The Debutante’s Secret

The Debutantes of Durango

Peggy McKenzie

Copyright 2020 by Peggy McKenzie

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means , including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Cover Design-Dar Dixon @ Wicked Smart Designs

Editor-Trayce Layne @ 3C Edit Services

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Epilogue

More books in this series…

Peggy McKenzie & Friends

Brides of the Rio Grande

About the Author

The End

About this book

The Debutante’s Secret

Book Two

The Debutantes of Durango Series

(A Western Historical Romance)

Roxanne Sheffield has always been the dutiful daughter, but when her father surprises her with the news he’s planning to wed her to a man twice her age, she decides it’s time to take matters into her own hands. Can her plan work without giving away her secret?

Alexander Harp is about to have everything he’s ever wanted until the train arrives in town. His money is missing, his wife is nowhere to be found, and his little girl is on the arm of a stranger. What’s a man to do?

Will Roxi and Alex help each other in their time of need, or will they destroy any chance of happiness for themselves?

Chapter 1

Roxanne Sheffield sat on her favorite bench in the middle of her family's flower garden. Hidden among a thick cluster of weeping willows and their drooping branches, it was the only place she felt at peace anymore. And now, even that tiny bit of heaven was being threatened by her father’s wishes. If she could only find a way to live without her parent’s recent… expectations.

“Roxanne? Are you here?” She heard her twin sister, Marianne, call to her from beyond the garden’s protective walls.

She thought about sinking further into the shadows of the willow trees, but she knew she couldn’t hide forever and someone would eventually force her to come out. “Yes, Mari, I’m here.” She sighed in resignation.

Her sister appeared at the garden gate, her shoes tapping on the stones lining the garden path. She approached Roxanne and sat next to her on the bench. Without a word, her sister leaned over and peeked at the book Roxi had been reading before the uninvited interruption.

“You know Mother is looking for you, don’t you?”

“Yes, I know. That’s why I’m out here. I was hoping she would tire of looking for me and leave me be.” Roxi delivered an over exaggerated sigh hoping to portray some of the frustration she felt.

Mari gave her a sad, understanding smile. “Yes, well, if you really wanted to hide, you would have chosen someplace besides the garden. It’s the obvious place to find you. Everyone knows you’ll be here reading one of those fanciful stories you enjoy so. Dear sister, when will you be practical? The real world is right in front of you and yet you live in your dreams, always walking around with your head in the clouds.”

Roxanne closed her book and turned to her sister. “And what of it? I would rather be fanciful than to be pragmatic all the time. You have no imagination at all, Mari. As much as we are alike, we are oh, so, different. I prefer to dream than to live mired in life’s responsibilities.”

Marianne had always been the practical one willing to accept whatever life threw her way. But not Roxi. She was determined to live her life her way. Just because she hadn’t figured out precisely what her way was yet, didn’t mean she wasn’t focused on the future. It just meant she hadn’t discovered exactly where she wanted to go or what she wanted to do. She wanted so many things in life. Things like adventure, and excitement, and…variety.

“Well, I do agree we have different visions for our future, Roxi, but as to my lack of imagination, I would whole-heartedly disagree with you there. If it wasn’t for my quick thinking and ability to bend the truth a bit from time to time, Mother and Father would have banished you to your room until you were married long ago,” her sister teased.

Roxi grinned and nudged her sister with her shoulder. “I hardly think telling our parents a little white lie about my whereabouts is tantamount to having an imagination.”

“Call it what you will, but without it, you would be in trouble a lot more than you are now. And speaking of little white lies, what am I to tell Mother now that I have found you?”

Roxi shrugged. “I don’t know. Tell her you couldn’t find me. Or maybe you can convince her that a band of gypsies stole me away.”

Mari laughed. “That would definitely be more believable coming from you than me.”

Roxi studied her sister and sighed. “How do you always remain so practical? Don’t you ever want to just do something out of the blue…without planning or thinking about it? ”

“Being practical has its rewards. How else could I anticipate and prepare for the future? I base my choices on facts. You base your choices on concocted conclusions based on those fairy tales you read, but those aren’t real, Roxi. I only believe in those things that I can see.”

“But isn’t it possible there are things in this world that you cannot see with your eyes but they still exist?”

“If you are talking about fairy tales and magic, then no.”

“What about love?” Roxanne put her arm around her sister’s shoulders and pulled her close. “Surely you believe in the power of true love and finding your soulmate.”

“Love is an emotion, not a magical thing. There is a process to falling in love. That sort of thing just doesn’t happen. And I wouldn’t want it to. There’s too many variables to leave to chance.”

“But it could be …a magical experience, don’t you think? Perhaps if you allowed your control to slip—just a bit—then you would see there is a certain magic to falling in love.”

“No. I decide who I fall in love with, not some mysterious force operating outside my control. I like order and the only way I can achieve order is through determination and self-control. Chaos and I do not get along, Roxanne, I am simply not willing to go whichever way the wind blows. If I decide to fall in love, I will plan accordingly.”

“You can’t plan love, Marianne.”

“I dare say I can,” her sister assured her.

Roxi shook her head. “I can agree with your sentiment up to a point. But sometimes letting the wind take control can lead to a wonderful surprise.”

“You know I don’t care for surprises.” Her sister gave her a firm look and crossed her arms over her chest. It was a familiar gesture Mari did when her mind was made up and further discussions would not sway her.

“Roxanne? Marianne? Are you out here? Your father is waiting.” Latisha Sheffield walked down the garden path toward them, her rose-colored lips stretched in an amused smile. “Marianne, I sent you to collect your sister, not join her in this attempt at rebellion. Come now, girls, conspiracy does not become either of you.”

Her mother joined them under the tree. “Roxi, your father simply wishes to speak with you about Mr. Banks’ proposal. Nothing is set in stone yet, but if you don’t discuss your feelings with him, you leave him no choice but to make the decision he believes is best for you.”

Resigned she could put this matter off no longer, she stood and hugged her mother. “I will speak with Father, but I do not believe he is going to like what I have to say on the matter.”

Her mother smiled and squeezed her hands in hers. “My dear Roxanne, I think you will be surprised by your father's willingness to listen. He’s very open-minded as you well know. Now, shall we go? I think it prudent not to keep him waiting too long, although with three women in the household, I’m certain he's use to it.”

Roxanne and her sister locked arms with their mother and headed down the moss-covered path toward the red-brick house where she had lived all her life. They neared the rear entrance and Roxanne could not help but admire the beautiful home covered in ivy and shaded by ancient oak and willow trees.

She loved this home and the sense of belonging she always felt here. She never wanted to leave it. Not even for Mr. Maximillian Banks and his stupid marriage proposal.

The three of them entered the cool interior of the large airy home and headed down the wide corridor towards her father’s study.

“Charles. Roxanne is here,” her mother announced. Then, she kissed Roxi on the cheek and whispered, “Please keep an open mind, sweetheart. One never knows what opportunity lies on the other side of a closed door.”

Roxi studied her mother’s face trying to decide what message was behind her curious comment, but she turned away too quickly. She and Mari headed towards the shaded screen-covered porch for afternoon tea.

Realizing she was keeping her father waiting, Roxi turned and swept into his office.

“Come in,” her father called out. His deep voice wrapping around her like a warm blanket. Anticipation made her nervous, but his voice made her feel safe. He was her father and he loved her. There was nothing to worry about she assured herself.

She inhaled a deep breath to calm her unease, turned the knob and stepped inside. The familiar smells of linseed oil and peppermint greeted her.

“Ah, there you are. I've been waiting for you.”

She offered her father a half-hearted smile. “I'm sorry I kept you waiting, Father. I was—”

“Daydreaming. As usual.” He returned her smile. “I've come to expect that. But the time has come for you to think about your future, don’t you agree, sweet pea? Please sit with me and let’s talk.”

Her father moved from behind his desk and offered her his arm. She smiled at his endearment and took his arm. He guided her to the chair next to the window. Roxi placed an affectionate kiss on her father’s smooth cheek.

He smiled at her and waited for her to get settled in her chair before taking his own chair next to hers. She smoothed out her dress and crossed her ankles. She was ready.

“Now, shall we talk about the offer of marriage you have received from Max Banks?”

“You mean the marriage proposal you received from the man, don’t you, Father?”

Her father chuckled. “Yes, I suppose I do. But it is the way of things, Roxanne. It’s my duty as your father—”

“Father, I do not wish to marry the man.”

“I understand you have reservations, but perhaps if you met him, you might reconsider—”

“Father, I'm simply not ready to give up my life and turn it over to a stranger. I want to travel. To see more of the world. To see things that have only lived in my imagination. I want adventure.”

“My darling daughter, do you not think Max can give you all of that? After all, his family owns an entire fleet of ships. You could travel anywhere he has a mind to go—”

“That's just it, Father. Where he has a mind to go. What about where I want to go? I want to see where life takes me. I want to see where my journey leads. Is that too much to ask?” Roxanne's voice quivered with emotion.

Her father stood and paced in front of her. Had she gone too far? Would he insist on this marriage?

“Roxi, Max is a reasonable man. I’m sure once you two are married, he will take you anywhere, do anything you have a mind to do. After all, it is rather hard to say no to you and your sister.

“I know you think I don’t understand, but I do. I was once a carefree lad, ebbing to and fro like flotsam on the sea, going wherever the currents took me. That is until a very beautiful and practical young woman saved me from myself.”

“Mother?” Roxanne knew some of her parents’ history, but only a little. She knew her father had been an irresponsible rake until his father, Grandfather Sheffield, had forced her father to marry her mother. And then, somehow through it all, they fell in love. Was that what her father expected to happen if she married Mr. Banks?

“Yes. It was your mother. She made me realize that being married wasn't the same as being imprisoned—as long as you’re with the right person.”

“That's the problem, Father. You were able to experience the freedom of your youth before you were forced to marry. You know the excitement of traveling, as you say, wherever the current takes you. I have yet to experience my own life outside the confines of society’s demands. I have yet to find what it is that makes me happy and without that knowledge, how will I know Mr. Banks is the right person for me?”

Her father stopped his pacing and looked at her. It was as if he was studying her for some unknown answer. She remained quiet and waited to see what he did next.

“I see your point, Roxanne. You have presented your case well. And although I am certain you will find that love is neither magical nor mysterious like you read about in your books, I think you must be given a chance to determine that for yourself. Those love stories you are so fond of are fairy tales, my dear. True love, as well as real life, is a practical state of mind you only find through hard work and compromise.”

“I'm not naive, Father. I know a marriage takes work. I also know it is the wife who does most of the work. As you have said before, if it wasn't for Mother, you would not be—”

“I think we've covered the errors of my youthful ways with enough scrutiny, don’t you?”

Her father turned away and sat down again behind his massive desk. She watched him remove the familiar leather journal with its delicate gold-leaf pages. It held all the detailed accounts of not only his own financial dealings but those of his daughter’s trust funds as well.

“Roxanne, you have done well with the inheritance your grandparent’s estate provided for you. You and your sister have both nearly doubled your initial investment. I know most of that was due to your sister’s analytical approach to investing.” He chuckled again. “I really should think about turning my own fortune over to her as well. She has quite the head for such things.” He grew serious again. “I know this is a lot of money and I understand why you are reluctant to turn your fortune over to a husband, especially someone you’ve never met.

“Perhaps if we insist Maximillian agrees to hold your money separate and continue to allow you to control it—”

“Don’t you see, Father? That's the crux of the matter. Right there. Why should Max Banks allow me to control my own money? It's my money, is it not? What if he is a spendthrift? What if he squanders my money and we are left destitute.”

“Roxanne, now you’re reaching. Max Banks is a very wealthy man because of his own hard work, practicality, and financial aptitude. He and your sister are quite a lot alike in that respect. They actually have more in common and would probably be a better match.”

“Then let him marry Marianne.” She felt a pinch of guilt for offering her sister up as the sacrificial lamb, but her father was right. Marianne was so much more practical than she. It was the perfect match as far as she was concerned.

“He did not offer for Marianne. He offered for you.”

She remained silent praying for words that would persuade her father to refuse the offer of marriage and allow her to live her life as she chose.

“Roxanne, your mother and I have taught you and your sister to be strong independent women, and although we may have gone too far with those lessons, I do believe you are sensible enough to know when the time is right to marry.”

Roxanne's pulse raced. Was her father saying what she thought he was saying?

“I'm going to speak with your mother, and if she is agreeable, we will explain to Max that we must respectfully postpone any decisions about your marriage, at least for the present.”

Roxanne couldn't believe her ears. “Are you saying that I don't have to marry—”

“No. What I'm saying is that you shall have your time to travel and explore, and to learn what it is that makes you truly happy.”

“Oh Father, thank you for trusting me. And for allowing me to pursue my own path of discovery.” Roxanne rushed to her father's side and flung her arms around his neck.

“There is one condition to my offer, Roxanne. You must promise me that after this adventure of yours, you will make peace with your place in this world and you will choose a suitable husband and settle down.”

“I will Father,” Roxanne promised unable to contain her joy at the news.

Her father smiled and kissed her on her cheek. “Then I suggest you pack your trunks and make your travel plans. I will have your mother contact her sister in Colorado. I’m certain your Aunt Lila and your Cousin Regina would be happy to host you during your stay.”

“I can’t wait to see Regina. She is so much fun. We shall have a grand time, and—”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Roxanne. You can have as much fun as is respectably permitted, but you only have from now until August. That’s less than four months. After that, you will return home and you will marry. Do you agree to this arrangement or shall I send word to Mr. Banks that you are ready to accept his offer of marriage today?”

“I understand what is expected of me and I won’t disappoint you or Mother. I think your offer is more than fair, and I promise that after my time for adventure is up, I will choose a suitable husband.”

* * *

Alexander Harp stood on Durango’s train platform and stared at the surrounding mountains. It was the one thing he could do to keep from pacing the wooden planks. It had been three months since he had left his life in New Orleans to lay claim to his late uncle's horse ranch here in Colorado. And today, his wife, Kate, and four-year-old daughter, Grace, were on the train due to arrive any moment. It was hard to contain his excitement, especially when he thought back to everything he had to do to get this far.

It had taken all his persuasive abilities to talk his wife into moving to the southwestern Colorado mining town of Durango. Kate was from a wealthy family and used to the finer things in life, so she hadn't been thrilled when he told her he was going to quit his job at his father's bank and move west to take up horse ranching on his Uncle Zach’s ranch.

“Hey, Alex,” he turned to see a man he recognized from the neighboring ranch call out to him. He liked knowing people in his community by name. It was a far cry from the big city of New Orleans.

“Hey, Harvey. How’s it goin’?” The man waved and kept on walking.

It was a concept his father couldn’t grasp. His father, Andrew Harp, insisted Alex take up the family business, and being the dutiful son, he went to the college his father chose for him and then worked at his father’s bank. But he knew from the very first day behind the teller’s cage, he hated everything about it. And yet, he stayed…because it was what his father expected.

But it wasn’t long before his father pushed him to marry the daughter of his best customer, Carl Bishop, one of the wealthiest men in town. Alex didn’t much care for Kate Bishop, but after constant pressure from everyone, he finally gave in. He married the girl hoping to make his father happy.

And then his Uncle Zachariah died and made Alex his sole heir of his ranch in Colorado. The very same ranch Alex had loved to visit as a boy. He couldn’t believe it. He now had the opportunity to change the course of his life and he grabbed it without thinking twice.

“Train’s comin’. Stand clear of the tracks, please.” A railroad employee hollered loud and clear.

Alex inhaled a deep breath of clear, clean, Colorado mountain air. He felt good about his decision to move here. It was the first time in a long, long time, he felt…happy. Well, mostly happy. He and Kate had some work to do on their marriage. He hoped they could make it work for Grace’s sake. That little girl meant everything to him.

Just then the train whistled in the distance and jerked him from his thoughts. His heart raced and he checked his clothes once more. Kate hated a mussed appearance, and he needed to make a good first impression for this new life he had chosen for his family.

Alex saw his friend, John Kingston, across the train platform and waved. He was someone Alex had gotten to know over the many summers he had spent here with his Uncle Zack on his ranch. He had been a kid then, but he was smart enough to know that John had a pretty rough life living on the streets. And now, the man owned half of those streets.

John hadn’t turned his back on Alex and helped him secure a loan to buy new mares and the best studhorse around. They were a huge part of his breeding program and without them, he wouldn't have been able to bring his family here. He owed his friend a lot of gratitude.

He heard the train’s whistle blow loud and clear as it chugged into the station, steam billowing in every direction as it slowed to a stop. Alex stood in anticipation of Kate and Grace's appearance at the train's doors. He was surprised at how nervous he was. He wiped his palms on his clean jeans.

Before long, the conductor stepped out from between two cars and placed steps against the train leading to the wooden platform. Then, one by one, he helped passengers down the steps. Alex waited and watched as man, woman, and child stepped off the train and were greeted by family and friends.

Soon, the platform cleared and only a few people remained. Alex wondered if Kate needed help with Grace after such a long trip. His daughter had probably fallen asleep. That would make sense and explain why they had not yet appeared.

“Excuse me,” Alex directed his inquiry to the conductor who was beginning his preparations for the departing passengers. “Would it be possible for me to board the train? My wife may need my held with our daughter.”

“Of course, mister, but there are only a few passengers left on the train. You might check this car and the one behind it. All the other cars are empty.”

“Thank you. I'll do that.” Alex stepped up on the wooden steps just as a dark-haired woman in a pink dress stepped down. The woman's steps faltered as she caught the hem of her dress with the heel of her shoe.

“Oh.” Alex heard the surprise in the woman's voice as she reached out a hand to steady herself. But her momentum carried her forward causing her to fall. He reached out automatically and caught her, keeping her from tumbling down the steps and coming to harm. She was a tiny thing, and he bore her weight easily.

He looked down at the woman in his arms and dark eyes tinged with gold flecks looked back. And though he had no business looking, he couldn’t seem to turn away from the warmth he found there in her eyes.

Her cheeks pinked at his scrutiny. “Thank you, sir. I do apologize for my clumsiness. You may put me down now. I’m fairly confident I can continue on my way without further mishap.”

Alex set the woman upright and stepped back when she stood on her own.

“My apologies, ma'am. The fault was all mine. I was…in a hurry…I guess. I…I wasn’t watching where I was going.” He stumbled over his words like an awkward schoolboy.

The woman smiled at him and ran her hands over her skirt to smooth it out. “I hardly think that is the case, sir, but I appreciate your chivalry all the same.”

They stood next to the wooden steps in awkward silence. Finally, Alex said. “Well, if you’re certain you are alright, I need to find my family.”

“Papa!” Alex turned at the sound of his daughter's voice.

Grace stepped down the wooden stairs with the help of a woman Alex had never seen before.

The woman in the pink dress spoke again, dimples creasing her cheeks. He found the effect enchanting even though he shouldn’t.

“It seems your family has arrived. I will leave you to greet them.” She turned away just as his daughter ran toward him.

Alex bent down and caught Grace up in his arms and hugged her close to his chest. “Gracie, sweetheart, I've missed you so much. I can't believe you are finally here in front of me. And look how much you’ve grown.”

“I've missed you too, Papa.” He heard Grace’s voice muffled against his shoulder.

He took a moment or two to relish the feel of his little girl in his arms again. Then he pulled back and gazed lovingly into her beautiful blue eyes. “Oh, Gracie, my sweet girl. We are going to have so much fun here in Durango. I've met some really nice people who have children for you to play with and there’s a school you’re going to love. I can't wait to show you and your mother the ranch. It's so incredible, and—”

It suddenly dawned on Alex that Kate was missing. Where was his wife?

“Sweetheart, where is your mother and why aren't you with her? It is always best to keep hold of her hand in a crowd. You could get lost,” he admonished.

“You must be Alex Harp.” The woman standing off to the side spoke up. It was the woman he had seen hold Grace's hand down the train steps. She extended her hand and offered him an envelope.

Still holding his daughter's hand, he stood and took it from her. “Yes, I'm Alex Harp. And you are?” Alex looked around for Kate. What exactly was going on here?

“Papa, this is the lady Momma asked to bring me here.”

Alex studied his daughter and then the woman who handed him the letter. “What are you talking about? Grace, where is your mother?”

A sick sense of foreboding hit Alex in his gut. He tore open the letter and saw his wife's elegant handwriting across the wrinkled page. His heart punched his ribs as if preparing him for what was coming.

“Dear Alexander,

I know you are not going to understand my reasons for not moving to some godforsaken ranch in the middle of nowhere, but I'll do my best to explain.

I was never meant to be the wife of a rancher. Had I known you were going to change course in the middle of our marriage, I would have never allowed our fathers to talk me into this obvious mismatch.”

Their fathers had talked her into accepting his marriage proposal? But he hadn't even wanted to get married. Suddenly, he felt like the biggest fool New Orleans had ever produced.

“Since you've been gone these past months, I've had the privilege of making the acquaintance of people who understand the kind of lifestyle I prefer. I'm happy to say that I've formed a special attachment of sorts to one person in particular and I refuse to leave him.

Since he travels quite frequently, we have decided that Grace should stay with you. After all, a house with a precocious four-year-old always asking questions isn't the place for a budding romance to grow, now is it?

Good luck, Alex. I wish you the best in this new life you've chosen for yourself. I hope it brings you the happiness you are looking for, but it’s not the life for me.

Kate

“Mr. Harp? Are you alright?” Alex heard the woman's voice calling to him from a distance. “Mr. Harp?”

Dazed, he looked up from the letter in his shaking hands to see the concerned faces of this stranger and his little girl.

“I’m not sure,” he finally managed to form the words.

“I know you probably have a lot of questions. I suppose the main ones have been answered by that letter, but if you have any more, I’ll be in town for a few days.”

Alex shook his head. No, he didn't have any questions for the stranger, but he had a million questions for Kate even though her letter left no doubts as to what her intentions were.

“I guess I'll be going then.” The woman turned to Grace. “Be a good girl, Grace, and don't give your papa any trouble, okay?”

“Yes, ma'am,“ Grace replied.

Alex watched the woman leave, his mind a jumbled blur of whirling emotions. He’d like to get his hands around Kate’s neck right about now. He had known his wife was a self-centered creature, but he just hadn't known how deep that selfishness went until this very moment. Never mind him. How could she turn her back on her own daughter? It was unbelievable.

He looked down at his beautiful little girl knowing he was now her only parent. How on earth was he going to watch over a four-year-old and run a ranch at the same time? He honestly had no idea.

Alex folded the letter and stuffed it into his shirt pocket. He'd deal with his feelings later. Right now, he owed it to Grace to be the responsible parent and put her needs first. He shrugged off his disgust at his wife’s behavior and turned to his daughter with the brightest smile he could muster under the circumstances.

“Don’t you worry one bit, Grace. Everything is gonna be just fine. You are gonna love your new home. It has a covered porch that goes all the way around the house where you can sit outside and play. And you just won’t believe how blue and clear the river is that runs next to the house. It’ll be perfect for teaching you how to swim. And best of all, the barn is full of kittens just waiting to be cuddled, and—”

“Papa?” His daughter's troubled blue eyes looked up at him.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Are we gonna have to get a new momma now that ours doesn’t want us?”

Alex's heart broke at his daughter’s words. “Ah, honey. It’s not that...she didn’t want... us, it’s just that...” What on earth could he tell a four-year-old about such matters? “Baby, don’t you worry. Your papa is gonna take care of everything. I know just what to do to fix it,” he said.

Grace hugged him around the knees, and he guided her toward his wagon and team. He had just told his daughter a bald-faced lie because he had no idea what to do or how to fix it. He hadn’t a clue.

Chapter 2

Roxanne had spent the last two days getting settled in with her cousin, Regina, and her husband, John. She had been thrilled to hear Regina and John were expecting a baby, and she couldn’t wait to help with the preparations of the baby’s room, but right now, she was ready for adventure. At least something other than unpacking and sorting her traveling trunks.

Her cousin had volunteered her to help teach art and reading at the care school for children too young to attend primary school. Roxi had to admit the prospect of doing something out of the ordinary excited her.

This school was a wonderful notion that Regina and John had come up with to help working parents with children too young to spend the day at regular school. It provided a healthy, safe, friendly environment for the children so the parents didn’t have to worry about them while they worked. Roxanne thought it was a brilliant idea and when she went back to Boston in September, she planned to promote the idea to the working sections of town through her family’s foundation.

Roxi glanced at the clock. “Oh, I’m going to be late for my first day of volunteering if I don’t hurry.” She grabbed her hat and art satchel on the way to the front door.

“I’ll see you this afternoon, Cousin,” she said loud enough so that Regina could hear her through the open window from the garden.

“Have fun, Roxi,” Regina call back to her.

Once outside, Roxi tied her bonnet in place and looped the cord of her art supply box over the crook of her arm. It took only five minutes to walk to the lovely old home that had transformed into the school. She could hear the children playing in the back yard two blocks away.

Roxi entered the school and set her things down on the table next to the front door.

“Can I help you?” A woman’s voice spoke over her shoulder.

She turned and saw a woman wiping her hands on her apron.

“Yes, I’m Roxanne Sheffield, I’m—”

“Oh, you are Regina’s cousin. It’s so nice to finally meet you. She speaks of you often.”

The woman offered her hand. “I’m Mary. My husband, Charley, and I sort of run the school these days.”

“It’s very nice to make your acquaintance, Mary. My cousin has told me more than once that she couldn’t have gotten this school up and running if it hadn’t been for your help. I know she’s very grateful.”

Mary blushed. Then she added, “If it wasn’t for Regina and Mr. Kingston, I don’t know where Charley and I would be right about now. And our baby.” Mary rubbed her slightly rounded belly. Roxi could see the woman was with child.

“I know they are proud to help however they can,” Roxi offered. Regina had told her about Mary’s situation, but she didn’t want to embarrass the woman by letting her know Roxi knew.

Mary pointed to the table where Roxi had set her art box. “Why don’t you bring your things back into the children’s room. I’ll give you a chance to get settled before I call them in front outside. Trust me, it’s easier that way.”

Roxi grabbed her art supplies and hat and followed the woman through the door toward the back of the house. They walked through several classrooms before coming to a large open room.

“Set everything on that desk.” Mary pointed to a desk at the front of the room. “Let me know when you are ready for the children and I’ll round them up. Be prepared, they are quite a handful.” She grinned and ducked inside the kitchen off to the left of the room.

Roxi smiled and set to unpacking her supplies. When she was finished, she took a few moments to get her bearings before she went in search of Mary. She was studying the alphabet on the left side of the chalkboard and the numbers on the right side when a masculine voice startled her. She jumped at the unexpected sound.

“Are you one of the teachers here, Miss?”

