Her Temporary Cowboy

Attorney Jackson Harris regularly goes toe-to-toe with the world’s toughest lawyers—but none of them compare to Lucy Maxwell. The feisty director of Oklahoma’s Big Heart Ranch for orphans is as stubborn as she is pretty. But Jack must stay focused; he’s only there to evaluate the ranch’s funding. Falling for Lucy and the sweet children she protects is out of the question. Though Lucy is determined to keep the ranch, she’s not about to give control to a city slicker—even a devastatingly good-looking one. But as they bump heads, Jack and Lucy gradually nudge open their hearts. Could a temporary cowboy become a permanent part of Lucy’s life?

“So, you and Dub have really bonded, haven’t you?” Lucy said.

Jack stared at her. “You gave me an assignment, and I take my assignments very seriously.”

“An assignment.”

“Was that the wrong answer? Lucy, Dub is my buddy. What else do you want?”

“I want you to be very careful.” Lucy said the words softly as Dub approached them with a grin on his face and a blue ribbon pinned to his chest.

She addressed the little boy. “Congratulations again, Dub. Great job with the scavenger hunt.”

“Not just me. Mr. Jack, too.” He grinned.

Lucy glanced from Dub to Jack. Though Jack’s face remained impassive, his eyes sparkled with amusement.

“Here, Mr. Jack, this is for you.” Dub handed Jack the heart-shaped stone.

Jack smiled broadly. “Thanks, buddy.”

Lucy’s heart melted. Oh, this wasn’t good. What was she thinking? Soon Jack would go back to his life in New York. And little Dub would be left with a broken heart.

And he might not be the only one...

TINA RADCLIFFE has been dreaming and scribbling for years. Originally from Western New York, she left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany, and ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her past careers include certified oncology RN and library cataloger. She recently moved from Denver, Colorado, to the Phoenix, Arizona, area, where she writes heartwarming and fun inspirational romance.

Claiming Her Cowboy

Tina Radcliffe

www.millsandboon.co.uk

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

—Psalms 56:3

This first book in the Big Heart Ranch series

is dedicated to John Croyle and the staff and

children of Big Oak Ranch. Big Oak Ranch

is a Christian home located in Alabama

for children needing a chance.

“That they might be called trees of

righteousness, the planting of the LORD,

that he might be glorified.”

—Isaiah 61:3

A great deal of thanks goes to my wonderful

agent, Jessica Alvarez, for partnering with me

on this exciting new series. Thank you, as well,

to my editor, Giselle Regus, for her ideas,

which ultimately led me to Big Heart Ranch.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

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

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

If Lucy Maxwell had learned one thing, it was that when life appeared to be going smoothly, it was time to listen closely for the other boot to drop.

Because it always did.

The attorney who stood at the head of the conference table, in his finely tailored suit, with his impossibly thick black hair and deep charcoal eyes, was definitely sigh-worthy. He even had a slight dimple when he smiled. Which he didn’t do very often. Except for his off-center nose, with the scar at the bridge, he was perfect. It was a good thing she was not taken to sighing over near-perfect men with dimples.

The man was unfamiliar to her. After working closely with the Brisbane Foundation for several years, she thought she knew everyone. But not him. She would have definitely remembered Jackson Harris.

He began to speak. The icy disdain that laced his voice as he reviewed the last twelve months of charitable funding to Big Heart Ranch obliterated any fanciful thoughts in Lucy’s head. Instead, she blinked to attention and sat up straight, adjusting her sundress and blowing her thick fringe of bangs from her eyes.

“After a lengthy consultation with the foundation accountants, I recommend a significant reduction in funding to Big Heart Ranch for the upcoming fiscal year,” he concluded.

Lucy gasped at the attorney’s words. The sound was loud enough to cause the board members seated at the enormous conference table to turn and stare. She fanned her damp skin with the meeting agenda. It seemed that the cool air had been sucked from the room, leaving it as sweltering as the Oklahoma summer outside the conference room windows.

Reaching for her water glass, Lucy took a long drink. If ever there was a need for divine intervention, it would be now. Big Heart Ranch’s own budget for the next year could not be finalized until the foundation’s donation had been secured.

She should have suspected something was up when her presence was requested at this meeting. Usually, the ranch accountant met with the Brisbane Foundation accountant. And it was generally a simple transaction. Not this time. This time the director of the ranch was invited to the meeting. Lucy took her director responsibilities seriously and had arrived early and eager.

The start of the meeting seemed a lifetime ago. Now her hands trembled as she set the glass back down. Lucy clasped her fingers together tightly in her lap and turned to the other end of the table, where the chief executive officer of the Brisbane Foundation sat.

“Mrs. Brisbane?” Lucy prompted.

Meredith Brisbane had paled beneath her silver coif. She cleared her throat and touched the pearls at her neck, as if to reassure herself she was still breathing.

“Lucy dear, I can assure you this is as much a surprise to me as it is to you. Though my nephew is newly appointed to the foundation, I am certain he has our best interests at heart.”

Nephew? How had she missed that significant bit of information?

“However, through no fault of his own,” Meredith added, “Jackson has a limited understanding of why we partner with your organization. I take full responsibility for this omission. Lucy, perhaps you could enlighten him on how funding to the ranch is utilized.”

“Yes. Yes.” Lucy nodded, while her mind raced. “I’m happy to.”

After all, Big Heart Ranch was Lucy, and her brother, Travis, and her sister, Emma. They’d single-handedly built the Timber, Oklahoma, local charity for orphaned, abandoned and neglected children.

Lucy paused, her confidence waning. She could provide the smug attorney with numbers until the ranch cows came home. Like the fact that the average cost of raising a child was well over two hundred thousand dollars, and that the ranch was raising sixty children. However, something told her that Jackson Harris would not be impressed with numbers. What would get through to this man?

She blinked. Like the kick of a stubborn mare, out of nowhere, inspiration struck. Lucy smiled and turned to face him.

“Spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations can’t possibly show you the true heart of our ranch, Mr. Harris. The best way to understand the big picture is to come to the ranch. Spend time with us. I’d love to show you our ministry in action.” She paused. “Of course, I’m happy to provide you complete access to our financials, as well. You have an open door to anything you need from us.”

It was Jackson Harris’s turn to show surprise. He opened his mouth, but before he could respond, his aunt chimed in.

“Why, Lucy, that’s a splendid idea. I couldn’t agree more. He needs to see the scope of the ranch’s reach.”

Jackson’s gaze moved from his aunt and then back to Lucy. He narrowed his eyes. “What exactly did you have in mind?” The words were measured and precise.

Lucy scrambled for a plan. “Summer,” she burst out.

“Summer?” The attorney tugged at the collar of his dress shirt.

“Yes. We’re about to start our summer program at the ranch. It’s our busiest and most ambitious undertaking of the year. Not only do we work with our own sixty children, but we invite the children from the State of Oklahoma orphanage in Pawhuska to the ranch for vacation Bible study at rotating intervals.”

He adjusted his silk tie and said nothing.

Lucy continued. “We’re about to start our annual series of old-fashioned trail rides and campouts.” She flashed him what she hoped was a confident smile. “The summer events are capped off in August, with a black-tie fund-raising gala hosted by your aunt.”

Had she imagined his jaw tightening as he reached for his water? The board members seated at the table glanced away and carefully examined the paperwork in front of them. An awkward silence stretched for moments until a melodic ring filled the large room. All hands shuffled and reached for cell phones. Meredith shot Lucy an apologetic smile as she retrieved her own phone.

“I’m so sorry. I must take this.” Phone in one hand, cane in the other, Meredith stood and wobbled precariously. As she reached out for the table ledge, her cane fell to the thickly carpeted floor with a soft thud.

Lucy jumped up in time to grasp Meredith’s forearm and gently steady the benefactress.

Jackson was around the table and at his aunt’s side in seconds. “Are you okay, Aunt Meri?” he asked. Genuine concern laced his voice—the first sign of humanity Lucy had seen in the man.

“Oh, my. Sorry to give you two a fright.” Meredith glanced from Lucy to her nephew and frowned. “An inner ear issue, the doctor tells me. Sometimes I’m a bit off balance. This getting-old stuff is not for sissies.”

“How are you feeling now?” Lucy asked.

“I’m fine. Thank you, dear. I simply need to remember not to stand quite so fast.”

Lucy nodded as she picked up the ebony cane and handed it to Meredith.

Head held high, Meredith’s measured steps were nothing short of regal as she moved across the carpet. The room remained silent until the door closed behind her.

Harris again turned to Lucy. The man’s unflinching gaze was anything but warm and fuzzy. The dark brows were drawn into a serious frown.

Lucy glanced around the room. Had she missed something here? Why was he so irritated?

“Visiting the ranch is out of the question, Ms....” He faltered for a moment. Clearly, he’d forgotten her name.

“Maxwell. Lucy Maxwell.”

