about the bottom line. Well, this is it. We can either be friends or enemies—your choice.” Sky paused and then added, “Ru said I needed to give you a chance. That works both ways. I can’t change the past, but I can make the future better.”

On that, she walked out the door and didn’t bother to close it. Once she reached the edge of the lighted area, she bolted through the darkness. Her lungs tight, she sank to the ground beneath an oak tree.

Life was hell when you had to look at yourself through a two-way mirror and see all your faults and bad habits in living color. Pointed out by a man who had been on the receiving end of her bad behavior. She never dreamed she’d met him before. She’d never…Damn it! She could blame a lot of people, but the only person to blame was herself. Back then her resentment toward her mother had clouded her judgment and her actions. Sky had been out of control, drinking and partying way too much.

Drawing a long breath, she listened to the coyotes in the distance and the crickets chirping. She was wrong. She’d misjudged Cooper because he hadn’t been bowled over by her. That’s what had irritated her. Seeing vanity in herself wasn’t easy.

Cait had always said that one day Sky might have to eat her words about Cooper. She was, and they tasted like a bull nettle going down her throat. Startling. Burning. Awakening.

She glanced up toward the heavens. “If you’re watching, I could use a little help.” Her father had said that when she was grown she would see her faults clearly. They were about as bright as the twinkling stars. She rose to her feet and started toward the house.

Growing up was hell.

COOPER STOOD THERE for five minutes before he closed the door. He hadn’t meant to say so much, but she had a way of triggering his emotions. He didn’t analyze that any further because he didn’t want to know why the woman had such an effect on him. Never in his life had he judged anyone, but with her he couldn’t help himself.

He sat at the table and pushed the plate aside.

Friends or enemies.

His choice.

There was only one way to settle this, the same way he settled every big decision in his life. He never thought of himself as a gambler, but some days a man just had to take a risk.

Jamming a hand into his jeans pocket, he pulled out a quarter. As he flipped it in the air, he called, “Heads.” Catching the coin, he laid it flat on the table and stared at it a long time. “That’s the way it will be.” He blew out a breath. “And God help us all.”

COOPER WOKE UP at 4:00 a.m., as always. He had an internal clock that never failed him. After making coffee, he dressed. The food the redhead had brought still sat on the table. It was ruined now, so he carried it outside and gave it to the dogs. Then he washed the plate and drank two cups of coffee. Ready for the day, he headed for the barn, keeping his mind blank. He refused to think about the redhead.

He walked to the lean-to and crawled onto a tractor with a front-end loader. The open well shaft he’d found yesterday had to be filled. The tractor puttered to life and he could see clearly in the beam of the headlights. An hour later he had the hole filled with sand. He laid the boards back on top and dumped more sand to make them secure. Now he felt sure the problem was solved.

Driving back, he saw a group of wild pigs scurrying away from the tractor. Damn! They could do more damage than good to the pastures.

As he parked the tractor in the lean-to, he knew he couldn’t hold off the morning. And his decision.

A yellow glow already bathed the sky, and soon the sun would burst forth to start another day. A peaceful quiet seemed to prevail before the world awoke. He felt that quiet inside him, urging him on. He headed for the house.

As he entered the kitchen, Etta was at the stove and Ru sat eating breakfast.

Etta glanced at him. “It’s about time. Have a seat. I’ll have your breakfast ready in no time.”

“Thank you, Etta.” He placed his hat on a rack.

Sitting next to Ru, he avoided looking at the little girl seated across the table in a booster chair.

“Glad you and Sky got everything sorted out,” Rufus said, buttering a biscuit.

Coop didn’t answer as he accepted the mug of coffee Etta handed him.

“I’m Kira,” a little voice said from across the table.

Cooper didn’t know a thing about kids so he thought it best to ignore the child.

“What’s your name?”

He took a swallow of coffee.

“What’s your name?” the kid persisted.

“For Pete’s sake, answer,” Ru snapped.

Coop looked at the little girl with the red curly hair. Dressed in a pink nightgown, she held an orangey-red stuffed animal in one arm.

Swallowing, he said, “I’m Cooper.”

“Coo.”

“Cooper.”

“Coo.”

“Coop…”

He trailed off as Etta placed bacon and eggs in front of him.

“What you eating, Coo?”

Cooper clenched his jaw. Did the kid have a hearing problem? “Bacon and eggs,” he muttered, hoping the little girl turned her attention elsewhere.

“Etta, can I have bacon and eggs, please?”

“You haven’t finished your oatmeal.”

“I don’t like it.”

“Mmm. You’ll eat bacon and eggs?”

“Yes.”

Coop dug into his breakfast and did his best to ignore the child.

“I played with Georgie yesterday. He’s having a birthday party and I’m going.”

Coop took a bite of biscuit and kept on ignoring her.

“I think it’s tomorrow. I don’t know. I have to ask Mommy, but Aunt Maddie’s making a cake and everything. Do you like cake?”

Coop took another swallow of coffee.

Rufus stood with his plate in his hand. Bending low, he whispered, “She’s not contagious.”

“Yeah,” Coop mumbled.

Etta laid a small plate with a cut-up egg and some bacon in front of the girl. The child picked up a fork and began to eat. Coop noticed her watching him. Every time he put a bite in his mouth, so did she. When he reached for his coffee, she drank her milk.