She turned to see a man standing in the doorway. But he wasn’t just any man. He was the man from the train station. The one who caught her in his arms the day she arrived.

Her heart fluttered at the sudden sight of him. Funny, she had thought of him often since their brief encounter. Now, why was that, she wondered?

“Can I help you, sir?” She watched him frown as he studied her.

“Don't I know you from somewhere?”

She smiled and offered an answer. “We met a couple of days ago. At the train station. I stumbled and you—”

“The woman in the pink dress. I caught you on the steps.” Recognition reflected in his blue eyes. “I remember.”

Roxanne felt her blush as it warmed her face. She remembered too and had been quite surprised by her immediate attraction to him. But even more surprising was her willingness to flirt with him. Well, before she realized he had a wife and daughter that is. She was not a husband stealer. So why was she so pleased he remembered the color of the dress she wore?

“It's nice to see you again, ma’am, but I don't believe I caught your name.”

“Miss Sheffield. Roxanne.” Her words sounded breathy even to her own ears. What on earth was the matter with her? She had never been a simpering debutante, but she had also never felt this much attraction to a man before. What was it about him that made her feel this way?

Hat in hand, he walked across the room and stood in front of her offering her a polite bow. “It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Sheffield.”

“Please, call me Roxanne.” She wasn’t usually so forward. She should be ashamed of herself, and yet—

“Very well. Roxanne. I’m Alexander Harp. But since we’re on a first name basis, how about you call me Alex? I’m the owner of a horse ranch just outside of town.”

“Alex.” She liked the way his name sounded when she said it. “It’s very nice to meet you... Alex.” She tried to keep the tremor from her voice. “Well, now that we’ve been properly introduced, what has brought you into our little school today?”

“A very good friend of mine told me there might be someone here who would be interested in hiring on as a housekeeper and caregiver for my young daughter.”

“I see.” Roxanne's interest was piqued. She was suddenly very intrigued by this handsome cowboy's situation. There was a daughter, but no wife? So who was the woman at the train station?

“Is your wife ill?” Roxanne asked before she could reign in her curiosity. She was shocked at her own boldness when the words tumbled from her mouth.

She watched the man tense, his fists clenched at his sides. Then he took a deep breath and relaxed. “No, she isn't ill. She's... no longer with us,” he seemed hesitant to say the words.

Roxanne felt horrible. She should have known something awful was the cause for a man alone to be caring for a young child. How heartbroken he must be to have lost his wife so young. And recently it would seem.

“I'm so sorry, Alex. Please accept my condolences for your loss, both you and your poor little girl. What it must be like for her to lose her mother so young.”

The man’s face paled and she felt even worse for causing him more pain. She apologized again. “I’m so sorry for your loss. What can we do to help you? It can’t be easy caring for your daughter while working on your ranch.”

“No, it isn’t, but I’ll make certain my daughter is just fine. And the best way I can do that by hiring someone to help with the cooking and cleaning, and to teach my daughter the basics of her education. I need someone who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty. In exchange, I'll pay good money and there will be no strings attached.”

“Are you saying you need someone to help you with your daughter during the day? You are always welcome to enroll her here. There are several caretakers who would be more than happy to—”

“No, that won't work. I don't live in town. I live on a ranch about five miles north of Durango. I can't bring her into town every day or I'll never get any work done and I won't leave her in town with strangers. What I need is someone willing to come to my place.”

“I see.” Roxanne was trying to understood the man's situation. He was a widower with a small daughter and a ranch to run. Yes, he did indeed need help, but wasn’t there a woman with his little girl that day she arrived in town? “I seem to remember there was a woman with your little girl the day we arrived? Isn’t she able to help?”

Alex shook his head. “She was just someone who was paid to deliver my daughter to me. I didn’t even catch her name.”

Now, Roxi understood. “I see, well, I can check with some of the staff here at the school, but most of the employees here have young children and husbands to care for once their workday is done. I’ll certainly be glad to ask about. Perhaps there’s someone who is looking for—”

“Are you married? Do you have young children?” he asked. His question caught Roxanne off guard.

“Me? Um, no, but if you are insinuating that I take the job, I'm not sure that would be an appropriate arrangement. Being unmarried—”

“But you just said that the married women can't do it. Now, you’re telling me an unmarried woman can't do it either?”

“Mr. Harp, you can't be so naive as to not understand what I'm alluding to. As an unmarried woman, I have my reputation to think about.”

“It seems I'm naive about a lot of things lately...”

She watched him pause. It was obvious he was referring to something other than their present conversation. And, it was very clear that the man had some pretty big problems weighing him down.

“. . . but I can assure you, the last thing you will need to worry about is your reputation. I have references as to my character.” Then he softened his proclamation with a smile that stole her breath away. If she thought him handsome while brooding, she thought him devastating when he smiled.

It was the first time she had been thunderstruck by a man's smile and she had to admit, perhaps for the first time in her life, she had been rendered speechless.

It suddenly dawned on her what he said. “References to your character? Well, I’m new in town so I wouldn’t know the sources of your references so—”

“Everyone knows John Kingston, but since you are new in town, I can have his wife speak with you. She and I are friends and she owns this school so that would make her your employer.”

“Are you referring to Regina Kingston?” Roxanne was surprised he knew her cousin and decided it was very fortunate indeed.

“Yes, your employer,” he said again.

“I see, well, I think references are a bit premature since I haven't said I would accept your position of employment.” And yet, she surprised herself when she realized she was considering it. But why on earth would she do such a thing?

“Miss Sheffield, I can assure you that even if I was inclined to philander with my employees, which I am not, I simply don’t have the time. I have an enormous amount of work to do, so much in fact, you'll probably never even lay eyes on me. And I can sleep in the barn in order to make you feel more secure.

“You and my daughter can have complete control of the house. If that isn't proof enough your reputation will remain untarnished, I can assure you, most ardently, I'm not the least bit interested in pursuing a woman. Not after...”

She watched him struggle for his words. It must be hard for him to talk about his feelings for his dead wife. She could see him gather his emotions and check them.

“Ma'am, I have a ranch to run and a motherless daughter to raise. All I need right now is someone to care for my little girl.” He paused and thought a moment. “You should also know that I have another employee who would bear witness to everything that goes on at the ranch. Shouldn’t that help tame your fears for your reputation? And if Mrs. and Mr. Kingston’s references aren’t enough, I can provide references from any number of people here in Durango who can vouch for my character.”

“I see.” Roxanne couldn't exactly explain these feelings of disappointment at hearing the man's words that he had no interest in any romantic liaisons. Was it because he was not interested in any or just with her? That was certainly something to be examined later.

“Mr. Harp, even with all of your assurances, I would need to give your proposition some thought. And mind you, I’m not sure I can give your idea any serious consideration, but I will give you the courtesy of thinking about it. Would you mind if I take some time before I give you an answer?”

Why was she even considering his proposal? Was it the attraction she felt for the man? She certainly didn’t need his money. Her mind drifted over several possibilities until it settled on one in particular. This was just the sort of adventure she’d been looking and fate had dropped it right into her lap.

“Of course. I have some business to take care of over at the bank. I'll be back in about an hour. I'd like to say take all the time you need, but I need an answer sooner than later. I’ve got a lot riding on finding the right woman and I need to find her as soon as possible.”

“I understand. I'll let you know.” Roxanne watched the man as he nodded and turned to leave.

He stopped and turned back to her. “Roxanne, I don't need a fancy lady who doesn’t like to get her hands dirty. What I need is a woman who doesn’t mind hard work, because there’s a lot of it at my ranch, and there’s not enough hours in the day for me to do it all. If for some reason, you have any reservations about giving this job your all, tell me now because I'll need to look elsewhere. As I said, I need someone who isn’t afraid to work. No offense to you. I do hope you understand.”

“Yes, I do believe I understand your situation completely. No offense taken, Alex.”

“Good. Well then, I'll leave you to think about my offer.”

Roxanne watched the handsome cowboy turn and leave. The sight of his drooping shoulders made her empathetic to his plight, but could she agree to his offer of employment and risk her reputation? After all, she had promised her father she would return home in September and choose a husband. Perhaps she needed another opinion on the matter.

“Mary, I’m going to have to leave unexpectedly. Would you ask one of the other caregivers to take over for me until I get back? Perhaps an hour or so is all I will need. There's something I need to speak with my cousin about, and it cannot wait.”

* * *

Alex rushed around town trying to get as much done as he could during the next hour. He had left Grace with Regina Kingston and he needed to get back to the ranch to help Jeremy feed the horses.

The last few days had taken a toll on him. He had kept Grace by his side much of the time, but this couldn't continue without consequences. He had colts to break and train. For the hundredth time since Grace arrived without her mother, he wondered what on earth Kate had been thinking when she sent Grace here alone. He had no idea what kind of woman he had married—until now. Though he supposed it was better to have found out while Grace was still too young to be irreversibly affected by her mother’s selfish ways. Or worse. Grace could have followed her mother’s example and learned to behave just like her. It made his stomach turn just thinking about it.

Alex turned his attention back to his task at hand. He stopped by the bank and made a deposit of cash. He had already sold six of the two-year-old fillies he had decided not to use in his horse breeding operation. They didn't measure up to his high standards. He wanted to use only the best breeding stock for his business.

He stuffed the receipt for his deposit deep into his jeans pocket. It was enough to keep him afloat until his money arrived from New Orleans, which he hoped was any day now.

“Alex, good to see you again.” He turned to see his friend, John, walk out of the bank president’s office.

“Good to see you too.” He shook hands with his friend and then John introduced him to the man he was with.

“Arnold, I want you to meet a longtime friend. This is Alex Harp. His uncle owned the Bar H Ranch outside of town until his passing. Now, it belongs to Alex. Alex, this is Arnold Godfrey. He's in town looking for some investment opportunities.”

Alex shook hands with the man. “Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Godfrey.”

“I've heard of the Bar H Ranch. Quite a nice little setup you’ve got there. Would you consider taking on an investor? Maybe even selling it?” the man asked.

“No, sir. The ranch means a great deal to me. I spent a lot of summers visiting Uncle Zack as a kid. That's actually how John and I became friends. We spent many a day roaming the streets of Durango, doing our best to stay outta trouble. Though we seemed to get into more than we managed to stay out of.”

The portly man laughed. “I'm sure there are more than a few stories to be told there. Next time you are in town, let's get together at John's gaming room over cards. Maybe talk a little more about that ranch of yours.”

“That sounds good.” Alex shook the man’s hand and left the bank with John. They walked down Main Street together.

“Did your wife and little girl get to town safely? I saw you at the train station, but I was called away before I could say hello to you.”

Alex didn't know what to say to his friend about his wifeless plight, so he changed the subject. “Were you meeting someone at the train station?”

“Yes. Regina's cousin is here and the two of them have been almost inseparable. As soon as your wife settles in, let me know. We'd love to have you all over. I just know our wives are going to get along like a house on fire.”

Alex knew that wasn't the case. Perhaps he should tell John the truth now. “I'm not sure that's going to happen, John. My wife—Kate—didn't make it to Durango.”

“Oh, Alex. I'm so sorry to hear that. What happened? Was she ill? Was there an accident?”

Alex felt bad about the worried look on his friend’s face.

“No, she wasn't ill and there was no accident. She—”

John interrupted him. “Where on earth are my manners? I apologize for keeping you standing on the sidewalk, Alex. This is not the place to be talking about your poor wife. Come with me. Let's go to my house and we can get comfortable, then you can tell me all about what happened over some good Scotch whiskey.”

His friend slapped him on the back and guided him down the street. Alex went along without protest. He needed the time to figure out exactly what he was going to say. He hated lying. It went against everything he believed in, but he was in a hard spot. If he didn’t get the help he needed for Grace, he would have to pack up and move back to New Orleans. The thought made him sick at his stomach.

Besides, it was embarrassing to have to admit he couldn't hold on to his wife, but then he didn't think lying about the matter would gain him much respect either. Perhaps if he explained the situation to John, but asked him to keep the matter private, Alex could keep his pride intact and still get the help he needed.

John slowed his step and turned to him. “Alex, do you mind if we stop in at the hotel for a few minutes? I have some business to attend to and there's someone I'd like you to meet.”

“Not at all. Lead the way.” Alex and John walked the three blocks to the hotel. They passed several business owners along the way and stopped to chat. John always took the time to introduce Alex and to include him in their conversations. Alex appreciated his friend's inclusion. He was going to need all the help he could get if he had any hope of making his dreams for him and Grace a reality.

Half an hour later, John led the way to his hotel. It was the pride of Durango and it was quite a sight to see. The grand lobby was impressive and there was a separate room where men could gather to smoke cigars and play a little harmless game of cards without incurring the wrath of their wives. That was because his friend didn’t allow his female staff to dress in scanty outfits or offer their services to his customers above stairs.

John was adamant that he didn't make his money off the backs of others. Any fraternization between employees was also frowned upon.

His strict policies were some of the reasons why the dedicated members of The Ladies Club of Durango placed their stamp of approval on the hotel.

John ran a strict, but fair, establishment. At least, that's what Regina Kingston had assured him when speaking about the possibility of his own wife's objections to the place. He almost laughed at the thought that Kate would object to where he went and who he went there with. It was obvious she didn’t give a damn—

“Follow me to my office, Alex. I want you to meet a friend of mine.” John's voice pulled him from his thoughts. He followed John down one hall and then another. John opened the door and ushered him in.

A man stood and greeted them. “There you are. I thought I had mixed up our meeting time.” The man grinned at John and extended his hand in greeting to Alex. “And you are?”

John made the introductions. “Alex, meet my friend Will. Will, meet Alex Harp. He just took over his uncle's horse ranch west of town.”

“Good to meet you, Alex.” He watched the man frown. “Harp, did you say? Is your uncle Zack Harp?”

“Yes, he is. Well, he was. My uncle passed away this last winter and I inherited his ranch.” Alex felt the same twinge of sadness he always felt when he was reminded his beloved uncle was no longer alive.

“I remember. The Bar H Ranch. That is quite a handsome spread you have.”

“Yes, it is,“ Alex said with pride. “I used to visit my uncle when I was a kid. That is until my parents shipped me off to boarding school and then college. After that, they insisted I go back to New Orleans and work in my father's bank.” Alex cringed at the memory.

“And what do you do now?” The man questioned him.

“I am working on a two-year plan to breed the best working cow horses in these parts. And what do you do, if you don't mind me asking?” Alex directed his question to John's friend.

John grinned and slapped the man on the back. “Will here is a federal judge. Meet the Honorable William E. Baker.”

Alex was impressed with the man's credentials. “A federal judge, huh? That sounds interesting.”

“Nah, not really. It is a lot of traveling though, and for a single guy that has its benefits.”

“One of those benefits being a girl in every town pining away for our man here,“ John joked. “He's a confirmed bachelor. And as far as I know, he's never even considered taking a wife.”

Alex watched John stop short. “Oh, Alex. I'm so sorry. That was very inappropriate of me to make a joke like that when your wife is—”

Will leaned in closer. “When your wife is what? What did I miss?”

John answered his friend’s question. “Alex's wife is deceased, Will. She didn’t make the trip to Durango.”

Alex’s guilt mocked him. Now there were three people who believed Kate to be dead. What was he going to do now? What could he do?

Chapter 3

Roxanne made the short walk to her cousin's house in minutes. She stepped inside the cool interior of the stunning spacious home her cousin's husband had bought, and just for a moment—a tiny moment—Roxanne felt envy for Regina.

Her cousin was a very lucky woman to have found a man who loved her so selflessly and unconditionally. She wanted to find a man like that, but she feared her cousin may have landed the last one. All the men Roxi was acquainted with were either fortune hunters or rounders, and she didn’t want either as a husband.

She would have to ask John sometime how he knew Regina was the one for him.

Taking her hat off and placing it on the table next to the front door, Roxi called out, “Regina, are you home?”

Her cousin rushed into the room. “Roxanne? I'm surprised to see you. I thought you would be at the school until late this afternoon. Is everything alright?”

Regina walked across the room carrying two vases of fresh-cut flowers from her bountiful garden in the back of the house filled with a profusion of color.

“Yes, everything is fine, but I did have something I wanted to talk to you about. Do you have a moment?” Roxanne took one of the vases from her.

“Of course. Set that one on that table over there by the window.” Roxanne did as instructed. Regina placed hers on the table near the front door, and when both vases were in place, Regina led her to the pair of high-backed floral chairs by the window. Sitting here had the added benefit of looking out onto Regina's gorgeous garden. It also afforded them privacy, as the garden was protected from public view by a large boxwood hedge growing tall against the wrought iron fence.

“Now, tell me. What is going on? What is it you wished to talk about?” Regina asked.

“Do you remember when I first arrived, I told you about the man at the train station?”

“The one you nearly tripped over getting off the train?” Regina teased.

“I didn't trip over him, but I did fall over him, and he was kind enough to catch me before I was seriously injured.”

Regina smiled at her as if to say there was more to the story than she let on, but she encouraged Roxanne to continue.

“I saw him today. He came to the school.”

“The school? My care school? What on earth did he want?”

“He wants a housekeeper, cook, and caretaker for his young daughter.”

“His daughter? Where is the man's wife?” Regina asked.

“I asked him that very question,” Roxanne assured her cousin.

“And what did he say?”

“He said she was no longer with them. Regina, the poor man is a widower with a young daughter to care for and a ranch to run. He needs help.”

“I would say so. And he asked for your help in finding him someone?”

“Yes, he did. Well, actually he asked me if I would be willing to be the one to work for him,” Roxanne admitted.

“And why on earth would he assume you would even entertain the idea of working for a man you barely know.” Her cousin’s frown gave Roxi pause.

“He saw me in the classroom and just assumed that I worked there.”

“He assumed you were one of the school's employees and you didn’t correct that assumption? I have to ask why, Roxanne. That isn’t like you.”

“No, I didn't correct him. And to be honest, I'm not certain why I didn't tell him the truth. Maybe because he seemed so lost and in desperate need of help.”

“Or maybe because you are quite smitten with this mysterious cowboy. Did you happen to catch his name? I would prefer it if John asked around town about this man before I would feel comfortable that any of my staff accepted his position of employment.”

“You mean before I accept his position, don’t you?” Roxi ask the pointed question of her cousin.

“You? Roxi, you can’t be serious about working for the man. What would your parents think? And, I would never forgive myself if I allowed any harm to come to you while you were under my care. And I’m certain your parents and sister wouldn’t forgive me either,“ Regina declared with confidence.

“First, I am not under your care. I'm under your roof until my visit comes to an end this fall. Second, I am fully capable of asking John to find out all he can about this man and his daughter. And third, yes, I will admit I'm quite taken with this cowboy. Perhaps the lure is because he doesn't know who I really am or what my net worth is. His only concern is finding a suitable caretaker for his daughter.”

She could see the worry on Regina’s face. “But, Roxi—”

“Regina, I’m so tired of trying to gauge whether a man's interest in me is because he likes me for myself or for my bank account.”

Regina laughed at her comment. “You sound like our cousin, Abigail. She sends me letters often lamenting about the very same thing. And I will tell you what I tell her. Anyone that truly knows the kind of woman you are would be a fool not to love you for yourself.”

Roxanne knew her cousin was right, but most men sought a wife to further their career, expand their social standing, and have children to pass their name on to. After that, they returned to their mistresses and whatever vices they came into the marriage with. It was one of the many reasons Roxanne refrained from committing herself to marriage.

“Men only love themselves, Regina. Well, I will qualify that statement since your husband shows himself to be the exception to that rule. And, of course, my father is over the moon for my mother, but I have yet to find any other man who thinks of marriage as a partnership.”

“And what about this widower with his small daughter?”

“I came to Colorado for adventure and I think this job with Alex Harp caring for his daughter could be the opportunity I’ve been looking for. I promised my parents I would return to Boston in September and choose a husband. In the meantime, I intend to find as much adventure as I can before then.”

“I hope you know what you are doing, Roxi. I would hate to see you hurt.”

“I promise to be careful. In the meantime, I should be going. I promised I would give him an answer within the hour, and I need to find John to make certain he can vouch for the man's integrity.”

“Vouch for who's integrity?” A familiar male voice spoke from the doorway.

Startled, Roxanne and Regina both turned to see John in the doorway. And he wasn't alone. Standing beside him was the cowboy who wanted her help.

“Alex,” she whispered. It was all she could manage to say. But was it in response to being caught talking about him or merely her surprise at seeing the man standing in her cousin’s house? She couldn’t say.

Regina sent her a look of surprise and then rushed to greet her husband. “Hello, darling,” she exclaimed. Then turning to Roxi, her cousin asked, “You two know each other?”

Embarrassment heated Roxanne’s cheeks with the knowledge that she had been overheard gossiping. “This is the man who is looking for a caretaker for his daughter. This is Alex Harp.”

* * *

Alex's curiosity hitched up several notches when he walked into John and Regina's home and saw the teacher from the school. He should have guessed she would check with her employer before she gave him her answer.

“Would you like something to drink, Alex?” Regina offered.

“No, I don't have much time. I need to collect Grace and get back to the ranch before feeding time, so…” His voice trailed off because he wasn't sure how to ask the question he needed to ask. It was at that moment Grace ran into the room.

“Papa, there you are. Look what I did? I helped Mrs. Kingston pick some flowers for you. I wish I could give them to Momma. She would have loved them, don't you think?”

Alex's heart punched his chest at his daughter's words. “Yes, she would have loved them.” He was at a crossroads. He should tell John and Regina about his wife's betrayal and abandonment of both her husband and her daughter. The right thing to do was to tell them Kate wasn't dead, but instead very much alive. And yet, he didn't want to give Miss Sheffield any reason to doubt his word that her reputation would remain untarnished if she came to work for him. And a widower was a much safer employer than a jilted husband with a two-timing wife.

“I'm happy to see you here, Miss Sheffield since it will make it easier for you to give me your answer. Grace and I have to get back to the ranch soon and I don't want to leave town without a firm commitment from you. That is if your employers have no objections to my offer. I apologize to my friends for stealing you out from under their noses, but I'm in desperate need of help. I hope you can understand my dilemma.”

Alex directed that last comment to John and Regina. They had been nothing but good to him, and he didn't want to do anything that would make them think bad of him.

John spoke first. “You want to hire Roxanne to come to your ranch? And do what, if you don't mind me asking?”

“I need someone to cook for Grace and me. Keep the house. Wash the clothes. And teach Grace her schoolwork. Along with all the things a young girl would normally learn from her—” Alex stopped short. He didn't want to encourage more discussion about Kate, especially not in front of Grace.

“I'm sure you can understand how much I need her help, John. Regina. It has been almost impossible to get any work done while making sure Grace stays safe.”

“But Papa, I like the horses. I can help you ride them.”

He looked down at his daughter's eager expression. “I know you can, sweetheart. You are the best helper any papa could ever wish for, but breaking horses is dangerous work. Besides, I want you to learn how to be a proper young lady and Miss Roxanne can teach you all about that sort of thing.”

Alex saw the look John gave Regina. Had he misjudged Roxanne's importance to his friends? He thought she was simply another employee to them, but if they were reluctant to let her go, what could he do? He wouldn't undermine them by taking her without their blessing. He would just have to convince them to let her go.

“I realize this situation may cause you a temporary shortage of help, but I need Roxanne. I'm desperate. Please understand. Otherwise, I wouldn't be so insistent.”

“It isn't that we don't understand your plight, Alex. We do. However, I'm not certain Roxanne is the right person to fill your position,” Regina voiced her objections.

“I think she's the perfect person. She's a single woman, so she doesn't have a husband or children to care for at her own home. And she's fully capable of teaching my daughter how to be a young lady. And Grace needs someone to fill the void of her mother's absence.” He was careful to phrase his words just right so as not to give too much away. “Besides, if she wasn’t good with children, you wouldn’t let her teach your children at the school, now would you?”

“Well, yes. I suppose that much is true enough,” Regina conceded. He saw her hesitate and look toward Roxanne. “Roxanne, I’m not certain this is the kind of position you should be considering. You have your reputation to think about.”

Alex stepped closer. “I understand your concerns, Regina. I know people might talk under other circumstances, but I can assure both you and John that I have no interest whatsoever in pursuing anything of a romantic nature. Her reputation will remain unblemished. I plan to sleep in the barn and leave her and my daughter the use of the house.”

Alex watched John frown at his wife. “Alex, how are you going to guarantee people won't talk. Unless you have a witness, there will be plenty of room for gossip that could ruin Roxanne's reputation.”

“I have a hired hand who is with me nearly twenty-four hours a day. He lives over the hay barn. He is a reputable young man and he will be able to swear what goes on at my ranch is without reproach.”

John appeared to be thinking about his declaration. “And who is this young man? Anyone I know?”

“Yes, it is Jeremy Wetzel.”

“Buford Wetzel’s son?”

“Yes, Buford's son.” Alex drew in a deep breath at the understanding and satisfaction he saw on John's face.

Regina turned to her husband. “You know this family?”

“Yes, I know them well. Jeremy is a good boy from a good family.”

Alex watched Regina and John look at each other. Then Regina turned to him again. “Alex, we appreciate your situation. We truly do. However, I do not think I can give you my blessing in this matter. After all, Roxanne is from a family of both high morals and high deportment. I’m certain they would not approve of her accepting this position. Besides, she’s only here for a few weeks this summer, and—”

Roxanne interjected before Regina could finish. “And I have a mind of my own to decide whether I accept the position or not.”

Alex saw the pointed look Roxanne gave to Regina and then to John before she turned back to him. “And I’ve decided that I’ll do it. I'll accept your position, Alex. When do I start?”

The next morning after breakfast, Roxi sifted through the trunks she’d brought from Boston and sorted her clothes based on what she thought would be appropriate attire for her new position. Everything else, she returned to the armoires and drawers in her bedroom. No sense packing as he wouldn’t need just to unpack and repack for the trip back home to Boston.

A light knock on her door announced a visitor two seconds before Regina joined her. “Looks like you are almost ready to go. John will be here soon to take you out to Alex's ranch. Are you certain you want to do this? It isn't too late to change your mind, you know.”

Roxi smiled at her cousin and pulled her by the hand to sit beside her on the bed. “I appreciate your concern, Regina. I really do. But I don't want to change my mind. I think this job watching over Alex’s daughter is exactly what I need to do with my time here in town.

“Roxi, I just hope you know what you are getting yourself into. You have already admitted you’re attracted to Mr. Harp. What will happen if you succumb to those feelings for him? Are you prepared to fall in love and then have to go back to Boston and marry someone else?”

Roxanne thought about Regina's question before she answered. “I don't really know Alex, Regina. Any attraction I have to the man is strictly physical and I'm adult enough to know how to refrain from giving in to my baser desires. He isn't the first man that has caught my attention. I dare say, he won't be the last.

