Linda Warren - [Cowboy Country] - Caitlyn's Prize p.03

“C’mon, Miss Belle, you’re not gonna shoot nobody.” Harland glared at her.

“And nobody’s killing this calf.”

“It belongs to Southern Cross.”

“It’s on High Five and was sired by my bull.”

Harland moved toward the fence with an evil glint in his shady eyes. “Listen, little lady, you’re interfering in something that don’t concern you, and if you value your life, you’ll turn that horse around and get the hell out of here.”

Fear mingled with her anger, but no way would she turn tail and run.

She nudged Jaz closer, her eyes on Harland, the gun pointed at his chest. “Want to try your luck, Harland? Go ahead and try to cross the fence.”

His face turned beet red. “You bitch.” He glanced at the cowboy standing next to him. “Kill that calf, and I don’t care what you do to her.”

A wicked grin spread across the cowboy’s face as he again reached for the cedar post.

Cait leveled the gun on him. “I’m not too particular where I place this bullet. And if you think I won’t shoot, just keep on coming.”

Once again the cowboy slid back to the ground, his hand unconsciously going to his crotch. “I’m not getting shot for a no-good calf.”

“You bastard!” Harland shouted at him. “Saddle up, we’re getting out of here.” He grabbed his horse’s reins and swung up, his eyes on Caitlyn. “You haven’t heard the last of this. Judd Calhoun will want answers.”

“He knows where I live.”

She relaxed her grip on the rifle as she watched the riders disappear in a cloud of dust. In case they had a plan of circling back, she kept watching. Satisfied, she dismounted to take a closer look.

She squatted and laid the rifle in the leaves as she looked over the animal. It was a bull calf, still covered in mucus from the birth. His coat was matted with it. The mother hadn’t had a chance to lick him dry.

The calf made a croaking sound deep in his throat. Cait grabbed a handful of leaves and started to rub his body to clean it. The newborn shivered, but she continued, trying to evoke a fighting spirit in the animal.

“C’mon, little one, lift your head, root around for milk. Aren’t you hungry? C’mon.”

He didn’t move.

She had to get him back to the barn. But how?

Cooper and Rufus were on the other side of the ranch, and if she left to go get them, she feared Harland and his boys would come back.

A buzzard landed on the fence. Then another.

Damn! She threw a stick at them. “Shoo,” she yelled. They flew away, but she knew the vultures would be back, with more of their friends.

She stood and surveyed the situation. If she was a man, she could just lift the calf onto Jaz and ride for home. But she didn’t have that much upper body strength. Her mind was as sharp as any man’s, though, and she could figure this out.

Jaz was the solution.

She whistled and the horse trotted forward. “Okay, girl.” She stroked her face. “I need your help.” She pulled on the reins to bring her to her knees.

It didn’t work. Jaz threw up her head and backed away.

Damn it! Whiskey Red would have knelt in a heartbeat. But Red didn’t belong to her anymore.

She took the reins again. “Jaz, I can only get the calf on your back if you kneel down. C’mon, girl, you can do it.” With her booted toe, Cait tapped the back of Jaz’s knee. “Down, girl, down.”

She kept resisting. Cait kept pushing.

Finally, to her surprise, Jaz’s front knees buckled and she went to the ground. “Good girl, good girl. Stay. Don’t move. Don’t move.” She had to hurry. Jaz wouldn’t stay in that position long.

Wrapping both arms around the calf’s body, she tried to stand up, and fell back on her butt. Damn. The newborn weighed more than she had expected.Okay. She got back to her feet, determined to save this calf. It would be her redemption for having to shoot Boss.

This time she counted to three, then lifted with her knees and half dragged, half carried the calf to Jaz. Once again she took a deep breath and hoisted with all her strength. The front legs slid across Jaz’s withers and Cait pushed until the calf was draped in front of the saddle. She could get him to the barn like this.

Slowly holding the calf secure, she prompted Jaz to rise. Then she slid her rifle into the scabbard and quickly swung into the saddle, gripping him with one hand.

“Let’s go home,” she said, and they trotted out of the woods, across pastures and through a hay field. Sweat trickled down her face, but she didn’t have a free hand to wipe it away. Soon she saw the ranch buildings, and hoped it wasn’t too late to save the animal’s life.

 

JUDD DROVE THROUGHHigh Cotton on his way home. Walker was at the gas station and he waved for him to stop. Judd pulled in.

The constable strolled to the driver’s side. “Have you been home?” he asked.

“No. I’m headed there now. Why?”

“I just got a call from Harland. There’s been an incident and he wanted to let me know.”

“What happened?”

“One of your heifers that was about to calf got out of the corral, and they found her near High Five. The cow was dead and Caitlyn took the calf.”

“What? Why would Caitlyn take it, and why in the hell was the heifer out of her pen? We watch them round the clock when they’re about to calf. They’re too damn expensive to lose. Something’s not right.”

“I was on my way over there to investigate when I saw your truck.”

“Good. I’ll meet you there.” Judd turned toward the High Five.

Why would Caitlyn take a Southern Cross calf? That didn’t make any sense. She wasn’t a cattle rustler. He’d been putting off talking to her and now he had no choice.

He just wished it wasn’t under these circumstances.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CAIT RODE INTO THE BARNand Maddie followed her. Maddie had taken to checking on Bardwell’s crew on horseback. She was beginning to enjoy riding and the everyday work on the ranch.

Cait dismounted and her sister was right there, staring at the newborn animal. “What in the world? Where did that come from? Is it dead? What are—”

“Stop with the twenty questions and help me unload him.”

They both grabbed hold and stumbled backward into the hay. But the calf was safely on the ground.

“Where’s Cooper?” Cait asked, checking the newborn. He lay still, unmoving, but he was breathing. She had to keep him that way.

“I guess they haven’t come in yet,” Maddie replied.

“Keep an eye on this little one. I have to fix some milk.” Cait headed for the supply room, where the sink and refrigerator were located.

“What do you want me to do?” Maddie shouted after her.

“Get a rag and rub him. Talk to him.”

Cait found the powered milk and a bottle. After mixing the powder with water, she poured it into the bottle and attached the nipple. Hurrying back, she knelt in the hay.

“I’ve rubbed and rubbed, but he’s not moving or responding,” Maddie told her, a note of anxiety in her voice. “I think he’s almost dead.”

“We have to give him a little incentive.” She lifted his head into her lap and attempted to pry his jaws apart.

Judd and Walker entered the barn, but Cait didn’t look up. She kept trying to get the calf to open his mouth.

“Caitlyn,” Walker said.

“Yeah. What is it?”

“Harland said you took a Southern Cross calf.”

She glanced up then, her eyes stormy. “Does this look like a Southern Cross calf?”

“Nope, certainly doesn’t.”

Judd saw the expression on her face—one of love and determination. Caitlyn always fought for what she loved, except when it came to him.

“Here.” She handed Maddie the bottle. “When I open his mouth, put the nipple in.”

“Okay.” Her sister grasped the bottle, but as hard as they tried, the calf would not take the nipple.

Judd stepped around Walker and knelt by Maddie. “They can be stubborn.” He took the bottle and glanced into Caitlyn’s glaring blue eyes. “May I?”

“I suppose.”

“Sometimes they just need to taste the milk or smell it.” He squirted milk around the calf’s nose. “Open his mouth,” he instructed Cait. When it parted a fraction, he slipped the nipple in and squirted some more.

The little animal’s head moved and a grunting sound left his throat.

“He’s moving,” Maddie cried with excitement.

Judd placed his hand over Caitlyn’s and together they worked the calf’s jaws around the nipple. His throat moved. He swallowed. They kept working until the calf twitched his head, as if to butt an udder, and sucked on his own.

Maddie leaped to her feet. “Oh, this is so exciting. He’s going to live.”

Once the calf started sucking, he struggled to get to his feet. Cait scrambled away, holding on to the animal with one hand, as did Judd. The baby was unstable, but finally managed to stand. After a couple of minutes he sank back into the hay, but held up his head, looking around.

Maddie made herself comfortable beside him, stroking him and cooing.

Judd saw Walker eyeing her strangely. Without moving his gaze from Maddie, Walker asked Caitlyn, “Is this the calf Harland was talking about?”

“Yes.”

“But—”

“What’s going on?” Judd asked before Walker could.

Caitlyn relayed a story that had his eyebrow twitching upward. “Harland was going to kill the calf?”

She nodded. “That’s what he said.”

“How did you stop him?” Walker asked.

Cait’s chin lifted. “With my rifle.”

The lawman winced.

“I have a right to protect my property, and this calf is half mine. My bull sired it.”

“He’s also half mine,” Judd stated.

Her eyes flared. “You’re not taking this calf so Harland can kill it.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Then what are you saying?”

“That I need to find out what’s going on. Where did you find the heifer and the calf?”

“Near the old Dry Gulch Road.”

“I thought that road was closed.”

“It’s supposed to be, but people still use it.”

“I’ll check it out in the morning. It’s too dark now.”

Cait rested back on her heels. “What do you want to do about the calf?”

“You’re giving me a choice?”

“Maybe.” Her eyes twinkled. “If it’s the right choice.”

“Figured that.” He stood. “Keep the calf for now and we’ll talk about it later.” His eyes caught hers. “Would you mind keeping this under your hat?”

She reached for her hat in the hay and slapped it against her thigh. “Nothing much in here, anyway. It could use a little company.” Her smile made him dizzy, weak and feeling luckier than he had in a very long time.

“Thanks.” He strolled toward his truck with a long-forgotten smile.

 

JUDD PARKED BEHINDWALKERat the Southern Cross. Getting out of his truck, he said, “Let’s go inside. We need to talk.”

Walker followed him into the study, where Judd grabbed the bourbon and two glasses. “How about a drink?”

“No, thanks,” he replied. “With two kids, I’ve had to cut back.”

Judd placed the bottle on the desk and eased into his chair. “I know what you mean. I’ve been drinking a hell of a lot lately.”

“When Trisha left me and the kids, I thought liquor could solve all my troubles. But I soon found out that wasn’t the answer. My kids needed me, even though at times my daughter seems to hate me.”

“How’s the situation now?”

“After living in Houston, my daughter despises Hicksville, as she calls it. My son just wants his mama.”

Judd knew that feeling and had an urge to reach for the bottle. He didn’t. “That’s rough,” he replied, eyeing the amber liquid. “Have you divorced Trisha?”

“Yep.” Walker folded his hands between his knees. “When your wife runs off with another man, it’s a safe bet the marriage is over. I mailed the divorce papers to her sister in Lubbock, like Trisha requested. It’s officially over. But it’s hell trying to explain that to my kids.”

“I’m glad you came home to High Cotton.”

