Little Cowgirl Needs a Mum / Once Upon a Proposal

Then it had all fallen apart recently when she’d lost a battle over one of her students. Luis Garcia was excellent college material and she’d worked hard to help him apply for scholarships. Then Luis got into a fight defending another student, and they’d found a knife. Even though the small pocket knife wasn’t Luis’s, the principal took the word of the other boy and his friends—Luis was expelled immediately.

Jenny begged the principal to at least let him take his mid-term tests, but he’d refused to allow any special consideration.

Jenny knew Luis would never return to school. She was discouraged, too, and took a leave of absence during the spring semester. She needed the time to figure things out, to stop feeling as if she got too involved to be a teacher.

So what did she do now? She went storming into another conflict. She didn’t have any business nosing into Gracie’s life, but that had never stopped her before. If a child was crying out, she wanted to make sure someone heard. Gracie Rafferty was crying out.

She slowed as she approached the ranch. There were several head of cattle grazing in the pasture. On the opposite side of the road was a hillside covered in perfect rows of trellises heavy with grapevines. It was breathtaking.

She continued on until she came to a compound with a large barn and a fenced corral. Then a two-story clapboard house appeared, painted a glossy taupe with burgundy shutters and a large welcoming porch. The yard was thick with new spring grass and an array of colorful flowers edged the split-rail fence.

The place looked immaculate.

Jenny pulled up on the gravel parking area and got out. She released several calming breaths as she made her way up the walk. By the time she reached the porch, an elderly gentleman had come out of the house. Big and burly, he had a head of snow-white hair and a broad grin across his face.

“Hello, lass.”

She couldn’t help but smile back. “Hello. I’m Jenny Collins and I’m looking for Mr. Rafferty.”

Still grinning, the man nodded. “And which one of us would you be wantin’? I’m Sean,” he said with a slight bow. “Or my sons, Evan and Matthew?”

She could see where Evan got his good looks. Too bad he didn’t get his father’s charm. “It would be Evan.” She glanced around, feeling nervous. “If he isn’t busy I’d like to speak with him.”

“He isn’t here at the moment. Why don’t you come in and wait. We’ll have some tea.”

She hesitated. “I wouldn’t want to intrude. If he isn’t going to be long, I could wait out here.”

Sean motioned for her to step up on the porch. “A pretty lass like yourself would only brighten my day. Please come in.”

She couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you. I accept your invitation.”

Jenny went ahead of Sean and inside the house to the entrance hall. To one side there was a small living room that looked too formal and neat to get much use. Past a staircase with ornate spindles was a dining room with a long table and half a dozen chairs lining either side.

“The Raffertys are an informal bunch. The kitchen is where our hearts are. Around food.”

Jenny followed Sean on into the big open room. Miles of cabinets lined the walls, and a solid counter displayed many appliances. There was a natural-stone backsplash that highlighted the area. But it was the wonderful aroma that hit her that made her feel this was truly a home.

“Please, have a seat,” Sean told her as he went to the refrigerator. “Would you prefer hot or cold tea?”

“Whatever is easiest for you,” she said as she eyed the connected family room with oversized furniture and a television.

“You have a lovely home, Mr. Rafferty.”

He set a glass of iced tea in front of her. “First of all, please, call me Sean.”

“Only if you call me Jenny.”

He nodded and continued. “And secondly, this house belongs to my son Evan and his daughter. My other son Matt and I moved in about a year ago to help out after Evan’s wife, Megan, passed away.”

She immediately saw his sadness. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

He nodded. “Thank you. It’s been a rough time for my son and the little one.” He looked thoughtful, then finally went on to say, “Anyway, the three of us worked out a partnership.” He grinned. “I’m not a rancher, that’s Evan’s livelihood and it’s now Matt’s too.”

“Is the vineyard yours?”

He shook his head, smiling easily. “It’s Evan’s, too. I’m just the cook and bottle-washer around here.”

Jenny liked this man. Had Evan been this way before his wife’s death? “Don’t diminish your contribution to the family, Sean. I have a feeling you do more than you’re saying.”

He leaned against the counter and arched an eyebrow. “I like you, Jenny Collins. So how long have you lived in Kerry Springs?”

“I worked here for a summer two years ago and was here again last summer for a visit, but I returned recently and took over running the Blind Stitch quilt shop.”

