DearReader,

Ireallycan’texpresshowflatteredIamandalsohowgratefulIamtoHarlequinBooksforreleasing
thiscollectionofmypublishedworks.Itcameasagreatsurprise.Ineverthinkofmyselfaswriting
booksthatarecollectible.Infact,therearedayswhenIforgetthatwritingisworkatall.WhatIdofor
alivingissomuchfunthatitneverseemslikeajob.AndsinceIresideinasmallcommunity,andmy
dailylifeisconfinedtosuchmundanethingsasfeedingthewildbirdsandlookingaftermyherb
patchinthebackyard,Ifeelratherunconnectedfromwhatmanywouldthinkofasaglamorous
profession.

ButwhenIreadmyemail,orwhenIgetlettersfromreaders,orwhenIgoonsigningtripsto
bookstorestomeetallofyou,Ifeeltrulyblessed.OverthepastthirtyyearsIhavemadelasting
friendshipswithmanyofyou.Andquitefrankly,mostofyouarelikepartofmyfamily.Youcan’t
imaginehowmuchyouenrichmylife.Thankyousomuch.

Ialsoneedtoextendthankstomyfamily(myhusband,James,son,Blayne,daughter-in-law,
Christina,andgranddaughter,SelenaMarie),tomybestfriend,Ann,tomyreaders,booksellersand
thewonderfulpeopleatHarlequinBooks—frommyeditorofmanyyears,Tara,toalltheotherfine
andtalentedpeoplewhomakeupourpublishinghouse.Thankstoallofyouformakingthisjoband
myprivatelifesoworthliving.

Thankyouforthistribute,Harlequin,andforputtingupwithmeforthirtylongyears!Lovetoallof
you.

DianaPalmer

DIANAPALMER

Theprolificauthorofmorethanahundredbooks,DianaPalmergotherstartasanewspaper
reporter.Amulti–NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorandoneofthetoptenromancewritersin
America,shehasagiftfortellingthemostsensualtaleswithcharmandhumor.Dianaliveswithher
familyinCornelia,Georgia.

Visitherwebsiteatwww.DianaPalmer.com.

NewYorkTimesandUSATODAYBestsellingAuthor

IANA

ALMER

CIRCLEOFGOLD

NewYorkTimesandUSATODAY

BestsellingAuthor

DianaPalmer

TheEssentialCollection

Long,TallTexans…andMore!

AVAILABLEFEBRUARY2011

Calhoun

Tyler

Ethan

Connal

Harden

Evan

AVAILABLEMARCH2011

Donavan

Emmett

Regan’sPride

ThatBurkeMan

CircleofGold

Cattleman’sPride

AVAILABLEAPRIL2011

ThePrincessBride

Coltrain’sProposal

AManofMeans

Lionhearted

Maggie’sDad

RageofPassion

AVAILABLEMAY2011

Lacy

Beloved

LovewithaLong,TallTexan

(containing“Guy,”“Luke”and“Christopher”)

HeartofIce

Noelle

FitforaKing

TheRawhideMan

AVAILABLEJUNE2011

ALong,TallTexanSummer

(containing“Tom,”“Drew”and“Jobe”)

Nora

Dream’sEnd

ChampagneGirl

FriendsandLovers

TheWeddinginWhite

AVAILABLEJULY2011

Heather’sSong

SnowKisses

ToLoveandCherish

Long,TallandTempted

(containing“Redbird,”“PaperHusband”and“ChristmasCowboy”)

TheAustralian

DarlingEnemy

Trilby

AVAILABLEAUGUST2011

SweetEnemy

SoldierofFortune

TheTenderStranger

Enamored

AftertheMusic

ThePatientNurse

AVAILABLESEPTEMBER2011

TheCaseoftheMesmerizingBoss

TheCaseoftheConfirmedBachelor

TheCaseoftheMissingSecretary

SeptemberMorning

DiamondGirl

EyeoftheTiger

Contents

Chapter1

asieMayfieldwasexcited.Hergrayeyeswerebrimmingwithdelightasshesatinthesprawling

livingroomattheDoubleCRanchinMedicineRidge,Montana.Therewasasecretarialposition
availableonthemammothDoubleC,andshehadthenecessaryqualifications.Shewasonlytwenty-
two,butshehadacertificatefromsecretarialschoolandplentyofinitiative.Besidesallthat,the
positionwassecretarytoJohnCallister,thesecondsonofthewell-knownfamilythatheadednotonly
apublishingempireinNewYorkCity,butacattleempireoutWest.

TherewasaveryinterestingstoryabouttheranchinamagazinethatKasiewasreadingwhile

shewaitedherturntobeinterviewed.TheelderCallisterslivedinNewYork,wheretheypublished,
amongothers,afamoussportsmagazine.Whentheyweren’tinthecity,theylivedinJamaicaonan
ancestralestate.TheCallisterwhohadfoundedtheAmericanbranchofthefamilyhadbeenaBritish
duke.HeboughtanobscurelittlemagazineinNewYorkCityin1897andturneditintoapublishing
conglomerate.OneofhissonshademigratedtoMontanaandfoundedtheranch.Iteventuallypassed
toDouglasCallister,whohadraisedtheboys,GilbertandJohn.Nobodytalkedaboutwhytheuncle
hadbeengivencustodyofbothboysandleftthemtheranchwhenhedied.Presumablyitwassome
darkfamilysecret.Apparentlytherewasn’talotofcontactbetweentheboysandtheirparents.

Gilbert,theeldestatthirty-two,hadbeenwidowedthreeyearsago.Hehadtwoyoungdaughters,

Bess,whowasfive,andJenny,whowasfour.Johnhadnevermarried.Hewasarodeochampionand
didmostofthetravelingthataccompaniedshowingtheranch’sprizewinningpedigreeblackAngus
bulls.Gilwasthepowerintheempire.Hewassomethingofamarketinggenius,andhedealtwiththe
exportbusinessandsatontheboardsoftwomultinationalcorporations.Butmostlyherantheranch,
allthirtythousandacresofit.

Therewasaphotographofhiminthemagazine,butshedidn’tneedittoknowwhathelooked

like.Kasiehadgottenaglimpseofhimonherwayintothehousetowaitforherturntobe
interviewed.Oneglimpsehadbeenenough.Itshockedherthatamanwhodidn’tevenknowher
shouldglareathersointently.

Amoreconceitedwomanmighthavetakenitformasculineinterest.ButKasiehadnoego.No,

thattall,lankyblondmanhadn’tlikedher,andmadenosecretofit.Hispaleblueeyesunderthat
heavybrowhadpiercedherskin.Shewouldn’tgetthejob.He’dmakesureofit.

Sheglancedatthewomannexttoher,agloriousblondewithbigbrowneyesandbeautifullegs

crossedunderathigh-highskirt.Thenshelookedatherownankle-lengthbluejumperwithasimple
grayblousethatmatchedherbigeyes.Herchestnuthairwasinalongbraiddownherback.Shewore
onlyalittlelipstickonherfull,softmouth,andnorougeatallonhercheeks.Shehadarather
ordinaryovalfaceandasmall,roundedchin,andsheworecontactlenses.Shewasn’tatallpretty.She
hadanicefigure,butshewasshyanddidn’tmakethemostofit.Itwasjustaswellthatshehadgood
officeskills,shesupposed,becauseitwashighlyunlikelythatanybodywouldeverwanttoactually
marryher.Shethoughtofherparentsandherbrotherandhadtofightdowntears.Itwassosoon.Too
soon,probably.Butthejobmightkeepherfromthinkingofwhathadhappened….

“MissMayfield!”

Shejumpedashernamewascalledinadeep,authoritativetone.“Yes?”
“Comein,please.”
Sheputasmileonherfaceassheclutchedhersmallpurseinherhandsandwalkedintothe

paneledoffice,whereplaquesandphotosofbullslinedthewallsandburgundyleatherfurniture
surroundedthebigmahoganydesk.Amanwassittingthere,withhispaleeyespiercingandintent.A
blondmanwithbroadshouldersandahard,leanfacethatseemedtobeallrockyedges.Itwasnot
JohnCallister.

Shestoppedinfrontofthedeskwithherheartpoundinganddidn’tbothertositdown.Gil

Callisterwasobviouslydoingtheinterviews,andnowshewassureshewouldn’tgetthejob.She
knewJohnCallisterfromthedrugstorewhereshe’dworkedbrieflyasastockclerkputtingherself
throughsecretarialcourses.Johnhadtalkedtoher,teasedherandeventoldheraboutthesecretarial
job.He’dhavegivenherachance.Gilwouldjustshootheroutthedoor.Itwasobviousthathedidn’t
likeanythingabouther.

Hetossedapenontothedeskandnoddedtowardthechairfacingit.“Sitdown.”
Shefeltvulnerable.Thedoorwasclosed.Hereshewaswithahungrytiger,andnowayout.But

shesatanyway.Neverletitbesaidthatshelackedcourage.Theycouldthrowherintothearenaand
shewoulddielikeatrueRoman…Sheshookherself.ShereallyhadtostopreadingthePlinysand
Tacitus.Thiswasthenewmillennium,notthefirstcenturyA.D.

“Whydoyouwantthisjob?”Gilaskedbluntly.
Herthineyebrowslifted.Shehadn’texpectedthequestion.“BecauseJohnisadish?”she

ventureddryly.

Theanswerseemedtosurprisehim.“Ishe?”
“WhenIworkedatthedrugstore,hewasalwayskindtome,”shesaidevasively.“Hetoldme

aboutthejob,becauseheknewIwasjustfinishingmysecretarialcertificateatthevocational-
technicalschool.Igothighgrades,too.”

Gilpursedhislips.Hestilldidn’tsmile.Helookeddownattherésuméshe’dhandedhimand

readitcarefully,asifhewaslookingforadeficiencyhecouldusetodenyherthejob.Hismouth
madeathinline.“Veryhighgrades,”heconcededwithobviousreluctance.“Thisisaccurate?You
reallycantype110wordsaminute?”

Shenodded.“IcantypefasterthanIcantakedictation,actually.”
Hepushedtherésuméasideandleanedback.“Boyfriends?”
Shewasnonplussed.Herfingerstightenedonherpurse.“Sir?”
“Iwanttoknowifyouhaveanyentanglementsthatmightcauseyoutogiveupthejobinthenear

future,”hepersisted,andseemedoddlyintentonthereply.

Sheshiftedrestlessly.“I’veonlyeverhadonerealboyfriend,althoughhewasmorelikea

brother.Hemarriedmybestfriendtwomonthsago.ThatwasjustbeforeImovedtoBillings,”she
added,mentioningthenearbycity,“tolivewithmyaunt.So,Idon’tdatemuch.”

Shewassouncomfortablethatshealmostsquirmed.Hedidn’tknowaboutherbackground,of

course,orhewouldn’tneedtoasksuchquestions.Modernwomenwerealotmoreworldlythan
Kasie.Butshe’dsaidthatJohnwasadish.Sheflushed.Goodgrief,didhethinkshewentaround
seducingmenorsomething?Wasthatwhyhedidn’twantherinhishouse?Herexpressionwas
mortified.

Heavertedhiseyes.“Youhavesomeoddcharacterreferences,”hesaidafteraminute,frowning

atthem.“ACatholicpriest,anun,aTexasRangerandaself-mademillionairewithallegedmobties.”

Sheonlysmileddemurely.“Ihaveuniquefriendships.”
“Youcouldputitthatway,”hesaid,diverted.“Isthemillionaireyourlover?”
Shewentscarletandherjawdropped.

“Oh,hell,nevermind,”hesaid,apparentlydisturbedthathe’daskedthequestionand

uncomfortableatthereactionitdrew.“That’snoneofmybusiness.Allright,Kasie…”Hehesitated.
“Kasie.What’sitshortfor?”

“Idon’tknow,”sheblurtedout.“It’smyactualname.”
Oneeyenarrowed.“Themillionaire’snameisK.C.,”hepointedout.“Andhe’satleastforty.”
“Thirty-seven.Hesavedmymother ’slife,whileshewascarryingme,”shesaidfinally.“He

wasn’talwaysamillionaire.”

“Yes,Iknow,hewasaprofessionalsoldier,amercenary.”Hiseyesnarrowedevenmore.“Want

totellmeaboutit?”

“Notreally,no,”sheconfided.
Heshookhishead.“Well,ifnothingelse,you’llbeefficient.You’realsolessofadistraction

thantherestofthem.There’snothingIhatemorethanawomanwhowearsaskirtuptoherbriefsto
workandthencomplainswhenmenstareatherifshebendsover.Wehavedresscodesatour
businessesandthey’reenforced—forbothsexes.”

“Idon’thaveanyskirtsthatcomeuptomy…well,Idon’twearshortones,”sheblurtedout.
“SoInoticed,”hesaidwithadeliberateglanceatherlongdress.
Shefumbledwithherpursewhilehewentovertherésuméonelasttime.“Allright,Kasie,you

canstartMondayateight-thirty.DidJohntellyouthatthejobrequiresyoutolivehere?”

“No!”
Hiseyebrowsarched.“Notinhisroom,ofcourse,”headdedjusttoirritateher,andthenlooked

satisfiedwhensheblushed.“MissParsons,whohaschargeofmydaughters,livesin.SodoesMrs.
Charterswhodoesthecookingandhousekeeping.Wehaveotherpart-timehelpthatcomes
infrequently.Boardandmealsareprovidedbyus,inadditiontoyoursalary.”Henamedafigurethat
madeKasiewanttoholdontosomething.Itwasastronomicalcomparedtowhatshe’dmadeworking
atthedrugstorepart-time.“You’llbeaprivatesecretary,”headded.“Thatmeansyoumayhaveto
travelwithusfromtimetotime.”

“Travel?”Herfacesoftened.
“Doyouliketotravel?”heasked.
“Oh,yes.IloveditwhenIwaslittle.”
Shewonderedbythelookhegaveherifheassumedthatherparentshadbeenwealthy.Hecould

notknow,ofcourse,thattheywerebothdeceased.

“Doyouwantthejob?”heasked.
“Yes,”shesaid.
“Allright.I’lltelltheotherstheycanleave.”Hegottohisfeet,elegantandlithe,movingwitha

gracethatwasunequaledinKasie’scircleofacquaintances.Heopenedtheofficedoor,thankedthe
otheryoungwomenforcomingandtoldthemthatthepositionhadbeenfilled.Therewasashuffleof
feet,somemurmuring,andthefrontdoorclosed.

“Comeon,Kasie,”Gilsaid.“I’llintroduceyouto…”
“Daddy!”cameawailfromtheendofthehall.Alittlegirlwithdisheveledlongblondhaircame

runningandthrewherselfatGil,sobbing.

Hepickedherup,andhiswholedemeanorchanged.“Whatisit,baby?”heaskedinthemost

tendertoneKasiehadeverheard.“What’swrong?”

“MeandJennywasplayingwithourdolliesonthedeckandthatbaddogcameupontheporch

andhetriedtobiteus!”

“Where’sJenny?”hedemanded,immediatelythreatening.
Asobbinglittlevoiceansweredhimastheyoungergirlcametoddlingdownthehallrubbing

hereyeswithdirtylittlefists.ShereacheduptoGil,andhepickedherup,too,oblivioustohersoiled

dressandhands.

“Nothing’sgoingtohurtmybabies.Didthedogbiteeitherofyou?”Gildemanded.
“No,Daddy,”Besssaid.
“Baddoggie!”Jennysobbed.“Makehimgoaway!”
“OfcourseIwill!”Gilsaidroughly,kissinglittlecheekswithatendernessthatmadeKasie’s

heartache.

AdooropenedandJohnCallistercamedownthehall,lookingveryunlikethefriendlyman

Kasieknewfromthedrugstore.Hispaleeyeswereglitteringinhislean,darkface,andhelooked
murderous.

“Aretheyallright?”heaskedGil,pausingtotouchthegirls’hair.“Itwasthatmangycurthat

FredSimsinsistedonbringingwithhimwhenhehiredon.Igotbetweenitandthegirlsandittriedto
biteme,too.IcalledSimsuptothehouseandtoldhimtogetridofitandhewon’t,sohe’sfired.”

“Here.”Gilhandedhisgirlstohisbrotherandstarteddownthehallwithquick,measuredsteps.
Johnstaredafterhim.“MaybeSimswillmakeittohistruckbeforeGilgetshim,”hemurmured.

“ButIwouldn’tbetonit.Aremybabiesallright?”heasked,kissingtheirlittledampcheeksasthe
girlsclungtoeithershoulder.

“Badolddoggie,”Besssobbed.“OurMissieneverbitespeople!”
“Missie’satoycollie,”JohnexplainedtoasilentKasiewithasmile.“Shelivesindoors.Nothing

likethatviciousdogSimskeeps.We’vehadtroublefromitbefore,butSimswassogoodwithhorses
thatweputupwithit.Notanymore.Wecan’tletitendangerthegirls.”

“Ifitwouldcomerightupontheporchandtrytobitethem,itdoesn’tneedtobearound

children,”Kasieagreed.

Thegirlslookedathercuriously.
“Whoareyou?”Bessasked.
“I’mKasie,”sherepliedwithasmile.“Whoareyou?”
“I’mBess,”thechildreplied.“That’sJenny.She’sjustfour,”sheadded,indicatingthesmaller

child,whosehairwasmedium-lengthandmorelightbrownthanblond.

“I’mverygladtomeetyouboth,”Kasiesaid,smilingwarmly.“I’mgoingtobeMr.Callister ’s

secretary,”sheaddedwithanapologeticglanceatJohn.“Sorry.”

“Whyareyousorry?”Johnaskedamusedly.“Ionlyflogsecretariesduringfullmoons.”
Hereyescrinkledwithmerrimentandshegrinned.
“Gilwon’tletmehiresecretariesbecauseIhavesuchabadtrackrecord,”Johnconfessed.“The

lastoneturnedouttobeajewelthief.You,uh,don’tlikejewels?”headdeddeliberately.

Shechuckled.“Onlycostumejewelry.Andunlessyouwearit,weshouldn’thaveaproblem.”
TherewasacommotionoutsideandJohngrimaced.“He’llcomebackinbleeding,asusual,”he

muttered.“Ijustglareatpeople.Gilhits.”HegaveKasieawickedgrin.“Sometimeshehitsme,too.”

Thegirlsgiggled.“Oh,UncleJohnny,”Bessteased,“Daddyneverhitsyou!Hewon’tevenhit

us.Hesayslittlechildrenshouldn’tbehitted.”

“Hit,”Kasiecorrectedabsently.
“Hit,”Bessparroted,andgrinned.“You’renice.”
“You’renice,too,precious,”Kasiesaid,reachingouttosmoothbackthedisheveledhair.

“You’vegottangles.”

“Canyoumakemyhairlikeyours?”Bessasked,eyeingKasie’sbraid.“Andtieitwithapink

ribbon?”

Theopeningofthebackdoorstoppedtheconversationdead.Gilcamebackinwithhisshirtand

jeansdustyandacutatthecornerofhismouth.Ashecamecloser,wipingawaytheblood,his
bruisedandlaceratedknucklesbecamevisible.

“Somuchforthatlittleproblem,”hesaidwithcoldsatisfaction.Hiseyeswerestillglitterywith

temperuntilhelookedatthelittlegirls.Theangerdrainedoutofhimandhesmiled.“Dirtychicks,”
hechided.“GogetMissParsonstocleanyouup.”

JohnputthemdownandBesslookedupatherfatheraccusingly.“MissParsonsdon’tlikelittle

kids.”

“Goon.Ifshegivesyouanytrouble,cometellme,”Giltoldthegirls.
“Okay,Daddy!”
BesstookJenny’shandand,withashygrinatKasie,shedrewtheotherchildwithherupthe

windingstaircase.

“TheylikeKasiealready,”Johncommented.“Besssaid…”
“MissParsonstakescareofthekids,”Gilsaidshortly.“ShowKasiethewaywekeeprecords.

She’sacomputerwhizinadditiontoherdictationskills.Sheshouldbeabletogetallthoseherd
recordsontodiskettesforyou.Thenwecangetridofthepaperclutterbeforeweendupburiedinit.”

“Okay,”Johnsaid.Hehesitated.“Simsgetoffokay?”
“Sure,”Gilsaideasily.“Noproblem.”Hewipedthebloodawayfromhismouthwithawicked

lookathisbrotherbeforeheturnedandwentupthestaircaseafterthechildren.

Johnjustshookhishead.“Nevermind.Comeon,Kasie.Let’sgetyoustarted.”

Kasiemovedintothehousethatweekend.Mostofherparents’things,andherown,wereat

MamaLuke’s,abouttenmilesawayinBillings,Montana,towhomshe’dcomeforrefugeafterlosing
herfamily.Shehadonlythebarenecessitiesofclothingandpersonalitems;itbarelyfilledonesmall
suitcase.Whenshewalkedintotheranchhousewithit,Gilwasontheporchwithoneofhismen.He
gaveheracuriousappraisal,dismissingtheman.

“Where’stherestofyourstuff?”heasked,glancingpastheratthesmall,whiteusedcarshe

drove,whichshe’dparkedbesidethebiggarage.“Inthetrunk?”

“ThisisallthestuffIhave,”shesaid.
Helookedstunned.“Surelyyouhavefurniture…?”
“Myotherthingsareatmyaunt’shouse.ButIdon’thavemuchstuffofmyown.”
Hesteppedasidetolethergoinside,hisfacecuriousandhiseyesintentonher.Hedidn’tsaya

word,buthewatchedherevenmorecloselyfromthenon.

Thefirstweekonthejob,shelostafilethatGilneededforameetinghewasflyingtointhe

familyPiperplane.Itwasanelegantaircraft,twin-engineandcomfortable.GilandJohncouldboth
flyitanddid,frequently,truckingthelivestocktheywereshowingfromonestatetothenextwith
employees.Kasiewishedshecouldgowiththelivestock,rightnow.Gilwaseloquentaboutthe
missingfile,hisdeepvoicesoftandfilledwithimpatience.

“Ifyou’lljustbequietforaminute,Mr.Callister,I’llfindit!”sheexclaimedfinally,drivento

insubordination.

Hegaveheraglare,butheshutup.Sherustledthroughthefoldersonherdeskwithcold,

nervoushands.Butshedidfindthefile.Sheextendedit,sheepishly,grimacingatthelookinhiseyes.

“Sorry,”sheaddedhopefully.
Itdidn’tdoanygood.Hisexpressionwassomberandhalf-angry.Hiseyesglittereddownather.

Shethoughtabsentlythathelookedveryniceinagrayvestedsuit.Itsuitedhisfairhairandlighteyes
andhisnicetan.Italsoemphasizedtheexcellentfitnessofhistall,muscularbody.Kasiethoughtidly

thathemusthavewomenpracticallystalkinghimwhenhewenttodinnermeetings.Hewasstriking
justtolookat,inadditiontothatverymasculineaurathatclungtohimlikehisexpensivecologne.

“Where’sJohn?”heasked.
“Hehadadate,”shesaid.“I’mtryingtocopewiththenewtaxformat.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Surelytheytaughttaxcompilationatyourschool?”
Shegrimaced.“Well,actually,theydidn’t.It’saratherspecializedskill.”
“Buywhatyouneedfromthebookstoreorthecomputerstoreandhavethemsendmethebill,”

hesaidshortly.“Ifyoucan’tcope,tellmethat,too.”

Shedidn’tdare.Shewouldn’thaveajob,andshehadtosupportherself.Shecouldn’texpect

MamaLuketodoit.“Icancope,sir,”sheassuredhim.

Hiseyesnarrowedashestareddownather.“Onethingmore,”headdedcurtly.“Mygirlsare

MissParsons’sresponsibility,notyours.”

“Ionlyreadthemastory,”shebegan,blushingguiltily.
Hiseyebrowsarched.“IwasreferringtothewayyoubraidedBess’shair,”hesaid.“Ithoughtit

wasanisolatedincident.”

Sheswallowed.Hardlyisolated.ThegirlswerealwayssomewhereclosebywhenKasiestopped

forlunchorherbreaks.Shesharedherdessertswiththechildrenandfrequentlyreadtothemortook
themonwalkstopointoutthevarioussortsofflowersandtreesaroundtheranchhouse.Gildidn’t
knowthatandshe’dhopedthegirlshadn’tsaidanything.MissParsonswascurtandbullyingwiththe
children,whomsheobviouslydisliked.Itwasinevitablethatthey’dturntoKasie,whoadoredthem.

“Onlyonestory,”shelied.
Heseethed.“Incaseyoudidn’tgetthemessagethefirsttime,Kasie,Iamnotinthemarketfora

wifeoramotherformydaughters.”

Theinsultmadeherfurious.Sheglaredupathim,forgettingallherearlyteachingsabout

turningcheeksandhumility.“IcametoworkherebecauseIneedajob,”shesaidicily.“I'monly
twenty-two,Mr.Callister,”sheadded.“AndIdon’thaveanyinterestinamanalmostoldenoughtobe
myfather,withaready-madefamilytoboot!”

Hisreactionwasunexpected.Hedidn’tfireback.Hegrewveryquiet.Heturnedandwentoutof

theroomwithoutanotherword.Aminutelater,sheheardthefrontdoorcloseand,soon,anengine
fireup.

“Sothere,”sheaddedtoherself.

Gilcamehomefromhistripevenquieterthanwhenhe’dleft.Therewastensionbetweenhim

andKasie,becauseshehadn’tforgottentheinsultingremarkhe’dmadetoherbeforeheleft.Asif
she’dcometoworkherejustsoshecouldchasehim.Really!Buttherewasanothercomplication
now,aswell.Kasiewasanervouswrecktryingtokeephimfromseeinghowmuchtimesheactually
spentwithhislittlegirls.Shedidn'tneedtoworrywhenhewasoffonhisfrequentbusinesstrips,but
theysuddenlystopped.HestartedsendingBradDalton,hismanager,toseminarsandconferences.He
stayedhomeonthepretextofoverseeingmassiveimprovementsontheproperty.

Itwasjustafterroundup,whenthecattlebusinesswastakingupalittlelessofhistime.Butthere

werenewbunkhousesbeingbuilt,aswellasnewwellsbeingduginthepasturesandnewequipment
broughtinfortaggingandvaccinationsofnewcalves.Thetruckswerebeingoverhauled,alongwith
theotherfarmmachinerysuchastractorsandcombinesthatharvestedthegraincrops.Thebarns
wererepaired,anewsiloerected.Itwasabusytime.

KasiefoundherselfinvolvedunexpectedlywithGilwhenJohnwentoutofstatetoshowtwonew

bullsatapedigreecompetitionandGil’ssecretary,PaulineRaines,convenientlysprainedherthumb
andcouldn’ttype.

“Ineedtheseyesterday,”hesaidwithoutpreamble,layingathicksheafofpapersbesideKasie’s

neatlittlehandonthedesk.“Paulinecan’tdothem.Shemissedthetennisballandhitherthumbwith
thetennisracket.”

Shemanagednottomakeadisparagingcomment—barely.Shedidn’tlikePaulineanymore

thanGil’sdaughtersdid.Thewomanwaslazyandseductive,andalwayshangingonGillikeatie.
Whatlittleworksheactuallydidwasofpoorqualityandshewaspitifullyslowaswell.Sheworkedat
theranchofficenearthefrontofthehousethreedaysaweek,andKasiehadalreadyinheritedagood
dealofherwork.PaulinespenthertimebythepoolwhenGilwasn’twatching.Now,Kasiethought
miserably,shewasgoingtoendupdoingnotonlyJohn’spaperwork,includingtheunbelievably
complextaxesthatshewasstillstrugglingtounderstand,butGil’saswell.

“Idon’tguessshecouldtypewithhertoes?”shemurmuredabsently.
Therewasanoddsound,butwhenshelookedup,Gil’shardfacewasimpassive.“Howlongwill

ittake?”hepersisted.

Shelookedatthepages.Theyweren’tdata,asshe’dfirstthought,butletterstovariousstock

producers.Theyallhaddifferentheadings,butthesamebasicbody.“Isthisall?”sheaskedwithcool
politeness.

Hegloweredather.“Therearefiftyofthem.They’llhavetobedoneindividually…”
“No,theywon’t,”shesaidgently.“Allyouhavetodo—”sheopenedanewfile,selectedthe

optionsheneededandbegantyping“—istypethebodyoftheletteronceandthenjusttypethe
variousaddressesandcombinethem.Anhour ’swork.”

Helookedasifhe’dbeenslapped.“Excuseme?”
“Thiswordprocessordoesallthatforyou,”sheexplained.“It’sverysimple,really.”
Helookedangry.“Ithoughtyouhadtotypeallfiftyindividually.”
“Onlyifyou’reusingaprehistorictypewriterandcarbonsystem,”shepointedout.
Hewasreallyangrynow.“Anhour?”herepeated.
Shenodded.“Maybeless.I’llgetrightonit,”sheaddedquickly,hopingtoappeasehim.Heaven

onlyknewwhathadsethimoff,butsherecognizedthatglitterinhiseyes.

Heleftherandwenttomakesomephonecalls.Whenhecameback,Kasiewasprintingthe

lettersout,havingjustfinishedthemailinglabels.Therewasafoldingmachinethatmadeshortwork
offoldingtheletters.Thenallshehadtodowasstuff,lick,stampandmailtheenvelopes.

Gilputonthestampsforher.Hewatchedhercuriously.Once,whenshelookedupintohiseyes,

itwaslikeanelectricshock.Surprised,shedroppedhergazeandblushed.Really,shethought,hehad
astrangeeffectonher.

“Howdoyoulikeyourjobsofar?”heasked.
“Verymuch,”shesaid.“Exceptforthetaxes.”
“You’llgetusedtodoingthem,”heassuredher.
“Isupposeso.”
“CanyoumanageJohn’sloadandmineaswell,ordoyouwantmetogetatemporarytohelp

you?”

“Thereisn’talot,”shepointedout.“IfIgetoverwhelmed,I’llsayso.”
Hefinishedstampingtheenvelopesandstackedthemneatlytooneside.“You’reveryhonest.It’s

unusualinmostpeople.”Hetouchedastampwithafloralmotif.“Mywifewaslikethat.”Hesmiled.
“Shesaidthatlieswereawasteoftime,sincetheygotfoundoutanyway.”Hiseyeswerefaraway.
“Wewereingrammarschooltogether.Wealwaysknewthatwe’dmarryoneday.”Thesmilefaded
intomisery.“Shewasawonderfulrider.Sherodeintherodeowhenshewasyounger.Butagentle

horseranawaywithherandalow-lyinglimbendedherlife.JennywasonlyayearoldwhenDarlene
died.Besswastwo.Ithoughtmylifewasover,too.”

Kasiedidn’tknowwhattosay.ItshockedherthatamanlikeGilwouldevendiscusssomething

sopersonalwithastranger.Ofcourse,alotofpeoplediscussedevenmorepersonalthingswith
Kasie.Maybeshehadthatsortoffacethatattractedconfidences.

“Dothegirlslooklikeher?”sheaskeddaringly.
“Bessdoes.Shewasblondandblue-eyed.Shewasn’tbeautiful,buthersmilewas.”Hiseyes

narrowedinpainfulmemory.“Theyhadtosedatemetomakemeletgoofher.Iwouldn’tbelieve
them,evenwhentheysworetomethatnomeansonearthcouldsaveher…”Hisfingersclenchedon
topoftheenvelopeandhemovedhishandawayatonceandstoodup.“Thanks,Kasie,”hesaidcurtly,
turningaway,asifitembarrassedhimtohavespokenofhiswifeatall.

“Mr.Callister,”shesaidsoftly,waitinguntilheturnedtocontinue.“Ilost…somepeoplethree

monthsago.Iunderstandgrief.”

Hehesitated.“Howdidtheydie?”
Herfaceclosedup.“Itwas…anaccident.Theywereonlyintheirtwenties.Ithoughttheyhad

yearsleft.”

“Lifeisunpredictable,”hetoldher.“Sometimesunbearable.Buteverythingpasses.Evenbad

times.”

“Yes,that’swhateveryonesays,”sheagreed.
Theysharedalong,quiet,puzzlingexchangeofsorrowbeforeheshruggedandturnedaway,

leavinghertoherwork.

Chapter2

asiewasalmosttearingherhairoutbythenextafternoon.John’smailwasstraightforward,mostly

aboutshowdatesandcancellations,transportationfortheanimalsandpersonalcorrespondence.Gil’s
wassomethingelse.

Gilnotonlyrantheranch,buthedealtwiththemajorityofthesupportcompaniesthatwereits

satellites.Heknewallthemanagersbyfirstnames,heoftenspokewithstateandfederalofficials,
includingwell-knownsenators,onlegislationaffectingbeefproduction.Besidesthat,hewas
involvedinthescientificstudyofnewgrassesandearth-friendlypesticidesandfertilizers.Heworked
withresourceandconservationgroups,evenananimalrightsgroup;sincehedidn’trunslaughter
cattleandwasrabidlyproconservation,atleastonegroupwashappytohavehisnameonitsboardof
directors.Hewasapowerhouseofenergy,workingfromdawnuntilwellafterdark.Theproblem
was,everysingletaskheundertookwasaccompaniedbyatonofpaperwork.Andhispart-time
secretary,PaulineRaines,wasthemostdisorganizedhumanbeingKasiehadeverencountered.

JohncamehomelateonFridayevening,andwassurprisedtofindKasiestillatworkinthe

study.

HescowledashetossedhisStetsonontoarack.“Whatareyoudoinginhere?It’salmostten

o’clock!DoesGilknowyou’reworkingthismuchovertime?”

Sheglancedupfromthesecondpageoftenthatshewastryingtotypeintothecomputer.None

ofPauline’spaperworkhadeverbeenkeyedin.

Sheheldupthesheafofpaperworkinsixfileswithasigh.“Ithinkofitasjobsecurity,”she

offered.

Hemovedaroundbesidethedeskandlookedoverwhatshewasdoing.“GoodGod,he’snot

sane!”hemuttered.“Noonesecretarycouldhandlethisloadinaweek!Ishetryingtokillyou?”

“Paulinehurtherthumb,”shesaidmiserably.“Igettodoherwork,too,exceptthatsheneverput

anyoftherecordsintothecomputer.It’sgottobedone.Idon’tseehowyourbrothereverfound
anythinginhere!”

“Hedidn’t,”Johnsaiddryly,hispaleeyestwinkling.“Paulinemadesureofit.She’s

indispensable,Ihear.”

Kasie’seyesnarrowed.“Shewon’tbeforlong,whenIgetthisstuffkeyedin,”sheassuredhim.
“Don’ttellherthatunlessyoupayupyourlifeinsurancefirst.Paulineisagirlwhocarries

grudges,andshe’sstuckonGil.”

“Inoticed.”
“Notthathecares,”Johnaddedslowly.“Henevergotoverlosinghiswife.I’mnotsurethat

he’lleverremarry.”

“Hetoldme.”
Heglanceddownather.“Excuseme?”
“Hetoldmespecificallythathedidn’twantamotherforthegirlsoranewwife,andnottoget

myhopesup.”Shechuckled.“GoodLord,hemustbeallofthirty-two.I’mbarelytwenty-two.Idon’t
wantamanI’llhavetopusharoundinawheelchaironeday!”

“AndIdon’trobcradles,”cameaharsh,angryvoicefromthedoorway.
TheybothjumpedastheylookeduptoseeGiljustcominginfromthebarn.Hewasstillin

workclothes,chapsandbootsandasweatyshirt,withadisreputableoldblackStetsoncockedover
oneeye.

“AreyoutryingtomakeKasiequit,byanychance?”Johnchallenged.“GoodGod,man,it’ll

takeheraweekjusttogetafractionoftheinformationinthesespreadsheetsintothecomputer!”

Gilfrowned.Hepulledoffhishatandranahandthroughhissweatyblondhair.“Ididn’t

actuallylookatit,”heconfessed.“I’vebeentoobusywiththenewbulls.”

“Well,you’dbetterlook,”Johnsaidcurtly.
Gilmovedtothedesk,awareofKasie’shostileglare.Hepeeredoverhershoulderandcursed

sharply.“Wheredidallthiscomefrom?”heasked.