“Me, too.” Walker smiled slightly. “It’s good being back with old friends.” The smile widened. “In high school we were something. Judd and Walker—the studs.”

“That was just hype.”

“Yeah.” Walker rubbed his hands. “But as teenagers without a clue, we ate it up.”

Old memories mingled with the quiet in the room.

“So what do you want me to do about the calf?” Walker asked, and held up a hand. “And just so we’re clear—I’m not taking that calf away from Caitlyn. You’ll have to do that one yourself.”

“Afraid she’ll pull a gun on you?”

“Hell, no. It’s that sister of hers and the evil eye she keeps giving me. She’s treating that calf like a baby, and she looks at me as the enemy.”

Judd laughed. “Maddie’s an angel.”

“Yeah, right.”

Judd leaned forward. “Forget about the calf. I’m more concerned how that heifer got out of the pen and so far away without anyone noticing.”

“You think something fishy is going on?”

“You bet I do. See what you can find out about Brahman heifers being sold at any auction barns across the state, even private buyers. Every one of my heifers has a Southern Cross brand, so it shouldn’t take long to find out if they’ve been sold without my permission.”

“I’ll get on it first thing in the morning.” Walker stood. “I might even make some calls tonight.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Any idea who’d have enough nerve to do such a thing?”

“Harland.” Judd pushed himself to his feet and stretched his shoulders. “He’s resented me since my father’s death. He thought I would give him free rein with the ranch, as my dad had. I told him things were going to be different and I wanted to be consulted on everything. He wasn’t happy, and I think he’s trying to show me I don’t run this ranch. I will now be checking the books and every aspect of this operation.”

“Watch your back.”

“Will do.”

Judd sank into his chair, staring at the bourbon bottle. But what he saw were blue forget-me-not eyes. And they were smiling.

 

THE HOUSE WAS QUIETas Cait sneaked down the stairs. She tiptoed to the kitchen and slipped out the back door.

At the barn, she sat in the hay, watching the baby calf, which Cooper had put in one of the horse stalls. The animal was sleeping, his head curved to the side. He was going to make it. Some good had come out of this day.

She’d been so scared facing Harland. She still wasn’t sure what she would have done if the cowboy had crossed the fence. Shooting a person, even if he was as mean as a rattlesnake, was a whole different deal—and came with a whole different realm of emotions.

It ain’t women’s work.

A hiccup of laughter left her throat.Nope. Glancing up, she saw the red high heel on the shelf, highlighted by the single lightbulb hanging from the rafters. She closed her eyes and envisioned herself in Judd’s arms, dancing close together.

She swayed slightly to the music in her head, remembering the touch of his hands, his lips.

“Caitlyn.”

She opened her eyes and Judd stood there. She blinked and glanced around. Was she dreaming?

“I saw the light and figured you were here checking on the calf.”

“Yeah.” Scooting up against the wall, she brushed back her long hair. She should have known he wouldn’t just forget about the situation.

“How’s he doing?”

“I think he’s going to live.”

Judd removed his Stetson and eased down by her. She wished he hadn’t. A tantalizing woodsy scent pulled at her senses. At her heart.

“What are we going to do about the calf?” he asked, placing his hat in the hay and resting his forearms on his knees.

“He was birthed on my property and sired by my bull, so I believe that makes him legally mine.”

“The birthing part is up for question. No one saw that, and his mother belongs to Southern Cross. Custody always goes to the mother.”

“The cow is dead,” she pointed out.

“So what do we do? King Solomon would suggest cutting the calf in half. At that, you’d fold like a green-horn in Vegas, so that pretty much gives me all the rights.”

“Are you saying I’m weak?”

They glared at each other. The glares turned to smiles and then laughter. “Whoever takes the calf has a lot of work ahead, what with feeding and care.”

“You’re right,” he said. “You can keep him.”

“Thank you very much.” She slapped Judd’s shoulder playfully. “We could make a toast, but I forgot to bring wine this time.”

“There’s a better way to mark the agreement.” Judd slipped his hand around her neck and drew her forward, his lips lightly touching, caressing, driving her crazy. She opened her mouth and the kiss deepened to a level they both needed.

“Caitie,” he murmured, and her body turned to liquid, flowing only for him, as it had so many years ago when he’d called her that.

His fingers unsnapped her blouse and stroked her breast. Being deprived of him for so long, she felt as if she was drowning and he was the only one who could save her, with his touch, his hands.

“Judd,” she whispered, and all her troubles, her worries, floated away.

He pressed her down in the hay and her hands feverishly sought his chest, his muscles. Without a second thought, she pulled his shirt from his jeans, needing more of him.

“Cait.” He caught her hands and sank back against the wall. “We have to stop.”

She felt deprived, lonely and a little angry. Pulling her shirt together, she sat up.

“We need to talk.” He expelled a taut breath.

“Okay,” she heard herself say, but her body was still craving something it wasn’t going to get.

He ran both hands through his tousled hair. “You made the right choice in leaving me fourteen years ago.”

If the ground had opened up and swallowed her she wouldn’t have been any more surprised. He was apologizing—something she thought he would never, ever do.

“How do you know that?”

He picked up a blade of hay and studied it. “A lot of things. Getting to know you again and talking to my mom. My father drilled some hardcore beliefs into me at an early age, and I never saw life any differently.”

She swallowed. “And you do now?”

He fiddled with the straw. “I’m getting there. Slowly. I never thought I’d forgive my mother for leaving me when I was five.” He drew a hard breath. “But I have. I’m finally able to listen and understand her side—why she did what she did.”

“Judd, that’s wonderful.”

“All these years, the resentment kept building inside me, weighing me down, and when you left I thought you were just like my mother, and the weight became unbearable.”

“Judd…”

He tucked her hair behind her ear, and at the gentle touch, her voice faded away.

“I couldn’t understand why the women in my life wanted to get away from me. I naturally thought it was their fault, but sometimes in life you have to stop and look at the whole picture.”

“And what did you see?”

His eyes met hers and she saw he was picturing the years, the good and the bad. A spiral of hope coiled around her heart.

“If you had married me, your life would have been just like my mother’s. I would have controlled you, ruined your hopes and dreams, and within a year you would have bolted for freedom.”

She trailed a finger down his nose. “You think so, huh?”

He reached up and locked his fingers with hers. “I know so. My father was wrong in his treatment of my mother. I was wrong in my treatment of you.”

“I never thought I’d hear you say that.”

His hand tightened on hers. “I never thought I’d say it, either. I wanted you to pay for having the gall to leave me.”

“And now?” Her breath wedged in her throat.

He released her hand.No. No. No.

“As I said before, we can’t go back and change things. Now we go on with our lives. I have no doubt at the end of six months High Five will be in the black. Dane was wrong. You can run this ranch.”

Any other time, those words would have warmed the cockles of her heart. But not today. They weren’t the words she wanted to hear.

“What if the ranch is in the red?”

“Then I’ll honor the contract I made with your father.”

“So nothing has changed?”

He dropped the straw with a sigh. “In that regard, no. Your father didn’t want you to spend the rest of your life running this ranch, out every day in the saddle under a scorching sun or in the bitter cold. He wanted you to have a husband and kids. He wanted you to be pampered and have the best things in life.”

She clenched her hands. “I’ve heard that before.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but what’s so wrong with that?”

A hundred responses should have popped into her head, but only one made an appearance. “You think a woman’s place is in the home and not as an equal partner.”

“No. I think Caitlyn Belle can do anything she wants and stand toe to toe with any man. It’s up to you to make up your mind what you really want.”

Complete silence followed his words. Judd stretched his long legs out in front of him. The calf made a snoring sound and the night closed around them.

“You know whatI want?” he asked.

“What?” She looked into his dark eyes and felt their magic.

“I’d like to lay you down in the hay and make love to you.”

Her breath caught. “I want that, too.”

His eyes held hers. “Are you sure?”

Say no. Just say no. Don’t put your heart on the line again.Of its own volition, her hand reached up to touch his roughened cheek.

His eyes darkened to pitch-black. “Sweet Caitie, you’re so tempting.”

Her pulse accelerated at the passion in his gaze and in his voice.

“But it wouldn’t solve anything, would it?”

Her pulse took a nosedive. She’d never expected him to be honorable.

“I guess not,” she replied.

He swung to his feet before she realized his intent. “Hang on to your dreams, Caitlyn. You deserve a man who can love you completely.”

She stared up at him. “What if you’re that man?”

He expelled a breath. “I’m not. As I told you, I don’t know a thing about the kind of love you need. The kind you deserve.”

“We all know about love, Judd. It’s something we’re born with, but you have to be willing to open your heart to accept it. And to give it. It’s really very simple.”

“Not for me.”

“As I told you before, love starts by caring. I bet you care about that black horse of yours.”

“I sure do.”

“You’d be hurt if something happened to him.”

“I suppose.”

“And your mom. You don’t make waves because it would hurt her feelings. That’s caring. That’s loving. That’s how it starts and grows. It’s putting someone before yourself. It’s trust and respect. It’s a special connection between two people and it’s felt in the heart—deeply. I know you’ve felt those emotions.”

“Not the way you do, Caitie.”

Words hung in her throat and she wanted to hit him, hug him, do anything to change his mind. Sadly, she realized he was the only who could change his way of thinking.

Judd glanced at the sleeping calf. “What are you going to name him?”

She thought for a second. “How about Solomon?”

“That works.” He reached for his hat in the hay. Fitting it onto his head, he said, “Goodbye, Caitlyn.” Then he turned and walked out of the barn.

She scrambled to her feet and watched as he strolled to his truck. Besides her family, High Five had always been the most important thing in her life. But now she wondered if it really was. A strange feeling settled on her. Had her father been right?

Was the man walking away more important to her than High Five?

Did she love Judd Calhoun that much?

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“CAIT.”

Caitlyn jumped and pushed her palm to her chest. She’d been so engrossed in her thoughts she hadn’t seen Maddie walk up. “You scared the crap out of me.”

“Who’s that leaving?” her sister asked, watching the taillights disappear down the road.

“Judd.” Cait turned and went back into the barn.

“What did he want?”

She closed the gate of the stall. “He was checking on the calf.”

“Is he going to let you keep him?”

“Yes.” Cait flipped off the light and the barn was shrouded in darkness. “We named him Solomon.”

“We did, huh?” Maddie remarked in a mocking tone as they strolled toward the house. “That’s progress.”

“Not really,” Cait replied.

“Why not? No, don’t answer. Wait.”

They walked into the kitchen and Maddie hurried to the stove. “I’ll make hot chocolate.”

Cait frowned. “It’s August in Texas.”

She shrugged. “So? I just won’t make it so hot.”

“Whatever.”