“Besides, what on earth would I do with a cowboy in Boston?” She teased her cousin even though she was aware there was a tiny bit of truth to what Regina was saying. She was attracted to Alex, but she knew nothing could come of it. Their backgrounds were worlds apart. They had nothing in common.

“Anyone up here?” Roxanne heard John's voice call from the hallway.

“We’re in here, sweetheart,“ Regina answered.

John entered the room, his gaze immediately finding his wife. Once again, Roxanne felt the pinch of envy at her cousin's good fortune. She couldn’t help but wish for that same kind of connection with her own husband one day. Thoughts of Max Banks surfaced and although she’d never met him, it was reported he was in his fifties. What on earth could her father be thinking.

Regina greeted her husband, and they kissed briefly.

John turned to her. “Are you about ready? The carriage is downstairs. I hope it’s big enough. Maybe I need to go back and get the freight wagon.”

Roxanne knew he was teasing her, so she simply grinned at him and threw her hatbox at him. He nimbly caught it and grinned back.

“I'm ready. Those two trunks are all I’m taking.” She pointed at the two trunks sitting packed and ready to go next to the door.

John glanced around the room. “And everything else?”

“Is staying right here until Roxanne returns at the end of August. Or sooner if she needs to,“ Regina replied and shot a pointed look in her direction.

“I plan on remaining at the ranch until late August, but it isn't like you won't see me. I'll be coming into town with Grace and I'm certain there will be things I’ll need your advice on.”

Regina’s gaze drifted back to her handsome husband. “Then I’ll just have to convince my husband to bring me out to visit from time to time. I would like to see this remarkable ranch I've heard so much about.”

John wrapped his arm around Regina’s waist. “Sounds like it’s all decided then. Shall we go? I want to get you settled at the ranch and be back in town before dark.” John handed back her hatbox. “Here, you take this. I'll head on down and have the two men I hired come up and get your trunks.”

“We'll be down shortly, John. There's something I want to say to Roxanne.”

John kissed Regina again and left the room. Regina turned to her. “My dearest Roxi. I think the world of you and if you think this decision will be good for you, then I fully support you.”

“Thank you, Regina.” It was all she could say. The unexpected emotions she felt at her cousin's understanding threatened to bring tears to her eyes.

“But, if at any time things change and you no longer think this arrangement is in your best interest, send word and I will have John on your doorstep with a wagon within the hour. Promise me, you will not stay longer than prudent.”

Roxanne was touched by her cousin's concern for her welfare, but it was unwarranted. She was perfectly capable of protecting herself and she had every intention of doing just that.

“I promise,“ Roxanne vowed. “I will leave the moment I am no longer needed or if I feel my reputation is threatened, or if my attraction to Mr. Harp gets out of hand. I shall not stay a moment longer. Now, if I don't get downstairs, your husband may leave without me.”

A knock on the door signaled the arrival of the men John had hired to help with her trunks.

“Come in gentlemen. The trunks are there and there.” Roxanne pointed to the two she was taking to the ranch. “Everything else remains here.”

The two men lifted the biggest trunk and exited her bedroom.

“They will be back soon for the smaller trunk and I want to collect my pastels and books before we leave.” Roxanne pulled on her shawl and slung her reticule over her arm with her hatbox. She paused as she started out of the room and turned to Regina, “Now don’t forget, you promised to come for a visit.”

“I won’t forget.” Regina pulled her into a tight hug. “I promise I will visit soon. Now go before your carriage leaves without you, Cinderella.”

Roxanne laughed as images of a woman on her knees scrubbing floors came to mind. “Cinderella indeed,” she scoffed.

* * *

Alex hurried around his house trying to clean and straightened from the three months he had neglected it. Well, that wasn't exactly true. He had attempted to clean up the place before Kate arrived. A lot of good that did him.

“Papa, why are we cleaning the house if Miss Roxanne is coming to clean the house?” Grace asked, following in his frantic wake.

He stopped short at her question. “That's a good question, Grace. I suppose it’s so we can give her a clean slate and she doesn't have to start on her first day with a dirty and disorderly house.”

“We have a lot of dirty clothes. Are we gonna do those too?”

Alex turned to his little girl and studied her inquisitive face. She looked so serious. And she had a point. He studied her a moment longer and something about her innocent question forced him to relax. He had nothing to prove to this woman. “No, sweetheart. We’re not. We are going to sit on the front porch and wait for Miss Roxanne to arrive. Do you like that idea?”

Grace nodded and threw herself at him and hugged his knees. He bent down to her level.

“Good. Now, how about we go outside and wait, shall we?” Grace nodded again and grabbed his hand. She led him out the door and straight to the swing. He sat down and pulled her snug to his side.

“I know things are not easy for you, Grace, but I promise things are gonna get better now that you have someone to help you learn things a proper young lady should know.”

“Momma was a proper lady.” He watched tears cloud her eyes. “Why doesn't Momma want to teach me to be a lady, Papa?”

The pain hit Alex deep in his chest, but he pushed it deeper. He didn't have time to deal with his own emotions over Kate's betrayal. He needed to protect his daughter from the truth that her mother was a selfish creature who put her own desires above the needs of her child.

“I'm not certain I have all the answers, sweetheart, but I do know your momma must be very sick. Otherwise, she would never have allowed her sweet daughter to come all this way without her.”

“So my momma is sick? Should we call a doctor for her?” Grace's innocent concern gave him hope that she wouldn't turn out to be the selfish, spoiled creature her mother had become.

“It's not the kind of sick a doctor can fix, sweetheart.”

“Can Miss Roxanne fix it? Maybe if I tell her about Momma, she will know how to fix her.”

Dread filled Alex when he realized what he had done. He hadn't thought about what would happen when his misdirection of the facts to John and Roxanne collided with his daughter's honesty.

“Somebody's coming, Papa. There's a wagon. Look. It's Miss Roxanne and Mr. John. She's here! She's here!”

Alex's gut twisted with nerves when he saw John and Roxanne coming down his road. He couldn't ask his daughter to lie. That would be unforgivable, so how was he going to fix this mess? He had a decision to make. And quick.

“Grace.” He stood and helped her down from the swing.

“Yes, Papa?” She waved at the oncoming wagon's occupants. They weren't close enough yet to see Grace, so they didn't wave back.

“I don’t think we should tell Miss Roxanne that your Momma is sick. It might make her feel bad knowing she can't help her. And we wouldn’t want her to feel bad, now would we?” Alex felt like a weasel enlisting his four-year-old daughter in his deception.

“You think she would be sad?” Grace looked up at him with clear trusting eyes. He shoved his guilt down with the knowledge he was doing this for Grace and that made his actions justifiable. His very livelihood depended on this woman caring for his daughter.

“Yes, sweetheart. I think she would be very sad to know how sick your mother is and that there is nothing she can do to help. I think it would be best if we just don't say anything. Will that be okay with you?”

He watched his innocent blond-haired angel frown. He could tell she was weighing her decision. Finally, she raised her face to him. “Of course, Papa. I won't tell Miss Roxanne my momma is sick. I don't want her to be sad.”

Relief flooded Alex as the breath he had been holding rushed through his lungs. “Good girl. Now, let's go meet your new teacher.”

Chapter 4

Roxanne sat next to John on the cushioned buggy seat underneath the fringed canopy. The sun was high in the sky and she was glad for the shady protection it provided. John's quick-footed bay mares trotted at a steady pace since they left Durango. Within half an hour, the carriage topped a hill revealing the place she would call home for the next few months.

“Oh my. What a breathtaking view. Now I see why Alex is so adamant about staying here.” Roxanne exclaimed as the ranch and its surrounding land came into full view.

“It is a prime piece of property. It has everything Alex needs to run his horse breeding business. There's plenty of water running through the property. Alex's uncle was a smart businessman. He spent the time and money to build a watershed to retain some of the water in case of drought.”

“What's a watershed?” Roxanne had never heard the term before.

“See that big body of water there?” John pointed to a lake of sorts in the distance.

“Yes. I see it. The stream runs into it and then out the other end.” Roxanne thought it looked quite refreshing after her dusty trip.

“The stream runs downhill and into the lake. When the water level gets too full, the water flows down the spillway. See the dam. It is holding the water in a bowl. When the bowl overflows, the water makes its way on down the stream to other farms and ranches.”

“It is a beautiful place. Look at all the horses in each pasture. There must be fifty or more.” Roxanne was in awe of the scene which spread out below her. She supposed she had misjudged the place. She had envisioned a much smaller place with less appeal. This adventure was becoming more and more interesting by the moment.

John guided the carriage down the wide, hard-packed, dirt road until she could see movement on the front porch. Alex stepped into view the moment they approached. He was holding Grace's hand and it was an endearing sight to be sure.

Roxanne's breath caught in her chest. She would have to be very careful around this rugged cowboy. Though she truly did not believe she would ever allow him close enough to steal her heart, there was a very real possibility her attraction to him could cause her trouble.

John pulled the carriage close to the porch steps and reined the horses to a stop.

Alex stepped out of the porch's shadow and into the bright sunlight. His smile ready and welcoming. “Hello. I'm so glad you made it. Grace has been anxiously awaiting your arrival.”

Yes, she would definitely have to keep her guard up where one Mr. Alexander Harp was concerned.

“Miss Roxanne, you’re here. I'm so happy to see you.” Grace let go of her father's hand and rushed to Roxanne's side of the wagon. The horses nervously stomped in place.

“Grace. Stay back from the horses. You'll get stepped on.”

Alex rushed to catch up with his daughter.

“I just wanted to welcome Miss Roxanne with a kiss,” Grace declared as she made her way toward the carriage.

Alex caught up with Grace and swung her up into his arms. Roxanne's heart skipped a beat when Alex looked up at her with a teasing smile across his lips. “I think Miss Roxanne would love a welcome kiss, Grace.” His eyes dropped to her mouth.

“Yes, I would like that very much,” she heard herself say.

Alex pulled his eyes away from her and refocused his attention to admonishing his daughter. “But you must always wait for an adult. You can’t rush out in front of horses like that. It is very, very dangerous for a little girl.”

“Like me, Papa?” Grace turned to him and placed both of her hands on either side of his face to gain his full attention.

“Yes, darling. Like you. Now, shall we help Miss Roxanne down from the carriage? Then, you can give her a kiss.”

Roxanne watched Grace's blond head bob up and down. She was such a lovely sweet little girl. She didn't deserve to lose her mother at such a tender age.

Alex placed Grace on the ground, careful to keep hold of her hand. Then, he turned to her. “Miss Roxanne, would you like a hand down?”

“I would, thank you, Mr. Harp.” Her heart stumbled at the touch of his hand on hers.

“Please, call me Alex, remember?” He stepped back and helped her down from the carriage. She liked his strength. It seemed solid and dependable.

Once she was safely on the ground, Grace rushed to her and wrapped her little arms around Roxanne's skirt.

“I'm so glad you've come to live with us, Miss Roxanne. It's really lonely since my momma...”

Roxanne watched Grace stop short and cut a wide-eyed look toward her father. “I'm sorry, Papa. I didn't mean to say it.”

Alex rushed to his daughter's side and lifted her into his arms. He hugged her tight against him and cast a look of regret toward Roxanne.

Her heart ached as she watched this father and his little girl struggle with the grief of their loss. “It's alright, sweetheart. It isn't your fault. None of this is your fault.”

Roxanne felt tears sting her eyes. The poor little girl must feel so lost without her momma. And what must Alex be feeling? She couldn’t imagine giving her heart to someone only to lose them forever. It was unimaginable. She hoped never to experience such a tragedy.

John walked around the horses and tied them to the hitching rail out in front of the house and then attempted to redirect the conversation. “Alex, how about Jeremy and I unload these trunks while you and Grace show Roxanne around your home? I'm sure she would be delighted to see it.”

Roxanne shot him a grateful look. He really was a dear man and precisely the sort of man she wished she could find. Though she was beginning to believe there might not be another one like him left on Earth.

“My pleasure.” He set Grace down on the ground and held her hand. Then, he extended an elbow to her. “Shall we go inside and see the house?”

She glanced at his forearm; his shirtsleeve was rolled up to his elbow leaving his arm bare. She wrapped her hand around it and soon realized that she liked the feel of his coarse arm hair under her fingertips.

“Yes, I would love to see your home.”

* * *

Alex tried to ignore the feeling of Roxanne's fingers on his arm as he led her into the house.

“Grace, why don't you run upstairs to your room and make sure you've tidied everything up for Miss Roxanne's inspection.”

“Okay, Papa.” Grace let go of his hand and ran up the staircase leading to the second-floor bedrooms.

“She's such a dear sweet little girl. I shall consider it a privilege to instruct her.”

“Yes, she is the joy of my life. And my biggest challenge. I try to keep all that energy contained, but as you can imagine, it’s a job all by itself.” Alex grinned and escorted Roxanne through the main living area and into the master bedroom. The one that he should be sharing with his two-timing absent wife. Thoughts of Kate pushed the bile in his stomach into the back of his throat. It burned. And it made him angry. Like it always did.

“Are you alright, Alex? You seem tense all of a sudden.” Her fingers squeezed his arm where her hand still rested. He looked down at the deep brown eyes that saw too much. He would have to be more careful and guard his emotions around this woman.

“I'm fine.” He offered her a half smile to soften his short response.

The doubtful look she gave him made him want to ease her concerns. “It's just that... I'm still getting used to the idea of Kate not being around. That's all. It's just gonna take some time, but now that you are here... for Grace, of course, things should get better—be more manageable.”

It wasn't a lie. He was trying to get used to the idea of being a jilted husband and a single parent. And the fact he didn't have to worry about Grace's well-being was true as well. Things would be more manageable.

She nodded in understanding. “I can only imagine what you and Grace are going through.” Then, he watched her look around the room. “This is a beautiful bedroom. And it is so big. Are you sure you want me to have this room? I'll be perfectly happy with another one. A smaller one.”

“No, this room is on the ground floor. I want someone between my daughter upstairs and the outside world. Since I will be sleeping in the barn with Jeremy, I’ll feel better with you in here.”

“Yes, I suppose that is a good idea, although I do feel somewhat guilty knowing I will be sleeping in your bed.”

Alex watched her cheeks pink with embarrassment. Her words were innocent enough, but the picture they created in his mind sent a jolt of something through his body—something that shouldn’t be there.

“I'm sorry, that sounded very inappropriate once I heard it said out loud.” Roxanne grimaced.

“Nonsense. I knew exactly what you meant. Think nothing of it.” Alex reassured Roxanne—his new employee, he reminded himself.

“Where do you want these trunks?” John called from the main living room.

Alex leaned out of the bedroom door. “In here.”

John and Jeremy tugged the smaller of the two trunks until it was inside the bedroom.

“Set them against that wall. I'll unpack them later,” Roxanne instructed.

They did as she asked then returned to the carriage to retrieve the other trunk.

“Are you ready to see the rest of the house?” Alex asked and suddenly he realized he was anxious for her to like his home. He chastised himself. Why did it matter? She was a paid employee, just like Jeremy. It shouldn't matter what she thought. But somehow it did.

“Yes. I’d love to. But could we start with the kitchen first? I'd like to see what items I need to order from town. I want to give John the list before he leaves.”

“Of course. This way.” Alex led Roxanne toward a brightly lit room at the back of the house. They entered the kitchen and she fell in love instantly.

“Oh, my, what a lovely room. Just look at all the windows. The sun is practically beaming through the ones over the kitchen sink. It’s a wonderful place to add a few herbs. And what a wonderful idea to put a bay window here in the kitchen. I've seen this done in many parlors, but never in a kitchen. Did you do this?”

Alex was pleased Roxanne liked his kitchen. “No. My uncle built this house. I still see him in every room, but this is where I remember him best. When I used to come and stay with him, he’d always cook us up some breakfast after the morning chores were done. We didn’t really talk much, but after breakfast we would sit here looking out over all he had built, drinking coffee together and enjoying the quiet of the morning.”

“He must have been very proud of you. And trusting of your stewardship to turn all of this over to you.”

“I suppose he was proud of me, but he knew I loved this place, almost as much as he did. So, he knew I would care for it just as he did.”

Roxanne turned to look at him. “You loved your uncle very much, didn't you?”

Embarrassed by his emotions, he wanted to look away. But something pulled his gaze to Roxi’s dark, soulful eyes. He sensed he could be honest about his feelings with her even though he didn’t know the woman at all. “Yes. I did love him very much. He was more like my father than my own. He understood me. He didn’t try to make me into a version of himself. He realized trying to fit a square peg in a round hole was never going to work. So he let me, be me.”

“And you miss him. It is so unfair to lose two people you love that much so close together. I'm so sorry for your losses, Alex. So very sorry.”

Alex was sorry too, but not in the same way Roxanne was. He was genuinely sorry his uncle was gone, but he was even more sorry he couldn't wrap his hands around Kate's skinny little neck and wring some sense into her. His teeth ground together as he tried to push the thought away. “It’s okay. Time passes. Hurts heal. That’s the way it is out here.”

“Well, regardless, I can see how much it distresses you to speak about this and I promise, I won't bring it up again. But…if you ever need to talk about it again, I’ll be right here.” Roxanne reached out and pulled his hand between hers and squeezed.

Alex looked down at their hands entwined. What he would have given to have a wife like Roxanne... Whoa! Where had that thought come from?

He pulled his hand away from hers. “I think it would be for the best if we just never spoke of this again.”

Chapter 5

Roxanne spent the rest of the day unpacking her trunks and getting organized. She had given John a list of items she wanted to order for the kitchen as there was a profound shortage of spices, flour, sugar, and other baking accouterments. It seems Alex was very fond of steak and potatoes. Something she intended to rectify, for Grace's sake. A growing child needed fresh vegetables in her diet.

Sorting her dresses and petticoats, she thought about her conversation with Alex in the kitchen earlier today. It was obvious he was still in a great deal of pain at losing his uncle and more recently his wife. She couldn't imagine losing someone so dear and she vowed to respect his wishes and not bring the matter up again. That is, unless he did.

“Hi, Miss Roxanne. Whatcha doin'?” Grace skipped into the room and tried to climb up on the large four-poster bed.

“Here, sweetheart. Let me help you up.” Roxanne crossed the room and lifted the little girl up and scooted her into the middle of the bed. “And to answer your question, I'm organizing my clothes.”

“Why?” Grace asked.

“Because I need to know where my things are so if I am in a rush, I don't have to rummage through everything to find what I'm looking for. It’s important to be organized because a cluttered home is a house in chaos.” She smiled. That sounded like something Marianne would say. Perhaps she and her twin were more alike than she realized.

“Chaos? What's that?” Grace frowned at her in confusion.

The four-year-old was so adorable in her innocence. “Well, I suppose the best way to explain chaos is that it’s kind of like when everything around you is out of order and it makes you feel out of sorts.”

“Papa is out of sorts sometime. Does that mean he's chaos?” Grace asked.

“He may be experiencing chaos. It's hard to run a ranch and take care of a little girl at the same time. He wants to make sure you’re happy and safe, and he can't do that when he's working.” Roxanne tried to explain why her father may have been short with her from time to time. “You know he loves you, don't you Grace?”

“Yeah, I know. I just wish my momma did.” Grace's wistful sigh touched Roxanne's heart.

“I'm sure your mother loved you very much and she would be here if she could. Does it make you sad to think about her?”

Grace sat quietly for a few heartbeats before she looked up at Roxanne and said, “It used to make me sad, but I think I’m forgetting her. I can't remember what she looks like. Is that bad, Miss Roxanne? Am I a bad girl because I don't remember what she looks like?” Grace's voice cracked with emotion and Roxanne could see the tears pooling in her innocent blue eyes.

She pulled Grace to her and hugged her tight before letting her go and catching her gaze. “No, sweetheart. It doesn't make you bad at all. You are a wonderful little girl. It's not your fault your momma isn't here.”

Grace looked up into Roxanne’s eyes. “That's what my Papa said too.”

“Well, your papa is absolutely right. Now, why don't you help me put my things away, and then you can show me the horses.”

“And the kittens?”

Grace's excitement was contagious. Roxanne helped her down off the bed. “Yes, most definitely the kittens.”

* * *

An hour later, Roxanne had managed to put away her things, despite the assistance of her little helper. “Now, how about you show me the horses.”

“Papa said I couldn't go to the barn unless he was with me,“ Grace informed Roxanne.

“I think maybe it would be alright if you went to the barn with me. If you’re worried about it, then we can go ask your papa.”

“Okay, let's go ask him.” Grace pulled on Roxanne's hand and led her through the house and out into the bright sunshine. Roxanne couldn't help but laugh at her new charge's excitement. Grace was so resilient after what she must have gone through these last few months. Roxanne had to admit she admired the little girl’s ability to face adversity.

Roxanne heard Alex's voice shouting at someone behind the barn. “I hear your papa. Let's go see what he's doing, shall we?”

Roxanne held Grace's hand as they walked through the open door and into the cool dark barn. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust when she heard Alex shout, “Look out! Get out of the way!”

She had no idea why he was shouting at her, but the desperation in his voice told her she needed to move—and quick. She grabbed Grace’s hand and fell into an open stall just as a horse thundered past them and out the barn door she and Grace had just walked through.

Alex arrived seconds later and rushed to help her and Grace to their feet. “You nearly scared the life out of me. Are you two alright?” he asked her, lifting Grace up into his arms. Her little arms hugging him around the neck as she buried her face in his shirt. He held her tight.

Roxanne could tell by his expression he was scared to death and she hurried to assure him they were perfectly fine. “Yes, yes. We are alright. Just a bit frightened, that's all.” Roxanne began wiping the dust off her clothes.

She glanced up when she heard Alex breathe a sigh of relief and watched as he murmured soothing words to Grace, telling her she was safe and what a brave girl she was. After a few minutes, he gave Grace a peck on the cheek and set her back down on the ground. Taking over the care of Grace, Roxi began brushing the dust from her clothes too.

“I'm very relieved everyone is okay. And I appreciate you getting my daughter out of harm’s way, but do you mind me asking you a question?”

“Of course not.” Roxanne paused her attempts to set Grace’s clothes to rights and looked at Alex. His hand trembled as he ran his fingers through his hair, then he looked her straight in the eyes and scowled.

“What the hell are you doing in my barn?”

* * *

Alex knew from the shock on Roxanne's face, she hadn't been expecting that question. His heart had nearly stopped when he saw her and Grace standing in the doorway directly in front of the runaway colt.

The one-year-old filly Alex was working to halter break pulled back on the lead rope and broke it. She had nearly run Jeremy over when he stepped in front of her to try and stop her from getting out of the corral.

Alex had given chase and had planned to close the barn door before the filly figured out that was the way to freedom. He wasn't as fast as his little filly and she disappeared through the barn door before he could stop her.

Roxanne’s stunned look tempered his emotions. “Are you saying I—we are not allowed in the barn?”

“No, I'm not saying that. Exactly. I'm just saying you should ask if it is okay... I mean if it's safe first. Besides, aren't you supposed to be getting settled and teaching Grace her lessons?” He knew he was coming off as a real ass. That wasn’t his intention, but he couldn’t seem to help himself at the moment.

“Grace wanted to show me the horses and kittens and I didn't see any reason why a visit to the barn wouldn't be permissible.” He could tell his new hire wasn’t pleased by his impromptu scolding.

Alex recovered a bit from his scare, but he wasn't ready to concede. After all, he was right. She was supposed to keep his daughter safe from the dangers of his work, not bring her into the very situation he had been worried about.

“I think it would be smart to check with me before you put my daughter into future danger.”

He watched Roxanne’s eyes round in shock, then quickly squint. Uh-oh.

“You think it would be... smart?” Her confusion turned to anger and she glared at him over Grace’s head. “Mr. Harp.”

He noticed they were no longer on a first name basis.

“I’ll have you know, I am not a child. And I am highly offended you are questioning my intelligence. One would not expect a random visit to a barn to include the unexpected danger of a runaway horse. You are the one who placed us in danger by your inability to control your animals. Now, since it is obvious Grace and I are fine, don't you think you should be going after that horse?”

He saw the flush of anger in her cheeks, the tilt of her chin, and the flash in her eyes and he began to reevaluate his opinion of this sweet little schoolteacher. There was a fire there—a spark of independence he hadn’t seen before. He had to admit there was something about her that made him want to get to know her better…but now was not the time for that sort of nonsense.

He gave himself a mental shake. What had gotten into him? It wouldn’t do to get off on a bad foot the first day with Roxanne. After all, if she decided to go back to town, he would be right back where he started—a single dad with a ranch to run.

“I’ll apologize for my less-than-tactful way of expressing my concern, Roxanne, but be that as it may, I would appreciate it if in the future, you would let me know ahead of time your plans to visit the barn. As you pointed out, I can’t always guarantee I will be able to control my animals. I hope you understand.”

She stood next to Grace with one hand on his daughter’s shoulder and the other firmly fisted on her hip. It was clear she had not been expecting him to question her intelligence. He supposed he could have phrased his concerns a bit kinder. He’d have to work on that.

“I certainly do.” She stiffened her back. “If you are done calling my intelligence into question, Grace and I will return to the house and start her lessons. We’ll be out of your way and you can go after that horse. It’s probably halfway to Durango by now.” She raised an eyebrow in question.

He found the gesture appealing. And frustrating. Both equally unsettling. “I'll get Jeremy and we'll head out after the filly.”

With a final reproachful look in his direction, she took Grace’s hand. “Now then, let’s go back to the house.”

“But I want to see the kittens,” Grace objected.

“Some other time, sweetheart. You heard your father say we have to ask permission first.”

Roxanne stabbed him with a glare and led his daughter toward the house. He felt like a first class heel.

Why had he been so angry with Roxanne? He had been terrified when he saw the two of them standing in the doorway knowing full well that colt wasn’t going to stop before she trampled them both under hoof. But that wasn’t Roxanne’s fault.

He stood rooted in place and watched the gentle sway of Roxanne’s backside disappear out into the bright sunshine. She was a very beautiful woman and he was a red-blooded male. So what if he was attracted to her? That was understandable, he rationalized.

But, now that his temper had cooled, he couldn’t deny Roxanne’s pull was more than physical beauty. He had known many beautiful women in his life, and never gave most of them a passing glance. Kate was beautiful…on the outside, but her heart was black as night.

No, there was something about this woman that connected to his soul deep down inside where he lived. Deep down where he kept his hurts hidden and his self protected.

