Little Cowgirl Needs a Mum / Once Upon a Proposal
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They made their way to the hilltop and looked down the other side. He felt an ache in his chest as he saw the clearing where a large framed structure stood. Deserted. Incomplete. All construction had stopped two years ago, along with his future dreams.
Before he could steer Jenny back to the cart, she asked, “What’s that?”
“It was to be the winery.”
“Oh, you’re expanding?”
“Not any more,” he told her, then turned away.
She nodded, but didn’t stop. “How long have you had the vineyard?”
The long-time dream replayed in his mind. He continued to stare out at the vines. “The land belonged to my wife’s family, the Kerchers. As you know, a lot of Germans settled in this area. My in-laws planted the vines originally, then about six years ago when her parents passed away, Megan inherited the place and we expanded the acreage.”
“So you became an instant winemaker,” Jenny said.
“Actually Meg was already one when we met.” He’d give her the minimal information. “She’d gotten her degree at Cal Poly in California. I’m just your average, everyday cowboy.”
She studied him a moment. “I doubt, Evan Rafferty, that you do anything just average. My bet is you know every grape on this land.”
He ignored the funny sensation caused by her compliment and started back through another row of vines. “I thought you wanted to talk about Gracie.”
She nodded. “Of course. I want your daughter to come to my class.”
When he started to speak, she raised a hand. “I know it’s difficult for you to bring her into town every week. What if we find an alternative to help you out?” She hesitated. “She wants to finish the quilt her mother started for her.”
He’d hoped that he could put this off a while longer. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Is it not a good idea for her, or for you?”
He glared at her. “Doesn’t make any difference.”
Trying to remain calm, Jenny glanced around at the vines heavy with grapes. She’d dealt with obstinate parents before. “It does to Gracie. She’s going through a rough time and this focus on the quilt is how she’s dealing with her loss.”
Evan stopped. His sapphire-blue gaze locked on hers, causing her breath to grow labored. “And how is this class supposed to do this?” he asked.
The man was driving her crazy. “Remember, for the past year and a half your daughter has lived in a household of only men. It’s important for little girls to have other females to talk to,” she said, seeing by his blank look that she wasn’t getting through to him.
“Why are you such an expert?”
“Because your daughter picked me. Also, I had three stepbrothers who made my life miserable and a mother who was too busy for me.” Darn, she hadn’t meant to tell him that.
He frowned at her, but she wouldn’t let him ask any questions.
“Look, I don’t know you, Evan, but I know your daughter is reaching out. Don’t dismiss that.”
“That’s right, you don’t know me, or what my life’s been like trying to run this place and raise a child.”
“I apologize if I spoke out of turn.” She released a breath, hating that she still thought about her own rotten childhood, and especially about her youngest stepbrother, Todd. “We should go back. Gracie’s probably wondering where I am.”
She’d started toward the golf cart when Evan reached for her.
“Dammit, Jenny, I’m not the bastard you think I am.”
She shook her head. “I never said that.” She closed her eyes momentarily. “I never should have come here.” Once again she was getting involved in something that was none of her business.
“Too late now,” he murmured as they sat in the cart.
She was thankful that Evan didn’t comment anymore, but drove her back to the house. She didn’t need to get involved with this man or his family. She’d been there before. Cared about a man who couldn’t get past his first love. Not that she was looking for a relationship with Evan. Her hope was to help Gracie find closure.
They walked through the back door to find Sean and Matt still in the kitchen.
“Well, that didn’t take much time.”
“I need to get back to town.” She smiled at Sean. “Thank you so much for supper, it was wonderful.”
Evan’s father grinned. “Any time, lass.” He pulled her into a big bear hug. She couldn’t help but close her eyes and revel in the comfort of those big arms, then reluctantly step away, turning to his younger son.
“It was nice to meet you, too, Matt.”
“It was my pleasure.” He hugged her too. “Hey, don’t let this guy run you off.” He nodded toward Evan. “I’ll protect you from him.”
Evan wanted to slug his brother. Why did everyone think he was such a grouch? He caught his reflection in the mirror over the family-room mantel and saw his grim look. Damn.
Jenny started out of the room. “I’ll go and say goodnight to Gracie.”
Evan watched her leave, wanting to follow her, but knowing Gracie probably wouldn’t appreciate the intrusion.