The redhead appeared in the doorway, dressed for the day in tight jeans and a pearl-snap shirt that outlined her curvy breasts. Not that he noticed.

The child swung to her. “Look, Mommy, I’m eating with Coo.”

Sky glanced from her child to him. “You ate eggs?”

The girl nodded, sporting a milk mustache.

“Time to get dressed, baby.”

Cooper rose to his feet, banking down any resentment he felt toward this woman. “I thought I’d check the hayfields this morning to see how much rain we got. As soon as it dries out, we should be able to get a first cutting.”

Sky did a double take. His voice sounded cordial. Almost. But she wasn’t going to look this gift horse in the mouth. He was here, eating. That was a step forward.

“Good,” she replied.

“I saw some wild pigs this morning and I want to make sure they’re not rooting up the fields.”

“Wild pigs?”

“They’re common around here.”

“Yeah.” Rufus joined the conversation. “Skully Lutz traps them. I can give him a call if you want.”

“What does he charge?” Sky asked.

“Nothing. He just keeps all the pigs he catches.”

She looked at Cooper. “Do you think it’s a good idea to call him?”

“It couldn’t hurt. They travel in groups and they could really damage our hayfields. Our pastures, too.”

“Then call, Ru. We don’t need anything else working against us.”

“Will do.”

Both men ambled toward the back door.

“Coo,” Kira called.

Cooper stopped in his tracks and slowly glanced back.

“Bye.” Kira smiled.

He nodded, grabbed his hat and was gone.

Sky suppressed a grin. Evidently Cooper was a little nervous around children. But her daughter had a way of working magic.

“Come on, baby. Mommy has to get you dressed. I have to go to work.”

“I can dress myself.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” Kira crawled from the chair with Sky’s help. “I’m big like Georgie and Coo.”

Cooper was in a whole different ballpark than Georgie, but obviously Kira saw them as strong hero types.

“Miss Dorie and I will help her,” Etta said. “You better go or you’ll never find Ru and Coop.”

“Thanks, Etta.” Sky bent low to kiss her child. “Mommy will be back later.”

“’Kay.”

“Etta…”

“I have your cell number. Stop worrying.”

She grabbed a worn felt hat as Etta and Kira walked out, the little girl chattering nonstop. Sky and her baby had been together so much Sky thought Kira would miss her. But Kira was social and adaptable to every situation, much like her mother.

So many times during her youth, Sky had had to adjust to new living arrangements, a new home, a new stepfather, but she never did it with as much grace as Kira. Sky tended to pout and rebel. She prayed that part of her nature was gone forever.

She hurried out the door to start this new phase of her life. She was going to be so damn agreeable, Cooper Yates wasn’t going to know what hit him.

THE DAY WENT BETTER than Sky had hoped. Cooper didn’t ignore her, but she felt her presence was a strain on him. Yet they were trying. That was the important part.

The ranch had gotten two inches of rain, so the crops were thriving. A week of sunshine and they could start cutting hay for baling.

At noon they went back to the house for lunch. Kira and Gran were having a tea party in the parlor around the coffee table. Kira wore a hat with faded satin ribbons and feathers, definitely from the forties as was Gran’s.

“We’re having camel tea, Mommy,” Kira said, lifting a cup to her mouth with her little pinkie stuck out.

“Camel tea?”

“Chamomile, my baby,” Gran corrected her.

“Yeah, that.”

They were having fun so Sky left, feeling better about being away from her daughter.

That afternoon she, Rufus and Cooper rode through the herd. They stopped putting out feed long ago, since there was plenty of green grass. Toward the woods, they could see buzzards circling.

Cooper pulled up the paint. “Let’s hope that’s a dead squirrel or a raccoon.”

Sky and Ru followed as he steered the paint into the woods.

“Son of a bitch.” Cooper swung from the horse and ran to the black cow stretched out on the ground. A baby calf’s feet protruded from her rear end.

Coop knelt by the cow and she didn’t move. “Damn it! I knew this heifer was fixing to calve, and I was keeping a close watch on her. With the rain and all, I didn’t check her last night.”

Sky knelt beside him. “Is she dead?”

“No, but she might as well be.” He removed his hat and swiped an arm across his forehead.

“Isn’t there something we can do?”

Cooper ran his hand over the cow’s swollen stomach and studied the unborn calf. “First, we have to get this out of her. It’s dead. No telling how long she’s been out here like this. Damn it! Damn it!” He stood and marched to his horse, grabbing a rope. “We have to pull the calf.”

Sky didn’t say anything, because this was something she knew nothing about. She had a feeling she was going to get a lesson in ranching today.

From a man who wished she was anywhere but here.

CHAPTER FIVE

COOPER STUDIED THE CALF once again.

“What’s the plan, boy?” Ru asked.

“Both feet and head are in the right position. My guess is the calf was too big for her to have and must have died during the struggle of birthing.” Coop looped the rope around both its hooves and tied a knot. “You and I have to pull it.”

“Can I help?” Sky asked.

“Try to keep the heifer calm.”

“How do I do that?”

“Use your instincts,” he snapped.

If she was a whiny female, that just might have hurt her feelings. But she’d show Mr. Yates.

He strolled to his horse and rummaged in his saddlebags, returning with a tube of something. Squirting what looked like a lubricant into his palm, he rubbed it over both hands.

Sky knelt in the patchy grass at the heifer’s head. The cow made a deep guttural sound and her big brown eyes seemed to say, Help me.

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