“Ms. Maxwell, I can’t—won’t—leave my aunt.” Harris gathered up his papers and stood without sparing another glance in her direction.

Lucy folded her hands and willed herself not to panic.

The other boot had officially dropped.

* * *

“Jackson? Is Lucy gone?” Meredith asked from the doorway of the great room.

Jack turned from the tall window that overlooked the front lawn and circular drive. “If she drives a beat-up mustard-colored Honda, then yes, Aunt Meri, she’s gone.”

Lucy Maxwell. He shook his head. He’d never met anyone like her before. A sunflower. That was exactly what she reminded him of, with that cap of dark hair and round chocolate-brown eyes, along with a smattering of freckles on her golden face. A petite woman, she wore a pale yellow dress along with red hand-tooled cowboy boots. When she walked, the dress fluttered around her calves, capturing his attention, whether he liked it or not. And he did not. Con artists came in pretty packages too, he reminded himself. He’d been taken in once before, and even put a ring on her finger. Never again.

“When will you start at the ranch?” Meredith asked.

“Hmm?” He blinked and met her gaze.

“What are you thinking about?” His aunt smiled. “Lucy, perhaps?”

“What? No.” He gave his aunt his full attention. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

“I asked when you will be heading to Big Heart Ranch.”

He paused for a moment at the question, planning his strategy. “I’m not leaving you to spend time observing a ranch.”

“Oh?” She smiled. “Then you’re approving the original donation amount?”

Jack crossed the room and put an arm around his aunt’s thin shoulders. “Aunt Meri, you know you’re my favorite aunt.”

She chuckled. “I’m your only aunt.”

He grinned. “True. And while you are as generous as you are kind, you can’t give away the foundation money to every shyster that comes along.”

Meredith gasped. Her sharp blue eyes blazed, taking him back to his childhood days of misbehaving and facing his aunt’s wrath. She had never hesitated to serve up well-deserved punishment for his crimes. Jack took a step back when she straightened to her full five-foot-nothing height.

“Lucy Maxwell is not a shyster!”

“What do you really know about the woman, Aunt Meri?”

“What I know is that the bulk of the foundation’s income is from mineral and oil rights. My husband inherited those rights from his great-great-grandfather, who was one-half Osage Indian. The foundation was set up to ensure that the funds were invested locally.” She pinned her gaze on her nephew. “Big Heart Ranch is as local as it gets, and they are an investment in this community’s future.”

He wasn’t going to point out that she hadn’t answered his question. Instead, he tried another tactic.

“You’ve proposed nearly doubling the donation to this ranch. Why?”

His aunt narrowed her eyes and exhaled sharply. “Have you been talking to your father?”

“What makes you say that?”

“He’s made it quite clear that he believes I’m not fit to manage the foundation. Oh, he thinks he’s being subtle, sending you out here as in-house counsel, but I know what he’s up to.”

“Aunt Meri, Dad’s concerned about your health, that’s all.”

She offered a harrumph at his words. “I’ll tell you what I told him, Jackson. Vertigo does not equal diminished mental capacity.”

“What about the chemo?”

“My treatments are completed and I’ve been given a clean bill of health by my physicians. The cancer is in remission. Shall we have my oncologist contact your father?”

“Aunt Meri, please don’t get upset. The bottom line is I’m here as the foundation’s attorney. Not to inspect a ranch in Timber.”

“I don’t see why you can’t do both. They have internet and telephones at the ranch, so you’ll be able to stay in touch. My assistant has all the numbers. Besides, while the ranch is on the outskirts of Timber, you’re still only twenty minutes away.”

“Twenty minutes is forever if you need me.”

She paused and gave him a hard, assessing glance. “What are you really doing in Oklahoma, Jackson? You’ve been in New York since forever. I have a hard time believing your father didn’t pressure you to come out here.”

“Not at all. Dad would never do that.”

“Oh, please. Your father could talk a peacock out of his feathers.”

He laughed. She was right, he’d give her that. Except the truth was more complicated. His father did want him to check on his aunt. It was a coincidence that Jack desperately needed a change of scenery.

“He told me the position was open, and you were vetting candidates. Perhaps it was... What’s that saying of yours? A God thing.”

Her expression said she didn’t believe him for a second. “You made it clear once you left for college that you prefer the big-city skyscrapers over the red clay of Oklahoma. You’ve been gone a long time. What happened to make you quit your job and take on the foundation position?”

“Let’s just say that I’m reevaluating my options.”

“In my day, a man like you would have been considered a catch. Why haven’t you settled down, Jackson?”

“Aunt Meri, I’m not much of a family man.”

“What does your fiancée say about that? Isn’t she still one of your options?”

“That’s over.”

She slowly shook her head and glanced past him, out the window. “I’m so sorry to hear that. What happened?”

“Let’s just say she was more interested in my wallet than me.”

“Ahh, so that’s why you’re being so hard on Lucy.”

“My personal life has nothing to do with Big Heart Ranch.”

“No?” She cocked her head.

Silence settled between them. “What’s going on?” his aunt finally said. “You’ve been unhappy for some time. I could tell from your phone calls.”

He met his aunt’s perceptive gaze. Was he unhappy? Or simply disenchanted and searching for something real in his life?

She frowned. “You always wanted to make a difference, Jackson. What changed?”

“Make a difference? Did I say that?” He scoffed. “If I did, then you’re correct. That was a long time ago. What’s changed is that I’m not an idealistic attorney anymore.”

“I think maybe deep inside you are.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad to have you here, but as far as Lucy Maxwell and Big Heart Ranch are concerned, you couldn’t be more off base. I still contend that you can’t make a decision to cut off their funding without investigating the situation.”

“Off base? I did my research. That ranch is a money pit.”

She offered a sound of disgust. “That doesn’t mean they’re mismanaging the funds. I don’t believe for a minute that anything shady is going on at that ranch, and I challenge you to find one bit of evidence to support your claim.”

Meredith gripped her cane and walked to the wall of family portraits. Her hand trailed the ornate, gilded edges of the frames. A huge portrait of Jack’s grandfather hung next to a smaller one of her husband, followed by another of Jack’s father. She stopped at a painting of Jack with his twin brother, Daniel. They were nine years old, mirror images, with matching grins and dark curls. There, however, the similarities ended. Daniel was charming, outgoing and impulsive, while Jack was shy, hesitant and introverted.

A wave of sadness and guilt slammed into him as he stared at the painting. Twenty-five years had passed, yet nothing would ever be the same. Daniel was gone and it was his fault. He’d been minutes behind his brother that day and hadn’t been able to save him.

“I miss Daniel,” Meredith murmured with a soft sigh. He was surprised when she turned and wrapped her arms around him in a loving hug.

The scent of his aunt’s lavender perfume carried him back years. “I miss him, too, Aunt Meri,” he whispered.

His father’s words from when Jack left New York raced through his thoughts. When we lost your brother and your mother left, your aunt was there for both of us. This is an opportunity for you to be there for her. She won’t ask, but Meri needs help.

He swallowed hard as he stared at his brother’s smiling face. “I’ll go to the ranch, Aunt Meredith.”

Jack grimaced when he realized that the words had actually slipped from his lips. When his aunt’s face lit up, he knew that it was much too late to take them back.

“Oh, Jackson, I knew I could count on you to do the right thing. I’ll call Lucy immediately.”

The right thing.

For a moment, he’d let his guard down and sentiment had strong-armed him. Jack took a deep breath. He suspected his orderly life was about to be blown wide-open, and he placed the blame squarely at the feet of Little Lucy Sunshine, the director of Big Heart Ranch.

Chapter Two

“I need a favor.” Lucy stood in the doorway of the children’s therapist and child care director of the Big Heart Ranch office. It belonged to her sister, Emma.

“Good morning to you,” Emma said. She tidied the bookshelf in her already immaculate office and turned to Lucy. “What sort of favor?”

“Can you handle my calls for a couple of hours? I have to start a new volunteer.”

“Sure. Only because then I can remind you that you need to hire an assistant.”

“Not going to happen.”

Lucy glanced at a platter of chocolate muffins artfully arranged on a table. “You made muffins? Like you don’t have enough to do?” She nodded toward the portable cribs set up in the back of the huge room. Inside, her twelve-month-old twin nieces slumbered, thumbs in mouth and bottoms in the air.

Emma shrugged. “So tell me what happened at the Brisbane Foundation yesterday.”

Lucy grabbed a muffin and peeled back the paper. “Meredith said to tell you hello.”

“Was that before or after she handed you a sizable donation check?”

“Things didn’t exactly work out that way.”

“What do you mean?”

“Meredith has a new attorney who hasn’t approved the funding. I’m sure everything will be taken care of soon.”

Emma sank into a chair and nervously fingered her braid. “Lucy, we need to finalize our budget. I don’t understand what the holdup is. She sent us preliminary numbers weeks ago.”

Lucy met her sister’s worried gaze. “The attorney is doing things differently.”

“Is Travis aware?” Emma asked quietly.