He shook his head in denial. That was a dangerous notion and one he needed to stamp out right now. He didn’t need any more emotional upheavels and he damn sure didn’t need a distraction. His plate was full with trying to make this ranch a success. If the ranch failed, then he failed and that was something he could ill afford. He’d die before he went back to his father’s bank with his tail tucked between his legs.

Roxanne was here to cook, clean, and keep his daughter safe. It was her job to teach Grace and it was his job to protect Roxanne’s reputation. After all, he had given his word.

Besides, he was a married man despite his unintentional ruse as a widower. There was no place for them to go except to hell if he followed his desires instead of his common sense. And he prided himself on his common sense.

He watched the spot where Roxanne and his daughter had disappeared for another few seconds and then turned on his heels and headed in the opposite direction. “Jeremy! Saddle up. We've got a horse to catch.”

Jeremy called out from the corral where he kept his saddle horses, “Yes, sir. I'm already on it.”

Alex hurried to help Jeremy saddled the pair of horses. “Did you see which way she went, Mr. Harp?”

“Yeah, she took Grace back to the house,” he said without thinking.

“What?” Jeremy stopped cinching the horse's saddle and turned to give him a strange look.

“Oh, the horse. Yes, she headed toward the watershed. That's where the mares are. We'll start there.”

Jeremy nodded and turned back to his task. Alex tried to get a grip on himself and banish all thought of Roxanne from his mind. But images of her with his daughter hand in hand punched him in his gut. Protecting Grace, teaching Grace, loving Grace—those are things a mother should be doing. Without warning that thought led his mind to his big four-poster bed where Roxanne was now sleeping—alone.

“Damn it.” He cursed out loud.

“Don't worry, Mr. Harp. We'll find her and when we do, you can hobble her. That’ll get the filly’s attention. Then, you can teach her to do exactly what you want her to do.”

He nearly choked on Jeremy's words. They were much too close to the inappropriate visions swimming around inside his head.

He shoved his foot into the stirrup and pulled himself up into the saddle. Without another word, he reined his horse in the direction of the mares. Once he cleared the corral gate, he leaned forward and spurred his mount to stretch out into a fast gallop.

He wasn't worried he wouldn’t find the horse soon enough. He had a pretty good idea where she was.

He slapped the reins against the horse’s rump and encouraged the fleet-footed mare to run faster. No, he wasn't worried about the horse. He was worried about his whole world collapsing in on him if he couldn’t get a handle on these unexpected feelings for Roxanne.

Everything he was working toward depended on Roxanne Sheffield. Everything. His ranch. His daughter. His future. He could ill afford an inappropriate attachment that would tarnish her reputation and damage his good name.

And that’s exactly what would happen if he failed to resist the pull he felt when he was near Roxanne. He had a wife, albeit an unwanted one. He was not in a position to even entertain an involvement with Roxanne.

Besides, he had made a deal and he would not betray his friends, John and Regina, by going back on his promises to protect Roxanne’s reputation.

“There she is, Alex,” Jeremy pointed to the filly in the distance, running the fence of the far pasture. “She’s trying to find a way to get in to the pasture with the mares and their foals. If she gets in, there’s gonna be trouble.”

Alex knew his hired hand was right. The mares would protect their babies from the unwanted interloper and the little filly could come to great harm if he and Jeremy didn’t intervene.

Thoughts of Roxanne returned with a vengeance as Jeremy’s meaning drifted from his horses to his heart.

ex knew if the filly got in with the mares, the mares would become aggressive to protect their babies.“Yeah, if she gets in, there’s gonna be trouble.”

Chapter 6

Two weeks had passed since Roxanne and Grace had collided with Alex in the barn. Since then, they had quietly staked their territories. Roxanne stayed close to the house and gardens while Alex stayed outside. He only returned to the house to eat his meals and visit his daughter. It was an amiable unspoken agreement, but a lonely one she had to admit.

Roxanne woke early each morning and took her place at the table in the kitchen's bay window. Her routine of rising before anyone else allowed her the solitude she craved to scribble notes in her journal. She was surprised at how quickly she was growing to love this wild and beautiful country. She tried to capture every detail of this place so when she returned to Boston in the fall, she could remember the magic of this place.

“Good morning.” Alex's deep voice startled her quiet reflection, but it was not an unwelcome interruption. In fact, she realized she looked forward to his company.

“Good morning, yourself.” Her heart danced a little at the sight of him. His light-colored hair brushed the collar of his shirt while his blond beard gave him a wild, untamed aura about him that made her breath catch.

“Are you ready for some breakfast before you start your day?” She rose and pulled the coffee pot from the stove in order to have time to collect herself. She inhaled a slow, deep breath and exhaled as she filled his cup waiting for his answer.

He sat at the table in his usual place and sipped the hot black coffee before he answered. “No, I've got to take the wagon into Durango this morning and buy some fencing supplies. I'll grab a bite while I'm in town.”

Roxanne was surprised at her disappointment and quickly dismissed it as a symptom of her isolation here on the ranch. In truth, she had had very limited adult conversations since Alex had kept to himself more than she thought possible since the barn incident. He ate his meals with her and his daughter and he spent some evenings on the porch swing with them, but he had kept his distance from her—and she had to admit it pricked her ego more than a little bit.

“I see. I wish I had known you were going to Durango today. I could have used a trip into town myself.”

“Write down what you need, and I'll be happy to pick it up for you while I'm at the general store,” Alex offered and quickly emptied his coffee cup.

“More?”

“No, I've got to get going. I want to get back before noon. There's a lot of work to do today and I can't get started until I get supplies.”

“Perhaps the next time you go, I can catch a ride into town.” She could have used a visit with her cousin, but she would wait for a better opportunity. If she insisted on going today, she would delay Alex in getting his supplies and she didn't want to be the cause of disrupting their amicable truce.

“I'll be happy to get whatever it is you need—”

“No, Alex. It isn't things for the house that I need. It's people.”

“People? I don't understand.” The confusion on his face was so adorable.

”It has been two weeks since I've had a conversation with another female. Or rather an adult female. Although Grace is a joy to be around, and I love her spirit, she doesn't have quite the conversational skills I'm accustomed to when chatting about women things.”

“Women things?” He looked a bit flummoxed at the word.

“It isn't a bad word, Alex. Women things. You know. Dresses. Hats. Social gatherings. Cooking. Children. Gossip. All the usual things women talk about when the menfolk aren't about.” She hid her amusement behind her cup as she took another sip of coffee.

“Ah, women things. Of course. I understand,” he breathed a sigh of understanding. “You are a city girl and you aren't used to the quiet solitude of this place. I find the quiet gives me peace and allows me to think better than the busy streets of town. I suppose a woman such as yourself could find this kind of solitude…oppressing.”

“Such as myself?” Roxanne smiled at his assumption. “Just because I choose to live in the city, doesn't mean I don't appreciate solitude now and again. But even you have to admit a trip to town on occasion is a welcome relief from the lack of human interaction.”

He grinned and nodded. “I suppose that is true enough. The last three months I was here alone waiting on Grace and Kate—”

Roxanne watched Alex struggle with his unintentional mention of his wife and her heart ached once again for his loss. He must have loved her very much if he still couldn't speak her name without hurting. A tiny prick of something made her envious of the dead woman. Deep down, she knew what that something was, but there was no place in her life for those kind of feelings for a man like Alex.

As soon as the thought materialized in her mind, she pushed it away. She wasn't a jealous person by nature and especially not of someone who was deceased. That was a ridiculous thought.

“I’m sorry for your pain, Alex, but it will fade in time. Time heals all wounds, or so I've been told. I, myself, have never experienced the such a deep loss of someone I loved so deeply. Therefore, it wouldn’t be fair of me to say I understand your pain, but in time, the pain will lessen and those lonely places in your heart will fill with lovely memories of your life together with—”

“I need to get goin'.” Alex stood abruptly and turned toward the kitchen door. Roxanne watched him hesitate, his hand on the door's knob. “Sometimes memories are deceiving. They make you believe things were better than they were. Sometimes, memories can fool a person.” His voice vibrated with his emotions.

Roxanne watched him stand at the door a moment longer. Then, he opened the door and left the kitchen, closing it behind him. Roxanne stood staring at the closed door while her mind grasped for understanding at Alex's parting words. “Memories are deceiving. Memories can fool a person.”

It sounded as if there was something other than his wife’s death that caused Alex to push his memories down deep?

Had something happened between Alex and his wife before she died? Roxanne knew very little about Alex's wife, not that it mattered, she admonished herself. Besides, Alex's life—and wife—were no concern of hers. Her job was to take care of his household and his daughter until she left for home in the fall. Until then, she didn't need to involve herself in Alex's affairs.

Roxanne busied herself with breakfast preparations for Jeremy and Grace, but her thoughts kept turning to Alex's words. What could have happened that would make a man want to leave his memories of the wife he loved so much in the past?

She pushed and pulled at every imaginable scenario in her mind while she fried eggs and bacon. Once the biscuits were golden brown and the fragrance of breakfast filled every nook and cranny of the cozy kitchen, she finally came to the only conclusion possible. Something happened to Alex’s wife—Grace’s mother.

In order for Roxanne to be better equipped to help the little girl deal with whatever that something was, she needed more information, and the only way to get it was to make inquiries into the matter. She truly wanted to help Grace, but underneath her altruistic desires to help the little girl, her motives were not so pure when it came to helping the little girl’s father.

* * *

The five-mile wagon ride into town hadn’t taken long and Alex arrived just a little after eight o'clock in the morning. He hoped to get his business taken care of quickly and get back to the ranch as soon as possible. He had a full day of stretching fence before that herd of horses arrived from Cheyenne next week.

Pulling his wagon to a stop in front of the mercantile store he noticed how quiet the streets were. Most of the citizens of Durango must still be asleep or finishing up breakfast. As if on cue, his stomach rumbled beneath his gun belt trying to tell him that’s what he should be doing too, but he had business to take care of and he couldn’t put off any longer. He grimaced and stepped into the store.

“Good morning, Mr. Harp. You’re up and at 'em early this morning. What can I do for you?” Mr. Collins, the store owner, called out to him from somewhere at the back of the store.

Alex looked around and saw the portly gentleman making his way toward him through tins of nails, bins of tools, and bolts of fabric and lace. “I need some fencing supplies, Mr. Collins.” Alex pulled his hat off his head and slapped it against his thigh to get rid of the dust.

Cecil Collins made his way to the counter and took out his ledger. “Got plenty of fencing supplies, Mr. Harp. How do ya want to pay for it?”

Alex was still waiting for his money from his bank in New Orleans. His father was supposed to have sent it weeks ago, but he had yet to see a penny of it. The money he brought with him from home was almost gone. He hated to ask for more credit, but—

“I’m waiting on funds from New Orleans, Mr. Collins. I was hoping you could see your way to extend me a little more credit... just until the money comes through.” He hated to stand here and grovel like he was some sort of charity case. He had money. Some people would call it a small fortune. He just didn't have it in his hand at the moment.

Mr. Collins scratched his head and studied his ledger again. “I don't know, Mr. Harp. You already owe me almost five hundred dollars. That's a lot of money to me and the missus. We got three growing boys to feed.”

“I know and I wouldn't be asking if my father had sent my money like he was supposed to. I'm going over to the telegraph office right after I leave here and find out why he hasn't. Believe me when I say, I do not want to impose on you, Mr. Collins. I have never had to beg before in my life, but I am now. If you could see your way clear to give me a little bit more credit, I swear to you, you won’t be sorry.”

Alex's pride took a beating, but he needed those fencing supplies and he would do whatever he had to do to get them. He couldn't handle any more horses in the current pastures, and with more horses on the way, he was in a hard spot.

Mr. Collins raised his head and stared at Alex for a moment. Then he nodded. “I understand your situation, Mr. Harp. I can go a bit longer on your credit. But you gotta promise me you’ll find a way to pay me back, whether the money comes from New Orleans or not.”

Relief flooded through Alex's body and he let out the breath he had been holding in relief. “Thank you, Mr. Collins. I swear, I won’t let you down. Even if I have to sell every horse on my property to get you the money.”

“I don't think that will be necessary, Mr. Harp. I hear you have a nice herd of quality horseflesh. If you don't get the money, I’m sure we can trade some for your debt. If you're willin' that is.”

“I'd be willin’, but it won't be necessary. I have the money. I just have to get my hands on it,” Alex assured the owner.

Mr. Collins smiled and leaned across the counter. “Now, this little transaction is just between me and you, okay? I don't want folks around here to think I'm a pushover and all. Besides...” he leaned closer and lowered his voice to a whisper. “There's no sense gettin' the missus all worked up about it. She ain't as agreeable to credit as I am. I've been short on cash before and I know how it feels when someone takes a chance on ya.” The man nodded and made a notation in the ledger. “Gotcha down for fencing supplies, Mr. Harp. I can give you two more weeks and then I gotta have some money or my wife’s gonna give me what for and I'll tell, you don't want what for from that woman, no sir. You do not.”

“Thank you, Mr. Collins. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I won't let ya down. That’s a promise.”

“Good to hear.” Mr. Collins came around the counter and stuck out his hand. Alex offered his in return.

“Thank you again.” Alex had never had anyone who wasn't family or friend to stick their neck out for him before. He'd bust a gut before he let Mr. Collins down.

“My friends call me Cecil.” He winked and Alex grinned.

“I'd be right proud to call you friend, Cecil, that is if you'll call me Alex.”

“Alex it is. Never can have too many friends, I say.” He gave Alex a good stout slap on his back. Alex nearly dropped his hat.

“Yep, a man can't have too many friends.”

“I'll have my son, Adam, pull your wagon around back and he and his brother, Eli, can start loading your supplies. Maybe go get yourself a bite o' breakfast over at the Lone Star Cafe. Food's not fancy, and it’s run by a couple of Texans, but it'll stick to your ribs.” He patted his round belly and slapped Alex on the back again. It stung and it was obvious the man didn't know his own strength.

“I think I'll do just that.” Alex left the mercantile store and headed to the cafe, then changed his mind. First, he was gonna send his father a telegram and find out where the hell his money was.

Chapter 7

The sun was high in the noon sky when Roxanne heard the rattle of the wagon returning to the ranch. Alex was back. Why on earth did that fact make her heart race? “Although he is charming—at times—he is certainly is not a prince,” she murmured.

“Who isn't a prince?” Grace asked from across the table covered in pastels.

“Um, no one, dear. I hear your father coming so perhaps we should clean up our mess and prepare something for lunch. My goodness, where did the morning go?” She had been so preoccupied trying to figure out how to broach the subject of Grace's mother without upsetting the little girl, the morning was all but gone. She thought perhaps if Grace were distracted by something fun, she would be open to sharing the unpleasant facts about her mother. That's when Roxanne thought of the pastels.

Grace had been overjoyed to experiment with the finger-size pieces of pigmented chalk, but when Roxanne suggested she draw a picture of her mother, Grace's joy turned to sadness and her enthusiasm for the activity waned. Instead of drawing a picture, she swirled the different colors around and around on her paper, creating nothing but a very large mess of colored chalk dust.

Roxanne was more convinced than ever that something tragic had happened and that was the reason both Alex and Grace refused to talk about Kate. And the more Roxanne thought about it the more she came to believe that couldn’t be healthy for this little girl…or her father.

She heard the wagon rumble by the house toward the barn. She peeked outside the kitchen window just in time to see Alex roll by. He turned as if he sensed her presence. She ducked out of sight. Why had she done that? Why hadn't she just waved at him? Instead, she was skulking in the shadows like... like someone with something to hide. “Nonsense. There’s absolutely nothing to hide.” Why was she trying to convince herself?

“What's nonsense?” Grace was standing next to her.

“It’s nothing. Why don't you help me get the table cleaned off so we can eat lunch? You can place the pastels into the tin. But be sure to seal it up tight so the colors won't dry out.” She clapped her hands together in mock severity. “Now hurry. We don't want to keep your father waiting.”

“Can we color again tomorrow, Roxanne?” Grace asked.

“I think we can manage it, but only if you work really hard on your schoolwork. We shall have you reading and writing in no time at all.” A thought occurred to Roxanne. “Did your mother read to you when you lived in New Orleans?”

Grace shook her head. “No, Momma didn't like to read to me. She said it made her squint and squinting gave her wrinkles. Mrs. Haversham read to me after I had my bath. I miss Mrs. Haversham. She was funny. And nice. Like you.”

“Well, thank you very much for the compliment, Grace.” Roxanne busied herself with placing the cold roast beef and yesterday's baked bread on the table. Interesting. So Grace misses a member of the household staff, but not her mother. Does that mean Grace was raised by a nanny instead of her mother? And if that’s the case then Alex, or his family, must have been well off financially. Or perhaps it was Alex’s wife’s family that had the money.

Roxanne heard boots stomping on the wooden back steps. Alex is here. Perhaps she could strike up a conversation and get some answers she could use to help Grace—and Alex—to deal with their loss.

Alex stepped into the kitchen in socked feet. He nodded to her and held his arms out to Grace. The little girl ran into his opened arms and he hugged her tight against his chest. She was suddenly quite envious of the little girl.

“Good afternoon. Did your trip into town go as planned?” she asked as she poured cold water from the well into a glass.

“It did. I got the fencing supplies so I can start building the west pasture to hold the expectant mares separate from the colts and fillies.” He helped Grace into her chair and pushed it up to the table, then he took his own chair while Roxanne finished serving the food.

When everything was on the table, she took her own place at the table.

“Will Jeremy be joining us?”

“No. He said he’ll eat after he brings the hay up. I’ll take him something when we’re finished eating,” Alex said, digging his fork into the roast beef.

Everyone ate in silence for a few moments before Roxanne started up the conversation again.

“So, Grace. Tell your father what you have been learning this morning.”

“I've been learning to use pastels, Papa.”

“Pastels? As in paints?” Alex stuffed a bite of roast beef and bread his mouth.

“I suppose they are similar to paints, but no, not paints. They are more like colored chalk,” Roxanne answered.

“Colored chalk? What on earth would you be teaching my daughter with colored chalk?”

Roxanne sensed an objection in his tone, but what could he possibly be objecting to?

“Well, she has been learning her colors as well as learning to hold her hand steady in preparation for learning penmanship. Do you have an objection to your daughter enjoying the finer points of her education? I mean there is more to school than just reading, writing, and arithmetic.”

Alex's jaw set and he shook his head to the contrary. “Grace will grow up here on this ranch. There is no need for her to learn things she will never have a use for. Her life on this ranch will be worthwhile and productive. Things such as...such as painting, are useless here. That what pampered, privileged women use to justify their selfishness and I don’t want my daughter to be a—”

“A what, Mr. Harp? You think because a young woman learns a few pleasantries that help to soften the rough edges of life is what makes her selfish? I don't know what kind of women you associate with, but I can assure you that a little enjoyment is not indicative of—”

Alex pounded his fist on the table and jerked to his feet, knocking his chair over in his haste to stand. The sound ricocheted around the room at odds with the normally serene kitchen.

Stunned by his reaction, Roxanne sat motionless and waited for the full force of his anger to hit. She didn't have to wait long.

“The kind of women I associate with is none of your business, Roxanne. Your only concern, while employed by me, is cooking, cleaning, and teaching my daughter what she will need to get by in life and by that, I mean reading, writing and arithmetic. Sewing, cooking, and anything else that has to do with taking care of herself and her family. Is that perfectly clear, Miss Sheffield?”

Anger heated Roxanne's cheeks. “I think you've made your wishes quite clear, Mr. Harp.” She emphasized her use of his last name since it appeared they were no longer on an amicable first name basis. Although, she had no idea when things had changed between them. No idea at all. “My mistake. When you said you wanted me to teach your daughter to be a proper lady, I didn’t know what you really meant was to teach her how to be subservient to a man. That, I’m afraid I cannot do.”

She helped Grace down from the table and bundled her out of the kitchen and into the main room leaving the curmudgeon alone in the kitchen with his lunch.

She hoped he choked on it.

* * *

Alex felt like a huge ass when Roxanne took Grace by the hand and left him alone in the kitchen. What on earth had he been so upset about? They were coloring pictures for heaven's sake.

He knew where his objections came from. His frustration with his financial situation was at the top of his list, but he also wanted to make certain Grace did not grow up to be selfish and uncaring like her mother. It had nothing to do with coloring pictures and he was an ass to have reacted the way he did. He didn’t need to take his frustrations out on Roxanne. She wasn't like Kate. She was a hard worker, a kind person, and a gift he could ill afford to lose.

He saw how she nurtured Grace daily. In the two weeks she had been on the ranch, Grace had gone from the clingy insecure little girl to... well, what she was today. All laughter and happiness. It was a change that gave his heart so much joy to see. He needed to fix this.

He left the kitchen and headed for the barn. As soon as Grace was down for her afternoon nap, Alex would apologize to Roxanne for his outburst. Tell her he knew it was uncalled for and ask if they could start over. He owed a great deal of gratitude to this woman, and she didn’t deserve his rancor.

For the rest of the afternoon, he directed his energy to digging fence post holes deep into the ground. Thankfully, recent rains had softened the hard earth. But even with the Good Lord’s blessings, the work was hard and slow going.

Sweat trickled down his back and made him itch. He needed a break from the summer sun which burned hotter in the thin air of the higher altitude, so he pulled off his shirt and let the faint breeze cool his overheated skin. He rested in the shade on a large rock nearby until he was ready to go at it again.

Alex jabbed his post hole diggers into the ground, scrapped the edges of the hole, and removed the loose dirt. He repeated this process for two more hours, moving from the finished hole and starting a new one. Lost in the endless task of fence building, he was startled by Roxanne’s voice.

“That looks like backbreaking work.”

He whirled around to see her standing next to the wagon with a basket in her hand and a jar of water. “I thought perhaps you could use a break about now. Unless of course, you aren't interested in a freshly baked apple pie and a cold drink of water.”

“No—I mean yes. I would love a break.”

She set the basket on the back of the wagon and pushed the cloth off the top to reveal the delicious looking apple pie. He wiped the sweat from his body with the rag in his hip pocket and grabbed his shirt off the fence post. Stuffing his arms into it, he buttoned it up, and stood at the wagon’s open tailgate next to Roxanne.

“Dang. That pie smells good enough to eat. You just bake this?”

He watched her cut into the thick pastry and scoop a piece onto a tin plate. She handed the plate to him with a fork. “Yes, it has barely had time to cool, but I thought you could use a piece about now.”

“Thank you,” he mumbled and stuffed a fork full of the delicious pastry into his mouth.

“I do hope it tastes as good as it looks. Grace and I thought we would do something more in line with your learning preferences. I was teaching her fractions and she used them to measure the ingredients for the pie. You know, one-half cup of this and two tablespoons of that. I hope my method meets with your approval, Mr. Harp.” She was teasing him.

He was glad to know she wasn’t one of those women who held a grudge forever and a day. And he did owe her an apology. He set the half empty plate down on the back of the wagon and turned to her. “Roxanne. About today. I... don't really know what to say except, I'm sorry. I wasn't angry at you. I was just mad at the world and I took it out on you, I guess.” He looked down at her and offered her a crooked smile full of remorse. “I’m not usually so short-tempered, but with all the work, and the—he almost told her about his money problems—“Anyway, I’m really sorry.”

She looked at him with sympathy and that made him feel even worse. She was being kind because she didn’t know the whole truth. And as guilty as he felt at his deception, he knew if he told her the truth, she wouldn't stay. And John would be furious not to mention Regina’s reaction. This was such a mess. But he could see no way out of it…at least for the present. He had to have Roxanne’s help here at the ranch. Otherwise, any hopes for the future would be gone, along with his ranch, and his reputation.

“I understand your objections from this morning, at least to some degree, Alex, but I don't understand why you think that if Grace learns the finer points of education, she will become selfish.”

He watched her hesitate before she placed her slim hand on his forearm. “Do you know someone like that, Alex? Is that why you are so opposed to Grace learning more?”

Alex wrestled with his conscience. This was his opportunity to tell her about Grace's mother. How she was a pampered young woman who was brought up to be selfish and useless. He hadn't known that about Kate until they were married. By then, it was much too late to run in the opposite direction. Maybe he could share enough of the truth about his wife without losing Roxanne's respect or her help.

“Yes, I... I suppose I do know, or did know, someone who was spoiled and selfish. It's a hard thing to admit, especially now.”

“Was it your wife, Alex? Was it Grace's mother that was the selfish person you are speaking of?

He looked down into Roxanne's eyes and he felt them pull him in. He had promised himself he would stay clear of this thing that pulled at his soul when he looked into Roxanne’s gaze. But at this moment, he was caught somewhere between the mistakes of his past and the possibilities of a new and brighter…happier future. Locked in limbo, the line he promised not to cross wasn’t as defined as it once was.

“Alex, I can see the pain and disappointment on your face. I suspected the truth when Grace admitted to missing a woman by the name of Mrs. Haversham, but she never talked about missing her mother.” He watched in hopeful suspense as she rose up on her toes and leaned in to touch his cheek with her lips. “I'm sorry, Alex. I know how that must hurt, knowing Grace didn't have the kind of mother you would have wished for your precious little girl.”

Alex's heart stumbled at her closeness. Wisps of Roxanne's dark hair brushed his cheek and tugged at his beard when she pulled away. He knew he should let her go, but the line he wasn’t supposed to cross disappeared completely.

He pulled Roxanne into his arms and, when she did not resist, he slowly bent his head giving her time to object. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she met him halfway, her lips opening beneath his own. The heat of passion he felt growing deep inside threatened to consume him. He wrapped his arms around her body and pulled her tight against him, deepening his kiss. And she was kissing him back.

Thoughts swirled around his head. His horse ranch. His daughter. This beautiful and kind, loving woman in his arms. Laughing eyes. Sensuous lips begging to be kissed. Lying beneath the big dark sky full of twinkling stars on a clear night. It was everything he had ever imagined.

But soon those visions of a serene and happy existence were clouded by drifting dark shadows of his cheating wife’s face. Those were replaced by the image of Roxanne’s beautiful face, twisted in anger and disbelief, when she learned of his deception. When she learned he couldn’t be trusted. And that gave him pause.

He pulled away and looked down into the eyes of this amazing woman. He wanted her, not just in his bed, but in his life…until the end of it.

He could see the questions in her gaze and he wished he could give her the answers she craved. But he couldn’t. At least, not now for he would never compromise her reputation, and he wasn’t in the position to offer her more than these few kisses. But, one day….soon.

Chapter 8

Roxanne spent the rest of the afternoon in the main room of the ranch house searching through the catalog of dress patterns she had borrowed from Regina. Alex had told her she was welcome to use the sewing machine in the spare bedroom, and she thought a lesson in sewing would be a good way to teach Grace about measurements.