“I’ve seen the store. It’s across the street from Rory’s Bar and Grill. I tend bar there on the weekends.”

“Really. I haven’t been there.”

“It’s a nice neighborhood bar. A few friendly games of billiards and darts and a little dancing on weekends. You should stop by sometime.” He cocked his head. “But I am curious. What does my son have to do with a quilt shop?”

“It’s Gracie. She came into the shop interested in my class.”

“Did she now,” Sean commented. “Why does that not surprise me? She’s been talking about her mother’s quilts.”

“I’m here to see if there’s a way to help her get enrolled.”

Sean frowned for the first time. “Good luck with that.”

“Daddy,” Gracie called. “Can I go to Carrie’s house?”

Evan turned the truck off the highway and glanced in the rearview mirror at his daughter in the backseat. “Not on a school night.”

“It’s not tonight. It’s a party. A sleepover.” She hesitated. “All my friends are going to be there and I want to be with them.”

Evan wasn’t ready to let her go on her own. “If you want, your friends can come to the house and play.”

Evan looked at his brother, Matt, in the passenger seat. Usually Matt had never been shy about speaking his mind. Yet, since his return from overseas, he’d pretty much kept to himself, working the cattle operation and taking up residence in the foreman’s house.

His dad, on the other hand, had voiced his opinion many times about him isolating Gracie.

“Daddy,” Gracie called again. “She’s having a sleepover. And her older sister is going to put makeup on us and paint our toes and fingernails with any color we want.”

He tensed. She was too young for all that stuff. “I’ll think about it.”

Matt didn’t stay quiet this time. “It wouldn’t hurt to let her go. Give her that girl experience.”

Evan kept his voice low and controlled. “I don’t think Gracie will be deprived if she doesn’t get her toes painted.”

“How do you know that? You’re not a little girl. We got to do boy things when we were growing up.”

They’d had a rough childhood, especially after their mother had taken off, leaving her husband and sons. They’d been left unsupervised more than they should have been. It might not have been the typical home life, but they’d always got plenty of love from their dad.

“And look how much trouble we got into,” Evan told his brother.

A smile kicked at the corners of Matt’s mouth. “We survived, Evan. Kids need to learn how to deal with things.”

“Gracie has had to deal with enough already. So can we let it go for now?”

“Why? So you don’t have to deal with it? Gracie doesn’t have a problem. It’s you, bro. You’re the one who hasn’t moved on.”

Evan turned his attention toward the house and saw a strange car parked out front. He parked in his usual spot at the back and they walked into the house through the kitchen door. He heard laughter, then his breath caught when he saw Jenny Collins sitting on the bar stool talking with his father.

She was dressed in a pair of dark jeans with black boots and a red blouse under a short black jacket. Her blond hair hung past her shoulders in thick waves. He was suddenly irritated at the feelings she stirred up, feelings he’d thought were long gone.

“Man, oh, man,” Matt murmured as he removed his cowboy hat and placed it on the hook. “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

His father finally noticed them. “Well, you’re home.”

Gracie came in behind them. “Jenny,” she cried and went to her. “You came to my house.”

“Yes, I did.” Jenny glanced at Evan. “I hope that’s not a problem.”

Not happy with the surprise, Evan hung up his hat, then crossed the family room. “Gracie, go put your books away and change into your play clothes.”

She started to argue, but then did as her father asked. “Don’t go away, Jenny,” she called. “I’ll be right back. I want to show you something.”

Jenny sent a challenge to Evan. “I promise I’ll be here when you get back.”

Everyone watched as Gracie walked out. But before Evan could speak, his father began, “Jenny Collins, this is my other son, Matt.”

Jenny smiled at a younger version of Evan, but one with an easy smile and dark bedroom eyes. And he knew how to use them.

“Well, hello, Jenny,” he said and took her hand. “You must be new in town, or my eyesight is going if I passed you by without as much as a hello.”

She laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Matt. And yes, I recently took over the quilt shop in town, that’s why I’m here. I need to convince your brother that his daughter would be perfect for our class. I know Gracie is interested in joining us.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” Matt said.

Evan jumped in. “It’s not a good idea, because I don’t have time to bring her in.”