“Yes. But you know Travis. All he cares about is the cows.”

Emma glanced at the calendar and cringed. “This puts everything on hold.”

“I know. Which brings me to the other news.” Lucy dusted off her hands. “Leo quit.”

“What? Why? He’s our best ranch hand.”

“He was offered more money at a ranch in Driscoll. I simply can’t match the offer.”

“So we’ll hire someone else.”

“I’m not going to hire anyone until the budget situation is resolved. In fact, I may have to lay off staff if we don’t get the Brisbane Foundation backing by the end of summer.” She met Emma’s gaze. “All expenditures outside of the day-to-day ranch maintenance are on hold.”

“What about the gala? I’ve already placed deposits for caterers, waitstaff and flowers. Not to mention the entertainment. Meredith always funds the gala.”

“The gala is low on my worry list. Let’s try to focus on what’s really important. The kids.”

Emma nodded.

“The Lord has been the financial backing for Big Heart Ranch since day one,” she said. “This is His ranch. These are His children. He will continue to provide more than we can ask or imagine. Right?”

“Right,” Emma said. “I couldn’t agree more.”

Lucy took a bite of the muffin and glanced toward the parking lot.

“Was there something else?”

“Yes.”

Travis stuck his head in the door. “That new volunteer is here, asking for you, Lucy.” He offered her a conspiratorial wink.

“Thanks, Travis. I’ll be right out.”

“What was that all about?” Emma asked. “And who’s this new volunteer?”

“Jackson Harris.”

“Who is Jackson Harris?”

“Meredith’s nephew and her new attorney.”

“What?”

“Perfect timing, isn’t it? He’ll replace Leo.”

“No one can replace Leo. He did the work of three ranch hands.” Emma stood and walked to the window.

“All the same, we should be grateful to have the help for the summer.”

“I’m confused. Why would Meredith’s nephew agree to volunteer on the ranch when it sounds like he’s opposed to giving us the funding?”

“His aunt is very persuasive.” She turned to Emma. “No one is to know that he’s from the Brisbane Foundation.”

“Why does Travis know?”

“He was here last night when the call came through from Meredith.”

“Why the secrecy?”

“Mr. Harris is vetting us. I want his experience here to be positive. He needs to know we have nothing to hide. It’s the only chance we have that he’ll change his mind.”

“Is that him?” Emma asked.

Lucy peeked over her sister’s shoulder at the tall attorney whose back was to them as he talked to Travis.

“Yes. That’s Jackson Harris.”

Emma chuckled. “Look at him, all shiny and new in his designer jeans, Italian leather shoes and that dry-cleaner-starched shirt. Lucy, why would you take on a city slicker?”

“I’m not in a position to be choosy.”

“Can he even ride a horse?”

“Meredith says he can.”

Lucy edged closer to the window. When Jackson Harris turned around, she caught her breath.

“Oh, my,” Emma said, her face lighting up. “Well, I suppose you could do worse.”

Lucy turned to her sister. “What do you mean, I could do worse?”

“The man is mighty fine-looking, that’s for sure. And you’ll be working closely with him all summer, dear sister.”

“Don’t get any ideas. If I was looking for a man in my life, it certainly would not be another temporary cowboy.” She shook her head. “I have most definitely already been there and done that. And I have an empty house in the woods to prove it.”

“Just remember that sometimes the Lord brings us what we need, not what we want.”

Lucy tossed the muffin liner in the trash and dusted off her hands. “This discussion is over.”

* * *

“Six weeks!” Jack Harris stood outside a log-cabin-style bunkhouse next to Lucy Maxwell, trying to digest her words. “Where did you get the idea I was here for six weeks?”

“Your aunt,” Lucy said. “She called me last night and said you want the Big Heart Ranch experience, and that you’d be filling our ranch hand position for the summer.”

Stunned, Jack rubbed a hand over his chin and closed his mouth when he realized it was hanging open.

“Do you want me to call her?” she asked.

“No.” He shook his head. “Look, between you and me, my aunt isn’t as strong as she used to be. She thinks she is, but those cancer treatments have taken a toll on her overall health.”

“Apparently, she’s well enough to pull one over on you,” Lucy murmured. Her lips twitched as she concentrated on the ground, creating a line in the dirt with the toe of her boot.

Jack’s gaze followed. She wore the red boots, this time with jeans and a bright red T-shirt with the Big Heart Ranch logo on the front and the word Staff on the back. Once again, she reminded him of a bright flower. This time a poppy. He averted his gaze and considered her words.

Lucy had assessed the situation correctly. He’d been bamboozled by his seventy-year-old aunt. Aunt Meri was right about one thing: Jack had been away from Oklahoma for a very long time. Long enough to forget how stubborn his aunt could be once she got a bone between her teeth.

“For some reason, she’s convinced I’ll change my mind if I see the ranch up close and personal,” he muttered.

“Why is it you constantly think the worst of Big Heart Ranch?”

“This isn’t personal. I have a job to do as the foundation’s counsel. And I happen to love my aunt. I’m simply trying to protect both interests.”

Lucy stared at him, obviously biting her lip. The dark eyes glittered with unsaid words. It was clear he’d pushed her buttons and she was working hard to control her temper.

“You seem to think we’ve committed an offense,” she said. “If so, what happened to innocent until proven guilty?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one on the defense here?” he asked. “First, you fingerprint me like a criminal. Then you make me sign a release for a complete background check. Now you’re telling me I’m stuck here for six weeks.” He shook his head. “The kicker is that I get to do it while living with two other guys. I mean, come on. You must be kidding.”

“You’ll be living like all the other volunteers. Think of this as summer camp for grown-ups.” Lucy looked him up and down. “As for the other, we’re entrusting you to care for our children. Children who have already suffered more in their short lives than you can even comprehend. These are children who have been abandoned, neglected and even abused. This isn’t kiddie rehab, Mr. Harris. They don’t come here to be fixed. They come here to live a normal life. We are their life. We are their family. Forever.” She paused. “Makes your trivial complaints seem insignificant, wouldn’t you say?”

“Believe it or not, I did my homework, Ms. Maxwell. I understand the ranch mission statement.”

She raised her brows.

“First Corinthians thirteen. Faith, hope and love. Faith in God, hope for tomorrow, and unconditional love.”

When her lips tilted into a huge smile, the effect nearly knocked him over. A guy could get addicted to a smile like that if he wasn’t careful.

“You memorized our mission statement.” The words were a hushed whisper. “I’m impressed.”

“Somehow I doubt that,” he muttered.

“A lot of prayer and thought went into that mission statement, so yes. I am impressed.”

He offered a short nod.

She handed him papers from the clipboard in her hands. “A list of recommended gear you’ll need for the summer. Oh, and the schedule and a map of the boys’ ranch, girls’ ranch and important facilities. Phone numbers are listed, as well.”

Jack glanced down at the form on top of the papers. “What’s this? Yet another form?”

“Waiver of liability. If you choose to ride our horses without the recommended safety helmet, we need this signed.”

“Do you wear a helmet?”

“It depends on the situation.” She met his gaze. “Oh, and by the way, other than me, only Travis and Lucy are aware you’re from the Brisbane Foundation. You are simply a summer volunteer, as far as everyone else is concerned.”

“So I’m undercover? Why the big secret?”

“I don’t want anyone to panic, and actually, Mr. Harris, it’s to your advantage.”

“How’s that?”

“If everyone believes you’re part of the team, they’ll be open and transparent while you’re here.”

“If you say so,” he replied.

“I do.” Lucy pulled out a key and opened the bunkhouse door before dropping it into his hand. “Welcome to your new home. This is bunkhouse number one. It has all the amenities you should need—coffeemaker, microwave. If you need something more, let us know. We’ll vote on it at the next budget meeting. Of course, that won’t be until after the foundation makes their funding decisions.”

A smiling Travis greeted them at the door. “Hey, Jack. You’re bunking with us? Great.” He held open the screen. “Come on in.”

Jack folded the papers from Lucy and put them in his back pocket as he moved into the living quarters. “You live here?”

“Only during the summer,” Travis said. “It’s easier than driving home after a twelve-hour day, so I moved my stuff over today.” Travis tossed his black Stetson on a bunk and winked at Lucy. “Besides, it keeps the boss happy, because if the boss isn’t happy, nobody is happy.”

“Keep it up, little brother,” Lucy muttered.

“Who...” Jack waved a hand at the other bunk.

“Tripp Walker,” Travis said. “The horse whisperer. Doesn’t talk much. If it involves horses, though, Tripp is your point of contact.”

Jack nodded.

Travis looked from Lucy to Jack. “Madame Director giving you a hard time?”

“One might conclude that.”

“Her bark is worse than her bite,” Travis returned, as though she wasn’t in the room.

Lucy offered her brother a slow nod, obviously letting him know he could expect payback for his comments. Jack couldn’t help but smile at the affectionate sibling interaction. A part of him was envious at their bond. Would he and Daniel have been like Lucy and Travis? He brushed the thought away.

