Читать книгу Her Christmas Family Wish - Lois Richer - Страница 11

Chapter Two

“You’re making a lot of noise for a kid who’s been fed, watered and changed.”

In the year since Taryn’s death Wyatt had grown comfortable speaking to Cade as if he understood everything. What he doubted he’d ever get used to was the volume of noise a small child could generate.

“You’ll give me a bad reputation as a dad,” he complained as he drove into Wranglers Ranch.

While Cade, red-faced and bellowing, continued his vocal outrage, Wyatt parked beside the visitors sign and exited the noisy truck with a sigh of relief.

“Nothing wrong with his lungs, is there?” Tanner appeared and held out a hand. “Nice to see you again, Wyatt.”

“You, too, Tanner.” He shook hands then picked up Cade. “He’s in a bad mood because he wouldn’t settle for his nap.” He offered a soother, but Cade knocked it from his hand.

“Got a temper, too.” Tanner laughed as he bent and picked it up.

“I’m sorry about this,” he said as Cade launched into another earsplitting roar. “I did warn you I couldn’t get a sitter.” Wyatt jiggled the grumpy child in a futile hope that he’d relax and perhaps drift off to sleep. “Maybe you should get another vet.”

“Don’t want anyone else,” Tanner said firmly. “You have the best reputation around these parts when it comes to horses, Wyatt. I want your opinion.”

“Okay. On what?”

“Two animals I’m considering buying.” Tanner winced as Cade amped up his protests. “Come on. We’ll take him to Sophie. She’ll know what to do.”

Wyatt desperately hoped so. He’d been through Cade’s overtired days before, and though his son eventually relaxed and fell asleep, the experience always left him drained.

But his hopes were dashed when he heard someone say, “I’m sorry, Tanner, but Sophie went shopping. She’s catering that barbecue tonight, remember?”

Wyatt turned and saw her. The woman from the grocery store.

Though Ellie smiled as she approached the Wranglers’ boss, Wyatt thought her face tensed when her gaze moved to him. “Hello, again,” she said in a pleasant tone.

“Hi. Sorry about the racket.” He shifted Cade from one hip to the other. “How’s Gracie?”

“She’s fine. May I take him?” Ellie held out her hands with a smile. “Hello there, little man,” she said in that lilting voice he hadn’t been able to forget. “What’s your issue?”

Cade stopped midscreech to stare at her. Then he grinned and clapped his hands.

“Traitor.” The word slipped out without thinking. Embarrassed, Wyatt caught Ellie’s grin. “He missed his nap.”

“And he’s been taking it out on you.” She laughed and nodded. “Been there. Why don’t you leave him with me? I’ll rock him on the porch for a few minutes, and he’ll soon nod off.” She studied Cade’s now-drooping eyes. “See? I doubt he’ll be awake long.”

“Maybe,” Wyatt said doubtfully. “But that’s too much of an imposition. This is your workplace.” He held out his hands. “I’ll just take him home. Maybe I can make it back another time, if you really want my advice,” he said to Tanner.

“Please, leave him. I’d enjoy the break. The morning’s been a little monotonous.” Ellie winked at Tanner. “No kids have fallen off their horse or skinned a knee, so I’ve been a bit bored.”

“Our guests do not fall off,” Tanner protested indignantly.

“Sorry. Of course they don’t. It’s all to do with gravity.” Ellie winked at Wyatt. “Seriously, we’ll be fine. I’ll call Tanner if I need you.”

Wyatt hesitated, watching her face soften as she swayed back and forth with Cade. His son’s eyes were almost closed, his thumb in his mouth. “You’re sure?” he murmured.

“Positive.” Ellie began to hum softly while maintaining the same swaying movements. A tiny smile flirted with her lips. “Walk away now,” she sing-songed, never losing a beat in her lullaby.

Since Taryn’s death Wyatt had trusted his son to only two sitters and then only after a complete vetting by him and Tucson’s premier child care agency. Yet somehow he felt utterly confident in Ellie’s abilities with Cade. Maybe it was because he’d seen her with Gracie and knew her to be a loving parent. Or maybe it was the way she so confidently held Cade that he immediately relaxed in her arms.

“You can trust Ellie,” Tanner added.

