DONNA ALWARD - A Family for the Rugged Rancher / Soldier on Her Doorstep - A Family for the Rugged Rancher / Soldier on Her Doorstep

Luke came back in, carrying a wooden flat filled with boxes of crimson strawberries. “I think the twins have made a new friend,” he said dryly.

Emily and Liz went to the window. Sam and Liz’s blond girls were racing through the yard, playing what appeared to be a rousing game of tag.

“It’s good for Sam. He hasn’t spent much time with friends since.”

She stopped. Since the divorce. Since there was no longer any money for playgroups and preschool.

“He’ll have to come play with the twins while you’re here. It’ll get them out of my hair,” Liz offered freely.

Another tie to break later? Emily wasn’t sure it was a good idea. But then she balanced it against Sam being alone here in an unfamiliar place and no children to play with. “That might be nice.”

“Call anytime.” Liz replied, putting the baby down on the floor. The little girl rocked back and forth for a minute before setting off at a steady crawl. “You and Luke could come over for dinner.”

“Liz,” Luke warned, and Emily had to look away. It was such an overt bit of matchmaking that she squirmed in her chair.

“What? Look, both Cait and I are thrilled you have some help at last. That’s all. And Emily doesn’t know a soul besides you. And we all know what great company you are.”

He raised an eyebrow at her.

“I’m heading back out. The boys are going to wonder where I am. Emily, tell Sam I’ll take him out with me another time. He should enjoy the girls while they’re here.” He put his plate in the dishwasher and cut himself a massive slice of apple cake. “For the road,” he said, flashing a quick grin.

She nodded and walked with him to the door.

“Are you sure you’re okay with my sister?” he asked quietly, pausing and resting his palm against the frame.

Emily forced a small laugh. “You have work to do. I’ll be fine.”

“She’s meddling. Thinking that this is more than it is.”

That should have relieved her but didn’t. Would it be so awful for them to think that he liked her, for heaven’s sake? Not that she wanted him to, but was it incomprehensible that he might? “Don’t worry about it. And it’s good for Sam to have playmates for an hour or so. He’s been lonely.” She paused. “Are you really going to work until dark?”

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