Travis turned to Lucy. “I just got a call. Beau is loose. We’re on lockdown.”

Lucy released a breath. “Of course he is. Any sightings?”

“Not yet.”

“Did you drive the Ute over, Trav?” Lucy asked.

“Yeah. It’s parked behind out back, on the street.”

“Mind if I borrow it to take Mr. Harris on a little tour?”

“No problem.” He tossed her the keys.

“Ute?” Jack asked as he followed Lucy out the back door and down a gravel walk.

“Utility vehicle. Like if a Jeep and a golf cart had a child.”

Jack smiled when he saw the black vehicle with the ranch logo emblazoned on the hood. “That’s a fitting description,” he said as he slid into the doorless passenger side.

“What was Travis talking about? Beau?”

“The boys’ ranch mascot. Beau is literally an old goat. He’s nearly blind, mostly hard of hearing, yet somehow, he manages to get out of his corral now and then.”

“A goat?”

She nodded. “You better fasten your seat belt, Mr. Harris. Around here you never can tell what might be waiting down the road.”

He stretched the seat belt across himself and connected it with a click. “Couldn’t you call me Jack or Jackson? Mr. Harris seems a little formal.”

Lucy shrugged. “That’s fine. However, our children will be calling you Mr. Jack. Those are the rules.”

“What about you?” he asked.

“What about me?” Lucy put a hand on the gearshift knob.

“What do they call you?”

“Miss Lucy works.” She paused. “I mean for the kids. You may call me Lucy.”

“Thanks, Lucy.”

She shot him a sidelong glance.

“Can you tell me about the ranch?” he asked.

Lucy turned in her seat. “I’m sure you had us investigated. Exactly what is it that was left out of your report?”

“Your family’s qualifications for running this operation.”

“I’m an orphan.” The words were a flat admission. “Obviously, my brother and sister, as well. We cycled through the foster care system until we were adopted out.” She shrugged and started the Ute. “More than you probably care to know.”

Jack paused. He understood and cared far more than Lucy Maxwell would ever know. When his brother died, he too had been orphaned. His mother had taken off and his father had checked out.

Aunt Meri had saved him. He needed to remember that. His aunt was the only reason he was giving Big Heart Ranch a second chance.

She steered the Ute toward the main ranch road. “I have a master’s degree in business management from Spears College of Business Management. Travis majored in animal sciences and graduated from the Oklahoma State University College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. Emma also attended OSU and is a licensed social worker with a master’s degree.”

“How did three orphans manage that?”

Lucy’s head jerked back at his question and she inhaled sharply. Slowing the Ute to a stop, she shifted into Neutral to look at him. “Excuse me?”

He raised a palm. “Don’t read something into my words I didn’t intend. My questions are simply part of my due diligence.”

Silence reigned for moments, as she stared straight out the windshield of the Ute. When she turned to him once again, her eyes were shuttered.

“In addition to scholarships, we sold snake oil on Saturdays to fund our education.”

Jack met her gaze. She didn’t give him time to respond.

“As I stated, we were in the foster care system for several years. A cousin of our mother tracked us down and adopted all of us. I was ten, Travis was eight, Emma five. At the time, we were living in separate homes with monthly visitation.”

“Separated from your siblings? That had to be tough.”

“I’m not looking for pity.”

“I wasn’t offering pity.”

She nodded and said nothing for several moments.

“You inherited the ranch?” Jack asked.

“Yes. Our property is bordered by that hewn wood fence,” Lucy said as she pointed to a fence in the distance.

Fingers tight on the wheel, she turned the Ute left and drove down a shady, tree-lined street. The redbuds and maples were thick with green foliage. The aroma of freshly mown grass rode on the slight breeze.

“These are the boys’ homes.” Lucy pointed to the redbrick, two-story, Colonial-style houses, each spaced two lots apart, occupying the right side of the street. The left side was fenced, and horses grazed in the pasture.

A group of helmeted cyclists rode by, all young girls with arms extended to offer enthusiastic waves. “Hi, Miss Lucy!” they called in unison.

Lucy raised a hand out the vehicle in greeting.

“Why aren’t they in school?”

“It’s summer, Mr.— Uh, Jack.”

He turned to look at the pasture on the right. “Cattle? That seems ambitious.”

“That’s us, and why not? Travis has graduated from the OSU Master Cattleman Program. He’s worked several area ranches over the years.”

“He’s an impressive guy.”

“There’s not a person on the ranch who isn’t impressive. We function with a staff of qualified professionals and volunteers. We need and value everyone. I hope you’ll note that when you review our funding.”

Jack stared out the window as they passed horses nibbling on grass and clover, their tails swishing at flies in the summer heat. The ranch was beautiful, he’d give her that. A part of him longed to walk through the fields spread before him, like he had as a child, when he hadn’t had any cares. He and Daniel would lie on their backs in his aunt’s pasture, finding shapes in the fluffy clouds that slowly moved across the endless blue Oklahoma summer sky.

A drop of sweat rolled down the back of his shirt, bringing him back to reality. Jack shifted uncomfortably. “I’d forgotten about how hot it is here in July.”

Lucy shrugged. “You’ll get used to the weather. The nice thing about the Oklahoma humidity is that it makes everything grow. You should see our vegetable garden.”

He turned to her and raised a brow. “Vegetable garden, as well?”

“Yes. I hope you’re sensing a pattern.” Lucy offered a proud smile. “We want to be as self-sustaining as possible. Growing things also gives our children an appreciation for everything the Lord provides. We don’t ever want to take that for granted. The more we do for ourselves, the better stewards we can be of the financial blessings we receive.”

Jack said nothing to the obvious jibe.

“Look over there. Through the trees,” Lucy said. “Girls’ ranch. You’ll actually get a close-up of everything after you receive your chore assignment.”

“Chore assignment?”

“Everyone at the ranch has chores.”

Jack wrapped his mind around that bit of information and stared out the window. A moment later, Lucy hit the brakes hard. He lurched forward, thrusting a hand to the dashboard in protection as the vehicle suddenly came to a complete halt.

“Sorry,” Lucy said. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. Is this how you usually drive?”

“No. Look to your right.”

Jack glanced out in the field. “More cows.”

“Our missing goat is out there, too.”

“What’s that?” Jack pointed to a black hen that strutted along the right side of the road, her black tail feathers raised regally.

“Mrs. Carmody got out, too!”

“You lose animals often here at the ranch?”

“They must have heard you were coming. However, to be fair, Beau and Mrs. Carmody escape every chance they can.”

“You name all your chickens?”

“We do. Come on, let’s go get her.”

Jack blinked. “What?”

“You walk toward her and I’ll circle around behind.”

“What about the goat?”

“He’ll be easy. I told you he’s got vision and hearing issues. As for Mrs. C., she’s an old hen and doesn’t move very fast. She’ll be easy, too.”

“How’d she get out anyhow?”

“I don’t know. Let’s catch her and then I’ll be sure to ask.”

Jack frowned at the response and stepped from the Ute.

“You walk toward her and I’ll circle behind.”

“Are you sure this is going to work?”

“No. I’m not sure of anything,” she said with a grin. “If you have a better idea, I’m open to suggestions.”

Jack moved toward the chicken.

“Flap your arms,” Lucy said.

“Flap my arms?”

“Why?”

“Let her know you’re friendly.” She cocked her head. “You don’t have any medical conditions that preclude you from flapping, do you?”

“No. But I try not to look like a fool on principle.”

Lucy began to laugh.

He paused for a moment at the sound of her laughter bubbling over. Then, despite his better judgment, Jack tucked his hands under and moved his arms up and down.

The chicken wasn’t impressed. She slowly scratched at the ground and then began to run toward him on wobbly claws. “Why is she charging me?” Jack yelled.

“This is Mrs. Carmody and she doesn’t follow the fowl rules.”

Jack’s eyes rounded when the bird attempted liftoff, her black wings flapping furiously. Could chickens fly?

This one managed a small liftoff before landing on her backside. Regrouping, the beady-eyed bird targeted him, one step at a time. Suddenly she picked up speed.

“Old and not very fast, huh? That bird is going to attack!”

Jack turned and ran, straight into a pile of something soft and wet. “Oomph!” His feet slid out from under him, and he landed on his back in the sweet grass.

“Good thing that grass hasn’t been mowed yet,” Lucy observed.

He opened his eyes. Mrs. Carmody was tucked neatly against Lucy, who stroked her feathers with her other hand. The chicken squawked and fussed for a moment, but Lucy held firm.

He had to give the ranch director credit; she’d grabbed the bird and was now doing an admirable job of trying not to laugh.

“Yeah, good thing,” he returned as a black feather danced through the air and landed on him.

“Why did she run at me?” Jack asked.

“She was running to you. Big difference. I think she mistook you for Travis. You’re both about the same size and coloring. Travis always brings Mrs. Carmody treats.”

“So you’re saying that I ran for nothing.”