“I know.” Wyatt set down the diaper bag he held. “Here’s his stuff.”

Ellie’s gaze met his, a knowing look in her gray eyes. “I promise he’ll be all right.”

Of course he would. Because, thanks to Ellie, Cade was already sleeping.

“I’ll be back in about an hour,” he said.

“We’ll be here.” Ellie’s smile lent encouragement as he went on his way.

* * *

As it turned out, Wyatt’s inspection of Tanner’s horses went slowly, thorough as it was.

“These mares appear healthy and well cared for. They should be fine to breed.” Wyatt stretched his back, his examination finally complete. “I’ll run the blood samples anyway, but I doubt there’s an issue.” He frowned, noting a larger, older stallion in the paddock beyond. “Him I’m not so sure about. Where’d you get him?”

“He was left here late last night.” Tanner’s lips tightened. “I’m guessing he’s been kept inside a barn or something for a long time, because I’m pretty sure he’s got thrush on his feet.”

“That’s not a common ailment here in the desert.” Wyatt climbed the fence and walked closer for a better look, barely aware that Tanner followed. “He seems lame... Did you notice he doesn’t flex his foot?” He spoke soothingly while he lifted the horse’s leg and probed the tender heel and frog area.

“Yeah, I noticed. Lack of flexing usually means his hooves didn’t get cleaned much.” Tanner’s voice was low and gruff. “Which certainly seems to be the case.”

“It’s hard to understand cruelty to animals,” Wyatt agreed softly. “You’re doing the right thing. Keep him in the fresh air, get him to walk around, and watch what happens.”

“Can I call you if it doesn’t clear up?”

“Of course. Meanwhile, keep his heels trimmed back.” Wyatt swept his hand across the horse’s flanks after releasing his foot. “He could stand some extra oats, too.”

“He’s getting them,” Tanner said with a nod. “Don’t worry, Wyatt. My foreman, Lefty, Moses and I are all keeping a close eye on this guy. He won’t suffer at Wranglers.”

“You’ve got some great stock here, the kind I’d like to add to my own ranch someday.” Wyatt surveyed the other horses with their shiny coats in the surrounding paddocks. Someday, he promised himself as he closed the gate. Then he wondered if he could keep that promise.

“You’re anxious to get back to Cade.” Tanner wasn’t asking a question.

Wyatt nodded. “I used to be a workaholic, but after Taryn died, I vowed I’d always put Cade first.” Self-conscious about revealing that, Wyatt kept his head bent as he cleaned his boots on the grass.

“A good thing for all fathers to remember,” Tanner agreed. “But doing your job isn’t ignoring Cade. He’s not suffering. He’s probably still sleeping, in fact. And he’s got an amazing caregiver in Ellie. She’s really fantastic with kids. She used to have lists of people begging to get their kids into her day care.”

“It was nice of her to watch him for me.” So Ellie had run a day care. Was that how she’d known Cade was going to be sick that day in the store? “I thought she was a nurse.”

“She is. But when Gracie was born, Ellie wanted to stay home with her. So she set up a day care in her house.” Tanner made a face. “Believe me, there were a lot of unhappy folks last August when she closed down Fiddlesticks—that was the name of her day care.”

“If it was successful, why would she do that?” He had no business asking anything about Wranglers’ nurse, but Wyatt was curious.

“Gracie was ready for school. Ellie figured it was a good time to get back to nursing.” He grinned. “Sophie and I have been blessed having her here at Wranglers. The kids just adore her. Cade will, too. You’ll see.”

Privately Wyatt doubted his son would be around Ellie Grant enough to get to that stage, but he simply nodded and kept his opinions to himself, anxious to see how his son had fared.

“He’s still asleep,” Ellie said meeting them at the patio door. “I’ve just made some coffee and put a tray out here. Want some?”

“Sounds good. I see Sophie’s car. I’ll just go see if she needs help,” Tanner said. “You two go ahead.”

Somewhat self-consciously Wyatt followed Ellie to the table under a lacy mesquite tree where she’d set a plate of cookies, a carafe and three mugs. Cade lay nearby in the shade in a makeshift bed in an old washtub, eyes closed, breathing deeply.