“Paulinebroughtittomeandsaidyouwanteditconvertedtodisk,”sherepliedflatly.
Hiseyesbegantoglitter.“Inevertoldhertolandyouwithallthis!”
“Itneedsdoing,”sheconfessed.“There’snowayyoucandoanaccuratespreadsheetwithoutthe

comparisonsyoucoulduseinacomputerprogram.I’vereworkedthisspreadsheetprogram,”she
said,indicatingthescreen,“andmadeanapplicationthatwillworkforcattleweightgainratiosand
dailyweighing,aswellasdietandhealthandsoforth.”

“I’mimpressed,”Gilsaidhonestly.
“It’swhatI’musedtodoing.Taxesaren’t,”sheaddedsheepishly.
“Don’tlookatme,”Johnsaid.“Ihatetaxes.I’mnotlearningthem,either,”headded

belligerently.“Halfthisranchismine,andonmyhalf,wedon’tdotaxwork.”Henoddedcurtlyand
walkedout.

“Comebackhere,youcoward!”Gilmuttered.“HowthehellamIsupposedtocopewithtaxes

andalltheotherroutineheadachesthatyoudon’thave,becauseyou’reoffsomewhereshowing
cattle!”

Johnjustwavedhishandandkeptwalking.
“MissParsonsknowstaxesinsideout,”Kasieventured.“Shetoldmesheusedtobean

accountant.”

Heglaredather.“MissParsonswashiredtotakecareofmydaughters.”Hekeptlookingat

Kasie,andnotinanyfriendlyway.Itwasalmostasifheknew…

Sheflushed.“Theycouldn’tgetthelittlepapershiptofloatonthefishpond,”shemurmured

uneasily,notlookingathim.“Ionlyhelped.”

“Andfellinthepond.”
Shegrimaced.“Itripped.Anybodycantrip!”sheaddedinachallengingtone,hergrayeyes

flashingathim.

“Overtheirownfeet?”hemused.
ActuallyithadbeenoverBess’sstuffedgorilla.ThethingwasalmosthersizeandKasiehadn’t

realizeditwasthere.Thegirlshadlaughedandthenwailed,thinkingshe’dbeangryatthem.Miss
ParsonshadfussedforhourswhenBessgotdirtonherprettyyellowdress.ButKasiedidn’tscold.
Shelaughed,andthegirlsweresorelieved,shecouldhavecried.Theyreallydidn’tlikeMiss
Parsons.

Heputbothhandsonhisleanhipsandstudiedherwithreluctantinterest.“Thegirlstellme

everything,Kasie,”hesaidfinally.Hedidn’taddthatthegirlsworshipedthisquiet,studiousyoung
womanwhodidn’tevenflirtwithJohn,muchlessthecowboyswhoworkedforthefamily.“Ithought
I’dmadeitperfectlyclearthatIdidn’twantyouaroundthem.”

Shetookherhandsoffthekeyboardandlookedupathimwithwoundedeyes.“Why?”
Thequestionsurprisedhim.Hescowled,tryingtothinkupafairanswer.Nothingcametomind,

whichmadehimevenmadder.

“Idon’thaveanyulteriormotives,”shesaidsimply.“Ilikethegirlsverymuch,andtheylike

me.Idon’tunderstandwhyyoudon’twantmetoassociatewiththem.Idon’thaveabadcharacter.
I’veneverbeenintroubleinmylife.”

“Ididn’tthinkyouhad,”hesaidangrily.
“Thenwhycan’tIplaywiththem?”shepersisted.“MissParsonsisturningthemintolittle

robots.Shewon’tletthemplaybecausetheygetdirty,andshewon’tplaywiththembecauseitisn’t
dignified.They’remiserable.”

“Disciplineisanecessarypartofchildhood,”hesaidcurtly.“Youspoilthem.”
“Forheaven’ssake,somebodyneedsto!You’reneverhere,”sheaddedshortly.
“Stoprightthere,whileyoustillhaveajob,”heinterrupted,andhiseyesmadethreats.“Nobody

tellsmehowtoraisemykids.Especiallynotsomefrumpylittlebackwoodssecretary!”

Frumpy?Backwoods?Hereyeswidened.Shestoodup.Shewasprobablyalreadyfired,sohe

couldjustgetitfromthehip.“Imaybefrumpy,”sheadmitted,“andImaybefromthebackwoods,
butIknowalotaboutlittlekids!Youdon’tsticktheminaclosetuntilthey’relegalage.Theyneedto
bechallenged,madecuriousabouttheworldaroundthem.Theyneednurturing.MissParsonsisn’t
goingtonurturethem,andMrs.Chartersdoesn’thavetimeto.Andyouaren’teverhereatbedtime,
evenifyou’renotawayonbusiness,”sherepeatedbluntly.“Wholeweeksgobywhenyoubarely
havetimetotellthemgood-night.Theyneedtobereadto,sotheywilllearntolovebooks.They
needconstructivesupervision.Whatthey’vegotisbarbedwireandsilence.”

Hisfistsclenchedbyhissides,andhisexpressiondarkened.Sheliftedherchin,daringhimtodo

anything.

“You’reanexpertonchildren,Iguess?”hechided.
“Itookcareofone,”shesaid,hereyesdarkening.“Forseveralmonths.”
“Whydidyouquit?”
Hewasassumingthatshe’dmeantajob.Shedidn’t.Theanswertohisquestionwasanightmare.

Shecouldn’tbeartorememberit.“Iwasn’tsuitedtothetask,”shesaidprimly.“ButIwon’tcorrupt
yourlittlegirlsbyspeakingtothem.”

Hewasstillglowering.Hedidn’twantKasietogrowclosetothegirls.Hedidn’twantherany

closertohimthanadeskandacomputerwas.Hiseyeswentinvoluntarilytothedeskpiledhighwith
Pauline’sundonework.Thefilesweresupposedtohavebeenconvertedtocomputermonthsearlier,
whenhe’dhiredthewoman.He’dassumedthatithadbeendone,becauseshewasalwaysreadywith
theinformationheneeded.Hefeltsuddenlyuneasy.

“CheckoutBlackRibbon’sgrowthinformationforme,”hesaidsuddenly.
Shehesitated,butapparentlyshewasstillworkingforhim.Shesatdownandpulledthe

informationuponthecomputer.Hewenttohisdeskandpulledaspreadsheetfromadrawer.He
broughtittoKasieandhadhercompareitwiththefiguresshe’djustputintothecomputer.Therewas
ahugedifference,tohisfavor.

HesaidawordthatcausedKasie’sfacetogrowbrightred.Thatdisturbedhim,buthedidn’t

alludetoit.“I’vemademodificationstoimprovewhatseemedlikeadeficiencyindiet.Nowitlooks
asifitwasn’tevennecessary.Howlongwillittakeyoutogetthebreedingherdinformation
transcribed?”

“Well,I’vedoneaboutathirdofit,”shesaid.“ButJohnhaslettersandinformationtobe

compiledforthisnewshow…”

“You’remineuntilwegetthisinformationonthecomputer.I’llmakeitallrightwithJohn.”
“WhataboutPauline?”sheaskedworriedly.
“Paulineismyconcern,notyours,”hetoldher.

“Okay,boss.Whateveryousay.”
Hemadeanoddgesturewithoneshoulderandgaveheralongscrutiny.“Itoldyoutoletme

knowiftherewastoomuchwork.Whydidn’tyou?”

“IthoughtIcouldkeepup,”shesaidsimply.“Iwouldn’thavecomplainedaslongasIcoulddoit

withinacoupleofweeks,andIcan.”

“Workingfourteen-hourshifts,”hechided.
“Well,workiswork,”shesaid.“Idon’tmind.It’snotasifIhaveanactivesociallifeoran

earthshakingnoveltowriteoranything.AndIgetpaidaduke’sransomasitis.”

Hefrowned.“Whydon’tyouhaveasociallife?”
“Becausecowboysstink,”sheshotrightback.
Hestartedtospeak,burstoutlaughingandwalkedtothedoor.“Stopthatandgotobed.I’llhave

yousomehelpbymorning.Goodnight,Kasie.”

“Goodnight,Mr.Callister.”
Hehesitated,turned,studiedher,buthedidn’tspeak.Helefthertidyingupandwentupstairsto

changeoutofhisworkclothesandhaveashower.

Thenextmorning,whenshewentintotheoffice,PaulinewasthereandsowasGil.Theystopped

talkingwhenKasiewalkedin,sosheassumedthatthey’dbeentalkingabouther.Apparentlyithadn’t
beeninafriendlyway.Pauline’sdelicatefeaturesweredrawninangerandGil’seyeswerenarrow
andglittery.

“It’sabouttimeyougotdownhere!”Paulinesaidicily.
“It’seighttwenty-five,”Kasiesaid,takenaback.“I’mnotsupposedtobeinhereuntileight-

thirty.”

“Well,let’sgetstarted,then,”Paulinesaid,floppingdownatthecomputer.
“Doingwhat,exactly?”Kasieasked,disconcerted.
“Teachherhowtoputinformationonthecomputer,”Gilsaidinavoicethatdidn’tinvite

argument.“Andwhileshe’sdoingthat,youcantackleJohn’swork.”

Kasiegrimaced.Herpupildidn’tlookeagerorwilling.Itwasgoingtobealongmorning.

Itwas,too.Paulinemadethejobtwiceastedious,questioningeverykeystroketwiceand

grumbling—whenGilwasoutoftheoffice—abouthavingtoworkwithKasie.

“Look,thiswasn’tmyidea,”Kasieassuredher.“IcoulddoitmyselfifMr.Callisterwouldjust

letme.”

Paulinedidn’tsoftenaninch.“You’retryingtogethisattention,playinguptothosekids,”she

accused.“Youwanthim.”

Kasiejustlookedather.“Ilovechildren,”shesaidquietly.“ButIdon’twanttogetmarried.”
“Whosaidanythingaboutmarriage?”Paulinechided.
Kasieavertedhereyes.“IneededajobandJohnneededasecretary,”shemurmuredasshe

turnedaspreadsheetpage.

“Funny.YoucallhimJohn,butGilis‘Mr.Callister.’Why?”
Theyoungerwomanblinked.“JohnisjustafewyearsolderthanIam,”shereplied.
Paulinefrowned.“Howoldareyou?”
“Twenty-two.”
Therewasalongpause.“Well!”shesaidfinally.Shepursedherlipsandenteredanumberinto

thecomputer.“YouthinkGilisold,doyou?”

“Yes.”Shedidn’t,really,butitseemedsafertosayso.Shedid,afterall,havetoworkwiththis

perfumedbarracudafortheimmediatefuture.

Paulineactuallysmiled.Butonlyforaminute.“WhatdoIdonow?”sheaskedwhenshefinished

enteringthelastnumber.

Kasieshowedher,faintlydisturbedbythatsmile.Oh,well,she’dfigureitoutlater,maybe.

Paulinewenthomeatfiveo’clock.Bynow,shehadagoodideaofhowtousethecomputer.

Practicewouldhoneherskills.KasiewonderedwhyGil,whohadthelion’sshareofthework,only
hadapart-timesecretary.

Whenhecamebackin,lateSaturdaynight,dressedineveningclotheswithablacktieandwhite

ruffledshirt,Kasiewasstillintheofficefinalizingthespreadsheets.Shelookedup,surprisedathow
handsomehewasdressedlikethat.Evenifhewasn’treallygood-looking,hehadanaturalauthority
andgraceofcarriagethatmadehimstandout.NottomentionaphysiquethatmanyaHollywood
actorwouldhavecoveted.

“IthoughtItoldyoutogiveupthisnightwork,”hesaidcurtly.
Shesparedhimaglancewhileshesavedtheinformationontoadiskette.“Youwon’tletmeplay

withthegirls.Idon’thaveanythingelsetodo.”

“Watchtelevision.Wehaveallthelatestmoviesonpay-per-view.Youcanwatchanyyoulike.

Readabook.Takeupknitting.LearnDutch.But,”headdedwithunnaturalresentment,“stayoutofthe
officeaftersupper.”

“Isthatanorder?”sheasked.
“Itdamnedwellis!”
Hewasabsolutelybristling,shethought,frowningasshesearchedhispaleblueeyes.Sheclosed

thefilesandshutdowntheprogram,uneasybecausehewasgloweringather.

Shegotup,neatandbusinesslikeinherbeigepantsuit,withherchestnuthairnicelybraidedand

hangingdownherback.

Butwhenshewentaroundthedesktogotothedoor,heblockedherpath.Shewasn’tusedto

menthiscloseandshebackedupastep,whichonlymadethingsworse.Hewassotallthatshewished
shewerewearinghighheels.Thetopofherheadbarelycameuptohisnose.

Hispaleeyesglitteredevenmore.“Oldageisn’tcontagious,”hesaidwithpurevenominhis

deepvoice.

“Sir?”
“Anddon’tcallmesir!”
Sheswallowed.Hewasspoilingforafight.Shecouldn’tbearthethoughtofone.Herearlylife

hadbeeninthemiddleofaviolentbattleground,andloudnoisesandvoicesstillupsether.“Okay,”
sheagreedimmediately.

Heslammedhishandsintohispocketsandglaredmore.“I’mthirty-two.Tenyearsisn’ta

generationandI’mnotacandidateforSocialSecurity.”

“Okay,”sherepeateduneasily.
“ForGod’ssake,stopagreeingwithme!”hesnapped.
Shestartedtosay“Okay”again,andbithertongue.Shewasasrigidasaruler,waitingformore

explosionswithherbreathtrappedinherthroat.

Hetookhishandsoutofhispocketsandtheyclenchedathissidesashelookeddownatherwith

moreconflictingemotionsthanhe’deverfelt.Shewasn’tbeautiful,buttherewasatendernessinher
thathecraved.Hehadn’thadtendernessinhislifesinceDarlene’suntimelydeath.Thisyoungwoman
madehimhungryforthingshecouldn’tgrasp.Hedidn’tunderstandit,anditangeredhim.

Kasiewaswaveringbetweenadashforthedoororbackingupagain.“Doyouwantmetoquit?”

sheblurtedout.

Histeethgroundtogether.“Yes.”
Sheswallowed.“Allright.I’llleaveinthemorning.”Shemovedaroundhimtothedoor,trying

nottotakeitpersonally.Sometimespeoplejustdidn’tlikeotherpeople.

“No!”
Hisvoicestoppedherwithherhandonthedoorknob.
Therewasalongpause.Kasieturned,surprisedbyhisindecision.Fromwhatshealreadyknew

ofGilCallister,hewasn’tamanwhohadtroublemakingdecisions.Butheseemeddividedabout
Kasie.

Shewenttowardhim,noticingtheoddexpressiononhisfacewhenshestoppedwithinarm’s

lengthandfoldedherhandsatherwaist.

“Iknowyoudon’tlikeme,”shesaidgently.“It’sallright.I’llreallytryhardtostayawayfrom

thegirls.OncePaulinelearnshowtoinputthecomputerfiles,youwon’tevenhavetoseeme.”

Heseemedtroublednow.Genuinelytroubled.Hesighedasifhewerecarryingtheweightofthe

worldonhisshoulders.Atthatmoment,helookedasifheneededcomforting.

“BesswouldloveitifyoutookherandJennytooneofthosecartoonmovies,”shesaidoutof

theblue.“There’saSundaymatineeattheTwinOaksCinema.”

Hestilldidn’tspeak.
Shesearchedhiscoldeyes.“I’msorrythatI’vegonebehindyourbacktospendtimewiththem.

It’snotwhatyouthink.Imean,I’mnottryingtowormmywayintoyourfamily,evenifPaulinedoes
thinkso.Thegirls…remindme…ofmyownlittleniece.”Hervoicealmostbrokebutshecontrolled
itquickly.

“Doesshelivefaraway?”heaskedabruptly.
Hereyesdarkened.“Very…faraway…now,”shemanaged.Sheforcedasmile.“Imissher.”
Shehadtoturnawaythen,orlosecontrolofherwildemotions.
“Youcanstayforthetimebeing,”hesaidfinally,reluctantly.“Itwillworkout.”
“That’swhatmyauntalwayssays,”shemurmuredassheopenedthedoor.
“Ididn’tknowyouhadfamily.Yourparentsaredead,aren’tthey?”
“Theydiedyearsago,whenIwaslittle.Myauntwasinchargeofusuntilwestartedschool.”
“Us?”
Shecouldn’tsayit,shecouldn’t,shecouldn’t.“Iha…haveatwinbrother,”shecorrectedquickly.
Sheliftedherhead,prayingforstrength.“Goodnight,Mr.Callister.”
Sheheardthesilenceofhisdisapproval,butshewastooupsettocare.Shewentupthestaircase

withnohesitationatall,straighttoherroom.Shelockedthedoorandlaydownonthecovers,crying
silentlysothatnoonewouldhear.

Therewasaviolentstormthatnight.Thelightninglitupthewholesky.Kasieheardengines

startingupandmen’svoicesyelling.Theanimalsmustbeunsettled.She’dreadthatcattledidn’tlike
lightning.

Shegotuptolookoutthewindow,andthensheheardtheurgentknockingatherdoor.
Shewenttoit,stillinherneatthickwhitecottongownthatconcealedthesoftlinesofherbody.

Herhairwasloosedownherback,disheveled,andshewasbarelyawake.

Sheopenedthedoor,andlookeddown.TherewereBessandJennywithtearsstreamingdown

theirfaces.Besswasclutchingasmallteddybear,andJennyhadherblanket.

“Oh,mybabies,what’swrong?”sheaskedsoftly,goingdownonherkneestopullthemclose

andcuddlethem.

“Thesky’smakinganawfulnoise,Kasie,andwe’rescared,”Besssaid.
Shethrewcautiontothewinds.Shewasalreadyinsomuchtrouble,surelyalittlemorewouldn’t

matter.

“Doyouwanttoclimbinwithme?”sheaskedsoftly.
“Canwe?”Bessasked.
“Ofcourse.Comeon.”
Theyclimbedintobedwithherandunderthecovers,JennyononesideandBessontheother.
“Wantastory,”Jennymurmured.
“Me,too,”Bessseconded.
“Okay.Howaboutthethreebears?”
“No,Kasie,that’sscary,”Besssaid.“Howaboutthemouseandthelion?”
“Aren’tyouscaredoflions?”sheaskedthegirls.
“Welikelions,”Besstoldhercontentedly,cuddlingcloser.“Daddytookustothezooandwe

sawlionsandtigersandpolarbears!”

“Thelionitis,then.”
Andsheproceededtotellthemdrowsilyaboutthemousewhotookoutthethorninthelion’s

pawandmadeafriendforlife.Bythetimeshefinished,theywerebothasleep.Shekissedtheirpretty
littlesleepingfacesandfoldedthemclosetoherasthelightningflashedandthethunderrolled.She
wonderedjustbeforeshefellasleephowmuchtroubleshe’dbeiniftheirfathercamehomeand
foundthemwithher,aftershe’djustpromisednottoplaywiththem.Ifonly,shethought,Gilbert
Callisterwouldgetathorninhispawandshecouldpullitoutandmakefriendswithhim….

ItwasalmosttwointhemorningwhenGilandJohngotbackfromtheholdingpens.Therehad

beenastampede,andtwohundredheadofcattlebrokethroughtheirfencesandspilledoutintothe
pasturethatfrontedonahighway.Thebrothersandeveryhandontheplacewereoccupiedforthree
hoursworkingintheviolentstormtoroundthemupandgetthembackintotherightpastureandfix
thefence.Ithelpedthatthelightningfinallystopped,andinitswakecameanicesteadyrain.But
everyonewassoakedbythetimetheyfinished,andeagerforawarm,drybed.

Gilstrippedoffhiswetclothesandtookashower,wrappingalongburgundysilkrobearound

histallbodybeforehewenttocheckonthegirls.Heopenedthedoortothebigroomtheysharedand
hisheartskippedabeatwhenherealizedtheyweremissing.

WhereinhellwasMissParsonsandwherewerehischildren?Hewentalongtoherroomand

almostknockedatthedoor,whenherealizedsuddenlywherethegirlsweremostlikelytobe.

Withhislipsmakingathinline,hewentalongthecorridorbarefoottoKasie’sroom.Without

knocking,heopenedthedoorandwalkedin.Sureenough,curledupascloseastheycouldgettoher,
wereBessandJenny.

Hestartedtowakethemupandinsistthattheygobacktobed,whenhesawthewaytheylooked.
Ithadbeenalongtimesincehe’dseentheirlittlefacessocontent.Withoutamother—despitethe

housekeeperandMissParsons—theyweresadsomuchofthetime.Butwhentheywerearound
Kasie,theychanged.Theysmiled.Theylaughed.Theyplayed.Hecouldn’trememberthelasttime
he’dseenthemsohappy.WasitfairtodenythemKasie’scompanyjustbecausehedidn’tlikeher?On
theotherhand,wasitwisetoletthemgetsoattachedtoherwhenshemightquitorhemightfireher?

Thequestionworriedhim.Asheponderedthesituation,Kasiemovedandthecoverfellaway

fromhersleepingform.Hemovedclosertothebedinthedimlightfromthesecuritylightsoutside,
andabruptlyherealizedthatshewaswearingthesortofgownadowagermight.Itwasstrictlyfor
utility,plainandwhite,withnorufflesorlaceorevenafancyborder.Hescowled.Kasiewastwenty-

two.Wasitnormalforawomanheragetobesorepressedthatshecoveredherselffromheadtotoe
eveninsleep?

Shemovedagain,restlessly,andasinglewordbrokefromherlipsasthenightmarecameagain.
“Kantor,”shewhispered.“Kantor!”

Chapter3

ithoutthinking,GilreacheddownandshookKasie’sshoulder.“Wakeup,Kasie!”hesaidfirmly.

Hereyesopenedonarushofbreath.Therewashorrorinthemforafewsecondsuntilshecame

awakeandrealizedthatherbosswasstandingoverher.Sheblinkedawaythesleepinessandpulled
herselfuponanelbow.Herbeautifulthickchestnuthairswirledaroundhershouldersbelowthehigh
neckofthegownasshestaredathim.

“Youwerehavinganightmare,”hesaidcurtly.“Who’sKantor?”
Shehesitatedforafewseconds.“Mybrother,”shesaidfinally.“Mytwin.”Shenoticedthathe

waswearingalongrobeandapparentlynothingunderit.Thickdarkblondhairwasvisibleinthe
deepveeoftheneckline.Sheavertedhereyesalmostinpanic.Itembarrassedhertohavehimseeher
inhernightgown;almostasmuchastoseehiminarobe.

“Whydoyouhavenightmaresabouthim?”heaskedgently.
“Wehadanargument,”shesaid.Shepushedbackherhair.“Idon’twanttotalkaboutit.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.Apparentlyitwasapainfulsubject.Heletitdrop.Hiseyeswenttothegirls

andnotwithoutmisgiving.“Whyaretheyinherewithyou?”

“Thestormwokethemup.Theygotscaredandcametome,”shesaiddefensively.“Ididn’tgo

getthem.”

Hewasstudyingthemquietly.Hisexpressionwashard,grave,wounded.
“I’msuretheywenttolookforyoufirst,”shebegandefensively.
Hiseyesglittereddownintohers.“We’vehadthisconversationbefore.MissParsonsis

supposedtobetheirgovernness,”heemphasized.

“MissParsonsisprobablysnoringherheadoff,”shesaidcurtly.“Shesleepslikethedead.Bess

hadafeverweekbeforelast,andshedidn’tevengetupwhenIwokeherandtoldheraboutit.She
saidthatafeverneverhurtanybody!”

“ThatwaswhenshehadstrepandItookhertothedoctor,”herecalled.“MissParsonssaidshe

wassick.Iassumedthatshe’dbeenupinthenightwithher.”

“Dreamon.”
Heglaredather.“I’llexcuseitthistime,”hesaid,ignoringthereferencehedidn’tliketoMiss

ParsonsandhertreatmentofBess.He’dhavesomethingtosaytothewomanaboutthat.“Nexttime,
comeandfindmeifyoucan’twakeMissParsons.”

Shejuststaredback,silent.
“Didyouhearme,Kasie?”hedemandedsoftly.
“Allright.”Sheglancedfromonesideofhertotheother.“Doyouwanttowakethemupand

carrythembacktotheirownbeds?”

Helookedfurious.“IfIdo,we’llallbeawaketherestofthenight.Wehadcattlegetout,andwe

gotsoakedtryingtogetthembackin.I’mworn-out.Iwanttogotosleep.”

“Nobodyhereisstoppingyou,”shemurmured.
Hispaleeyesnarrowed.“Ishouldhaveletyougowhenyouofferedtoresign,”hesaid

caustically.

“There’sstilltime,”shepointedout,growingmoreangrybytheminute.
Hecursedunderhisbreath,glaredatheragainandwalkedout.

Thenextmorning,Kasiewoketosoftpummelinglittlehandsandlaughingvoices.
“Getup,Kasie,getup!Daddy’stakingustothemoviestoday!”
Sheyawnedandcurledup.“Notme,”shemurmuredsleepily.“Gogetbreakfast,babies.Mrs.

Charterswillfeedyou.”

“Yougottocome,too!”Besssaid.
“Iwanttosleep,”shemurmured.
“Daddy,shewon’tgetup!”Besswailed.
“Oh,yes,shewill.”
Kasiebarelyhadtimetoregisterthedeepvoicebeforethecoversweretornawayandshewas

liftedbodilyoutofthebedinapairofverystrongarms.

Shocked,shestaredstraightintopaleblueeyesandfeltasifshe’dbeenelectrified.
“I’llwakeherup,”Giltoldthegirls.“Godownandeatyourbreakfast.”
“Okay,Daddy!”
Thegirlsleftgleefully,laughingastheywenttothestaircase.
“Youlooklikeanuninthatgown,”Gilremarkedashestudiedhislightburden,awareofher

suddenstillness.Herfacewasveryclose.Hesearcheditquietly.“Andyou’vegotfreckles,Kasie,just
acrossthebridgeofyournose.”

“Put…putmedown,”shesaid,unnervedbytheproximity.Shedidn’tlikethesensationsitcaused

tofeelhischestrightagainstherbarebreasts.

“Why?”heasked.Hegazedintohereyes.“Youhardlyweighanything.”Hiseyesnarrowedashe

studiedherfacethoroughly.“Youhavebigeyes,”hemurmured.“Withlittleflecksofblueinthem.
Yourfacelooksmoreroundthanoval,especiallywithyourhairdown.Yourmouthis—”hesearched
foraword,moretouchedthanhewantedtobebyitsvulnerability“—fullandsoft.Half-asleepyou
don’tcomeacrossasafighter.Butyouare,aren’tyou?”

Herhandswererestinglightlyaroundhisneckandshestaredathimdisconcertedlywhileshe

wonderedwhatJohnorMissParsonswouldsayiftheywalkedinunexpectedlytofindtheminthis
position.

“Youshouldputmedown,”shesaidhuskily.
“Don’tyoulikebeingcarried?”hemurmuredabsently.
Sheshiveredassherememberedthelasttimeshe’dbeencarried,byanorderlyinthehospital…
Shepushedathim.“Please.”
Hesetherbackdown,scowlingcuriouslyattheoddpastinessofhercomplexion.“You’re

mysterious,Kasie.”

“Notreally.I’mjustsleepy.”Shefoldedherarmsoverherbreastsandflushed.“Couldyou

leave,please,andletmegetdressed?”

Hewatchedhercuriously.“Whydon’tyoudate?Anddon’thandmeanybullaboutstinking

cowboys.”

Shewasreluctanttotellhimanythingaboutherself.Shewasaprivateperson.Heraunt,Mama

Luke,alwayssaidthatpeopleshouldn’tworryotherswiththeirpersonalproblems.Shedidn’t.

“Idon’twanttogetmarried,ever.”
Hereallyscowledthen.“Why?”
ShethoughtofherparentsandthenofKantor,andhereyesclosedonthepain.“Lovehurtstoo

much.”

Hedidn’tspeak.Foraninstant,hefeltthepainthatseemedtorackherdelicatefeatures,andhe

understoodit,alltoowell.

“Youlovedsomeonewhodied,”herecalled.
Shenoddedandhereyesmethis.“Andsodidyou.”
Foraninstant,hishardfacewascompletelyunguarded.Hewasvulnerable,mortal,wounded.

“Yes.”

“Itdoesn’tpassaway,liketheysay,doesit?”sheaskedsoftly.
“Notforalongtime.”
Hemovedastepcloser,andthistimeshedidn’tbackup.Hereyesliftedtohis.Heslidhisbig,

leanhandintothethickwavesofherchestnuthairandenjoyeditssilkiness.“Whydon’tyouwear
yourhairdown,likethis?”

“It’ssinful,”shewhispered.
“What?”
“Whenyoudressandwearyourhairinawaythat’smeanttotemptmen,totrytoseducethem,

it’ssinful,”sherepeated.

Hislipsfellopen.Hedidn’tknowhowtoanswerthat.He’dneverhadawoman,especiallya

modernwoman,saysuchathingtohim.

“Doyouthinksexisasin?”heasked.
“Outsideofmarriage,itis,”sherepliedsimply.
“Youdon’tmovewiththetimes,doyou?”heaskedonanexpulsionofbreath.
“No,”shereplied.
Hestartedsmilingandcouldn’tstop.“Oh,boy.”
“Thegirlswillbewaiting.Areyoureallytakingthemtoamovie?”sheasked.
“Yes.”Oneeyenarrowed.“Ineedtotakeyoutoone,too.SomethingX-rated.”
Sheflushed.“Getoutofhereandstoptryingtocorruptme.”
“You’reoverdue.”
“StoporI’llhaveMamaLukecomeoverandlectureyou.”
Hefrowned.“MamaLuke?”
“Myaunt.”
“Whatanoddname.”
Sheshrugged.“Ourwholefamilyrunstooddnames.”
“Inoticed.”
Shemadeaface.“Iworkforyou.Myprivatelifeismyownbusiness.”
“Youdon’thaveaprivatelife,”hesaid,andsmiledtenderly.
“I’magreatreader.IlovePlutarchandTacitusandArrian.”
“GoodGod!”
“There’snothingwrongwithancienthistory.Thingswerejustasbadthenastheyarenow.All

theancientwriterssaidthattheyoungergenerationwasheadedstraighttopurgatoryandtheworld
wascorrupt.”

“Arriandidn’t.”
“ArrianwroteaboutAlexandertheGreat,”sheremindedhim.“Alexander ’sworldwasinfairly

goodshape,apparently.”

“ArrianwroteaboutAlexanderinthedistantpast,nothisownpresent.”Hiseyesbecamesoft

withaffectionashelookedather.“Whydon’tIlikeyou?Thereisn’tapersoninmycircleof
acquaintanceswhowouldevenknowwhoArrianwas,muchlesswhathewroteabout.”

“Idon’tlikeyoumuch,either,”sheshotrightback.“ButIguessIcanstanditifyoucan.”

“I’llhaveto,”hemused.“IfIletyouwalkout,thegirlswillpushmedownthestaircaseandcall

youbacktosupportthematmyfuneral.”

Sheshiveredabruptlyandwrappedherarmsaroundherself.Funeral.Funeral…“Kasie!”
Hersombereyescameup.Shewasbarelybreathing.“Don’t…jokeaboutthingslikethat.”
“Kasie,Ididn’tmeanitthatway,”hebegan.
Sheforcedasmile.“Ofcoursenot.Ihavetogetdressed.”
Heliftedaneyebrow.“Youmightaswellcomeasyouare.Ihaven’tseenagownlikethatsinceI

stayedwithmygrandmotherasachild.”Heshookhishead.“You’dsetalingerieshopbackdecades
ifthatstylecaughton.”

“It’saperfectlyfunctionalgown.”
“Functional.Yes.It’sdefinitelyfunctional.Andaboutasseductiveaschainmail,”headded.
“Good!”
Heburstoutlaughing.“Allright,I’mleaving.”
Hewentout,sparingheralast,amusedglancebeforeheclosedthedoor.

KasiedressedinjeansandadarkT-shirt.Sheputherlonghairinabraidandpulledonsneakers.

Shefeltatwingeofguiltbecauseshe’dmissedsomanySundaysermonsinpastmonths.Butshe
couldn’treconcileherpain.Itneededmoretime.

Thewholefamilywasatthetablewhenshejoinedthemforbreakfast.Johngaveherawarm

smile.

“Ihearyouhadvisitorslastnight,”hetoldKasiewithamischievousglanceatthetwolittlegirls,

whowerewolfingdowncereal.

“Yes,Idid,”KasierepliedwithaworriedglancethatencompassedbothGilandMissParsons.
“Youshouldhavecalledme,MissMayfield,”MissPennyParsonssaidcurtlyandglancedat

Kasiewithcolddarkeyes.“Itakecareofthechildren.”

Kasiecouldhavearguedthatpoint,butshedidn’tdare.“Yes,MissParsons,”shesaiddemurely.
Gilfinishedhisscrambledeggsandliftedhiscoffeecuptohisfirmlips.Hewaswearingslacks

andaneatyellowsportsshirtthatemphasizedhismusculararms.Helookedelegantevenincasual
wear,Kasiethought,andrememberedsuddenlythefeelofthosestrongarmsaroundher.Sheflushed.

Henoticedhersuddencolorandcaughthergaze.Shecouldn’tseemtolookaway,andhedidn’t

eventryto.Foraspaceofseconds,theywerefusedinsomesortofbond,prisonersofasensual
connectionthatmadeKasie’sfulllipspartabruptly.Hisgazefelltothemandlingeredwith
unexpectedhunger.

Kasiedroppedherforkontoherplateandjumpedatthenoise.“Sorry!”shesaidhuskilyasshe

fumbledwiththefork.

“Didn’tgetmuchsleeplastnight,didyou?”Johnaskedwithasmile.“Neitherdidanyofus.

Aboutmidnight,Ithoughtseriouslyaboutgivingupcattleranchingandbecomingadoor-to-door
vacuumcleanersalesman.”

“Ifeltthesameway,”Gilconfessed.“We’regoingtohavetoputasmalllinecabinoutatthe

holdingpensandkeepamanthereonstormynights.”

“AslongasI’mnotonyourlistofcandidates,”Johntoldhisbrother.
“I’llkeepthatinmind.Bess,don’tplaywithyourfood,please,”headdedtothelittlegirl,who

wasfinishedwithhercerealandwasnowsmearingeggsaroundtherimofherplate.

“Idon’tlikeeggs,Daddy,”shemuttered.“DoIgottaeat’em?”
“Ofcourseyoudo,younglady!”MissParsonssaidcurtly.“Everylastmorsel.”

Besslookedtortured.
“MissParsons,couldyouaskMrs.Charterstoseemebeforesheplansthesuppermenu,

please?”Gilasked.

MissParsonsgotup.“Iwill.Eatthoseeggs,Bess.”
Sheleft.Gilgavehisoldestdaughterasignbyplacinghisforefingeracrosshismouth.Helifted

Bess’splate,scrapedtheeggsontohis,andfinishedthemoffbeforeMissParsonsreturned.

“Verygood,”shesaid,noddingapprovinglyatBess’splate.“Itoldyouthatyou’dgrow

accustomedtoabalancedbreakfast.Wemustkeepourbodieshealthy.Comeon,now,girls.We’ll
haveanicenapuntilyourfather ’sreadytogotothemovies.”

Bessgrimaced,butshedidn’tprotest.ShegotupwithJennyandwasshepherdedoutbythe

governess.

“Marshmallow,”Johnchidedtheolderman,pokingtheairwithhisfork.“Youshouldhave

madehereatthemherself.”

“Whenyoustarteatingliverandonionsvoluntarily,I’llmakeBesseateggs,”Gilpromised.

“Wanttocomewithustothemovies?”Henamedthepicturetheyweregoingtosee.

“Notme,”Johnsaidpleasantly.“I’mgoingtoBillingstoseeamanaboutsomemoreacreage.”