She flipped the pages for something simple to sew all the while her head floated in the clouds as her fingertips traced the path that Alex's mouth had left on her lips. She had been surprised when he pulled her against him and took her mouth against his. But she found she didn’t mind at all. In fact, she had been more than willing to kiss the handsome cowboy.

“Roxanne? Are we going to use your pastels again before supper?” Grace's voice pulled her from her daydreams.

“Um, no sweetheart, I think today we shall spend an hour or so down by the river under the willow trees and practice your reading. Would you like that?” Roxanne pulled Grace to her and took the brush from the little girl’s hand. “Now, turn around and let me fix this rat’s nest.”

She turned Grace around and undid this morning's messy braids.

“I would rather use your pastels, but I like to read too,” Grace answered over her shoulder. “What kind of book shall we read?”

“How about a fairy tale?” Roxanne asked and pulled the brush carefully through Grace's tangled curls.

She watched Grace’s face in the mirror as the little girl pondered her question. Soon, Roxanne was finished and turned her charge around. “There. All set.” She patted the little girl’s bangs in place.

Grace surprised her by throwing her arms around Roxanne’s neck and giving her a heartfelt hug. Delighted by the display of affection, she hugged Grace back. Tears stung as she thought of all the little girl had been through during her young life. She had guessed there were problems, but having her suspicions verified by Alex made it real and even more upsetting.

“Grace, darling. Are you alright? Is there anything I can do? Sometimes, it helps just to have someone listen to you. And I come from a long line of very good listeners you know?”

“You do?” Grace stepped back and searched Roxanne's face.

“I do. I have a twin sister and sometimes we can even talk without saying a word. And my mother has always been a very good listener. Probably one of the best.” Roxanne offered the little girl bits and pieces of her life in hopes of putting her at ease enough to confide in her.

“You and your sister talk to each other without words? How do you do that?” Roxanne could see the confusion in Grace's face.

“Well, we are identical twins and people say that twins have a special connection that allows them to understand one another without speaking a single word. I know my sister and I have that ability. We are able to convey messages by just looking at each other. It used to drive our parents mad.”

Grace frowned at her words. “Everything I do makes my papa mad.”

“It isn't you, sweetheart. Your father just worries about you. That’s all it is. It might appear that you drive him mad, but he loves you very much and he would be heartbroken if anything should ever happen to you. That's why he hired me to take care of you.”

The little girl nodded in understanding. “And teach me stuff.”

“Yes, and teach you lots and lots of stuff. Stuff a young lady should know.”

“Even coloring with your pastels?” Grace asked and cut a sly look at Roxanne.

“Yes, even coloring with pastels.” She grinned at the precocious little girl.

“Papa didn't like it though.”

“He just didn't understand, but now he does. As long as you pay close attention to your lessons and learn everything you can, he told me he won't mind one bit if you learn to color too. I promise.”

Grace nodded again. “Your momma is good at listening? That sounds real nice.” Grace's wistful words drifted off into silence.

Roxanne didn't want to push the four-year-old to talk against her mother, and yet she really did want to know more about the woman who had been Alex’s wife. But only because she wanted to help them heal. At least that’s what she told herself.

“It was nice. Very nice. My mother listens to even my most silly thoughts and never once has she laughed at me.”

Grace studied the tips of her laced-up boots. She didn't say anything more.

“I would be happy to listen to you... that is if you want me to.”

The little girl shook her head no. “I can't talk about it. Papa said you would be sad.”

“I would be sad? Oh, Grace, darling, nothing could be further from the truth. I would be happy to listen to you, and if something is making you sad, perhaps I can make it better.” Roxanne urged the little girl to open up and talk about her feelings.

Grace was quiet and she began to play with the yarn in Roxanne's knitting basket sitting on the floor next to her chair. Roxanne didn't wish to push Grace or make her feel uncomfortable, so she busied herself with the pages of the catalog in her lap.

She cut a glance toward the quiet little girl and her instincts told her Grace was deep in thought while her tiny fingers were busy knotting up Roxanne's yarn. She kept quiet and waited. Finally, Grace left the knotted yarn beside the chair and turned to her. “Can we talk now?”

“Of course. What would you like to talk about? Anything at all.” Roxanne put the catalog aside and sat down on the floor pulling Grace into her lap and giving her a big squeeze.

“Can we talk about my momma?”

“Of course. We can talk about anything you like. Remember? I’m a good listener.” She hoped to encourage Grace to share whatever it was that was obviously bothering her.

She watched Grace hesitate again. “Even if Papa said it would make you sad?”

Roxanne's heart nearly broke in two at the little girl's sad expression. “Perhaps you misunderstood what your father meant. But yes, even if it makes me sad, I want to hear whatever it is you have to say.”

“Papa said you couldn't fix it and if I told you about it, it would make you sad.” Roxanne could see the confidence in the little girl’s words. What on earth could be so horrible that Alex would instruct his little daughter not to tell anyone for fear of making them sad?

“Why don't you let me decide what I can fix and can't fix, alright? I'm quite resourceful you know.” She offered assurance even though she had no idea what the problem was.

“What's resourceful mean?” Grace wanted to know.

“It means that I am able to meet a situation with a positive solution.” It was the best explanation she could come up with that a four-year-old might understand.

“Positive solution?”

“It means I can find a happy ending in even the most difficult situations.”

Relief softened Grace's frown. “That's good because my momma is sure enough a difficult situation.”

* * *

Alex thought about the kiss he and Roxanne shared after she left him to go check on Grace. He knew he was attracted to the woman, but he had greatly underestimated that attraction—until today.

He dug fence pole holes all afternoon. He pushed himself until his arms shook with exhaustion and his back ached from the strain. Jeremy was busy mucking the stalls and tending the horses while he worked alone building the fence line for the new pasture. There was just too much work for two people to do. Three if he counted Roxanne. And he did count on Roxanne a lot more than he should. She couldn't stay forever. That much she had made clear when she accepted the job, but he had her until late August. He would make the most of it.

The sun was hanging low in the wide western sky. He guessed it to be about six-thirty, maybe closer to seven, and he had put in a full day’s work. He loaded his tools, the extra posts, and wire into the back of the wagon, covered everything with a tarp, and headed to the house.

Alex glanced at the spot where he had seen Roxanne and Grace sitting beneath the trees at the water’s edge late this afternoon. He wished he could have joined them—he sure wanted to—but he couldn’t spare the time he told himself. It wasn’t the only reason. While it was true, he didn’t have the time to spare, he also didn't know what to say or how to act around the woman he had shared those delicious kisses just a few hours ago. Worry punched through his doubts. What if she decided she needed to move back to town because of his impulsive behavior?

He needed her to take care of Grace. He refused to acknowledge any other possibilities until he could gauge her feelings. She seemed receptive to his advances. At least, she didn’t shy away from his kiss, but—

Roxanne’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Alex, I thought you might be hungry since you didn’t come up for supper.”

Startled by her unexpected appearance, he whirled to find her standing beside the wagon. Shirtless, he yanked it off the wagon seat and shoved his arms into the sleeves. His fingers quick to button up the front. He wasn't certain why he did that since he what he’d really like to do is pick up where they left off this afternoon. He said the first thing that came to mind. “Where is Grace?”

“She and Jeremy are up at the house eating supper. Are you going to work out here all night?” He could tell by the amused look in her eyes that she was kidding him again. He liked it when she teased.

“No, I—I just hadn't realized how late it was getting, that's all.” He couldn't seem to get his brain to work. He was usually quick-witted, but in front of Roxanne, he sounded like a witless dunce.

A light breeze lifted the curls around her face. He watched her pull at her shawl, drawing it closer around her shoulders. “Are you chilly?” he asked.

“No, I like the evening breeze. I've noticed it comes up every night about this time, kind of like an old friend who greets me after a long day's work. Don't you agree?”

She turned her wistful gaze from the landscape surrounding his ranch to pin him with an expectant look.

“I suppose I've never thought of it that way, but you may be right.” He turned and glanced around the horizon himself, taking in the sweeping panoramic view surrounding the ranch. His ranch. “Yes, this place is like an old friend to me. It's been that way ever since I was a kid, when I would come visit my uncle for the summer. I'd be lost if anything happened to this place. Completely. Lost.”

“Well, then. I guess we shall have to make certain nothing happens to it.” The confidence he heard in Roxanne's voice pulled his gaze back to her. And then to her lips. Their pull was irresistible, and he found himself moving closer.

“And how will we do that?” he whispered, not really certain what he was saying because his full attention was focused on kissing her. Again. Against his better judgment.

She stepped closer and looked up into his eyes. “I would think that would be obvious, Alex. Teamwork. It is an essential component of any worthwhile project.”

“Teamwork, huh?” He waited for her to make the next move. Was she teasing him or enticing him? One thing was for sure, she wasn't running from him.

“Yes, teamwork.” She kept her eyes trained on his, but she didn't move any closer.

What should he do? Was she waiting on him to make the next move? Was she testing him to see if he would continue to behave in the same reckless manner? Would she welcome his advances, or would she leave?

He realized he needed her to stay, and not just for Grace. Standing here, lost in the depths of her dark sultry eyes, he knew he needed her too.

“Mr. Harp. Are you going to kiss me or are you not?” Her words pulled him out of his indecision. He stepped closer and pulled her against his body. “I am, Miss Sheffield. I most certainly am.”

His lips claimed hers and he allowed his passions to rule. At least for the present. He deepened the kiss between them and pulled Roxanne closer so she could feel his desire for her.

As hard as he tried to forget about tomorrow, his thoughts reminded him that he had no tomorrows to offer Roxanne. Not until he could claim his missing money and afford to divorce Kate.

Feeling his hesitation, she drew away and searched his face. “Are you having seconds thoughts... about whatever this is between us?” she asked.

He looked down at her face, pink with passion, and refocused all of his attention on her. Did he have second thoughts? “No, ma'am. Not one.”

He pulled her close again and kissed her like there was no tomorrow because if he couldn’t figure out how to solve his problems before she learned of his deceptions about Kate, there would be no tomorrow.

Chapter 9

Roxanne busied herself with the breakfast dishes while her thoughts continued to wander. Yesterday’s kisses in Alex’s arms had been…just like the beautiful fairy tales in the books she loved to read. No, that wasn’t quite true. This was better because it was real. She was living her own real-life fairy tale. And she couldn’t be more happy.

She knew her attraction for Alex had ignited the day she fell into his arms from the train. But to know that he felt that same attraction for her…it was an exhilarating feeling she couldn’t get enough of. Thoughts of Alex and his kisses were all she wanted to think about. Well, that and Grace’s confession.

She thought about her conversations with both Grace and Alex. It seems her suspicions about Alex’s wife not being much of a mother was spot on. But now, she got the feeling from Alex, the woman wasn’t much of a wife either.

It seems the woman was never around, preferring to leave Grace’s care in the hands of a woman named Mrs. Haversham. And while Alex might have no choice but to leave Grace in Roxanne’s care, Kate had no reason other than she couldn’t be bothered with the care of her own child.

As much as she hated to admit it, Roxanne was relieved she didn't have to compete with the ghost of a perfect wife. It was very hard to live up to the memories of someone who had passed, especially in the mind's eye. It seemed the people who loved them only wanted to remember the best parts of them, which made it impossible to compete with. Now that she knew the truth, she knew Mrs. Kate Harp was anything but perfect.

Roxanne had hoped to share with Alex what Grace had told her, but when she left Jeremy and Grace eating supper to walk down to where Alex was still working, things had gone in a different direction. Not that she was complaining. There would be plenty of time for them to have that conversation later.

The clock in the main room struck nine. She had just finished the breakfast dishes and needed to hurry Grace along. Alex told her early this morning he had business in town and invited her and Grace to ride along. Now that she and Alex appeared to be growing closer, she needed her cousin’s advice. What did the future hold for her here in Durango? And what would her parents do if she told them she had found her fairy tale ending with a little girl and her cowboy papa.

As if her thoughts conjured him, she heard the carriage roll by the open kitchen door and stop out front.

“Grace, your papa is here. It's time to leave. Go upstairs and get your bonnet and jacket.”

She heard Grace race up the wooden staircase to get her things from her bedroom upstairs. Roxanne quickly finished tidying the kitchen and hung the drying towel on the wooden peg by the sink.

She sensed Alex’s presence before she saw him.

Her heart raced with anticipation at the thought of being near him again. She inhaled a deep breath to calm her excitement and turned to see him standing in the doorway. His shoulder rested against the door jam. His arms crossed. Her stomach fluttered at the sight. Tall. Handsome. Vulnerable. Just the kind of man she liked in her Prince Charming.

“Good morning... again,” he said with a lopsided grin. “Where's Grace?” he asked as he stepped into the kitchen, his eyes never leaving her.

“Um, Grace? Oh yes. Grace. She is upstairs getting her bonnet and jacket in case it should get chilly this afternoon on the way home.” Alex crossed the kitchen to stand next to her. He looked down at her with those eyes of his. It was clear to Roxanne exactly what the man had on his mind, and she was in full agreement with whatever he had in mind. Her breath caught in her throat as he leaned down.

“I can assure you, Roxanne, chilly is not a word I think about when you come to mind.” His breath caressed her face when he whispered his words sending ripples of pleasure across her skin. Her eyelids dropped and her lips parted of their own accord. It was as if they knew exactly what she wanted to do with this cowboy.

She really should be ashamed of her behavior. Her mother had taught her to behave better, but when Roxanne was this close to Alex, she just couldn’t make herself care. Perhaps it was the solitude of their surroundings that gave her the freedom to behave so wantonly. Whatever it was, she craved it and thoughts of Boston slipped further and further away.

Alex leaned in and kissed her. They were learning each other’s body with every kiss. She celebrated the feel of his hard body pressed against hers, and thoughts of sharing a quilt beneath the midnight blue Colorado sky filled with an endless blanket of stars, stole her breath away. Lying beside Alex, away from prying eyes, made her weak at the knees and heat pooled at her core.

She pushed her body closer and reached her hand between the buttons of his shirt loving the feel of his chest beneath her fingers. She raked her hand through his coarse hair stumbling over one of his nipples. His groan rumbled in his chest and he deepened his kiss by ravaging her mouth with his tongue.

They heard Grace's footsteps racing down the stairs. She pushed away first and turned toward the sink to gather her emotions before the little girl ran into the room.

“Hi, Papa. I’m ready to go.” Grace announced running into the kitchen.

“Well then, little girl. Let’s get you loaded in that wagon.” Roxanne watched him sweep his daughter up and sling her on one hip. Then he tossed her a look that promised there was more to come later.

She offered Alex a shy smile. “You two get settled. I’ll go get my things and be right there.”

Roxanne watched Alex and Grace turn to go. After this mornings…unexpected dessert…she needed advice from her cousin more than ever, and yet…she couldn't wait to return to the ranch and put Grace to bed.

Now that things between her and Alex were obviously headed in a different direction than that of a mere employer-employee, she needed to send her father a telegram as soon as she got into town. She would explain to him that she needed more time to experience the adventures she had come to Colorado to find. Just a little more time to see where this thing between her and Alex was going.

Roxanne grabbed her things from the bedroom and closed the kitchen door behind her. Alex helped her up and into the carriage. She and Alex shared the front seat while Grace was wedged between them.

“I'm ready to proceed,” Grace announced.

“Very good, Grace. I’m happy to see you are using the new word we studied yesterday. Well, then. I suppose we should... proceed.” She stole a look at Alex. He grinned at her and she grinned back. It took all of Roxanne's finishing school skills to behave as if nothing was happening between her and the little girl's father.

Alex turned to his daughter. “Yes, I think we are most definitely ready to proceed.” He cut another knowing look in Roxanne’s direction, then slapped the reins against the bay mare’s rump and guided the carriage down the road toward town.

Half an hour later, they stopped in front of Regina's home and Alex turned to her. “I assumed you would want to visit Regina and John and since I have some business to attend to, I thought it best to drop you off here first. I should be back in a couple of hours and I thought we could eat lunch at a restaurant or the hotel before we head back to the ranch. If that's alright with you, of course.”

“I think that’s a lovely idea. We'll be waiting for you.” Roxanne tried to convey more meaning in that statement than her mere words implied. The heat in Alex’s eyes indicated he had received her message loud and clear. Her heart stuttered with excitement at the thought of being alone with him tonight.

She allowed Alex to help her down from the carriage and his hands lingered on her waist. Then, he turned and lifted Grace down to stand beside them.

“Grace, you mind Miss Roxanne, and I'll be back to pick you up in a few hours, okay?”

“Yes, Papa.” Grace gifted her father with a kiss on the cheek and a hug. Roxi watched Alex look at Grace with a father's love. “I love you, sweetheart. Now you have fun with Miss Roxanne, okay?”

“Yes, Papa,“ Grace answered again. “Can I go to the school you told me about, Miss Roxanne?”

“Of course. Let me say hello to Miss Regina and then I'll walk you down to the school. Will that be okay?” Grace nodded her approval. “Very well then, shall we go?” She extended her hand to Grace and the little girl took it and skipped along beside her up the side walk to Regina’s front door.

She stole a quick look back to watch Alex drive away. Instead, she saw that he was still standing beside the carriage watching her. The look he gave her sent a jolt of desire straight to her core. He tipped his hat and climbed back aboard the carriage and disappeared down the street.

“Can we go see Miss Regina now? There's so much I want to tell her about what I'm learning.” Grace pulled on her hand. Roxanne knocked on her cousin’s front door. “Yes, there is so much I want to tell her too.”

* * *

Alex guided his fleet-footed bay mare down the street toward the telegraph office. He hoped like hell he had some explanation from his father as to why his money hadn't reach Durango's bank yet. His credit line with Mr. Collins was nearly gone and he had promised the mercantile owner that he would pay on his account within two weeks of their awkward conversation. His time was almost up and the money still hadn’t arrived from New Orleans.

He tied off the little mare to the hitching post in front of the telegraph office and stepped inside. He saw the clerk behind the front counter. “Hello, I'm Alex Harp. I'm waiting on a telegram from New Orleans. Has anything arrived for me?”

The clerk looked up from his work and focused on him. “Harp? Let me check. I think something did come in yesterday afternoon.” The slight man with wire spectacles rose from his chair and rummaged through a bin of slots. Alex's heart raced as he anticipated hearing from his father. “Ah, yes. Here we go.” The man pulled out the slip of paper and handed it to him. “Let me know if you want to send a reply.”

“Thank you.” Alex took the telegram and stepped outside to read it. He quickly scanned the words for the information he was looking for.

Dear Son,

Was confused to get your telegram. Stop. All funds in your account gone. Stop. Audit shows Kate withdrew the money the day she left for Colorado. Stop. Is everything alright? Stop.

J. Harp.

Alex's heart dropped to his toes. He felt sick and there was every indication he was going to lose his breakfast on the boardwalk outside the telegraph office. Kate had emptied his bank account. But how? He hadn't given the bank authority to release funds to her. In fact, just the opposite. When they first got married, he had made the colossal mistake of allowing Kate to withdraw funds at will. It didn’t take him long to figure out that was a huge mistake. She nearly drained his life’s savings in a matter of months. When she couldn't explain where the money was going, he set her up an allowance and she had to come to him to get it. He had personally called a meeting with the bank’s employees and instructed them not to give her any money without written permission from him. Kate had been livid and made quite the scene about town, but he stuck to his guns and told her to rein in her spending habits. So what on earth could have gone wrong?

The reality of his situation kicked him hard in the gut. Without that money, he couldn't pay his bill at the mercantile store. Or pay Jeremy or Roxanne. He couldn't buy supplies and worse, he couldn't hire an attorney to divorce Kate. His life had come to a complete cataclysmic hard stop. What in the hell was he going to do now?

Thoughts of Roxanne pummeled his already troubled conscience. He knew he was falling in love with her, but how could he allow his relationship with her to deepen when he was still a married man... and without a dime to his name, he wouldn’t be able to keep the ranch.

He looked at the telegram again. His father said Kate took the funds out of his account the day she left for Colorado. But she didn't come to Colorado, so where was she? He was almost certain she wasn’t in New Orleans or someone would have seen her by now. How could he find out?

He stuffed the telegram from his father into his vest pocket and went back inside the telegraph office. “I'd like to send a reply to that telegram now.”

“I'm ready.” The clerk sat down at his desk, pencil in hand.

Mr. Jarvis Harp, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Father, Kate never came to Colorado. Stop. She sent Grace alone. Stop. Need to find her and my money as soon as possible. Stop. Please help. Stop.

Your son, Alex.

“How much will that cost?”

He watched the clerk count the words. “That'll be two dollars.”

Alex dug into his pocket and laid the money on the counter.

“How long will that take to get to New Orleans?”

The man stabbed the piece of paper he had written Alex's message on a nail sticking out of the wall. “I've got a couple of messages to get to before I can send yours, but if the lines are working and I ain't got no more customers in the next few minutes, I'd say it'll be received within the next half hour or so. Now, how fast you get an answer will depend on what’s goin’ on at the other end. I ain't got no control over that.”

“I understand. I'll be in town for a few more hours. Will you send a messenger over to John Kingston's house if a reply should come back this afternoon, say before four o'clock?” Alex dug into his pocket for another dollar and placed it on the counter. “I'll pay another two bits when the message is delivered.”

“I'll have my son bring it to ya—iffin it comes today.”

“Thank you. It's real important that I get that message right away, you understand?”

“Yes, sir. Mr. Harp. I understand. Every message that comes through here is important to someone.”

Alex understood the man's position, but he doubted very seriously if the little man had any idea what that message from his father could mean to Alex. His ranch. His life. His future. Roxanne.

He nodded and left the man to do his work. He needed to go to the bank and talk to the banker about getting an extension on his current loan and he needed another one until he figured out what the hell he was going to do.

Alex didn’t plan for Kate’s underhanded trickery. He hoped he was in good enough standing with the bank to get the money he needed until he could find out where the hell Kate was and what she had done with his money.

Sick at heart, Alex left his mare and carriage tied up in front of the telegraph office and walked the few blocks down to the bank. He entered the cool quiet interior. It was such a contrast to the warm, crowded streets outside. Only a few customers stood at the counter conducting business. Good. He didn’t want any nosey customers listening in on his business.

Alex's gut pushed bile in his throat every minute he stood in line waiting for his turn at the teller’s window.

The man in front of him concluded his business and Alex stepped up to the counter and spoke to the clerk, “Could I have a moment of the bank president’s time? I need to talk to him about my loan.”

The man shook his head. “I'm sorry, but he left town two days ago to take care of some family business. He said he might be back next week sometime. I can set up a time to meet with him then if you’d like?”

Alex's hope sank. What choice did he have? “Yes, I guess that will be alright. Send word to me at the Bar H Ranch when he's available, please.”

The clerk jotted down the information. “Can I tell him what it's about?”

“Just make sure you tell him its Alex Harp from the Bar H Ranch. He'll know what it's about.”

“Very well, Mr. Harp. I'll give him the message just as soon as he gets back in town.”

He still had an hour and a half before he planned to pick up Grace and Roxanne and take them to lunch like he promised. He would try to avoid Mr. Collins at the mercantile store as much as possible. At least until he either got an answer back from his father or the banker returned sooner than he was expected.

Alex hoped his father would read between the lines and offer him a loan, but he doubted his father would be that generous considering he was adamantly against Alex's decision to leave New Orleans in the first place.

He turned to go when a voice called to him over his shoulder. “Mr. Harp, if I remember correctly.” He turned to see Mr. Godfrey sitting at a desk writing out a deposit slip. “Yes, that’s right. And you are Mr. Godfrey, John’s investment friend.”

“That’s right. I apologize, but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation with the teller. Is there a problem I could help you with?”

Alex studied the man for a moment and nodded his head. “Yes, Mr. Godfrey. There might be. You see, I’ve run into a situation that has left me strapped for cash and the bank’s president won’t be back until next week.”

“I see. Well, why don’t we take a walk and talk about your situation, shall we?”

Alex didn’t want a partner in his horse breeding operation, but if it kept him from losing the place altogether, he needed to at least talk to the man.”

“Sure. I’d be willing to at least listen to what you have in mind.”

“Good to hear, Mr. Harp. That’s a really nice piece of property you have there. Have you considered cattle?” Mr. Godfrey picked up his hat and ushered Alex to the bank’s front door.

“No, sir. Raising cattle has never really interested me.” Alex admitted and followed the man out of the bank and on to the streets of Durango. “It’s not something my Uncle Zach cared for either.”

“Well, son. Sometimes you gotta change things up when the need arises,” Mr. Godfrey pointed out.

“Yes, sir. I know that’s true, and I certainly have a need right about now, but I could never do anything to betray my uncle’s trust in me to keep the ranch intact. It was his dream and now, it’s my dream.”

“Dreams are good, Mr. Harp. Dreams keep us hoping for a better future when things get tough. But dreams aren’t going to save your ranch. Only money can do that. And that’s where I can help…but we’ll have to come to an understanding that benefits us both.”

Alex kept in step and listened to the man who had the power to save his ranch and his dreams for a future with Roxanne by his side. But he prayed for a last minute miracle so he wouldn’t have to choose one over the other.

Chapter 10

Roxanne spent the morning catching up with Regina over tea and cookies. They talked about everything from the latest fashions to how Regina wasn’t going to be able to add more children to her children’s care school without more teachers.

“I was hoping I could entice some teachers to this area with the advertisement I ran in the Denver newspaper, but so far, I’ve only had two responses. That’s a start I suppose.”

“Perhaps if you advertised in the Albuquerque newspaper as well. It is a bit closer than Denver and it might result in more teachers from Texas,” Roxanne suggested.

“Yes, that’s a thought, but right now, I’m more interested in hearing about a certain handsome cowboy and how you two are getting on.” Regina cast a sly look in her direction.

“I think you know my answer to that question. Alex and I... and Grace are getting along just fine.”

“Just fine, huh? That sounds kind of boring. Is it?”

“Is it what?” Roxanne fended off the question, but she knew what her cousin was getting at.

“Is it fine or is it very fine? Come on, Roxi. Don’t play coy with me. How are things between you and Alex? Really,” Regina pushed.

“I'm enjoying my time at the ranch. It's quiet. And peaceful. And I have time to write in my journal and read the books I've been dying to read—”

“Roxi, just admit it. You are smitten with the man and you have fallen in love with his daughter.” Regina picked up the teapot and offered to refill her cup.

“Thank you.” She took a sip of the hot tea and took her time settling the cup back on the saucer in her lap. She needed a moment to consider her answer. Was she smitten with Alex? She was most definitely attracted to the man. That much was evident the first day they met when she fell into his arms at the train station. Now their situation was much more complicated than she first anticipated. Attraction was one thing. Love was quite another.