“He’s still sleeping.” Wyatt was somewhat surprised to realize two hours had passed.

“Of course.” Ellie smiled, her eyes lighting up as she glanced at the little boy. “He wore himself out yelling, I guess. Gracie used to do that. Drove me bonkers sometimes. She’d get so tired out that she couldn’t seem to relax and let sleep come. I was usually so exhausted that when she finally crashed I did, too.”

“Except when you had to open your day care,” he added. “Tanner said you had a long client list.”

“I did. It was fun if exhausting. I was ready for a change. Especially after—” She checked herself as a fleeting frown washed over her face, then regrouped and shrugged. “I was pretty nervous about letting Gracie start school.”

“Why?” He sipped the coffee she’d poured.

“Until then I’d been in total control of Gracie’s world.” Her lips tilted in a wry smile. “The thought of allowing someone else to take over and not be there to see she was all right caused me some sleepless nights.”

“So how did you handle it?” he asked.

“With Sophie’s help.” Ellie grinned. “I’d consulted her about some catering, she led me to the Lord, and she’s been mentoring me ever since. She suggested I needed to start trusting that God cares as much and even more about Gracie than I do, so now I’m trying to trust Him. Since I’m a control freak where Gracie’s concerned it’s not easy, but I’m learning.”

“Was Sophie catering something for your day care?” he asked as he selected one of Sophie’s homemade cookies from the plate Ellie held out.

“Uh, no.” Ellie hesitated. To Wyatt she looked sort of embarrassed. “Something personal, but it turned out that I didn’t need her services after all.” Her diffidence surprised him.

“She sure has a good reputation as a caterer. Well deserved, judging by these cookies.” He savored the lemon flavor. “I’ve heard about her success all over Tucson.” Wyatt glanced around. “Just like I’ve heard about Tanner’s success with this place.”

“Sophie’s amazing, and Wranglers Ranch is a fantastic ministry. I am so happy to be part of it,” Ellie enthused. “And Gracie loves school, so God took care of that worry, too.” She studied him, her head tilted to one side. “How do you manage work and Cade?”

“Mostly I don’t,” Wyatt admitted. “My wife died about a year ago. Since then work has come a distant second.”

“I’m sure.” She touched his hand fleetingly. “I’m sorry, Wyatt.”

“Thanks. Anyway, I’m Cade’s only parent now, so I’ve been trying to be sure I’m there when he needs me.” He made a face. “Only thing is, toddlers don’t have much downtime. And that makes it hard to build up my veterinarian practice.”

“And you must do that—build it up?” Ellie’s eyebrows lifted as she waited.

“Yes. It’s very important to me.” He wasn’t going to tell her why, though he could see the question lurking in her eyes. “But it’s difficult. Just yesterday I agreed to be at a client’s place in the morning, but then Cade bumped his head on the coffee table. After that he wouldn’t settle down, so I had to cancel.” He made a face. “Doesn’t make for a good working relationship with your clients or help your reputation when you have to withdraw from a call.”

“No, I don’t suppose it does.” Ellie frowned. “Couldn’t you hire a caregiver to come in?”

“I do sometimes,” he said, feeling defensive. “But she wasn’t available yesterday morning when I called.”

“I can see that would be a problem. What about scheduling specific work hours? You could hire a caregiver from, say, eight to noon. While they watched Cade you could work, knowing you’d be available for him later.”

“Actually I did try that once when Cade was younger. It didn’t work.” Wyatt reconsidered. “Maybe it’s time to try it again. Thanks.” The agency would be relieved if he had regular hours to offer their nannies instead of always calling at the last minute.

“Now, since I’ve helped you, would you be willing to help me out?” she asked with a cheeky grin.

“Uh, with what?” he asked. Depending on what she wanted, he might have to refuse her. He wasn’t getting involved.

“I had this idea that Wranglers should sponsor a Thanksgiving Day dinner for kids who don’t have any place to go.” Ellie huffed out a sigh that lifted the spiky bangs across her forehead. “Of course Sophie will do the food, but she and Tanner asked me to set up some kind of decorations and, well...” She made a face. “I’m not exactly artistic. The most art I’ve ever done is kids’ crafts at my day care.”