HeglancedatKasiespeculatively.“Wanttotagalong,Kasie?”

Thequestionsurprisedher.Whileshewastryingtothinkofapolitewaytosayshedidn’t,Gil

answeredforher.

“Kasie’sgoingwithustothemovies,”hereplied,andhispaleeyesdaredhertoargue.“The

girlswillhaveconniptionsifweleaveherbehind.Besides,shelikescartoons.Don’tyou,Kasie?”

“I’mjustcrazyaboutthem,Mr.Callister,”sheagreedwithatightsmile,angrybecausehe’d

moreorlessforcedherintoagreeingtogo.

“Mr.Callisterwasourfather,”Gilsaidfirmly.“Don’tuseitwithus.”
Shegrimaced.“Iworkforyou.Itdoesn’tseemright.”
Johnwasgapingather.“You’rekidding.”
“No,sheisn’t,”Gilassuredhim.“Whenyouhaveafreeminute,gethertotellyouwhyshe

braidsherhair.It’sahoot.”

SheglaredatGil.“Youcutthatout.”
Hewipedhismouthwithawhitelinennapkinandgottohisfeet.“I’vegotsomephonecallsto

makebeforewego.We’llleaveatone,Kasie.”

“PhonecallsonSunday?”sheaskedJohnwhenhisbrotherhadleftthemalone.
“It’syesterdayinsomepartsoftheworld,andtomorrowinsomeotherparts,”heremindedher.

“Youknowhowheisaboutbusiness.”

“Yes,”sheagreed.
“Whatamazesme,”hemused,watchingher,“ishowmuchhegrumblesaboutyou.Heloves

women,asarule.He’salwaysdoinglittlethingstomakethejobeasierforMrs.Charters.Helets
Paulinegetawaywithonlyworkingthreedaysoftheweek,whenheneedsafull-timesecretaryworse
thanIdo.Buthe’shardonyou.”

“Hedoesn’tlikeme,”shesaidquietly.“Hecan’thelpit.”
“Youdon’tlikehim,either.”
Shesmiledsheepishly.“Ican’thelpit,either.”Shepickeduponsomethinghe’dsaidearlier.

“HowcanPaulinemakeendsmeetwithonlyapart-timejob?”sheaskedcuriously.

“She’sindependentlywealthy,”Johntoldher.“Shedoesn’tneedajobatall,butshecaughtGilat

aweakmoment.Hedoesn’thavemanyofthem,believeme.Ithinksheattractedhimatfirst.Now
thingshavecooledandhe’sstuckwithher.She’stenacious.”

“Whywouldsheneedtowork?”shewonderedaloud.

“BecauseGilneededasecretary,ofcourse.Shehasn’thadanybusinesstraining,andIdon’t

doubtthatthefilesareinahellaciousmess.”

“Couldn’thegetsomebodyelse?”
“Hetriedto.Paulinecriedalloverhimandhegaveup.”
“Hedoesn’tlooklikeamanwho’devennoticetears,”shesaidabsently.
“Appearancesaredeceptive.Yousawhowhewaswhenthedogthreatenedthegirls,”he

remindedher.“He’snotimmunetotears.”

“I’dneedconvincing,”shesaidandgrinnedwickedly.
Heleanedbackinhischairwithhiscoffeecupinhishandandstudiedher.“You’regoodwith

thekids,”hesaid.“Youmusthavespentalotoftimearoundchildren.”

Sheloweredhereyestoheremptyplate.“Idid.I’mnotformallytaughtoranything,butIdo

knowafewthings.”

“Itshows.I’veneverseenBessrespondtoanyofhervariousgovernesses.Shelikedyouon

sight.”

“Howmanygovernesseshasshehad?”sheaskedcuriously.
“Four.Thisyear,”heamended.
Hereyebrowsarched.“Whysomany?”
“Areyouafraidofspiders,gartersnakes,orfrogs?”heasked.
Sheshookherhead.“Why?”
“Well,theotherswere.Theygotdownrighttwitchyaboutopeningdrawersorpullingdown

bedcovers,”herecalledwithachuckle.“Besslikesgartersnakes.Shesharedthemwiththe
governesses.”

“Oh,dear,”Kasiesaid.
“Youseethepoint.That’swhyMissParsonswashired.She’sthenextbestthingtoaMarineDI,

asyoumayhavenoticed.”

Herfacelightened.“Sothat’swhyhehiredher.Ididwonder.”
Johnsighed.“Iwishhe’dhiredhertodothetaxworkonthepayrollinstead.She’sanatural,and

sinceshe’saretiredaccountantthatexperiencewouldmakeheranasset.WehaveafirmofC.P.A.’sto
doyearlystuff,butourbookkeeperwhodidpayrollgotmarriedandmovedtoL.A.justbeforewe
hiredyou.”

“AndMissParsonsgothiredtolookafterthegirls.Shereallydislikeschildren,”sheadded.
“Iknow.ButGilrefusestobelieveit.He’sbeenlaxaboutworkattheranchforawhile.He

stayedontheroadmoreandmore,avoidingthememoriesafterDarlenedied.Ifeltbadforhim,but
thingsweregoingtopothere.Ihavetotraveltoshowthebulls,”headded,“becausethemore
competitionswewin,thehigherthepriceswecanchargeforstudfeesoryoungbulls.Theranch
can’trunwithoutanybodyoverseeingit.”Hepursedhislipsashestudiedher.“Igatherthatyousaid
somethingtohimaboutneglectingthegirls.Ithoughtso,”hemusedwhensheshifteduncomfortably.
“I’vetoldhim,too,buthedidn’tlistentome.Apparentlyhelistenstoyou.”

“He’salreadytriedtofiremeonce,”shepointedout.
“You’restillhere,”hereplied.
“Yes.ButIcan’thelpbutwonderforhowmuchlonger,”shemurmured,voicingheronereal

fear.“Icouldgobackandlivewithmyaunt,butitisn’tfairtoher.Ihavetoworkandsupportmyself.
Thiswastheonlyfull-timejobthatIwasqualifiedfor.Jobsarethinontheground,regardlessofthe
reportscomingoutabouthowgreattheeconomyis.”

“HowdidyouendupinMedicineRidgeinthefirstplace?”hewondered.
“IwaslivingwithmyauntinBillingswhenIsawtheadforthisjobinthelocalpaper.I’d

alreadybeenalloverBillingshopingforafull-timejobandcouldn’tfindone.Thisoneseemed

tailor-madeforme.”

“I’mgladyouappliedforit,”hesaid.“Therewerealotofcandidates,butweruledoutmostof

theminlessthanfiveminuteseach.Youweretheonlywomanouttherewhocouldeventype.”

“You’rekidding.”
“No.TheythoughtIwantedbeautyinsteadofbrains.Ididn’t.”Hesmiled.“Notthatyou’rebad

ontheeyes,Kasie.ButIwasn’trunningapageant.”

“Iwassurprisedthatyourbrotherhiredme,”sheconfessed.“Heseemedtodislikemeonsight.

ButwhenhefoundouthowfastIcouldtype,hewasalotlessantagonistic.”

Hewasn’tgoingtomentionwhatGilhadsaidtohimafterhehiredKasie.Ithadbeenagainst

Gil’sbetterjudgment,andhe’dpickedherappearanceandherpertmannertopieces.Itwas
interestingthatGilwasantagonistictowardher.Veryinteresting.

“You’reawhizatthecomputer,”Johnsaid.“Arealasset.Ididn’trealizewhatyoucoulddowith

aspreadsheetprogramuntilyoumodifiedours.You’regifted.”

“Ilovecomputers,”shesaidwithasmile.“Paulineisgoingtoenjoythem,too,whenshelearns

justalittlemore.OnceshediscoverstheInternet,she’llbeevenmoreefficient.Thereareallsortsof
Websitesdedicatedtothecattleindustry.Itwouldbegreatforcomparisons—evenforbuyingand
sellingbulls.YoucouldhaveyourownWebsite.”

Johnletoutalowwhistle.“Funny,Ihadn’tevenconsideredthat.Kasie,itmightrevolutionizethe

waywedobusiness,nottomentioncuttingdownontheamountoftravelwehavetodoeveryyear.”

“That’swhatIthought,too,”shesaid,smilingathim.
“MentionittoGilwhenyougotothemovies,”hecoaxed.“Let’sseewhathethinks.”
“Hemightliketheideabetterifitcamefromyou,”shesaid.
“Ithinkhe’lllikeit,period.Ialreadydo.CanyoumakeaWebsite?”
Shegrimaced.“No,Ican’t.ButIknowawomanwhocan,”sheadded.“Sheworksoutof

Billings.Imetherwhenweweregoingtosecretarialschool.She’sreallygood,andshedoesn’t
chargeanarmandaleg.Icangetintouchwithher,ifyoulike.”

“Goahead.Wedoalotofcommunicationbye-mail,butneitherofuseventhoughtaboutputting

cattleonourownsite.It’saterrificidea!”

“YousoundlikeBess,”Gilsaidfromthedoorway.“What’sterrific?”
“We’regoingontheInternet,”Johnsaid.
Hisbigbrotherfrowned.“TheInternet?”
“Kasiecantellyouwhatshe’sproposed.Itcouldopennewdoorsforusinmarketing.It’s

international.”

Gilwasquick.Hecaughtonalmostatonce.“Youmean,getaWebsiteanduseittobuyandsell

cattle,”hesaid.

“Itwillsaveyouasmuchtimeassendinge-mailbackandforthbetweenpotentialbuyersand

sellersalreadydoes,”sheadded.

“Goodidea.”Gilstudiedherwithacurioussmile.“Fullofsurprisesaren’tyou,Miss

Mayfield?”

“She’sgifted,”Johnsaid,grinningathisbrother.“Itoldyouso.Nowmaybeyoucanstop

talkingaboutfiringher,hmm?”

Gilpressedhislipstogetherandrefusedtorisetothebait.“It’salmostoneo’clock.Ifwe’re

goingtothemovies,let’sgo.Kasie,fetchthegirls.”

Shealmostsaluted,buthelookedvaguelyirritated.Itlookedasthoughnothingshesuggested

wasevergoingtopleasehim.Shewonderedwhyshedidn’tjustwalkoutandleavehimtoit.The
thoughtwaspainful.Shewentuptogetthelittlegirls,moreconfusedthanever.

Chapter4

hegirlschatteredlikebirdsallthewaytotowninGil’sblackJaguar.Kasiesatinfrontandlistened

patiently,smiling,whiletheytoldherallaboutthemovietheyweregoingtosee.They’dseenthe
previewsontelevisionwhentheywatchedtheirSaturdaymorningcartoons.

Itwasawarm,prettyday,andtreesandshrubswerebloomingprofusely.Itshouldhavebeen

perfect,butKasiewasuneasy.Maybesheshouldn’thavementionedanythingaboutWebsites,butit
seemedanefficientwayforGilandJohntomoveintoWeb-basedcommerce.

“You’rebrooding,”Gilremarked.“Why?”
“IwaswonderingifIshouldhavesuggestedanythingaboutInternetbusiness,”shesaid.
“Whynot?It’sagoodidea,”hesaid,surprisingher.“JohntoldmeabouttheWebsitedesigner.

Tomorrow,Iwantyoutogetintouchwithherandgettheprocessstarted.”

“She’llneedyoutotellherwhatyouwantonthesite.”
“Okay.”
Sheglancedinthebackseatwherethegirlsweresharingabookandenthusingoverthepop-up

sections.

“Ibroughtithomeforthemyesterday,”hecommented,“andforgottogiveittothem.Theylove

books.”

“That’sthefirststeptogettingthemtolovereading,”shesaid,smilingatthelittleheadsbowed

overthebooks.“Readingtothematnightkeepsitgoing.”

“Didyourmotherreadtoyou?”heaskedcuriously.
“Sheprobablydid,”shemused,smilingsadly.“ButKantorandIwereveryyoungwhensheand

ourfather…died.MamaLukereadtous,whenwewereolder.”

“Isupposeyoulikedsciencefiction,”hemurmured.
“Howdidyouknow?”sheasked.
“Youlovecomputers,”hesaidwithahintofasmile.
“Iguesstheydofitinwithsciencefiction,”shehadtoadmit.Sheeyedhimcuriously.“Whatsort

ofbooksdidyouliketoread?”

“Piratestories,cowboystories.Stufflikethat.Now,it’sgeneticstextbooksandmanagement

theory,”headdedwryly.“Ihardlyeverhavetimetoreadjustforfun.”

“Doyourparentshelpyouwiththeranch?”
Heseemedtoturntoice.“Wedon’ttalkaboutourparents,”hesaidstiffly.
Thatsoundedodd.Butshewasalreadyinhisbadbooks,soshedidn’tpursueit.“It’sniceofyou

totakethegirlstothemovies.”

Heslowedforaturn,hisexpressiontaut.“Idon’tspendenoughtimewiththem,”hesaid.“You

wererightaboutthat.Itisn’talackoflove.It’salackofdelegation.You’dbeamazedhowharditisto
findgoodmanagerswhowanttoliveonacattleranch.”

“Maybeyoudon’tadvertiseinawideenoughrange,”shesuggestedgently.
“What?”
Sheplungedahead.“Thereareallsortsoftrademagazinesthatcarryadswithblindmailboxes,”

shesaid.“Youcanhaverepliessenttothenewspaperandnobodyhastoknowwhoyouare.”

“Howdoyouknowaboutthetrademagazines?”heasked.
Shegrinnedsheepishly.“Ireadthem.Well,Ioughttoknowsomethingaboutcattle,sinceIwork

foraranch,shouldn’tI?”

Heshookhishead.“Youreallyarefullofsurprises,Kasie.”
“Kasie,what’sthisbigword?”Bessasked,thrustingthebookather.Kasietookitandsounded

thewordoutphonetically,coachingthelittlegirlinitspronunciation.Shetookthebookbackand
begantoteachthewordtoJenny.

“You’repatient,”Gilremarked.“InoticethatMissParsonsdoesn’tliketakingtimetoteachthem

words.”

“MissParsonslikesnumbers.”
“Yes.Shedoes.”Hepulledintothetheaterparkinglot,whichwasfullofparentsandchildren.He

goteveryoneoutandlockedthedoor,grimacingastheywalkedpastseveralminivans.

“They’rehandyforlittlekids,”Kasiesaidwickedly.“Motherslovethem,I’mtold.”
“Ilovemykids,butI’mnotdrivingadamnedminivan,”hemuttered.
Shegrinnedathisexpression.Thelittlegirlsrantogetinline,andstruckupaconversationwith

achildtheyknew,whoseboredmotherperkedupwhenshesawGilapproaching.

“Hi,Gil!”shecalledcheerily.“We’regoingtoseethedinosaurmovie!Isthatwhyyou’rehere?”
“That’stheone,”hereplied,pullingbillsoutofhiswallet.Hegaveonetoeachofthelittlegirls,

andtheyboughttheirowntickets.GilboughthisandKasie’sastheycametothewindow.“Hi,Amie,”
hecalledtothelittlegirlwithBessandJenny,andhesmiled.Shesmiledback.Shewasasdarkashis
childrenwerefair,withblackeyesandhairlikehermother ’s.

“We’regoingtositwithAmie,Daddy!”Besssaidexcitedly,wavingherticketandJenny’s.
“Iguessthatleavesmewithyouand…?”theotherwomanpauseddeliberately.
“ThisisKasie,”Gilsaid,andtookherunexpectedlybythearm,withablandsmileatAmie’s

mom.“You’rewelcometojoinus,ofcourse,Connie.”

Theotherwomansighed.“No,IguessI’llsitwiththegirls.Nicetohaveseenyou,”sheadded,

andmovedaheadwiththegirls,lookingboredalloveragain.

GilslidhishanddownintoKasie’s.Shereactednervouslytotheunexpectedtouch,buthis

fingersclung,warmandstrongagainstherown.Hedrewheralongtothelinealreadyforming
alongsidethevelvetropesasthetickettakerspreparedtoletpeoplethroughtothevarioustheaters.

“Humorme,”hesaid,anditlookedasthoughhewerewhisperingsweetnothingsintoherear.

“I’mtheentrée,incaseyouhaven’tnoticed.”

Kasieglancedaroundandsawanumberofwomenwithlittlechildrenandnomanalong,and

twoofthemgavehimdeliberate,wistfulglancesandsmiled.

“Singlemoms?”shewhisperedback,havingtogoontiptoe.
Hecaughtheraroundthewaistandheldheragainsthiship.“No.Getthepicture?”
Herbreathcaught.“Oh,dear,”shesaidheavily.
Helookeddownintoherwideeyes.“You’resuchachildsometimes,”hesaidsoftly.“Youdon’t

seeugliness,doyou?Yougothroughlifelookingforrainbowsinsteadofrain.”

“Habit,”shemurmured,fascinatedbythepalebluelightsinhiseyes.
“It’sarathernicehabit,”hereplied.Thelooklastedjustafewsecondstoolongtobepolite,and

Kasiefeltherheartbegintorace.Butthen,thelineshiftedanddivertedhim.Hemovedclosertothe
ticket-taker,keepingthegirlsaheadcarefullyinsightwhilehisarmdrewKasiealongwithhim.

Shelikedtheprotectivenessofthatmusculararm.Hedidn’tlooklikeabody-builder,allhis

movementswerelitheandgraceful.Butheworkedatphysicallaborfromdawnuntilduskmostdays.
She’dseenhimthrowcalvesthathadtobedoctored.She’dseenhimthrowbulls,too.Hewasstrong.

Involuntarilysherelaxedagainsthim.Itwasdelicious,thefeelingofsecurityitgavehertobeclose
tohim,tothewarmstrengthofhim.

Thesoftmovementcaughthimoffguardandsentajoltofsensationthroughhimthathehadn’t

feltinalongtime.Helookeddownatherwithcurious,turbulenteyesthatshedidn’tsee.Shewas
smilingandwavingatthegirls,whoweredartingoffdownintothetheaterwiththelittlegirlandher
mother.

“Theylikeyou,”hesaid.
“Ilikethem.”
Hehandedtheirticketstotheuniformedgirl,whosmiledasshehandedbackthestubsand

pointedthewaytothetheaterthatwasshowingthecartoonmovie.

GilcaughtKasie’shandinhisanddrewherlazilyalongwithhimthroughthecrowdofchildren

andparentsuntiltheyreachedthetheater.Butinsteadofgoingdowntothefront,hedrewKasietoan
isolateddouble-seatintheverybackrowandsatdownbesideher.Hisarmwentoverthebackofthe
chairasthetheaterdarkenedandthepreviewsbeganshowing.

Kasiewaselectrifiedbytheshiftintheirrelationship.Shefelthisleanfingersonhershoulder,

bringinghercloser,andhischeekrestedagainsthertemple.Shehadn’teverbeentoamoviewitha
man.Therehadbeenablinddoubledateonce,andtheboysatonhisownsideoftheseatandlooked
nervousuntiltheygothomeagain.Thiswasworldsawayfromthatexperience.

“Comfortable?”heaskedatherear,andhisvoicewaslikevelvet.
“Yes,”shesaidunsteadily.
HischestroseandfellandhefoundhimselfpayingalotmoreattentiontothefeelofKasie’s

softhairagainsthisskinthanthemovie.Shesmelledofspringroses.Herhairwassoft,andhada
faintherbalscentofitsown.Twenty-two.Shewastwenty-two.Hewasthirty-two,andshe’dalready
saidthathewastoooldforher.

Hescowledashethoughtaboutthatdifference.Sheneededsomeoneasyoungasshewas,with

thatsamevulnerable,kind,generousspirit.Hehadtwolittlegirlsandahigh-pressurebusinessthat
gavehimlittlefreetime.Hewasstillgrieving,inaway,forDarlene,whomhe’dlovedsince
grammarschool.ButtherewassomethingaboutKasiethatmadehimhungry.Itwasn’tdesire,
althoughhewasawareofheadysensationswhenshewasclosetohim.No,itwasthesortofhungera
mangotwhenhewasstandingoutsideinthesnowwithawetcoatandsoakedjeans,lookingthrough
thewindowatawarm,glowingfireplace.Hecouldn’treallyexplainthefeelings.Theymadehim
uneasy.

Henoticedthatshewasstillalittlestiff.Hetouchedacurlatherear.“Hey,”hewhispered.
Sheturnedherheadandlookedupathiminthesemidarkness.
“I’mnothittingonyou,”hewhisperedintoherear.“Okay?”
Sherelaxed.“Okay.”
Theobviousreliefinhervoicemadehimfeelguiltyandoffended.Hemovedhisarmbackto

thechairandforcedhimselftowatchthemovie.HehadtorememberthatKasieworkedforhim.It
wasn’tfairtousehertowardoffotherwomen.But…wasitreallythat?

Thedinosaurmoviewasreallywell-done,Kasiethoughtasshebecameinvolvedinthestoryline

andthewonderofcreaturesthatlookedreallyaliveupthereonthescreen.Itwasabittersweetsortof
cartoon,though,andshewassorryforthelittlegirls.Becausewhenitwasover,BessandJennycame
tothemcryingaboutthedinosaursthathaddiedinthefilm.

“Oh,sweetheart,itwasonlyamovie,”Kasiesaidatonce,andbenttopickupBess,huggingher

close.“Justamovie.Okay?”

“Butitwassosad,Kasie,”criedthelittlegirl.“Whydothingshavetodie?”
“Idon’tknow,baby,”shesaidsoftly,andhereyesclosedforaninstantonawaveof

rememberedpain.She’dlostsomanypeoplesheloved.

GilhadJennyupinhisarms,andtheywalkedoutofthetheatercarryingthechildren.Behind

them,othermothersweretryingtoexplainaboutextinction.

“There,there,baby,”hecooedatJennyandkissedherweteyes.“Itwasonlymake-believe.

Dinosaursdon’treallytalk,youknow,andtheyhadbrainsthesizeofpeas.”Heshiftedherand
smiled.“Hey,rememberwhatItoldyouaboutchickens,abouthowthey’llwalkrightuptoa
rattlesnakeandletitstrikethem?Well,dinosaursdidn’tevenhavebrainsthatbig.”

“Theydidn’t?”BessaskedfromhersecureholdonKasie.
“Theydidn’t,”Gilsaid.“Ifameteorhadstruckthem,they’dbestandingrightinitspathwaiting

forit.Andtheywouldn’tbediscussingit,either.”

KasielaughedasshelookedatGil,delightedatthewayhehandledthestickysituation.Hewas,

shethought,amarvelousparent.

“Canwegetsomeicecreamonthewayhome?”Bessaskedthen,wipinghertears.
“Youbet.We’llstopbytheyogurtplace.”
“Thanks,Daddy!”Besscried.
“You’rethenicestdaddy,”Jennymurmuredagainsthisthroat.
“Youreallyare,youknow,”Kasieagreedastheystrappedthelittlegirlsintothebackseat.
Hiseyesmethersacrossthechildren.“I’maveterandaddy,”hetoldherdryly.
“Isthatwhatitis?”Kasiechuckled.
“Yougetbetterwithpractice,orsotheytellme.Doyoulikefrozenyogurt?Igetthemthat

insteadoficecream.It’shealthystuff.”

“Ilikeit,too,”Kasiesaidasshegotintothefrontseatbesidehim.
“We’llgetsometotakehomeforMrs.ChartersandMissParsons,”headded,“sothatwedon’t

getblamedforruiningtheirappetitesforsupper.”

“Nowthat’ssuperiorthinking,”Kasiehadtoadmit.
Hestartedtheengineandeasedthemoutofthecrowdedparkinglot.

Theyogurtshopwasafewmilesfromhome.Theystoppedandgotthetreatincarryoutcups,

becauseGilwasexpectingaphonecallfromabuyeroutofstate.

“Idon’tliketoworkonSundays,”heremarkedastheydrovehome.“Butsometimesit’s

unavoidable.”

“Doyouevertakethegirlstochurch?”
Hehesitated.“Well…no.”
Shewaswatchinghimwiththosebig,softgrayeyes,inwhichtherewasn’tcondemnationor

censure.Itwasalmostasifsheknewthathisfaithhadsufferedsincethedeathofhiswife.No,for
longerthanthat.Ithadsufferedsincechildhood,whenhisparentshad…

“Ihaven’tgoneforseveralmonths,myself,”Kasieremarkedquietly.Shetwistedherpurse

slowlyinherhands.“IfI…startback,Icouldtakethemwithme,ifyoudidn’tmind.”

“Idon’tmind,”hereplied.
Hereyessoftenedandshesmiledathim.
Hetorehisgazeawayfromthatwarmaffectionandforceditbacktotheroad.Hishands

tightenedonthesteeringwheel.Shereallywasgettingtohim.Hewishedheknewsomewaytohead

offtrouble.Hefoundherfartooattractive,andshecontinuedtomakeherlackofreceptiveness
known.Hedidn’twanttodosomethingstupidandsendherlookingforanotherjob.

“Ienjoyedtoday,”hesaidafteraminute.“ButyourememberthatMissParsonsissupposedtobe

responsibleforthegirls,”headdedwithasternglance.“YouhaveenoughtodokeepingJohn’s
paperworkcurrent.Understand?”

“Yes,Ido.I’lltryveryhardtostopinterfering,”shepromised.
“Good.Paulineisoutoftownforthenextweek,butshe’llbehomeintimeforthepoolparty

we’regivingnextSaturday.She’llbeintheofficethefollowingMondaymorning.Youcangiveher
anothercomputerlesson.”

Shegrimaced.“Shedoesn’tlikeme.”
“Iknow.Don’tletitworryyou.She’sefficient.”
Shewasn’t,butapparentlyshe’dmanagedtoconcealitfromGil.Kasiewonderedhowhe’d

managednottonoticetheworkPaulinedidn’tdo.

“DidJohnhaveasecretarybeforeme?”sheaskedsuddenly.
“Hedid,andshewasaterrificone,too.Butshequitwithonlyaweek’snotice.”
“Didshesaywhy?”shefishedwithapparentunconcern.
“Somethingaboutbeingworkedtodeath.Johndidn’tbuyit.Shedidn’thavethatmuchtodo.”
Shedid,ifshewasdoingJohn’sworkandhavingGil’spalmedoffonheraswell.Kasie’seyes

narrowed.Well,shewasn’tgoingtogetawaywithitnow.IfPaulinestartedexpectingKasietodoher
jobforher,shewasinforasurprise.

“Funny,”GilmurmuredasheturnedontotheblackshaleranchroadthatledtotheDoubleC.

“Paulinesaidshecouldn’tusethecomputer,butshealwayshadmyherdrecordsprintedout.Evenif
theyweren’tupdatedproperly.”

Kasiedidn’tsayaword.Surelyhe’dworkitoutbyhimselfoneday.Sheglancedbackatthe

girls,whowerestillcontentedlyeatingfrozenyogurtoutoflittlecups.Theyweresoprettyandsweet.
Herheartachedjustlookingatthem.SandyhadbeenjustBess’sage…

Shebitdownhardonherlip.Shemustn’tcry.Tearswerenohelpatall.Shehadtolookahead,

notbackward.

GilpulledupinfrontofthehouseandhelpedKasiegetthegirlsout.
“Thanksforthemovie,”Kasietoldhim,feelingshynow.
“Mypleasure,”hesaidcarelessly.“Comeon,girls,let’sgetyousettledwithMissParsons.

Daddy’sgottoplayrancherforawhile.”

“Can’tweplay,too?”Bessasked,clingingtohishand.
“Sure,”hesaid.“Justassoonasyoucancomparebirthweightratiosandcomputeprojected

weaningweight.”

Bessmadeaface.“Oh,Daddy!”
“I’llmakearancheroutofyouoneday,younglady,”hesaidwithagrin.
“Billy’sdadsaidhewassuregladhehadasoninsteadofgirls.Daddy,doyoueverwishmeand

Jennywasboys?”sheasked.

Hestopped,droppedtoonekneeandhuggedthechildclose.“Daddyloveslittlegirls,”hesaid

softly.“Andhewouldn’ttradeyouandJennyforalltheboysintheworld.YoutellBillyIsaidthat.”

Besschuckled.“Iwill!”Shekissedhischeekwithabigsmack.“Iloveyou,Daddy!”
“Iloveyou,too,littlechick.”
Jenny,jealous,hadtohaveahug,too,andtheyendedupeachclingingtoastrong,leanhandas

theywentintothehouse.

Kasiewatchedthem,feelingmorelostandalonethanshehadinmonths.Sheachedtobepartof

afamilyagain.WatchingGilwiththegirlsonlyemphasizedwhatshe’dlost.

Shewentupontotheporchandupthestaircaseslowly,herhandsmoothingoverthesilkywood

ofthebanisterasshetriedonceagaintocometogripswithherloss.

Shewascurledupinhereasychairwatchinganoldmovieontelevisionwhentherewasasoft

knockatthedoorjustbeforeitopened.BessandJennysneakedinwearingtheirgownsandbathrobes
andslippers,peeringcautiouslydownthehallbeforetheyclosedthedoor.

“Hello,”Kasiesaidwithasmile,openingherarmsastheyclamberedupintothebigchairwith

herandcuddledclose.“Yousmellnice.”

“Wehadbaths,”Besssaid.“MissParsonssaidwewascoveredwithchocolatesauce.”She

giggled.“Wesplashedher.”

“Youbadbabies,”shechidedsoftlyandkissedlittlecheeks.
“Couldyoutellusastory?”theyasked.
“Sure.Whatwouldyouliketohear?”
“Theonewiththebears.”
“Okay.”Shestartedthestory,speakinginallthedifferentparts,whiletheysnuggledcloseand

listenedwithattention.

Justtoseeiftheywerereallylistening,sheadded,“Andthenthewolfhuffedandpuffed…”
“No,Kasie!”Bessinterrupted.“That’sthepigstory!”
“Isit?”sheexclaimed.“Allright,then.Well,thebearscamehome…”
“Huffingandpuffing?”cameadeep,amusedqueryfromthedoorway.Thelittlegirlsglancedat

him,lookingguiltyandworried.“MissParsonsislookingforyoutwofugitives,”hedrawled.“IfI
wereyou,I’dgetintomybedsrealfast.She’sglowering.”

“Goodness!Wegottogo,Kasie!”Besssaid,andsheandJennyscrambledtotheirfeetandran

pasttheirfatherdownthehall,callinggood-nightsastheywent.

GilstudiedKasiefromthedoorway.Shewaswearingherownwhitegown,withamatching

cottonrobethistime,andherlonghairwavedaroundhershoulders.Shelookedveryyoung.

“Youweren’treadingfromabook.Whatdidyoudo,memorizethestory?”heaskedcuriously.
“Iguessso,”sheconfided,smiling.“I’vetolditsomanytimes,IsupposeIdohaveitdown

prettywell.”

“Whodidyoutellitto?”heaskedreasonably.
Thesmileneverfaded,butshewithdrewbehindit.“Alittlegirlwhostayedwithussometimes,”

shereplied.“Isee.”

“Theycameinandaskedforastory,”sheexplained.“Ihatedtellingthemtogoaway…”
“Ihaven’tsaidaword.”
“Youdid,”sheremindedhimworriedly.“IknowthatMissParsonslooksafterthem.I’mnot

tryingtointerfere.”

“Iknowthat.Butit’smakingthingshardforherwhentheycometoyouinstead,”hesaidfirmly.
Shegrimaced.“Ican’thurttheirfeelings.”
“I’llspeaktothem.”Heheldupahandwhenshestartedtoprotest.“I’llspeaktothemnicely,”he

added.“Iwon’tmakeanissueofit.”

Shehesitated.“Okay.”
“Youhaveyourownduties,”hecontinued.“Itisn’tfairtoletyoutakeontwojobs,nomatter

howyoufeelaboutit.Idon’tpayMissParsonstositandreadtaxmanuals.”

Hereyeswidened.“You’rekidding,”shesaid,sittingupstraight.“Shereadstaxmanuals?What

for?Didyouaskher?”

“Idid.Shesaysshereadsthemforpleasure,”hesaid.“Apparentlyshedidn’treallywanttoretire

fromtheaccountingbusiness,butshewasfacedwithaclericalpositionorretirement,”headdedwith
adrollsmile.“Oh,dear.”

Hepushedawayfromthedoorfacing.“Don’tstayuptoolate.Johnneedstogetanearlystart.

He’llbeawayforaweekshowingEbonyKingontheroad.”

“He’sthenewyoungbull,”Kasierecalled.“Heeatscornoutofmyhand,”sheaddedwitha

smile.“Ineverthoughtofbullsasbeinggentle.”

“They’rearealliabilityifthey’renot,”hepointedout.“Abullthatsizecouldtrampleamanwith

verylittledifficulty.”

“Iguesshecould.”Shestoodup,withherhandsinthepocketsofthecottonrobe.“I’msorry

aboutthegirlscominginhere.”

“Oh,hell,Idon’tmind,”hesaidonaroughbreath.“Butitisn’twisetoletthemgettooattached

toyou,Kasie.Youknowit,andyouknowwhy.”

“Theythinkyou’regoingtomarryPauline,”sheblurtedout,andthenflushedathavingbeenso

personalwithhim.

“Ihaven’tthoughtalotaboutremarrying,”herepliedquietly.Hiseyeswentoverherwitha

suddenlyintentappraisal.“ButmaybeIshould.They’regettingtotheagewherethey’regoingtoneed
awoman’shandintheirlives.Ilovethem,butIcan’tseethingsfromafemalepointofview.”

“You’vedonemarvelouslywiththemsofar,”shetoldhim.“They’repoliteandgenerousand

loving.”

“Sowastheirmother,”heremarkedandforafewseconds,hisfacewaslinedwithgriefbefore

hegotitundercontrol.“Shelovedthem.”

“YousaidBesswaslikeher,”sheremindedhim.
“Yes,”hesaidatonce.“Shehadlong,wavyblondhair,justthatsamecolor.Jennylooksmore

likeme.ButBessismorelikeme.”

Shesmiled.“I’venoticed.Shehasaveryhardheadwhenshedoesn’twanttodosomething.”
Heshrugged.“Beingstubbornisn’talwaysabadthing.Persistenceisthekeytomostsuccesses

inlife.”

“Yes.”Shesearchedhishardface,seeingtheyearsofworkandworry.Itwasagood,strong

face,butitwasn’thandsome.

Hewaslookingather,too,andsomethingstirredinsidehim,aneedthathehadtoworktoput

down.Hemovedoutthedoor.“Sleepwell,Kasie,”hesaidcurtly.

“You,too.”
Heclosedthedoorbehindhim,withoutlookingatheragain.Shewentbacktohermovie,but

withmuchlessenthusiasm.

Chapter5

heweekwentbyslowly,andthegirls,toKasie’sdismay,becamehershadows.Sheworriedherself

sicktryingtokeepGilfromnoticing,especiallyaftertheharshcommentshe’dmadeaboutherjob
responsibilities.Itdidn’thelpthatshekeptrememberingthefeelofhisarmaroundheratthemovie
theater,andthewarmclaspofhisbigleanhandinherown.Shewasafraidtoevenlookathim,
becauseshewasafraidherattractiontohimmightshow.

Saturdaycameandthehousewasfullofstrangers.Kasiefoundithardtomixwithhigh-society

people,soshestucktoMissParsonsandthegirls.MissParsonstooktheopportunitytosneakback
insidethehousewhileKasiewatchedthegirls.Everythingwentwellatfirst,becauseGilwastoobusy
withgueststonoticethatMissParsonswasmissing.Butnotforlong.Kasiehadgiventhegirlsa
beachballtoplaywith,whichwasheronebigmistakeofthemorning.

Itwouldn’thavebeensobadifshe’djustletthechildren’sbeachballflyintotheswimmingpool

inthefirstplace.Theproblemwasthat,ifshedidn’tstopit,Paulinewasgoingtogetitinthemouth,
whichwouldn’timprovethealready-badsituationbetweenherandKasie.BessandJennydidn’tlike
GilCallister ’ssecretary.NeitherdidKasie,butshelovedthelittlegirlsanddidn’twantthemtoget
intotrouble.Soshegaveintoanimpulse,andtriedvaliantlytodiverttheballfromitsunexpecting
target.