“You didn't answer my question, Roxi.”

“I wasn't aware you asked a question. You declared I was smitten. That isn't a question.” Roxanne grinned at Regina's exasperation. “I'm only teasing you. I wanted to give your 'observation' serious thought and the answer is yes. I am smitten with the man. Quite smitten, in fact. And Grace is such a sweet little girl. She has had to endure so much for a child her age.”

“It would seem so. If her stories about her mother’s inattentive nature are to be believe, she has been a very lonely little girl indeed. And you are sure these stories are true and not just a child’s vivid imagination?” Regina asked, concern etched across her face.

“Yes, Alex confirmed them.”

Surprise widened Regina's eyes. “He did? He spoke to you about his dead wife?”

“Well, yes. I mean, he wasn't specific the way Grace was, but he as much as admitted that his wife was—shall we say—less than perfect.” Roxanne didn't wish to speak ill of the deceased woman. It made her feel uncomfortable as if she were betraying Alex's confidence. “Let's change the subject, shall we?”

“And what would you like to talk about instead?” Regina raised her eyebrows in question.

When Roxanne didn't answer, Regina suggested a different topic.

“Have you made any plans for when you return to Boston in the fall? According to your sister's last letter, her social calendar is nearly full already. Have you left any room on yours for that engagement announcement your parents are expecting?”

“I haven't given it much thought. I'm not sure I want to go back to Boston.”

“In the fall or at all?”

Roxanne sat her teacup on the table between them and leaned forward. “Regina, how do you know when you've met someone? I mean, how do you know you’ve met the one? Did you know right from the start with John?”

Regina leaned back in the winged back chair and pondered her question. “I think I was always infatuated with John. Even when we were younger. He was the handsome boy from the wrong side of town. And absolutely all my friends were smitten with him. But my father was a force to be reckoned with, so I think in the beginning, I pretended my feelings for John were just friendship. I was able to be close to him without risking the drama that always comes with my father’s machinations.”

Roxanne smiled at her cousin. “Regina, you didn't answer my question.” She turned her cousin's previous comment back to her.

Regina laughed out loud. “No, I suppose I didn’t, but I will now. Yes, my heart fell in love with John the day he saved me from the schoolyard bullies, but it took a little longer for my brain to catch up. If you will remember, even you and Marianne recognized the spark between us long before I was willing to admit to it.”

Roxanne smiled at the memories. “Well, it was a little bit hard to miss. There aren't many men who would buy a house for a woman and turn over the deed to her with absolutely no strings attached,” Roxanne pointed out.

“True,” Regina admitted. “Now, how about we talk about your feelings for Mr. Harp? You said from the very first day you met him at the train station, you felt a spark. Since you've gotten to know him better, has that spark grown into something stronger?”

Roxanne thought about the last few weeks living near Alex. The way her heart raced when he was near. The way her stomach flipped when his lips touched hers. The way her body pressed against his in hopes there would be more between them in the future. She wasn't promiscuous. On the contrary, she held herself well above the gossip of Boston, but out here—in the Wild West—she felt daring and free like she could do anything without fear of judgment.

“I can honestly say that the tiny spark of attraction I first felt when I fell into Alex’s arms at the train station has grown into something quite…incendiary.”

“Are you saying there's a future for you here in Durango?” Regina's eyes sparkled with interest.

“I'm saying there is a distinct possibility that my future is not in Boston.” Roxi looked at her cousin and grinned.

* * *

Alex spent the morning talking with Mr. Godfrey about the man’s proposition. He would lend Alex the money he needed for forty-nine percent ownership of the ranch. He pointed out that Alex would still have a controlling interest in the property, but Godfrey needed a substantial portion of the business in order to see a return on his investment. Alex agreed he would think about the man’s offer and shook hands promising to talk again later. But Alex knew there was no way he was going to give up half of his ranch. No way in hell. He’d just have to find another way to solve his money problems.

He returned to John and Regina’s home and picked up Roxanne and Grace as promised. They ate at the cafe, but as soon as the meal was over, he loaded them into the carriage and made a beeline for the ranch.

“Is something wrong, Alex? You seem troubled. Have I done something…said something…to upset you?” Roxanne's soft voice questioned his behavior. He didn't want to hurt her, but he needed to put some distance between them. At least until he could figure something out about his finances…and if there was the slightest possibility for a future together.

“No. Of course, you haven't done anything. I've just got a lot on my mind, that's all.”

She nodded her understanding, but he could still see the confusion on her face. They rode along in silence for another ten minutes when she spoke again. “How would you like me to prepare some fried chicken and fresh greens for supper? I could put together a picnic basket and we could all eat down by the river underneath the trees.”

Thoughts of Roxanne’s soft mouth beneath his kicked him down south. He hated the hopeful tone in her voice because he was just about to dash it. “No, I've got too much work to catch up on when we get home. You and Grace have the chicken. Jeremy and I will eat later. It’s been a long day riding into town and back.

“And, I’m sure Grace is exhausted from playing with the children at the school. By the way, thank you for taking her there and introducing her. I know she misses her friends and it helps to know she has other children to play with.”

He glanced over at her and offered a half-hearted smile. “You understand right?”

She nodded again, but it was clear by the confusion he saw on her face she didn't.

They rode in silence the rest of the way home. Grace slept between them, her head in Roxanne’s lap.

A half hour later, he pulled the carriage to a stop in front of the ranch house. “I will carry Grace inside.”

Again, Roxanne said nothing. Only nodded. He didn't want her to think he had changed his feelings altogether. On the contrary, he wanted nothing more than offer her a future, but until he knew what happened to his money, and if there was any chance to get it back, he had nothing to offer her but a satchel full of debt and a future with an unwanted wife always lurking in his past just waiting to spoil their happy ending.

Alex picked up his sleeping daughter and carried her into the house, to the master bedroom Roxanne occupied. “I'll just lay her here where she'll be near you until she wakes.” It was a lame excuse, but it was all he had. What he really wanted to do was pull the confused, almost tearful woman standing quietly beside him into his arms and kiss the hell out of her. But he valued his honor as much as his word. He couldn’t take things with her any further until he could see his way clear of this mess and he didn’t feel he could tell her the truth until he fixed everything.

He turned to leave. She reached out to stop him. He hesitated and waited for her to say what was on her mind.

“Alex, I sense a change in you. You’re distant. Almost fearful. I asked you before if I had done something or said something that offended you, but perhaps I should have asked my question another way.” She came around to face him, her hands on his arms, and her sad eyes pleading with him to be honest with his answers.

“What do you mean? What other way could you ask me if something is wrong?” He wanted to pull her close and tell her what was in his heart. But guilt kept him from reaching out for her.

“Is there something I haven’t done that has made you doubt my feelings for you?” Her eyes dropped to the place where her hands touched his bare arms and then her fingers moved toward his shirt buttons. She unbuttoned the top one first, then one-by-one, she undid them until the waistband of his pants prevented her further access.

Alex's heart slammed against this ribs and his breath hung in expectation.

He placed his hands onRoxanne’s slender waist and forced himself to go no further. He wasn’t sure he was strong enough to resist her, but he knew he could not allow her to do something she would later regret.

Roxanne took a step closer, her fingers moving from his waistband to touch his chest no longer hidden by his shirt. He watched the passion in her eyes as her fingers traced a trail of heat across his stomach and up his chest. Her touch sent a bolt of white-hot desire to his nether region and he knew he was close to the point of no return.

Alex had never wanted anything more in his life than to make love to her as if tonight was all that mattered. But he knew that wasn’t possible, because tomorrow would always be there to remind him of his broken promises. He had nothing he could offer this amazing woman until he could find a solution to his many problems, and he loved her too much to allow her to give herself to him when she didn’t know about Kate.

“Roxanne,“ he whispered as he gently pushed her away. “I...”

She stepped back and he saw her hurt in her eyes…her embarrassment on her cheeks. “I'm sorry. I thought... I mean, it seems that I have misunderstood our,,,situation.” She turned away from him and made a show of covering the still sleeping Grace with a blanket.

He wanted to take away the pain in her eyes. He wanted to offer her everything she wanted, but he couldn’t. At least, not right now with his future so uncertain.

“It is I who should apologize to you. I have never wanted any woman more than I want you right now. There is nothing I would cherish more than to strip away everything between us and spend the rest of the night exploring each other’s body beneath those sheets,” he said in earnest. His eyes never leaving hers.

Hope flared in her eyes.

“But I can't.” Alex saw her doubt return, so he hurried on with the only explanation he could give her now. “Not until I can make this ranch pay off. Not until I can support you... and Grace, and right now, I don’t know if I can do that. That isn’t the kind of future I want for you—for us. Do you understand what I am saying?”

Alex watched Roxanne’s emotions flicker across her face until finally she smiled. Tears pooling in her beautiful brown eyes.

“At last, I believe I do. You cannot promise me a future until you can be assured we will all have a home here on the ranch. Is that it?” The hope had returned, and he didn't have the heart to take it away again.

“That's part of it,” he offered by way of explanation, though he knew there was much more he should be explaining.

“Well, that is the part I can do something about.” She smiled at him, her whole heart lighting up her face. How on earth had he found someone as sweet and loving and—

“Did you hear what I said, Alex? I can help you turn this ranch into the kind of place most people only dream about. We can make it a reality.”

He smiled at her enthusiasm. She was a city girl. She had no idea what kind of work—or money—it would take to make this place the kind of showplace she was describing.

“I appreciate your eagerness, Roxanne, and you've already done more than”—he almost said his wife’s name—“most people would have done. You cook. You clean. You take care of my daughter,” he cast a loving glance to the little girl curled up in his bed. “I can’t ask for more than that.”

“You aren't asking, Alex. I'm offering. And I can give you the one thing you need most.”

His gaze dropped to her lips and weighed his conscious. “I can't take what you are offering, Roxanne. It wouldn't be gentlemanly of me.”

Her eyes darkened with passion. “I don't think we're talking about the same thing.”

“We aren't?” he whispered at her seduction.

Her luscious lips curled in a coquettish smile. “No, we’re not. I'm certain I know what you are talking about. And though I'm not convinced it would be ungentlemanly of you considering how I—we feel about each other, but that’s not what I’m talking about.”

She glanced at Grace still sleeping soundly. A soft snore assured them both she was not privy to their conversation.

He watched Roxanne lean into him. She looked up into his eyes and then kissed him on his lips. “I'm talking about giving you money, Alex. Lots of money. As much as you need.”

Chapter 11

Roxanne hadn't meant to tell Alex about her money. It just sort of…came out. What on earth had she been thinking? He hadn't even told her he loved her yet, much less asked her to marry him.

She had a fair amount of experience with the games men played when they wanted a woman. And she knew without a doubt that Alex wanted her. She could feel his blatant desire every time he kissed her. She could see it in his eyes, every time he looked at her with such passion. And she knew his emotions were real and not some ploy to get something from her. She felt so close to having the love she had only read about in books. And all she needed to do to make it happen was a to help Alex make his ranch successful because a successful ranch meant Alex could afford to propose. He had said as much to her.

Alex didn’t know about her money, not really. He had no idea how much she actually had. And past experiences had taught her that a man’s head could be turned at the mention of the almighty dollar, especially a lot of them.

She hadn’t told Alex how much money she cold give him. Let him think what he wanted, but she knew they had fallen for each other and money had never been mentioned. As far as Alex knew, she was a working class woman with limited means. She would rather keep it that way until he proposed because he couldn’t live one day without her.

Roxanne chastised herself. Old habits were hard to break and none of her objections matter because Alex had flatly refused her help. He had called her sweet and generous and said that although he did need money for his ranch, he wouldn’t take hers. And he was grateful for her willingness to help, but what kind of man would he be if he took the money she had worked so hard to save.

Part of her wanted to explain who she was and tell him she held the answers to all his problems in a bank account in Boston. A very large bank account. But, another part of her still hoped for the fairy tale ending where he couldn’t live without her... and that was before he learned about her money.

If she looked closely at her feelings, she realized she sounded jaded. After all, hadn’t he refused to take her money? But if he knew she was wealthy—very wealthy—and not a working class woman who scrimped and saved her pennies, would he still refuse? That was part of the reason she hesitated to tell him everything. She had seen too many men tempted by the lure of wealth. The other part was because he had yet to say he loved her. And until he did, she would keep her secret.

She heard his footsteps on the porch outside. She turned to see him enter the kitchen and gave him a welcoming smile. He smiled back. “I'm expecting a very important telegram from New Orleans today. Would you like to ride into town with me?”

“I would like that very much,” she answered, but remained standing in front of the sink, waiting for him to make the next move.

She pulled her gaze away from his and studied the dishrag in her hand. She couldn’t bear for him to see her raw emotions.

“Roxanne. Please look at me.” His voice pulled her gaze back to his. She watched him hesitate, his blue eyes silently pleading with her to listen. “You are so special, Roxanne. To me and my daughter. I hope you understand my refusal of your very sweet offer last night had nothing to do with you and everything to do with me and my situation. If I wasn’t a man of honor, I would have taken you then and there. But I couldn’t do that without knowing I can keep my promises to you.”

Roxanne’s pulse raced at the emotion in his words. Go on, she silently begged.

“I don’t want your body”—he stopped short and Roxanne’s heart stopped too—”without your heart. Can you understand that?”

Relief relaxed the tension in her body. She nodded. “Yes, I do understand and I respect your honesty. You are truly an honorable man.”

He looked away and she realized she had embarrassed him. She hurried on so he would know how she felt. “But know this, Alex. I'm not a silly debutante with stars in my eyes. I see the real world and I know what it takes to make a marriage work.” Roxanne paused for a heartbeat, then looked him straight in the eye and added, “I'm up for the challenge. Whenever you are.”

Her pulse raced at the smile he gave her. He let out a long breath before he spoke. “I have no doubt about that, Roxanne. I have not a single doubt about that at all.”

She smiled back at him. “Now about that ride into town. I’ll go get our little Grace ready.”

Go get our little Grace ready. She realized what she had said halfway up the stairs. They were almost a family. All she needed was for Alex to tell her that he loved her.

Half an hour later, Roxanne sat next to Alex in the carriage with Grace between them. As she looked out over the stunning colors of the rugged Colorado terrain, she realized it had been a while since she’d written to Mari.

Her sister would be delighted to hear all the wonderful things Roxi had discovered since she arrived in Colorado. And wouldn’t her sister be curious about her adventures on a ranch? Roxanne grinned to herself as she pictured Mari pouring over her letter trying to read between the lines.

Her sister was pretty good at that so she decided it best not to reveal too much about Alex, at least not until she herself was sure about his feelings. The only sure way she knew for that to happen was for him to profess his love for her and propose. Otherwise, she could only be guessing.

After all, a girl must never assume. It was the surest way to a broken heart.

* * *

After Alex dropped Roxanne and Grace at Regina’s, he made his way to the telegraph office. He could only hope today’s trip to town did not end the same as yesterday’s.

He tied his mare to the hitching post and took a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever news awaited him. He stepped into the telegraph office and all he could hear was the boardwalk creaking under his boots and his heartbeat pounding in his ears.

“Good morning. I’m Alex Harp. I was in here yesterday and sent a telegram to New Orleans. Did I get an answer to that telegram ?”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Harp. Came in yesterday just before six o'clock.” The man handed him the envelope over the counter. Alex's heart raced as he took the envelope and ripped it open.

He rushed through the words and then re-read it slower the second time just to make certain he was reading it correctly. The third time he read it, he thought he should probably sit down.

Dear Son,

I was shocked to hear about Kate. Stop. Her parents believe she may have gone to Chicago. Stop. Her father sends his regrets. Stop. He feels responsible for his daughter’s behavior. Stop. He’s wired five thousand dollars to your bank in Durango. Stop. I wired ten thousand more. Stop. I love you, son. Stop.

J. Harp

Alex felt his shoulders slump in relief. Fifteen thousand dollars would go a long way to getting his debt squared away. It would also give him the money he needed to hire an attorney in New Orleans and file for divorce from Kate no matter where the heartless harlot was hiding.

He turned and grinned at the man behind the counter. “Thank you!”

“By the look on your face, you got some good news.”

“The best news I could have ever hoped for.”

He gave the man a two-bit tip and rushed outside toward the bank. He needed to see that money in his account before he was completely sure everything was going to be alright. In his haste, he collided with his friend, John.

“Whoa, there, cowboy.” A surprised John stepped back. “Alex? Is something wrong? Everything okay with Grace? Roxanne?”

Alex could see the worry on his friend's face. “No. No. Just the contrary. I got a telegram from my father. I have been waiting for word about an unexpected financial situation I found myself in—”

“I didn’t know you were having money problems, Alex. You could have come to me, you know.”

Alex felt the guilt sour his stomach. John had always been a true friend to him. Someone he could count on. Would he still feel the same when he discovered Alex’s deceit? Whether it was intentional or not. He hated the thought of losing his friendship. Perhaps, once Alex had his divorce and could offer Roxi the secure future she deserved, John might be able to forgive him. He just hoped Regina could.

John nodded to a couple passing by and waited for them to fade out of earshot.

“You know you can tell me anything, right?” John’s earnest expression pricked at Alex’s conscience.

“Yes. I know. You’ve always been a true friend to me, but this was something I needed to fix on my own. You understand, don’t you?”

“Of course. And I’m glad everything seems to have worked out, but if you need help in the future, you know you can come to me.” John looked at him from underneath his dark brows.

“Yes, I know that, but—” Alex wrestled with his conscience. Now that he had enough money to fix all his financial woes and get a divorce from Kate, should he tell John the whole story.

“I sense something is bothering you, Alex. I’m happy to listen if you need an ear,” John offered.

“There's something you should know. I should have told you the truth in the beginning, but I hope you’ll try to understand my situation before you write me off as your friend. Hell, you may even decide to shoot me.” Alex blurted out his words before he gave himself a chance to change his mind. It was too late to turn back now.

John frowned. “That sounds rather ominous. How about we walk down to my hotel and talk in my office? From the sound of things, this isn't a conversation we should be having on the street. Especially if I'm going to have to shoot you. I'd prefer not to shock the sensibilities of Durango's female population by littering the boardwalk with dead bodies.”

Alex cut a look sideways at his friend. He was certain he was kidding, but then again, John didn't know what he was about to tell him either.

He left his carriage and horse tied up in front of the telegraph office and walked beside John to his hotel. They entered the elegant lobby and he followed John down the familiar hallway to his office. A group of women met them halfway.

“Oh, I forgot today is the weekly meeting of The Ladies Club of Durango. Stay up with me and keep walking or some marriage-minded momma will waylay you and bore you with the long, long list of her daughter's charms,” John whispered, as they approached the gaggle of chattering ladies.

“Which one?” Alex whispered back. He wanted to make certain he avoided her.

“All of them.” John grinned. “Hello, Ladies. I'm sorry we can't stop to chat. Important business. Good day, ladies.” John smoothly led him through the group and into his office. He waved to them down the hallway and closed the door behind them.

“Whew, that was a close one.” John teased and took his seat behind his desk. “Care for a drink?”

He really could use something to bolster his courage right about now, but it was a tad early, so he declined.

John took his place behind his desk and faced Alex. “How are things at the ranch?” John asked, but Alex knew what John was eluding to. “You mean how are things going between me and Roxanne?”

John grinned. “Yes, I suppose that's what I'm asking. How are you two... getting along?”

Alex thought about his answer for a moment. “Things are going great. In fact, that’s part of what I wanted to talk to you about.”

John frowned. “You said earlier you had something to tell me and I wasn’t going to like it. Have you compromised Roxanne in some way?”

“No. Hell, no. I wouldn’t do that, John. I have too much respect for her. And for you and Regina.”

John’s relief was evident. He relaxed and nodded. “Good. That’s real good. So, what is it you think you’ve done that I wouldn’t like?” John pushed for an answer to Alex’s cryptic comment earlier.

“Well, I know that you and Regina hold Roxanne in high esteem. As do I. And although we have not slept together, we have come close on more than one occasion. We have feelings for each other. In fact, I’m in love with Roxanne and I am pretty sure she feels the same way about me.”

John frowned. “So, what’s the problem? Sounds like you two are moving along in the right direction.”

“Yes. But there is something about my situation that you should know.” Alex swallowed hard to keep his voice from shaking with nerves.

“Situation? I’m not sure I like the sound of that.” John eyed him with curiosity.

“Yes, I am planning to ask Roxanne to marry me, but there are some complications that may make that a bit difficult—complications we…I still need to work through.”

“Yes, I can imagine there will be many obstacles standing in your way, but I’m assuming if you two are determined to move forward and marry, you’ll find a way to overcome them.”

“Obstacles?” John’s comment caught him off guard. He took a moment to think about what John had said. What obstacles could he be talking about? He was the one with the mountain-sized problems, but since he hadn’t told John just what those were yet, then he must be talking about Roxanne. What kind of obstacles could she be facing?

“Don’t worry. I know you two will figure it out. Regina is going to be so excited to hear the good news and while this may be a tad premature, let me be the first to welcome you to our family.”

John stood and walked around the desk toward him, hand extended. Alex instinctively stood and shook his hand. What the hell was happening? Stunned, Alex watched John pour two crystal glasses full of the expensive Scotch he had declined earlier. Something told him he should probably drink it down so he promptly tossed the contents down his throat.

John grinned at him and clapped him on the back. “Congratulations, my friend. I have to admit I was rooting for you.”

Alex stammered trying to make sense of what was happening. “I—John, I’m not sure…I mean…I don’t think I understand what’s going on here. What are you talking about and whose family are you welcoming me in to?”

“Why, our family, of course. My family. Since Regina and Roxanne are first cousins, that makes us cousins-in-law.”

Alex could hear the pounding of his heart beating in his ears. He stared at John and tried to make sense of what he was saying. “Who are first cousins? Roxanne and Regina? When did that happen?” Alex felt the blood rush from his head to his feet.

John laughed and then stopped short. “Alex, are you saying you didn't know Roxanne and Regina were cousins?”

“No, I thought Roxanne was an employee…a valued employee...maybe even a good friend, but cousins? No. I had no clue. I mean…I met her at your school that day I came to find someone to care for Grace. I—she was working there, and I just assumed that she...”

“She wasn’t working there. She volunteered to help teach the children to color. She’s just here for a few weeks this summer, but I assumed that since you two are—interested in each other…um, she didn’t say anything about her going back to Boston at the end of August to—” John stopped short and Alex knew now he was the one keeping a secret.

“To what, John? Roxanne is going back to Boston in the fall to what?” Alex asked the question, but he wasn’t sure he wanted an answer.

“She’s supposed to get married, Alex. But I thought since you and she were…well, I just assumed when you said obstacles, you were talking about Roxanne’s fiancé.”

“Married? Roxanne is engaged?” Alex’s mind was slow to catch up, but he sensed his heart had already grasped the truth and it hurt like hell.

“She's never mentioned Boston?” John asked, sympathy etched across his face.

Alex shook his head no.

“And she’s never mentioned her trust fund?”

“Trust fund?” Alex felt like his brain was sloshing through molasses trying to make sense of what was happening.

He swallowed the lump of emotion in his throat and shoved it down deep to settle next to Kate’s betrayal. Alex thought he knew Roxanne. She was so kind and considerate and hardworking and... and honest. He would have sworn she didn’t have a deceptive bone in her body. And just like his bitch of a wife, Roxanne had turned his world upside down. He shook his head in denial. “No, she never said a word. Not. One. Damn. Word.”

Chapter 12

Roxanne had left Grace at the nursery school so the little girl could spend time playing with other children her age, while she and Regina spent the morning chatting and making plans for her future. She had written to her parents only once since she had arrived in Durango. It was time to begin the process of informing them she had found the husband they sought for her, but he was not the owner of a great fleet of ships. Instead, he was a handsome cowboy with a herd of horses and a little girl who had stolen her heart.

Over the next couple of months, she would write to her parents and share the details of her adventures here. Eventually, she would include the news that she had met someone. Someone special. And then she would introduce him to her parents as the man she wished to marry, and she would be moving to Durango permanently. She grinned to herself as she imagined her perfect life with Grace and Alex.

“You are doing it again, Roxi.”

Regina's voice pulled Roxanne out of the clouds once more. “I’m sorry. I’m not very good company today, am I?” she mused.

“Nonsense. I am thrilled you have found someone you can make a life with. You deserve every happiness Alex can give you. Has he actually asked you to marry him?”

“No, he hasn’t asked, but he has given me every indication that he intends to do so,” Roxanne paused, then decided to tell Regina everything. “I almost told him about my trust fund yesterday.”

“And why didn’t you?”

“Old habits, I suppose. Can you understand my hesitation?”

Regina nodded. “Yes, I certainly do. A woman cannot be too careful when it comes to her heart...or her money. When I thought John had betrayed me and I believed there was no hope for us, my heart was broken. The pain was unbearable.”

“Yes, I was there, remember? If it weren’t for me and Marianne, I’m not sure your stubborn pride wouldn’t have allowed you to forgive him,” Roxi teased her cousin.

“I fear you’re right, and I will always be in debt to you and Mari for your insight, persistence, and, of course, both of your bullying skills.” Regina laughed.

“I wanted to tell Alex, but…I suppose I wanted to wait until he pledged his love to me first. Again, old habits die hard,” Roxi admitted.

Regina gave her a knowing look. “Then I pray you have your chance to tell Alex soon, dear cousin. You deserve every happiness. And I pray you never get your heart broken. As I said, the pain is unbearable.”

“I hope I don’t either because I watched as you suffered and I wouldn’t want to experience that kind of heartbreak first hand.”

The sound of a carriage rolling to a stop outside Regina’s house caught their attention. Regina rose and pulled the window curtain back to get a better look. “It’s a woman.”

Roxanne rose and stood beside her at the window. “Were you expecting anyone?”

“No. I don’t even think I know her. At least, I don’t recognize her from here. I hope I haven’t made a commitment I’ve forgotten about. That is going to be so embarrassing if I have.”

Regina stepped back from the window and smoothed her skirts. Will you help me? Straighten the tea cart, and I will speak with Cook to see if she can quickly make some little tea sandwiches. I’ll only be a moment.”

“Of course.” Roxanne busied herself with clearing the tea cart and straightening the chairs when a knock at the front door announced the arrival of their unexpected visitor.

“Regina?” Roxanne called out.

“I’m coming. Please invite the woman in and offer her a seat.

Roxanne gazed around the room. Satisfied everything was in order to welcome their guest, she patted her hair and opened the front door just as the woman knocked a second time.

“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting. Please. Do come in.” A very attractive blonde woman dressed in the latest fashion nodded and entered the foyer. Roxanne extended her arm to show the woman the way into the main salon.