A few minutes later, Cait sat with a cup of hot chocolate in her hand, wondering if she should go raid the wine cabinet. She might need it to keep thoughts of Judd at bay.

The two sisters drank in silence.

“What did Judd say?” Maddie asked at last, eyeing Cait over the rim of her cup.

She took a long swallow. “He’s not set on revenge anymore.”

“Oh, Cait, that’s wonderful.”

“He’s still buying High Five if it’s not showing a profit, though.”

“Oh.”

“But he was different tonight.”

“How?”

“He was genuinely sincere. He said Dad was wrong and I can run this ranch as good as any man.”

“That was nice.”

“Mmm.” She placed her cup on the table. “But I didn’t want him to be nice. I wanted him to throw me in the hay and make passionate love to me. I didn’t want to think about profits, ranches or revenge. I just wanted to think about him and me. I wanted love to make a difference.”

“But it doesn’t to Judd?”

“No. He says he’s incapable of the kind of love I want.”

“Everyone’s capable of love.”

“Try telling that to Judd.” She carried her cup to the sink. Leaning against the cabinet, she added, “The last couple of months I’ve been hoping that Judd and I could work out our differences. I never realized until tonight that I wanted the working out part to come with an I love you.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “I now know that’s never going to happen. I’m going to be a lonely old spinster yearning for Judd Calhoun.” She walked back to the table, gritting her teeth to keep from bursting into tears.

“Sometimes, and I say this from my vast experience—” Maddie rolled her eyes “—men don’t know the difference between love and lust. I mean, you’re never going to love anyone the way you love Judd, so wouldn’t it be better to be with him than without him?”

“This from the eternal believer in love and fairy tales.”

“Life sometimes changes our point of view.”

“Mmm. But I can’t see myself settling for anything less.” Cait stood and linked her arm through Maddie’s, pulling her to her feet. “Let’s go to bed.”

Arm in arm they walked toward the stairs. Halfway there Maddie stopped. “Oh, I came out to the barn to tell you that Sky called, but I got sidetracked.”

“What did she have to say?”

“She said Todd’s parents hired a P.I. and he was snooping around a diner not far from her apartment. So she and Kira are on the move again. She said she’d call when she found a safe place.”

“Did you tell her to come home?”

“I did, and she said she’d think about it.”

“Why can’t she see this is the safest place?”

“Sky has to make her own decisions.”

“Hopefully she’ll turn up in the next day or two.”

Later, Cait tossed and turned. Her thoughts were on Judd. Tonight was the final goodbye. He knew it and so did she. That’s why he hadn’t made love to her. He didn’t want to complicate the issue.

Tomorrow her broken heart would start to mend—once again. Tomorrow she would continue her quest to save High Five. That was all she had now—a lot of empty tomorrows.

A choking sob left her throat and soon the tears followed. She made no move to stop them. They were what she needed at this moment in time.

 

JUDD SPENT A RESTLESSnight, but was in his office early. All night he’d kept wondering if he’d lost his mind. Caitlyn wanted to make love and he’d said no. Why had he done that?

Make love?

He just caught his choice of words. It wasn’t love. It was sex—nothing but honest sex. Then why had he made the slip? Did he want her love?

“Judd.” Brenda Sue walked in with that nonchalant attitude that irritated the hell out of him. The woman didn’t know what privacy meant. “Oh.” She paused for a brief second when she spotted him. “I didn’t know if you were in here or not, but Harland’s been looking for you. He checked at the house and you weren’t there, and he waited last night for you to come home, and finally gave up. I asked him what was so important but he wouldn’t say. He keeps things pretty close to his chest, if you know what I mean. You know he’s just a tad too serious and grouchy for me, but then most men are like that and…”

He held up a hand and she actually stopped running off at the mouth. “Gave up on taking a breath, huh?”

“Well…” She fidgeted in a self-conscious way he’d never seen before. Brenda Sue never seemed ill at ease. “Monty says my talking doesn’t bother him and I have to be, well, myself. I feel awkward when I have to think about what I’m saying. That’s just not me, so if people don’t like it, they can stuff it. Oh…” She quickly backpedaled. “I don’t mean you. Heavens, no. You were actually nice to me and I’ll really try not to be annoying when you’re around.”

It wasn’t working.

“But Monty likes me the way I am. No man has ever said that to me before and he was really serious. Sometimes you can’t tell, but—”

“Monty Crabtree who works here?” Judd interrupted, to save his sanity. In his forties, Monty was a quiet, hardworking man who was a cowboy to the core. Conversing was not his forte. He preferred peace and quiet. The thought of Monty and Brenda Sue as a couple was almost comical. Or maybe they were made for each other. What did Judd know?

“Yeah. His mother lives down the road from my parents. I had a flat in front of her house about two weeks ago and Monty fixed it. He was so nice. Men usually are jerks, but he actually listens to what I’m saying. I asked if I was getting on his nerves and he said the sweetest thing. He said I could never get on his nerves. Isn’t that adorable?”

“Yep.” Judd was all choked up. “Tell Harland I want to see him—now.”

“Oh.” She seemed genuinely upset that he didn’t want to hear about Monty. And just to make sure she thought he was his normal grouchy self, Judd added, “And don’t distract Monty from his work.”

She winked, all bubbly and happy. “You got it. I’ll go and find Harland. Who knows, I might see Monty. You wouldn’t mind that, would you? I mean, I wouldn’t be interfering or anything in what he was—”

“Get Harland!” Judd shouted.

She cleared the doorway in a split second.

He leaned back in his chair, not able to get last night out of his head. His love—that’s all Caitlyn wanted. Why couldn’t he give her that? She’d said it started with caring. He took care of Whiskey Red for her, not letting anyone touch the horse but him. What did that say?

It said he was a flawed individual incapable of accepting the greatest gift of all—love. Was that bull? Cait had said everyone was capable of love. For the first time in his life Judd wanted to experience the emotion, to give Caitlyn everything she wanted. But just like fourteen years ago, he was the one standing in the way of their happiness. Could he continue to live like this?

A tap at the door interrupted his thoughts.

“Come in,” he called.

Harland stepped in and closed the door. “Good morning, Judd.”

“Morning.”

The foreman took a seat in front of Judd’s desk. “The Belle woman is a problem again.”

“Walker contacted me yesterday about Caitlyn and the calf.” He leaned forward slightly, watching Harland’s face.

“Good.” The man nodded. “Something has to be done. The woman pulled a gun on us.”

“Walker and I talked to Caitlyn. She said you threatened to kill the calf.”

“Come on, Judd. You’re not going to believe that, are you?” Harland moved awkwardly in his chair, the only sign he might be nervous.

“I just know one of my prize heifers was found miles from the corral she was supposed to be in. How did that happen?”

“One of the boys must have left the gate open for a second while he was feeding. As soon as I realized she was gone, we tracked her. But we were too late.”

Judd rested his forearms on the desk, his eyes holding Harland’s. “That’s a damn big loss and I’m not happy about this situation.”

“I know. I’ll have a talk with the boys.”

“I’lltalk to the boys.” His words were clipped.

Harland stood. “If that’s what you want.”

Judd hated his condescending tone. “Gather them at the bunkhouse in ten minutes.”

“Okay. Afterward, do you want me to go over and pick up the calf?”

Judd could see Harland was looking forward to the task. “No. Miss Belle is keeping the calf.”

“What?”

He lifted an eyebrow. “You have a problem with that?”

“It’s your decision.” From his voice he might have been saying, “You idiot.”

“That’s what I thought.”

Harland walked out without another word.

Ten minutes later Judd talked to the cowboys and made it clear he wouldn’t tolerate sloppy work and the loss of a prize animal. He was angry and he didn’t hide it. He wanted to get his point across.

Later he and Ron went over the books, including gas, feed and supplies. Judd was checking every expense of the ranching operation. Every now and then he was distracted, though.You can love. You just have to allow yourself to. Caitlyn’s words intruded at the oddest times.

Was she right?

 

THE DROUGHT WAS CAUSINGa problem, but another hurricane was forecasted to hit Galveston by the end of the week. The last storm had missed them completely. Cait was hoping for rain.

She put off culling the herd until the bad weather was over. With enough rain, the ranch could survive the hot summer. They spent the day making sure High Five was ready for whatever Mother Nature threw at her.

Later Cait stood in her bedroom and looked out the window toward Southern Cross. She wondered if Judd had talked to Harland, and what kind of excuses he’d gotten for the heifer being so far away from her corral.

No one had come for the calf, but she knew Judd’s word was as good as gold. That’s the kind of man he was—honest and forthright. She wished he’d allow himself to express all his other good qualities. But wishing was going to give her a big headache.

She wasn’t giving up, though, even if she had to use some of Sky’s tactics.

Stretching, she realized how tired she was. Dust and sweat coated her skin and there was dirt beneath her fingernails—not sexy, attractive qualities. The responsibility of the ranch was draining her femininity. Was this what her father had meant?

She caught sight of the red dress hanging on the back of her closet door. Grass stains and dirt marred the skirt. She took the garment down and held it to her, dancing around the room. Closing her eyes, she thought of Judd and his strong arms and tempting kisses. All those feminine feelings resurfaced in a flash and she smiled. Oh yeah, she was still alive, and she knew this was what life was all about.

Somehow, some way, she had to convince Judd of that.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

JUDD SPENT THE WEEKinvestigating the books of Southern Cross. It didn’t take him long to find discrepancies. And they all pointed to Harland. After talking to his gas and diesel supplier, Judd found Harland was taking kickbacks from a guy in the office. He always ordered five hundred gallons of fuel, but the company only delivered four. Southern Cross paid for the five and the guy in the office refunded the difference, splitting it with Harland.

Harland was chipping away at the ranch’s profits, a fact that angered and frustrated Judd. It was all done under his nose. He had trusted the man like his father had. But Harland didn’t have allegiance to anyone but himself and his pocketbook.

Walker had also uncovered damning evidence. Two Southern Cross Brahman heifers had been sold in Oklahoma and one in Louisiana. The buyers still had the receipts, with Harland’s signature. The foreman hadn’t even tried to cover his tracks.

“Since I don’t have a holding facility for prisoners, I contacted the county sheriff. I’ll arrest Harland and transport him to the jail. The sheriff is sending a deputy for backup in case there’s a problem,” Walker said as they sat in Judd’s office. “We have enough to put him away for a long time.”

“Yeah, but I want to talk to Harland before the deputy gets here.” Judd stood and went into the outer office. “Brenda Sue, tell Harland I want to see him.”

She looked up from her desk. “What? I don’t know where he is. This is a big place and I step in stuff when I go out there. I have new shoes and I don’t want to get—”

“I didn’t ask for an excuse. I asked for you to find him—now.”