Predictably,sheoverreached,lostherfootingandmadeanenormoussplashasshelanded,fully

clothed,inthedeepend.And,ofcourse,shecouldn’tswim…

Gillookedupfromtheprospectushe’dbeenreadingwhenheheardthesplash.Heconnected

Kasie’sfall,thebeachball,andhistwolittleblondgigglingdaughtersatonce.Heshookhisheadand
grimaced.HeputasidetheprospectusanddivedintosaveKasie,Bermudashorts,Hawaiianshirtand
all.

Herlateparentshadlivedlongenoughtoseetheironyofthesecondnamethey’dgivenher.Her

middlenamewasGrace,butshewasn’tgraceful.Shewasalllonglegsandarms.Shewasn’tpretty,
butshehadalovelybody,andthethinwhitedressshewaswearingbecametransparentinthewater.It
waseasilynoticedthatshewaswearingonlytheflimsiestofbriefsandabrathatbarelycoveredher
pertbreasts.Justthething,shethoughtmiserably,towearinfrontoftheCallisters’businesspartners
whowerehereforapoolpartyonthebigranch.FelineblondPaulineRaineswaslaughingherhead
offatKasie’sdesperatetreadingofwater.Justyouwait,lady,shefumed.NexttimeI’llgiveBessa
soccerballtobeanyouwithandIwon’tstepintheway…!

Herheadwentunderasherarmsgaveout.Shetookahugebreathaspowerfularmsencircled

andliftedherclearofthedeepwater.ItwouldhavetobeGilwhorescuedher,shethoughtmiserably.
Johnwasn’tevenlookingtheirway.He’dhavedivedinafterherinaminute,sheknew,ifhe’dseen
herfall.Butwhilehewasnice,andkind,hewasn’tGil,whowasbeginningtohaveafrightening
effectonKasie’sheart.SheglancedatPaulineasshespluttered.Kasiewishedthatshewasbeautiful
likePauline.Shelookedtheveryimageofanefficientsecretary.Kasiehadgreattypingspeed,
dictationskillsandorganizationalexpertise,butshewasonlyordinary-looking.Besides,shewasa
socialdisaster,andshe’djustprovedittoGilandalltheguests.

Gilhadbeenunexpectedlykindtoheratthetheaterwhenhe’dtakenherwiththegirlstoseethe

movie.Shestilltingled,rememberinghishandholdinghers.This,however,wasmuchworse.Her
breastswerealmostbareinthethinblouse,andshefeltthehardmuscularwallofhischestwith
wonderandpleasureandalittlefear,becauseshe’dneverfeltsuchheadysensationsinherbody
before.Shewonderedifhe’dfireherformakingasceneathispoolparty,towhichalotofvery
wealthyandprominentcattlemenandtheirwiveshadbeeninvited.

Togivehimcredit,shehadn’texactlyinspiredconfidenceonthejobinthepastfewweeks.Two

weeksearlier,shetrippedonthefrontstepsandlandedinarosebushattheveryfeetofavisiting
cattlemanfromTexaswho’dalmostturnedpurpletryingnottolaugh.Thentherehadbeentheice-
creamincidentlastweek,whichstillembarrassedher.BesshadthreatenedKasiewithabigglopof
chocolateicecream.WhileKasiewasbackingaway,laughinghelplessly,Gilhadcomeintothehouse
indirtychapsandbootsandshirtwithhishatjerkedlowoveroneblueeyeandhismouthathinline,
withbloodstreamingfromacutonhisforehead.BesshadthrowntheicecreamatKasie,who
ducked,justintimeforittohitGilrightintheforehead.Whilehewaswipingitoff,Kasiegrabbed
thespoonfromBessandwaitedfortheexplosionasherbosswipedtheicecreamawayandlookedat
her.Thoseblueeyescouldcutlikediamonds.Theyactuallyglittered.Buthehadn’tsaidaword.He’d
justlookedather,beforeheturnedandcontinueddownthehalltothestaircasethatleduptohis
room.

Now,hereshewashalf-drownedfromaswimmingpoolaccident,havingmadeaspectacleof

herselfyetagain.

“IwonderifIcouldgetworkinHollywood?”shesputteredasshehungonfordearlife.“There

mustbeamarketforterminalclumsinesssomewhere!”

Gilraisedaneyebrowandgaveheraslow,speakingglancebeforehepulledhercloseagainst

hischestandturnedtowardtheconcretestepsatthefarend.Hewalkedupoutofthepool,streaming
water,andstartedtowardthehouse.“Don’tstruggle,Kasie,”hesaidathertemple,andhisvoice
soundedodd.

“Sorry,”shecoughed.“Youcanputmedown,now.I’mokay.Icanwalk.”
“IfIputyoudown,you’regoingtobecometheentertainment,”hesaidenigmaticallyatherear.

Helookedoverhisshoulder.“John,lookafterthegirlsuntilIgetback!”hecalled.

“Oh,I’llwatchthem,Gil!”Paulineinterruptedlazily.“Comeoverhere,girls!”shecalled,

withoutevenlookingintheirdirection.

“Johnwillwatchthem,”Gilsaidemphaticallyanddidn’tmoveuntilhislean,lankybrother

jumpedupandwenttowardhisnieces,grinning.

GilwentupthestaircasewithKasieheldclosetohischest.“Whycan’tyouswim?”heasked.
Hisdeep,slowvoicemadeherfeelfunny.Sodidtheclose,almostintimatecontactwithhim.She

nibbledonherlowerlip,feelingsoggyanddisheveledandembarrassed.“I’mafraidofthewater.”

“Why?”hepersisted.
Shewouldn’tanswerhim.Itwoulddonogood,andshedidn’twanttoremember.Probablyhe’d

neverseenanyonedrown.“SorryImessedupthepoolparty,”shemurmured.

Heshookhergentlyastheypassedthelandingandpausedatherbedroomdoor.“Stop

apologizingeverysecondword,”hesaidcurtlyasheputherdown.Heheldhertherewithtwobig,
leanhandsonherupperarmsandstudiedherintentlyinthedimlightofthewallsconces.

Thefeelofallthatwarmstrengthagainsthermadehergiddy.She’dneverbeensoclosetohim

before.HewastenyearsolderthanKasie,andhehadanauthorityandmaturitythatmusthavebeen
apparentevenwhenhe’dbeenherage.ShehadtriedtothinkofhimasBessandJenny’sdaddy,but
aftertheirclosenessatthemovietheater,itwasalmostimpossibletothinkofhimasanythingbuta
mature,sexyman.

“Ican’tseemtomakeyouunderstandthatthegirlsareMissParsons’sresponsibility,notyours!”

Hesawherfaintflushandscowleddownather.“SpeakingofMissParsons,whereinhellisshe?”

Sheclearedherthroatandpushedbackasoggystrandofdarkhair.“She’sintheoffice.”
“Doingwhat?”
Sheshifted,buthedidn’tletgoofherarms.Thatunblinking,ferociousbluestarerobbedherof

asmartretort.“Allright,”shesaidheavily.“She’sdoingthewithholdingonJohn’staxreadout.”He
didn’tspeak.Shelookedupandgrimaced.“Well,I’mnotupontaxlaw,andsheis.”

“Soyoutradeddutieswithoutpermission,isthatit?”
Shehesitated.“Yes.I’msorry.Butit’sjustfortoday!Youalreadyknowthatshedoesn’t…well,

shedoesn’tlikechildrenverymuch,really,andIhatetaxes…”

“Iknow.”
“Ishouldn’thavegiventhemthebeachball.Ithoughttheyweregoingintotheshallowpartof

thepoolwithit.AndthenBessthrewit…”

“RightatPauline’sexpensivenewcoiffure,”Gilfinishedforher.Hepursedhissensuouslips

andsearchedherface.“Youwon’ttellonthem,ofcourse.Youtooktheblamefortheicecream,too.
AndwhenoneofJenny’stoystrippedyouonthefrontstepsandyouwentintotherosebush,you
blamedthatonclumsiness.”

“Youknew?”sheasked,surprised.
“I’vebeenafatherforfiveyears,”hemused.“Iknowallsortsofthings.”Hispaleblueeyesslid

veryslowlydownKasie’swetdressandnarrowedonwhatwasshowing.Shehadthemostdelicious
body.Everylineandcurveofitwasonviewwherethethindresswasplasteredtoherbody.Her
breastswereperfectlyshapedandthenipplesweredusky.Thefeelofheragainsthischest,even
throughherwetblouseandhiscottonshirt,hadalmostknockedthebreathoutofhim.Itupsethim
thathewasnoticingthesethingsabouther.Hewasbeginningtoreacttothem,too.Hehadtogetout
ofhere.Shewassoyoung…

Hecursedunderhisbreath.“You’dbetterchange,”hesaidcurtly.Heturnedonhisheelandwent

towardthestaircase.

“AboutMissParsons…!”shecalledafterhim,inonelastattempttowardoffretribution.
“Youmightaswellconsiderthegirlsyourjobfromnowon,”hesaidangrily.“Icanseethatit’s

alosingbattletokeepyouawayfromthem.I’llgiveMissParsonstoJohn.Hewon’tenjoytheview
asmuch,butkeepingoutofprisonbecausewecan’tfigureouttaxformsmightsweetenthedeal,”he
said,withoutbreakingstride.“Whenyouhavesomesparetime,youcancontinuegivingPauline
computerlessons.ThatincludesMondaymorning.Mrs.Charterscanwatchthegirlswhileyouwork
withPauline.”

“ButI’mnotatrainedgoverness.I’masecretary!”sheinsisted.
“Great.YoucanletBessdictateletterstoyouforherdolls.”
“But…!”
Itwastoolate.Heneverargued.Hejustkeptwalking.Shethrewupherhandsandwentbackinto

herroom.Shestartedtowardthebathroomtochangeoutofherwetthingswhenshegotalookat
herselfinthemirror.Thewholeoutfitwastransparent.SherememberedGil’sintentstareandblushed
allthewaytohertoes.Nowonderhe’dbeenlookingather.Everythingshehadwasonview!She
wonderedhowshe’deverbeabletolookhimintheeyeagain.

Shechangedandwentbacktothepoolparty,dejectedandmiserable.Itwashardtobelievethat

she’dnotevenhadamildcrushonJohnwhenshefirstwenttoworkfortheCallisters.Hewas

handsome,andverysexy,butshejustdidn’tfeelthatwayabouthim.Fortunatelyhe’dneverfeltthat
wayabouther,either.Johnhadsomesecretwomaninhispast,andnowhedidn’tgetseriousabout
anyone.KasiehadheardthatfromMrs.Charters,whowasaveritablestorehouseofinformation
aboutit.Johndidn’tlooktoKasielikeamanwithabrokenheart.Butmaybeheplayedthefieldto
camouflageit.

Kasiehadneverreallybeeninlove.She’dhadcrushesonTVcelebritiesandmoviestars,andon

boysatschool—andonesummershe’dhadarealcaseonaboywholivednearMamaLuke,heraunt,
inBillings.Butthosehadallbeenveryinnocent,limitedtokissesandlightcaressesandnotmuch
desire.

AllthathadchangedwhenGilCallisterheldherhandatthemovies.AndwhenGilhadcarried

herupthestaircasethismorning,shewasonfirewithpleasure.Shewasstillshiverywithnew
sensations,whichshedidn’tunderstandatall.Gilwasherbossandhedislikedher.She’dbeen
spendingmoretimewiththegirlsthanthegrown-upsbecauseJohndidn’tliketodopaperworkand
hewasalwaysdodgingdictation.Hecouldusuallybefoundoutwiththemenontheranch,helping
withwhateverroutinetaskwasgoingonatthetime.Gildidthat,too,ofcourse,butnotbecausehe
didn’tlikepaperwork.Gilrarelyeversatstill.

Mrs.Charterssaiditwasbecausehe’dlovedhiswifeandhadnevergottenoverherunexpected

deathfromafreakhorseback-ridingaccident.Shewasonlytwenty-sixyearsold.

Thathadbeenonlythreeyearsago.Sincethen,Gilhadhiredasuccessionofnurses,atfirst,and

thenmotherlygovernessestowatchoverthegirls.OldMrs.HarrishadretiredandthenGilhadhired
MissParsonsindesperation,overavirtualfloodofyoungmarriageablewomenwhohadtheireye
oneitherGilorJohn.KasierememberedGilsayingthathehadnointerestinmarriageeveragain.At
thattime,shecouldn’thaveimaginedfeelingattractedtoawidowedmanwithtwochildrenwhohad
thepersonalityofaspittingcobra.

Forherfirstfewweeksonthejob,he’dwatchedKasie.Hehadn’twantedhischildrenaround

Kasie,andmadeitplain.Amazing,howmuchthathadhurt.

Theyweresuchdarlinglittlegirls.
Atleast,shethought,nowshecouldspendtimewiththemandnothavetosneakarounddoingit.

Gilmightnotlikeher,buthecouldn’tdenythathisdaughtersdid.Probablyhefeltthathedidn’thave
achoice.

Kasiewasgoingtomissthesecretarialwork,andshewonderedhowGilwouldmanagewith

Pauline,whoabsolutelyhatedclericalduties.ThewomanonlydidittobenearGil,buthedidn’tseem
torealizeit.Orifhedid,hedidn’tcare.

ShetriedtopictureGilmarriedtoPaulineanditwoundedher.Paulinewasshallowandselfish.

Shedidn’treallylikethegirls,andshe’dprobablyfindsomewaytogetthemoutofherhairwhen
sheandGilmarried,iftheydid.Kasiehatedtheveryideaofsuchamarriage,butshewasalittle
nobodyintheworldandGilCallisterwasamillionaire.Shecouldn’teventeasehimorflirtwithhim,
becausehemightthinkshewasafterhimforhiswealth.Itmadeherself-conscious,soshebecame
uneasyaroundhimandtongue-tiedtoboot.

Thatmadehimevenmoreirritable.Sundayafternoontherewasanotherstormandheandthe

menhadtogooutandworkthecattle.Hecameinjustafterdark,drenched,unfasteninghisshirton
thewayintotheoffice.Hishairwasplasteredtohisscalpandhisspursjingledashewalked,his
leatherbat-wingchapsmakingflappingnoiseswitheverystrideofhislong,powerfuljean-cladlegs.
Hisbootsweresoaked,too,andcakedwithmud.

“Mrs.Charterswillbeafteryou,”Kasieremarkedassheliftedhereyesfromthebadlyscribbled

notesJohnhadleft,whichMissParsonshadaskedhertohelpdecipher.MissParsonshadalready
goneuptobed,anticipatingaveryearlystartonworkthenextmorning.

“It’smydamnedhouse,”heshotatherirritably,runningahandthroughhisdrenchedhairtoget

itoffhisforehead.“IcandripwhereverIplease!”

“Suityourself,”Kasiereplied.“Butredmudwon’tcomeoutofPersianwoolcarpets.”
Hegaveherahardglare,buthesatdowninachairandpulledoffthemud-cakedboots,tossing

themontothewidebrickhearthofthefireplace,wheretheywouldn’tsoilanythingdelicate.Hiswhite
socksweresoakedaswell,buthedidn’ttakethemoff.Hesatdownbehindhisdesk,pickedupthe
telephoneandmadeacall.

“Wherearethegirls?”heaskedwhilehewaitedforthecalltobeanswered.
“WatchingthenewPokémonmovieupintheirroom,”Kasiesaid.“MissParsonscan’tread

John’shandwriting,soI’mdecipheringthisforhersoshecanstartearlytomorrowmorningonthe
payrollandthequarterlyestimatedtaxesthataredueinJune.Ifthat’sallright,”sheaddedpolitely.

Hejustglaredather.“Hello,Lonnie?”hesaidsuddenlyintothetelephonereceiverhewas

holding.“CanyougivemethenameofthatmechanicwhoworkedonHarris’strucklastmonth?Yes,
theonewhodoesn’tneedadamnedcomputertotellhimwhat’swrongwiththeengine.Gothis
number?Justaminute.”Hefishedinthedrawerforapen,grabbedanenvelopeandwroteanumber
onit.“Surething.Thanks.”Hehungupanddialedagain.

Whilehespoketothemechanic,KasiefinishedtranscribingJohn’sterriblehandwritingneatly

forMissParsons.

Gilhungupandgottohisfeet,retrievinghisboots.“Ifyou’vegotafewminutesfree,Ineed

youtotakesomedictationforme,”hetoldKasie.

“I’llbegladto.”
Hegaveheranarrowappraisal.“I’vegotamancomingovertolookatmycattletruck,”he

added.“IfhegetsherewhileI’mintheshower,showhimintothelivingroomanddon’tlethim
leave.Hecanlistentoanengineandtellyouwhat’swrongwithit.”

“Butit’sSunday,”shebegan.
“Ineedthetrucktohaulcattletomorrow.I’msurehewenttochurchthismorning,soit’sall

right,”heassuredherdryly.“Besides…”

Theringingofthephoneinterruptedhim.Hejerkedupthereceiver.“Callister,”hesaid.
Therewasapause,duringwhichhisfacebecameharderthanKasiehadeverseenit.“Yes,”he

repliedtoaquestion.“I’lltalktoJohnwhenhegetsbackin,butIcantellyouwhattheanswerwill
be.”Hesmiledcoldly.“I’msurethatifyouuseyourimagination,youcanfigurethatoutwithouttoo
muchdifficulty.No,Idon’t.Idon’tgiveadamn.Dowhatyoupleasewiththem.”Therewasalonger
pauseandKasiethoughtshe’dneverseensuchcoldnessinaman’seyes.“Idon’tneedathing,thanks.
Yes.Youdothat.”

Hehungup.“Myparents,”hesaidharshly.“Withaninvitationtocomeandbringthegirlsto

theirestateonLongIslandnextweek.”

“Areyougoing?”
Helookedbrieflysardonic.“They’rehostingapartyforsomepeoplewhoareinterestedin

seeingwhatarealcattlemanlookslike,”hesaidsurprisingly.“They’retryingtosellthemonan
advertisingcontractfortheirsportsmagazineandtheythinkJohnandImightbeuseful.”Hesounded
bitterandangry.“Theytrythisoccasionally,butJohnandIdon’tgo.Theycanmakemoneyontheir
own.I’llbeupstairsifthemechaniccomes.Tellhimthetruck’sinthebarnwithoneofmymen.He
cangorightonout.”

“Okay.”
HewalkedoutandKasiestaredafterhim.Theconversationwithhisparentshadn’tbeenpleasant

forhim.Heseemedtodislikethemintensely.Sheknewthattheywerenevermentionedaroundthe
girls,andJohnneverspokeofthem,either.Shewonderedwhatthey’ddonetomaketheirsonsso

hostile.ThensherememberedwhatGilhadsaid,abouttheirbeingusedbytheirparentsonlytomake
money,anditallbegantomakesense.Perhapstheydidn’treallywantchildrenatall.Whatapity,that
theirsonswerenothingmorethansalesincentivestothem.

ThemechanicdidcomewhileGilwasupstairs.Kasiewentwithhimontothelongporchand

showedhimwherethebarnwas,sothathecoulddriveondownthereandparkhistruck.Therainhad
stopped,though,sohedidn’thavetoworryaboutgettingwet.Therewasapleasantdrippingsound
offtheeavesofthehouse,andthedelicioussmellofwetflowersinthedarkness.

Kasiesatdownintheporchswingandrockeditintomotion.Itwasaperfectnight,nowthatthe

stormhadabated.Shecouldhearcrickets,ormaybefrogs,chirpingallaroundthefloweringshrubs
thatsurroundedthefrontporch.Itremindedher,forsomereason,ofAfrica.Shevaguely
rememberedsittinginaporchswingwithhermotherandKantorwhentheirfatherwasaway
working.Therewerethedelicioussmellsofcookingfromthehouse,andthespicysmellsdrifting
fromtheharbornearby,aswellasthefamiliarsoundofAfricanworkerssingingandhummingas
theyworkedaroundthesettlement.Itwasalongtimeago,whenshestillhadafamily.Now,except
forMamaLuke,shewascompletelyalone.Itwasacold,emptyfeeling.

ThescreendoorsuddenlyopenedandGilcameoutontotheporch.Hisblondhairwasstill

damp,faintlyunrulyattheedgesandtendingtocurl.HewaswearingabluecheckedWesternshirt
withcleanjeansandniceboots.Helookedjustthewayaworkingcowboyshouldwhenhewas
cleanedup,shethought,tryingtoimaginehimacenturyearlier.

“Isthemechanichere?”heaskedabruptlywhenhespottedKasieintheswing.
“Yes,Isenthimondowntothebarn.”
Hewentdownthestepsgracefullyandstalkedtothebarn.Hewasgoneaboutfiveminutesand

whenhecameoutofthebarn,sodidthemechanic.Theyshookhandsandthemechanicdroveoff.

“Afuse,”hemurmured,shakinghisheadashecameupthestepsanddroppedintotheswingat

Kasie’sside.“Adamnedfuse,andthewholepanelwentdown.Imaginethat.”

“Sometimesit’sthelittlethingsthatgivethemosttrouble,”shemurmured,shywithhim.
Heputanarmbehindherandrockedtheswingintomotion.“Ilikethewayyousmell,Kasie,”he

saidlazily.“Youalwaysremindmeofroses.”

“I’mallergictoperfume,”sheconfided.“ThefloralsaretheonlyonesIcanwearwithout

sneezingmyheadoff.”

“Wherearemybabies?”heasked.
“Mrs.Chartersisbakingcookieswiththeminthekitchen,”shesaid,smiling.“Theyloveto

cook.SodoI.We’vealllearnedalotfromMrs.Charters.”

Helookeddownatherinthedarkness.Oneleanhandwenttothebraidatthebackofherhead,

andhetuggedonitgently.“You’remysterious,”hemurmured.“Idon’treallyknowanythingabout
you.”

“There’snotmuchtotell,”shetoldhim.“I’mjustordinary.”
Heshifted,andshefelthispowerfulthighagainstherleg.Herbodycamealivewithfleeting

littlestabsofpleasure.Shecouldfeelherbreathcatchinginherthroatasshebreathed.Hewastoo
close.

Shestartedtomove,butitwastoolate.Hisarmcurledherintohisbody,andthewarm,hard

pressureofhismouthpushedherheadbackagainsttheswingwhilehefedhungrilyonherlips.

Partofherwantedtoresist,butastrongerpartwascompletelypowerless.Shereachedupand

putherarmsaroundhisneckandopenedherlipsforhim.Shefelthimstiffen,hesitate,catchhis
breath.Thenhismouthbecameroughanddemanding,andhedraggedheracrosshislegs,folding
herclosewhilehekissedheruntilhermouthwasswollenandtender.

Henibbledherupperlip,fightingtobreathenormally.“Don’tletmedothis,”hewarned.

“You’rebiggerthanIam,”shemurmuredbreathlessly.
“That’snoexcuseatall.”
Herfingerstrailedoverhishardmouthanddowntohischestwheretheyrested.Shestaredatthe

widecurveofhismouthwithakindofwonderthatamanlikethis,good-lookingandcharmingand
wealthy,wouldlooktwiceatachestnutmouselikeKasie.Perhapsheneededglasses.

Hetouchedherovalface,tracingitssoftlinesinawarm,dampdarknessthatwassuddenlylike

anexotic,farawayplace.Kasiefeltasifshe’dcomehome.Impulsively,sheletherheadslidedown
hisarmuntilitrestedinthecrookofhiselbow.Shewatchedhisexpressionharden,heardhis
breathingchange.Hisleanfingersmoveddownherchinandthroatuntiltheywereatthetopbuttonof
hershirtwaistdress.Theyhesitatedthere.

Shelaylookingupathimpatiently,curiously,ablazewithunfamiliarlongingsanddelight.
“Kasie,”hewhispered,andhislongfingersbegantosensuallymovethetopbuttonoutofits

buttonhole.Asitcamefree,heheardhersoftgasp,feltthejerkofherbody,andknewthatthiswas
newterritoryforher.

Hishandstartedtoslidegentlyintotheopeninghe’dmade.HewatchedKasie,lyingsosweetly

inhisembrace,givinghimfreelicensewithherinnocence,andheshiveredwithdesire.

Butevenashefeltthesoftwarmthoftheskinathercollarbone,laughingyoungvoicescame

driftingoutontotheporchasthefrontdooropened.

GilmovedKasiebackintoherownseatabruptlyandstoodup.
“Daddy’shome!”Besscried,andsheandJennyrantohim,tobescoopedupandkissedheartily.
“I’ll,uh,justgoandgetmypadsothatyoucandictatethatletteryoumentioned,”Kasiesaidas

shegotup,too.

“Youwillnot,”Gilsaid,hisvoicestillalittlehusky.“Gotobed,Kasie.Itcanwait.Inthe

morning,youcantutorPaulineonthecomputer,sothatshecantakeoverinputtingthecattlerecords.
Johnwon’tbeinuntillatetonight,andheleavesearlytomorrowforthecattleshowinSanAntonio.
There’snothingintheofficethatcan’twait.”

Shewasbothdisappointedandrelieved.ItwasgettinghardertodenyGilanythinghewanted.

Shecouldn’thaveimaginedthatshewassuchawantonpersononlyafewweeksago.Shedidn’tknow
whattodo.

“Okay,I’llcallitanight,”shesaid,tryingtodisguisehernervousness.“Goodnight,babies,”

shetoldBessandJennywithasmile.“Sleeptight.”

“Willyoutellusastory,Kasie?”Bessbegan.
“I’lltellyouastorytonight.Kasieneedsherrest.Allright?”heaskedthegirls.
“Allright,Daddy,”Jennymurmured,layinghersleepyheadonhisshoulder.
Theyallwentupstairstogether.Kasiedidn’tquitemeethiseyesasshewentdownthehalltoher

ownroom.Shedidn’tsleepverymuch,either.

Chapter6

aulineRaineswashalfanhourlateMondaymorning.Gilhadalreadygoneouttocheckonsome

cattlethatwasbeingshippedoff.JohnhadleftbeforedaylighttoflytoSanAntonio,wherethecattle
trailerwastakinghischampionbull,EbonyKing,forthecattleshow.Whilethegirlstooktheirnap,
KasiehelpedMissParsonswithJohn’scorrespondenceandfieldedthetelephone.Nowthatitwasjust
pastroundup,thingsweren’tquiteashectic,butsalesreportswerecominginontheculledcattle
beingshipped,andtheyweren’tevenallonthecomputeryet.Neitherweremostofthenewcalfcrop.

MissParsonshadgonetothepostofficewhenPaulinearrivedwearinganeatblacksuitwitha

fetchingbluescarf.SheglaredatKasieasshethrewherpursedownonthechair.

“HereIam,”shesaidirritably.“Idon’tusuallycomeinbeforeten,butGilsaidIhadtobeearly,

toworkonthisstupidcomputer.Idon’tseewhyIneedtolearnit.”

“Becauseyou’llhavetoputinalltheinformationwe’regettingaboutthenewcalvesand

replacementheifers,”Kasieexplainedpatiently.“It’sbackingup.”

“Youcandothat,”Paulinesaidhaughtily.“You’reJohn’ssecretary.”
“Notanymore,”sherepliedcalmly.“I’mgoingtotakecareofthegirlswhileMissParsonstakes

myplaceinJohn’soffice.She’sgoingtohandleallthetaxwork.”

Thatpieceofinformationdidn’tpleasePauline.“You’reasecretary,”shepointedout.
“That’swhatItoldMr.Callister,butitdidn’tchangehismind,”Kasierepliedtersely.
“SonowI’llhavetodoallyourworkwhileMissParsonsdoestaxes?Iwon’t!Surelyyou’ll

haveenoughfreetimetoputtheserecordsonthecomputer!Twolittlegirlsdon’trequiremuch
watching.Justputtheminfrontofthetelevision!”

Kasiealmostbithertonguerightthroughkeepingbackahotreply.“Itisn’tgoingtobehardto

usethecomputer.Itwillsaveyouhoursofpaperwork.”

Paulinegaveheraglare.“Debbiealwaysputthesethingsonthecomputer.”
“Debbiequitbecauseshecouldn’tdotwojobsatonce,”Kasiesaid,andwasvindicatedforthe

jibewhenshesawPauline’sdiscomfort.“Youreallywillenjoythetimethecomputersavesyou,once
youunderstandhowitworks.”

“Idon’tneedthisjob,didn’tanyonetellyou?”theolderwomanasked.“I’mwealthy.Ionlydoit

tobenearGil.Itgivesusmoretimetogether,whilewe’reseeinghowcompatibleweare.Which
remindsme,don’tthinkyou’reontoacushyjoblookingafterthosechildren,”sheaddedhaughtily.
“GilandIaregoingtobelookingforaboardingschoolverysoon.”

“Boardingschool?”Kasieexclaimed,horrified.
“I’vealreadycheckedoutseveral,”Paulinesaid.“Itisn’tgoodforlittlegirlstobecometoo

attachedtotheirfathers.ItinterfereswithGil’ssociallife.”

“Ihadn’tnoticed.”
Paulinefrowned.“Whatdoyoumean,youhadn’tnoticed?”
“Well,Mr.CallisterisalmostagenerationolderthanIam,”shesaiddeliberately.
“Oh.”Paulinesmiledsecretively.“Isee.”
“He’saverykindman,”Kasieemphasized,“butIdon’tthinkofhiminthatway,”sheadded,

lyingthroughherteeth.

Paulineforonceseemedspeechless.
“Here,let’sgetstarted,”Kasiesaidassheturnedonthecomputer,tryingtoheadofftrouble.She

hopedthatcommentwouldkeepheroutoftroublewithPauline,whoobviouslyconsideredGil
Callisterherpersonalproperty.Kasiehadenoughproblemswithoutaddingajealoussecretaryto
them.EvenifshedidprivatelythinkGilwasthesexiestmanshe’deverknown.

Paulineseemeddeterminedtomakeeverysecondofworkashardashumanlypossiblefor

Kasie.Sheinsistedonthreecoffeebreaksbeforenoon,andthepressingnatureoftheinformation
cominginbyfaxkeptKasieworkinglongafterPaulinecalleditadayatthreeintheafternoonand
wenthome.IfMrs.Chartershadn’thelpedoutbylettingBessandJennymakecookies,Kasie
wouldn’thavebeenabletodoasmuchasshedid.

She’donlyjustfinishedthenewcomputerentrieswhenGilcamein,dustyandsweatyandhalf

outofhumor.Hedidn’tsayaword.Hewenttotheliquorcabinetandpouredhimselfascotchand
water,andhedrankhalfofitbeforeheevenlookedatKasie.

Ittookheraminutetorealizethathewasopenlyglaringather.
“Issomethingwrong?”sheaskeduneasily.
“Paulinecalledmeonthecellphoneafewminutesago.Shesaidyou’remakingitimpossible

forhertodoherjob,”herepliedfinally.

Herheartskipped.Sothatwashowtheotherwomanwasgoingtomakepoints—tellinglies.
“I’vebeenshowingherhowtokeyinthisdata,andthat’sallI’vedone,”Kasietoldhimquietly.

“Shehatesthecomputer.”

“Oddthatshe’sdonesowellwithitupuntilnow,”hesaidsuspiciously.
“Debbiedidwellwithit,”Kasierepliedbluntly,flushingalittleathisangrytenseness.“Shewas

apparentlyhavingtoputherownworkaswellasPauline’sintothecomputer.”

Hetookanothersipofthedrink.Hedidn’tlookconvinced.“Thatisn’twhatPaulinesays,”he

toldher.“AndIwanttoknowwhyyousuddenlywantmygirlsinaboardingschool,afteryou’ve
spentweeksbehindmybackandagainstinstructionswinningthemover,sothey’reattachedtoyou.”
Headdedangrily,“ImeantitwhenIsaidIhavenoplanstomarry.Soifthatchangesyourmindabout
wantingtotakecareofthem,saysoandI’llgiveyouareferenceandtwoweeksseverancepay!”

Hereallydidlookferocious.Kasie’sheadwasspinningfromtheaccusations.“Excuseme?”
Hefinishedthedrinkandputtheglassdownfirmlyonthecounterbelowtheliquorcabinet.His

paleeyeswereglittery.“JohnandIspentsixoftheworstyearsofourlivesatboardingschool,”he
addedunexpectedly.“I’mnotputtingmybabiesinanyboardingschool.”

Kasiefeltasifshewerebeingattackedbyinvisiblehands.Shestoodup,hermindreelingfrom

thecharges.Paulinehadbeenbusy!

“Ihaven’tsaidanythingaboutboardingschool,”shedefendedherself.“Paulinesaid…”
Heheldupahand.“IknowPauline,”hetoldher.“I’veknownhermostofmylife.Shedoesn’t

telllies.”

Boy,washeinforashockalittlefurtherondowntheroad,shethought,butshedidn’tsay

anythingelse.Shewasalreadyintoomuchtrouble,andnoneofitofherownmaking.

Shedidn’tsayaword.Shejustlookedathimwithbig,gray,woundedeyes.
Hemovedcloser,hismindreelingfromPauline’scommentsaboutKasie.Hedidn’twantto

believethatKasiewassotwo-facedthatshe’dplayuptothegirlstogetinGil’sgoodgracesandthen
wanttoseethemsentofftoboardingschool.Butwhatdidhereallyknowabouther,afterall?Shehad
nofamilyexceptanauntinBillings,orsoshesaid,andexceptfortheinformationonherapplication
thatmentionedsecretarialschool,nothingaboutherearlyeducationwasapparent.Shewas
mysterious.Hedidn’tlikemysteries.

Hestoppedjustinfrontofher,hisfacehardandthreateningasheglareddownather.
“Wherewereyouborn?”heaskedabruptly.
Thequestionsurprisedher.Shebecameflustered.“I,well,Iwasbornin…inAfrica.”
Hehadn’texpectedthatanswer,anditshowed.“Africa?”
“Yes.InSierraLeone,”sheadded.
Hefrowned.“WhatwereyourparentsdoinginAfrica?”
“Theyworkedthere.”
“Isee.”Hedidn’t,butshelookedasifshehatedtalkingaboutit.Themysteryonlydeepened.
“Maybeyou’reright,”shesaid,unnervedbyhisunexpectedangerandtheattackbyPauline,

whichmadeherlooklikeagolddigger.“MaybeI’mnotthebestpersontolookafterthegirls.Ifyou
like,I’llhandinmynotice…!”

Hehadherbybothshoulderswithafirmgripandtheexpressiononhisfacemadeherwantto

backaway.

“Andjustfortherecord,tenyearsisn’tageneration!”hesaidthroughhisteethasheglared

downather.Hisgazedroppedtohersoft,generousmouthanditwaslikelightningstriking.He
couldn’thelphimself.Thememoryofherbodyinhisarmsontheporchswingtookawaythelast
wispofhiswillpower.Hebentquicklyandtookthatbeautifulsoftnessunderhishardlipsinafever
ofhunger,probinginsistentlyathertightmouthwithhistongue.

Kasie,who’dneverbeenkissedinanyintimateway,evenbyGil,frozelikeiceattheskillful,

invasiveintimacyofhismouth.Shecouldn’tbelievewhatwashappening.Herhandsagainsthischest
clenchedandsheclosedhereyestightlyasshestrainedagainsthishold.

Slowlyitseemedtogetthroughtohimthatshewasshockedattheinsistence.Heliftedhis

demandingmouthandlookedather.Thiswasfamiliarterritoryforhim.But,itwasn’tforher,andit
wasapparent.Afterthewayshe’drespondedtohimthenightbefore,hewassurprisedthatshebalked
atadeepkiss.But,then,herememberedherchastegownsandherstrangeattitudeaboutwearingher
beautifulhairloose.Shewasn’tfightinghim.Shelooked…strange.