She glanced away, lips twitching. “Um, yes.”

“And the flapping?”

“To get you into the moment.”

Lucy held out a hand, and he grasped her palm, heaving himself to a standing position. Their eyes met and he froze for a moment, lost in her gaze. Then he glanced down at his once spotless shoes, lifting one and then the other to inspect the soles. A pungent odor drifted to his nose and he cringed. “Manure? Is that what I slipped on?”

She nodded and sniffed the air. “Horse, I’d say. Fresh.”

“Do you know how much these shoes cost?” Jack rubbed his feet back and forth on the long blades of grass.

“My guess is enough to feed one of our kids for a year.”

Jack only grumbled in response, and then he stopped what he was doing and stared at Lucy.

“What?” she asked.

“Could you have caught Mrs. Carmody on your own?”

“Probably.” She said the word slowly.

“That’s what I thought. So you were having fun with the city guy.”

“I’d like to think of it as breaking the ice. You and I have a whole summer to work together. We need to get along. Besides, if it’s any consolation, you passed chicken flapping with an A plus.”

Jack couldn’t help himself. He started laughing, and when he stopped, his gaze met Lucy’s.

Her lips parted sweetly, and he realized they had at least reached détente. In that moment he became aware that his obligation to remain objective while he investigated the ranch for the Brisbane Foundation would be compromised every time Lucy smiled at him.

“What about your goat?” he asked.

“You hold Mrs. Carmody and I’ll go grab Beau.”

He stepped back and held up his hands. “Ah, no thank you. Why don’t I get the goat?”

“You’re okay with that?”

“I’m okay with pretty much anything if it means not holding a chicken.”

This time Lucy laughed as well, and her eyes were bright with amusement. “You know that chickens are on your chore list, right?”

“Not seriously?”

She nodded.

“So, how do I get Beau?”

“He’s docile. Gently grasp the rope around his neck and lead him to the Ute.”

“What about the cows?”

“Nary a bull in sight. You’ll be fine.”

Jack started across the field. He grimaced and shook his head as he skirted around a cow patty. Day one on Big Heart Ranch, and already he’d gotten up close and personal with a chicken and was about to bring home a lost goat.

Yeah, it was going to be an interesting summer.

Chapter Three

Jack checked his watch as he tugged his shirttail free from his jeans. He’d made it through day one and would be off duty soon. All he had to do was get his final chore assignment of the day completed. Then he’d be on his way to T-town, a little shopping and a nice steak. Free until the alarm sounded tomorrow at 5:00 a.m.

He pulled the paper Lucy had given him from his pocket and checked the dates. No chicken assignment until after the trail ride and camping trip were complete. If things went in his favor, Mrs. Carmody would release all the birds before then. He’d even pay the bird to stage a coop-break.

For a moment, he simply smiled, thinking about the whole chicken incident. Lately, women had been getting one over on him left and right. Feathered females included.

At least the goat had cooperated.

He shook his head and turned the paper in his hand over. Stables, straight ahead. Or equestrian center, as Lucy Maxwell called the building. He’d been assigned his own horse. That thought alone made him smile.

It had been a long time since he’d been responsible for a horse. Twenty-five years ago, Aunt Meredith’s horses had been his saving grace. His aunt worked him so hard the summer Daniel died that he didn’t have time to blame himself for his little brother’s death. He’d mucked stalls, fed and exercised a stable full of horses from sunrise until bedtime. Then he fell into a hard sleep, too exhausted for the nightmares.

There was no denying the thrum of excitement that accompanied Jack as he entered the equestrian building. Except for the soft whinny of horses, it was quiet.

Jack smiled. He’d forgotten how good quiet was. The lights were on as he took his time walking down the center of the stables, his left hand reaching out to touch the gates of each stall he passed, like he was a kid again. He let the smells of horse sweat and hay nudge his memories while he searched for the sorrel mare he was about to groom.

Spotless. The boys’ ranch stables were spotless, no strong urine odors to indicate the stalls were anything but clean. A chalkboard on the outside of the very last stall on the left had “Grace” printed in white chalk in a childish scrawl. He looked around and found the tack room, situated next to an office, whose door was shut, lights off. The sign on the door read Tripp Walker, Manager.

The familiar scent of new leather drifted to Jack’s nostrils as he entered the tack room and grabbed supplies. He juggled a currycomb and soft brush in the air and caught them easily. His steps were light as he opened the latch to Grace’s stall.

Jack Harris, in a barn. No one would believe it if they could see him now. He didn’t believe it himself.

The mare shifted and raised her tail. Jack sidestepped, though not fast enough to avoid stepping in steaming and aromatic horse patties. He grimaced and held his breath. Twice in one day.

His life as an attorney was filled with horse patties, but today was a record.

Nope, no one would ever believe this, either.

“Grace,” he told the mare. “I thought we were going to be friends. This is no way to treat a guy on our first date.”

The horse merely nickered in response.

Jack grabbed a pitchfork and buried the foul evidence in fresh wood chips that he moved to the corner of the stall, before pulling the currycomb and a brush from his back pocket. He ran his open palm slowly along the coarse coat of reddish-gold of the animal’s flank to prepare her for the session, and then gently began to comb the horse.

“There you go, Grace. Feels good, doesn’t it?” he soothed. “When we’re done, I have a nice carrot for you.” With two fingers, he massaged the animal’s wide forehead until she relaxed.

Jack stuck his nose right into her neck and rubbed the mare’s ears as he inhaled. Yeah, this was the real perfume of summer. The sweet, subtle sweat of horse hair. Pleasant memories of days with Aunt Meri tumbled through his mind.

Jack continued to brush the mare, one hand on the brush, the other on the animal’s silky-soft back. The tension he didn’t realize he held evaporated into the small space.

“You’re doing it wrong,” a small voice whispered.

Jack paused, and Grace’s ears perked at the voice. A quick glance around the stall revealed nothing and no one. Jack continued brushing.

“Circles. You gotta do it in circles.”

He opened the metal gate and took a quick peek down the main walkway and then into the stalls on either side of Grace’s. Both stalls had horses, but they appeared to be the nontalking variety. “Where are you?” Jack asked.

“Up here.”

Jack frowned before glancing straight up. To the right was a hay storage shelf where a little boy, no more than five or six, smiled down at him with a toothy grin. His upper front teeth were absent.

“Are you supposed to be up there?” Jack asked.

The urchin with a dirty face and hair the color of straw shrugged. “No one cares.”

“I bet Miss Lucy cares,” Jack said.

The kid wore jeans and battered red sneakers, the laces untied. Scooting to the edge, he dangled his legs. The movement knocked bits of straw into the air. Hay and dust danced on their way to the ground. Some landed on Jack and Grace.

“Kid, you’re messing up my work here.”

“Sorry.” Which came out as thorry due to the missing teeth.

“What’s your name?”

“Dub Lewis.”

“Your name is Dub?”

“Uh-huh. What’s your name?”

“Jackson Harris.”

Dub screwed up his face and giggled. “What kind of name is that?”

Jack smiled. No filter. His brother had been the same way. Said whatever came to mind, whenever it came to mind.

He chuckled. “Touché, kid.”

“You want me to show you how to do that?” Dub asked.

“Do what?” Jack looked up again, and then down at his hand paused on the horse’s flank. “This? I’ve been grooming horses since I was your age.”

That might be a slight exaggeration, but it silenced the kid, who was obviously five going on thirty.

Jack pulled out the soft brush and began to clean the area the currycomb had covered.

Silence reigned until Jack began to pick Grace’s hooves.

“Are you supposed to be here?” Dub asked.

“Yes.” Jack cocked his head. “I think the real question is, are you supposed to be here?”

“I gots permission.”

“So you said.”

“Grace is my horse. Leo said. And he’s going to teach me to ride Grace.”

“Who’s Leo?”

“Leo. You know. Leo.”

“Actually, I don’t know. But I can ask Miss Lucy about it if you want me to.”

Again with the shrug of the bony shoulders. Jack stared at the kid for a moment. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been around a child. Normally, he avoided them. Too much responsibility and too many memories.

Jack moved on to the next hoof, battling an urge to check and see if the kid was giving him an approving scrutiny. Hoof picking, Harris. He reminded himself. You’ve got this covered.

“Aren’t you going to the meeting?” Dub asked.

“Meeting?”

“Uh-huh. Right before dinner.”

“Maybe you have a meeting, but I don’t think I do.”

“The meeting’s for everyone,” the kid insisted.

Jack vaguely recalled a meeting listed on his schedule for today that he planned to miss.

“I don’t think I need to attend.”

“Everyone does. Miss Lucy said it’s for the trail ride.”

“You’re kind of young for a trail ride. How old are you, anyhow?”

“I’m five and I’m going.” He gave an adamant shake of his blond head. “Yeth, I am.”

“Okay. Fine.”

He grabbed the tools and closed the stall behind him before offering her the carrot. “Good girl, Grace.”