“Oh, okay.” Brenda Sue got to her feet in a huff. “I can see you’re in one of those moods. I don’t understand why men are so touchy. You’d think you were the ones with PMS, but oh, no, you get off easy and still most of you act like a bear with a sore head. I’ll never understand men and I’ve given up trying.” She was still chattering as she went out the door.

Judd headed back to his office, but swung around again when he heard the door open. Brenda Sue stood there. Damn it! Today wasn’t a day to try his patience. He was in a mood to fire everyone on this ranch, including her.

“Now don’t lose your temper,” she said in a rush. “Monty was outside and I asked him where Harland was and he said in the bunkhouse. There’s no way I’m going in there with all those cowboys, so Monty went to get him. Isn’t that sweet?”

When Judd didn’t respond, she added, “That’s okay, isn’t it?”

“He better be here in five minutes.” With that, he slammed his office door.

“Calm down, Judd,” Walker said.

Judd ran his hands over his face. “I’m just so damn angry. I haven’t been this angry since…”

“Since Caitlyn left,” Walker finished the sentence.

He sank into his chair. “I forgot you were home at the time.”

“Yep. Your father and you were certain she’d come crawling back.”

Judd grunted. “I was a fool for listening to my dad.”

“Jack had old-fashioned ideas about women.” Walker made a steeple with his fingers and Judd could feel his eyes on him. “But I sense you see those ideas for what they are. Rubbish and chauvinistic.”

“It’s hard to change habits of a lifetime.”

“But you and Caitlyn seem to be getting along a little better. I mean, I thought you’d take that calf back come hell or high water. Your father would have.”

“Yes, he would, and probably have her arrested, too.” Judd drew a long breath. “I’m trying very hard not to be like him.”

Walker eyed him observantly. “It’s more than that, isn’t it?”

A tap at the door prevented Judd from answering, and it was just as well. He didn’t have an answer.

“Showtime,” Walker said, getting to his feet and moving to Judd’s right.

“Come in,” Judd called.

Harland walked in and glanced from one man to the other. “Didn’t expect to see you here, Walker.”

“Didn’t expect to be here,” he replied.

“Have a seat,” Judd said.

Harland eased into a chair, his eyes on his boss. “What’s this about?”

Judd pushed a manila folder across the desk. “This will explain everything.”

With a frown, Harland stood and picked up the folder. Opening it, he read through the contents and then slammed it onto the desk. “So the jig is up?” he said, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

Judd leaned forward, his eyes holding Harland’s like a fishhook holds a worm. “You’ve been stealing from Southern Cross for years.”

“Can you blame me?” His face turned beet red in anger. “I repeatedly asked your father for a raise and he repeatedly refused. He said he would deed me land when he died. I worked my ass off for that land, but the bastard lied. He didn’t leave me a penny. No one does that to me. No one.”

“So you started stealing?” Walker asked.

“You bet.” The words came out as a growl. “What better way to get even and stick it to the favorite son. I was finally getting the money I deserved. If that Belle woman hadn’t interfered, you never would have found out.”

“You’ve been sabotaging High Five, haven’t you?” Judd asked.

“That woman needs to be put in her place. Your father would have made sure of that. High Five would have been a part of Southern Cross by now, but you kowtow to the bitch. Your father must be turning over in his grave.”

Judd stood, his hands clenched. He wanted to jump across the desk and strangle the man, or reach for the Colt .45 in the bottom drawer and show Harland who was boss. But he did neither of those things. Mainly because he knew it was exactly what his father would have done. Judd was a better man than that.

Walker stepped forward. “Albert Harland, you’re under arrest for—”

“You’re having me arrested?” Harland glared at Judd.

“You’ve stolen thousands of dollars. Did you think I was just going to let that slide?” He unclenched his hands as some of the tension left him. “Since you’re so big on my father’s attributes, you should know he would have blown your brains out. Be grateful I’m letting the justice system take care of you.”

“You bastard,” Harland spat. “You’ll pay for this. That bitch will, too.”

Before he or Walker could gauge his intent, Harland ran from the room, slamming the door in their faces to slow them down. Walker drew the gun from his belt holster and yanked opened the door. Judd was right behind him.

“What’s happening?” Brenda Sue asked.

Neither responded as they made a dash for the front door. Monty stood outside like a lovesick fool.

“Where’s Harland?” Judd demanded.

“He ran for the stables.”

Judd and Walker hurried there, but Harland was nowhere in sight. Then, Chuck walked up from the tack room.

“Have you seen Harland?” Judd asked.

“He just rode out of here like the devil was after him.”

“Which way did he go?”

Chuck pointed toward the High Five.

“Damn it!”

“Was he alone?” Walker asked.

“No,” Chuck replied. “Those new cowboys, Ernie and Ray, were with him.”

“Thanks, Chuck.” Judd moved a short distance away to speak to Walker.

“What do you think?” The constable slid his gun back into his holster.

“I think he’s gone after Caitlyn.” The mere thought made Judd’s stomach tighten. He reached for the cell phone hooked on his belt, and punched out High Five’s number.

Etta answered.

“Etta, this is Judd Calhoun. Is Caitlyn there?”

“Heavens, no. She left early to take care of everything before that hurricane blows through here.”

He’d almost forgotten about the hurricane. “Do you know where she went?”

“No, but Maddie might.”

“May I speak to her?”

“Who?”

Judd drew a patient breath. “Maddie.”

“Oh. Okay.”

A second later she was on the line. “Maddie, this is Judd. Do you know what part of the ranch Caitlyn is on?”

“Oh, hi, Judd. Cait left early with Cooper and Rufus, and I have no idea where she went. She did mention something about checking a windmill and all water sources.”

“Thanks, Maddie.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No. I just need to find Cait.” He clicked off and shouted to Chuck, “Get my horse and a horse for Walker—pronto.”

Walker was on his cell and turned to Judd. “I was talking to the sheriff to apprise him of the situation. I assume we’re going after Harland.”

“You got it. We have to reach Caitlyn before he does.”

 

CAIT DISMOUNTEDat the windmill, relieved to discover everything was working fine. She glanced south and could see dark clouds rolling in. The area was expecting high winds and heavy rain, and from the looks of the sky she knew the storm would be here soon. Time to head back to the ranch to make sure Gran and everyone were safe.

As she turned she saw smoke coming from the west. It seemed to be in the location of her hay fields. Could they be on fire? She swung back toward Jaz and froze. Harland and two cowboys had come up on horseback. One of the cowboys reached for Jaz’s reins and pulled her away.

Cait’s heart kicked against her ribs. This was trouble. Without her rifle, she had no way to defend herself against three men, except maybe to bluff her way out of whatever Harland had in mind.

“The hurricane is on its way, so we better get out of the weather,” she said, playing it cool.

“You’re not going anywhere, Miss Belle,” Harland replied in an icy tone. “It’s payback day for all the times you stuck your nose in my business. You’re the reason my lucrative job is gone, and you’re going to pay.”

Judd had fired him? At the evil glint in Harland’s eyes, fear like she’d never known before inched up her spine and she took a step backward. The man was going to kill her.

She knew that as well as she knew her own name.

Harland dismounted, as did one of the cowboys. She quickly weighed her options and realized she had only one—the windmill. Turning swiftly, she sprinted for the ladder and began to climb.

“Get her,” Harland shouted.

The cowboy was right behind her. He grabbed her boot, but she held on tight and kicked back with her other foot. Her boot heel connected with his face.

“Bitch,” he shouted, clutching his cheek with one hand. Blood oozed through his fingers.

“Get her,” Harland shouted again, from below. “Yank her off there.”

She didn’t pause to see what the guy was doing; she climbed higher. The wind picked up and she felt the tower sway. Her hat blew off and she held on with all her might. But what good was that if the windmill went down?Oh, God. She needed help.

There was no one out here, though, and Harland knew that. He was going to make sure she died here.

 

JUDD GALLOPEDat breakneck speed toward the smoke on the High Five ranch. Walker was right behind. They came into the clearing of the hay fields, noting the scorched, charred ground. Cooper and Rufus were fighting the flames with horse blankets, trying to beat them out.

“Call the volunteer fire department,” Judd yelled to Walker.

Cooper heard him. “I already did. They’re on the way.”

At that moment two fire trucks and a number of firefighters roared onto the site. The men immediately went to work, fighting the conflagration and the rising wind. Judd hoped the rain wasn’t far behind.

“Where’s Caitlyn?” he yelled.

Cooper paused from beating at the blaze. “She went to check the windmill.”

Judd swung his horse in that direction, as did Walker. He knew Caitlyn didn’t have a lot of time. After galloping into the pasture, they pulled up short. Judd saw Caitlyn climbing the shaky windmill, a cowboy right behind her. Harland and another cowboy stood on the ground, watching.

Judd drew his rifle from the saddle scabbard and Walker drew his gun. They jumped off their horses at the same time.

Walker took care of Harland and the cowboy. Judd pointed his rifle at the man on the windmill. “Come down,” he shouted against the wind, “or I’m going to shoot you off of there.”

The man stopped climbing.

“Now!” Judd shouted again.

Slowly the cowboy began to descend. Walker had handcuffed Harland and trained his gun on the two men. A deputy drove up just then and Walker started talking to him, but Judd’s eyes were on Caitlyn at the top of the swaying windmill. As the wind tugged at it, she bent her head, her hands clamped tight around the ladder.

A number of options ran through Judd’s mind, but none of them seemed right. If he climbed up, the tower might fall with his weight. That was a sure death sentence—for both of them.

He laid his rifle on the ground and cupped his hands around his mouth. “Caitlyn, you have to jump. I’ll catch you. Trust me.”

Cait heard Judd.He wanted her to jump! To trust him. Was he insane? The wind was fierce and she didn’t know how much longer the windmill could withstand it. She couldn’t jump, though. She was frightened out of her mind.

“Come on, Caitie. We don’t have a lot of time. Just push back with your boots and I’ll catch you. Trust me, Caitie. I won’t let you down this time. Let go and push back….”

That caring, coaxing tone did the trick. The windmill rocked and she knew she had to trust Judd as she’d never trusted anyone in her life. She closed her eyes, said a prayer and then pried her clammy fingers from the rung and pushed out with her feet. The air left her lungs as her body plunged through open space. She heard a scream and realized it was her.

She seemed to lose consciousness for a second and the next thing she knew, strong arms had snatched her from the air. Together, she and her savior tumbled backward. But she was safe on the ground—in Judd’s arms.

His hands moved over her body. “Are you okay?”

She drew a breath that scorched her lungs, and then another. “Y-yes. I think.”

Walker rushed over. “Wow, Caitlyn, I didn’t know you could fly.”