Hisleanhandsloosened,becamecaressingonherupperarmsundertheshortsleeveofher

dress.“I’msorry.It’sallright,”hebreathedashebentagain.“Iwon’tberoughwithyou.It’sallright,
Kasie…”

Hislipsbarelybrushedhers,tendernowinsteadofdemanding.Afewsecondsoftenderness

broughtasighfromherlips.Hesmiledagainsthersoftmouthashecoaxedittopart.Henibbledthe
fullupperlip,tastingitsvelvetyundersidewithhistongue,enjoyingherreactionstohim.Hefelther
youngbodybegintorelaxintohis.Sheworkedforhim.Shewasanemployee.He’djustbeengiving
herhellabouttryingtotraphimintomarriage.Sowhywashedoingthis…?Shemadeasoftsound
underherbreathandherhandstightenedonthehardmusclesofhisupperarms.Hisbrowsbeganto
knitassensationpulsedthroughhimathershyresponse.Whatdiditmatterwhyhewasdoingit,he
askedhimself,andthrewcautiontothewinds.

Hisarmswentaroundher,gentlysmoothingheragainstthemuscularlengthofhim,whilehis

mouthdraggedaresponseunderitstenderpressure.Hefelthergasp,felthershiver,thenfelther
armsslidingaroundhiswaistasshegaveintotheexplosionofwarmsensationthathishungrykiss
provokedinher.

Itwaslikeflying,hethoughtdizzily.Heliftedheragainsthim,feedingonthesoftnessofher

mouth,theclingingwonderofherarmsaroundhim.Ithadbeenyearssinceakisshadbeenthis
sweet,thisfulfilling.NotsinceDarlenehadhebeensohungryforawoman’smouth.Darlene.
Darlene.Kasiewassomuchlikeher…

Onlytheneedtobreatheforcedhimtoputherdownandlifthishead.Histurbulenteyesmether

dazedonesandhehadtofighttocatchhisbreath.

“Whydidyoudothat?”sheaskedunsteadily.
Hewasscowling.Hetouchedhermouthwithaleanforefinger.“Idon’tknow,”hesaidhonestly.

“Doyouwantmetoapologize?”headdedquietly.

“Areyousorry?”shereturned.
“Iamnot,”hesaid,everyworddeliberateashestaredintohereyes.
Thathuskystatementmadehertinglealloverwithdelicioussensations,buthestilllooked

formidable.Hisleanfingerscaughthershouldersandgentlymovedheraway.Shelookedas
devastatedashefelt.

Hereyessearchedhisquietly.Shewasshakinginsidefromthedeliciouscrushofhismouth,so

unexpected.“Whatdidyoumean,abouttenyearsnotbeingageneration?”sheaskedsuddenly.

“Youharponmyage,”hemurmuredcoolly,buthewasstilllookingathersoft,swollenmouth.

“Youshouldn’ttellPaulinethingsyoudon’twantmetohear.Shecan’tkeepasecret.”

“Iwouldn’ttellhermymiddlename,”shemuttered.“Shehatesme,haven’tyounoticed?”
“No,Ihadn’t.”
“Itwouldneverhavebeenmyideatosendthegirlstoboardingschool,”sheinsisted.“Ilove

them.”

Hiseyebrowslifted.Kasiedidn’tappeartobelying.ButPaulinehadbeensoconvincing.And

Kasiewasmysterious.Hewantedtoknowwhyshewassosecretiveaboutherpast.Hewantedtoknow
everythingabouther.Hermouthwassweetandsoftandinnocent,andhehadtofightnottobendand
takeitagain.Shewasnervouswithhimnow,asshehadn’tbeenbefore.Thatmeantthattheattraction
wasmutual.Itmadehimfeelafoottaller.

“PaulinewantstogodowntoNassauforafewdayswiththegirls.Iwantyoutocomewithus,”

hesaidabruptly.

Shegapedathim.“Shewon’twantmealong,”shesaidwithconviction.
“ShewillwhenshehastostartlookingoutforBessandJenny.Herideaofwatchingthemisto

letthemdowhattheyplease.Thatcouldbedisastrousevenaroundaswimmingpool.”

Shegrimaced.Itwouldbeahorribletrip.“We’dhavetofly,”shesaid,hatingtheverythoughtof

gettingonanairplane.She’dlosteveryoneshe’deverlovedintheair,andhedidn’tknow.

“Thegirlslikeyou,”hepersistedgently.
“I’dreallyrathernot,”shesaidworriedly.
“ThenI’llmakeitanorder,”hesaidshortly.“You’recoming.Haveyougotacurrentpassport?”
“Yes,”shesaidwithoutthinking.
Hewassurprised.“Iwasgoingtosaythatifyoudidn’thaveone,abirthcertificateorevena

voter ’sregistrationslipwouldbeadequate.”Hewassuspicious.“Whydoyoukeepapassport?”

“IncaseIgetkidnappedbyterrorists,”shesaid,tongueincheek,tryingtoputasidethefearof

theupcomingtrip.

Herolledhiseyes,lethergoandwalkedtothedoor.“We’llgoFriday,”hesaid.“Don’ttake

muchwithyou,”headded.“We’llflycommercialandIdon’tlikebaggageclaim.”

“Okay.”
“Andstoplettingmekissyou,”headdedwithfaintarrogance.“I’vealreadymadeitclearthat

there’snofutureinit.Iwon’tmarryagain,noteventoprovidethegirlswithagrown-upplaymate.”

“Idoknowthat,”shesaid,woundedbythewords.“ButI’mnottheonedoingthegrabbing,”she

pointedout.

Hegaveheranoddlookbeforeheleft.
Shecouldhavetoldhimthatshedidn’thavemuchtotakeanywhere,andshealmostblurtedout

whyshewasafraidofairplanes.Buthewasalreadyoutthedoor.Shetouchedhermouth.Shetasted
scotchwhiskeyonherlipsandshewasamazedthatshehadn’tnoticedwhilehewaskissingher.Why

hadhekissedheragain?shewondereddazedly.Theotherquestionwaswhyhadshekissedhimback?
Herheadwasreelingwiththesuddenshiftintheirrelationshipsincethenightbefore.Kissingseemed
tobeaddictive.Perhapssheshouldcutherlossesandquitrightaway.Butthatthoughtwasvery
unpleasantindeed.Shedecidedthatmeetingtroublehead-onwassomuchbetterthanrunningfromit.
Shehadtoconquerherfearandtrytoputthepastbehindheronceandforall.Yes,shewouldgoto
Nassauwithhimandthegirls—andPauline.Itmightverywellputthingsintoperspectiveifshesaw
PaulineandGilasafamily,whiletherewasstilltimetostopherrebelliousheartfromfallinginlove.

Kasie’sseatwasseparatedfromGil’s,Pauline’sandthegirls’bytenrows.Gildidn’tappear

pleasedandhetriedtochangeseatassignments,butitwasn’tpossible.Kasiewasratherrelieved.She
wasuncomfortablewithGilsincehe’dkissedhersopassionately.

PaulinewasfuriousthatKasiehadbeenincludedinthetrip.Shewasdoingeverythinginher

powertogetKasieoutofGil’slife,butnothingwasgoingthewaysheplanned.She’denvisionedjust
thefourofthemintheexquisiteislands,whereshecouldconvinceGilthattheyshouldgetmarried.
Heagreedtohersuggestionaboutthetripmoreeasilythanshe’dhoped,andthenhesaidKasiewould
havetocomealongtotakecareofthegirls.Hedidn’tevenmentionboardingschool,asifhedidn’t
believeKasiehadsuggestedit.Paulinewaslosinggroundwithhimbytheday.Shecouldcheerfully
havepushedKasieoutoftheterminalwindow.Well,shewasgoingtogetridofMissPrimover
there,whateverittook.Onewayoranother,shewasgoingtogetKasieoutofGil’shouse!

Theyboardedtheplane,andKasiesmiledwithfalsebravadoasshepassedthegirlswithawave

andfoundherwindowseat.Therewasonlyoneseatnexttohers.Shewaswatchingthepeoplefilein
whileshefoughtherownfear.Secondslater,atallblondmanwearingkhakisswungintotheseat
besidehersandgaveheranappreciativesmile.

“AndIthoughtthiswasgoingtobeaboringflight,”hechuckledashestuffedhisonecarry-on

bagundertheseatinfrontofhimandfastenedhisseatbelt.“I’mZekeMulligan,”heintroduced
himselfwithasmile.“Iwritefreelancetravelarticlesformagazines.”

“I’mKasieMayfield,”shereplied,offeringhersmallhandwithawansmile.“I’magoverness

totwosweetlittlegirls.”

“Wherearethesweetlittlegirls?”heaskedwithagrin.
“Tenrowsthatway,”shepointed.“Withtheirdadandhisvenomoussecretary.”
“Ouch,thejealousymonsterstrikes,hmm?”heasked.“Doessheseeyouascompetition?”
“Thatwouldbeoneforthebooks,”shechuckled.“She’sblondandbeautiful.”
“Whatareyou,chestnut-hairedandrepulsive?”hechided.“Looksaren’teverything,fellow

adventurer.”

“Adventuress,”shecorrected.Sheglancedoutthewindowandnoticedthemovementofthe

motorizedcartsawayfromtheplane.Itwasgoingtotakeoffsoon.Sureenough,sheheardtherevof
theenginesandsawtheflightattendantstakeuptheirpositionstodemonstratethelifevestsevenas
theplanestartedtotaxioutofitsconcoursespace.“Oh,gosh,”shegroaned,tighteningherhandson
thearmsofherseat.

“Afraidofflying?”heaskedgently.
“Ilostmyfamilyinaplanecrash,”shesaidinaroughwhisper.“ThisisthefirsttimeI’veflown,

sinceIlostthem.Idon’tknowifIcan…!”

She’dstartedtopullatherseatbelt.Hecaughtherhandandstilledit.“Listentome,”hesaid

gently,“airtravelisthesafestkind.I’vebeenknockingaroundonairplanesfortenyears,I’vebeen
aroundtheworldthreetimes.It’sallright,”hestressed,hisvoicelowanddeepandcomforting.His

fingerscontractedaroundhers.“Youjustholdontome.I’llgetyouthroughtakeoffandlanding.
Onceyou’veconqueredthefear,you’llbefine.”

“Areyousure?”sheaskedonachokedlaugh.
“Iwalkedawayfromacrashonce,”hetoldherquietly.“AweeklaterIhadtogetonaplanefor

Paris.Yes,”headded.“I’msure.IfIcoulddoit,Iknowyoucan.”

Herlipspartedassheletoutthebreathshe’dbeenholding.Hewasnice.Hewasverynice.He

madeherfeelutterlysafe.Sheclungtohishandastheairplanetaxiedtotherunwayandthepilot
announcedthattheywerenextinlinetotakeoff.

“Herewego,”herseatcompanionsaidinherear.“ThinkofStarTrekwhentheshipgoesinto

lightspeed,”headdedonachuckle.“Thinkofitasbeingflungupintothestars.It’sexciting.It’s
great!”

Sheheldontighterastheplanetaxiedontotherunway,revvedupitsenginesandbegantopick

upspeed.

“WecanevensingtheAirForcesongaswego,”hesaid.“Ispentfouryearsinit,soIcancoach

youifyoucan’trememberthewords.Comeon,Kasie.Sing!”

Kasiestartedtohumthewordsofthewell-knownsong.
ThepassengersaroundthemnoticedKasie’sterrorandhercompanion’sprotectiveattitude,and

suddenlytheyallstartedsingingtheAirForcesong.ItdivertedKasiewithuproariouslaughterasthe
bigairplaneshotupintothebluesky,leavingherstomachandherfearsfarbehind.

“I’mverygrateful,”shetoldhimwhentheywerecomfortablyleveledoffandtheflight

attendantsweregettingtherefreshmentcartreadytotakedowntheaisle.“Youcan’timaginehow
terrifiedIwastogetonthisplane.”

“Yes,Ican.I’mgladIwashere.WhereareyoustayinginNassau?”headded.
Shelaughed.“I’msorry.Idon’tknow!Ididn’trealizethatuntiljustnow.Mybosswillhaveall

thedetailsinhand,andadrivertomeetuswhenweland.Ididn’task.”

“NewProvidenceisasmallisland,”hetoldher.“We’llseeeachotheragain.I’mattheCrystal

PalaceonCableBeach.Youcanphonemeifyougetafewfreeminutesandwe’llhavelunch.”

“Doyougooverseastodostories?”sheasked.
Henodded.“Allovertheworld.It’sagreatjob,andIactuallygetpaidtodoit.”Heleanedclose

toherear.“Andonce,IworkedfortheCIA.”

“Youdidn’t!”sheexclaimed,impressed.
“Justforayear,whileIwasinSouthAmerica,”heassuredher.“Imighthavekeptitup,butIwas

marriedthenandshedidn’twantmetakingchances,especiallywhileshewascarryingourson.”

“Shedoesn’ttravelwithyou?”sheaskedcuriously.
“Shedied,ofaparticularlyvirulenttropicalfever,”hesaidwithasadsmile.“Mysonissix,and

IleavehimwithmyparentswhenIhavetogoawayduringhisschoolyear.Duringthesummer,he
goesplaceswithme.Helovesit,too.”

Hepulledouthiswalletandshowedherseveralphotographsofachildwhowashismirror

image.“Hisname’sDaniel,butIcallhimDano.”

“Hereallyiscute.”
“Thanks.”
Theflightattendantwastworowsaway,withsnackmealsanddrinks.Kasiesettleddownto

lunchwithnomorereservations.She’dlandedonherfeet.ShewonderedwhatGilwouldthinkifhe
sawherwiththisniceyoungman.Nothing,probably,shethoughtbitterly,notwhenhewasso
wrappedupinPauline.Well,shewasn’tgoingtoletthatspoilhertrip.

Nassauwasunexpected.Kasiefellinlovewithitonfirstsight.She’dseenpostcardsofthe

Bahamas,andshe’dalwaysassumedthatthevividturquoiseandsapphirecolorofthewaterswas
exaggerated.Butitwasn’t.Thosevivid,surrealcolorswereexactlywhatthewaterlookedlike,and
thebeacheswereaswhiteassugar.Shestaredoutthewindowofthehiredcarwithherbreath
catchinginherchest.She’dgoneoverseaswithherparentsasachild,buttodistantandprimitive
places.Sherememberedtheterrorofthoseplacesfarbetterthansherememberedthescenery,evenat
soyounganage.Evennow,itwashardtothinkabouthowshe’dlosttheparentswho’dlovedherand
Kantorsomuch.ItwashardertothinkofKantor…

“Dostoppressingyournoseagainsttheglass,Kasie.YoulookaboutJenny’sage!”Pauline

chidedfromherseatbesideGil.

“That’sfunny,”Besssaidwithagiggle,notunderstandingthewordsweremeanttohurt.
“I’veneverseenanythingsobeautiful,”Kasiemurmuredalittleshyly.“Itreallydoeslooklike

paradise.”

Paulineyawned.GilignoredherandwatchedKasiealittleirritablyassheandthegirlsenthused

overthebeach.

“Whencanwegoswimmingintheocean,Daddy?”Bessaskedexcitedly.
“Wehavetocheckintothehotelfirst,baby,”Giltoldher.“Andeventhen,thebeachis

dangerous.Kasiedoesn’tswim.”

“Oh,wecantakethemwithus,”Paulinesaidlazily.“I’llwatchthem.”
ItoccurredtoGilthathenevertrustedPaulinewithhischildren.Shewasn’tmalicious,shejust

didn’tpayattentiontowhattheyweredoing.She’dbeinvolvedinputtingonsunscreenandlyingin
thesun,notwatchingchildrenwhocouldbecomereckless.Besswasespeciallygoodatgettinginto
trouble.

“That’sKasie’sjob,”Gilsaid,andputalongarmaroundPaulinejusttoseethereactionitgot

fromKasie.Itwasaconstantsourceofangerthathecouldn’tkeephishandsoffKasiewhenhewas
withinfivefeetofher,andhestilldidn’ttrusther.

Kasieavertedhereyes.Odd,howmuchithurttoseePaulinesnuggleclosetoGilasifshewere

partofhim.Rememberingthehungry,masterfulwayhe’dkissedherinthestudy,Kasieflushed.She
knewthingsaboutGilCallisterthatsheshouldn’tknow.Hemadeherhungry.Buthewasshowingher
thathedidn’tfeelthesameway.ItwaspainfullyobviouswhathisrelationshipwaswithPauline.Even
thoughshe’dguessed,ithurttohaveitpointedouttoherlikethis.

SheknewthenthatshewasgoingtohavetoresignherjobwhentheygotbacktotheStates.Ifhe

marriedPauline,therewasnowayshecouldliveunderthesameroofwiththem.

GilsawthereactionthatKasiewastooyoungtohide,andittouchedhim.Shefeltsomething.

Shewasjealous.Hecouldhavecheeredoutloud.Itdidn’toccurtohimthenwhyhewassohappythat
Kasiewasattractedtohim.

“Whowasthemanyouweretalkingtoontheconcourse,Kasie?”Gilaskedunexpectedly.
“HisnamewasZeke,”sherepliedwithasmile.“Hehadtheseatnexttomine.”
“Inoticedhim.He’sgood-looking,”Paulinesaid.“Whatdoeshedo?”
“He’safreelancewriterforseveraltravelmagazines,”Kasietoldher.“He’sdownheredoinga

storyonanewhotelcomplex.”

Gildidn’tlookpleased.“Apparentlyyoumadefriendsquickly.”
“Well,yes,”sheconfessed.“Iwasalittlenervousaboutflying.Hetalkedtomewhilewegot

airborne.”Shegrinned.“Didn’tyouhearusallsingingtheAirForcesong?”

“Sothat’swhatitwas,”Paulinescoffed.“GoodLord,Ithoughttheplanewasfullofdrunks.”
“Whywereyouafraidofflying?”Gilpersisted.
Kasieavertedhereyestothegirls.“Myfamilydiedinanairplanecrash,”shesaid,without

mentioningunderwhatcircumstances.

Heshifteduncomfortablyandlookedathisdaughters,whowerewatchingforexcitinglittle

glimpsesofpeopleplayinginthesurfonthewhitebeachesastheypassedthem.

“I’mallrightnow,”shesaid.“Theflightwasn’tsobad.”
“Notwithahandsomemantoholdyourhand,”Paulineteaseddeliberately.“Hewashandsome,”

Kasieagreed,butwithoutenthusiasm,andwithoutnoticingthatGil’seyeswerebeginningtoglint
withanger.Heleanedback,glaringatKasie.

Shewonderedwhatshe’ddonetoprovokethatanger.Itmadeheruneasy.Paulineobviously

didn’tlikeit,either,andthewomanwasgivingKasielooksthatpromisedretributioninthenear
future.KasiehadafeelingthatMissRaineswouldmakeaverybadenemy,anddeepinherstomach,
shefelticycold.

Chapter7

ttookanhourtogetcheckedintotheluxuryhotel.Thegirlsplayedquietlyinthemarble-floored

lobbywithapuzzlebookKasiehadbroughtalongforthem,whilePaulinecomplainedloudlyand
nonstopabouttheinconvenienceofhavingtowaitforaroomtobemadeready.Bythetimetheclerk
motionedthemtothedesk,Gilwascompletelyoutofhumor.Hehadn’tsmiledsincetheygotoffthe
plane,infact.Whentheyweregivenkeystoatwo-bedroomsuiteandasingleadjoiningroom,
Pauline’sexpressionlightened.

“Oh,that’sniceofyou,darling,lettingMissMayfieldhavearoomofherown.”
Gilgaveheralookthatcombinedexasperationwithimpatience.“Thegirlscan’tbealoneat

nightinastrangehotel,”hesaidcurtly.“Kasie’sstayingintheroomwiththem,andtheother
bedroominthesuiteismine.Yougetthesingle.”

“Whycan’tIjustsharewithyou,darling?”Paulinepurred,enjoyingKasie’ssuddenflush.
Gillookedfurious.Heglareddownatherfromhissuperiorheight.“Maybeyou’veforgotten

thatIdon’tmovewiththetimes,”hesaidquietly.

Paulinelaughedalittlenervously.“You’rekidding.What’ssobadabouttwo…friendssharinga

room?”

“I’mnotkidding,”Gilsaidflatly.HehandedPaulineherkeyandmotionedforKasieandthe

girlstofollowhim.

Paulinestompedintotheelevator,fuming.ShegaveKasieaferociousglarebeforeshefolded

herarmsoverherchestandleanedbackagainstthewall.Thebellboysignaledthathe’dwaitforthe
nextelevatortobringtheirluggageup,becausesixotherpeoplehadjumpedintotheelevatorright
behindPauline.

GilandPaulineledthewaydownthehall,withKasieandthegirlsfollowingsuit.
“Atleast,youcantakemeouttonight,”PaulinetoldGil,“sinceKasie’salongtobaby-sit.Come

on,darling,please?TheyhavethemostbeautifulcasinooveronParadiseIsland,andfloorshows,
too.”

“Allright,”hesaid.“LetmegetthegirlsandKasiesettledfirst,andfindoutaboutroomservice.

Youwillwanttohavesupperuphere,won’tyou?”heaskedKasiestiffly.

“Ofcourse,”shesaid,notwantingtomakethingsworsethantheywere—ifthatwaspossible.
“Good.KasiecantakethegirlsouttothebeachwhileIcheckwiththeconciergeabout

reservations,”headded,watchingPauline’sfacebeam.“I’llpickyouupatyourroomatfive-thirty.”

“Butthatonlygivesmeanhourtodress,”shemoaned.
“You’dlookbeautifulinapillowcase,andyouknowit,”hechided.“Goon.”
“Okay.”PaulinewalkedofftoherownroomwithoutawordtothegirlsorKasie.
Gilopenedthedoor,notingthatthebellboywascomingdownthehalltowardthemwiththe

luggageonarollingcarrier.HemotionedKasieandthegirlsinside.

“Thebedroomsbothhavetwodoublebeds,”hetoldKasiestiffly.“Andthere’sabalconyoffthe

sittingroom,ifyouwanttositoutsideandwatchthesurfafterthegirlsgettosleep,”headded,
indicatingtheFrenchdoorsthatledontoasmallbalconywithtwopaddedchairs.

“We’llbefine,”shetoldhim.
“Don’tletthemstayuppasteight,nomatterwhattheysay,”hetoldher.“Anddon’tyoustayup

toolate,either.”

“Iwon’t.”
HehesitatedatthedoortohisownroomandlookedatKasieforalongmoment,untilherheart

begantorace.“Youdidn’ttellmethatyoulostyourfamilyinanaircrash.Why?”

“Thesubjectdidn’tcomeup,”shesaidgruffly.
“Ifithad,”herepliedcurtly,“youwouldn’thavebeensittingalone,despitePauline’slittle

machinationswiththeseatassignments.”

Shewastakenabackbytheangerinhistone.“Oh.”
“Youmakemefeellikeagold-platedheelfromtimetotime,Kasie,”hesaidirritably.“Idon’t

likeit.”

“Iwasallright,”sheassuredhimnervously.“Zeketookcareofme.”
Thatsethimoffagain.“You’regettingpaidtotakecareofmychildren,nottoholidaywith

somerefugeefromapressroom,”hepointedout,hisvoicearctic.

Shestiffened.“Ihadn’tforgottenthat,Mr.Callister,”sheaddeddeliberately,awarethatthegirls

hadstoppedplayingandwerestaringupattheadultswithgrowingdisquiet.Sheturnedaway.“Come
on,babies,”shesaidwithaforcedsmile.“Let’sgochangeintoourbathingsuits,thenwecangoplay
onthebeach!”

“Allofyoustayoutofthewater,”Gilsaidshortly.“AndIwantyoubackupherebeforeIleave

withPauline.”

“Yes,sir,”Kasiesaid,justbecausesheknewitmadehimangry.
Hesaidsomethingunderhisbreathandslammedthedoortohisownroombehindhim.Kasie

hadapremonitionthatitwasn’tgoingtobemuchofaholiday.

Sheandthegirlsplayedinthesandneartheocean.Onthewayoutside,Kasiehadboughtthem

smallplasticbucketsandshovelsfromoneofthestoresinthearcade.Theywerehappilydumping
sandoneachotherwhile,aroundthem,othersun-worshiperslayontowel-coveredbeachchaise
loungesorsplashedinthewater.Thehotelwasneartheharbor,aswell,andtheywatchedahuge
whiteoceanlinerdock.Itwasanexcitingplacetovisit.

Kasie,who’donlyeverseentheworstpartofforeigncountries,waslikeachildherselfasshe

gazedwithfascinationatrowsofotherluxuryhotelsonthebeach,aswellassailboatsandcruise
shipsinport.Nassauwasthebrightest,mostbeautifulplaceshe’deverbeen.Thesandwaslikesugar
underherfeet,althoughhotenoughtoscorchthem,andthecolorofthewaterwasalmosttoovividto
believe.Smiling,shedrankinthewarmthofthesunwithhereyesclosed.

Butitwasalreadytimetogobackuptotheroom.Shehatedtellingthegirls,whobeggedtostay

onthebeach.

“Wecan’t,babies,”shesaidgently.“Yourdadsaidwehavetobeintheroomwhenheleaves.

There’satelevision,”sheadded.“Theymighthavecartoons.”

Theystilllookeddisappointed.“Youcouldreadusstories,”Besssaid.
Kasiesmiledandhuggedher.“Yes,Icould.AndIwill.Comeon,now,cleanoutyourpailsand

shovels,andlet’sgo.”

“Oh,allright,Kasie,butit’sverysadwehavetoleave,”Bessreplied.
“Don’twanttogo.”Jennypouted.
Kasiepickedherupandkissedhersandycheek.“We’llcomeoutearlyinthemorning,andlook

forshellsonthebeach!”

Jenny’seyeslitup.Shelovedseashells.“Truly,Kasie?”
“Honestandtruly.”
“Whoopee!”Bessyelled.“I’llgetJenny’spail,too.Canwehavefishforsupper?”
“Anythingyoulike,”KasietoldherassheputJennydownandrefastenedherswimsuitstrapthat

hadcomeloose.

Abovethem,atthewindowofhisroom,Gilwatchedthebyplay,unseen.Hesighedwith

irritationashewatchedthegirlsrespondsowholeheartedlytoKasie.Theylovedher.Howwerethey
goingtoreactifshedecidedtoquit?Shewasveryyoung;tooyoungtothinkofmakingalifelong
baby-sitter.Paulinesaidshe’dbeenveryadamantaboutsendingthegirlsawaytoschool,butthatwas
hardtobelieve,watchingherwiththem.Shewastenderwiththem,asDarlenehadbeen.

Herammedhishandshardintothepocketsofhisdressslacks.Ithurtrememberinghowhappy

thetwoofthemhadbeen,especiallyafterthebirthoftheirsecondlittlegirl.IntheCallisterfamily,
girlswerespecial,becausetherehadn’tbeenagirlinthelineageforoverahundredyears.Gilloved
havingdaughters.Asonwouldhavebeennice,hesupposed,buthewouldn’thavetradedeitherofhis
littlejewelsdownthereforanythingelse.

Itwoundedhimtorememberhowcoldhe’dbeentoKasiebeforeandaftertheplanetrip.He

hadn’tknownaboutherfamilydyinginaplanecrash.Hecouldonlyimaginehowdifficultithad
beenforhertogetaboardwiththosememories.Andhe’dbeensittingwithPauline,talkingabout
Broadwayshows.PaulinehadsaidthatKasiewantedtositbyherself,sohehadn’tprotested.

Then,ofcourse,therewasthishandsomestrangerwho’dcomfortedherontheflighttokeepher

frombeingafraid.Hecouldhavedonethat.Hecouldhaveheldherhandtightinhisandkissedher
eyesshutwhilehewhisperedtoher…

Hegroanedoutloudandturnedawayfromthewindow.Shewaswormingherwaynotonlyinto

hislifeandhisgirls’lives,butintohisheartaswell.Hehadn’tbeenabletoeventhinkaboutPauline
inanyromanticwaysinceKasiehadwalkedintohislivingroomforthejobinterview.Upuntilthen,
he’dfoundthegorgeousblondewonderfulcompany.Now,shewasalmostanafterthought.He
couldn’timaginewhy.Kasiewasn’treallypretty.Although,shehadanicefigureandaverykissable
mouthandthoseexquisitelytendereyes…

HejerkedupthephoneanddialedPauline’sextension.“Areyoureadytogo?”heasked.
“Darling,Ihaven’tfinishedmymakeup.Youdidsayfive-thirty,”sheremindedhim.
“Itisfive-thirty,”hemuttered.
“Givemetenmoreminutes,”shesaid.“I’mgoingtomakeyounoticemetonight,lover,”she

teased.“I’mwearingsomethingveryrisqué!”

“Fine,”hereplied,unimpressed.“I’llseeyouintenminutes.”
Hehunguponherfaintgaspofirritation.Hedidn’tcareifsheworepostagestamps,itwasn’t

goingtocurehimofthehungerforKasiethatwastormentinghim.

Heheardthesuitedooropenandthesoundofhischildrenlaughing.Strangehowoftenthey

laughedthesedays,whenthey’dbeensosomberandquietbefore.Shebroughtoutthebestinpeople.
Well,notinhimself,hehadtoadmit.Shebroughtouttheworstinhim,Godknewwhy.

Hewentoutintothebigsittingroom,stillbrooding.
“Daddy,youlooknice!”Besssaid,runningtohimtobepickedupandkissedheartily.“Doesn’t

helooknice,Kasie?”sheasked.

“Yes,”Kasiesaid,glancingathim.Hewasdishyinatuxedo,shethoughtmiserably,andPauline

probablylookedlikeuptownNewYorkCityinwhatevershewaswearing.PaulinewaslikeaFrench
pastry,whileKasiewasmorelikeastaledoughnut.Thethoughtamusedherandshesmiled.

“Bess,getthemenuoffthedeskandtakeitintoyourroom.YouandJennydecidewhatyouwant

toeat,”Giltoldthem.

“Yes,Daddy,”Besssaidatonce,scoopingupthemenuandhersister ’shandastheyleftthe

room.

“Don’tletthemfilluponsweets,”hecautionedKasie.Hispaleeyesnarrowedonherbodyinthe

discreet,one-piecebluebathingsuitshewaswearingwithsandalsandasheercover-upinshadesof
blue.Herhairwasdownaroundhershoulders.Shelookedgoodenoughtoeat.

“Iwon’t,”shepromised,movingawkwardlytowardthebathroomwiththetowelshe’dbeen

sunbathingon.

“Nexttime,getatowelfromthecaretakerdownonthebeach,”hesaidaftershe’dputthetowel

inthebathroom.“Theykeepthemthereforbeachuse.”

Sheflushed.“Sorry.Ididn’tknow.”
Hemovedtowardher.Inflats,shewasevenshorterthanusual.Helookeddownatherwith

narrow,stormyeyes.Thecurvesofherprettybreastswererevealedinthesuitandhethoughtforone
insaneinstantofbendingandputtinghismouthrightdownonthatsoftpinkskin.

“Mr.Callister,”shebegan,thenamealmostchokingherashisnearnessbegantohavetheusual

effectonhershakingknees.

Hisleanhandmovedtoherthroatandtoucheditlightly,strokingdowntoherbareshoulderand

thenbacktohercollarbone.“You’vegotsandonyourskin,”heobserved.

“Wehadalittletroublemakingasandcastle,sothegirlscoveredmeupinstead,”shesaidwith

anunsteadylaugh.

Hishandflattenedonthewarmfleshandhelookedintoherhuge,softeyes,waitingfora

reaction.Herpulsebecamevisibleinherthroat.Hisbloodbegantosurge,hotandturbulent,inhis
veins.Hisfingersspreadoutdeliberately,sothatthetouchbecameintimate.

Shewasn’tprotesting.Shehadn’tmovedaninch.Shedidn’tevenseemtobebreathingasshe

lookedupintohispale,glitteryeyesandwaited,spellbound,forwhatevercamenext.

Withoutsayingaword,hisfingersslidunderthestrapthatheldupherbodice.Theyinchedinto

thesuitandtracedexquisitepatternsonthesoft,barefleshthathadneverbeenexposedtothesun,or
toaman’seyes.Hewatchedherlipspart,hereyesdilatewithfascinationandcuriosity.

Hishandstilledasherealizedwhathewasdoing.Thegirlswererightinthenextroom,for

God’ssake.Washelosinghismind?

Hejerkedhishandbackasifhe’dscaldeditandhisexpressionbecameicy.“You’dbetter

change,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.

Shedidn’tmove.Hereyeswerewide,curious,apprehensive.Shedidn’tunderstandhisactions

orhisobviousanger.

Buthewassuspiciousofher.Hedidn’ttrusther,andhedidn’tlikehisuncheckedresponseto

her.Shecouldbeanybody,withanymotiveinmind.Shedressedlikearepressedwoman,butshe
neverresistedanythingphysicalthathedidtoher.Hebegantowonderifshewasplayinguptohim
withmarriageinmind—oratleastsomefinanciallybeneficialliaison.Heknewthatshewasn’t
wealthy.Hewas.Itputhimatadisadvantagewhenhetriedtopuzzleouthermotives.Heknewhow
treacheroussomewomencouldbe,andhe’dbeenfooledonceinrecentmonthsbyawomanoutfor
whatshecouldgetfromhim.She’dbeenkindtothegirls,too,andshe’dplayedtheinnocentwithGil,
leadinghimonuntiltheyendedupinherbedroom.Ofcourse,she’dsaidthen,they’dhavetoget
marriedoncethey’dbeenintimate…

He’dleftherbeforetherelationshipwasconsummated,andhehadn’tcalledheragain.Notthat

she’dgivenupeasily.She’dstalkedhimuntilheproducedanattorneyandawarrant,atwhichpoint
she’dgivenupthechase.

Now,hewasrememberingthatbadexperienceandsuperimposingherimageoverKasie’s

innocent-lookingface.Heknewnothingabouther.Hecouldn’ttaketheriskofbelievingwhathe
thoughthesawinherpersonality.Shecouldbeplayinghimforasucker,veryeasily.

“Youdon’tholdanythingback,doyou?”heaskedconversationally,anditdidn’tshowthathe’d

beenaffectedbyher.“Areyoulikethatallthewayintothebedroom?”headdedsoftly,sothatthe
girlswouldn’thear.

Kasiedrewinalongbreath.“Iwouldn’tknow,”shesaidhuskily,painfullyawarethatshe’djust

madeanutterfoolofherself.“I’llgetdressed.”

“Youmightaswell,whereI’mconcerned,”hesaidpleasantly.“You’reeasyontheeyes,Kasie,

butinthedark,looksdon’tmattermuch.”

Shestaredathimwithconfusion,asifshecouldn’tbelieveshewashearingsuchablatant

remarkfromhim.

Heslidhishandsintohispocketsandstudiedherarrogantlyfromheadtotoe.“You’dneedtobe

prettier,”hecontinued,“andwithlarger…assets,”hesaidwithadeliberatestudyofherpertbreasts.
“I’mparticularaboutmyloversthesedays.Ittakesaspecialwoman.”

“Which,thankGod,I’mnot,”shechoked,flushing.“Idon’tsleeparound.”
“Ofcoursenot,”heagreed.
Sheturnedawayfromhimwithasickfeelinginherstomach.She’dlovedhistouch.Ithadbeen

herfirstexperienceofpassion,andithadbeenexquisitebecauseitwasGiltouchingher.Buthe
thoughtshewasofferingherself,andhedidn’twanther.Sheshouldbeglad.Shewasn’taloose
woman.Butitwasadeliberateinsult,andshewonderedwhatshe’ddonetomakehimwanttohurt
her.

Herreactionmadehimevenangrier,buthedidn’tletitshow.“Givingupsoeasily?”hetaunted.
Shekeptherbacktohimsothathewouldn’tseeherface.“We’vehadthisconversationonce,”

shepointedout.“Iknowthatyoudon’twanttoremarry,andI’vetoldyouthatIdon’tsleeparound.
Okay?”

“IfIcatchyouinbedwiththathackwriter,I’llfireyouonthespot,”headded,viciously.
Sheturnedthenandglaredathimfromweteyes.“What’sthematterwithyou?”sheasked.
“Asuddenawakeningofreason,”hesaidenigmatically.“Youlookafterthegirls.That’syour

job.”