Jenny wasn’t giving up. “Surely we can work out something, Mr. Rafferty. She’s told me how much she wants to finish her quilt.”

Evan frowned. “I haven’t seen any quilt.”

Jenny was afraid she’d given away a secret. “Maybe you should ask your daughter about it.”

“I plan to.”

Jenny wasn’t sure what to do now. The man had dismissed her, but she couldn’t leave without seeing Gracie.

Sean stepped in. “I know Gracie will want to show you her project. And Jenny, we would like you to stay for supper.”

Jenny hesitated, but Sean smiled at her.

“It’s my famous beef stew,” he told her. She glanced at Evan. His stoic look was meant to drive her away. She refused to let it.

“Oh, my, how can I turn that down? Thank you. I accept.” She glanced around, trying to avoid looking at Evan Rafferty. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Sean waved his hand. “Oh, no, you’re a guest.”

There was a sound of footsteps on the stairs, then Gracie came running into the room a little breathless. “Good. You’re still here.”

She stroked the child’s hair. “I told you I wouldn’t leave.”

“And she’s staying for supper,” her grandfather told her. “Now, go and show Jenny where to wash up.”

Gracie’s eyes lit up. “You want to see my room?”

“Of course, I’d love to.” Jenny held out her hand and Gracie took it. Together they walked out.

Angry about being blindsided, Evan turned to his father. “What are you doing?”

“It’s called being neighborly. Something you seem to have forgotten as of late. I never thought I’d see the day when one of my sons would be rude to a guest in his home. It’s time you climbed out of the cave you’ve buried yourself in. It might be what you want, but your daughter needs more.”

Matt elbowed him. “Yeah, bro. And man, she’s one pretty lady.” He looked at his dad. “If you hadn’t invited her, I would have.”

Sean raised a hand. “Simmer down, Matt. Jenny’s interest is in Gracie. Even she can see the child needs more. And look here, son, help came knocking on the door.”

Evan didn’t like everyone invading his life. He just wanted to be left alone.

His father grew serious as he looked at him. “It wouldn’t hurt for the little one to have some female companionship. So, son, don’t go looking at this gift as if it’s a curse.”

Jenny glanced around the small yellow-and-lavender bedroom as Gracie showed off the row of her favorite dolls on a shelf along the wall. The hardwood floors were covered with a natural-colored area rug. There was a white twin bed that was covered with a patchwork quilt.

“My mom made me this quilt for my birthday when I was six.”

Jenny examined the detail on the Country Hearts pattern. The colorful heart appliqués sat inside each of the many six-inch blocks. The sashing was a wide strip of a lavender print. It was well done.

“This is so pretty.” Jenny looked at Gracie. “Your mother did beautiful work.”

The girl smiled. “She made a lot more. You want to see?”

“Sure.”

Gracie motioned for her to follow. They went down the hall into another bedroom. The second Jenny stepped inside she knew she shouldn’t be here. Yet, she couldn’t leave what was obviously the master bedroom. The beautiful large four-poster bed was covered in a solid navy comforter.

Gracie went to a cedar chest at the end of the bed. “They’re in there. Daddy put them all away after Mommy … died.”

Jenny felt as if she was intruding. “Maybe we should leave them for another time.” She glanced across the room at the dresser and saw the many framed family pictures. She recognized a younger-looking Evan standing next to a dark-haired woman who was holding a toddler, Gracie. And he was smiling. She doubted he did much of that lately.

She quickly turned away from the loving scene. “I don’t want us to get into trouble.”

The child struggled to lift the lid. “But my quilt is in here.” The child looked panicked. “It’s mine.”

Jenny had no choice but to help her. She opened the heavy lid and discovered the treasure inside. There were several colorful quilts folded neatly. The top one was an amazing Bow Tie-patterned quilt in shades of blues and burgundy. The background was cream-colored with intertwined blocks of printed fabric.

Megan Rafferty definitely wasn’t an amateur.

Gracie continued to dig underneath. “See, there it is.”

Jenny lifted out the plastic-covered blanket. She removed the covering and spread it out on the bed. The Wedding Ring design was only partly finished, but there were several rings already sewn together, and several other stacks were in the bag.

“Mommy and I picked out all the colors, but she got too sick to sew anymore.” A sad Gracie looked at Jenny. “She had to stay in bed all the time.”