She made a face at him and staggered to her feet. Judd was there to steady her, and she leaned on him.

“We have Harland and his boys handcuffed and in the deputy’s car,” Walker said. “I’m going back to get my car and I’ll meet you at the sheriff’s office.”

By then the deputy had joined them. “You need to sign papers,” he said, looking toward the sky. “And we better get out of here. Heavy rain is on the way and that windmill is not too steady.”

They moved away from the shaky structure. “I’ll make sure Caitlyn is okay and then I’ll follow you,” Judd stated.

The deputy got in his car and drove away. Walker hightailed it on horseback to the Southern Cross.

Judd looked at Caitlyn’s pale face. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

She tilted her head. “Well, Judd Calhoun, you keep asking me that and I’m going to start thinking you care.” As she said the words, raindrops pelted their faces.

“We’d better take cover,” Judd said, grabbing Baron’s and Jaz’s reins. He led them into a gully, away from the windmill and trees. He yanked a slicker from his saddlebag. Spreading the rain gear over their heads, he hunkered down with Caitlyn to wait out the worst of the storm.

“Wouldn’t it be better to make a run for the ranch?” she asked.

“It’s too dangerous now with the wind, lightning and rain. Hopefully it will be over soon.”

Under the plastic covering, they seemed to be encased in their own private world. The rain beat down and the wind tugged at them fiercely. They held tight to the slicker, which the wind kept threatening to blow away.

Suddenly they heard a loud crash. “The windmill,” Caitlyn muttered, grateful she wasn’t still on it. The slashing rain kept battering them, but she wasn’t afraid. She had Judd.

Under the slicker she smelled rain, sweat and sandalwood. And Judd. He filled every corner of her mind.

“I wouldn’t have jumped for anyone else,” she murmured. “I trusted you.”

He turned his head and she stared into the dark depths of his eyes. “That’s what love is,” she added. “Trusting another person completely.” She unsnapped her shirt, took his hand and placed it over her heart. “Can you feel it?”

His eyes darkened. “Caitlyn—”

“Don’t say you don’t know what love is. All you have to do is follow the instructions you gave me a moment ago. Let go, open up your heart and trust me.Trust me.”

His hand moved over her breast and his eyes held hers. Slowly he dipped his head and his lips took hers hungrily. Neither held anything back. The world, the storm, faded away as their hands and lips found a way to ease the pain of yesterday.

Distracted, they lost their grip on the slicker and the wind took it. “Oh,” she cried as she tried to catch it, to no avail. Judd pulled her back into his arms and she buried her face in the warmth of his neck. The rain showed no mercy, drenching them both, but then suddenly eased off again. Even the wind dropped. The gully was filling up with water, and Judd helped her to her feet.

Cait stared at the crushed windmill and defeat washed over her as hard as the rain had. It was going to cost a lot to get it back up and running.

“We can make it home now,” Judd said, brushing rain from her face.

She wanted to stay in this moment, in this time. He hadn’t said he loved her, but he hadn’t denied it, either. That was enough for now.

But thoughts of the ranch and her responsibilities came rushing back. She reached for Jaz’s reins. “I saw smoke earlier. Do you know what that was?”

Judd seemed to take a long time to answer. “Your hay fields were on fire and I’m pretty sure Harland and his boys set it.” Then he told her all he’d learned about the foreman.

She swallowed hard. “I think he was going to kill me.”

“No doubt. He blamed you that I found out about his illegal activities.”

“Is that why you came looking for me?”

“Yes. When he realized he was going to be arrested, he said he’d make you pay.”

She swung into the saddle with a squeaky wet sound. She was soaked, as was the saddle and her horse. “I have to get home to check on my family.”

“I’ll come with you,” Judd called, and jumped onto Baron. Together they galloped toward High Five. As they came over a ridge, Cait pulled up. Puffs of smoke could be seen coming from the house.

“Oh, no!” She kneed Jaz and was off again like a rocket. She had to find out if Gran, Maddie and Etta were okay.

Jaz covered the wet ground with amazing speed. As they reached the barnyard, Cait leaped off and made a dash for the smoldering house.

Please let them be okay,she prayed.

“Cait!”

She swung around at the sound of Maddie’s voice, and saw her, Coop and Rufus standing under the eave of the barn. Gran wasn’t with them. Cait’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach.

She ran to Maddie, her breath catching. “Where’s Gran?” she cried anxiously. “Tell me where she is!”

Maddie put an arm around her and Cait realized her sister was as wet as she was. “It’s okay. Gran is at Etta’s lying down. She’s fine, but a little shaken up, as we all are.”

Cait glanced toward the puffs of smoke still coming from the house. “How bad is it?”

“The parlor and two bedrooms sustained damage.”

Cait swallowed the constriction in her throat. “How did this happen?”

“Etta and I were working in the kitchen and we smelled smoke. I went into the parlor and saw the blaze at the windows. It traveled to the second floor before Cooper and I could get it out with water hoses.”

“But how did it start?”

Coop stepped forward, his face etched in anger. “I was getting ready to go check the rolls of hay to make sure they were secure, and saw Harland and two cowboys ride away. I heard Maddie scream, and I ran to the house. While she got Miss Dorie and Etta out, I grabbed the hoses to extinguish the fire.”

“Thank you, Coop.”

“I wish I could have saved more. I smelled gasoline and knew that bastard had torched the place.”

“And the hay fields?” Cait asked, but she already knew.

Coop removed his wet hat and studied it for a moment. “As we finished putting out the fire at the house, I saw the smoke coming from the hay fields. I told Maddie to call the fire department, and Ru and I got there as fast as we could. But it was too late. The dry grasses and the wind were against us. I’m sorry, Cait. We lost it all.”

She took a deep breath and wanted to burst into tears. All her hard work and it was gone. High Five was done. There was no way she could recover from this.

She collected herself quickly. She wouldn’t cry. At that moment she looked up and saw that half the tin roof on the barn had been blown away. The tears weren’t far away, but the thought of the baby calf saved her.

“Is Solomon okay?”

“Yes.” Maddie squeezed her shoulder. “He’s in there bumping his head, wanting milk. I’ll feed him in a little bit.”

Cooper tensed, and out of her peripheral vision Cait saw Judd walk up.

“I’m sorry, Caitlyn,” he said.

She turned to face him, and all that love and warmth she’d felt earlier seemed to disappear. She was spent and empty.

“We won’t have to wait for six months,” she said in a voice she didn’t recognize. “Harland has beaten me and High Five is finished. You were right—I was fighting a losing battle.”

He took a step forward. “Cait…”

“Please leave. I’ll get with you later about the details. I can’t handle any more right now.”

“Cait…”

Cooper stepped in front of her. “You heard the lady. It’s time for you to go.”

The two men, the same height and weight, faced off. “I don’t want to fight with you, Cooper.”

“Then leave.”

Judd glanced at Cait. “Is this your kind of trust?”

She couldn’t answer. Her whole body was frozen in abject misery. She dropped her gaze and he walked to his horse and rode away.

And out of her life for good.

CHAPTER TWENTY

CAITLYN TURNEDand walked into the barn. Maddie and Cooper were right behind her.

“Please,” she said over her shoulder, “I need some time alone.”

“Cait…”

She faced her sister. “Please, give me a moment.”

Maddie hesitated. “Okay. I’ll go check on Gran.”

“Tell her I’ll be there in a minute.”

Maddie nodded.

With methodical movements, Cait went into the supply room, which still had a roof, and mixed milk for Solomon. It was mundane work and she needed that. She carried the bottle to the stall and opened the gate. Solomon trotted to her, eager for food. He bumped his head against her leg and she sank into the straw and held the milk out to him. As he grabbed the nipple, she gripped the bottle tightly because she knew he’d jerk it out of her hand.

He drank the contents in no time and curled up beside her, satisfied. She wished her problems could be solved so easily. Setting the bottle aside, she drew up her knees and wrapped her arms around them. She glanced toward the end of the barn and the gray sky peeping through the gaping holes of the torn-off tin. Destruction was all around her. But life was, too. Solomon was new life, a new beginning.

She stared at that patch of sky and wondered if her father was looking down and saying those words she hated to hear.I told you so. Maybe he was right. Ranching wasn’t women’s work.

The odds had always been against her, but she’d been too stubborn to see that. Now she had to admit defeat and say goodbye to her beloved High Five. Uninvited tears slid from her eyes. She slapped them away, but more followed. She wasn’t sure what she was crying about—losing High Five or losing Judd. Again.

There was no way they’d survive this. Their love wasn’t meant to be, and she had to accept that and move on. She took some solace in the thought of Judd rebuilding High Five. It would prosper like in the olden days.

But she wouldn’t be here.

More tears followed and she didn’t try to stop them. She was a woman, and damn it, women cried.

After a moment she drew a shaky breath. Now she had to find the strength to look at the damages to the house. And she had to find the strength to tell Gran. That was her responsibility.

Cait got to her feet and headed for the house, her boots sinking into the sodden ground. As she opened the door, lingering traces of smoke filled her lungs and nausea churned in her stomach. One wall in the parlor was scorched and the velvet drapes were gone. The fire had spread up the wall to the bedrooms, and those walls were burned, too. They would have to be ripped out and replaced. That would take money—dollars she didn’t have.

She did have insurance, but it would take weeks before she received funds. Where would they live in the meantime?

Nothing else was insured. She couldn’t afford it. That meant High Five would not be able to recover from the losses.

Giving up wasn’t easy, but this was destruction Cait couldn’t beat. Stoically, she marched to her bedroom, which miraculously hadn’t been touched, and stripped off her wet clothes. Her wet braid was heavy, so she undid it and towel dried her hair. After that she put on clean, dry clothes and went downstairs and out the door to talk to Gran.

The cabin was small, with a combination kitchen, dining room and living area, along with two bedrooms and a bath. When Cait had the strength, she’d talk to Judd about letting Etta and Rufus stay here.

In the living room, she hugged Etta.

“Lordy, Lordy, it’s awful. Just awful,” the housekeeper moaned.

“How’s Gran?”

“She’s resting.” Etta wiped away a tear. “Maddie’s with her.” The woman gave Cait a push toward a bedroom. “You better go in there. She’s worried about you.”

Caitlyn walked into the room. Maddie sat cross-legged on the bed, talking to Gran, who was propped up with fluffy pillows.

“Hi, Gran,” Cait said as she sat beside her. She looked so pale with her white hair hanging around her face. Cait felt a catch in her throat.

Dorie reached for her and hugged her tightly. “My baby, I’ve been so worried.”

“I got caught in the storm, so I had to wait it out.” Cait drew back and tucked loose strands of black hair behind her ears. “I got a little wet, but I’m fine.”