“Ineverthoughtitinvolvedanythingelse,”shesaid.
“Anditdoesn’t,”heagreed.“Thefringebenefitsdon’tincludetheboss.”
“Somefringebenefit,”shescoffed,regaininghercomposure.“Aconceited,overbearing,

arrogantrancherwhothinkshe’soneverywoman’sChristmaslist!”

Heliftedaneyebrowovereyeswithcynicalsophisticationgleaminginthem.“Don’tlookfor

meunderyourChristmastree,”hechided.

“Don’tworry,Iwon’t.”Sheturnedandkeptwalkingbeforehecouldsayanythingworse.Ofall

theconceitedmenonearth!

Hewatchedhergowithmixedemotions,thestrongestofwhichwasdesire.Shemadehimache

allover.Hecheckedhiswatch.Pauline’stenminuteswereup,andhewantedoutofthisapartment.He
calledagood-nighttothegirlsandwentoutwithoutanotherwordtoKasie.

Whenhegotbackin,attwointhemorning,hepausedlongenoughtoopenKasie’sdoorand

lookin.

Shewaswearinganotherofthoseconcealingcottongowns,withthecoversthrownoff.Jenny

wascurledupagainstoneshoulderandBesswascurledintotheother.Theywereallthreeasleep.

Gilgroundhisteethtogetherjustlookingatthepicturetheymadetogether.HisgirlsandKasie.

Theylookedmorelikemotheranddaughters.Thethoughthurthim.Heclosedthedoorwithalittle
jerkandwentbackintohisownroom.DespitePauline’salluringgownandherspiritedconversation,
hehadbeenmoroseallevening.

Paulinehadnoticed,andknewthereason.Shewas,shetoldherself,goingtogetridofthe

competition.Itonlyneededtherightsetofcircumstances.

Fateprovidedthemonlytwodayslater.KasieandGilwerebarelyspeakingnow.Sheavoided

him,andhedidthesametoher.Ifthegirlsnoticed,theykepttheirthoughtstothemselves.
ImpulsivelyKasiephonedZekeathishotelandaskedifhe’dliketocomeoverandhavelunchwith
heratthehotel,sinceshecouldn’tleavethegirls.

Heagreedwithflatteringimmediacy,andshowedupjustasKasiewasdryingoffthegirls.
“Surelyyouaren’tgoingtotakethemtolunchwithyou?”Paulineasked,laughingupatZeke,

whoattractedheratonce.“I’llwatchthemwhileyoueat.”

“Pleasecan’twestayandplayinthepool?”BessaskedKasie.“MissRaineswillwatchus,she

saidso.”

“Please,”Jennyaddedwithaforlornlook.
“You’llberightinside,won’tyou?”Paulineaskedcunningly.“Goaheadandenjoyyourlunch.

I’mnotgoinganywhere.”

Foraninstant,KasierecalledthatGildidn’ttrustPaulinewiththegirls.Butitwasonlyforafew

minutesand,asPaulinehadsaid,theyweregoingtobejustinsidethenearbyrestaurantthat
overlookedthepool.

“Well,allrightthen,ifyoureallydon’tmind,”shetoldPauline.“Thankyou.”
“It’smypleasure.Havefunnow,”Paulinetoldher.“Anddon’tworry.Gil’snotgoingtobeback

foratleastahalfhour.He’satthebank.”

KasiebroodedoveritevenwhilesheandZekeateadeliciousseafoodsalad.Theywereseatedata
windowoverlookingtheswimmingpool,butarowofhedgesandhibiscusobscuredtheviewsothat
onlythedeependofthepoolcouldbeseenfromtheirtable.

“Stopworrying,”Zeketoldherwithagrin.“Honestly,youactasiftheywereyourownkids.

You’rejustthegoverness.”

“They’remyresponsibility,”shepointedout.“Ifanythinghappenedtothem…”
“Yourfriendisgoingtowatchthem.Nowstoparguingandletmetellyouaboutthisnewhotel

andcasinothey’reopeningoveronParadiseIsland.”

“Okay,”sherelented,smiling.“I’llstopbrooding.”

Outsidebythepool,PaulinehadnoticedthatKasieandhercompanioncouldn’tseebeyondthe

hedges.Shesmiledcoldlyasshelookedatthelittlegirls.Jennywassittingonthestepsofthewading
pool,playingwithoneofherdollsinthewater.

ClosertoPauline,Besswasstaringdownattheswimmingpoolwherethewaterwasaboutsix

feetdeep—fartoodeepforhertoswimin.

“IwishIcoulddive,”shetoldPauline.

“Butit’seasy,”Paulinetoldher,makinginstantplans.“Justputyourarmsoutinfrontofyou

likethis,”shedemonstrated,“andjumpin.Really,it’ssimple.”

“Areyousure?”Bessasked,thrilledthatanadultmightactuallyteachherhowtodive!
“Ofcourse!I’mrighthere.Howdangerouscanitbe?Goahead.Youcandoit.”
Ofcourseshecould,Bessthought,laughingwithdelight.Sheputherarmsintheposition

Paulinehaddemonstratedandshiftedherpositiontodivein.Therewasn’tanybodyelsearoundthe
pooltonoticeifshediditwrong.She’dshowherdaddywhenhecameback.Wouldn’thebe
surprised?

Shemovedagain,justasPaulinesuddenlyturnedaround.Herlegaccidentallycaughtoneof

Bess’s.PaulinefellandsodidBess,butBess’sheadhitthepavementasshewentdown.The
momentumkepthergoing,andsherolledintothepool,unconscious.

“Oh,damn!”Paulinegroaned.Shegottoherfeetandlookedintothepool,awarethatJennywas

screaming.“Doshutup!”shetoldthechild.“I’llhavetogetsomeone…”

Butevenasshespoke,Gilcamearoundthecornerofthehotel,oblivioustowhathadjust

happened.

“Daddy!”Jennyscreamed.“Bessfalledintheswimmypool!”
Gildidn’tevenbreakstride.Hebrokeintoarunanddivedinthesecondhewascloseenough.

Hewenttothebottom,scoopeduphislittlegirlandswambackupwithallthespeedhecouldmuster.
Outofbreath,hecoughedasheliftedBessontothetilesbythepoolandclimbedouthimself.He
turnedthechildoverandrubbedherback,awarethatshewasstillbreathingbysomemiracle.She
coughedandwaterbegantodribbleoutofhermouth,andthentogushoutofitassheregained
consciousness.

“Callanambulance,”heshotatPauline.
“Oh,dear,oh,dear,”shemurmured,bitinghernails.
“Calladamnedambulance!”heraged.
OneofthepoolboyssawwhatwasgoingonandtoldGilhe’dphonefrominsidethehotel.
“Where’sKasie?”GilaskedPaulinewithhatefuleyesasJennythrewherselfagainsthimtobe

comforted.Besswasstillcoughingupwater.

Thereitwas.Theopportunity.Paulinedrewinaquickbreath.“Thatmancamebytotakeherto

lunch.Youknow,themanshemetontheplane.Shebeggedmetowatchthegirlssothey’dhavetime
totalk.”

Gildidn’tsayanything,buthiseyeswereveryexpressive.“Whereisshe?”
“Ireallydon’tknow,”Paulinelied,wide-eyed.“Shedidn’tsaywheretheyweregoing.Shewas

clingingtohimlikeivyandobviouslyveryanxioustobealonewithhim,”sheadded.“Ican’tsayI
blameher,he’sveryhandsome.”

“Besscouldhavedied.”
“ButIwasrighthere.Ineverleftthem,”sheassuredhim.“Thegirlsmeaneverythingtome.

Here,letmehaveJenny.I’lltakecareofherwhileyougetBessseento.”

“WantKasie,”Jennywhimpered.
“There,there,darling,”Paulinesaidsweetly,kissingtheplumplittlecheek.“Pauline’shere.”
“DamnKasie!”Gilbitoff,horrifiedatwhatmighthavehappened.Kasieknewhedidn’ttrust

Paulinetowatchthegirls.WhyhadKasiebeensoirresponsible?Wasittogetbackathimforwhat
he’dsaidthenighttheyarrivedinNassau?

Whentheambulancearrived,KasieandZekelefttheirdesserthalf-eatenandrushedoutthe

door.Zekehadtostoptopaythecheck,butKasie,apprehensiveanduneasywithoutknowingexactly
why,roundedthecornerofthebuildingjustintimetoseelittleBessbeingloadedontothe
ambulance.

“Bess!Whathappened?!”Kasieasked,sobbing.
“Shehitherheadonthepool,apparently,andalmostdrowned,whileyouwereawayhavinga

goodtimewithyourboyfriend,”Gilsaidfuriously.Theexpressiononhisfacecouldhavebacked
downamob.“You’vegotatickethome.Useittoday.Gobacktotheranchandstartpacking.Iwant
yououtofmyhousewhenIgetback.I’llsendyourseverancepayalong,andyoucanthankyour
luckystarsthatI’mnotpressingcharges!”

“But,but,Paulinewaswatchingthem—”Kasiebegan,horrifiedatBess’swhitefaceandbig,

tragiceyesstaringatherfromtheambulance.

“Itwasyourjobtowatchthem,”Gilshotather.“That’swhatyouwerepaidtodo.Shecould

havedied,damnyou!”

Kasiewentstarkwhite.“I’msorry,”shechoked,horrified.
“Toolate,”hereturned,headingtotheambulance.“Youheardme,Kasie,”headdedcoldly.“Get

out.Pauline,takecareofJennyuntilIgetback.”

“Ofcourse,darling,”shecooed.
“Andgetherawayfromtheswimmingpool!”
“I’lltakeheruptomyroomandreadtoher.Ihopeyou’llbefine,Bess,darling,”sheadded.
Kasiestoodlikealittlestatue,sickandaloneandfrightenedastheambulanceclosedupand

rushedaway,itslightsflashingominously.

PaulineturnedandgaveKasieasuperiorappraisal.“Itseemsyou’reoutofajob,Miss

Mayfield.”

Kasiewastoosickathearttoreact.Shedidn’thaveitinherforafight.SeeingBesslyingthere,

sowhiteandfragilewasacutelypainful.EvenJennyseemednottolikeheranymore.Sheburiedher
faceagainstPaulineandclung.

Paulineturnedandcarriedthechildbacktoherchaiseloungetogetherroomkey.Notbad,she

thought,foramorning’swork.Oneseriousrivalaccountedforandoutoftheway.

ZekecaughtupwithKasieatthepool.“Whathappened?”heasked,brushingastraytearfrom

Kasie’scheek.

“Bessalmostdrowned,”shesaidhuskily.“Paulinepromisedtowatchher.Howdidshehither

head?”

“Iwouldn’tputmuchpastthatwoman,”hetoldKasiesomberly.“Somepeoplewon’ttolerate

rivals.”

“I’mnorival,”shereplied.“Ineverwas.”
Havingnotedtheexpressiononherboss’sfaceattheairportwhenhe’dsaidgoodbyetoKasie,

hecouldhavedisputedthat.Heknewjealousywhenhesawit.Themanhadbeenlookingathimasif
he’dliketoputastakethroughhisheart.

“Hefiredme,”Kasiecontinueddazedly.“Hefiredme,withoutevenlettingmeexplain.”
“Trustme,afterwhatevershetoldhim,itwouldn’thavedoneanygood.Gohomeandletthings

cooldown,”headded.“Mostmenregaintheirreasonwhentheinitialupsetpasses.”

“Youknowalotaboutpeople,”Kasieremarkedastheystarteduptoherroom.
“I’mareporter.Itgoeswiththeterritory.I’llgowithyoutotheairportandhelpyouchangethe

ticket,”headdedgrimly.“NotthatIwantto.Iwaslookingforwardtogettingtoknowyou.Nowwe’ll
beshipsthatpassedinthenight.”

“Sowewill.Doyoubelieveinfate?”sheaskednumbly.
“Ido.Mostthingshappenforareason.Justgowiththeflow.”Hegrinned.“Anddon’tforgetto

givemeyourhomeaddress!Iwon’tbeoutofthecountryforever.”

Chapter8

tdidn'ttakelongforKasietopack.Shewouldn’tletherselfthinkofwhatwasahead,becauseshe’d

cry,andshedidn’thavetimefortears.Shechangedintoaneatgraypantsuittotravelin,andpicked
uphersuitcaseandpursetoputthembythedoor.Butshestoppedlongenoughtofindthephone
numberofthehospitalandcheckonBess.Theheadnurseonthefloor,onceKasie’srelationshipto
thegirlswasmadeclear,toldherthatthechildwassittingupinbedaskingforicecream.Kasie
thankedherandhungup.Shewonderedifthenewswouldhavebeenquiteasforthcomingifshe’d
mentionedthatshe’djustbeenfired.

Shemovedoutintothesittingroomwithherheartlikeaheavyweightinherchest.Shelooked

aroundtomakesureshehadn’tforgottenanythingandwentintothehallwithhersmallpieceof
carry-onluggageonwheelsandherpocketbook.Itwasthemostpainfulmomentofherrecentlife.
ShethoughtofneverseeingthegirlsandGilagain,ofhavingGilhateher.Tearsstunghereyes,and
shedashedatthemimpatientlywithatissue.

AsshepassedPauline’sroom,shehesitated.ShewantedtosaygoodbyetolittleJenny.Buton

secondthought,shewentaheadtotheelevator,decidingthatitwouldonlymakemattersworse.
Besides,PaulinewasprobablystillatthehospitalwithGil.Shewishedsheknewwhathadreally
happenedbythepool.SheshouldneverhaveleftthegirlswithPauline,despitetheotherwoman’s
assurancesthatshe’dlookafterthem.Gilhadsaidoftenenoughthatshewasresponsibleforthem,
notPauline.Sheshouldhavelistened.

Downstairs,Zekewaswaitingforher.Heputhersmallbagintothelittlecarhe’drentedatthe

airportanddrovehertotheairporttocatchherflight.

Atthehospital,Besswasdemandingicecream.Gilhuggedherclose,morefrightenedthanhe

wantedtoadmitabouthoweasilyhecouldhavelostherforever.

“I’mokay,Daddy,”sheassuredhimwithagrin.
“Doesyourheadhurt?”heasked,touchingthebandagethedoctorhadplacedoverthecut,which

hadbeenstitched.

“Onlyalittle.Buticecreamwouldmakeitfeelbetter,”sheaddedhopefully.
“I’llseewhatIcando,”hepromisedwithastrainedsmile.
Thenursecamein,motioningPaulineandJennyinbehindher.“Ithoughtitmighthelptolether

sisterseeher,”shetoldGilconfidentially.

“Hi,Bess,”Jennysaid,sidlinguptothebed.“Areyouokay?”
“I’mfine,”Bessassuredher.“Butitwasrealscary.”SheglaredatPauline.“Itwasyourfault.

Youtrippedme.”

“Bess!”GilwarnedhisdaughterwhilewonderingatPauline’soddexpression.
“Ididnottripyou!”Paulineshotback.
“Youdidso,”Bessargued.“Iwouldn’tdivein,andyoutrippedmesoI’dfallin.”

“She’sobviouslydelirious,”Paulinesaidtautly.
“YoutoldKasieyou’dstayrightwithus,”shecontinuedangrily.“Andshetoldusnottogo

swimming,butyoushowedmehowtodiveandyoutoldmetodiveintothepool.AndwhenIdidn’t,
youtrippedme!”

Paulinewasflushed.Gilwaslookingvaguelymurderous.“Shedidhitherhead,youknow,”she

stammered.“Iwastellingherhowtodive,Ididn’ttellhertoactuallydoit!”

“YoutrippedmeandIhurtmyself!”Besskepton.
PaulinebackedawayfromGil.“WhatdoIknowaboutkids?”sheaskedimpatiently.“Shesaid

shewantedtolearnhowtoswim.Ishowedheradivingposition.ThenIslippedonthewettilesand
fellagainsther.Itwasanaccident.Inevermeanttohurther.YoumustknowthatIwouldn’t
deliberatelyhurtachild!”sheaddedfiercely.

Hewasstillsilent,asthefearforBessbegantofadeandhisreasoncamebacktohim.
Paulinegrabbedupherpurse.“IwasjusttryingtodoKasieafavor,”shemuttered.“That

reporterwantedtotakehertolunchandItoldhertogoahead,thatI’dwatchthekids.Besides,she
wasjustintherestaurantnexttothepool!”

Gilfelthisstomachdoanosedive.SoKasiehadn’tdesertedthekids.Paulinehadtoldhertogo,

andshe’dbeenrightinside.He’dfiredKasie,thinkingshewasatfault!

“Iimaginethatreporterwenthomewithher,”Paulinecontinueddeliberately.“Theywereall

overeachotherwhenhecametopickherup.Besides,governessesarethickontheground.Itwon’t
behardtoreplaceher.”

“Oryou,”hesaidcoldly.
Shelookedshocked.“Youcan’tmeanyou’refiringme?”
“I’mfiringyou,Pauline,”hesaid,feelinglikeaprizeidiot.Kasiewasgone,anditwasasmuch

Pauline’sfaultasitwashisown.Heknewshedidn’tlikeKasie.“Ineedafull-timesecretary.We’ve
discussedthisbefore.”

Shestartedtoargue,butitwasobviousthattherewasnouseinit.Shemightstillbeableto

salvagesomethingoftheirrelationship,justthesame,ifshedidn’tmakeascene.“Allright,”shesaid
heavily.“Butwemightaswellenjoythevacation,sincewe’rehere.”

Hisfacebecamehard.HethoughtofKasiegoingbacktoMontana,packing,leaving.Foran

instanthepanicked,thinkingthatshemightgosofarawaythathe’dneverfindher.

ThenherememberedherauntinBillings.Surelyshewouldn’tbethathardtolocate.He’dgiveit

afewdays,letKasiegetovertheangershemustbefeelingrightnow.Maybeshe’dmissthegirlsand
hecouldpersuadehertocomeback.Godknew,shewouldn’tmisshim,hethoughtbitterly.He’d
probablydonemoredamagethanhecouldevermakeuptoher.Butwhentheygotback,hewasgoing
totry.MisjudgingKasieseemedtobehisfavoritehobbythesedays,hethoughtmiserably.

“Yes,”hetoldPaulineslowly.“Isupposewemightaswellstay.”
Paulinehadhardlydaredhopeforsomuchtimewithhim.Shewasgoingtotry,reallytry,to

takecareofthegirlsandmakethemlikeher.

“Bess,shallIgoandaskiftheyhavechocolateicecream?”sheasked,tryingtomakefriends.

“I’mreallysorryaboutaccidentallyknockingyouintothepool.”

“IwantKasie,”Bessmuttered.
“Kasie’sgonehome,”Gilsaidabruptly,notaddingthathe’dfiredher.
“Gonehome?”Bess’sfacecrumpled.“Butwhy?”
“BecauseItoldherto,”hesaidshortly.“Andthat’senoughaboutKasie.We’regoingtohavea

goodtime…Oh,forGod’ssake,don’tstartbawling!”

Nowitwasn’tjustBesscrying,itwasJenny,too.Paulinesighedheavily.“Well,we’regoingto

haveaverygoodtime,aren’twe?”shesaidtonobodyinparticular.

MamaLukeneverpriedoraskedawkwardquestions.SheheldKasiewhileshecried,sentherto

unpackandmadehotchocolateandchickensoup.ThathadalwaysbeenKasie’sfavoritemealwhen
shewasupset.

Kasiesatdownacrossfromheratthesmallkitchentablethathadagailypatternedtablecloth

decoratedwithpinkrosesandsippedhersoupwithaspoon.

“Youdon’thavetosayaword,”MamaLuketoldhergently,andsmiled.Shehadeyeslikeher

sister,Kasie’smother,darkbrownandsoft.Shehaddarkhair,too,whichshekeptshort.Herhands,
aroundthemug,werethinandwrinklednow,andtwistedwitharthritis,buttheywereloving,helping
hands.Kasiehadalwaysenviedherauntherabilitytogiveloveunconditionally.

“I’vebeenarealidiot,”Kasieremarkedassheworkedthroughhersoup.“Ishouldneverhave

letPaulinelookafterthegirls.Sheisn’treallymalicious,butshe’shopelesslyirresponsible.”

“Youhaven’thadamanfriendinmyrecentmemory,”MamaLukeremarked.“I’msureyou

wereflatteredtohaveahandsomeyoungmanwanttotakeyououttolunch.”

“Iwas.Butthatdoesn’tmeanthatIshouldhaveletPaulinetalkmeintoleavingthegirlswithher.

Besscouldveryeasilyhavedrowned,anditwouldhavebeenmyfault,”sheaddedmiserably.

“Giveittime,”theolderwomansaidgently.“First,let’sgetyousettledin.Thenyoucanhelpme

withthegarden,”sheaddedwithagrin.

Despitehermisery,Kasielaughed.“Isee.You’rehappytohavemebackbecauseI’mfreelabor.”
MamaLukelaughed,too.Itwasastandingjoke,thewayshepress-gangedevencasualvisitors

intotakingaturnatweedingthegarden.Sheprescribeditasthebestcurefordepression,miseryand
anxiety.Shewasright.Itdidalottorestoreagoodmood.

Inthedaysthatfollowed,Kasieworkedinthegardenalot.ShethoughtaboutGil,andthe

hungrywayhe’dkissedher.Shethoughtaboutthegirlsandmissedthemterribly.She’dreally
expectedGiltophoneher.HeknewshehadanauntinBillings,anditwouldn’thavetakenmuch
effortforhimtotrackherdown.Infact,she’dputMamaLuke’stelephonenumberdownonherjob
applicationincaseofemergency.

Thethoughtdepressedherevenmore.Heknewwhereshe’dbe,butapparentlyhewasstillangry

ather.GodknewwhatPaulinehadsaidatthehospitalabouthowtheaccidenthappened.She’d
probablyblamedthewholethingonKasie.Maybethegirlsblamedher,too,forleavingthemwith
Pauline,whomtheydisliked.She’dneverfeltquitesoalone.ShethoughtofKantorandgreweven
sadder.

MamaLukecameoutintothegardenandcaughtherbrooding.“Stopthat,”shechidedsoftly.

“ThisisGod’sheart,”shepointedout.“It’screationitself,plantingseedandwatchinglittlethings
grow.Itshouldcheeryouup.”

“ImissBessandJenny,”shesaidquietly,leaningonherhoe.Shewasdirtyfromheadtotoe,

havinggottendowninthesoiltopulloutstubbornweeds.Therewasastreakofitacrossherchin,
whichMamaLukewipedoffwithoneofthetissuesshealwayscarriedinherpocket.

“I’msuretheymissyou,too,”theolderwomanassuredher.“Don’tworryso.Itwillallcome

right.Sometimeswejusthavetothinkofourselvesasleavesgoingdownariver.It’seasytoforget
thatGod’sdriving.”

“MaybeHedoesn’tmindbackseatdrivers,”Kasiesaidwithagrin.
MamaLukechuckled.“You’reincorrigible.Almostthrough?Imadehotchocolateandchicken

withricesoup.”

“Comfortfood.”Kasiesmiled.
“Absolutely.Stopandeatsomething.”

Kasielookedattheweedingthatstillhadtobedonewithalongsigh.“Oh,well,maybethe

mailmanhassomefrustrationstoworkoff.He’sbiggerthanIam.I’llbethehoeswell.”

“I’lltrytofindout,”shewasassured.“Comeoninandwashup.”
ItwasgoodsoupandKasiehadworkedupanappetite.Shefeltbetter.Butshestillhatedtheway

she’dlefttheCallisterranch.ProbablyeverybodyblamedherforBess’saccident.Especiallytheone
personfromwhomshedreadedit.“IguessGilhatesme.”

ThepaininthosewordsmadeMamaLukereachoutagentlehandtocoverherniece’sonthe

table.“I’msurehedoesn’t,”shecontradicted.“HewasupsetandfrightenedforBess.Weallsay
thingsweshouldn’twhenouremotionsareoutofcontrol.He’llapologize.Iimaginehe’llofferyou
yourjobbackaswell.”

Kasieshiftedinthechair.“It’sbeenaweek,”shesaid.“Ifheweregoingtohiremeback,he’d

havebeenintouch.IsupposehestillbelievesPaulineandthinkshe’sdonethebestthingbyfiring
me.”

“Doyoureally?”Herauntpursedherlipsasherkeenearscaughtthesoundofacarpullingup

inthedriveway.“Finishyourhotcocoa,dear.I’llgoandseewhothatisdrivingupoutfront.”

Forjustafewseconds,KasiehopeditwouldbeGil,cometogiveherbackherjob.Butthat

wouldtakeamiracle.Herlifehadchangedalloveragain.Shewasjustgoingtohavetoacceptitand
getanewjob.Somethingwouldturnupsomewhere,surely.

Sheheardvoicesinthelivingroom.Oneofthemwasdeepandslow,andsheshiveredwith

emotionassherealizedthatshewasn’tdreaming.Shegotupandwentintothelivingroom.Andthere
hewas.

GilstoppedtalkingmidsentenceandjustlookedatKasie.Shewaswearingoldjeansandafaded

T-shirt,withherhairaroundhershoulders.He’dmissedhermorethanhethoughthecouldmiss
anyone.Hisheartfilledwithjustthesightofher.

“Ibelieveyou,uh,knoweachother,”MamaLukesaidmischievously.
“Yes,wedo,”Kasiesaid.Sherecalledthefuryinhispaleeyesasheaccusedherofcausing

Bess’saccident,thefuryashefiredher.Itwastoopainfultogothroughagain,andhedidn’tlookas
ifhe’dcometomakeanyapologies.Sheturnedawaymiserably.“Ifyou’llexcuseme,Ihavetoclean
up,”shecalledoverhershoulder.

“Kasie…!”Gilcalledangrily.
Shekeptwalkingdownthehalltoherroom,andsheclosedandlockedthedoor.Thepainwas

justtoomuch.Shecouldn’tbearthecondemnationinhiseyes.

Gilmutteredunderhisbreath.“Well,somuchforwishfulthinking,”hesaidalmosttohimself.
“Comealongandhavesomehotcocoa,Mr.Callister,”MamaLukesaidwithagentlesmile.“I

thinkyouandIhavealottotalkabout.”

Hefollowedherintothesmall,brightkitchenwithitswhiteandyellowaccents.Shemotioned

himintoachairatthetablewhileshepouredthestill-hotcocoaintoamugandofferedittohim.

“I’mSisterLuke,”sheintroducedherself,notinghissuddenstart.“Yes,that’sright,I’manun.

Myorderdoesn’twearthehabit.Iworkwithahealthoutreachprograminthiscommunity.”

Hesippedcocoa,feelingasifmorerevelationswereinstore,andthathewasn’tgoingtolike

them.

Shesippedherowncocoa.Hewasobviouslywaitingforhertospeakagain.Hestudiedher

quietly,hisblueeyestroubledandfaintlydisappointedatKasie’sreception.

“She’sstillgrieving,”shetoldGil.“Shedidn’tgiveitenoughtimebeforeshestartedbackto

work.Itriedtotellher,butyoungpeoplearesodeterminedthesedays.”

Helatchedontotheword.“Grieving?”
“Yes.”Herdarkeyeswerequietandsoftastheymethis.“Hertwin,Kantor,andhiswifeand

littlegirldiedthreemonthsago.”

Hisbreathcaught.“Inanairplanecrash,”hesaid,recallingwhatKasiehadsaid.
“Airplanecrash?”Hereyeswidened.“Well,Isupposeyoucouldcallitthat,inamannerof

speaking.Theirlightaircraftwasshotdown—”

“What?”heexploded.
Shefrowned.“Don’tyouknowanythingaboutKasie?”
“No.Idon’t.Notonething!”
Sheletoutawhistle.“Isupposethatexplainssomeoftheproblem.Perhapsifyouknewabout

herbackground…”Sheleanedbackinherchair.“HerparentswerelaymissionariestoAfrica.While
theywereworkingthere,arebeluprisingoccurredandtheywerekilled.”Shenoddedathislookof
horror.“Ihadalreadytakenmyvowsbythen,andIwastheonlyfamilythatKasieandKantorhad
left.Iarrangedtohavethemcometome,andIenrolledthemintheschoolwhereIwasteaching,and
living,atthetime.InArizona,”sheadded.“Kantorwantednothingmorethantoflyairplanes.He
studiedflyingwhilehewasinschoolandlaterwentintopartnershipwithafriendfromcollege.They
startedasmallcharterservice.TherewasanopportunityinAfricaforacourierservice,sohe
decidedtogothereandsetupasecondheadquartersforthecompany.Whilehewasthere,hemarried
andhadalittlegirl,Sandy.SheandLise,Kantor ’swife,cameandstayedwithKasieandmewhile
Kasiewasgoingthroughsecretarialschool.Kantordidn’twantthemwithhimjustthen,becausethere
wassomepoliticaltrouble.Itcalmeddownandhecameandrejoinedhisfamily.Hewantedtobring
everyonehometoAfrica.”

Shegrimaced.“Kasiedidn’twanthimtogoback.Shesaiditwastoorisky,especiallyforLise

andSandy.SheadoredSandy…”Shehesitated,andtookasteadyingbreath,becausethememorywas
painful.“Kantortoldhertomindherownbusiness,andtheyallleft.Thatsameweek,abandof
guerrillasattackedthetownwherehehadhisbusiness.HegotLiseandSandyintheplaneandwas
flyingthemtoanearbytownwhensomeonefiredarocketatthem.Theyalldiedinstantly.”

“MyGod,”hesaidhuskily.
“Kasietookitevenharderbecausethey’dargued.Ittookweeksforhertobeabletodiscussit

withoutbreakingdown.She’dgraduatedfromsecretarialcollegeandIinsistedthatshegotowork,
notbecauseofmoney,butbecauseitwaskillinghertositandbroodaboutKantor.”

Hewrappedbothhandsaroundthecocoamugandstaredintothefrothyliquid.“Iknewthere

wassomething,”hesaidquietly.“Butshenevertalkedaboutanythingpersonal.”

“Sherarelydoes,exceptwithme.”Shestudiedhim.“Shesaidthatyourwifediedinariding

accidentandthatyouhavetwobeautifullittlegirls.”

“Theyhateme,”hesaidmatter-of-factly.“IfiredKasie.”Heshruggedandsmiledfaintly.“John,

mybrother,isn’tevenspeakingtome.”

“They’llgetoverit.”
“Theymay.Iwon’t.”Hewouldn’tmeethereyes.“IthoughtImightpersuadehertocomeback.I

supposethat’sahopelesscause?”

“She’shurtthatyoumisjudgedher,”sheexplained.“Kasieloveschildren.Itwouldneveroccur

tohertoleavetheminanydanger.”

“Iknowthat.Iknewitthen,too,butIwasoutofmymindwithfear.IsupposeIlashedout.Idon’t

knowmuchaboutfamilies,”headded,feelingsafewiththisstranger.Helookedupather.“My
brotherandIwereneverpartofone.Ourparentshadagovernessforusuntilwewereoldenoughto
besentofftoschool.Icanremembermonthsgoingbywhenwewouldn’tseethemorhearfrom
them.Evennow,”headdedstiffly,“theyonlycontactuswhentheythinkofsomenewwaywecanhelp
themmakemoney.”

Sheslidawrinkledhandoverhis.“I’msorry,”shesaidgently.Sheremovedherhandand

pushedaplateofcookiestowardhim.“Comfortfood,”shesaidwithagleefulsmile.“Indulge
yourself.”

“Thanks.”Hebitintoadeliciouslemoncookie.
“Kasiesaysyouloveyourgirlsverymuch,andthatyouneverleavethemwithpeopleyoudon’t

trust.She’shatingherselfbecauseshedidleavethemagainstherbetterjudgment.Sheblamesherself
fortheaccident.”

Hesighed.“Itwasn’therfault.Notreally.”Hiseyesglittered.“Shewantedtohavelunchwitha

manshemetontheplane.Agood-looking,youngman,”headdedbitterly.“Paulineadmittedcausing
theaccident,butIwashotbecauseKasiewasupsetaboutflyingandIdidn’tknowituntilitwastoo
late.Shewassittingallbyherself.”Hisfacehardened.“IfI’dknownwhatyoujusttoldme,we’dhave
gonebyboat.I’dneverhavesubjectedhertoanairplaneride.ButKasiekeepssecrets.Shedoesn’t
talkaboutherself.”

“Neitherdoyou,Ithink,”shereplied.
Heshruggedandpickedupanothercookie.“Shelooksworn,”heremarked.
“I’vehadherworkinginmygarden,”sheexplained.“It’sgoodtherapy.”
Hesmiled.“Iworkcattlefortherapy.MybrotherandIhaveabigranchhereinMontana.We

wouldn’ttradeitforanything.”

“Ilikeanimals.”Shesippedcocoa.
Sodidhe.Helookedatheroverthemug.“Kasiementionedshewasnamedforthemercenary

K.C.Kanton.”

Sheraisedaneyebrowamusedly.“That’sright.I’mnotsurehowmuchshetoldyou,butwhen

Jackie,hermother,wascarryingher,therewasaguerrillaattackonthemission.Bob,mybrother-in-
law,wasawaywithabandofworkersbuildingabarnforaneighboringfamily.They’dhelpeda
woundedmercenarysoldierhidefromthesameguerrillas,partofaninsurgentgroupthatwantedto
overthrowthegovernment.Hewaswellenoughtogetaroundbythen,andhegotJackieoutofthe
missionandthroughthejungletowhereBobwas.KasieandKantorwerebornonlyadaylater.And
that’swhyshewasnamedforK.C.Kantor.”

“Theybothwerenamedforhim,”herealized.“Amazing.WhatI’veheardaboutKantoroverthe

yearsdoesn’tincludeagenerousspiritorunselfishness.”

“Thatmaybetrue.Buthepayshisdebts.He’dstillliketotakecareofKasie,”sheaddedwitha

softchuckle.“Shewon’tlethim.She’sasindependentasmysisterusedtobe.”

ItdisturbedhimsomehowthatKasiewascherishedbyanothermanwhocouldgiveheranything

shewanted.“Hemustbeagreatdealolderthansheis,”hemurmuredabsently.

“Hedoesn’thavethosekindoffeelingsforher,”shesaidquietly,andtherewaspaininhersoft

eyes.“Hemissedoutonfamilylifeandchildren.Ithinkhe’ssorryaboutthatnow.Hetriedtogether
tocomeandstaywithhiminMexicountilshegotoverlosinghertwin,butshewouldn’tgo.”

“OneofherothercharacterreferenceswasaCatholicpriest.”
Shenodded.“FatherVincent,inTucson,Arizona.Hewasthepriestforoursmallparish.”She

sighed.“Kasiehasn’tbeentomasssinceherbrotherdied.I’vebeensoworriedabouther.”

“Shementionedtakingthegirlswithhertochurch,”Gilsaidafteraminute.“IfIcangetherto

comebacktoworkforme,itmightbethecatalysttohelpherheal.”

“Itmightatthat,”sheagreed.
Giltookanothercookieandnibbledit.“Thesearegood.”
“Myonekitchentalent,”shesaid.“Icanmakecookies.Otherwise,IliveonTVdinnersandthe

kindnessoffriendswhocancook.”

Hesippedcocoaandthought.“HowcanIgethertogobackwithme?”heaskedafteraminute.
“Tellherthegirlsarecryingthemselvestosleepatnight,”shesuggestedgently.“Shemisses

Sandyevenmorethanhertwin.Sheandthelittlegirlwereveryclose.”

“She’sclosetomygirls,”heremarkedwithareminiscentsmile.“Ifthere’sastormortheyget

frightenedinthenight,IcanalwaysfindthemcurledupinKasie’sarms.”Hisvoiceseemedtocatch
onthewords.Heavertedhiseyestowardthehallway.“Thelightwentoutofthehousewhensheleft
it.”

Shewonderedifheevenrealizedwhathewassaying.Probablynot.Menseemedtomissthings

thatwomennoticedatonce.

“I’llgoandgether,”shesaid,pushingbackherchair.“Youcansitbymyfishpondandtalkwith

thegoldfish.”