His father came up next to him. “Don’t chase her off, son. At the very least Jenny Collins is willing to help with Gracie.”
Evan glared. He wasn’t ready for this. “Maybe I don’t want her help.”
Matt moved closer. “Oh, boy, I’d take her help in a second.”
“You stay away from her. She’s not your type.”
Matt exchanged a look with his father before he turned to Evan. “She’s pretty. So she’s my type.”
“She’s befriended Gracie, and I think that should come first, before you finding your girl of the month.”
From Matt’s earliest years, he’d had a well-known reputation with the ladies around town. He’d probably dated just about every girl in the county. Now, his eyes lit up. “Do I hear a little jealousy in your voice?” He slapped Evan on the shoulder. “Welcome back, bro.”
Jenny went upstairs to Gracie’s room. She wanted to make this quick, before she ran into Evan again.
She peeked in the door and smiled at the little girl sitting in bed, looking at a book. “Hey, sweetie.”
“Jenny.” Gracie motioned for her to come in. “Sit with me.”
She walked toward the bed and sat down. “For a little while.”
Gracie looked sad. “Did Daddy get mad at you ‘cause you want to help with Mommy’s quilts?”
Jenny quickly shook her head. It didn’t matter if he was.
“No.” She brushed back the girl’s bangs. “Your dad and I just talked awhile. How do feel when you look at your mother’s things?”
“A little sad, but mostly happy.” The girl glanced away. “I wish … I wish I could talk to her again.”
“I know, honey. That part is hard. But you can still talk to her.” Jenny glanced up at the ceiling. “She’s up there watching over you.”
“That’s what Papa Sean says.”
Jenny nodded. “She might not be able to answer you, but she’s listening. And if it makes you feel good to talk to her, then you should.”
This time Gracie nodded and looked upward. “Mom? Mom, I want to sew your quilt, but Daddy doesn’t want me to. He says I’m too little. I think he’s sad ‘cause you went away.”
Jenny forced a smile. “Now, tell her something that makes you happy.”
“I got an A on my spelling test.” The girl looked thoughtful. “And Carrie asked me to come to her house for a sleepover, but Daddy won’t let me go. He thinks I’m still a baby.” Gracie looked at Jenny. “Will you talk to him about that, too?”
Jenny was now catching on to this child’s plan. “Oh, Gracie, that’s between you and your dad.”
“But you asked him to let me come to your class.”
“And I’m still working on that.”
“But I hafta go to the sleepover. If I don’t everybody will call me a baby.” Tears flooded her eyes. “And I won’t have any friends.”
“Gracie, that’s not true. Real friends stick by you.” How could she convince a little girl to believe that when life had already thrown her the hardest knock of all? She glanced up and saw Evan walk into the room.
He must have heard Gracie crying. “What’s wrong?”
Gracie shook her head and buried her face against Jenny’s blouse. “Nothing.”
“It isn’t ‘nothing’ when it makes you cry.” He sent a look toward Jenny. “Tell me and maybe I can fix it.”
The girl sat up straight, wiped her tears and announced, “I want to go to Carrie’s sleepover.”
Evan knew he’d walked into that one. “Gracie, you’re too young.”
“All the other girls get to go, and she’s my best friend.”
Jenny glared at him. “Best friends are important. Didn’t you have a best friend?”
He ignored her. “You can have your friends over here.”
“Really? You mean it?”
He nodded, relieved that his daughter was so receptive to the idea. “Sure.”
“A sleepover!” Gracie was so excited. “I get to have a sleepover.”
Evan shifted uncomfortably. He didn’t remember agreeing to that. “Well, huh, that might not be a good idea, since there aren’t any women living here. Some of the mothers might not like that.”
Gracie looked thoughtful. “What about Jenny? She’s a girl.”
Jenny’s eyes widened. “I’m not sure that’s what your dad wants, Gracie.”
Evan decided to play her game. “Wait. That might work,” he told Jenny. “You could organize whatever kids do. I bet you could recruit a lot of girls for your class. Maybe you could even work on Gracie’s quilt.”
“Oh, Daddy, no.” Gracie shook her head. “That’s not what girls do at sleepovers. We do things like put on makeup and do our hair, paint our toenails. We get to stay up all night and watch videos.”