“I’ll go help Etta with supper,” Maddie said, sliding off the bed.

Gran picked up Cait’s cold hand. “Don’t look so worried, my baby.”

She tried to wipe her feelings from her face, but couldn’t—not even for her grandmother. “I’ll try,” she made herself say.

“How’s the house?” Dorie asked.

“It’s going to need a lot of repairs.” She didn’t lie. The time for that was over.

“I figured,” Gran said, surprising her.

It must have shown on her face, because Gran added, “I know you girls think I’m a senile old woman living in the past.”

“Oh, Gran.” Cait squeezed her hand.

“It’s okay, because most of the time I am. But I know what’s going on, Caitlyn.”

Gran never called her that unless she was serious, so Cait listened closely. “What are you talking about?”

The old woman pushed herself up against the pillows. “I know Dane sold Judd our oil and gas royalties.”

“What?” She had her full attention now.

“Dane told me what he had to do. It was his only way out of all his gambling debts.” Gran sighed. “I spoiled him terribly and I’m afraid he never learned to live within his means. He had too many bad habits that I ignored because I loved him.”

Cait was speechless, so she just kept listening.

Gran twisted her hands together. “He assured me that everything would work out and that he had made the right decision for you, Maddie and Sky.”

“Selling our means of livelihood was the right decision?” The words came out angry, but Cait couldn’t stop them.

Gran patted her hands. “Don’t fret, child. I know Judd will be buying High Five now. I’ve resigned myself to that. Your father wanted you to have a life, and now maybe you can find the one you want.”

“My life has always been here.”

“I think that was to defy your father.” Gran looked into her eyes. “What do you really want, baby?”

Judd had asked her the same thing.

Instead of answering, she burst into tears. Gran held her as if she were six years old. “Don’t cry, baby, and don’t worry about me. I’m a strong old woman and I’ve survived worse. You do what you have to.”

Cait brushed away tears—once she started crying she couldn’t seem to stop. “I’m not sure what that is yet. But High Five has received a death blow. I’m not certain what to do next.”

Her grandmother stroked her cheek. “You’ll know, baby.”

Cait stood and stared at her. “What else do you know, Gran?”

“Everything,” she replied with a secret smile.

“Everything?”

“That’s one good thing about spoiling my son. He told me everything.”

“You mean…” Cait wasn’t sure how to finish the sentence without betraying Maddie or Sky.

“Yes, I know, Maddie has had a fight with cancer and won, but now she won’t be able to have children. I also know about Kira. Dane gave me a photo that I’m very proud of. I wish I could say the same about my granddaughters keeping secrets. But I promised Dane I would let them tell me. Sometimes that promise was hard to keep.”

Her grandmother was stronger than they had ever given her credit for, and Cait resolved never to keep anything from her again.

Maddie walked in. “Would you like to get up, Gran?”

Dorie swung her feet over the side of the bed. “Yes, I would. I’m ready to handle whatever comes next.”

“And that means you,” Cait whispered to her sister.

Maddie frowned, not understanding.

“She knows—everything.” Cait emphasized the last word.

“Oh.” Realization dawned in Maddie’s blue eyes.

Cait walked out, leaving them to talk. Maybe now they could come together as a family without secrets.

 

THE NEXT FEW DAYSpassed in a blur, but Cait kept busy assessing all the damages to High Five, which were extensive. Cooper was optimistic that they could regroup and overcome. Cait wasn’t.

The sheriff called and she went to his office to file more charges against Harland. That gave her some satisfaction.

By the end of the week, Coop and Rufus had a new roof on the barn. She called a man to get an estimate on repairing the windmill. The rest of the time they worked on the house, trying to eradicate the smoke smell and pull off the burned wood. It was a monumental task, but there was something cathartic about toiling until you were so exhausted you fell instantly asleep.

All the time they were working she kept thinking it was useless. They were wasting time and resources. Soon Judd would make an offer for High Five, as he’d promised her father. He’d keep his word, so it was only a matter of time.

But they went on working.

Gran stayed at Etta’s, and Cait and Maddie moved into the bunkhouse with Cooper. The arrangement worked well and it kept them on the ranch—for now.

Cait received the estimate for the windmill and the cost of repairing the house. Her eyes bulged at the figures. The insurance adjuster looked at the house and took the estimate, saying he’d be in touch. She had no idea when that would be. She needed the money right away, and told the man that.

Mr. Bardwell had stopped buying sand and gravel because the pits were too wet. He said he’d try again in a month or so, but that would be too late.

She thought of selling the herd, but that was just putting off the inevitable. At the end of the second week she called Judd. Brenda Sue answered.

“Brenda Sue, this is Caitlyn. May I please speak to Judd?”

“He’s not here and I don’t know where he is. He pretty much does what he wants and, believe me, I don’t interfere. You know how men are, but then you may not. You’ve always been sorta—”

“I’d like to make an appointment to see him.” Cait cut her off, trying not to scream.

“I don’t make his appointments. He’s funny about that, too. You’ll have to call back or whatever. I’ve got to go. I’ve got things to do and Judd doesn’t like me talking on the phone. Did I tell you I have a boyfriend? His name is Monty and…”

Cait gritted her teeth and shut out whatever Brenda Sue was rattling on about. “Tell him I’ll be there at ten in the morning to discuss High Five. You can give him a message, right?”

“Of course I can, and that’s just like you, Caitlyn. You always have to have your way. That’s why you’re still single and—”

“Give him the message,” she yelled, and slammed the phone down.

Cait went into her office, which was still usable, and took several deep breaths. Then she sat down and made out a list of points she wanted to negotiate with Judd. She would like for Etta, Rufus and Cooper to be allowed to stay on the property. She, Maddie and Gran hadn’t made plans yet. They would decide at the end.

At the bottom she scribbled “I love you. Why wasn’t that enough?”

Maddie rushed in, her cell in her hand. She shoved it at Cait. “Sky’s on the line.”

“Hey, sis, where are you?” Cait asked.

“In this hick town in Tennessee.”

“I would tell you to come home, but we don’t have too much of a home at the moment. We just about got out all the smoke smell, though.”

“Maddie told me. I’m sorry, Cait. I know how hard you’ve worked.”

“Thanks. I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”

“You sound resigned to the whole thing.”

She wasn’t. She was dying a little inside, but no one would ever know that.

“Gran’s okay with it, so that makes it better for me.”

“Speaking of Gran, I hear we haven’t kept a thing from her.”

“Nope, and I suggest you call her as soon as possible.”

“I will, and Cait? Whatever you decide is fine with me.”

“Really? Wouldn’t you rather have the money?”

“Of course, but you’re my sister and I love you and want…” Her voice trailed away.

“Is ‘bitchy’ getting soft?”

“Not on your life, sister dear.”

“I didn’t think so.” Cait laughed, and it felt good to talk to her sister. “Call Gran,” she shouted before clicking off.

“She sounds great, doesn’t she?” Maddie asked.

“Yeah. She’s a survivor.”

“Just like you and me,” Maddie stated. “We’re going to make it.”

“We sure are.” Cait stood. “Now let’s go make Cooper nervous.”

Maddie grinned. “He does get rattled when we walk around in nothing but a towel.”

“Mmm. I guess we need to be more respectful of his privacy.”

“Maybe.” Maddie made a face. “But then we’d have no fun.”

They giggled and went out the door arm in arm.

 

JUDD SAT IN HIS STUDYstaring at a glass of bourbon, but all he could see was Caitlyn’s face. He couldn’t seem to get it out of his head.

Please leave. I’ll get with you later about the details. I can’t handle any more right now.

Why couldn’t she trust him not to hurt her again? But of course, she couldn’t recover from the enormous loss, and he had to buy High Five. He’d promised Dane. Judd couldn’t go back on his word.

That would destroy all the progress they’d made in the last few months.

Could he hurt her that way?

So many times she’d tried to tell him about love, and each time he’d resisted.

Love starts by caring.

Well, he cared. When she was on that windmill, he knew if she fell and died, life wouldn’t be worth living, just as it hadn’t been for the past fourteen years. That was a wad of truth to swallow.

Love is a special connection between two people.

They’d certainly had that from day one, even fourteen years ago. He was just too pigheaded to see it or to admit it.

Let go, open your heart and trust me. Trustme.

She’d trusted him on the windmill, and she probably had always trusted him.

Love is something you feel in the heart.

When she saw her family home in ruins, the pain in her eyes had cut through his gut. He’d wanted to take that pain away, but she’d told him to leave.

Trust me.

“Judd,” Brenda Sue called a moment before opening the door.

He clenched his jaw at this intrusion.

“Oh, good, you’re here,” the secretary said. “I didn’t know if you were back or not, and I was leaving for the day. I was going to write you a message, but now I can just tell you. Caitlyn called and wanted to make an appointment to see you. I told her I didn’t make your appointments and she got huffy. You know how Caitlyn is. She said to tell you she’d be here at ten in the morning to discuss High Five. You know, I heard there was a lot of damage there and—”

He held up a hand to stop the endless chatter. “Call her back and tell her I have appointments in Austin tomorrow. I’ll meet with her later.”

Brenda Sue pointed to his phone. “Why don’tyou call her?”

He lifted an eyebrow. “And what do I pay you for?”

“Oh, okay, but Caitlyn’s going to bite my head off. I’d just as soon not go another round with her if you know what I mean. But if it’s my job I guess I have no choice.”

Judd leaned back in his chair. “Try not to criticize. That might help. Just give her the message and don’t elaborate on anything else. It’s that simple.”

Brenda Sue scrunched up her nose. “I’ll try to be short and brief. I better hurry. I promised to meet Monty and I don’t want to be late. It’s our—”

“Short and brief,” he reminded her, and she hurried out the door.

He flipped through his Rolodex for Frank’s number. Before talking to Caitlyn, Judd had to know his legal rights concerning High Five.

Could he take everything she loved?

 

CAITLYN WAS MIFFEDwhen she got the call from Brenda Sue. She tried to question her, but the blasted woman hung up on her. Was Judd avoiding her? They had to talk. There were no ifs, ands or buts about it.

After the fire, she hadn’t been too nice to him. She’d been in shock, but now they had to find a way to communicate. And she had to find a way to let go. Of High Five.

And Judd.

In the late afternoon, Chance drove in with the bed of his truck filled with lumber and building supplies. She and Maddie ran out to greet him.

After hugs, Cait asked, “Are you going into construction?”

“Nope.” He removed his hat and bowed from the waist. “I am at your service, ma’am, to help rebuild the house.”

“But I don’t have any money to pay you. I’m waiting on the insurance money.”