Jenny couldn’t resist and sat down, pulled the small girl onto her lap and hugged her close. No child should have to go through that kind of loss.

Gracie laid her head against Jenny’s shoulder. “I didn’t get to see her very much ‘cause she was always sleeping.”

She had no doubt Megan Rafferty fought valiantly to keep going for her child.

“Oh, honey, it wasn’t because your mom didn’t want you around her. She was trying to fight to get better. Just look how she worked to make you this quilt.”

The girl raised her head, revealing tears. “That’s what she told me when I went to say goodbye to her. She said that I have to finish it for her. I promised her. I hafta do it.”

Evan stood in the hall outside his bedroom. It had always been Meg’s domain. She’d decorated the room, trying to make it perfect. It was—to an outsider. Yet this room had never been his sanctuary, even less so now—with the guilt he felt that he’d let his wife down. Now he was letting Gracie down.

Watching her, he felt another kind of pain. Jenny Collins was holding his daughter, stroking her hair, whispering words to soothe her sadness. Gracie couldn’t come to him, but she turned to a stranger.

When Jenny looked up, discovering him, it was he who suddenly felt like the intruder. Her dark-eyed gaze locked with his. He couldn’t read her thoughts. Did she think he was a bad father? What did he care what she thought? She was the one intruding on his life.

Jenny saw Evan Rafferty in the hall. She held her breath, hoping that he wouldn’t interrupt them. His daughter desperately needed to share some of her pain. She needed to let out her feelings without worrying about anyone else.

Jenny brushed tears from the child’s face. “What else did your mother tell you?”

Gracie looked thoughtful. “She asked me to be a good girl.”

“And you are,” Jenny confirmed. “What else?”

“To help Daddy ‘cause he’ll be all alone.” Those pretty sapphire eyes locked on hers. Her daddy’s eyes. “I don’t know how.”

Jenny had to swallow hard to move the lump from her throat. “Oh, sweetie. It will take time. Maybe if you both share all the good times together. Tell stories about your mom so you’ll always remember her.”

Gracie smiled. “Maybe I can tell him how much fun it was sewing the quilt with Mommy. Maybe he’ll let me go to your class.”

Jenny’s heart tightened painfully. “Maybe. But if he doesn’t agree right now, maybe he will later. You can wait,” she said positively. “Your mommy will understand.”

Gracie hugged her. “I’m glad you came to see me, Jenny. Will you be my friend?”

Jenny swallowed back tears and hugged the child to her heart. “Oh, of course, Gracie.” She glanced over to find Evan was still there. Her chest tightened, seeing that his child’s words had affected him, too.

That wasn’t all she felt. Their gazes connected as she suddenly became aware of the man’s powerful presence. Yet, underneath, she could sense sadness, a loneliness that pulled at her. She felt the longing, too. A rush of heat went through her and she couldn’t look away.

That was when she realized that all the Raffertys were getting to her.

CHAPTER THREE

AN hour later, Evan sat at the dining-room table drinking his wine. The laughter was getting to him, but he found it hard to join in. He watched Gracie with Jenny, recalling what had taken place upstairs in the bedroom.

His daughter’s sadness ran deep, and he couldn’t seem to help her. Yet, this woman had an easy, comforting way with the child. He envied that.

He turned to his brother. Matt seemed infatuated with her, too. That was a good thing, wasn’t it? It seemed his brother was returning to that happy and carefree guy he remembered.

His attention returned to Ms. Collins. She was attractive with those big brown eyes and silky wheat-colored hair. He felt a stirring of interest, but told himself it was because he hadn’t been with anyone in a long time. Even months before Meg died, they hadn’t shared any intimacy. Not that they had shared much before that, either. So it wasn’t exactly headline news that the sight of a pretty woman would push his buttons.

He took another drink of the zinfandel. The fruity taste—strawberry and raspberry—had just enough sweetness with a hint of oak. Pride struck him, knowing he’d helped produce the grapes for this vintage.

His father leaned toward him. “It’s so natural between them,” he said, nodding toward the two females. “It does my heart good to watch them.”

Evan knew that Gracie missed her mother. He’d hated hearing her crying at night, hated even more that he didn’t know how to comfort her. Meg had been the loving, nurturing one. She and Gracie had had the close bond he’d never managed with his daughter.