The mare snorted and accepted her treat.

“She likes carrots best.”

Jack nodded. “She sure does. So, Dub Lewis, I don’t suppose you know where this meeting is?” Jack asked.

“Uh-huh. The chow hall. Want me to show you?”

“I’ll find it.” Jack put the tools away and looked up at the little boy. “How are you going to get down?”

“Ladder.”

“Be careful, kid, would you?” he said as he finished with Grace and closed the stall gate behind him.

A moment later Dub Lewis appeared at his side. The kid seemed small for his age. But what did Jack know about kids? Nothing. And he planned to keep it that way.

“Why aren’t you wearing boots?” Jack asked. “It’s dangerous to be in the stables without boots on.”

“I wasn’t in the stall,” he lisped.

“Sure you were.”

Dub shook his head. “I was in the loft. You don’t need boots in the loft.”

Jack opened his mouth and closed it again. What was he doing? He was arguing with a five-year-old, that was what. Once again, the kid reminded him of Daniel. Same forthright attitude and stubborn streak.

“I’m watching Grace,” Dub said. “We’re friends.”

“Oh, yeah?”

Dub nodded, and his short legs did double time in an effort to keep up with Jack, who continued to put the supplies away in the tack room.

“Yeth,” he said. “Sometimes I get to ride Grace, but I gotta wear a helmet.”

“They let you run around the ranch all by yourself, too?” Jack asked.

“I’m not running around. ’Sides, I told you. I gots permission.”

“Gots, huh?” Jack resisted the urge to smile. This was serious stuff. A five-year-old had no business running around without supervision. He knew only too well what could happen. Jack swallowed hard, finding himself getting tense and annoyed all over again.

Dub tugged on Jack’s shirttail. “Come on, Mr. Jackson, or we’ll be late.”

He regarded the pint-size kid at his side. “I’m Jack. Mr. Jack.”

And what was with this “we” stuff?

“Hurry, Mr. Jack!”

“How do you know we’ll be late?” he asked Dub. “You don’t have a watch on.”

“I could see from the window up there. Everybody’s walking to the chow hall.”

“Okay, fine. Show me the way.”

Dub was right. There were a lot of kids walking toward the training building. Now that he thought of it, he recalled a cafeteria in that building.

A few adults were up ahead, but it was mostly kids. Lots of kids. Boys of different ages laughed and talked as they headed to the meeting.

Somehow the whole kids at the ranch thing had slipped Jack’s mind. He hadn’t connected the dots. Or he had, and then blocked it out. Jack swiped a hand over his face and swallowed, willing his heart rate to slow down.

It didn’t matter—he wasn’t here for kids. He was here as a ranch hand. He’d do chickens and goats, and anything else the director lady threw at him. But kids were definitely not part of his repertoire. Not now and not in the future.

He stole a glance at the boy beside him. A prickle of apprehension raced over him, and he realized that he needed to make his no-kids policy completely clear to Lucy Maxwell.

And to Dub Lewis.

* * *

Lucy blinked.

What was Jack Harris doing with Dub Lewis? At well over six feet, he had to lean over every now and again to catch what the small child was saying. Dub seemed to be talking nonstop, skipping at intervals to keep up with Jack’s long strides. Jack’s dark head was next to Dub’s blond one. Lucy’s heart gave a little swoon at the picture they made. But Jack wasn’t smiling. The attorney limped as he walked—a sure sign those fancy shoes were causing him considerable discomfort.

“Did you get all moved in?” she murmured as he approached.

“I did,” he said with a curt nod.

“You spoke with your aunt?”

“My aunt.” He chuckled. “Aunt Meri cleverly left town to spend a few days with a friend.”

Lucy smiled and glanced from Jack to the little boy at his side. “I see you met Dub.”

“Met? He seems to have permanently attached himself to my shadow. I have a few questions for you,” Jack said, his words for her ears only.

Lucy knelt down next to Dub. “Hey, Dub, why don’t you go ahead and find a seat inside?”

Dub glanced at the box of camping supplies at her side. “Don’t I need those, too?”

“Miss Lorna picked yours up for you.”

“Okay. Are we still going for ice cream?” He searched her face hopefully. “With my sissies?”

“What did I tell you?” she returned.

“You said that you’d pick us up tonight after dinner.”

“That’s correct, and I always keep my promises.”

Relief now shone in Dub’s eyes.

“Now go ahead and find a seat inside, please.”

“Okay.” He turned to Jack. “I’ll save you a seat, Mr. Jack.”

“Uh, thanks, kid.”

Lucy’s gaze followed Dub as he raced into the open door of the building.

“What’s his story?” Jack asked.

She turned to face him. “What do you mean?”

“Seems like he should be in an orphanage so he can be adopted. Your facility isn’t licensed for adoption.”

“You really did your research,” Lucy said with a grudging smile. “Once again, I’m impressed.”

“Don’t be. I’m sure I’ll annoy you again very soon.”

“Dub is here as a favor to the court.”

“Why?”

“He’s one of three.”

“Three?”

“Yes. Triplets.”

Jack’s eyes rounded. “There are three of him? Where are his brothers?”

“Sisters. Ann and Eva. They’re at the girls’ ranch.”

“How’s that work?”

“Normally different-sex siblings have visitation weekly. We provide extra family time together for the triplets.”

“So why are they here?”

“You understand this falls under the medical confidentiality agreement you signed. We expect that of all staff members.”

“I’m an attorney. I’m accustomed to keeping my mouth shut.”

Though she sorely itched to spout the hearty comeback on the tip of her tongue, Lucy recognized that she was supposed to be making nice with the man, so she bit her tongue instead.

“Finding foster parents willing to take triplets isn’t easy. Dub was in a separate foster home from his sisters and he became very depressed. In fact, Dub has been in three different foster homes already this year. He ran away from all of them.”

“Why? Why does he run away? Do they treat him poorly?”

“Not at all. Dub simply feels obligated to take care of his sisters. That’s his burden. So he leaves to find them.”

“That’s a heavy load for a five-year-old.”

“I know.” And she did, far more than anyone would ever understand. It had been her job, like Dub’s, to keep track of Emma and Travis when the three of them were in foster care.

“How far does the little man get?” Jack asked.

“Oh, you’d be surprised.” She released a sigh. “Our Dub is very resourceful.”

“Now he’s here.”

“Yes. Dub and his sisters are here for the summer at least, to keep them together.”

“How long have they been in the system?”

“A year. They were removed from their home due to neglect and abandonment. Poor kids were left alone quite a bit, and expected to fend for themselves by the only custodial parent.”

Jack grimaced. “Mother?”

“Yes.”

“And the father?”

“Unknown.”

He shook his head and glanced at the building Dub had gone into. Lucy blinked at the emotion Harris wore on his face. It was the first emotion she’d seen him express for anyone besides his aunt.

“That’s a tough break for a kid,” he muttered.

She nodded. “Another reason they’re here is to see if Dub flourishes when his only responsibility is being a kid. At the ranch, he knows his sisters are being taken care of. A few times he’s randomly asked to see them in the middle of the day. It was as if he needed to be sure they were safe. We complied, and he was able to stop worrying. Dub trusts us to keep our word.”

“How is his being here going to help with the adoption process?”

“We’re actively trying to find Dub a home, and we’ve agreed to facilitate any potential foster or adoptive parents who are interested in all three children.”

Jack offered a short nod, annoyance still evident on his face. “The kid was in the stables.” He shot her an accusatory look. “Alone. No supervision.”

“Dub always asks permission, and he knows that he’s not allowed in the stalls.”

“That’s not the same as supervision.”

“Dub understands the rules.”

“So he kept telling me. Yet seeing him in the loft, a good fifteen feet above the ground, I was not reassured.”

She stepped closer and lowered her voice. “We have security cameras and microphones in the stables. Off-site security is monitoring most of this ranch, except for the pastures. Soon we’ll have cameras out there, as well.” It was her turn to look him in the eye. “If our budget is approved.”

“Cameras don’t take the place of adults supervising kids. He was in the loft. Is that allowed?”

“That would be a loophole in our agreement. Kids tend to find those. You’re an attorney—surely you understand loopholes.”

“A loophole?”

“Yes. He wasn’t technically in the stall. But I appreciate the heads-up. I will discuss that with Dub.” She paused. “I do want you to know that we’ve been operating for five years, and no child has ever been seriously injured.”

“Trust me. It only takes one second for things to spiral out of control. And in that moment, the rest of your life is changed. Forever.”

She stared at him, assessing the rigid posture, the hands shoved into his pockets. More emotion. Where was it all coming from? Jack Harris was hiding a painful secret, of that she was certain. Her words were slow and measured when she responded. “Are you asking for Dub as your buddy for the summer? Is that what this is all about?”

“What?” His head jerked back and his hands came up, palms out. “No. I don’t even know anything about buddies.”

“You have to pick someone. Why not Dub? He certainly seems to have attached himself to you.”