“Why not go with that?” Wyatt shrugged. “Wranglers is a kids’ camp, after all.”

“How exactly would that work?” Ellie stared at him as if he had all the answers.

And that was so far from the truth that Wyatt wanted to laugh. He had the answers to exactly nothing in his own life. How could he possibly help anyone else?

“Come on, tell me what you were thinking,” she pressed.

He tried to vocalize the vision that had fluttered inside his head. “I guess I always associate Thanksgiving with harvest, you know, a time to count your blessings like the Pilgrims did. So maybe bales of hay scattered around, a few pumpkins on top, a sheaf of wheat if you could find anyone to make it—that kind of thing.”

“Sounds good,” she said with a nod. “And easy. Sophie wants to have an evening meal outside so we’d need lights of some kind. I’d thought candles on the tables, but I suspect that’s out because of the fire risk.”

“There are lots of solar lanterns available. Or battery lights. You could even put some inside hollowed-out gourds and set those inside tipped-over bushel baskets. I’ve seen that done before.” Wyatt felt silly throwing out these ideas about decorating, especially given the state of his ramshackle ranch. “Or you could string some lights in the trees. Maybe even leave them up for Christmas?”

“I love lights at Christmas.” Ellie’s eyes sparkled, her excitement obvious. “So, will you help me do it?”

“Uh, no. I mean, I can’t. I, er, I’m busy with Cade,” he stammered. Though he liked Ellie’s enthusiasm, admired the way she threw herself into things, he pulled out the excuse he always used to escape involvement. He wasn’t ever getting involved again anyway, so it was better to maintain his distance.

“Cade can sleep here while we work, as well as he can sleep at home.” As Ellie called him out her face got a shrewd look. “In exchange for helping me with the decorating I could babysit for you once or twice. Gracie would love that.”

This man would make a good daddy for us, Mommy.

Gracie’s words reverberated in his head, and he knew he had to get out of this arrangement.

“I appreciate the offer, Ellie, but I don’t think it would work.” he said quickly and swallowed his coffee in a gulp. “I’d better get going. I’ve got chores to do at my ranch.”

“You have a ranch?” Ellie’s face had lost some of its excitement as she rose gracefully and walked with him toward Cade.

“It hardly deserves the term ranch, but I’m working on improving that,” Wyatt told her, then grinned. “In my spare time.”

Ellie smiled back before glancing at Cade. “He’ll probably wake soon.”

“Which is why I need to get home. He always wakes up hungry.” Wyatt gently scooped the sleeping boy into his arms, relishing the baby powder smell of his son and the warm weight of him against his chest. “Thank you, Ellie. I appreciate all your help.”

“You’re welcome. It was my pleasure.” She brushed one fingertip against Cade’s cheek. “Bye, sweetie. I hope I see you again soon. You, too,” she added, glancing at Wyatt.

He made a noncommittal response, feeling her gaze on him as he hurried to his truck. Funny how much he wanted to stay and enjoy her company. Ellie’s warm personality, quick laughter and generous nature chased away the gloom and cares that had weighed him down for so long. Talking to Tanner and then sharing coffee with Ellie had, for a little while, brought Wyatt back into the adult world, a place where he didn’t feel quite so incompetent.

As he drove home, Wyatt decided that today’s excursion proved that both he and Cade could benefit from more time among others. Right now he only had that on Sunday mornings when he took his son to church. But keeping an eighteen-month-old toddler amused and happy didn’t allow much opportunity for Wyatt to hear the sermon, let alone interact with adults later. But at least the Sunday morning outing gave them both a break from their routine.

Maybe Ellie was right. Maybe there was a way Wyatt could manage to get more work done. After all, Cade slept in the afternoons. It was unlikely he’d know if his daddy was there or not, but even if he did, wouldn’t Cade benefit from contact with more people? People like Ellie? Wyatt grinned. He had a hunch there wasn’t anyone else quite like Ellie.

Wyatt pulled into his yard and carried a wakening Cade into the house, mindful that he was thinking an awful lot about Ellie Grant. Just as well he’d refused to help her with that Thanksgiving thing at Wranglers.

He admired her plucky spirit and generous outlook. But no way could he allow admiration to turn into anything else. Wyatt would not allow a relationship to grow between them. He failed at relationships. Failed his father and failed Taryn.