“Sounds like fun.” He looked at Jenny. “But you still have to be supervised by an adult woman.”
Evan knew he was crazy for involving this woman in his life, his daughter’s life, but he was desperate. Gracie was growing up and she needed things he didn’t know how to give her.
“I guess it’s up to Jenny.”
She studied him, then murmured, “You think you’re pretty smart, don’t you, Rafferty?” Then she turned a sweet smile toward Gracie. “I think your daddy and I need to discuss this … alone.” She leaned down and kissed Gracie’s cheek and whispered. “You get some sleep.”
“Okay. Night, Jenny. Night, Daddy.” After a quick kiss from her father, the child burrowed under the blanket and closed her eyes. If he didn’t know better, he’d think his daughter had set him up.
“Good night, Gracie.” He closed the bedroom door and walked down the steps behind Jenny. Without a word, she grabbed her purse off the table at the door and walked out.
He hurried after her. “Jenny. Wait.”
She stopped on the walkway. Night had fallen, and the only illumination was from the porch light. “What do you want now, Rafferty?”
“Nothing. Nothing at all.” He studied her. “Why are you angry? You came out here and got involved in this. I didn’t ask you to come. So don’t get all bent out of shape when my daughter starts clinging to you.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Maybe that should give you a clue.”
“About what?”
“That you don’t know much about women.”
He stiffened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You don’t want to hear what I have to say.”
He moved closer. “Give it to me straight. I can handle it.”
“You’re prejudiced, Rafferty. If Gracie was a boy, I’d bet he’d be able to go to sleepovers.”
He opened his mouth to disagree, but ended up closing it. “It’s different with a boy.”
She groaned. “I’ve heard that so many times I could scream. Then tell me this, if you had a son, would you bring him into town to play Little League games? This quilting class is your daughter’s baseball game. Give this time to her, and you won’t regret it.”
He felt like a jerk. She was right. “Okay, Gracie will be there next Saturday.”
She smiled at him and his belly tightened. “Don’t worry, Rafferty. I’ll make it as painless as possible.”
He knew that was a lie. He was already hurting for her, but he’d find a way to put a stop to that. The only female he wanted a relationship with was his daughter. He needed to make sure a certain pretty blonde didn’t cause any more complications in his life.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE following Saturday afternoon, Jenny wished she could rethink her idea of this class. Several girls between the ages of eight and twelve were running around, chattering away with the occasional high-pitched squeal. When she suggested they find their seats, they ignored her. Thank goodness for the mothers and her helpers.
Her friend, the shop’s owner Allison, walked in. The petite auburn-haired mother of three smiled as she glanced around the new classroom area. “Oh, Jenny, you did a wonderful job with this space.”
“Thanks. Millie helped a lot, too.”
They both eyed the new shelves along the wall. Every nook had the name of a student, with room for their projects. “I thought if they kept their quilts here they would have less chance of getting lost or dirty.”
They walked toward the large round table at the window and Jenny announced, “The Quilters’ Corner.”
With a smile, Allison nodded. “Has anyone claimed time here yet?”
Jenny nodded. “A few of Millie’s friends came in yesterday. They had coffee and went through a few pattern books. We’ll see what happens.”
“It might take time and the classes are a start. Not only kids are here, but their mothers.”
“And I’d better get things started.”
Jenny went to the front and suddenly the room grew quiet. With a smile, she said, “Hello, girls. Ladies.”
“Hello, Miss Jenny,” they answered in unison.
“Are you ready to start your projects?”
Again they answered in unison, with a “Yes.” A pang of regret hit her as she thought about her class back in San Antonio, and the students she’d had to leave.
“Okay, then.” She began to walk between the rows of tables. “I see most of you have brought in your fabric. For those of you who haven’t, there are several bolts on the shelves, along with any other supplies you’ll need.” She smiled. “So let’s get started. We might not get to do any sewing today, but we can cut out blocks of fabric.”
As the teams began their first task, Jenny stopped and talked to each girl along with her mother. She was happy to see Principal Perry’s daughter, Kasey, there with her grandmother, loyal customer, Beth Staley.
There were ten twosomes. Even Allison’s daughter, eight-year-old Cherry, was here to work on her family quilt. That was good, since Jenny hoped to use her friend’s expertise to help with the class.