“Miss Dorie never asked for money all the times I ate at her table, so I’m just repaying High Five’s hospitality.”

“Chance Hardin, you’re an angel.”

“I’ll get Cooper so he can help you unload this,” Maddie said.

Chance grinned. “I’d appreciate it.” As Maddie walked away, he turned to Cait. “Could I talk to you for a sec?”

“Sure.” He sounded serious and she wondered what this was about.

He removed his hat and slicked back his dark hair in a nervous gesture. “I’ve been offered a job—a really good job. I could stay in one place and not be on the road so much. Also, I would be around to help Etta and Rufus when they need it.”

“So the job is in High Cotton?”

“Yeah.” He shifted from one booted foot to the other and she was taken aback by his nervousness. He looked up. “Judd offered me the foreman’s job at Southern Cross.”

“So?” She couldn’t make the connection. After Harland, she knew Judd would be looking for someone. Chance had worked on Southern Cross for a lot of years before taking off for the oil fields. He and Judd had remained good friends.

“Well, I know there’s a lot of tension between the two families and—”

She pinched his arm. “Take the job. Etta would love to have you close.” Cait didn’t go into High Five’s shaky future. That wouldn’t be resolved until she talked to Judd, and she had no idea when that would be. But it gave her comfort to know that Chance might also be looking after High Five and its future.

For the next couple of days, Chance, Cooper and Rufus worked on repairing the house. She and Maddie helped when they could. But Cait’s thoughts remained centered on Judd. Why hadn’t he called? Brenda Sue had said he’d be in touch, yet so far she’d heard nothing. That left her in limbo. That left her angry. That left her testing her patience.

But she waited.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

SOLOMON WAS GETTINGso big that she and Maddie had a hard time controlling him. One butt could knock them for a loop. They were now giving him small amounts of sweet feed, which added to his weight. The calf was always greedy, wanting more.

“I don’t think we’re ever going to fill him up!” Maddie said as she closed the gate.

“He’s a growing boy.” Cait laughed as Solomon butted the slats. She banged her fist against the railing. “Stop.” Suddenly, over the calf’s bleating and shuffling, they heard the thunder of hooves. The sisters looked at each other in puzzlement. The guys were working on the house, so it couldn’t be one of them. Before they could take a step to investigate, Whiskey Red galloped into the barn.

“Oh, my God,” Cait cried, running to the horse and throwing her arms around her neck. “She must have gotten away.” Stroking Red, she added, “I have to take her back.” As she thought about it, she knew this was the perfect opportunity to see Judd. Time to face him and sort out the future. He wasn’t avoiding her any longer.

She led Red to her stall and turned to Maddie. “Please feed her. I have to see Judd.”

“Okay,” her sister replied, a bit mystified.

Cait ran to her truck, shoved it into gear and drove steadily toward the Southern Cross. She stopped on the circular drive. Jumping out, she ran for the front door and tapped the brass knocker. No response. She opened the door and went inside, straight to Judd’s study. He wasn’t there. She went into the hallway and ran into Renee.

“Oh. I didn’t realize we had company.” The woman smiled at her.

She didn’t return the smile. “I’m looking for Judd.”

Renee shrugged. “He’s on the ranch somewhere, seeing to all the damages the hurricane caused.”

“Was the loss substantial?”

“Just minor stuff, but Judd seems to need to work twelve hour days.”

“Oh.” Cait knew the feeling. She’d worked so hard to save High Five and it was all for nothing. Her eyes focused on the Persian rug in the foyer and it reminded her of the day when Judd had told her about the sale of the royalties.

“Renee, how much did Judd pay for High Five’s royalties?” She’d never asked that question and she suddenly needed to know.

Renee didn’t even pause before answering. “Over half a million.”

OhmyGod!Cait had never imagined. All this time she’d thought Judd had finagled her father into selling, but with a gambling debt that large her dad really had had no choice. The Belle family was lucky Judd had bought the royalties. It had saved them from a worse fate.

“Would you please tell Judd…” Her voice trailed off as he strolled down the hall.

“I think you can tell him yourself, my dear.” Renee patted her son’s arm and disappeared out the door.

Judd looked tired, but it didn’t diminish his appeal. “You wanted to see me?” he asked, walking into his study.

“Yes.” She clenched her hands at his gruff expression. “I wanted to let you know Red is at my place, in case you were looking for her.”

“I’m not,” he replied, sinking into his chair and shuffling through papers on his desk.

That shook her. What did he mean? “Well, somehow she got loose and—”

“She didn’t get loose.” He leaned back in his chair, his eyes holding hers. “I let her go.”

That made no sense at all. “Why?”

“She’s your horse, not mine.”

“You bought her.”

“Out of spite.” He jammed both hands through his dark hair. “You see, Caitlyn, I find it very hard taking things you love.”

That almost blew her out of her boots. “Still…” That was all she could say. Warm feelings suffused her whole body and she couldn’t think.

“Consider it a wedding gift.”

Her eyes narrowed on his. “Excuse me?”

He leaned forward, his expression keeping her from jumping for joy. Tapping a document on his desk, he added, “I talked to Frank about the codicil. He said it was my choice whether to invoke it or not, so I’ve thought long and hard about this.” He took a breath. “I’ve decided against taking High Five, for the reason I’ve already told you. But I have a solution for its future. As my wife you will own half of all my holdings, including the gas and oil royalties. Your half will go back into High Five, the other half will go toward the amount I paid for them. High Five will have funds to recoup.”

She could hardly believe her ears. “Is this a marriage proposal?”

Without a flicker of emotion, he answered, “Yes.”

Joy wasn’t the first thing she felt. Anger was. After all their talks, he hadn’t changed. The cold proposal was the same as it had been fourteen years ago—without love. She would not sacrifice her pride, her dignity for anything else.

She walked closer to his desk. “The answer is no.”

“What?” He was clearly shocked.

“Are you hard of hearing?”

His lips twitched. “No.”

She stared directly at him. “You know my bottom line. It’s the same as it was the last time you proposed. Without love we have nothing, and until you can open your heart and accept what you’re really feeling, there will be no marriage—not even to save High Five.”

He looked stunned.

“You once asked me what I really wanted. I want you. I want your love, not a business deal.” She swung toward the door. “You have until midnight to make your decision.” She walked out as fear edged its way into her heart.

It was all or nothing. What would Judd do?

 

JUDD STARED AFTER HERin complete misery. But what had he really been expecting? That she would be grateful…? He ran both hands over his face. For days all he could think about was their situation, and he’d thought he’d found a solution. It was easy for him—he wouldn’t have to sacrifice his heart and his soul. He’d protected that part of himself for so long, and was still doing it.

He drew a heavy breath.Open your heart. Cait didn’t realize how hard that was for him. But if he wanted her…I want your love, not a business deal.

This time, could he give her what she asked for?

His mother breezed in. “What did Caitlyn want?”

“My soul.”

Renee placed her hands on her hips. “Well, wrap it up with a pretty red bow and give it to her.”

“You have a warped sense of humor.”

“Son, it’s not humor. It’s desperation.”

He shook his head. “What are you talking about?”

“Why do you think I gave that ridiculous ball?” She didn’t give him a chance to respond. “I wanted you and Caitlyn to remember how happy and in love you were at your engagement party. Whether you believe it or not, you were, until she found out the truth.”

“Mom…”

“You loved her. That’s why you were so hurt. That’s why you were so set on revenge. Can’t you see that?”

“Mom…”

“You haven’t been happy since she left, so whatever you have to do to bring Caitlyn back into your life, swallow your pride and just do it.”

Judd wanted to. He really did. But…He eased open the bottom drawer of his desk and glanced at the red shoe. Had he kept it for a reason?

Did he love her? Had he always loved her?

For a smart man, he was dangerously close to being a complete fool.

“Women like to be swept off their feet, don’t they?”

Renee blinked. “What?”

“Women like romantic gestures and the Prince Charming thing. They want magic and love, right?”

“Of course. Every woman wants love—that’s the most important thing.”

“Did you?” He watched her face.

She wrapped her arms around her waist. “I used to dream of Jack saying, ‘Renee, you’re one hell of a woman and I love you like crazy.’”

“But he never did.”

“No. He equated sex with love.” She pointed a finger at Judd. “Don’t you make that mistake.”

He already had. He rose to his feet, knowing he had only one choice. “I have to see Caitlyn.”

 

AT MIDNIGHT, Cait knew he wasn’t coming. So much for that. Now she was going to lose it all.

She trudged upstairs to get clothes for tomorrow before going to the bunkhouse. The repairs on the house were coming along nicely. The wall in the parlor was almost complete. Even that didn’t cheer her.

Grabbing jeans and a shirt, she saw the red dress hanging on her closet door. On impulse she took it down and stared at it for a long time.

Why wasn’t this enough?

Judd’s words came back to her. Why couldn’t he see they needed so much more? Slowly, she pulled off her clothes, even her boots, and slipped into the red dress. She wiggled her toes. No shoes, but she knew where one was.

She ran down the stairs to the parlor and grabbed a bottle of wine. After uncorking it, she took a sip and headed for the barn. She hoped Maddie wouldn’t come looking for her.

Cait went into the barn and took down the red shoe. Clutching it and the wine in one hand, she used the other to open the gate on Red’s stall. She rubbed her horse’s face and sank down into the hay to say another goodbye. Tomorrow she’d have to return her.

On that thought, she took a swig of wine and slipped on the red high heel. She lifted her foot. “What do you think, Red?” She gulped a breath. “He didn’t come and it hurts. I’ve loved this man for so long and he keeps breaking my heart. How can he do that? Men are…” She glanced up and saw Judd leaning on the gate.

“Men are what?” he asked with a devilish grin.

“Pigs,” she said, her heart beating a little faster at the sight of his handsome face. “And you’re late.”

“I was leaving when there was a problem with one of the heifers calving. I had to wait for the vet, and it was a long painful birth.”

Cait was at a loss for words, so she said the first thing that came to her mind. “I’ll return Red tomorrow.”

“Red is a gift. Please accept her as such.”

Her eyes held his. “I can’t.”

“Caitie, High Five would be in the black if it hadn’t been for Harland, my employee. I take full responsibility for his actions. He only did it to get back at me. You’ve turned the ranch around with hard work and skill.” He rubbed his hand along the top of the wooden gate. “Your father should have never come up with this crazy deal.”

“Sometimes I wonder why he did that.” She propped the wine bottle against the stall wall.

“I have, too, but we’ll never know. You deserve High Five and I’m not taking it. Isn’t that what you wanted? And Red?”

She gazed up at him, the dim bulb casting enticing shadows across his angular face. She started to reach for the bottle, but realized she didn’t need the wine. All she needed was that look in his dark eyes.

