The Cowboy Code by Christine Wenger Page B

statement. He just wanted to prove his point.
    She shrugged. “I haven’t seen much of Mountain Springs yet, but it sure is beautiful here.” She gestured to the distant mountains and conifer trees. “Just beautiful. It’s not like home at all.”
    Maggie stared into the distance. She was probably thinking that she’d love to take the first plane out of here. A woman like Maggie didn’t belong here any more than she belonged on a dairy farm.
    He’d proved his point. Maggie was just like Ellen Rogers.
    That was another good reason—maybe the best reason—to stay away from her.

Chapter Six
    L ater that evening, as everyone roasted marshmallows over the campfire, Maggie kept up a steady supply of graham crackers and squares of chocolate for s’mores.
    She thought about how much Joe had helped her this afternoon and she was gaining confidence. Maybe this program had already helped her more than she’d thought possible. Maybe soon she’d even be able to make a decision about something that she’d been worrying over for far too long—quitting the stage.
    She stole a glance at Danny. He was still sulking, probably because he’d heard about Joe and herholding hands earlier. It wasn’t private enough here to talk to him, and if she called him away from the others, he wouldn’t like that either.
    She’d just have to wait for the right time.
    Tim, the math instructor-turned-rodeo rider, picked up his guitar and started strumming “Red River Valley” and a couple of the cowboys joined in. She joined in, too, once she knew the words. It felt good to sing again.
    When the song was over, the kids and cowboys clapped and cheered. She flushed with pleasure just as Joe caught her eye.
    Tim started another song, one she didn’t know, as Joe took a seat beside her. “I love listening to you sing. We all can see why you’re a Broadway star.”
    She smiled. It was always nice to hear that, especially when it came from the heart.
    â€œWith talent like yours, you’ll find another show.”
    She was quiet for a while, then shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not. I had momentum going, but momentum can be fleeting. But that’s all right. It’ll be worth it if being here helps Danny in the end.”
    It surprised Maggie that she was able to vocalize what she’d been thinking about more and more—did she have anything more to accomplish on the stage? She’d already won a Tony, what more was there?
    She’d always liked performing, after she got over her initial moments of stage fright. Thankfully, thatdisappeared when the curtain went up. But for some reason, lately the work itself wasn’t as rewarding as before.
    She took a sip of water. “All the time I spend in rehearsals and performing has taken a toll on my relationship with Danny.”
    She often thought that she might like to teach dance and voice. She’d taught at workshops before, and she loved it. She loved how much energy the kids had and how eager they were to learn. But she had to take care of Danny, and teaching was nowhere near as lucrative as performing.
    Joe leaned over and rested his arms on his thighs. “You’ll figure out how to solve your problem with Danny. Things will get better.”
    â€œPromise?”
    â€œI promise.” Joe met her gaze, and the firelight made his features look chiseled, masculine.
    She sighed. “I just wish I’d been able to put Danny’s needs first when Liz died. But I was so caught up in my own misery… I had friends to confide in, to support me, and Danny had no one. I’ve neglected him miserably. Now I need to make that up.” Tears stung her eyes.
    â€œHave you ever apologized to Danny for neglecting him? Explaining how lost you were?”
    â€œWhy…no. No, I haven’t.”
    â€œDo you think you should?”
    â€œI should, but I don’t know how. I’ve