The one disappointment was that she didn’t see Gracie Rafferty. Evan had gone back on his word.
“Gracie didn’t show?” Allison asked as she stood back from Cherry, who was busy using a cutter on her fabric.
Jenny shook her head. “I did everything I could to get her here. I even offered to drive her in.”
Her friend smiled. “It’s one of the things that’s so endearing about you, Jenny Collins. You want to help everyone, but there are some out there who don’t want it.”
“I know, but Gracie was so eager to finish her mother’s quilt.”
“And she will … someday.”
No sooner did the words come out than Gracie Rafferty came rushing through the door. She was out of breath when she asked Jenny, “Am I too late?”
“No, you’re in time,” Jenny assured her and pointed to an empty space she’d saved. “You can sit here.”
Gracie beamed as she took her place in front of the portable sewing machine and next to Cherry. Jenny had planned it that way, knowing Gracie would need Allison’s help with the complicated pattern.
Evan Rafferty appeared in the doorway. Jenny hated the way she reacted to the man dressed in worn jeans, a navy Henley T-shirt and dusty boots.
She’d been born and raised in Texas, but somehow this man gave a whole new meaning to the word cowboy. It seemed many of the other women in the room were sizing him up, too.
With hat in hand, Evan walked toward her carrying a large shopping bag. “She’ll need this.” He gave it to Jenny and she looked inside to find the quilt from the cedar chest.
“Thank you, Evan, for letting Gracie join the class.”
He nodded and they walked back toward the doorway and out of earshot. “I didn’t go back on my word, Jenny. I hope you don’t either.”
Jenny knew she’d never do that to sweet little Gracie. “I don’t go back on my word, either, Rafferty. In your daughter’s case, I definitely think the class will help her. It’s important to her that she finishes this. What better place than with other girls her age? Where she isn’t outnumbered by men.”
They both glanced toward Gracie’s workspace. Millie was helping the girl lay out her fabric and the Double Wedding Ring cutting template. “Look at her, Evan. You have a determined child.”
Evan didn’t like feeling helpless. The day he’d found out about Meg’s cancer, he’d known he couldn’t fix it. He couldn’t save her. Worst of all, he couldn’t keep his daughter from losing her mother. It was a natural instinct to protect his child. It seemed he’d been doing it all wrong.
“She’s a lot like her mother.” There hadn’t been many things that Meg had left unfinished. No doubt Gracie had decided to pick up where she’d left off.
He quickly drew his attention away from Gracie and looked at Jenny. The woman looked like a breath of fresh air and bright sunshine. Her hair was pulled up in a ponytail and she wore a yellow knit top with a long print skirt that seemed to flow against her generous curves.
She’d kept him distracted all week. He didn’t like that much.
“All Gracie has talked about all week is you and the sleepover.” His gaze locked on hers. “If you don’t have the time, let me know now.”
Jenny looked surprised at his directness. “The question is, Rafferty, are you ready for a half dozen little girls and me?”
No way was he ready for her. “Not sure I can handle it, but I’ll try.” He glanced away. “When will the class be finished?”
Jenny blinked. “In two hours.” She glanced at the clock. “Three o’clock. Of course, the game could go extra innings.”
He caught the baseball analogy and fought a smile as the high-pitched chatter of little girls serenaded them. “I don’t think you’re ready for extra innings, teacher. I’ll be back at three.” He said goodbye to his daughter and walked out.
She watched Evan leave, as did the other adult women in the room. The man wasn’t even aware of his sex appeal.
Allison appeared beside her. “Okay, what’s going on?”
Caught, Jenny glanced away. “Nothing. Evan only wanted to know what time class ended.”
Her friend crossed her arms. “And I’m talking about the intense heat between you two.”
Jenny shook her head. “No heat. I barely know the man. Besides, I’m not falling for another cowboy.” Two summers ago she’d nearly given up everything for the Casalis’ ranch foreman.
“Brian wasn’t the man for you.” Allison’s green eyes sparkled. “But someone like Evan Rafferty I can see you with. Good-looking. Sexy. He has a cute little girl, and most importantly he seems very interested, too.”
Jenny knew that wasn’t true. “What are you doing looking at another man?”
“Since I’m married to a hot Italian, I recognize attraction when I see it. And you two were throwing off sparks.”
