Little Cowgirl Needs a Mom by Patricia Thayer

“It’s good to see you.”
    She expected that familiar feeling to tighten in her chest, but nothing like that came. She was only glad to see a friend. “Hey, cowboy. You, too.”
    She was caught off guard when he pulled her into a big hug. “I’ve missed you.”
    â€œThat’s nice to know.”
    He released her. “Do you still hate me?”
    She blinked at his frankness. “Let’s not beat around the bush.”
    He sobered. “It was never my intention to hurt you.”
    They’d dated for a few months nearly two summers ago when she’d been working on Allison’s cable TV show. It had been pretty intense, but there had always been something missing between them. She had been the one with the forever fantasies. When the breakup came, it had been more pride than her heart being involved. She’d gone back to San Antonio and her teaching job.
    â€œDon’t worry, Perkins, I got over you a long time ago. So get over yourself.”
    He tossed her that grin she’d once been so crazy about, but it didn’t affect her the way it used to. Suddenly she realized what Brian had tried to tell her: they were headed in different directions. As a divorced father, he wanted time with his nearly grown kids, and she wanted to start a family.
    â€œI’m wounded.” He clutched his chest dramatically. “Was I so easy to forget?”
    She fought a smile. “I guess I was, too.”
    â€œNo way.” His gaze locked on her. “I just wasn’t the guy for you.” Brian reached out and touched her cheek. “There’s a lucky man who’s gonna win your heart.”
    Before she could say anything, she heard her name. She turned around to see Gracie running toward her, followed by a stoic-looking Evan Rafferty.
    â€œHi, Gracie,” she said.
    She hugged the girl as her father walked up. “Hello, Evan.” She glanced over her shoulder, suddenly feeling uneasy. “Brian Perkins, this is Evan Rafferty and his daughter, Gracie. Brian’s the ranch foreman and Alex’s partner in his cattle business.”
    The two men exchanged handshakes. “Evan. It’s a good day for a ride.”
    Evan gave a curt nod. “Yeah, it is.”
    This wasn’t going well, Jenny thought, not knowing why. “Brian and Alex also breed quarter horses.” She filled in the silence as the two men stared at each other.
    â€œRafferty. Is that Rafferty’s Vineyard?”
    Evan nodded.
    Thank goodness, the Casalis were walking toward them, Cherry hurrying on ahead. Her limp was barely noticeable these days. How great was it that a kid could go from a wheelchair to walking in barely two years?
    â€œMorning everyone,” Allison called.
    â€œHi, Mrs. C,” Gracie said.
    Cherry grabbed the girl’s hand and led her toward Alex. “Dad, this is Gracie Rafferty. She’s my new friend.”
    â€œHi, Mr. C.,” Gracie said shyly. “Thank you for letting me ride with Cherry today.”
    Smiling, Alex bent down to speak to the child. “It’s my pleasure, Gracie. Any friend of Cherry’s is always welcome here.” He went to the adults and hugged Jenny. “Jenny Collins, it’s been far too long between visits. The twins want to know when you’re coming to read them stories again.”
    She liked Alex, especially since he treated his wife like a princess. “I figured since you were outnumbered by women as it was, you didn’t need another one giving you trouble.”
    Alex laughed. “I like that kind of trouble.” He looked at Evan. “It’s good to see you again, Evan.”
    â€œAlex. I appreciate you inviting us. My daughter has been looking forward to this.” So was he. The A Bar A Ranch was an incredible operation.
    Evan glanced at Jenny beside the foreman, recallinghow cozy they’d been earlier. So what? It didn’t bother him who her friends