Little Cowgirl Needs a Mom by Patricia Thayer Page B

happy ending. And they were obviously happy.
    Would it ever be that way for her? She glanced at Evan. He was helping the girls down, but he caught her gaze. There was definitely something there. Did he feel it, too? No! This was not the man for her. Besides, it was too soon for him, and definitely not the time or place for her.
    â€œCome on, Jenny,” Gracie called. “We’re going to eat.”
    She climbed down and walked to the clearing where Allison had spread out a blanket on the ground. Alex brought over two cloth bags that had been tied to his saddle.
    â€œI wonder what Tilda packed for us,” he said.
    Tilda Emerson had been adopted into the Casali family years ago. The one-time housekeeper and bookkeeper was now Alex’s partner in Cherry’s Camp for disabled children. Best of all, she was a great cook.
    Gracie and Cherry sat down on the blanket. Alex handed a bag to each girl. They found chicken salad and peanut butter sandwiches along with chips, fruit and soft drinks.
    Everyone chose a shady spot among the rocks. Jenny watched as they all paired off, leaving her with Evan.
    â€œRelax,” Evan said. “I won’t bite.”
    Jenny wasn’t sure about that as she took the spot next to him. It was quiet while everyone concentrated on food. The girls giggled over silly things, Alex and Evan talked, trying to skirt any business topics but not doing too well.
    â€œI hear you’re still running a cow/calf operation,” Alex said.
    Evan shrugged. “My plans changed when my brother came back from the army. We’re partners for now. He’s started a cattle-transport business, too. My main focus is still the vineyard.”
    â€œAre you ever going to produce your own label?”
    Evan nodded. “Someday.”
    Jenny could hear the pride in his voice.
    Finally Allison stepped in. “Whoa, guys. There’s no business, remember?”
    Soon the girls finished their sandwiches, then asked permission to go and walk along the edge of the creek.
    â€œJust keep in eyeshot, Cherry,” her father said.
    Once the girls took off, Alex removed his hat and laid his head on his wife’s lap. “This is the life,” he sighed.
    Listening to the soothing sound of the water, Jenny thought she wouldn’t mind a nap, too. She stole a glance at Evan. He wasn’t relaxed at all. She wanted to reach out and help ease the tension from his back.
    He turned to her. “What’s wrong?”
    â€œNothing.”
    Soon Alex stood up and reached for his wife’s hand. “I think we’ll go for a walk.” He nodded toward the girls. “We’ll be close by.”
    The couple walked off, but Jenny wanted to call them back. She had a feeling that her friends had planned their departure so she’d be alone with Evan.
    â€œHow do you like the view?” she asked.
    Evan finally looked at her. “It’s nice. Everything about the A Bar A is nice. Of course, when you have money you can have a showplace.” She laughed.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?”
    â€œIf you only knew where Alex came from.”
    â€œI hear he has family in Italy.”
    â€œHis mother was American, but she wasn’t around much for her twin sons, Alex and Angelo. They pretty much lived on the streets. Alex has gone hungry enough to appreciate the good life. And now he has Allison and the kids.”
    Evan glanced out at the stream. “Hard work is easy when you have someone to share it with.”
    Jenny hugged her knees to her chest, hearing the distant tone in Evan’s voice. Was he thinking about Megan? Of course he was. They’d loved each other. “It has to be hard to move on after losing the one you shared your dreams with.”
    He glanced toward the creek. “Sometimes sharing is overrated.” He glanced at her. “How serious were you and Perkins?”
    Jenny was caught off guard. “Brian? We dated a while back.”