Jenny lowered her voice. “Nothing is going to happen between Rafferty and me. He’s recently widowed.” She wasn’t sure he was ready. “And besides, I’m going back to San Antonio soon.”
Allison watched her. “I was hoping you’d think about staying here permanently,” she said, then quickly added, “And what better way than to find a great guy?”
A few years ago, Allison had been lucky to find Alex Casali. He’d come into her life when she was at her lowest point, with an injured daughter and an ex-husband who had taken nearly everything from her. Alex had helped her with Cherry’s therapy and got the little girl walking again.
It was a fairy-tale ending when the handsome, wealthy rancher had fallen in love with the single mother. Now married, they’d added a set of eighteen-month-old twins, Will and Rose, to complete the perfect package.
At thirty-two, Jenny wanted to find the same thing, but she realized it might never happen. The one thing she wasn’t about to settle for was less, as her mother had.
“What makes you say Evan Rafferty is a great guy?” she asked.
Allison glanced away, then back at her. “When Megan died, I remember hearing what a great couple they were. Alex had met Evan and his wife at a Cattleman’s Association meeting. He said Megan talked about building their winery and getting out of the cattle business.”
Jenny remembered seeing the herd grazing in the pasture. “Can’t he do both?”
“I believe Evan is doing whatever he can to hang on to it all. His wife’s long illness cost a lot financially.”
Jenny thought about the beautiful Triple R. No doubt Evan and his wife had put a lot of work into it. She also remembered the half-finished winery. Like the unfinished quilt. It was as if Evan just stopped dreaming altogether.
Surprisingly, three o’clock came fast. Although tired, Jenny was also invigorated by the kids’ enthusiasm. Luckily she had experts there to answer the hard questions, but she was concerned about Gracie’s ambitious project. A WeddingRing quilt wasn’t a design for an eight year old. It was even pushing her own skills to the limits.
As the students cleared their areas, Jenny helped Gracie, and Allison did the same with her daughter. The two girls knew each other from school, but they were in different classrooms. Today they had become fast friends.
Cherry turned to her mother. “Mommy, can Gracie go riding with us tomorrow?”
Allison hesitated and then smiled at her daughter. “Of course, as long as it’s okay with her father.”
Gracie was hesitant with her response. “My daddy probably won’t let me ‘cause I can’t go anywhere by myself.”
“Why don’t we ask him?” Jenny said, hoping the man would give his daughter some family time.
“Ask me what?”
They all turned as Evan arrived to pick up his daughter.
“Daddy.” Gracie took his hand and pulled him to the group. “This is Cherry and we’re friends.”
He nodded at the child with the strawberry-blond curls. “Hello, Cherry.”
The young girl smiled. “Hello, Mr. Rafferty.”
Evan looked at Jenny. “How’d it go?”
“Fine. Gracie got a lot started today.” She glanced at her friend, hoping that Evan didn’t sense her concern about Gracie’s complicated project. “Thanks to Allison. Allison, this is Evan Rafferty. Evan, Allison Casali.”
He nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Casali. I’ve spoken with your husband a few times.”
Her friend shook his hand. “Please, call me Allison. You must have done most of the talking, because Alex is a man of few words.”
Evan gave a hint of a smile. “He doesn’t need to say much.”
At a nudge from Cherry, Gracie spoke up. “Daddy, Cherry asked me to come to her house and go riding.”
Jenny watched as Evan started to shake his head. “I don’t think that’s possible right now. I need to get back to the ranch.”
Seeing the girls’ disappointment, Allison said, “Look, girls, go put away your things in your cubbyholes. Make sure your names are on them.” After they’d left, she turned to Evan. “We usually go riding on Sunday afternoons. It started as Cherry’s therapy reward. Since the automobile accident three years ago, she’s worked hard to walk again. She’d really like it if Gracie came along.”
Jenny stood back as Allison charmed the man. “Does Gracie ride?” her friend asked.
“Yes, although it’s been awhile but—”
“Of course, you’re invited, too. Alex is going along.” She grew serious. “I refuse to let my husband work on Sunday. It’s family time.” She glanced at Jenny. “And, of course, Jenny will be there. She’s been working too much overtime.” She looked back at Evan. “I can’t tell you how special it would make the day for Cherry.”
Evan hesitated, then said, “I’ll have to see.”