“No. I told you what I want.”

The words hung between them.

His eyes held hers and a giddiness swept through her from the warmth she saw there. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this thing called love, and the difference between slam-damn-good sex and love.”

“You have?” She held her breath.

“Um-hmm. Trust and respect—they’re important to you?”

“Yes.” The word slid from her throat.

“When you were on that windmill, you trusted me. You’ve always trusted me and I’ve let you down. That day, I knew if you fell and died, my life would be over. And when your family home burned, I saw the pain in your eyes and I felt it in my gut. I wanted you to trust that I would never hurt you again. That’s the main reason I can’t take High Five. I can’t take anything else you love.”

Slowly, he opened the gate and stepped in. Red neighed and trotted out to nibble at the fresh bale of hay Cooper had brought in earlier. Judd closed the gate and Cait’s giddiness turned to euphoria.

He removed his hat and knelt in front of her. His eyes darkened. “I’m not sure if I’ll get this right, but I trust you, Caitie…with my heart.”

She bit her lip to keep from crying out with joy, but she hadn’t yet heard the words she wanted to hear.

Reaching behind him, he pulled her red high heel from his back pocket and held it out for her to slip on.

This was right. This was perfect, and she couldn’t believe Judd was making such a romantic gesture. She tucked her foot into the shoe, but there was something inside and she couldn’t completely get it on. No, no. The shoe had to fit. There had to be magic.

“I can’t…” She squirmed and lifted the shoe to investigate. Inside she found an engagement ring—her engagement ring. The one Judd had given her fourteen years ago.

The breath left her lungs. “It’s…I…”

He took the ring from her with a grin. “Slip on the shoe.”

She did, gladly, and it fit perfectly. Now she waited for the magic. Judd’s magic.

He lifted her trembling hand and stared into her eyes. “Caitlyn Belle, I—I…”

This timehe was stammering and she smiled, still waiting.

He swallowed hard. “I’m no prince, but I…I love you. Will you marry me?”

The words came out in a rush, but she heard every one.

She threw herself at him, knocking him backward into the hay. “Yes. Yes. Yes!”

He cupped her face and touched his lips to hers in a stirring, sweet kiss that was powerful and binding.

“I love you, too,” she whispered between featherlike kisses. “I’ve always loved you and I’ll never stop loving you.”

“Caitie.” His mouth covered hers and their tongues and hands renewed a ritual they knew well. She lay half on top of him, feeling and enjoying the hardened contours of his body.

He suddenly sat up and positioned her on his lap. She wrapped her bare legs around him, picking straw from his hair. “I can’t believe this,” she murmured, and pressed her breasts into his chest, feeling the power of her femininity as he groaned and kissed her neck. Hot, branding kisses trailed to her cleavage.

“I’ve dreamed of you in this red dress.” He moaned. “I’ve dreamed more of removing it.”

She leaned slightly away and unzipped the back. “I have nothing on underneath.”

A guttural sound left his throat, and Cait was beginning to think that Sky was right about feminine wiles. She could never be so uninhibited with anyone but Judd, though. As she slipped the dress down, all her inhibitions floated away.

Her breasts filled his hands and then his mouth tasted each nipple, and tingles of desire shot from her breasts to her navel and below. Judd pulled the dress over her head and tossed it on the hay.

She still sat on his lap with her legs wrapped around him, her tousled hair spread across her shoulders. His eyes glowed as he gazed at her nudity. She’d never seen that look before and she recognized exactly what it was. Love. Love shone in his eyes. There it was—the magic she craved. She needed that and had sacrificed so much for this day. It was worth every pain she had gone through. She had definitely won the prize, as Sky so aptly put it. And the prize was Judd’s love.

She slowly unbuttoned his shirt. “You have too many clothes on.”

“I was thinking the same thing,” he said into the warmth of her neck. “And I really need to remove these jeans.”

She giggled. “Yes. I’m sitting on a bulge that needs freedom.”

“Don’t tease.” A lazy grin spread across his face as he jerked off his shirt and threw it on top of her dress. She scooted down and helped to remove his boots, then unbuttoned his jeans. He watched as she slid down his zipper and his erection thrust into her hand.

“Oh,” she murmured, and before she knew it he was out of his jeans, pushing her down into the hay. The straw scratched her back, but she hardly noticed as Judd’s lips found hers. The kiss was deep, hot, and her body simmered just from the touch of his naked skin against hers.

“Caitie,” he moaned into her mouth.

“Yes…now…please.”

He slid into her easily, as if they’d never been apart. Once again she wrapped her legs around him, drawing him deeper and deeper until fourteen years disappeared along with the heartache. Each move, each thrust bound them closer, until the world exploded into brilliant sunshine.

Her nails dug into his back as her body welcomed the much-needed release. Judd cried her name as he trembled against her, and then there was quiet—an unbelievably peaceful quiet.

Judd couldn’t bear to let her go, and they lay together for a long time, just enjoying the incredible moment. They’d made love before, but not like this. Years ago it had been hot and steamy, but as soon as it was over he’d zipped his jeans and was gone. It was just sex. Now it was so much more.

Today he wanted to hold on forever—hold on to Caitie. This was love—his heart was about to pound out of his chest with it. He needed Caitlyn. Until this moment he’d never realized how much. This was living. This was loving. Every man needed this.

He sat up and pulled her into his arms. Leaning against the stall wall, he brushed her dark hair away from her face and she sighed contentedly.

“Happy?”

“Mmm.” She tilted her head to look at him.

He cupped her cheek and kissed her softly. “Good. I want you to be happy.”

She nestled against him. “You make me happy.”

“Then we can solve all our problems. With this much love it should be simple.”

She smiled. “What problems?”

“For starters, I’m a difficult man to live with. I don’t open up easily. Fear of losing you once again was the only thing that got me here. And of course, I realized I’d loved you forever.”

“That’s not a problem,” she told him.

“Then there’s my mother. She lives with me and Southern Cross is her home.”

“Not a problem.”

“Brenda Sue works for me and I don’t want to fire her, because Harvey and his family are going through a rough time.”

Cait touched his cheek. “See? You care about all these people. You’re just a softie underneath that stern exterior.”

“You think so?”

“Who else would put up with Brenda Sue?”

“Then there’s hope for me?”

“Yes, yes.” She kissed him and they forgot everything for a minute.

He gently tucked her hair behind her ears again. “The wedding has to be whatyou want, without any interference from our families.”

“I can handle that.”

“I have no doubt. Next is High Five. It stays in the Belle family. That’s the way it should be. But you, sweet lady, I want at Southern Cross with me.”

“Okay.” She ran her fingers through his chest hairs and lower.

He caught her hand. “Okay?”

“Yes. As your wife I should be at Southern Cross, but as part owner of High Five I will be here some, during the day, only until my sisters, Gran and I decide what to do with the ranch.”

“Deal.” He squeezed her. “The offer still stands about half the royalties being returned to High Five.”

“I accept graciously. Thank you.”

“I love you.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And we really have to stop meeting in horse stalls.”

“Oh, but it’s so much fun.” A bubble of laughter left her throat.

He stroked her arm. “I’m sorry I botched up that second proposal. I was protecting myself.”

She raised her head from his shoulder. “I know, but I love you, so I was willing to give you a third chance to get it right. And, boy, did you get it right!”

They gazed at each other and then burst out laughing as Red looked over the stall gate at them.

A loud bump sounded from the other side.

“That’s Solomon. He hears my voice and wants attention.”

“He’s not the only one….”

She trailed a finger down Judd’s nose and he grabbed it, then nibbled at the tip.

“There’s only one person getting my attention tonight. And for the record, you are my prince, my prize.”

He pulled her onto his lap yet again. “Ah…I like the sound of that.”

After a moment, Cait said, “Maybe we should let Red have her stall.”

“In a minute,” Judd whispered, and leaned his face against hers.

Neither wanted to move or end this moment—this time out of time—when love had made the difference.

EPILOGUE

Two months later…

CAITLYN WAS MARRYINGJudd and the whole family was playing dress-up.

She crept downstairs in her long slip to take a look at the flowers and make sure they were arranged the way she wanted.

She clasped her hands as she gazed at all the beautiful white blossoms adorning the parlor. They were perfect. Two candelabras graced the fireplace mantel, along with a huge arrangement of white roses. This was where she wanted to say her vows—in her family home, which had been completely restored. To appease Renee, the reception and dance were being held at Southern Cross.

This wedding was much smaller than the original was to be, just the way she and Judd wanted it. She chose to wear her grandmother’s wedding dress, a gorgeous Italian eyelet-lace-and-silk gown that Maddie had altered to fit. Cait never knew her sister had so many domestic talents.

“What are you doing down here?” Maddie took one arm and Sky the other. “You are not supposed to see all this.” They whisked her back upstairs.

Cait was so happy Sky had come home for the wedding. Her joy was complete, and watching Gran and Kira together was an even greater joy. Cait was hoping Sky would stay, especially since Maddie had decided to run High Five, with Cooper’s help.

They all had a stake in the ranch, but Cait would now back away and let her sisters make the decisions. She’d never thought anything would become more important than High Five, but Judd had. He was her life now.

An hour later, she came down the stairs in her wedding dress, her nerves humming like taut wires. Maggie was behind her, holding the long train. Sky met her at the bottom and winked. “Ready?”

“Like fourteen years ready.”

Sky straightened Cait’s veil. “Didn’t I tell you what you had to do from the start?”

“I did, and a little more—Belle style.” She laughed and Maddie’s “Shh” stopped her.

Maddie squeezed past Cait on the stairs. “We have to behave. This is a special day.”

“I always behave,” Sky said with a straight face.

The music started and their chatter stopped. Maddie and Sky kissed her. “Good luck, big sis,” they chorused. Maddie handed Cait her bouquet of roses and baby’s breath, and then she and Sky gathered theirs and started down the aisle.

Cait held her breath and said a silent prayer for dreams that come true. And for love.

“Here Comes the Bride” echoed through the old house. Cait turned and walked to the parlor entrance. Her eyes went directly to Judd. He looked so handsome in his tux, and he looked nervous. But happy. She started down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams.

Thirty minutes later, Mr. and Mrs. Judd Calhoun walked out of the house toward the waiting limo. Frank stood nearby, and came up to Caitlyn and handed her an envelope.

“Congratulations, Caitlyn. In case you married Judd, your father wanted me to give you this.”

She stared at the envelope and started to tuck it away to read later.

“Open it,” Judd whispered, his arm around her waist. With his support, she could face anything.

She stuck a manicured nail under the flap and ripped it open. Inside was a single sheet of paper. On it was written: “Gotcha. Love, Dad.”

The sneaky old devil.

Hedid know what was best for her.