LITMIR.BIZ

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printed sheets toward her. It was worth it to him if it was worth it to her. “If you help me out with this barbecue, I’ll pay for the repairs, provide a place for you to stay, and cover any costs of changing your plans.”

      Melanie reclaimed the sheets from him and stared at the pages. Gabe shot bullets of prayer toward heaven on behalf of her decision. She pressed her lips together and leveled a cold, clear glare in his direction. “I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

      Nothing could have knocked the air out of him faster than the tone of her accusation. Gabe looked out the window at a tractor idling beside the loading chute. No, he hadn’t given her any choices. In his haste to solve his own problem, he’d never considered the importance of her plans. “Yes, you have a choice.”

      She raised a brow.

      “I’ll loan you a ranch truck free of charge. Use it as long as you need. Return the truck when your pickup is fixed.”

      He pulled out his chair, careful not to topple the pile of statements for Zac. Sinking into his seat, Gabe mentally organized his priorities for the day. He’d hoped to have an early evening tonight, obviously—

      “Why would you offer the use of your truck? You don’t even know me.”

      Suspicion, distrust, anger warred across her face. All thoughts of his personal convenience evaporated as his irritation piqued. “What do I need to know? You need transportation, don’t you?”

      She wrinkled her nose at him, reminding him of Jason when Fletcher wouldn’t release the ball. Guess he knew where the boy got his intense concentration.

      Melanie stood. Her blond hair brushed her shoulder blades as she crossed to the open doorway. Gabe caught his breath when she stopped and turned toward him, the yellow flecks in her brilliant blue eyes danced in anger.

      “I’ll be back.” She glared a moment longer and then pushed away from the doorjamb.

      Gabe blew out his breath and watched her stalk across his yard. Famous last words, but really, could he blame her?

      Chapter Four

      This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

      Melanie propped her elbows on the fence panel and stared at the three cows in the pen. The field lab up in Montrose embodied every dream she’d ever had for her and her son. She could leave the impersonal, demanding research position she’d held for the last six years and work outdoors, on a schedule of her own. Live in a small community where maybe she and Jason could build a home.

      She shielded her eyes against the rays of brilliant sunshine as they dipped in and out of darkening clouds. Late afternoon came quickly in the high country as she struggled with her decision. When she’d called to reschedule her interview, the secretary switched her to the last spot available for interviews. More than enough time to rent a car and make her appointment. And she still could, except for that little repair invoice.

      An outrageous dollar amount she couldn’t begin to consider shouldering.

      Her meager savings allowed them a cushion for emergencies. Not a catastrophe like this. Melanie hung her head and kicked the ground.

      Lord? There’s a big hitch in our plans. Talking to God was easy. She dug the toe of her sneaker into the grass patch surrounding the fence post. It was listening for the answer that got her every time.

      The buzz of a four-wheeler echoed in the distance. Hank drove across a field with Jason clutched behind him. The pair rode along the fence line, Jason squealing at every bump. Melanie relaxed. Jason would love it here while she worked off her debt. She couldn’t argue the fact that the great outdoors commanded his attention. Her nerves stopped their riotous zing and she blew a sigh. Funny, Gabe hadn’t even asked her if she could cook.

      The sweet scent of pine tinged the air as birds offered their individual tunes. Melanie closed her eyes as she tilted her face to the warm summer sun.

      There were no guarantees in life. Maybe she’d get the job; maybe she wouldn’t. Either way, if she left now, she’d be paying off a repair bill on an old truck for months to come.

      Lord, why did you fill me with hope only to tear it away?

      The four-wheeler angled around the field once more. She opened her eyes to see Hank looking like Evel Knievel and Jason sporting a smile a mile wide. Melanie shook her head.

      At least she’d tasted the dream of a new job and a lighter work schedule. That taste had made her realize she never wanted to go back. Lucky her.

      A door slammed in the distance and Gabe followed the walkway toward her. She tried not to look too obvious as she stared like a schoolgirl.

      His button-down shirt fit his shoulders, the sleeves rolled to the elbow. Tan arms matched his suntanned face. Faded blue jeans cinched at the hip with a worn leather belt.

      Tall and strong.

      An incredible smile…

      Melanie blinked and turned away. No need to romanticize the man, especially since she’d be working for him.

      He jingled a set of keys at her. “Let’s get you a truck and you can be off first thing in the morning.”

      He stood before her all tall and dark and cowboy, looking almost afraid…of her? She had a feeling disappointing women wasn’t Gabe’s strong suit. Accepting disappointment wasn’t exactly high on her list either.

      “I’ll do the barbecue.” The words tumbled out. “I mean, yes, I’ll organize the barbecue for you in exchange for repairs on my truck. That is, if the offer is still open.”

      Gabe pushed back his hat and rubbed his forehead. “You’re the answer to my prayer. We planned the auction and barbecue for the Fourth of July weekend. That’s less than three weeks, and I’ll help anyway I can.”

      “Just three weeks, right? That’s all the time I have.” He had to understand she couldn’t give any more. “This picnic and the repairs to my truck will be done in three weeks?”

      He gave a quick nod, his root-beer-colored eyes sparkling.

      “And you said there were some ladies to help me out with the planning?” Melanie rushed to confirm.

      Gabe tilted his head, and she received the full brunt of his excitement. His grin deepened the dimple in his cheek and added a boyish charm she could only stare at.

      “From church. The ladies will point you in the right direction. As a matter of fact, we can talk to them Sunday after the service. They’ll love meeting you.” He indicated the path up to the ranch house. “Let’s go get a key to the cabin before it rains.”

      Before it rains. Famous last words.

      Rain blew sideways, pelting them like BBs as they stood on the porch of cabin number one. Melanie shifted beside him and clutched her duffel so her rain slicker covered most of the bags. Jason huddled up against the wall.

      Gabe stuck the key into the lock, jiggled the knob and shoved the door open. “Here we are. Sorry things might be a little dusty. We haven’t had anyone live here this season.”

      He stepped through the threshold and stomped his boots on the mat. Melanie piled in behind him, Jason on her heels. She set her bags down on the floor beside the table and glanced around at the knotty pine cabinets lining the wall of the small galley kitchen and a window with white panes set over the sink. A peal of thunder shook the ground as rain battered the pines outside the window.

      Melanie shivered beside him. “Are you sure we aren’t putting you out by staying here?”

      No better place on the ranch for their guests than the log cabins tucked up in the pines away from the house. Both houses. “The cabins are for the summer help. Their families visit when they can. Since the drought last couple years, we’ve cut back operations. We won’t be needing it.”

      Jason dropped his bags at the

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