Judy Duarte: The Cowboy's Lullaby

Yep. Brow furrowed, expression severe.

Over the years, and after innumerable disappointments, Chloe no longer gave a rip about what people thought of her, but sometimes, the lonely child within couldn’t refrain from seeking approval and respect.

But there was no way on earth she’d try to be someone or something she wasn’t. Not today. So she’d made up her mind to pull out all the stops when it came to dressing for this meeting. She’d done it for Desiree.

And for herself.

“Brian Willoughby and Jake Braddock are both rather conventional,” Mrs. Davies said.

“Good.” Chloe couldn’t help but smile as she scooted her chair back and stood. “Then this meeting ought to be interesting.”

“To say the least,” the older woman responded.

“Have fun with Mrs. Davies,” Chloe told Brianna. Then she placed a kiss on the little girl’s cheek, leaving a faint pink mark. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

As she strode toward the restroom, she tugged at the hem of the knit dress that had hiked up when she’d been sitting. It was something she’d wear clubbing, if she were inclined to do that sort of thing. As it was, even though she owned the proper nighttime wardrobe, her evenings were pretty quiet. Or as Desiree would say, pleasantly boring.

Chloe ought to be nervous about facing Jake Brad-dock again, she supposed. But sometimes it was fun to be a bit naughty and rebellious.

Especially around conservative men who valued being in control of those around them.

Jake sat in Willoughby’s office, waiting for Desiree’s “dear” friend to arrive. He glanced at his watch.1:32 p.m.

Some women didn’t consider themselves late until fifteen minutes had passed, but punctuality was important to him.

And Chloe Haskell was late.

When a buzz sounded on the intercom, the attorney responded. “Yes.”

“Ms. Haskell is here,” a woman’s voice said.

“Please show her in.”

Willoughby stood, and Jake followed suit. But when the attractive redhead swept into the room, wearing a curve-hugging, black knit dress and spike heels, Jake nearly dropped back in his seat.

Mercy. At any moment he expected to hear music in the background and Roy Orbison break out in song at the sight of her.

Hands down, Chloe was a hell of a pretty woman.

And too damn sexy for words.

“Please have a seat,” Willoughby said.

“Thank you.” She moved toward the chair next to Jake with the grace of a dancer, her eyes glimmering with sexual confidence.

Jake might have braced himself for a fight, but he hadn’t realized he’d have to buck his libido, too.

Interestingly, Willoughby didn’t seem to be the least bit fazed by her. And why was that?

Jake supposed it was because Desiree had always carried herself in a similar manner, and her attorney had grown used to it.

Well, Jake wouldn’t get used to it. Looking at Chloe all dolled up like that left him a bit unbalanced. And he didn’t like having the urge to stare.

Fortunately, Willoughby got them all back on track by reading the will. And per Desiree’s wishes, the estate was split between Jake and Brianna, which Jake didn’t have a problem with. But Desiree had appointed Chloe to look after Brianna’s holdings and her best interests until she was of age.

What kind of ogre had Desiree thought he was?

Jake would never put his own interests ahead of his sister’s, so his stepmother’s distrust cut him to the quick.

Chloe shifted in her seat, drawing his attention, then crossed a leg over her knee, flashing a lovely stretch of thigh. “What about custody of Brianna?”

Jake tore his gaze away from the sexy redhead and focused on the attorney. Chloe had only been granted temporary custody. Surely, Desiree knew the best person to have permanent custody was Jake.

“Desiree appointed you two as joint guardians,” Willoughby said.

“Excuse me?” Jake gripped the armrests of his leather seat. “That’s crazy. Desiree couldn’t have been in her right mind when she drew up that document. How in blazes can two people living in different states share custody of a child who will start kindergarten in the fall?”

“Let me read the letter she wrote, giving the details of her wishes.” Willoughby sorted through the pages before him, found what he was looking for and cleared his throat:

“ Dear Jake and Chloe ,

I’ve been dealt a crappy hand, but I’ll playit out to the end. I know this may be a bit outof the ordinary, but I hope you’ll understandwhere I’m coming from.

Brianna has lost her father and now me. Nochild should have to go through that, but I’vetried to prepare her the best I can. Now it’s upto you. I know that you both love her. And interestinglyenough, I believe that having the twoof you share custody will be best for her. Jake,you favor your father in more ways than looks.And Chloe, you’re a lot like me. I’m hopefulthat Brianna will be comforted by that.

I’m asking you to live together as a familyat the ranch for six weeks. At the end of thattime, I’d like you both to come to an agreementon how to make shared custody work .”

What? No way.

Jake wasn’t about to stay in the same house with a sexy redheaded bombshell who seemed to get off on taunting a man.

Willoughby continued to read:

“ I realize you both are established inseparate states, but maybe Brianna can spendthe school year in Bayside and summer vacations,holidays and some weekends on theranch. Either way, I know you both love her.And I expect you to learn to accept each otherand become friends for Brianna’s sake .”

“A request like that can’t be legally binding,” Jake said.

“You’re right.” Willoughby placed the letter on his desk, then folded his hands over the handwritten note. “You don’t have to abide by her wishes, but she hoped you would agree for Brianna’s sake. It was Desiree’s sole desire to ease her daughter’s loss and help her to adjust to life without her parents. In fact, that’s why Brianna has been seeing a child psychologist in town for weekly visits, something Desiree also hoped you two will continue for a while.”

“Desiree explained her wishes to me weeks ago,” Chloe said. “And as difficult as it will be for me to remain in Texas, I promised her I would do so.”

“Well, she didn’t say squat to me,” Jake snapped. “I didn’t even know she had cancer. Or that she was dying.”

“Jake,” Willoughby said, “what’s done is done. But if Desiree told me once, she told me a dozen times. She wished the two of you had been closer.”

Jake raked a hand through his hair. Okay, so he’d been a bit…hardheaded. What would it have hurt to be…well, not friends, but…

He blew out a sigh. He should have taken the olive branch she’d tried to give him, but it was too damn late to do anything about it now. Either way, he wasn’t going to reveal his regret here. Or anywhere, for that matter.

“Desiree also asked that you return here in six weeks with your decision,” Willoughby added. “And, at that time, if you can’t agree, a preappointed third party is to evaluate the relationship between the child and each adult and determine who should be granted full custody, with fair visitation given to the other.”

“Who is the third party?” Jake asked.

“Desiree asked that the identity be kept secret so that there was no chance of influencing the decision. Of course, Mrs. Braddock was hopeful that it wouldn’t come to that.”