“Myuncleusedtohaveone,”herecalled,standing.“Ihaven’thadonebuiltbecauseofthegirls.

Whenthey’reolder,I’dliketoputinanotherone.”

“Ihadtodigitmyself,andI’mnotthewomanIusedtobe.It’sonlyalittleoverafootdeep.One

ofmyneighborsgavemehisusedpondheaterwhenheboughtanewone.Itkeepsmyfourgoldfish
aliveallwinterlong.”Shemovedtothedoor.“It’sjustoutsidethebackdoor,nearthebirdbath.I’ll
sendKasieouttoyou.”

Hewentout,hishandsinhispockets,thinkinghowlittlehe’dknownaboutKasie.Itmightbe

impossibleforthemtoregainthegroundthey’dlost,buthewantedtotry.Hislifewasutterlyempty
withoutherinit.

MamaLukeknockedgentlyatKasie’sdoorandwaiteduntilitopened.Kasielookedather

guiltily.

“Iwasrude.I’msorry,”shetoldtheolderwoman.
“Ididn’tcometofuss,”MamaLukesaid.ShetouchedKasie’sdisheveledhairgently.“Iwantyou

togooutandtalktoMr.Callister.Hefeelsbadaboutthethingshesaidtoyou.Hewantsyoutogo
backtoworkforhim.”

Kasiegaveherauntabelligerentlook.“Inhisdreams,”shemuttered.
“Thelittlegirlsmissyouverymuch,”shesaid.
Kasiegrimaced.“Imissthem,too.”
“Goonoutthereandfaceyourproblemsquarely,”MamaLukecoaxed.“He’sareasonableman,

andhe’shadafewshockstoday.Givehimachancetomakeituptoyou.He’snice,”sheadded.“Ilike
him.”

“Youlikeeverybody,MamaLuke,”Kasiesaidsoftly.
“He’soutbythegoldfishpond.Anddon’tpushhimin,”sheaddedwithawickedlittlesmile.
Kasiechuckled.“Okay.”
Shetookadeepbreathandwentdownthehall.Butherhandstrembledwhensheopenedtheback

doorandwalkedoutside.Shehadn’trealizedhowmuchshewasgoingtomissGilCallisteruntilshe
wasoutofhislife.Nowshehadtodecidewhetherornottoriskgoingback.Itwasn’tgoingtobean
easydecision.

Chapter9

ilwassittingonthesmallwoodenbenchoverlookingtherock-borderedovalfishpond,hiselbows

restingonhiskneesashepeereddownthoughtfullyintotheclearwaterwherewaterliliesbloomed
inpinkandyellowprofusion.Helookedtired,Kasiethought,watchinghimcovertly.Maybehe’d
beenawayonbusinessandnotonholidaywithPaulineafterall.

Helookedupwhenheheardherfootsteps.Hegottohisfeet.Helookedeleganteveninthat

yellowpoloshirtandbeigeslacks,shethought.Hewasn’tatallhandsome,buthisfacewasmasculine
andhehadamouththatshelovedkissing.Sheavertedhereyesuntilshewasabletocontrolthe
suddenimpulsetoruntohim.Wouldn’tthatshockhim,shethoughtsadly.

Helookedwary,andhewasn’tsmiling.Hestudiedherforalongtime,asifhe’dforgottenwhat

shelookedlikeandwantedtoabsorbeverydetailofher.

“Howarethegirls?”sheaskedquietly.“IsBessgoingtobeallright?”
“Bessisfine,”hereplied.“Shetoldmeeverything.”Hegrimaced.“EvenPaulineadmittedthat

she’dtoldyoutogoandhavelunchwithwhat’s-his-name,andshe’dwatchthegirls.Shesaidshe
slippedandtrippedBess.Iimagineit’sthetruth.She’sneverbeenmuchofaliar,regardlessofher
faults,”hereturned,hisvoiceflat,withoutexpression.“Theytoldmeyouphonedthehospitaltomake
sureBesswasallright.”

“Iwasworried,”shesaid,uneasy.
Hetoyedwiththechangeinhispocket,makingitjingle.“Besswantedyou,inthehospital.When

Itoldheryou’dgonehome,sheandJennybothstartedcrying.”Thememorytautenedhisface.“For
whatit’sworth,I’msorrythatIblamedyou.”

She’dneverwantedtobelieveanythingasmuchasthatapology.Butitwasstilldisturbingthat

he’daccusedherwithoutproof,thathe’dassumedBess’saccidentwasherfault.Shewantedtogo
backinthehouse.Butthatwouldn’tsolvetheproblem.Shehadtotryandforget.Hewashereand
he’dapologized.Theyhadtogofromthere.“It’sallright,”shesaidafteraminute,hereyesonthe
fishinsteadofhim.“Iunderstand.Youcan’thelpitthatyoudon’tlikeme.”

“Don’t…likeyou?”heasked.Thestatementsurprisedhim.
Shetoyedwiththehemofhershirt.“Youneverwantedtohiremeinthefirstplace,really,”she

continued.“Youlookedatmeasifyouhatedmetheminuteyousawme.”

Hiseyeswerethoughtful.“DidI?”Hedidn’twanttopursuethatlineofconversation.Itwastoo

new,toodisturbing,afterhavingrealizedhowhefeltabouther.“WhydoyoucallyourauntMama
Luke?”heaskedtodiverther.

“BecausewhenIwasfive,Icouldn’tmanageSisterMaryLukeBernadette,”shereplied.“She

wasMamaLukefromthenon.”

Hewinced.“That’sayoungagetolosebothparents.”
“That’swhyIknowhowBessandJennyfeel,”shetoldhim.
Hisexpelledbreathwasaudible.“I’vemadeahellofamessofit,haven’tI,Kasie?”heasked

somberly.“Ijumpedtotheworstsortofconclusions.”

Shemovedawkwardlytotheothersideofthefishpondandwrappedherarmsaroundherbody.

“Iwasn’tthinkingstraight.Iknewyoudidn’ttrustPaulinetotakecareofthegirls,butIletmyselfbe
talkedintoleavingthemwithher.Youwereright.Besscouldhavedrownedanditwouldhavebeen
myfault.”

“Stickthekniferightin,don’tbeshy,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.Hisblueeyesglittered.“God

knows,Ideserveit.”

Hereyesmethis,widewithcuriosity.“Idon’tunderstand.”
Sheprobablydidn’t.“Nevermind.”Hestuckhishandsintohispockets.“IfiredPauline.”
“But…!”
“Itwasn’tcompletelybecauseofwhathappenedinNassau.Ineedsomeonefull-time,”he

interrupted.“Sheonlywantedthejobinthefirstplacesothatshecouldbenearme.”

Thebreezeblewherhairacrosshermouth.Shepusheditbackbehindherear.“Thatmusthave

beenflattering.”

“Itwas,atfirst,”heagreed.“I’veknownPaulineforalongtime,andherattentionwasflattering.

However,regardlessofhowBessfellintothewater,Paulinedidn’tmakeamovetorescueher.Ican’t
getoverthat.”

Kasieunderstood.She’dhavebeeninthepoolsecondsafterBessfellin,despitethefactthatshe

couldn’tswim.

Hispiercingblueeyescaughthers.“Yes,Iknow.You’dhavebeenrightinafterher,”hesaid

softly,asifhe’dreadthethoughtinhermind.“Evenifyou’dhadtoberescuedaswell,”headded
gently.

“Peoplereactdifferentlytodesperatesituations,”shesaid.
“Indeedtheydo.”Hiseyesnarrowed.“Iwantyoutocomeback.Sodothegirls.I’lldowhatever

ittakes.Anapology,araiseinsalary,apaidvacationtoTahiti…”

Sheshrugged.“Iwouldn’tmindcomingback,”shesaid.“Idomissthegirls,terribly.But…”
“But,what?”
Shemethislevelgaze.“Youdon’ttrustme,”shesaidsimply,andhereyesweresad.“Atfirst

youthoughtIwastryingtogettoyouthroughthegirls,andthenyouthoughtIwantedthemoutofthe
way.InNassau,youthoughtIleftthemaloneforselfishreasons,sothatIcouldgoonalunchdate.”
Shesmiledsadly.“Youhaveabadopinionofmeasagoverness.WhatifImessupagain?Maybeit
wouldbebetterifwejustleftthingsthewaytheyare.”

Theremarkwentthroughhimlikehotlead.Hehadn’ttrustedKasiebecauseshewasso

mysteriousaboutherpast.Nowthatheknewthetruthabouther,knewofthetragediesshe’dsuffered
inheryounglife,lackoftrustwasnolongergoingtobeaproblem.Buthowdidhetellherthat?
And,worse,howdidhemakeupfortheaccusationshe’dmade?Perhapshecouldtellherthetruth.

“Thegirls’lastgovernesswasalmosttoogoodtobetrue,”hebegan.“Shecharmedthegirls,

andme,untilwe’dhavebelievedanythingshetoldus.Itwasallanact.Shehadmarriageinmind,and
sheactuallythreatenedmewithmyownchildren.ShesaidtheyweresoattachedtoherthatifIdidn’t
marryher,she’dleaveandthey’dhateme.”

Sheblinked.“Thatsoundsasifshewasalittleunbalanced.”
Henodded,hiseyescoldwithrememberedbitterness.“Yes,shewas.Sheleftinthemiddleofthe

night,andthenextmorningthegirlsweredelightedtofindhergone.”

Heshookhishead.“Shewasunstable,andI’dleftthekidsinherhands.Itwassuchablotonmy

judgmentthatIdidn’ttrustitanymore.Especiallywhenyoucamealong,withyourmysteriouspast
andyoursecrets.IthoughtyouwereplayinguptomebecauseIwasrich.”

Ithurtthathe’dthoughtsolittleofher.“Isee.”
“Doyou?Ihopeso,”herepliedheavily,andwithasmile.“BecauseifIgobacktoMedicine

Ridgewithoutyou,Iwouldn’tgivetwocentsformyneck.John’sfuriouswithme.He’sgotcompany.

MissParsonsglaresatmeconstantly.Mrs.Charterswon’tservemeanythingthatisn’tburned.The
girlsaretheworst,though,”hemused.“Theyignoremecompletely.Ifeelliketheogreinthatstory
youreadthematbedtime.”

“Poorogre,”shesaidquietly.
Hebegantosmile.Helovedthesoftnessofhervoicewhenshespoke.Forthefirsttimesincehis

arrival,hewasbeginningtothinkhehadachance.“Feelingsorryforme?”heaskedgently.“Good.If
Iwearonyourconscience,maybeyou’llfeelsorryenoughtocomehomewithme.”

Shefrowned.“WhatdidMamaLuketellyou?”sheaskedsuddenly.
“Thingsyoushouldhavetoldme,”hereplied,histonefaintlyacidic.“Shetoldmeeverything,in

fact,exceptwhyyoudon’tlikethewater.”

Shestareddownintothefishpond,idlywatchingthesmallgoldfishswiminandoutofthe

vegetation.“WhenIwasfive,justbeforemyparentswere…killed,”shesaid,sickenedbythe
memory,“oneofmyfriendsatthemissioninAfricagotsweptintotheriver.Isawherdrown.”

“You’vehadalotoftragedyinyouryounglife,”hesaidsoftly.Hemovedastepclosertoher,

andanother,stoppingwhenhewascloseenoughtoliftaleanhandandsmoothhisfingersdownher
softcheek.“I’vehadmyownshareofit.Supposeweforgetthepastfewweeks,andstartover.Can
you?”

Hereyesweretroubled.“Idon’tknowifit’swise,”shesaidafteraminute.“Lettingthegirlsget

attachedtomeagain,Imean.”

Hisfingerstracedherwide,softmouth.“It’stoolatetostopthatfromhappening.Theymissyou

terribly.SodoI,”headdedsurprisingly.Hetiltedherchinupandbent,brushinghislipstenderlyover
hermouth.Hisheavyeyebrowsdrewtogetheratthedelightthatshaftedthroughhimfromthecontact.
“WhenIthinkofyou,Ithinkofbutterfliesandrainbows,”hewhisperedagainsthermouth.“Ihated
theworlduntilyoucametoworkforJohn.Youbroughtthelightinwithyou.Youmademelaugh.
Youmademebelieveinmiracles.Don’tleaveme,Kasie.”

Hewassayingsomething,morethanwords.Shedrewbackandsearchedhisnarrow,glittery

eyes.“Leave…you?”shequestionedthewording.

“Youdon’thaveanegoatall,doyou?”heaskedsomberly.“IsitinconceivablethatIwantyou

backasmuchasmygirlsdo?”

Herheartjumped.She’dmissedhimbeyondbearing.Butifshewentback,couldsheeverbejust

anemployeeagain?Sherememberedthehardwarmthofhismouthinpassion,thefeelofhisarms
holdingherlikeawarmtreasure.Shehesitated.

“Idon’tseducevirgins,”hewhisperedwickedly.“Ifthatwinsmepoints.”
Sheflushed.“Iwasn’tthinkingaboutthat!”
Hesmiled.“Yes,youwereandthat’sthemainreasonIwon’tseduceyou.”
“Thanksalot.”
Hecockedaneyebrow.“Youmightsoundalittlemoregrateful,”hetoldher.“Keepingmyhands

offyoulatelyhasbeenaworld-classstudyinrestraint.”

Hereyeswidened.“Really?”
Shewasunworldly.Helovedthatabouther.Helovedthewaysheblushedwhenheteasedher,

thewayshemadehisheartswellwhenshesmiled.He’dbeenlonelywithouther.

“ButI’llpromisetokeepmydistance,”headdedgently.“Ifyou’lljustcomeback.”
Shebitherlowerlipworriedly.Shedidneedthejob.Shelovedthegirls.Shewascrazyabout

Gil.Butthereweresomanycomplications…

“Stopweighingtherisks,”hemurmured.“Sayyes.”
“Istillthink…”
“Don’tthink,”hewhispered,placingalongforefingeroverherlips.“Don’targue.Don’tlook

ahead.We’regoingtogohomeandyou’regoingtoreadthegirlstosleepeverynight.Theymiss
theirstories.”

“Don’tyoureadtothem?”sheasked,madecuriousbyacertainnoteinhisvoice.
“Sure,butthey’regettingtiredofGreenEggsandHam.”
“TheyhaveloadsofotherbooksbesidesDr.Seuss,”shebegan.
Hegloweredather.“Theyhidalltheotherbooks,includingGreenEggsandHam,butatleastI

remembermostofthatstory.Sotheygettolditeverynight.TwoweeksofthatandIcan’tevenlook
athaminthegrocerystoryanymorewithoutgagging…”

Shewaslaughinguproariously.
“Thisisnotfunny,”hepointedout.
“Oh,yes,itis,”shesaid,andlaughedsomemore.
Helovedthesound.Itremindedhimofwindchimes.Hisheartachedforher.“Comehome

beforeIgetsickofeggs,too.”

“Allright,”shesaid.“IguessImightaswell.Ican’tliveherewithMamaLukeforever.”
“She’sacharacter,”heremarkedwithasmile.“Abluntandhonestladywithabigheart.Ilike

her.”

“Shemustlikeyou,too,orshewouldn’thavethreatenedtohaveyoubreakdownmybedroom

door.”

Hepursedhislips.“Nicetohaveanallywithdivineconnections.”
“Shedoes,neverdoubtit,”shetoldhim,laughing.“I’lljustgothrowafewthingsintomy

suitcase.”

Hewatchedhergowithjoyshootingthroughhisveinslikefireworks.Shewascomingback.

He’dconvincedher.

Nowallhehadtodowasmakeherseehimassomethingmorethananintolerant,judgmental

boss.Thatwasnotgoingtobetheeasiestjobhe’devertackled.

KasiekissedMamaLukegoodbyeandwaitedwhileshehuggedGilimpulsively.
“TakecareofKasie,”heraunttoldhim.
Henoddedslowly.“Thistime,I’lldobetteratthat.”
MamaLukesmiled.
TheygotintohisblackJaguaranddroveaway,withKasieleaningoutthewindowandwaving

untilherauntwasoutofsight.

Gilwatchedhereyescloseassheleanedbackagainsttheleatherheadrest.“Sleepy?”
“Yes,”shemurmured.“Ihaven’tsleptwellsinceIcamebackfromNassau.”
“NeitherhaveI,Kasie,”hesaid.
Herheadturnedandshelookedathimquietly.Itmadehertingleallover.Hewasreallya

strikingman,allleanstrengthandauthority.She’dneverfeltassafewithanyoneasshedidwithhim.

Hefelthereyesonhim;warm,softgrayeyesthatgavehimpleasurewhenhemetthem.Kasie

wasunlikeanyonehe’deverknown.

“DidPaulinefinishkeyingintheherdrecordstothecomputerbeforesheleft?”sheasked,

suddenlyrememberingthechorethathadbeenleftwhentheywenttoNassau.

“Shehasn’tbeenaroundsincewecamehome,”hesaidevasively.“Ithinkshe’svisitinganaunt

inVermont.”

Shetracedalinedowntheseatbeltthatstretchedacrosshertorso.“Ithoughtyouweregoingto

marryher.”

Hehadagoodideawhereshe’dheardthatunfoundedlie.“Neverinthislifetime,”hemurmured.

“Paulineisn’tdomestic.”

“She’scrazyaboutyou.”
“Thegirlsdon’tlikeher.”
Shepursedherlips.“Isee.”
Hechuckled,glancingatherwhiletheystoppedforaredlight.“Besides,aftertheyfoundout

thatI’dfiredyou,theymadePauline’slifehell.Theirlatestescapadewastoleaveheranicepresentin
herpocketbook.”

“Oh,dear.”
“Itwasanonpoisonoussnake,”hesaidreassuringly.“Butshedecidedthatshe’dbebetteroffnot

visitingwhenthegirlswerearound.Andsincetheywerealwaysaround…”

Sheshookherhead.“Littleterrors,”shesaid,butinatonesoftwithaffection.
“Lookwho’stalking,”hesaidwithapointedglare.
“I’veneverputsnakesinanybody’spurse,”shepointedout.“Well,notyet,anyway.”
Hegaveheranamusedglance.“Don’tletthegirlscorruptyou.”
Shesmiled,rememberinghowmuchfunshe’dhadwiththelittlegirls.Itmadeherhappythat

theywantedherback.Exceptforheraunt,shewasaloneintheworld.Shemissedbeingpartofa
wholefamily,especiallyonholidayslikeChristmas.

Thelightchangedandhepulledbackoutintotraffic.Conversationwasscantytherestoftheway

home,becauseKasiefellasleep.Thelackofresthadfinallycaughtupwithher.

Shewasjoltedawakebyafirmhandonhershoulder.
“Wakeup.We’rehome,”Gilsaidwithasmile.
Shesearchedhisblueeyesabsentlyforamomentbeforethewordsregistered.“Oh.”She

unfastenedherseatbeltandgotoutashedid.

ThegirlsweresittingonthebottomstepofthestaircasewhenthedooropenedandKasiewalked

inwithGil.

“Kasie!”Besscried,andgotuptorunandthrowherselfintoKasie’soutstretchedarms.
“Bess!”Kasiehuggedherclose,feelingtearsstinghereyes.ShewassomuchlikeSandy.
Jennyfollowedsuit,andKasieendedupwithtwoarmsfullofcryinglittlegirls.Shecarried

themtothestaircaseandsatdown,cuddlingthembothclose.Herfacewaswet,butshedidn’tcare.
Shelovedthesebabies,farmorethanshe’drealized.Sheheldthemandrockedthemandkissedwet
littlecheeksuntilthesobseased.“Youmustn’teverleaveusagain,Kasie,”Besshiccuped.“Meand
Jennywaseversosad.”

“Yes,wewas,”Jennymurmured.
“Oh,Imissedyou!”Kasiesaidferventlyasshedugintoherpocketforatissueandwipedwet

eyesallaround.

“Wemissedyou,too,”Besssaid,buryingherfaceinKasie’sshoulderwhileJennyclungtoher

neck.

Gilwatchedthemwithhisheartinhisthroat.Theylookedasiftheybelongedtogether.They

lookedlikeafamily.Hewantedtoscoopallthreeofthemupinhisarmsandholdthemsotight
they’dnevergetaway.

Whilehewasdebatingthat,JohncamedownthehallandspottedKasie.Hegrinnedfromearto

ear.“You’reback!Great!NowmaybeMrs.Charterswillcooksomethingwecaneatagain!”

“That’snotanicewaytosayhello,”Kasiechidedwithasmile.
“Sureitis!Whatgoodisamanwithouthisstomach?”Johnasked.HemovedclosertoKasieand

thegirlsandbenttokissKasie’swetcheek.“Welcomeback!It’sbeenlikeaballparkinJanuary.
Nobodysmiled.”

“I’mhappytobeback,”Kasiesaid.“Butwhataboutallthoseherdrecordsthatneedputtinginto

thecomputer?”sheasked,realizingthatGilneverhadansweredherwhenshe’dquestionedhimabout
them.

“Oh,those.ItturnsoutthatMissParsonsisacomputerwhizherself,”hesaidtoKasie’s

amusement.“She’sgoteverythinglisted,includingthefoundationbloodlines.Andrememberthat
Internetsiteyousuggested?It’supandrunning.We’realreadygettingthreehundredhitsaday,along
withplentyofqueriesfromcattlemenaroundthecountry!”

“I’msoglad,”Kasiesaidsincerely.
“Soarewe.Businessisbooming.Butthebabieshavebeensad.”Heglancedathisolderbrother

meaningfully.“Wemissedyou.”

“It’snicetobeback,”Kasiesaid.
“Areweevergoingtohavelunch?”Johnaskedthen.“I’mfairlystarved.Burnedeggsandbacon

thismorningdidn’tdoalotformytastebuds.”

“Mine,either,”Gilagreed.“GotellMrs.ChartersKasie’sbackandishavinglunchwithus,”he

suggested.“Thatmightgetussomethingedible,evenifit’sonlycoldcuts.”

“Goodthinking,”Johnsaid,smilingashewentouttothekitchen.
“Oureggswasn’tburned,”Besspointedout.
“Mrs.Charterswasn’tmadatyou,sweetheart,”Giltoldher.“Youtwoneedtorunupstairsand

washyourhandsandfacesbeforeweeat.”

“Okay,ifKasiecomes,too,”Bessagreed.
Kasiechuckledasbothgirlsgrabbedahandandcoaxedhertoherfeet.“IgatherthatI’mtobe

carefullyobservedfromnowon,soIdon’tmakearunfortheborder,”shemurmuredtoGil.

“That’sright.Goodgirls,”Gilsaid,grinning.“Keepherwithyousoshedoesn’thaveachance

toescape.”

“Wewon’tlethergo,Daddy,”Besspromised.
Theytuggedherupthestaircase,andshewentwithoutanargument,waitingintheirrooms

whiletheywashedtheirhandsandfaces.

“Daddywasrealmadwhenwecamehome,”BesstoldKasie.“SowasUncleJohnny.Hesaid

Daddyshouldgoandgetyouandbringyouhome,butDaddysaidyoumightnotwantto,because
he’dbeenbadtoyou.Didhetakeawayyourtoys,Kasie,andputyouintotimeout?”

“Heavens,no,”shesaidatonce.
“Thenwhydidyougoaway?”thechildinsisted.“WasitonaccountofPaulinesaidyouleftus

alone?WetoldDaddythetruth,andPaulinewentaway.Wedon’tlikeher.She’sbadtouswhenDaddy
isn’tlooking.Hewon’tmarryPauline,willhe,Kasie?”

“Idon’tthinkso,”shesaidcarefully.
“MeandJennywishhe’dmarryyou,”Besssaidwistfully.“You’resomuchfuntoplaywith,

Kasie.”

Kasiedidn’tdaresayanythingaboutmarriage.“Youcan’tdecidethingslikethat,sweetheart,”

shetoldBess.“Peopledon’tusuallymarryunlesstheyfallinlove.”

“Oh.”
Thechildlookedheartbroken.KasiewentdownonherkneesandcaughtBessgentlybythe

waist.“Whatdoyouwanttodoafterwehavelunch?”sheasked,changingthesubject.

“Couldweswiminthepool?”
She’dforgottenthatthefamilyhadaswimmingpool.“Isupposeso,”shesaid,frowning.“But

it’sprettysoonafteryouraccident,Bess.Areyousureyouwantto?”

“Daddyandmewentswimmingthedayafterwecamehome,”Besssaidmatter-of-factly.“Daddy

saidImustn’tbeafraidofthewater,afterIfellin,sohe’sgivingmeswimminglessons.Iloveto

swim,now!”

Sosomegoodhadcomeoutoftheaccident.Thatwasreassuring.“Let’sgodownandeat

something.Thenwehavetowaitalittlewhile.”

“Iknow.Wecanpickflowerswhilewewait,can’twe?There’ssomeprettyyellowrosesina

hedgebehindtheswimmingpool,”Besstoldher.

“Iloveroses,”Kasiesaid,smiling.“Butperhapswe’dbetternotpickanyuntilsomeonetellsus

it’sallright.”

“Okay,Kasie.”
TheywentdownstairsandKasiehelpedMrs.Charterssetthetable.Shewaswelcomingand

cheerfulabouthavingKasiebackagain.JohntalkedeasilytoKasieandthechildren.Gildidn’t.He
pickedathisfoodandbrooded.HewatchedKasie,butcovertly.Shewonderedwhatwasgoingonin
hismindtomakehimsounhappy.

HelookedupandmetKasie’ssearchingeyes,andshefeltherstomachfallasifshewasona

rollercoaster.Herhandstrembled.Sheputtheminherlaptohidethem,butherheartbeatpounded
wildlyandhernervousnesswasnoticeable.Especiallytothemanwiththearrogantsmile,who
suddenlyseemedtodevelopanappetite.

Chapter10

orthenextfewdays,GilseemedtowatcheverymoveKasiemade.Hewascordialwithher,but

therewasanoticeabledifferenceinthewayhetreatedhersinceherreturn.Hewasremoteandquiet,
evenwhenthefamilycametogetheratmealtimes,andheseemeduncomfortablearoundKasie.She
noticedhisreticenceandunderstoodittomeanthathewassorryforthewayhe’dtreatedherbefore.
Hedidn’ttouchheratallthesedays,nordidheseeminclinedtoincludeherwhenhetookthegirlsto
moviesandtheplayground,eventhoughheaskedheralong.Butshealwaysrefused,tothedismayof
thechildren.Sheexcuseditasgivingthemsometimealonewiththeirfather.Gilknewthatwasn’tthe
truth.Itmademattersworse.

JohnleftThursdayforaconferencethatGilhadbeenslatedtoattend,andGilstayedhome.

Kasienoticedthatheseemedunusuallywatchfulandhewasalwaysaroundtheranchevenwhenhe
wasn’taroundthehouse.Hedidn’texplainwhy.Kasiewouldhavelovedthinkingthatitwasbecause
hewasinterestedinher,butsheknewthatwasn’tthereason.Therewasmoredistancebetweenthem
nowthantherehadeverbeenbefore.

Mrs.Chartersmentionedthattherewassomeuneasinessamongthecowboysbecauseofathreat

thathadbeenmade.KasietriedtoaskGilaboutit.Hesimplyignoredthequestionandwalkedaway.

HewasmissingatbreakfastearlyoneMondaymorning.Thegirlsweresleepinglate,soKasie

walkedintothediningroomandfoundonlyJohnatthetable.

“Pullupachairandhavebreakfast,”heinvitedwithagrin.“Ihavetomovebullstoday,soI’m

havingsecondsandthirds.Ihavetokeepupmystrength.”

“Ifyoukeepeatinglikethat,youcouldcarrythebullsandsavegas,”shesaidwickedly.“I

thoughtyouhadtogotoPhoenixtoshowabullthisweek?”

Heavertedhiseyes.“IthoughtI’dputitoffforanothercoupleofweeks.”Hesippedcoffeeand

studiedKasiequietly.“There’sanewmovieshowingatthetheaterdowntown.Howwouldyouliketo
packupthegirlsandgowithmetoseeit?”

Hereyeslitup.“I’dloveto,”shesaidatonce.
Hegrinned.“Okay.We’llgotomorrownight.I,uh,noticedthatyoudon’tlikegoingtomovies

withmybrother,evenifthegirlsgoalong.”

“Ijustthoughthe’dlikesometimealonewiththem,”shehedged.“Afterall,I’mjustthe

governess.”

Hepouredhimselfmorecoffeebeforehereplied.“That’sabunchofhogwash,Kasie.”
Shedrewinalongbreath.“Hemakesmeuncomfortable,”shesaid.“Ialwaysfeellikehe’s

bidinghistime,waitingformetomakeanothermistakeordosomethingstupid.”

Hechuckled.“Hedoesn’tlieinwaittoambushyou,”hesaidsoftly.“Hemeantitwhenhe

apologized,youknow.Hewassorryhemisjudgedyou.Believeme,it’sararethingforhimtomake
amistakelikethat.Buthe’shadsomehardblowsfromwomeninrecentyears.”

“Ifeltreallybadaboutwhathappened,”shesaidwithawistfulsadnessinhereyes.“Ishould

haverememberedthathenevertrustedPaulinetolookafterthegirls.I’dmetthismanontheplane,
andheinvitedmetolunch.Ilikedhim.HekeptmefrombeingafraidonthewaytoNassau.”

John’sfacesobered,andsherealizedthatGilmusthavetoldhimaboutherpast.“I’msorry

aboutyourbrotherandhisfamily,”hesaid,confirminghersuspicions.“GilandIhaven’treallybeen
partofafamilysinceouruncledied.”

“Don’tyouevergotoseeyourparents?”sheaskedcuriously.
“Therewasatimewhentheyofferedanolivebranch,butyouknowGil,”hesaidsoberly.“He’s

slowtogetoverthings,andherefusedtotalktothem.Maybetheydidneglectus,butIneverthought
itwasmalicious.Theyhadkidsbeforetheywerereadytohavethem.Lotsofpeopleareirresponsible
parents.Butyoucan’tholdgrudgesforever.”Hefrowned.“Onsecondthought,maybeGilcan.”

Shesmiledandreachedacrossthetabletolayherhandoverhis.“Maybeonedayyoucantry

again.Itwouldbeniceforthegirlstohavegrandparents.”

“Theonlyonestheyhaveleftareourparents.Darlene’sdiedyearsago.”Hecaughtherhandin

hisandheldittight.“Youmakethehardestthingssoundsimple.Ilikemyselfwhenyou’rearound,
Kasie.”

Shelaughedgently.“Ilikeyou,too,”shesaid.
“IneverbelievedyouhadanythingtodowithBessgettinghurt,”hesaidsomberly.“Anyone

couldseehowmuchyoucareaboutthegirls.”

“Thanks.It’snicetoknowthatatleastonegrown-uppersoninyourfamilybelievedIwas

innocent,”shesaid,oblivioustothewhite-faced,angrymanstandinginthehallwithanarmloadof
palepinkroses.“IthurtterriblythatGilthoughtI’deverputthegirlsatriskinanyway,leastofallby
neglectingthem.Butitwasn’tthefirsttimehe’saccusedmeofulteriormotives.Ishouldbeusedtoit
bynow.Ithinkhe’ssorryherehiredme,youknow,”sheaddedsadly,clingingtohishand.“Helooks
throughmewhenheisn’tglaringatme.”

“Gil’shadsomehardknockswithwomen,”Johnrepeated,lettinggoofherhand.“Justgivehim

timetoadjusttobeingwrong.Herarelyis.”Hepickedupaforkfulofeggs.“Ifit’sanyconsolation,
heroaredaroundherefortwoweekslikeeveryman’snightmarebeforehewentafteryou.Hewanted
youtohaveenoughtimetogetovertheangerandlethimexplainhisbehavior.Hewouldhavegone
sooner,hesaid,buthewasn’tsurehecouldgetinthefrontdoor.”

Sherememberedherlaceratedfeelingswhenshe’darrivedatheraunt’shouse.“Itwouldhave

beentricky,atthat,”sheagreed.“HewasthelastpersononearthIwantedtoseewhenIfirstcame
backfromNassau.”

Footstepsechoedoutinthehallandadoorslammed.Kasiefrowned.
“SoundslikeGil’sgoingtobypassbreakfastagainthismorning,”Johnremarkedashefinished

hiseggs.“Hedoesn’thavemuchofanappetitethesedays.”

“I’lljustcheckandmakesureitisn’tthegirls,”Kasiesaid.
“Suityourself,butIknowthosefootsteps.Heonlywalksthatwaywhenhe’supset.Godhelp

whatevercowboyherunsintoonhisway.”

Kasiedidn’treply.Shewalkedintothehallandthere,onthehalltable,wasanarmloadofpink

roseswiththedewstillclingingtothesilky,fragrantpetals.Ittookafewsecondsforhertorealize
thatGilmusthaveheardeverywordshe’dsaid.Shegroanedinwardlyasshegathereduptheroses.
Well,thatwasprobablytheendofanytruce,shethought.He’dthinkshecouldn’tforgivehim,and
thatwouldmakehimevenangrier.Unlessshemissedherguess,hewasgoingtobehelltolivewith
fromnowon.

Shetooktherosestothekitchenandfoundavaseforthem,whichshefilledwithwaterbefore

shearrangedtheflowersinit.Withasigh,shetookthemupstairstoherroomandplacedthemonthe
dresser.Theywerebeautiful.Shecouldn’timaginewhathadpossessedGilCallistertogooutandcut
herabouquet.Butthegesturetouchedherpoignantly.

Sureenough,whenGilcameinearlyforsupper,hewasdustyandoutofhumor.Heneededa

shave.Heglaredateverybody,especiallyKasie.

“Aren’tyougoingtocleanupfirst?”Johnasked,aghast,whenhesatdowntothetableinhis

chaps.

“Whatfor?”hemuttered.“I’vegottogorightbackoutagain.”Hereachedforhiscoffeecup,

whichMrs.Chartershadjustfilled,andputcreaminit.

“Issomethingwrong?”Johnaskedthen,concerned.
“We’vegotafencedown.”Hiseyesmethisbrother ’s.“Itwasn’tbrokenthrough.Itwascut.”
Johnstaredattheolderman.“Anotherone?Thatmakestwoinlessthantendays.”
“Iknow.Ican’tproveit,butIknowitwasFredSims.”
Johnnoddedslowly.“Thatmakessense.Oneofthecowboyswhowasfriendlywithhimsaid

Simshasn’tbeenabletofindanotherjobsincewefiredhim.”

Gil’spaleblueeyesglittered.“Thatdamneddogcouldhavebittenmybabies,”hesaid.“Noway

washegoingtokeepithereafteritchasedthemontotheporch.”

“Baddoggie,”Jennyagreed.
Bessnodded.“Wewasscared,Daddy.”
“Simsisgoingtobescared,ifIcatchhimwithinamileofmyproperty,”Giladded.
“Don’tbecomeavigilante,”Johncautionedhisolderbrother.“Callthesheriff.Lethimhandleit.

That’swhathegetspaidtodo.”

“Hecan’tbeeverywhere,”Gilreplied,eyesnarrowed.“Iwantallthecowboysarmed,atleast

withrifles.I’mnottakinganychances.Ifhe’sbrazenenoughtocutfencesandshootlivestock,he’s
capableofworse.”

Kasiefeltherheartstop.Sothatwaswhyhe’dbeenaroundtheranchsomuchlately.Theman,

Sims,hadthreatenedvengeance.Apparentlyhewaskillingcattleaswellascuttingfencestoletthem
escape.ShepicturedGilattheendofagunandshefeltsickallover.

“I’llmakesureeveryone’sbeenalertedandpreparedfordanger,”Johnagreed.“Butyoustay

outofit.You’retheonepersonaroundherethatSimswouldenjoyshooting.”

“He’dbeluckytogetoffashot,”Gilrepliedimperturbably.Hefinishedhismealandwipedhis

mouth.“I’vegottogetbackoutthere.Wehaven’tfinishedstringingwire,andit’snotlonguntil
dark.”