What he could not do was fail Cade.

* * *

The following day, after she’d finished work at Wranglers, Ellie bundled Gracie in the car and drove to Wyatt’s ranch. All day she’d vacillated between compunction about invading his personal space when he’d made it clear he wanted nothing more to do with her and a silly female yen to hold Cade again.

Okay, and to see his good-looking father. It had been so nice to just talk to a male friend yesterday, one who wasn’t her boss. She hadn’t had that since Eddie had been part of her life.

“Hey, cut that out. Wyatt’s a nice guy, but he’s nothing to you,” she reminded herself.

“What did you say, Mommy?” Gracie poked her head out from the book she’d been trying to read. A book about daddies, of course.

“Oh, just talking to myself, honey.” Ellie gave herself a stern, though silent lecture about controlling her interest in the vet. Since the day they’d met Wyatt in the grocery store she’d repeatedly told her daughter that he could not be her father.

Well, neither can he be anyone special to you, Ellie Grant. But still, here you are driving onto his ranch on the faintest of pretexts...

“Is this where my new daddy lives?”

Her heart sinking, Ellie began, “Gracie, I’ve told you—”

“Look! Dogs, Mommy. Lots and lots of dogs.” If there was one thing Gracie wanted almost as badly as she wanted a daddy, it was a dog. She clapped her hands in delight as Ellie parked near the house and several animals swarmed around the car, yapping excitedly.

“Don’t open your door,” she cautioned her daughter. “They might not be friendly. Wait.”

When no one appeared, she tapped the horn. A moment later Wyatt poked his head around the corner of a dilapidated structure that might once have been a barn. He waved, disappeared for a moment, then began walking slowly toward them with Cade clinging to one hand, toddling along. As they came nearer, he gathered up the boy and shooed most of the dogs into a pen before shoving in a wooden stick to hold the loosened gate closed. But he left an adult German shepherd and a small puppy out. The shepherd went to lie down under a tree, but the puppy followed on Wyatt’s heels to Ellie’s car.

“Hey,” he said when she rolled down her window. A question feathered across his face, but all he said was, “Welcome.”

“Thanks.” Seeing Gracie already had the door open and was exiting the car, Ellie followed her. “I’m sure you’re busy, so I won’t hold you up.”

“No, it’s good you came. I didn’t realize the dogs had gotten out of the pen. That Irish setter is like a Houdini at escaping.” He shook his head ruefully. “It’s a good thing they’re wearing collars for the electric fence.”

“I think Gracie’s already in love with this little one.” Ellie smiled as a whirl of brown puppy raced circles around the little girl’s sneakers, to her delight.

“Puppies. Their energy makes me feel old.” Wyatt shook his head as the dog continued chasing his tail. “I was about to take a break. Want to join me for coffee?” He shifted Cade, who was sniffing and crying, to his other hip.

“Thank you. Oh, and I’m returning this.” She lifted Cade’s newly laundered blanket from the rear seat and held it out. “You left it behind yesterday.”

He took the blanket, then shot her a confused look. “He has more than one blanket, Ellie. You didn’t have to make a special trip. But thank you.”

“I thought it might be his special blankie. Gracie would bawl for hours whenever hers went missing.” Cade yelped and held out his arms to Ellie, jerking to be free of his father’s hold. “He remembers me,” she said with a chuckle, inordinately pleased. “May I take him?”

“Sure.” Wyatt handed over his son, then led the way into his adobe ranch house.

“I see he’s got a cold,” she said. “They’re the worst in little kids, aren’t they?”

“Nope. They’re the worst for adults. He was up most of last night with a fever.” Wyatt shook his head. “He can’t seem to settle much, poor little guy.” He touched Cade’s forehead. “Still cool.”

“That’s what we want. You have a lovely home.” Ellie glanced around, trying not to appear too nosey but surprised at how show-homey it was beginning to look, even though parts were under construction. “The light is spectacular in here.”

And everything is so perfectly planned, as if a professional designed this open concept layout.

“Thanks. One of the ladies from church asked to sit Cade last week. That’s when I installed those French doors. They make a big difference.”