Jack lifted his palms again and stepped back. “Whoa. I have zero experience with kids.”

“Weren’t you a kid?”

“That was a very limited engagement. It ended when I was nine.”

“What?”

He grimaced. “Trust me. I am not the man to be in charge of a kid.”

Lucy opened her mouth to answer and then closed it again. Somehow she knew that he was telling the truth, and his words troubled her. What had happened to Jack Harris to make him so nervous at the thought of being with a child?

She pushed back her bangs. “All you have to do is accompany him on the various summer activities. Be his designated adult. Give him your undivided attention and unconditional love.”

Was she imagining things, or did Jack pale as she spoke?

He wiped his palms on his jeans. “How long does this buddy thing last?” he asked.

“Until the end of summer.”

“You expect me to babysit Dub for six weeks?”

“Please lower your voice.” Again, Lucy glanced around. “We don’t call our ministry at the ranch babysitting. We’re sharing and caring.”

“Sharing and caring.” Jack ran a hand over his face and rubbed the small scar on the bridge of his nose with his index finger.

Lucy stepped closer to Jack as a few volunteers and children walked past her and into the chow hall. “Are you all right?” she asked quietly.

He skirted the question with one of his own. “What if he doesn’t trust me? You said he already has issues.”

“Jack, it’s obvious Dub’s already bonded with you.”

“What makes you think that?” The lawyer’s eyes narrowed.

“Dub Lewis doesn’t follow everyone around. Besides, part of the connection is that horse. Grace. You’re assigned to Grace and he loves that mare.”

Jack knit his brows together. “Dub says Grace is Leo’s horse.”

“No, Leo was just in charge of cleaning the stalls. Leo is actually gone.”

“What happened?”

“He needed a raise that we were unable to provide, given our current, uh...economic situation. It’s unfortunate because Leo did the work of several employees.”

This time Jack’s eyes popped wide. “Does that make me the new Leo?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes, I guess so. However, whether you buddy with Dub or not is your decision.” She shrugged. “You will be assigned a buddy.”

“What part of ‘I don’t want a buddy’ don’t you get?”

Lucy grit her teeth and tamped back a surge of irritation. “What did you think you were going to do at the ranch? Ride a horse and play cowboy?”

“I didn’t think at all. You insisted I see what the ranch was all about.”

“Yes. That’s because you were about to pull the rug out from under us. We’re privately funded. Meredith believes in what we do here. I’m hoping you will, too. We need that funding.”

“I’m not here to take care of kids.” His words were flat.

Jack Harris had returned to his hard-hearted self. That was too bad, because she was starting to sort of almost like him.

“Look, Jack, this ranch is the real thing. You are expected to fully participate.”

“What does that mean?”

“Not only will you have a buddy assignment, but starting tomorrow you’ll start your full chore list and participate in all required activities, including the trail ride and campout.”

“But...”

“Is there a problem? You certainly were quick to dismiss us to your aunt. Now that you actually have to get your hands dirty, you’re having second thoughts? I’m happy to call Meredith.”

“No. There’s no need to bother my aunt.”

Lucy glanced at her watch. “I have to start this meeting soon.”

She reached down and grabbed a pup tent and sleeping bag from the boxes next to her and shoved them at Jack.

He staggered backward in surprise.

“If you lose them, you buy them.” When she moved toward the doors Lucy was surprised to discover Jack matching his steps to her own.

“Tell me about the trail ride.”

Lucy kept walking, stopping only to open the glass doors for him since his arms were full. “It’s exactly that. The junior high and high school kids participate each year for three days and two nights. This first session is the boys’ ranch.”

Jack repositioned the tent pack and the sleeping bag in his arms. “Three days in the saddle?” he asked.

“No, we only ride horses there and back. It’s a camping experience. We take the chuck wagon and live outside with no electronics.”

“No cell phones?”

“None. Not that it really matters. Cell reception is nil where we’re headed.”

“You’re telling me that they actually like doing this?”

“The staff and the children look forward to this particular event every year.”

“Really?” His eyes narrowed as he considered her words.

“You know people pay a small fortune for this kind of outdoor experience. We offer it to our kids free of charge.”

Lucy looked at him. The man was privileged. Could he possibly understand? “You have no idea what an opportunity this is for kids who have been forgotten in foster care or suffered the emotional abyss of abusive situations.” She couldn’t help herself as the words began to tumble from her mouth unfiltered. “Please don’t discount this event until you’ve experienced the trail ride for yourself.”

For once Jack Harris was silent.

“Are you up for the challenge?” she asked.

“Do I have a choice?”

“Everyone has a choice. You and I need to put our differences aside for the summer because the children of Big Heart Ranch come first.”

When he didn’t answer, she took a deep breath. “Can we work together for six weeks or not, Jack?”

“I guess we’ll have to try, won’t we?”

“It’s all up to you, Jack.” Lucy nodded toward the back of the chow hall, where Dub Lewis waved his stubby arms. “Your buddy has your seat saved.”

Jack released a resigned sigh as his gaze followed hers. When he started across the room, a limp was still evident.

“Oh, and Jack?”

He turned, brows raised. “Yeah?”

“Moleskin.”

“Excuse me?”

“Try moleskin and a little triple antibiotic ointment for those blisters.”

His gaze shot to his shoes, and he immediately stopped limping. “I don’t have blisters. The only thing rubbing me the wrong way is this ranch.”

Lucy clutched her clipboard to her chest as she inhaled slowly, counting to ten while willing herself not to respond. Keeping her mouth shut every time Jack Harris pushed her buttons might very well prove to be the most difficult challenge of the next six weeks.

Chapter Four

They’d been on the trail almost three hours. Jack pushed his ball cap to the back of his head and pulled off his sunglasses to peer at the clear azure sky. The July sun’s merciless rays mocked him.

He shifted in the saddle, to no avail. His backside still ached and his T-shirt clung to his damp skin. Who went on a trail ride in one-hundred-degree weather? The humidity made the air so thick that he could taste it each time he opened his mouth.

From the bits of conversation that drifted back from the front of the line of horses and riders, everyone else seemed to be in good spirits.

Yeah, this was definitely an acquired taste. Jack took a swig of water and positioned Grace so the horse trotted behind the chuck wagon.

Covered with waterproof canvas and led by two horses, the wagon looked like an old-fashioned movie prop. More important was that it was large enough to hide Jack from inquisitive eyes as he peered at his banned electronic device.

Grace offered a snuffle and snort, shaking her head back and forth as though in warning when he slid his phone from his pocket and checked for reception.

No signal.

Again.

He had to admit that it irked him that so far Lucy Maxwell had been right about everything. From his blisters to the cell reception.

At the back of the wagon, the right canvas flap flew open and Dub Lewis stuck his head out, a huge toothless grin on his freckled face.

“Hi, Mr. Jack!” he called.

“Hey, isn’t that dangerous?” Jack returned. “You might fall out of there.”

“I have a seat belt on.”

“Yeah, well, be careful.”

“I will.”

“You better,” Jack grumbled.

The smile on Dub’s face widened as he continued to chatter. “You’ve got Grace. Can I ride her?”

“Maybe.” Jack offered a begrudging smile at the kid’s enthusiasm.

“Did you know that we’re having carrot cake later?”

“Oh, yeah?”

Dub nodded, eyes rounding.

“It’s Auggie’s birthday,” a familiar female voice said from behind Jack. The soft thud of horse hooves and the jingle of tack told him she was approaching on his right.

Lucy. Jack slid his phone back into the pocket of his jeans.

“Who is Auggie?” he asked, turning slightly in the saddle.

Seated confidently on a black mare, in Levi’s and her red ranch logo T-shirt, Lucy was all smiles today. She held the reins with soft chamois gloves and nodded up ahead, where a dozen or so boys wearing riding helmets bounced gently in the saddle, along with the rhythmic motion of their horses.

“See the tall boy with the black helmet? The one on the chestnut mare? Near the end?”

Jack nodded.

“This is the first time in his life he’s ever celebrated his birthday.”

“What do you mean?” Jack said, hoping her words weren’t literal.

“Exactly that.”

“How is that possible?”

“Neglect and abuse situations. We see it more often than you want to know.” She shrugged. “But today he’s already had a birthday breakfast and opened presents before we started the trail ride. Plus, our cook for the trip has brought along a cake and a few surprises.”

“That doesn’t sound like roughing it to me.”

“Aw, come on, Jack. Lighten up, would you? It’s a birthday. We consider them part of creating family traditions for our kids.”

“Traditions?” he muttered.

“Sure. Things you probably take for granted, like holidays and special celebrations, and yes, birthdays.”

“What about you?” he asked.

“What about me?”

“Did you have traditions growing up?”

“Things became a little blurry once we lost my parents.” Lucy pulled a foot from the stirrup, showing off one of the hand-tooled red leather boots. “See these boots?”

“Yeah, they’re hard to miss.”