“Okay.I’llphonethevetaboutthosecarcasseswefound.Iwanthimtolookforbulletwounds.”
“Goodidea.”
Gilfinishedthelastsipofhiscoffeeinagrimsilencethatseemedtospreadtotherestofthe

family.Thegirls,sensinghiddenangerintheadultsaroundthem,excusedthemselvesandwent
upstairstoplayintheirroomwhileMrs.Charterscleanedawaythedishes.Johnwenttomakeaphone
call.

GilgottohisfeetwithoutlookingatKasieandstartedtowardthefrontdoor.Kasiecaughtup

withhimontheporch.Itwasalmostdark.Theskywasfieryredandpinkandyellowwherethesun
wassetting.

“Thankyou,”sheblurtedout.
Hestoppedandturned.“Forwhat?”
Hishatwaspulledlowoverhiseyes,andshecouldn’tseetheexpressioninthem,butshewas

prettysurethathewasscowling.

Shewentclosertohim,stoppinghalfanarm’slengthaway.“Fortheroses,”shesaidhesitantly.

“They’rebeautiful.”

Hedidn’tmove.Hejuststoodthere,somber,quiet.“Howdoyouknowtheyweremeantfor

you?”hedrawled.“AndhowdoyouknowIbroughtthem?”

Sheflushedscarlet.Shedidn’tknowforsure,butshe’dassumed.

Heavertedhiseyes,mutteringunderhisbreath.“You’rewelcome,”hesaidtersely.
“Thatman,Sims,”shecontinued,worried.“Thedayyoufiredhim,Johnsaidthathehadamean

temperandthathecarriedaloadedrifleeverywherewithhim.You…youbecareful,okay?”

Sheheardthesoftexpulsionofbreath.Hemovedastepcloser,hisleanhandsliftingheroval

facetohis.Shecouldseethesoftglitterofhisblueeyesinthefaintlightfromthewindows.

“WhatdoyoucareifIgetmyselfshot?”heaskedhuskily.“I’mtheonewhosentyoupacking

withoutevengivingyouthechancetoexplainwhathappenedinNassau.”

“Paulinedidn’tlikeme,”shesaid.“Andyoutrustedher.Iwasjustastranger.”
“Notanymore,Kasie,”hesaidgruffly.
“Imean,youdidn’tknowanythingaboutme,”shepersisted.Shesearchedhiseyes,feelingjolts

ofelectricityflowintoherattheexquisitecontact.“IwasupsetandIbehavedbadlywhenyoucameto
MamaLuke’s.Butdeepinside,Ididn’tblameyoufornottrustingme.”

Hisleanhandstightenedonherface.“I’vedonenothingbuttormentyousincethefirstdayyou

camehere,”hebitoff.“Ididn’twantyouinmylife,Kasie,”hewhisperedashebenttowardher.“I
stilldon’t.Butamancanonlystandsomuch…!”

Hismouthcaughthershungrily.Hisarmsswallowedherupagainsthim,sothatnotaninchof

spaceseparatedthem.Forlong,achinglysweetseconds,theyclungtoeachotherinthesoftdarkness.

Hedrewawayfromherfinallyandstoodjustlookingatherinatense,hotsilence.Hishands

werefirmaroundherarms,andsheswayedtowardhimhelplessly.

Shefeltherkneesgoshaky,asiftheyhadjellyintheminsteadofboneandcartilage.“Look,I’m

veryold-fashioned,”shebeganinachokedtone.

“Ialmostnevermakelovetowomenonthefloorofthefrontporch.”
Shestaredathimdimly,onlyslowlybecomingawarethathewassmilingandthewordswere

bothaffectionateandteasing.

Atinylaughburstfromherswollenlips,althoughthekisshadrattledher.
“That’sbetter,”hesaid.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Howdoyoufeelaboutmybrother?”
Hermindrefusedtofunction.“HowdoIwhat?”
“FeelaboutJohn,”hepersistedcoolly.“WhenIaskedyouwhyyouwantedthisjob,yousaidit

wasbecauseJohnwasadish.Iknowyouhadacrushonhim.Howdoyoufeelnow?”

Shewasatalosstoknowwhattosay.“Ilike…him,”sheblurtedout.“He’sbeenkindtome.”
“KinderthanIhave,fordamnedsure,”heagreedatonce.“Andhebelievedyouwereinnocent

whenIdidn’t.”

Shefrowned.“Youexplainedwhy.”
Hishandstightenedonherarmsandhislipsflattened.“He’syoungerthanIam,singleandrich

andeasygoing,”hesaidharshly.“Maybehe’dbethebestthingthateverhappenedtoyou.”

Hereyeswidened.“Thankyou.I’vealwayswantedabig,strongmantoplanmyfutureforme.”
Helethergoabruptly,angry.“Yousaidityourself.I’magenerationolderthanyouwitha

ready-madefamily.”

Shecouldn’tmakeheadortailofwhathewassaying.Hermindwasspinningasshelookedupat

him.

“Maybeyou’rewhatheneeds,too,”headdedcoldly.“Someoneyoungandoptimisticand

intelligent.”

“Areyougoingtobuythering,too?”
Heturnedaway.“Thatwasn’tfunny.”
“Idon’twanttomarryyourbrother.Thanks,anyway.”
Hekeptwalking.
Sheranafterhim.“ThatmanSimshasgotagun,”shecalled.“Don’tyoudaregooutthereand

getshot!”

Hepausedonthetopstepandlookedbackatherasifhehaddoubtsabouthersanity.“John’s

goingoutwithmeassoonashefinisheshisphonecalls.”

“Great!”sheexclaimedangrily.“Icanworryaboutbothofyouallnight!”
“Worryaboutmydaughters,”hetoldherbluntly.“That’syouronlyresponsibilityhere.You

workforme,remember?”

“Iremember,”sherepliedirritably.“Doyou?”
“StayinthehousewiththegirlsuntilItellyouotherwise.Idon’twantanyofyouontheporch

orintheyarduntilwesettlethis,onewayoranother.”

Hedidthinktherewasdanger.Shehearditineveryword.“Iwon’tletanythinghappentoBess

andJenny.Ipromise.”

Heglaredather.“Canyoushoot?”
Sheshookherhead.“ButIknowhowtodial911.”
“Okay.Keeponeofthewirelessphoneshandy,justincase.”
Shemovedtowardhimanotherstep,wrappingherarmstightaroundherbody.“Haveyougota

cellphone?”

Heindicatedthecaseonhisbelt.ThatwaswhenshenoticedanoldColt.45strappedtohisother

hip,underthedenimshirthewaswearingopenoverhisblackT-shirt.

Herbreathcaught.Untilthatminute,whenshesawthegun,itwasapossibility.Butgunswere

violent,chaotic,frightening.Shebitherlowerlipworriedly.

“I’llbelate.Makesureyoulockthedoorsbeforeyougoupstairs.JohnandIhavekeys.”
“Iwill,”shepromised.“Youbecareful.”
Heignoredthequietcommand.Hetookonelong,lastlookatherandwentondownthestepsto

hispickuptruck,whichwasparkednearby.

Shestoodatthetopofthestepsuntilhedroveaway,staringafterhimworriedly.Shewantedto

callhimback,tobeghimtostayinsidewherehe’dbesafefromanyretributionbythatmanSims.But
shecouldn’t.Hewasn’tthesortofmantorunfromtrouble.Itwouldn’tdoanygoodtonaghim.He
wasgoingtodowhatheneededtodo,whetherornotitpleasedher.

Shegotthegirlsreadyforbedandtuckedthemin.ShereadthemaDr.Seussbooktheyhadn’t

heardyet.Whentheygrewdrowsy,shepulledthecoversoverthemandtiptoedtothedoor,pausing
toflickoffthelightswitchasshewentoutintothehall.

Sheleftthedoorcrackedandwentondownthehalltoherownroom.Shegotreadyforbedand

curleduponherpillowswithaworncopyofTacitus’sTheHistories.“Iwonderifyoueverimagined
thatpeopleinthefuturewouldstillbereadingwordsyouwrotealmosttwothousandyearsago,”she
murmuredasshethumbedthroughthewell-readwork.“Andnothingreallychanges,doesit,except
theclothesandtheeverydaythings.Peoplearethesame.”

Herheartwasn’tinthebook.Shelaiditasideandturnedoffthelights,thinkinghowitwould

havebeentwothousandyearsagotowatchherhusbandputonhisarmorandmarchofftoawarin
someforeigncountrybehindoneoftheRomangenerals.ThatmadeherthinkofGilandshegnawed
herlipasshelayinthedarkness,waitingforsomesoundthatwouldtellherhewasstillallright.

Itwastwoo’clockinthemorningbeforesheheardapickuptruckpullupatthebottomofthe

stepsoutfront.Shethrewoffthecoversandrantothewindow,peeringoutthroughthelacycurtain
justintimetoseeGilandJohnclimbwearilyoutofthetruck.Johnhadariflewiththebreechopen
underonearm.Heledthewayintothehouse,withGilfollowingbehind.

Atleast,thankGod,theywerebothstillalive,shethought.Shewentbacktobedandpulledthe

coversuptoherchin.Relieved,sheslept.

She’dforgottenJohn’sinvitationtothemovies,buthehadn’t.Andhelookedodd,asifhewas

ponderingsomethingwicked,whenhewaitedforhertocomedownthestairswiththegirls.

Kasiewaswearingaprettydarkgreensilkpantsuitwithstrappysandalsandherhairaroundher

shoulders.Shesmiledatthelittlegirlsintheirskirtsets.Theylookedlikeafamily,andJohnwas
touched.Hewentforwardtogreetthem,pausingtokissKasie’scheekwarmly.

Gil,whowasworkingintheoffice,cameintothehalljustintimetoseehisbrotherkissing

Kasie.Hiseyessplinteredwithunexpectedhelplessrage.Hisfistsclenchedathissides.Shewouldn’t
leavethehousewithhim,buthereshewasdressedtotheninesandalleagertojumpintoacarwith
hisbrother.

Johnglancedathimwarilyandhidasmile.“We’reofftothemovies!Wanttocome?”
“No,”Gilsaidabruptly.HeavoidedlookingatKasie.“I’vegottwomorehoursofworktofinish

intheden.”

“LetMissParsonsdoitandcomewithus,”Johnpersisted.
“IgaveMissParsonsthedayoff.She’svisitingafriend.”
“Letitwaituntiltomorrow,then.”
“Nochance.Goaheadandenjoyyourselves,butdon’tgettoocomfortable.Watchyourback,”

hesaidtersely,andreturnedintothestudy.Heclosedthedoorfirmlybehindhim.

John,forsomeungodlyreason,wasrubbinghishandstogetherwithabsoluteglee.Kasiegave

himaspeakingglance,whichheignoredasheherdedthemoutintothenight.

Themoviewasoneforgeneralaudiences,aboutafamoussinger.Johndidn’treallyenjoyit,but

Kasieandthegirlsdid.Theyatepopcornandgiggledatthefunnyscenes,andmoanedwhenthe
heroinewasmisjudgedbytheheroandthrownoutonherear.

“Thatlooksfamiliar,doesn’tit?”Johnmurmuredoutrageously.
“Sheshouldhithimwithabrickbat,”Kasiemuttered.
“Withaheadthathard,Idon’tknowifitwoulddoanygood,”hesaid,andKasiethoughtfora

minutethatitdidn’tsoundasifhewerereferringtothemovie.“ButIhaveamuchbetteridea,
anyway.Waitandsee.”

Sheponderedthatenigmaticremarkallthroughthemovie.Theywenthome,haddinnerand

watchedTV,butitwasn’tuntilthegirlswentuptobedandthestudydooropenedthatKasiebeganto
realizewhatJohnwasupto.Becausehewaiteduntilhisbrotherhadanunobstructedviewofthetwo
ofthematthefootofthestaircase.AndthenhebentandkissedKasie.Passionately.

Kasiewasshocked.Gilwasinfuriated.JohnwinkedatKasiebeforeheturnedtofacehisbrother.

“Oh,thereyouare,”hetoldGilwithagrin.“Themoviewasgreat.I’lltellyouallaboutittomorrow.
Sleepwell,Kasie,”headded,rufflingthehairathertemple.

“You,too,”shechoked.Shecouldbarelymanagewords.Johnhadnevertouchedherbefore,and

sheknewthatithadn’tbeenoutofmisplacedpassionorragingdesirethathe’dkissedher.He’d
obviouslydoneittoirritatehisbigbrother.Anditwasworking!Gillookedasifhewantedtobite
somebody.

HemovedclosetoKasiewhenJohnwasoutofsightupthesteps,whippingoutasnow-white

handkerchief.Hecaughtherbythenapeandwipedoffhersmearedlipstick.

“Youaren’tmarryingmybrother,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.
“Excuseme?”

“Isaid,youaren’tmarryingJohn,”herepeatedharshly.“You’reanemployeehere,andthat’sall.

Iamnotgoingtoletmybrotherbecomeyourmealticket!”

Sheactuallygasped.“Ofalltheunfounded,unreasonable,outrageousthingsintheworldtosay

toawoman,thatreallytakesthecake!”sheraged.

“Ihaven’tstartedyet,”hebitoff.Hethrewthehandkerchiefdownonthehalltableandpulledher

roughlyintohisarms.“I’veneverwantedtohitamansobadlyinallmylife,”hegroundoutashis
mouthwentdownoverhers.

Shecouldn’tbreathe.Hedidn’tseemtonotice,orcare.Hismouthwaswarm,hard,insistent.She

clungtohisshirtfrontandletthesensationswashoverherlikefire.Hewasinsultingher.She
shouldn’tlethim.Sheshouldmakehimstop.Itwasjustthathismouthwassosweet,somasterful,so
ardent.Shemoanedasthesensationspileduponthemselvesandleftherkneeswobblingoutfrom
underher.

Hecaughthercloserandliftedheragainsthim,devouringhermouthwithhisown.Shefelther

wholebodybegintoshiverwiththestrengthofthedesirehewasteachinghertofeel.Neverinher
lifehadsheknownsuchpleasure,buteventhehungryforceofthekissstillwasn’tenoughtoeasethe
acheinher.

Herarmswentupandaroundhisneckandsheheldonasifshemightdiebylettinggo.He

groanedhuskilyashisbodybegantoharden.Hewantedher.Hewantedtolayherdownonthe
Persiancarpet,makepassionatelovetoher.Hewanted…

Hedraggedhismouthfromhersandlookeddownatherwithaccusationandraginganger.
“I’mmad,”hegrowledoff.“Youaren’tsupposedtoenjoyit.”
“Okay,”shemurmured,tryingtocoaxhismouthbackdownontohers.Shehadnowill,no

pride,noreasonleft.Sheonlywantedthepleasuretocontinue.“Comebackhere.I’llpretendtohate
it.”

“Kasie…”
Shefoundhismouthandgroanedhoarselyashegaveintohisownhungerandcrushedher

againstthelengthofhistall,fitbody.Itwasthemostgloriouskissofherentirelife.Ifonlyitwould
neverend…

Butitdid,alltoosoon,andheshotawayfromherasifhe’dtastedpoison.Hiseyesglittered.“If

youeverlethimkissyouagain,I’llthrowbothofyououtawindow!”

Sheopenedhermouthtospeak,butbeforeshecouldmanagewords,thefrontdoorbellrang.
Itwasoneofthecowboys.Twomoreheadofcattlehadbeenshot,andthegunmanwasstillout

nearthelinecabin.Oneofthecowboyshadhimpinneddownwithriflefireandneeded
reinforcements.IttookGilpreciselyfiveminutestocallJohn,loadhisWinchesterandgetoutthe
door.HebarelytooktimetocautionKasieaboutventuringoutsideuntilthesituationwasunder
control.Shedidn’tevengetachancetobeghimtobecareful.Shewentupstairs,sothatshe’dbenear
thegirls,butsheknewthatthiswasonenightshewouldn’tsleepawink.

Chapter11

asielayawakefortherestofthenight.Whendawnbroke,shestillhadn’theardGilcomeintothe

house.Andonceshe’dthoughtsheheardashotbeingfired.Rememberinghowdangeroustheman
Simswassupposedtobemadeherevenmoreuneasy.WhatifGilhadbeenshot?Howwouldshe
live?Shecouldn’tbearthethoughtofaworldwithoutGilinit.

ShegotupanddressedjustasMrs.Charterswentintothekitchentostartbreakfast.JohnandGil

werenowhereinsight.

“Havetheycomeinatall?”sheaskedMrs.Charters.
“Notyet,”theolderwomansaid,andlookedworried.“Therewerepolicecarsandsheriff’scars

allovertheplaceabouttwohoursago,”sheadded.“Isawthemfrommyhouse.”

“IthoughtIheardashot,butIdidn’tseeanything,”Kasiesaid,andthenshereallyworried.
“Youcouldn’thaveseenthem,itwasthreemilesandmoredowntheroad.ButI’msurewe’d

haveheardifanythinghadhappenedtoGilorJohn.”

“Oh,Ihopeso,”Kasiesaidfervently.
“I’llmakecoffee,”shesaid.“Youcanhavesomeinaminute.”
“Thanks,Mrs.Charters.I’mgoingtogositonthefrontporch.”
“Youdothat,dear.”

Theranchwasmostbeautifulearlyinthemorning,Kasiethought,whendawnbrokeonthe

horizonandthecattleandhorsesstartedmovingaroundinthepastures.Shelovedthispartoftheday,
butnowitwastormenttositandwonderandnotbeabletodoanything.HadtheyfoundSims?Washe
incustodyorstillatlarge?And,mostfrighteningofall,wasthememoryofthatsinglegunshot.Had
Gilbeenhurt?

Shenibbledatherfingernailsinhernervousness,ahabitleftoverfromchildhood.Theredidn’t

seemtobeavehicleintheworld.Thehighwaywascloseenoughthatthesoundofmovingvehicles
couldbeheardveryfaintly,butatthishourtherewasverylittletraffic.Infact,therewasnone.

Shegotupfromtheporchswingandpacedrestlessly.WhatifGilhadbeenshot?Surely

someonewouldhavephoned.Johnwould,shewascertain.Butwhatifthewoundwasserious,so
seriousthathecouldn’tleavehisbrother ’ssideevenlongenoughtomakeaphonecall?Whatif…!

Thesoundofatruckcomingdownthelongranchroadcaughtherattention.Sherantothetop

ofthestepsandstoodtherewithherheartpoundinglikemad.Itwasoneoftheranch’spickuptrucks.
Sherecognizedit.Twomenwereinthecab.Theywereinaflamingrush.WasitJohnandoneofthe
hands,cometotellherthatGilwashurt,wounded,dying?

Dustflewasthedriverpulledupsharplyatthefrontsteps.Bothdoorsflewopen.Kasiethought

shemightfaint.Johngotoutofthepassengerside,wholeandundamagedandgrinning.Gilgotout
ontheotherside,dustyandworn,withacutbleedingbesidehismouth.Buthewasallinonepiece,
notinjured,notshot,not…

“Gil!”Shescreamedhisname,blindanddeafanddumbtotherestoftheworldasshecameout

ofherfrozentranceanddasheddownthesteps,missingthebottomoneentirely,torushrightintohis
arms.

“Kasie…”Hecouldn’ttalkatall,becauseshewaskissinghim,blindly,fervently,asifhe’djust

comebackfromthedead.

Hestoppedtryingtotalk.Hekissedherback,hisarmsenfoldinghersocloselythatherfeet

dangledwhileheansweredtheachinghungerofhermouth.

Shewasshakingwhenheliftedhishead.Hiseyeswereglitterywithfeelingashesearchedher

eyesandsaweverysingleemotioninher.Shelovedhim.Shecouldn’thavetoldhimanyplainerif
she’dshoutedit.

Johnjustchuckled.“I’llgodrinkcoffeewhileyoutwo…talk,”hemurmureddryly,bypassing

themwithoutabackwardglance.

Neitherofthemheardhimorsawhimgo.Theystaredateachotherwithachingtenderness,

touchingfaces,lips,fingertips.

“I’mallright,”hewhispered,kissingheragain.“Simstookashotatus,buthemissed.Ittook

twosheriff’sdeputies,thebloodhoundsandafewranchhands,butwetrackedhimdown.He’sinjail,
nursinghisbruises.”

Shetracedthedriedbloodonhischeek.“Hehityou.”
Heshrugged.“Ihithim,too.”Hesmiledoutrageously.“Somuchforpretendingthatyouonly

workforme,Kasie,”hesaidwithdeliberatemischiefinhistone.

Shetouchedhisdustyhair.“Iloveyou,”shesaidhuskily.Hereyessearchedhis.“Isitallright?”
“Thatdepends,”hemused,bendingtokisshergently.“Wediscussedbeingold-fashioned,

remember?”

Sheflushed.“Iwasn’tsuggesting…”
Hetookhersoftupperlipinbothofhisandnibbledit.“Thisisthelastplaceintheworldthat

youandIcouldcarryonatorridaffair,”hepointedout.“Thegirlscantakeoffdoorknobsifthey
havetherighttools,andMrs.Chartersprobablyhasmicrophonesandhiddencamerasineveryroom.
Shealwaysknowswhatever ’sgoingonaroundhere.”Heliftedhisheadandsearchedhereyes.“I’m
gladyoulovechildren,Kasie.Ireallydon’tplantostopatBessandJenny.”

Sheflushedsoftly.“Really?”
“Weshouldhaveoneortwoofourown,”headdedquietly.“Boysruninmyfamily,evenif

DarleneandIwereneverabletohaveone.Ifwehadasonortwo,itwouldgiveBessandJennya
chancetobepartofabigfamily.”

Hereyesgrewdreamy.“Wecouldteachallofthemhowtousethecomputerandlovecattle.”
Hesmiledtenderly.“Butfirst,Ithinkwemightgetmarried,”hewhisperedatherlips.“Sothat

yourauntdoesn’thavetobeembarrassedwhenshetellspeoplewhatyou’redoing.”

“Wewouldn’twanttoembarrassMamaLuke,”sheagreed,bubblingoverwithjoy.
“Godforbid,”hemurmured.Hekissedheragain,withmutedpassion.“Shecancometothe

wedding.”Hehesitatedandhiseyesdarkened.“I’mnotsureaboutmybrother.Icouldhavedecked
himforkissingyou!”

“Istilldon’tknowwhyhedid,”shebegan.
Hechuckled.“Hetoldme.HewantedtoseeifIwasjealousofyou.Igavehimhellallnightuntil

Simsshowedup.Helaughedallthewaybacktotheranch.Somuchforlightingfiresunderpeople,”
headdedwithafaintgrin.“I’lllethimbebestman,Iguess,buthe’sgoingtobetheonlymanin
churchwhodoesn’tgettokissthebride!”

Shelaughed.“WhatawickedfamilyI’mmarryinginto,”shesaidasshereacheduptokisshim.

“Andspeakingofwicked,wehavetoinviteK.C.,”sheaddedshyly.

Hefroze,liftinghishead.“Idon’tknowaboutthat,Kasie…”
“You’lllikehim.Reallyyouwill,”shepromised,smilingwidely.
Hegrimaced.“Isupposeweeachhavetohaveatleastonehandicap,”hemuttered.“Ihavea

lunaticbrotherandyou’rebestfriendswithahitman.”

“He’snot.You’lllikehim,”sherepeated,anddrewhisheaddowntohersagain.Shekissedhim

withenthusiasm,enjoyingthewarm,wisetutoringofhishardmouth.“Weshouldgoandtellthe
babies,”shewhisperedagainsthismouth.

“Noneed,”hemurmured.
“UncleJohn,look!Daddy’skissingKasie!”
“See?”headdedwithagrinasheliftedhisheadandindicatedthefrontdoor.Standingthere,

grinningalso,wereJohn,Bess,Jenny,Mrs.Charters,andMissParsons.

TheweddingwasthesocialeventofMedicineRidgeforthesummer.Kasieworeabeautiful

whitegownwithlaceandakeyholeneckline,withaJulietcapandalongveil.Shelooked,Gil
whisperedasshejoinedhimatthealtar,likeanangel.

Herexcitedeyesapprovedhisneatgrayvestedsuit,whichmadehishairlookevenmoreblond.

AteithersideofthemwereBessandJennyinmatchingbluedresses,carryingbasketsofwhiteroses.
NexttothemwasJohn,hisbrother ’sbestman,fumblinginhispocketfortheweddingringshewas
responsiblefor.

Astheceremonyprogressed,atall,blondmaninthefrontpewwatchedwithnarrowed,wistful

eyesashisgodchildmarriedtheeldestoftheCallisterheirs.Notbad,K.C.Kantorthought,foragirl
who’dbarelysurvivedamilitaryuprisingevenbeforeshewasborn.Heglancedatthewomanseated
nexttohim,hiseyessadandquiet,ashecontemplatedwhatmighthavebeenifhe’dmetKasie’saunt
beforeherheartledhertoalifeofserviceinareligiousorder.Theywerethebestoffriendsandthey
corresponded.Shewouldalwaysbefamilytohim.Shewastheonlyfamilyhehad,orwouldever
have,exceptforthatsweetyoungwomanatthealtar.

“Isn’tshebeautiful?”MamaLukewhisperedtohim.
“Arealvision,”heagreed.
Shesmiledathimwithwarmaffectionandturnedherattentionbacktotheceremony.
Asthepriestpronouncedthemmanandwife,GilliftedtheveilandbenttokissKasie.There

weresighsallaround,untilasmallhandtuggedhardatKasie’sskirtandalittlevoicewasheard
askingplaintively,“Isitoveryet,Daddy?Ihavetogotothebathroom!”

Later,laughingaboutthesmallinterruptionastheygatheredinthefellowshiphallofthechurch,

KasieandGileachcuddledalittlegirlandfedthemcake.

“ItwasniceofPaulinetoapologizeforwhatshedidintheBahamas,”Kasiemurmured,

recallingthetelephonecallthathadbothsurprisedandpleasedherthedaybeforetheceremony.

“She’sreallynotthatbad,”Gilmused.“Justirresponsibleandpossessive.ButIstilldidn’twant

heratthewedding,”headdedwithagrin.“Justincase.”

“Istillwishyou’dinvitedyourparents,”KasietoldGilgently.
“Idid,”hereplied.“TheywereontheirwaytotheBahamasandcouldn’tsparethetime.”He

smiledather.“Don’tworrythesubject,Kasie.Somethingscan’tbechanged.We’reafamily,youand
meandthegirlsandJohn.”

“Yes,weare,”sheagreed,andshereacheduptokisshim.Sheglancedaroundthemcuriously.

MamaLukeinterceptedtheglanceandjoinedthem.

“Heleftaswewerecominginhere,”shetoldKasie.“K.C.neverwasoneforsocializing.I

expecthe’sheadedfortheairportbynow.”

“Itwasniceofhimtocome.”
“Itwas,”sheagreed.ShehandedasmallboxtoKasie.“Heaskedmetogivethistoyou.”
Shefrowned,pausingtoopenthebox.Shedrewoutagoldnecklacewithatinycrystalball

danglingfromit.Insidetheballwasatinyseed.

“It’samustardseed,”MamaLukeexplained.“It’sfromaBiblicalquote—ifyouhaveeventhat

amountoffaith,asamustardseed,nothingisimpossible.It’storemindyouthatmiracleshappen.”

KasiecradleditinherhandandlookedupatGilwithherheartinhereyes.“Indeedtheydo,”she

whispered,andalltheloveshehadforhernewhusbandwasinherface.

Thenextnight,KasieandGillaytangledinaking-sizebedatarentedvillainNassau,exhausted

anddeliciouslyrelaxedfromtheirfirstintimacy.

Kasiemovedshylyagainsthim,herfaceflushedintheaftermathofmorephysicalsensation

thanshe’deverexperienced.

“Stopthat,”hemurmureddrowsily.“I’muselessnow.Gotosleep.”
Shelaughedwithpuredelightandcurledcloser.“Allright.Butdon’tforgetwhereweleftoff.”
Hedrewhercloser.“AsifIcould!”Hebentandkissedhereyesshut.“Kasie,Ineverdreamed

thatIcouldbethishappyagain.”Hiseyesopenedandlookedintoherswithferventpossession.“I
lovedDarlene.Apartofmewillalwaysloveher.ButIwoulddieforyou,”headdedroughly,hiseyes
blazingwithemotion.

Overwhelmed,sheburiedherfaceinhisthroatandshivered.“Iwoulddieforyou,”shechoked.

Sheclungharder.“Iloveyou!”

Hismouthfoundhers,hungryforcontact,forthesharingoffierce,exquisiteneed.Hedrewher

overhisrelaxedbodyandheldheruntilthetremblingstopped.Hisbreathsighedoutheavilyather
ear.“Forever,Kasie,”hewhisperedunsteadily.

Shesmiled.“Forever.”

Theyslept,eventually,andasdawnfilteredinthroughthevenetianblindsandthesoundofthe

surfgrewlouder,therewasaknockonthedoor.

Gilopenedhiseyes,stilldrowsy.HelookeddownatKasie,fastasleeponherstomach,smiling

evenso.Hesmiled,too,andtossedthesheetoverherbeforehesteppedintohisBermudashortsand
wenttoanswerthedoor.

Theshockwhenheopeneditwasblatant.Onthedoorstepwereasilver-hairedmanincasual

slacksanddesignershirt,andasilver-hairedwomaninaneatbutcasualsundressandoverblouse.
TheywerecarryingthebiggestbouquetoforchidsGilhadeverseeninhislife.

ThemanpushedthebouquettowardGilhesitantlyandwithasmilethatseemedbothhesitantand

uncertain.“Congratulations,”hesaid.

“Frombothofus,”thewomanadded.
Theybothstoodthere,waiting.
AsGilsearchedforwords,therewasmovementbehindhimandKasiecametothedoorinthe

floweredcottonmuu-muushe’dboughtforthetrip,herlongchestnuthairdisheveled,smiling
broadly.

“Hello!”sheexclaimed,goingpastGiltohugthewomanandthentheman,whobothflushed.

“I’msogladyoucouldcome!”

Gilstaredather.“What?”
“Iphonedthem,”shetoldhim,claspinghisbighandinhers.“Theysaidthey’dliketocomeover

andhavelunchwithus,andItoldthemtocometoday.ButIoverslept,”sheadded,andflushed.

“It’syourhoneymoon,youshouldoversleep,”Gil’smother,Magdalene,saidgently.Shelooked

athersonnervously.“Wewantedtocometothewedding,”shesaid.“Butwedidn’twantto,well,ruin
thedayforyou.”

“That’sright,”JackCallisteragreedgruffly.“Wehaven’tbeengoodparents.Atfirstwewere

tooirresponsible,andthenweweretooashamed.EspeciallywhenDouglastookyouinandwelost
touch.”Heshrugged.“It’stoolatetostartover,ofcourse,butwe’dsortofliketo,well,togetto
knowyouandJohn.Andthegirls,ofcourse.Thatis,ifyou,uh,ifyou…”Heshrugged.

KasiesqueezedGil’shand,hard.
“I’dlikethat,”hesaidobligingly.
Theirfaceschanged.Theybeamed.Forseveralseconds,theylookedlikesilver-hairedchildren

onChristmasmorning.AndGilrealizedwithstarkshockthattheywerejustthat—grown-upchildren
withoutthefirstideaofhowtobeparents.DouglasCallisterhadkepttheboys,andhehadn’t
approvedofhisbrotherJack,sohehadn’tencouragedcontact.SincetheelderCallistersdidn’tknow
howtoapproachtheirchildrendirectly,theylosttouchandthencouldn’tfindawaytoreachthemat
all.

HelookeddownatKasie,anditallmadesense.She’dtiedthelooseendsup.She’dgathereda

familybacktogether.

ShesqueezedGil’shandagain,lookingupathimwithradiantdelight.“Wecouldgetdressed

andmeetthemintherestaurant.Afterweputtheseinwater,”sheadded,huggingthebouquettoher
heartandsniffingthem.“I’veneverhadorchidsinmylife,”shesaidwithasmile.“Thankyou!”

Magdalenalaughednervously.“No,Kasie.Thankyou.”
“We’llgetdressedandmeetyouinaboutfifteenminutes,intherestaurant,”Gilmanagedtosay.
“Great!”Jacksaid.Hetookhiswife’shand,andtheybothsmiled,lookingtenyearsyounger.

“We’llseeyouthere!”

ThedoorclosedandGillookeddownatKasiewithwonder.
“Ithoughttheymightliketovisitusattheranchnextmonth,too,”Kasiesaid,“sotheycangetto

knowthebabies.”

“You’reamazing,”hesaid.“Absolutelyamazing!”
ShefingeredthenecklaceK.C.hadgivenheratthewedding.“Ilikemiracles,don’tyou?”
Heburstoutlaughing.Hepickedherupandswungheraroundinanarcwhileshesquealedand

heldontoherbouquettightly.Heputherdowngentlyandkissedherroughly.

“Iloveyou,”hesaidhuskily.
Shegrinned.“Yes,andseewhatitgetsyouwhenyoulovepeople?Yougetallsortsofnice

surprises.Infact,”sheaddedwithamischievousgrin,“Ihaveallsortsofsurprisesinstoreforyou.”

Hetookadeepbreathandlookedatherwithwarmaffection.“Icanhardlywait.”
Shekissedhimgentlyandwenttodress.ShegaveathoughttoGil’sDarlene,andtoherown

parents,andherlosttwinandhisfamily,andhopedthattheyallknew,somehow,thatsheandGilwere
happyandthattheyhadabrightfuturewiththetwolittlegirlsandthechildrentheywouldhave
together.Asshewenttotheclosettogetherdress,hereyeswerefullofdreams.AndsowereGil’s.

ISBN:978-1-4592-0007-4

CIRCLEOFGOLD

Allrightsreserved.Exceptforuseinanyreview,thereproductionorutilizationofthisworkinwhole
orinpartinanyformbyanyelectronic,mechanicalorothermeans,nowknownorhereafter
invented,includingxerography,photocopyingandrecording,orinanyinformationstorageor
retrievalsystem,isforbiddenwithoutthewrittenpermissionofthepublisher,HarlequinEnterprises
Limited,225DuncanMillRoad,DonMills,Ontario,Canada,M3B3K9.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,placesandincidentsareeithertheproductofthe
author ’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,
businessestablishments,eventsorlocalesisentirelycoincidental.

ThiseditionpublishedbyarrangementwithHarlequinBooksS.A.

Forquestionsandcommentsaboutthequalityofthisbookpleasecontactusat
Customer_eCare@Harlequin.ca.

®andTMaretrademarksofthepublisher.Trademarksindicatedwith®areregisteredintheUnited
StatesPatentandTrademarkOffice,theCanadianTradeMarksOfficeandinothercountries.

www.eHarlequin.com

Document Outline

Letter to Reader
About the Author
Title Page
Also By
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Copyright

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
Diana Palmer Men of Medicine Ridge 03 Diamond in the Rough
Diana Palmer Men of Medicine Ridge 04 Will of Steel
Diana Palmer Men of the Hour 02 King s Ransom
Diana Palmer Men of the Hour 01 Night of Love
Diana Palmer Men of the Hour 03 Secret Agent Man
Diana Palmer Soldier Of Fortune 02 Czuły i obcy
Diana Palmer A Matter of Trust
Diana Palmer Heart Of Ice
Diana Palmer Man of the Hour
Diana Palmer Heart of Ice
Diana Palmer Soldier Of Fortune 03 Enamored
Diana Palmer Teacher of the Love
Diana Palmer Soldier Of Fortune 04 Pora na miłość
Diana Palmer Soldier Of Fortune 06 The Last Mercenary
Diana Palmer Eye of the Tiger
Diana Palmer Soldier Of Fortune 03 Splatane losy (Enamored)
Diana Palmer Wyoming Men 02 Wyoming Fierce
Diana Palmer Mężczyźni z Medicine Ridge 03 Dwoje w Montanie (2009) John&Sassy
Diana Palmer Friends and Lovers 02 Rage of Passion

więcej podobnych podstron

Diana Palmer Men of Medicine Ridge 02 Circle Of Gold

Document Outline