He studied Jenny. She had that same easy way with kids, with the rest of the family, too. He wasn’t going to let himself get taken in by the pretty woman. He didn’t need the distraction, and too many people could get hurt if things didn’t work out. His main concern now was his daughter.

“Gracie, I think it’s time for you to get bathed and ready for bed.”

She started to argue, then looked at Jenny. “Will you come and say goodnight?”

Jenny glanced at Evan. “Sure. I’ll help clean up here and be right up.”

“Okay.” The child stood and scurried out of the room.

Jenny looked at Evan’s father. “Dinner was delicious, Sean.”

“Then have another glass of wine, and savor it a little longer,” he insisted.

She shook her head. “Although it was wonderful, I have to drive back into town. Now, no argument, I am going to help you with the dishes.” She stood, stacked some plates and carried them into the kitchen.

Sean turned to Evan. “You’re coming, too. Because whether you believe it or not, you need to speak to Jenny about Gracie. And listen to her, son.” Sean headed out, and Evan followed. He hated that his father was right. Hated that he couldn’t seem to make Gracie happy.

In the kitchen Matt was already beside Jenny when they got there, but his father stepped in. “Lass, you get away from the sink. It’s Matt’s turn to clean up. Besides, most everything goes into the dishwasher.” He glanced at his eldest son. “Evan, why don’t you show Jenny around the vineyard?”

That was subtle.

Jenny looked stunned. “Oh, there’s no need, Sean. I’ll go up and see Gracie, then I should get back to town.”

“There’s plenty of daylight left. And I’ll keep my granddaughter occupied until you return.” He leaned toward her. “You wanted to talk to Evan, now’s your chance.” He motioned to the door and practically pushed them both outside.

Jenny could tell that Evan didn’t like the idea of them being thrown together any more than she did. That bothered her. Except for her stepbrothers, she wasn’t used to people not liking her. She worked hard to make friends.

“You don’t have to do this, Mr. Rafferty.”

“It’s Evan.” He tugged on his hat as he walked her toward a golf cart. “Jenny.”

She sat in the passenger seat as he walked around and climbed in. He drove off toward the hillside. “I usually walk, but this will be faster.”

“And you can get rid of me quicker.”

He shook his head, but didn’t say a word as they rode past the barn and took a trail up the bumpy hillside for about a half mile. The spring evening was nice. Quiet. Serene. Peaceful.

The cart stopped at the edge of the rise, he got out and she did the same, but had to hurry to keep up. The sun was just going down as they walked toward the rows of vines.

“The tour isn’t necessary, Evan. I only came out here to ask you a question about Gracie. I never planned to get invited to supper or involved in your life, your family.”

When he stopped suddenly, she nearly ran into him. He reached out and caught her, his touch burning through her skin; his grip tightened on her arms, but his strength didn’t hurt. Then their eyes locked and suddenly she couldn’t breathe. When she managed to suck in some air, she inhaled his scent of soap and sun-dried cotton. His gaze shifted to her mouth, then suddenly he blinked and released her.

With a curse, he turned away and looked out at the vineyard. Removing his hat, he raked his fingers through his hair as if gathering his thoughts.

He glanced back at her. “Look, I’m not social like the rest of my family. I prefer to be left alone.” His gaze met hers. “I have no excuse for my behavior the other day in the shop except I was worried when Gracie came up missing.”

Jenny could see the anguish on his face. “That’s understandable,” she agreed. “She shouldn’t have run off without telling you.”

“It seems she wants to spend less and less time with me.”

“She’s growing up.” Jenny saw the sadness in his eyes. “But there’s no mistaking that your little girl adores you.”

He straightened at her words. “I wouldn’t say that. We’re both having trouble finding our way around each other. Gracie and her mother were close.”

“It’s got to be hard for both of you.”

“I’ve been doing okay.”

They began walking through a row of vines.

“You’re lucky to have Sean and Matt helping out,” she said, wondering what it would be like to have family on your side.

Evan sent her a look. What did she think about Matt? He’d always been the more outgoing brother, especially when it came to the ladies. Was Jenny attracted to him? He stopped his thoughts. Why the hell did he care? He didn’t want a relationship. So far he’d been lousy at them.