Wyatt tossed his Stetson on a peg by the door, set the coffee brewer going, then glanced at Gracie who had flopped down on the floor and was cuddling the puppy she’d carried inside. “That’s Mr. Fudge.” He hunkered down beside her to scratch the dog’s ears. “He’s a chocolate lab.”

“I like chocolate lots,” Gracie told him. “But I really love dogs, ’specially baby dogs.” She bent her head so her face was snuggled against Mr. Fudge’s fur. “Mommy, can I have Mr. Fudge for my birthday?”

Ellie blushed as she remembered Gracie’s request for a certain birthday gift of a daddy. But as she sat with Cade perched on her knee, her attention was diverted when the boy grabbed her beaded necklace and began chattering to himself in an unknown language. It felt so good to hold him, as right as it had yesterday.

Ellie knew that somehow she would have to rid herself of the yearning to cuddle another baby just as she needed to shed her lifelong dream to cherish a big family. Because it wasn’t going to happen. So she tightened her grip on the little boy, determined to enjoy it while she could.

“Can I have this dog, Mommy?” Gracie pleaded. She lifted the squirming bundle in her arms and struggled to her feet, carrying the dog so Ellie could have a closer inspection. “See? Isn’t he sweet?”

“He’s very sweet, honey.” Ellie touched her fingertips to the dog’s ear, marveling at the silky skin. Aware of Wyatt’s scrutiny she shook her head. “But I’m sorry, we can’t get a dog. They don’t allow them in the city complex where we live.”

It was so hard to refuse her sweet daughter something as simple as a puppy. At Gracie’s age Ellie’s parents had given her a puppy of her own to cherish. If only...

Thankfully Wyatt intervened.

“I’m sorry, Gracie, but Mr. Fudge belongs to someone else. He’s just here for a visit.” He touched her bright head as he smiled. “His owners are coming to get him tomorrow morning.”

“Well, I’m gonna pray we have to move into a new house so I can get a dog just like Mr. Fudge,” Gracie announced. After shooting a stubborn look at Ellie she flopped down onto the floor and continued to play with the pup.

“Here, let me put Cade in his high chair.” Wyatt scooped the little boy who’d begun to fuss from her arms.

“Oh, but I can hold—” Ellie’s protest died with Wyatt’s laughter.

“Believe me, you don’t want to hold Cade when he’s eating a cookie.” He tied a bib around the boy and handed him a treat. “He makes a horrible mess.”

I wouldn’t mind. Ellie didn’t say that. Instead she smiled politely, accepted the cup of coffee and the chocolate cookies he offered.

“All the dogs—your clinic is here at the ranch?” she asked.

“Yes, but mostly I just board animals here and go out to the calls.” Wyatt shrugged. “I give shots here, if they’re due. It keeps my name out there for prospective clients.”

“So, out there, by the barn—” Ellie suddenly caught on. “You were working?”

“Trying to do a few much-needed repairs.” Wyatt took two cookies for himself and bit into one. “Today wasn’t optimum with Cade feeling off.”

“How can you work with him nearby?” she blurted, unable to stop the question.

“I made him a tree swing.” Wyatt chuckled when Cade dropped his cookie and began crowing with delight, arms swinging wildly. “Whoops, I said the word s-w-i-n-g. That’s one he knows, and he loves riding in it.” He held out another biscuit, and Cade soon forgot the topic. “I managed to get the hay changed and the stock fed during his sporadic rides. That’s pretty good considering how he’s feeling.”

“Can I play with Mr. Fudge outside?” Gracie asked.

“Sure.” Wyatt led her to the French doors, then glanced at Ellie. “The yard is fenced. Is it okay?”

“Yes, but don’t go outside the fence, Gracie.” She was thankful Wyatt didn’t open the door until Gracie promised, doubly grateful when he slid the screen across so she could see and hear her daughter.

“I could—” Ellie began, but his phone interrupted her offer.

“Excuse me.” Wyatt set down the washcloth he’d been wetting under the kitchen tap and answered the call. “No, that doesn’t sound good,” he agreed with a frown. He asked a few more questions, obviously about a sick animal, then said, “It could be contagious, but I can’t tell for sure without seeing him, and I’m afraid I can’t get away right now.”