“I asked for red boots for my birthday one year when I was a foster. I wanted them so badly. Of course, I didn’t get them. But the biological daughter of my foster parents did. For no reason. It wasn’t her birthday, and she hadn’t asked for them.”

Lucy smiled and glanced down at the boot with pride, carefully placing her foot back in the stirrup. “I bought myself these boots. Every single time I put them on I am reminded of why I do this job. It’s because every kid deserves red boots for their birthday.”

Jack did his best to keep what he was feeling from showing on his face. Lucy Maxwell wouldn’t want to be pitied. He flashed back to his last birthday with his brother. Blowing out candles and opening presents.

Bicycles. They’d both wanted bicycles, as badly as Lucy had wanted her boots.

He swallowed hard. They’d gotten them, too. Daniel’s bicycle was still somewhere at his aunt’s house. Before he could dwell on the thought, the flap of the wagon popped open once more.

Dub stuck his head outside to flash them a smile and disappeared again.

“Is that safe?” Jack gestured toward the wagon. “Seems to me he could go bouncing around.”

“The wagon was specially made for the ranch, and not only does it have an authentic flour cupboard and a cooking shelf on the outside, but it was also fitted with four seats that have full seat belts. It’s very safe.”

“Once again, I’m impressed. Where did it come from?”

“Donated by a local carpenter.”

“Is Dub the only one riding inside of there?”

“Yes. He’s the only child under ten on this trip.”

“Was that in my honor? Because he’s my buddy?”

“You flatter yourself.” She tipped the brim of her straw Stetson lower against the sun. “Dub’s entire ranch family is on the trail ride. House parents included. We thought it would be good for him to join us.”

“There are lots of things for a little kid to get into on a camping trip. Accidents happen when you least expect them.”

“Sounds like you have firsthand knowledge. Care to share?”

Jack stiffened. No, he wasn’t ready to bare his soul to a woman he hardly knew. A woman he was supposed to be investigating. He shook his head and glanced away.

“He knows the rules, Jack. And he’s going to stick to you like...well, you know.”

“Terrific. He’s not going to be in my tent, is he?”

“No, he’s sleeping with two of his ranch brothers.”

“What exactly is the point of this trip?”

“The point?” She released a breath and stared at him, hands on the saddle horn. “Does everything have to have a point?”

“Yes. You’re utilizing plenty of ranch resources. Donated resources. I’m trying to understand the value.”

“Jack, it’s about planting seeds. Sometimes you can’t see the harvest. You have to trust that by doing what you are called to do, what this ranch is called to do, the harvest will be there.”

“How does the trail ride fit into your harvest?”

“First and foremost, this is all about fun. Think like a kid for a minute, instead of an attorney. These are children who are accustomed to going to bed on broken glass, emotionally. In their former life, they went to sleep uncertain what tomorrow would bring. We promise them that they don’t have to think about tomorrow. They can simply be kids.” Her chocolate eyes continued to pin him.

Against his better judgment, he paused to consider her words. Just be a kid? He hadn’t been “just a kid” since that summer so long ago. Jack raised his head and met her gaze. Words refused to come.

Lucy sighed when he didn’t respond. “Ah, Jack, you don’t understand.” The words were laced with deep regret.

Jack swallowed hard. He did understand. Far more than Lucy would ever realize.

Up ahead, a horse whinnied and laughter broke out, soon turning into raised voices. The raised voices changed into shouts of anger. The unexpected stop of the chuck wagon caused the rear of the entourage to stop. Like dominos falling over, horses were forced to sidestep with the sudden halt. Their protesting whinnies filled the morning air.

“Excuse me,” Lucy said. She picked up her reins and nosed her horse off the well-worn path, through the wild grass and around the wagon.

“Hit him again, Matt,” a voice rang out.

Jack pulled Grace’s reins to the left in an attempt to figure out what was going on. And then he saw what everyone was looking at. Two teenage boys were entangled on the ground, rolling from the dusty trail to the grass with fists flying. Jack ushered Grace ahead and into a trot.

“Stop this, right now!” Lucy yelled. She slid from her horse as two men pulled the boys apart. Good-size teenagers, they struggled to get free and reach the object of their wrath: each other.

The riders up ahead had stopped and turned in their saddles to see what was going on behind them.

The boys stumbled around, kicking up dust with their boots, stretching from the hands that held them, fists flailing in the air as they continued to struggle.

Lucy stepped into the space between the boys.

“Not a good idea,” Jack muttered. “Never get between two opposing forces.”

One of the boys broke loose. When he shot forward to grab his opponent, his shoulder knocked into Lucy.

“Lucy!” Jack shouted, realizing the warning was coming much too late.

Down went the ranch director.

“You hit Miss Lucy,” a voice accused.

Gasps, followed by a hushed silence, filled the air as Jack leaped from Grace to the ground beside Lucy’s limp body.

A stunned Lucy blinked when Jack wrapped his arm around her shoulders and helped her to a seated position. Then the dark lashes fluttered closed, resting against her too pale cheeks.

Jack’s hands trembled as he held her, and emotion slammed into him as hard as the protective urge that rose when he tucked her slim frame against his chest. From deep inside, his brain furiously balked at the unexpected tenderness so suddenly roused. But for the first time in a long time, he ignored that analytical voice. Right now, all that mattered was that Lucy was okay.

Around him, denim-clad legs crowded closer as riders hovered.

“Move back!” Jack thundered. His words were laced with an unspoken threat, and he didn’t care who heard it.

“Go get Rue,” someone urged.

Jack assessed the too still woman, fear and adrenaline kicking his heart rate into overdrive.

“Everyone, please stand back. We need a little air,” a female commanded a few minutes later. A tank of a middle-aged woman with gray curls, wearing a faded and wrinkled version of the red ranch T-shirt and a straw Stetson with a hole in the brim, slid to the ground next to Jack. With a brief glance in his direction, she opened a battered leather medical bag. “What happened?”

“She got in the way of an argument,” Jack said. He looked up at the crowd surrounding them. The guilty teenager swallowed hard, his face pale and filled with shame.

“Matt and Abel.” The woman glanced up at the boys. “Seriously? Again?”

“I take it they don’t like each other,” Jack said.

“No, they love each other. They’re biological brothers. That’s the problem.”

“Are you a doctor?” he asked when she tossed him a pair of surgical gloves and slipped on another pair herself.

“Correct. Dr. Rue Butterfield.” She nodded. “Consider yourself deputized as my assistant.”

“Code of the West?” he asked, as he picked up the bright blue gloves.

“Yep.” She gently checked Lucy’s pulse. “Lucy? Honey, can you hear me?”

Lucy moaned, her eyes opening and then closing again. “What happened?” She reached a hand to touch the back of her head. “Ouch.”

“Sit still and lean forward,” Rue said when she tried to stand. “Let me check your head.”

Rue pointed to a gauze pad. “Can you tear that open for me?”

“She’s bleeding?”

“A small cut at the back of her head, along with a small lump.”

Jack tore open the package and handed Rue the gauze pad.

“So you’re Leo’s replacement.”

“Am I?” He met her no-nonsense dark eyes.

“Jack Harris, right?”

“Yeah. How’d you know?”

“Word travels faster than a sneeze through a screen door around here. We heard Meredith Brisbane’s stuck-up lawyer nephew stopped the funding to the ranch.”

“Rue,” Lucy whispered, her voice shaky.

The woman continued despite Lucy’s protest. “I heard that there was a volunteer here for the summer taking his place.” Her gaze was intent as she assessed him. “You have your work cut out for you, Jack. Leo did the job of two men.”

“I heard it was three,” he returned.

Rue laughed. “Probably true. Point being, he wouldn’t have left if Lucy could match the pay he was offered elsewhere. It’s too bad our director here is the one picking up the slack. I’d like to give that attorney holding up the money a piece of my mind.”

“Rue. Please,” Lucy said with a warning tone in her voice.

“A real jerk, huh?” Jack said.

“Yep. I’d like to see him walk a day in Lucy’s shoes. Then he might understand.”

“That sounds like a really good idea,” Jack said with a smile. “Maybe we can arrange it.”

Rue smiled back. “I like you, Jack.” She pulled a penlight from her pocket and checked Lucy’s pupils. “And I appreciate you stepping up to save the day. We need more men like you around Big Heart Ranch.”

“Thanks, but perhaps you should hold your kind words until summer is over.”

“I’m a good judge of character. I doubt you can do anything that will change my opinion.” She winked and turned to Lucy.

“Anything in particular hurt, Lucy?” Rue asked. “Besides the head.”

“My dignity.”

Rue pulled a stethoscope from her bag. “I’ll take a quick listen and do a little palpation, honey. Just want to make sure you didn’t break a rib or anything.”

When she finished her evaluation, Rue pulled the stethoscope from her ears and nodded. “So far everything seems fine.”

Lucy attempted to stand.

“No. Not just yet.” She looked to Jack. “I’m going to go get ice. Keep an eye on her. She may have a concussion.”

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