Roxanne followed her and studied her without appearing to be studying her. It was a skill every young woman of social standing in Boston learned at an early age. Observing one’s competition provided an advantage over the hordes of debutantes competing for a husband. Roxanne hadn’t used the skill since she wasn’t the husband-hunting type, but that didn’t mean she didn’t know how it was done.

She followed the woman into Regina's main parlor and took in every detail. It was evident she came from money. Her stylish clothes were custom made to fit her tall, slender frame. The expensive kid gloves were dyed to match the rose color of her dress. And her jewelry—matching sapphire earrings and necklace—were exquisite and must have cost a fortune. But it was the stunning diamond wedding ring that intrigued Roxanne. It was obvious the woman was not from Durango.

The woman walked ahead of her and stood in the main parlor as Regina entered the room. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here to greet you. I’ve arranged for some refreshments. Please, have a seat.” Regina offered her a chair. Roxanne took a seat opposite the woman giving Regina the chair next to her. When everyone was seated, Regina spoke to the woman. “Now, please tell me what I can do for you today.”

The woman nodded in greeting and looked around the room, taking in every detail. Regina sent Roxanne a look and a shrug that said she still had no idea who the woman was or why she was here.

Finally, after a few moments of silence, the woman returned her attention to Regina with a casual glance in Roxanne’s direction. “I do apologize for my unannounced appearance at your front door. I’m not usually so socially inept, but in this case, I do have a good reason. I hope you will give me a moment to explain.”

Regina frowned at the woman in confusion. “Well, of course. We don’t stand on such formal edicts here in Durango. Please, tell us how we can help you?”

The woman nodded. “I just arrived in Durango and I’m trying to find someone who can tell me of my husband’s whereabouts. The man at the train station ticket office said he was certain you and your husband, John Kingston, were friends of his and would know how to find him. Am I at the right house? You are Regina Kingston, are you not?”

Regina nodded. “Yes, of course. You have found the right address. And it is possible I do know your husband. I’ve been in Durango quite some time. What is your husband’s name?”

The woman’s shoulders slumped in relief. “That is excellent news. Let me introduce myself. My name is Kate Harp and my husband’s name is Alex. Alexander Harp. Perhaps you’ve heard of him?

Roxanne exchanged a shocked look with Regina just before the arrow of pain hit her dead center. She could barely draw in a breath for fear her heart would shatter into a million sad little pieces. It was then she remembered what Regina had said about a broken heart. And the pain was, indeed, unbearable.

* * *

Alex was still reeling from the news that Roxanne was Regina Kingston’s cousin. She was a wealthy woman with enough money to put a silver saddle on every horse he owned. No wonder she offered to give him money to solve his problems. She wasn’t a schoolteacher. She was a damned heiress.

And she was returning to her home in Boston. In September. At least he thought that’s what John said. To get married. She had played him for a fool. First Kate and now Roxanne. He might be a good judge of horseflesh, but he was a piss-poor judge of a woman’s character. He was a damned fool.

He knew John was beside him as he walked the few blocks from the hotel to John’s home. His friend had tried to talk some sense into him. “Don’t go off half-cocked, Alex. It won’t end well.” It had already not ended well. What else could go wrong?

He saw the house at the end of the block. Roxanne was inside waiting for him to pick her up and take her back to the ranch. And all because she had talked her father into letting her have some time away from her real life to find adventure before she returned to Boston to marry some shipping millionaire. So, he and his little daughter were nothing more than ‘an adventure’ to a rich heiress who wanted to sew her wild oats before she married. Damn it.

It was painfully obvious to him now that he knew all the facts. He was her summer adventure. A little summer romance far away from the prying eyes of her parents. And her fiancé. The thought made Alex sick to his stomach. And angry. He was spittin’ mad and he wanted Roxanne Sheffield to admit to his face the ugly truth. That she was a selfish creature having her fun at his expense. And Grace’s. That thought made him even more furious. How dare this woman use his daughter to play her games.

He threw open the iron gate leading up the walk to John and Regina's front door.

“Alex. I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t involve Regina in this situation. I’m sure she’s—”

He whirled on his friend. “Do you think Roxanne and Regina haven’t already discussed this? Come on, John. You can’t be that naïve. They are cousins, remember? First cousins. Like sisters, you said. Yeah, Regina knows all about Roxanne’s escapades. What else do you think they sit and talk about when she comes into town? Me. And how easy it was to make me fall in love with her all the while pretending to be a damned schoolteacher. What a joke.”

He didn’t wait for John’s response. Instead, he turned and stomped up the stone path leading to the front door. He didn’t bother knocking, instead he burst through the door like a charging bull, which is exactly what he felt like.

He was halfway into the main parlor before he realized Regina and Roxanne were not alone. Three women stood when he thundered into the room. John rushed in right behind him. “Alex, I really wish you would calm down before...” Then he stopped too when he realized they had company.

Blood pounded in his ears as his brain tried to make sense of what was happening.

“Hello, Alex. I’m surprised to see you and I’m certain you are quite surprised to see me here in Durango. I hope it is a happy surprise none the less.” The blond woman spoke with that cocksure attitude of hers.

“Kate. What the hell are you doing here?”

“Now is that any way to greet your wife?”

Alex had intended to march into John and Regina's home with righteous indignation and crucify one Miss Roxanne Sheffield for failing to tell him the truth about who she was. But that was before he realized his supposedly deceased wife was standing right in front of him—and everyone else—looking very much alive.

The minute he made eye contact with Roxanne, his anger disappeared. His secret was out and the woman he had hoped to marry was mentally half way back to Boston. It no longer mattered that she played him for a fool. It was his deception and dishonesty that was now on display for everyone to see.

The look in Roxanne’s eyes nearly broke him. She ran up the stairs and slammed the door was such force, the downstairs windows rattled in their frames. John stood beside Regina, still in the dark about what was going on under his roof. But when Regina made the introductions, the look his friend gave him seemed to predict that John could shoot him dead as promised.

Alex knew there was no point in trying to explain the intricacies of how it all happened in the space of a few minutes. He had a little girl to think about. Now that Kate had returned, he needed to determine what her intentions were regarding their—his daughter. He would not allow the stranger he had once shared his bed with to hurt that little girl. Ever again.

John’s words pulled him out of his misery, if only for a moment. “Alex, I know your character and I’m certain there is more to this situation than meets the eye, but I think it best you and...your wife leave until we can get this all sorted out. I think it best Grace stay here with Regina…at least for tonight.”

John escorted them to his front door and the resounding slam behind them made it clear that John was in no mood to hear him out. At least not at present and it saddened him to think that he may have lost his oldest and dearest friend.

“Well, there’s obviously something going on that I’m not privy to, Alex. What have you done?” Kate’s accusation fed his anger.

“What have I done?” He could barely get his words out he was so furious. He pulled Kate along the boardwalk toward the hotel by her arm.

“Alex, what has gotten into you? You’re hurting me and people are watching,” she whined.

He pulled her along, not bothering to look at her or utter a single word. When he reached the hotel lobby, he dragged Kate straight to a table in the restaurant. After the waitress took their order and left, Alex turned to his wife. “What the hell do you want, Kate? Why are you here and where the hell is my money?”

“Alex, darling. I would think that obvious. I missed you—”

“Cut the bullshit, Kate. You haven’t missed me. Or Grace. So, out with it. Why are you really here? What do you want?”

Kate tried to manipulate him as she always did. First with a pout, then she managed to squeeze out a few tears. But they weren’t real, and he knew it. Finally, she wiped her eyes and pulled out a pocket mirror and studied her reflection. Satisfied she hadn’t done damage to her appearance, she shoved the mirror back into her reticle and the real Kate appeared. Cold. Calculating. Conniving.

“I’m out of funds, Alex, and as my husband, it is your responsibility to give me more. I haven’t had a new hat in weeks.” She sniffed her indignation at the unthinkable prospect.

He sneered at the woman sitting across from him. “And what is your responsibility as my wife, Kate? And to our daughter? You seem to have forgotten that marriage is a two-way street.”

“Alex, we both know our marriage was a mistake from the very beginning. You and I are not alike. We don’t suit one another at all. I have done my duty as your wife and given you a child to the detriment of my body, I might add. What more could you possibly expect from me?”

“I don’t want anything from you, Kate. That’s the point. Your trip here was a waste of time. I’m buying you a one-way ticket back to New Orleans. You are your parent’s problem now. Not mine.”

“But I don’t have any money, Alex. Surely, you can’t expect me to return to New Orleans without—”

“I don’t give a damn, Kate. You had money. My money. A lot of my money. Where is it?” he demanded.

She shrugged her shoulders. “I have no idea. It just...went. That’s all.”

“How did you get the money in the first place?”

“Let’s just say I had a friend that worked in the bank. He and I had an arrangement of sorts. Unfortunately, after the money was all gone, he left me and I haven’t seen him since.”

He gripped the edge of the chair to keep from choking the life out of the woman seated across from him. Would a judge convict him of murder once he learned what kind of person Kate was and what she was capable of doing? Maybe. Maybe not. Was it worth it to him to find out?

He shook his head and took a deep breath to calm his pounding heart. “I’ll tell you what I am going to do. I’m going to pay for a room here at the hotel for one night. Then, tomorrow morning, I’m escorting you to the train station. You are going to get on that train with a one-way ticket to New Orleans, and if I ever hear from you again, if you ever try to contact me or Grace, you’ll wish you hadn’t.”

“Is that a threat, Alex? I’m surprised. I didn’t think you had the nerve.” Kate tried to demean him and make him feel inferior to her. It was another trick she used to keep him in line. It wasn’t going to work this time.

“Say what you will, Kate, but I’m filing for divorce and you won’t contest it. Grace stays with me and you get no support. Are we clear?”

“How dare you try to take my daughter—”

“Oh knock it off, Kate. You don’t care a thing about Grace. You haven’t seen her in months, and you haven’t asked about her since you’ve arrived. You’ll sign the papers, Kate, or I’ll have the law waiting on you and your lover when you get back to New Orleans for embezzlement. You can count on it.”

Her eyes squinted into cat-like slits. “You wouldn’t dare create such a scandal. I wouldn’t be able to hold up my head in New Orleans.”

“I don’t give a damn about your social standing. That’s the deal. Sign the divorce papers or go to jail for conspiring to commit fraud. You had no right to that money. It was mine.”

She refused to answer. Just then, a familiar face entered the dining room. “Stay here. There’s someone I need to talk to.” Alex rose and made his way through the crowded dining room to the table of Judge William E. Baker. “Excuse me, Judge Baker. Could I have a moment of your time?”

John’s friend looked up and stood. “Of course. Please sit down, Alex. What can I do for you?” Alex took a seat and Judge Baker sat back down. “I know you don’t know me very well, but I have a favor to ask.” Alex’s heart punched his ribs at using his friendship with John to ask a favor of a federal judge, but his back was against the wall.

“Of course, I’ll do what I can.” Judge Baker studied him from across the table, his face open and friendly.

“I need a divorce.”

The man sat back in surprise. “Divorce? I thought your wife was deceased.”

“It’s a long story and I won’t bore you with the sordid details, but she’s alive and well, and sitting right over there.” He pointed to where Kate was sitting, just as the waitress brought her a crystal flute and a bottle of champagne. Alex grimaced at the woman’s unceasing extravagance.

“I see. And this situation is known to John and his wife?” Alex could see understanding on the man’s face. One didn’t get to be a federal judge by being stupid, that much was obvious.

“Yes, they are aware of Kate’s…return from the dead, as is Miss Sheffield.” He didn’t elaborate.

“I see,” he repeated himself.

“I want divorce papers drawn up so Kate can sign them before she leaves town. I don’t trust her to keep her promise once she’s out of my sight.”

“And where were you two married? The divorce would need to be secured there as your residency here has not been long enough to meet the statute.”

“New Orleans. We were married in New Orleans, Louisiana.”

“Ah, New Orleans. One of my favorite towns. And, it just so happens that I do have a college friend who is practicing law in New Orleans. He moved there to be closer to a young woman he had taken a fancy to. I’m not sure they are still together, but... never mind, that doesn’t matter. I can make a few inquiries into who would be hearing your case and granting your petition for divorce if that would help.”

“I’d like this to move along as quickly as possible, Judge Baker. How much will this cost?” Alex mentally tallied how much money he would have left after he paid for the horses coming from Cheyenne and his mercantile bill.

“I think I can call in a few favors. After all, any friend of John’s is a friend of mine.”

“I’m not sure John considers me a friend any longer. Not after I misrepresented my situation.”

“I’d like to hear the whole story before I decide that, if you don’t mind.” John’s voice spoke from behind Alex just before his friend pulled up a chair at the table and sat down next to him.

Grateful for the chance to explain, he told John and Will the whole sordid story. The surprise note at the train station. Needing someone to care for Grace. The misunderstanding resulting in his hiring Roxanne. The lies to protect them both. And finally about the day he realized he had fallen in love with her.

After half an hour, John agreed Alex could have handled the situation better, but he understood the difficult position he was in. And he couldn’t guarantee that hearing his explanation would mean Regina would absolve him of his transgressions against her cousin, but he would try to intervene if he could.

Alex was relieved when Judge Baker agreed to have the divorce petition drawn up that afternoon. He’d get Kate to sign and then send her back to New Orleans. Grace would never know her mother had slithered in or out of town.

He thanked his friends and walked back over to the table where his soon-to-be ex-wife sat swilling expensive Champaign. Kate was deep into the bottle of champagne by then. “Alex, darling. Why don’t we go up to our room and have a little fun,” she cooed.

“I’ll be up later with the divorce petition for you to sign. After that, Kate, you and I are done.” He threw down money to pay for the meal and walked out. If he never laid eyes on that woman again, it would be too damn soon. He sent up a special prayer for her parents, Mr. And Mrs. Bishop. Her parents were gonna need all the help they could get dealing with their very unhappy, selfish, and conniving daughter.

Now, all he had to do was figure out how he was going to rebuild his life without the one woman he was convinced he couldn’t live without...Roxanne Sheffield.

Chapter 13

Roxanne had been gone from Durango almost two weeks before her things from the ranch finally arrived in Boston. After the great reunion scene played out in Regina's main parlor between Alex, the man she had convinced herself was her happily ever after, and his supposedly dead wife, she remained at Regina’s refusing to go back to the ranch. It nearly broke her heart to not be able to say goodbye to Grace. She loved that little girl like... no, she wasn’t going to go down that road again. It was over.

She threw another pillow across the room. Unfortunately, it hit her twin sister square in the face just as she entered Roxanne’s bedroom.

“Don’t you think you’ve moped long enough over that cowboy of yours?” Her sister threw the pillow back at her and Roxi batted it away.

“He’s not my cowboy. Remember? He has a wife.” Her bitterness evident in her sarcasm.

Her sister sat next to her on the settee. Her sympathetic gaze made Roxanne feel bad for being so spiteful to her. It wasn’t Marianne’s fault Alex was a liar…and a cheat.

“I think you should get out of this room. Get some fresh air. You haven’t even ventured to the garden to read those books of yours since you’ve been home.” Mari cajoled her, but Roxi wasn’t in the mood.

“Go with me to Ella Bayfield's garden party tomorrow? It isn’t too late to add one more guest to the acceptance list. I know Mrs. Bayfield won’t mind one bit if you come along. Please? Do it for me?”

Marianne had begged her to come to every social event her sister had attended since Roxi had run home with her heart in shambles. Now fall was here and she and her family were preparing for her…wedding. Not her fairy tale wedding to her Prince Charming because that wasn’t real. No, her fairy tale had turned into a nightmare straight from hell.

“For the last time, Marianne. I do not wish to go to a garden party. Or a dance. Or any other such gathering where there are men present. I don’t have the strength or the patience to pretend I care about their silly chatter.

“I’m over my belief in a fairy tale ending. There’s no such thing, as you so often have pointed out. So, there you have it. You were right and I was wrong. End of subject. Now, will you please leave me in peace?”

Her sister pulled her hand into hers. “Roxanne, I understand you are disappointed in your cowboy, but in all sincerity, did you really think a man like that would play fair with you? He’s a cowboy. They are drifters. And they are always dirty. Why I’ve seen them on the streets of Boston when the rodeo comes to town. They roll around in the street punching at each other. They smell of sweaty horses and they have the most ungodly things stuck to the bottom of their dirty boots. It is all so disgusting. I don’t know how you stood it so long. Now, if you had found someone like Regina's husband—a handsome businessman—then perhaps I would have championed your petition to marry him, but as it is...”

Roxanne thought about setting her sister straight. She could explain that Alex was no ordinary cowboy. He was an educated man whose father owned a bank in New Orleans. But then her sister would point out that he was still a lying, no-good, heart stealer. And she couldn’t argue against that. Besides, it no longer mattered because Alex was married, and she was about to be—to someone else.

“Don’t worry about championing my cause, because I don’t have one. I’ve already given father my blessing for this marriage to Mr. Banks and I’ve accepted his proposal of marriage. The date for our wedding has been set for late-September. So everything is settled. And that is another reason why I have no desire to parade around on display at your garden party.” Roxanne didn’t try to hide her sarcasm from her sister.

“There’s no need to be nasty about it. Just because your misplaced idea of romance has been dashed by an uncouth cowboy, doesn’t mean everyone else’s has. I have always been the practical and it has served me well. I told you one day your willingness to let the wind blow you where it may would bring chaos to your world. And it is quite unfortunate, dear sister, but it seems my prediction has come true. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a garden party to attend.”

Marianne moved to rise, but Roxanne kept hold of her hand. “My dear, dear sister. I apologize for my bad temper. You don’t deserve my acrimony. Please, go and have a wonderful time at your garden party. And I hope you find someone who will make you deliriously happy.”

Marianne kissed her on her cheek. “You are forgiven. Now I must go, or I shall be late. There is actually a certain someone who has caught my eye.” Her sister gave her a sly look, but she didn’t stay long enough for Roxanne to inquire as to whom that certain someone was.

Alone once more, Roxanne pondered the days spent at the ranch and how happy she had been living with Alex and Grace. She wondered how Grace was getting on with her momma these days. She hoped the woman had a change of heart and realized what a very lucky woman she was to have a husband...the thought stopped her short. She had no business wondering about Alex, his wife, and that big four-poster bed she herself slept in for weeks. Alone.

A knock on her door and a soft voice drew her from her thoughts, “Roxanne, the dressmaker is here to measure you for your wedding dress. Please meet me in the grand parlor in half an hour, if you don’t mind.”

“Yes, Mother.” She heard her mother’s footsteps retreating down the hall. “I’ve got nothing better to do,” Roxanne mumbled under her breath.

She stood and walked across her bedroom to the vanity and sat on the upholstered stool.. The reflection staring back at her was one she was becoming all too familiar with since she returned from Durango. Dark half-moons rested beneath her once lively brown eyes. Now, they appeared dull and lifeless. She tried to put on a happy face for her family, but looking into her mirror she knew it was a hopeless situation.

Thoughts of Alex filled her mind. No matter how hard she fought to keep him out of her mind during the day, every night he took over her dreams. His arms around her. His lips caressing her mouth. His chest so strong and warm. Her dreams of him made her weak with desire. And led to many sleepless nights. Her fairy tale adventure had been nothing but an illusion. The Alex she longed for didn’t exist. The only thing real were her feelings for him.

It had only taken her a month to fall head over heels in love with him, but it would take her a lifetime to forget him. She didn’t have a lifetime, because she was getting married in two weeks.

She rose from her seat and pulled the large journal from the shelf beside her bed. She flipped the pages to the middle of the book where several telegrams lay folded. She had returned all of his letters. It was better that way. Though she admitted—if only to herself—she wished now that she had read them first. Not that any explanation mattered at this point, but it may have made her heart less…broken.

She shook her head. No, that wasn’t possible. Alex had made her fall in love with him—hopelessly in love with him—and he had a wife. There was nothing he could say that would justify that kind of blatant duplicity.

Roxanne stared at the pages of her journal for another minute or so. She was tempted to read through them again…just one more time, to remember how beautiful Alex’s ranch was, how much she loved sitting underneath the willow trees with Grace reading, standing at the kitchen sink and Alex turning her in his arms to kiss—

She slammed the book closed and threw it across the room. Alex Harp had lied bald-faced to her more times than she could count. She would never forgive him.

* * *

Alex sat on his big covered porch alone and stared at the finished fence surrounding the pasture where his new shipment of prime brood mares grazed in the knee-high tall grass. He had everything he had ever wanted. This ranch. A beautiful daughter. Money in the bank. And, thanks to John’s friend, Judge Baker, he now had a divorce from Kate.

It had taken every bit of the last two months to acquire it, but it was signed, sealed, and legal. Now, all he needed was a second chance for happiness, but that wasn’t gonna happen.

He refused to think about what could have been between him and Roxanne. And, he supposed it no longer mattered. She was beyond his reach. If he was being honest, now that he knew who she was, she had been beyond his reach all along.

During the last two months he spent trying to secure his divorce, he had sent her twelve telegrams and ten handwritten letters trying to explain what went wrong. He admitted to being a scoundrel. A cad. A blackguard. And any other names he could come up with. But all of his telegrams went unanswered even though the telegraph clerk assured him the messages had gone through. Alex grasped at straws and had the clerk in Durango check to see if the messages in Boston were delivered. They were. Every single one of them.

Roxanne had returned all of his letters unopened with the words no one at this address by that name scribbled in Roxanne’s distinctive handwriting. He knew she wasn’t pining away for him. After all, she was just in Durango for a few weeks to have some fun , but he wanted to explain how everything had happened. If he had known who she was, he would never have tried to hire her, but she lied to him and that fact brought him right back to the beginning of a vicious circle.

Grace had cried herself to sleep for two weeks after Alex explained to his daughter why Roxanne was gone. At least, as much as he could explain to a four-year-old. She had hugged him and whispered through her tears, “You were right, Papa. Roxanne was so sad she couldn’t fix momma being sick, she left us all alone.” His daughter’s words broke his heart.

He had hired another caretaker for Grace, but it wasn’t the same. Oh, the woman was capable of cooking and cleaning, but Grace no longer laughed or skipped as she had when Roxanne was here. His little girl did her chores when asked and studied her lessons without protest, but there was no joy in her blue eyes anymore. There was a sadness about her that a little girl her age should never experience. As her father, all the blame lay at his feet. He couldn’t even blame Kate for this one.

Alex sat on the porch swing and closed his eyes to allow himself a walk back in time. He wanted to remember how it felt to hold Roxanne close and kiss her under the wild, star-filled sky. He wanted to lay her down and...

The sound of a horse and carriage coming down the road pulled him back to the present. He squinted to see who would be visiting him this late in the afternoon. It looked like his friend, John and...Regina was with him. This can’t be good. He hadn’t spoken to Regina since the day Kate surprised them all. What could this mean?

He stepped off the porch and into the yard waiting for what, he had no idea. Whatever Regina had to say to him, he deserved it all.

The carriage slowed and then John pulled the horse to a stop in front of the hitching post. “Good afternoon, Alex.”

“John. Regina. What brings you two out my way?”

John stepped down and helped his wife from the carriage. “Regina had something she wanted to give you. Something that couldn’t wait it seems.”

He turned to Regina while John tied the horse to the hitching post. “Regina.” He didn’t know what to say so he left it up to her to start the conversation.

“Alex, I have a bone to pick with you.” She walked up the steps and into his house. He cast a questioning look at John who simply shrugged. “I guess I better get inside and take my licks.”

Alex opened the door for his friend and followed him inside. Regina was pacing the floor in front of his fireplace.

“Can I offer you something to drink? Or eat?” He offered.

They both shook their heads no. He wasn’t certain what he should do, so he offered Regina and John a seat. He took up his position by the fireplace, his arm on the mantel. He felt more in control standing. A quicker getaway he supposed was his reasoning. He took a deep breath and reopened the conversation. “You said you have a bone to pick with me, Regina. I can guess what that bone might be.”

Regina cradled her reticule in her lap. Alex thought it looked a bit heavy for a woman’s purse and wondered if there was a pistol in there. He swallowed hard.

“Let’s get right to the crux of the matter, Alex. Do you love Roxanne ?” Her words blunt and to the point.

“Uh, what?” That was not what he had been expecting her to say.

“Are you, or are you not, in love with my cousin?” Regina demanded an answer.

“I don’t really see how that matters now. I mean—“

“Just answer the question, Mr. Harp. Do you or don’t you?” Regina pushed for an answer, but why?

John spoke up. “Alex, I suggest you answer my wife’s question or we’ll be here all afternoon.”

“Well, of course, I’m in love with her,” Alex admitted with caution. Was this a trick question? One of the two was going to shoot him. He just knew it.

“Then why haven’t you gone after her? If you love her like you say you do, then do something to fix this.” Regina glowered at him so hard she had him pulling at the collar of his shirt certain it was strangling him under the weight of her glare.”

“I—did. Well, sort of. I mean I’ve sent her dozens of telegrams and as many letters. She refuses to acknowledge any of them. What am I suppose to do? I can’t leave the ranch.” His explanation sounded weak even to his own ears. “Her silence has made it clear she doesn’t want to hear anything I have to say,” he explained again.

“Have you gone to Boston to make her listen?”

“Go to Boston? What good would that do? Her father would probably shoot me on sight. I thought perhaps if I gave her some time to calm down, she might be more receptive to my explanation, but—”

“You don’t have time.” Regina reached into her reticle. Alex winced certain she was going after a loaded derringer. Instead, she pulled out a cream-colored envelope and handed it to him.

He took it and frowned in confusion. “What is this?”

“Open it up and read it,” Regina demanded.

He pulled the seal off the back and opened the envelope. There was an engraved card inside. He pulled it out and read it. Suddenly, his heart plummeted to his feet making it hard to breathe. “It’s a wedding invitation. For Roxanne.” He forced the words past his lips.

“That’s right. It’s a wedding invitation for Roxanne and Maximillian Banks. As you can see by the date, it is in two weeks. Apparently, my invitation was delayed, and I only just received it today. My question is what are you going to do about…this?” Regina pointed to the offending piece of mail in his shaking fingers.

Alex stared at the engraved names on the invitation. Roxanne Sheffield and Maximillian Banks. Roxanne was getting married...to a man named Maximillian. He had to admit he hated it.

“Well?” Regina's words stabbed at his pain.

“Well, what? What do you expect me to do?” He crushed the expensive paper between his fists.

“I expect you to declare your love for my cousin and sweep her off her feet. That’s what I expect you to do. Now, I’ve already made arrangements for Grace to come and stay with us in town. John has hired a couple who needs work and they can start tomorrow. They are honest people and you can trust them to help out while you are gone.