Ellie waved her hand to catch his attention.

“Hang on a moment, will you, Mark?” He put his hand over the receiver, a question on his face. “Yes?”

“Why don’t you go do your job? I’ll stay with Cade. I had nothing special planned for this evening anyway,” she added, then thought how pathetic that sounded.

“I couldn’t ask you to do that, Ellie.” Wyatt shook his head.

“You’re not asking. I’m offering. And I’d really enjoy spending some more time with this little guy.” She dabbed Cade’s cheek, and he sneezed. Seeing Wyatt’s dubious look, she insisted. “Actually I was hoping you’d let us stay long enough to work on Gracie’s school project.”

“Oh?” he frowned.

“She’s got to collect some pinecones for art class. I noticed you have tons scattered along your driveway. We could collect them and take Cade for a walk.” She nodded when he just kept looking at her. “Go ahead. Take the call. It sounds serious.”

“It could be.” Wyatt had an obvious internal debate with himself, but it was equally obvious that he wanted to go. Finally, he nodded just once, then said into the phone, “Okay, Mark, I’m on my way.”

Ellie smiled as he hung up. “Now, where’s the stroller?”

“On the porch. You’re sure about this?” He paused in the act of reaching for his hat. “You’re not just trying to make me feel better or something?”

“Trust me, seeing your lovely ranch does not make me feel pity for you. Jealousy maybe. Look.” She pointed outside to her daughter, suddenly a little too aware of the handsome vet standing beside her. Gracie ran around the yard with the puppy following. “I haven’t heard her laugh like that for ages.”

“Glad I could help.” Wyatt slapped on his hat. “She must have her father’s eyes,” he said when the child looked up.

“No. Gracie has her mother’s eyes.” Ellie shook her head when he blinked in surprise. “I’ll explain later. Go.”

“I don’t know how long I’ll be.” His worried gaze rested on Cade.

“We’ll be here.” She smiled when he looked at her. “I’m a nurse, Wyatt. I can take care of him.”

“Of course. Thank you, Ellie,” he said. He kissed Cade’s head, then hurried out the door. A moment later his truck roared and he took off, a plume of red dust following.

“Mommy? Where did Cade’s daddy go?” Gracie frowned, the puppy forgotten for the moment.

“Wyatt is a doctor for animals. He went to help them. He’ll be back in a little while. Meanwhile, let’s put the puppy in the pen and go for a walk to find those pinecones you need for school.”

“Is Cade coming?” her daughter asked.

“Of course. Cade likes looking for pinecones,” Ellie said as she went to take the child out of his high chair.

“How do you know?” Gracie’s head tilted to one side, giving her the look of a curious bird. “Did his daddy tell you?”

“No. It’s just one of those things mommies know.”

As she picked up the baby and turned, her gaze fell on a huge portrait above the sofa. She walked over to study it.

Wyatt’s wedding picture. He looked young and very happy, his dark eyes shining. The woman beside him was petite, her black hair upswept in a chic style. Even in the photo her love was obvious as her gaze locked with her new husband’s. She wore a fancy, fluffy gown that looked very expensive. Taryn & Wyatt was engraved on a small silver plate along with a date.

Today’s date.

Ellie gulped. Why had she come here today of all days, on their wedding anniversary? She was an interloper. Cade began protesting, and she glanced down, suddenly aware that this child was hers, Taryn’s. She should be here comforting him, caring for him, sharing him with Wyatt.

“Come on, Gracie,” she called suddenly. “Walk time.”

Please, help me, Ellie prayed as she walked the children down the tree-covered lane, pausing here and there so Gracie could collect her cones. I get carried away sometimes by my dream, by wanting what I can’t have. Please, help me find a new dream, Your dream.

Just before the spot where the lane joined the highway, Ellie paused and turned, the ranch spread out before her. It was a home for a family, but it could never be her home or her family. That dream had died the day she’d told her fiancé she would never be separated from her young child.

On that day Ellie had also realized that the dream she’d carried in her heart since childhood, a dream to be a mom to the kind of loving family her parents had given her and her sister, Karen, was just that—a dream. Her parents were gone, Karen was gone. All that was left of the Grant family was Ellie and Gracie.

And that had to be enough.