“Mrs. Avery can help your housekeeper and Mr. Avery can help Jeremy keep your ranch running smoothly in your absence. And, of course, John will come out here to check on things periodically. Until you get back from Boston with Roxanne.

Alex turned an astonished look to John who offered him a shrug and a smile.

Regina inhaled a breath and kept going. “I’ve taken the liberty of purchasing you a round trip ticket to Boston. It leaves tomorrow morning at eight o’clock sharp.” She stood and crossed the room to hand him the ticket.” Her dark brown eyes pinned him with a stare. “You had better be on it.” Then, she turned to her husband. “John, I think we should be returning to town. Alex has a lot of things to do before tomorrow morning.”

She turned to him once again. “Bring Grace by the house on the way to the train station. And, Mr. Harp.” Regina stabbed him with another glare. “Do not return to Durango without my cousin, are we clear on this matter?” It was then she smiled and he knew he had been forgiven.

“Yes, ma’am.” Alex grinned back and sent John a silent thank you. His friend must have worked long and hard to get his wife to forgive Alex after what he had done.

Alex clutched the train ticket in his hand and watched John and Regina returned to town. Then, he got busy. He notified Jeremy he would be gone for a couple of weeks and help was on the way. Any problems that came up could be taken up with John Kingston until Alex returned.

He packed Grace’s bag with enough clothes to last for three weeks. Then he packed his own bags and readied for bed. He finally forced himself to sleep some time in the wee hours of the morning.

Morning came early—too early, but his excitement at seeing Roxanne again pushed him up and out of the house in no time. With final instructions for his employees, he loaded an excited Grace into the carriage and headed to town. He hadn’t told Grace he was going to get Roxanne in case his plan didn’t work. He would die before he disappointed his little girl again. All she knew was that she was going to spend some time with Regina in town and play with the children at the school while he took care of some unfinished business.

Unfinished business. Yep, he and Roxanne definitely had some unfinished business. Thanks to Regina, he was gonna settle it one way or another.

Chapter 14

Roxanne looked at herself in the mirror, standing there in in her exquisite wedding dress. The hand-stitched crystals catching the light of her bedroom lamp giving the illusion of a fairy princess. The illusion of a happy bride on her wedding day. Tears burned her eyes at the thought for she was anything but happy. She was quite miserable.

She had visited the church earlier today. She bowed at the alter and prayed for a miracle, but she knew none would be forthcoming. Her fate was sealed, and in less than two hours, she would be marrying a man she barely knew.

The empty church was filled with beautiful bouquets of fall flowers and ribbons of silk draped across the backs of every pew. She had to admit it was beautiful. She just wished she could be happy about it all because today was supposed to be the happiest day of her life.

A tear slipped down her cheek as she thought of all the people who would soon be crowding into those pews to witness her walk down that aisle on her father’s arm—to marry.

Candelabras lined the pews and the candles would cast a romantic glow over the crowded room. It would be the wedding she had always dreamed about, except the man standing next to her wouldn’t be the Prince Charming of her choice.

A knock at the door pulled her from her misery. It was probably the seamstress returning to see if there were any last minute alterations needed to her wedding dress.

Roxanne drew a deep breath and cast another look into the mirror. She tried to smile, just to see if she could pull off the happy bride look. She shook her head in disgust. She would just have to work harder because she would not disappoint her parents or Maximillian Banks. The very handsome. The very wealthy Mr. Banks. Any young woman within a thousand miles would love to trade places with Roxanne, but she wished she could just disappear into thin air never to be heard or seen again—

Another persistent knock at the door pulled her from her misery.

“Yes, who is it?” Roxi asked trying to keep her emotions in check. It would never do to let her mother see how upset she was on her wedding day.

An unexpected male’s voice muffled through the heavy closed door that caught her full attention.

“Flowers for the bride,” she thought he said.

Flowers? She remembered her mother had said her bridal bouquet would be arriving soon and she would send it up when it arrived. Roxi stole a look at the clock on the wall, the second hand busy ticking off time until her wedding.

“Just a moment,” she called out and padded barefoot across the floor to open her door. But when she swung the door open, instead of her bridal bouquet, there was a gigantic mountain of flowers standing in her doorway with only a pair of legs sticking out from below. It was all she could see of the man behind the flowers. “Oh, my. Well, do come in. Set them on this table here next to the door,” she instructed.

“Yes, ma’am,” the man mumbled from behind the huge bouquet. He stepped inside the room and closed the door behind him.

A shiver of anxiety pulsed through her body. “What are you doing? You can’t come in here like this. What’s the meaning of this?” she edged closer to the brocade bell rope to call for help. She had only taken two steps when the man set the flowers on the table and turned around to face her. Recognition hit her stealing her breath away. “Alex,” she whispered.

“Roxanne. I had to come.”

She was so happy to see him, and yet he had no right to be here. “How dare you show your face around here. I’ll have my father toss you out on your ear, you despicable, lying cheat.”

“And I would deserve that and anything else he decided to do to me, but please hear me out first. I promise I’ll leave without so much as a whimper if you will just let me try to explain why things happened as they did.”

Roxanne’s heart raced in her chest. “There’s nothing you can say that will change the fact that you lied to me. You are a married man. Period.” She clung to her indignation at his betrayal. It was the only thing keeping her from running into his arms. She turned away from him because looking at his handsome face hurt too much knowing she would be marrying someone else today.

“Please, just give me five minutes. Isn’t a happily ever after worth five minutes of your time?”

It was the one thing he could have said to entice her to listen. She really shouldn’t, but…

“Just say what you are here to say and then go back to your wife. I’m getting married in two hours. Everything is in place so there’s really nothing left to say between us. But…if it makes you feel better, then…go ahead.” Her heart pounded in her chest.

“I’ll be quick about it.” Alex approached her. “Can we sit? Just for the time it will take me to tell you the reasons I did what I did.” His blue eyes held her gaze. Unable to look away, she nodded and sat on the settee. He took his seat beside her.

“Roxanne, I know what I did was wrong. I knew it then and I know it now. I have no defense other than I was in a bad place. The day we met at the train station was the day I found out my wife had put my four year old daughter on a train with a woman I had never met all the way from New Orleans. Kate’s only explanation was scribbled on a crumpled note that said she wasn’t cut out to be a rancher’s wife.”

Roxi nodded. “That must have been hard for you to hear.”

“It was at first. Kate and I hadn’t been getting along for quite some time. Ever since Grace was born, I suppose. It seemed our daughter’s care and welfare was hampering Kate’s lifestyle. I realize now I should have tried to put a stop to her nonsense long before things got out of hand, but I was so unhappy with my marriage, my position at my father’s bank, I guess I just didn’t have it in me to push the issue.”

Roxi waited for him to continue. She wasn’t going to make this easy on him.

“When Kate didn’t get off the train that day, I realized just how much damage she had done to my dreams by not coming. I had a little girl and a blossoming horse ranch, and both needed my full and undivided attention. It was an impossible situation.”

“So you lied to get my help,” she pointed out.

“Yes, I did. I mean I didn’t set out to deceive you. You were in the school that day and I just assumed you were a working-class woman who wouldn’t be opposed to a good job for good wages. If I had known who you really were, I would have gone elsewhere to find a caretaker for Grace,” he admitted. “I am an honorable man even if my actions contradict that fact. I would never have asked a gently raised woman, such as yourself, to risk your reputation had I known…”

She felt a twinge of guilt. Perhaps she had played a small part in Alex’s deception. If she had told him who she was the day he came to the school looking for help instead of letting him believe she was a teacher there, none of the events that led them to this moment would have happened. And that was part of the problem because without their misunderstanding, she would had the chance to fall in love with Alex and his sweet little daughter, Grace.

Tears stung her eyes and her heart ached with regret. “Alex, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you who I was, but if I had, we wouldn’t have had the chance to…” Her words trailed off.

“Fall in love?” He reached out and pulled her into his arms. “Don’t you think I know that? But if we hadn’t met like we did, we would have never had the chance to get to know how wonderful we are together. You. Me. Grace.”

Roxanne took a deep breath for the courage. “Whether we are wonderful together or not isn’t important. What is important is that you are married. You have a wife, Alex. How could you be so—“

“I’m not married, Roxanne. Not anymore.”

Roxanne wanted to believe him, but how could she? He had lied to her before, how could she be sure he wasn’t lying still?

“Truly, I am no longer married. The day Kate arrived in Durango, I ran into John’s friend, Judge Baker. I asked him for a favor, and he obliged. He drew up the divorce decree, I had Kate sign it before she left Durango, and the judge had an attorney friend of his in New Orleans file it. Then, he called in a favor from a judge that heard the case and the entire process was expedited. As of two weeks ago, I’m a single man.”

Roxanne wanted to cry. Even if what Alex was telling her was true, and he was no longer married, it still didn’t matter because she was getting married today.

“Alex, I’m really happy for you. And I do truly wish things could be different for us, but I’m getting married in two hours. No matter how much we both wish our situation could be different, it’s just…too late for us.”

Her heart nearly broke in two at the realization of how close she had come to having her fairy tale love story with the man she loved and his precious little daughter. Despite all his lies, she realized she did understand what he was up against at the time, and she could…forgive him, but—

A knock at the door startled them both. Her sister strode into the room and stopped short when she saw Alex. “Roxanne, what’s going on here. And why do you have a strange man in your bedroom?”

“Marianne, please close the door. Quickly.” Her sister complied and stood guard. Roxanne didn’t know whether she was preventing someone from coming in…or going out.

“This is Alex Harp, the man I told you about,” she offered as an explanation why there was a strange man in her bedroom on her wedding day.

“You mean the cowboy? So this is the man you fell in love with in Durango.” Marianne walked closer and studied the two of them carefully.

“Yes, this is my—was—my cowboy,” Roxanne sniffed her tears back.

“And judging by your emotions, you are still in love him.” Her sister’s statement didn’t require an answer.

Roxanne turned to look at Alex. Did it matter? She was getting married to John Banks. That was her fate. “Yes. I love him. But it is too late for us, Marianne. Our chance at happiness is—gone.” She couldn’t hold her tears back any longer and she covered her face with both hands and sobbed.

Her sister’s voice pierced her sorrow. “Not necessarily, dear sister.”

Roxanne raised her head and wiped her eyes so she could study her twin’s face. “Marianne, it’s too late. I’m getting married in two—“

“Yes, yes. I know. You are getting married in two hours, but…it doesn’t have to happen exactly that way.” Her sister had that look on her face that told Roxi she was planning something.

“Mari, you have that look in your eyes that always means you are about to stir up trouble for someone. How can it not be too late? I’m marrying Maximillian Banks this afternoon. This. Afternoon. You know I would never embarrass Mother and Father by running away with Alex. Face it. There’s nothing that can be done. Nothing.” Roxanne sobbed the last word. Her heart was breaking, and she clung to Alex’s hand.

“Roxanne don’t be silly. You are giving up too fast. It’s never too late until it’s too late, and it’s only too late when you are married. You must be more practical about the situation instead of so emotional.”

Her frustration with her sister mounted. “Marianne, what on earth are you talking about? How can I get out of marrying Max? It would cause such a scandal and I have already told you I can’t do that to Mother and—”

“Yes, yes, I know. But I have a plan that could work if you are sure this cowboy is what you want. Is it, Roxanne? Is this the man you want to live the rest of your life with?”

“Yes, I love him, but—”

“There is no room for ‘but’ Roxi. You either love him or you don’t?” Marianne looked between the two of them for another minute.

“Of course, I love him.” Roxi admitted.

Mari pinned Alex with a studied look. “Mr. Harp, do you love my sister with all your heart, and will you always put her first in your life, no matter what troubles come your way?”

Alex answered without faltering, “I love her with every ounce of life in my body. I will always put her needs before my own. Always.”

Roxanne turned to Alex and he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Marianne’s discreet cough brought them back to the reality of their situation. Roxi pulled away and wiped at her tears. “There’s nothing that can be done, Mari. Besides, it doesn’t matter now. It’s too late.”

Marianne shook her head. “Stop saying that. It does matter. Your happiness matters to me as much as my own. And, as I said before, it isn’t too late until it’s too late. Until then, there’s always a solution if we put our minds to it.”

Roxi watched her sister pace around the room. She knew that look on her sister’s face. Mari was a force to be reckoned with once her mind was made up.

“I have a plan, but we have work to do and time is running out. Mr. Harp, you need to leave. Please wait down the street at the church on the corner. My sister will be along shortly.”

Alex turned to her and kissed her as if he were saying goodbye. “I will always love you, Roxanne.”

Marianne pulled him away from her and push him toward the door. “Right. Right. We know. You two love each other. Now get out and wait at the church. Not at the church, but around the corner from the church. I don’t want anyone getting suspicious about a strange man hanging around until it’s too late.”

Roxi watched her sister push Alex out the door locking it behind him. Then Mari turned to her. “Get out of that dress.”

“What?” Roxanne was stunned at her sister’s request.

“I said get out of that dress. Don’t dawdle either. Mother will be here any moment with the seamstress to make the final alterations. We can’t afford to have Mother question our story.”

Roxanne did as her sister instructed. “What story? What are we doing, Marianne?”

“I’m giving you a chance to live this happily ever after thing you want so much, dear sister.”

“But how? What are you going to do? How can I possibly get out of marrying Mr. Banks now? The wedding is today, and—”

“Will you please stop talking and get out of that dress.”

Roxi watched her sister undress. She shimmied out of her bridesmaid’s dress and threw at her. “What are you waiting for? Get out of that dress,” Mari demanded again.

Roxanne did as her sister asked.

Mari grabbed pulled the dress out of her hands and stepped it on. “Roxi, put on my dress, and then help me with these buttons. Hurry, Mother will be here any moment.”

Roxanne did as her sister instructed. “Mari, what on earth are you planning to do?”

“I’m going to pretend to be you, at least for the next few hours.”

“You can’t do that. You’ll be marrying Max. I ca’t let you do that.” Roxi wasn’t so certain her sister was thinking clearly. She may be the practical twin, but she had gone overboard this time.

“No, I’m not going to marry Mr. Banks. Even if things did get that far, the wedding won’t be legal because Max will be marrying the wrong sister. But I don’t intend to let things get that far.”

“Just tell me what you’re planning, please.” Roxi begged her sister.

“You are going to pretend to be me. I’ll pretend to be you. Just before the wedding, you will tell Mother you are feeling quite ill—too ill to attend your sister’s wedding which will cause our parents great concern.

“Then, I will insist that we should go on with the wedding so everyone will be at the church with me. That will give you plenty of time to disappear with that cowboy of yours. You two will be long gone before anyone gets suspicious.”

Roxi’s head was spinning with all that was happening. “But what will you do then? How will you stop the wedding?”

“Before Father and I reach the altar, I’m going to tell him I’m suddenly feeling ill too. I’ll faint in front of everyone, and there’ll be no other option than to stop the wedding.”

“But Mari, how is that going to solve the problem? As soon as you are feeling better, Max Banks will expect to be getting married.”

“Let me worry about that. By that time, you’ll be a happily married woman in Colorado, and that’s all that matters.” Her sister stepped closer and gave her a warm hug.

“But Mari, I can’t let you make this kind of sacrifice.” As much as Roxanne wanted to be with Alex, she wouldn’t use her sister to do it.

“Nonsense. There won’t be any sacrifices. Although Mr. Banks is quite handsome, and I wouldn’t mind spending some time with him myself, I will make certain he understands that Roxanne Sheffield is the kind of woman that will give him trouble and taking her as a wife is not the best decision he could make. I will behave in such a manner that he will be the one to bow out of this marriage, thereby saving Mother and Father from embarrassment. Problem solved.”

Roxanne shook her head in denial. “But you are taking a huge risk, Mari. What if he decides he likes trouble and refuses to break your betrothal? Max doesn’t strike me as the kind of man who would run from a difficult situation.”

“You leave that to me. There’s not a man in this town that can outthink or outsmart me. Now, quickly, help me finished getting dressed.”

Her sister stood in the beautiful bridal gown Roxanne had worn only moments before. “Help me button these buttons. Why would you choose a dress with so many buttons down the front? It would have made quite the challenge for your groom had you married him.” Mari pointed out.

“Exactly the point,” Roxi grinned and helped her sister close the front of the dress just in time.

A knock on the door nearly sent her to her knees in fear.

“Calm down, sister. All is under control.” Marianne winked at her. “Come in,” she called out.

Their mother walked into the room followed by the seamstress. “Well, girls, are you ready for Roxi’s wedding?”

Their mother frowned. “Mari, why are you not dressed? It’s nearly time to go to the church.”

Mari answered for Roxi. “Mother, Mari isn’t feeling well at all. I’ve assured her I will understand if she doesn’t attend the wedding as my bridesmaid.”

As expected, their mother frowned and rushed to Roxi’s side. “Mari, sweetheart. This is so unlike you. What seems to be the problem do you think?”

Roxi opened her mouth to answer when her sister interjected again. “Mother, she hasn’t felt good all morning. I think it would be best if she were to lie down. If she feels better, she can join us at the church later.”

Their mother turned to her. “Well, I don’t know. If she is feeling so ill she will miss your wedding, I think I should send for the doctor.”

Roxi shot a look to Mari who shook her head ever so slightly behind their mother’s back. Roxi summoned her courage and spoke up. “Um, no. I think if I can just lay down for a bit, I will feel better.” Roxi tried to feign a weak voice.

Mari distracted the seamstress. “If you wouldn’t mind, Mrs. Wickers, could you adjust the lace on this sleeve. It seems a bit long.”

“Of course,” the seamstress said and rushed to fix Mari’s imaginary dress problem while their mother fussed over Roxi’s imaginary illness.

“Let’s get you to your room, Mari, and I’ll help you undress.”

“Thank you, Mother, but I can managed. This is…Roxi’s day and I wouldn’t do anything to spoil it.” Roxi said. “I can take care of myself. You need to be with the bride on her wedding day.”

Their mother frowned. “Well, if you’re sure this is what you want.”

“I’m sure this is what I want.” Roxi turned to go when her sister stopped her on the way out the door. “Mari, I hope you will be on the road…to recovery in no time.”

Roxi understood the message underneath her sister’s words. She grinned and hugged her sister one last time before she left Boston to be with Alex. “I’m sure I will—and thank you for being the best sister anyone could ever have,” her words were heavy with emotions at saying goodbye.

Roxanne kissed her twin sister and hugged her close so she could whisper in her ear. “Thank you, my dear sweet sister. I hope you find your happiness too.”

Marianne hugged her back and whispered to her, “I will. As you are very well aware, I’m the practical twin, and I am the master of my destiny.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Their mother watched with a keen eye.

Roxanne trembled at the thought of their mother finding out their charade when she was so close to getting everything she wanted.

Mari took the lead. “I was simply assuring my sister that I will miss her terribly at my wedding, but her health comes first.” Mari sent Roxi a sly look.

Their mother shook her head in agreement. “Yes, if you are so ill you cannot attend your sister’s wedding, then I really must insist that you go to bed.”

Their mother’s words pushed Roxi into motion. She kissed Mari on the cheek again and rushed out of the room leaving her mother and her sister to prepare for a wedding.

Roxanne hadn’t planned on traveling today so she hurried to her sister’s room and stuffed a few of Mari’s clothes into a traveling satchel. She would send for her things once she and Alex were safely married.

Quietly, she descended the back staircase to the back hallway near the kitchen where she stopped to listen. She heard rattling pots and muted voices, but all else was quiet.

Her heart raced as she slipped outside, closing the side door quietly behind her. With the fading September sunset lighting her way, Roxi quickly followed the walk down the street and around the corner to the church where she was to have married a stranger. That would have been her fate if not for her beautiful sister, Mari.

Roxanne’s steps hurried when she saw Alex waiting for her next to his rented carriage. Alex was her real-life Prince Charming. She wanted to run to him, but feared it would call attention to her, so instead, she walked confidently toward the man who held her future and their Happily. Ever. After.

Epilogue

One month later…

Roxanne tried to roll over, but the bed was crowded. On the other side of the bed was her handsome husband with hair mussed from sleep. The sight still took her breath away. Regrettably, she could do nothing about the stirrings he caused within her because between them was her sleeping little angel. The thunderstorms last night had frightened Grace enough that she left her bed upstairs and came running into theirs. Roxanne smiled at her bed partners. She didn’t mind the crowded situation one bit.

She lay back in the big soft bed and thought back to her return to Durango. Judge Baker had married them as soon as they arrived. Regina and John were there as witnesses, as well as being her family stand-ins. And of course, Grace was front and center during the whole ceremony.

Roxanne had been so nervous Grace wouldn’t forgive her for leaving, but after a slight hesitation, the little girl gave Roxanne the biggest hug her little arms could manage. Then she announced to everyone that she was going to be the flower girl. Just when Roxanne thought she couldn’t possibly hold any more happiness inside, Alex brought her home. To what was now their home. Her life truly had turned into the fairy tale she had always dreamed about.

A twinge of worry kicked among her happy thoughts like a cloud of dust on the horizon. Marianne had written to her only once since Roxi had left Boston. Her sister had reported that her scheme hadn’t gone exactly according to plan.

Mari’s letter hadn’t included many details and that worried her. It wasn’t what her sister was saying, it was what she wasn’t saying that was worrisome. Roxi wondered what exactly it was that hadn’t gone according to plan.

“What are you thinking about this morning, my beautiful wife?” Roxanne’s skin heated with desire at the sound of her husband’s sleepy voice.

“Just thinking about my sister. She said her plan hadn’t gone exactly as planned and I worry—“

Alex’s soft chuckle hit her low and hard. “I was wondering how she was going to pull that off. I mean, I know you two are supposed to be identical twins, but I could tell the difference in the two of you the moment I laid eyes on your sister.”

Roxi shot a surprised look to her husband. “You could? How? Not many people can tell us apart when we try to fool them. Even our own mother has a hard time telling us apart when we put our minds to fooling her.”

Alex turned in the bed and faced her. His fingers reached over their sleeping daughter to tuck pieces of Roxi’s hair that had slipped from her braid behind her ear. His touch created a slow burn and had her trying to figure out how to get Grace out of their bed without waking her. She turned toward Alex, her eyes caressing his handsome face.

“You keep looking at me like that and I’m gonna have to figure out how to move this little girl up to her own room.” He leaned over Grace’s sleeping form and gave Roxi a soft kiss on her lips. “But to answer your question, you and your sister have a different way about you.”

Roxi couldn’t fathom what Alex could mean. “A different way?”

“Yes, your mannerisms… and the way you speak. Soft. Sweet. Sensuous. Makes a man want things.”

She smiled at her sexy husband. “You are just partial to this twin,” she teased.

“No, there’s a difference between you and your sister. She’s more…direct. Bolder. Even bossy I would say.”

Roxi giggled. “You do know my sister, don’t you?”

“Like I said, I can tell the difference.”

She offered him a cheeky grin. “Now, let’s get back to our previous conversation. You were going to figure out a way to get this little girl out of our bed and into hers without waking her.”

Alex reached out and traced her lips with his finger. She opened her mouth and touched his finger with her tongue. The heat he caused in her body was reflected in his eyes.

“Get going, cowboy. And hurry. I’ll be waiting right here for you when you get back.”

More books in this series…

Look for more books in

The Debutantes of Durango

Their parents want them to find good husbands…

They have other ideas.

The Debutante’s Escape - Book 1

The Debutante’s Secret - Book 2

The Debutante’s Holiday - Book 3

The Debutante’s Scandal - Book 4

The Debutante’s Gamble - Book 5

The Debutante’s Revenge - Book 6

And look for

The Debutante’s Christmas

Available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited

December 1, 2020

The Debutantes of Durango

Peggy McKenzie & Friends

BRIDES OF THE RIO GRANDE

Grace – Book One

Faith – Book Two

Hope – Book Three

Charity – Book Four

Mary - Book Five

Aggie – Book Six

The ALPHABET MAIL-ORDER BRIDES

Olivia’s Obligation-Peggy McKenzie-Book 15

And Twenty-Four other authors

Available at Amazon.com

LANGLEY’S LEGACY SERIES

Finn’s Fortune – Book One – Kathleen Ball

Patrick’s Proposal – Book Two – Hildie McQueen

Donovan’s Deceit – Book Three – Kathy Shaw

Aidan’s Arrangement – Book Four – Peggy McKenzie

Heath’s Homecoming – Book Five – Merry Farmer

Colin’s Challenge – Book Six – Sylvia McDaniel

ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES SERIES

2018

Charity – Book One – Sylvia McDaniel

Julia – Book Two - Lily Graison

Ruby – Book Three – Hildie McQueen

Sarah- Book Four – Peggy McKenzie

Anna – Book Five – Everly West

2019

Caroline - Book Six - Lily Graison

Melody - Book Seven - Caroline Clemmons

Elizabeth - Book Eight - Jo Grafford

Emma - Book Nine - Peggy McKenzie

Viola - Book Ten - Cyndi Raye

Ginger - Book Eleven - Sylvia McDaniel

2020

Abigail - Book Twelve - Peggy McKenzie

Grace - Book Thirteen - Jo Grafford

Pearl - Book Fourteen - Hildie McQueen

Rebecca - Book Fifteen - Lily Graison

Charlotte - Book Sixteen - Kari Trumbo

Minnie - Book Seventeen - Sylvia McDaniel

Adele - Book Eighteen - Cynthia Woolf

Victoria - Book Nineteen - Maxine Douglas

Meg - Book Twenty - Caroline Clemmons

Brides of the Rio Grande

To read more about the residents of Creede, Colorado, look for these other books in

The Brides of the Rio Grande Series

Grace-Book One – Available now on Amazon

Faith-Book Two – Available now on Amazon

Hope-Book Three – Available now on Amazon

Charity-Book Four – Available now on Amazon

Mary-Book Five - Available now on Amazon

Aggie-Book Six - Available now on Amazon

Olivia’s Obligation - Available now on Amazon

About the Author

ABOUT THIS AUTHOR

Peggy McKenzie was born and raised in Oklahoma. She has been in love with books since as far back as she can remember when her earliest memories are of her summers spent roaming the Ada Public Library. Cool marble floors and polished oak tables transformed the quiet halls into the perfect place to fuel a young girl's imagination.

Fast forward to a few decades later when a move to the romantic southwest of Colorado lit the fire to write once more. Now, she is living her dream in the beautiful mountains surrounded by Ponderosa pines in her home she shares with her husband, Jim, and their three fur babies, Augustus McCray (Gus), Miki (Mickie) and Maddie.

Please follow Peggy on her journey of writing happy endings and second chances one story at a time. She is always excited to hear from her readers. Email her at peggymckenziebooks@gmail.com. Visit her website for updated news and releases.

www.peggymckenzie.com

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