Teresa Southwick - The Rancher Who Took Her In

Kate remembered his wistful tone when he’d talked about his wife. “Do you know how he feels about her now?”

“No,” Caroline said. “As far as I know, no one knows.”

Kate had been hoping for something specific, a tidbit to explain why he hadn’t shown the least bit of interest in kissing her. It wasn’t that she’d wanted him to get romantic, because that would complicate her peace and quiet. But she kind of wanted him to want to and be fighting it just a little. Crazy. Except that she was still feeling the effects of her fiancé cheating on her and the lingering questions about why she was found lacking. Maybe her self-confidence had taken a bigger hit than she’d realized.

“Does he have a girlfriend?” That would explain the lack of interest.

“Not that I’m aware of. And this is a small town,” Caroline said pointedly. “If he did, everyone would know.”

“He must have needs.”

Caroline gave her a sharp look. “You’re awfully curious.”

“I’m sorry. That was really nosy. I didn’t mean to be inappropriate. But he’s an exceptionally good-looking man. It’s hard to believe he’s been unattached for so long.”

Kate figured if he had an itch that wasn’t getting scratched and he’d still not been tempted by her, that would make her feel even more pathetic.

The other woman nodded, apparently understanding the curiosity. “Cabot likes women, if that’s what you’re asking. No one knows for sure, but the assumption is that he ‘dates’ discreetly. The last thing he’d want is talk linking him to anyone getting back to his boy. He’d never put up with that.”

“Anyone can see he cares about Ty,” Kate agreed. “He seems like a wonderful father.”

“And then some.” Caroline looked thoughtful. “Because of what happened, he’s got a deep empathy for wounded people and goes out of his way to protect them.”

That actually was a segue into something else she was curious about. “I have another question.”

“I bet you do.”

“Clearly I have no right and I’d like to believe it’s not prying. Maybe inquisitive—”

“You think?” She saw humor in Caroline’s blue eyes.

“Yeah. But I can’t help it. I’m curious about the cabin where I’m staying.”

“Why?”

“It was empty and available. Stocked with basics—including coffee and toiletries, like a hotel room. As if it was ready. Like people in areas that are prone to natural disaster keep emergency supplies up to date.”

“ Natural disaster and emergency pretty much describe Cabot’s reasons for keeping it prepared.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Folks call it the ‘stray cabin.’ Cabot has a soft spot for the three-legged dog or a blind cat. People, too. He keeps that place for anyone who’s in need. Like the soldier returning from the war who needs quiet to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. Or the homeless guy who lost his job and just needs a temporary place to stay while he gets back on his feet. Then there was the abused woman who left her husband, and Cabot made sure she was safe until the crisis was over.”

“Very noble of him.”

“Also, there’s the occasional runaway bride,” Caroline added drily.

“Not that I don’t think he’s an incredibly decent man, or that I’m ungrateful for his help, but I’m not a charity case,” Kate assured her.

“Okay.”

The tone was on the patronizing side and Kate felt obligated to share just a few big details. “In some circles I’m fairly well-known.”

“That doesn’t mean you don’t need a little help.”

“Not really,” Kate assured her. “I can take care of myself. In fact, it will be news when I surface and I’ll have to make a statement.”

“You mean running out on your wedding wasn’t statement enough?” Caroline asked.

“You know why I did it. And there are lots of reasons for running. That doesn’t make me like his ex-wife.”

“If you say so.”

“I do.” She winced at the words that she would have said if she hadn’t run out on the wedding.

Kate would love to know what Cabot had said to this woman about her. If she had to guess, there was some comparison between her and the woman who’d done him wrong. Some judgment that lumped her in the same, unsympathetic group of females who were selfish and irresponsible.

“Look, Caroline, I did run out on my wedding. In hindsight, probably I should have faced everyone at the church and announced the wedding wasn’t going to happen and explained why I was backing out of it. At the very least I’m guilty of avoiding the public humiliation, but I’m not a liar.”

“I believe you, Kate.”

“Then I hope you’ll accept as fact that I like the anonymity here in Blackwater Lake and the chance to work with kids for the summer. It’s something I never really considered doing, but I think it will be challenging and fun. I’m grateful for the chance.”

“No matter what your circumstances are, that’s Cabot’s goal. The stray cabin is his way of giving someone a chance.”

Kate nodded and continued slicing potatoes. Her goal in the conversation had been to extract information, but now she had more questions than answers. It wasn’t clear whether she was more bothered about being put in the same category as the woman who’d upended his life or that he was treating her as if she needed a handout.

Still the most persistent question of all was why she even cared what he thought.

Chapter Four

Kate hadn’t known what to expect from this job, but after her first full day and most of her second, she was pleased with her showing. More important, she was enthusiastic about doing it again tomorrow.

She was there as backup for the other experienced counselors, an extra pair of hands during games, crafts and competitions. Another pair of eyes to watch over the kids and make sure all went smoothly didn’t hurt, either. If one of the adults got sick or needed help, she could fill in. The kids were funny, energetic, exasperating and so much fun to be around.

With school out, Ty was participating in camp activities. Caroline had explained this was child care for him so that his father could work. The boy had joined in on some of the events and had hung back on others. Swimming was his strongest skill; he was like a fish. He was not a shining star at basketball, football or baseball, and his lack of confidence showed in his facial expressions and body language. Tyler Dixon simply tugged at her heart.

It was now late afternoon. Everyone was taking a little breather before dinner. She’d checked with Caroline to make sure no help was needed for the evening meal. After getting the all clear, she’d decided to take a walk by the lake.

Even though she saw it every day, the beauty of Blackwater Lake still astounded her. It would never happen in a million years, but she wondered whether or not she would take the view for granted if she lived here.

She stopped at an outcropping of rocks at the water’s edge, breathed in the pine-and flower-scented air and watched the sunlight turn the gently moving surface of the lake into a sparkling blue carpet. If not for her pesky attraction to Cabot Dixon, her soul would be at peace for probably the first time ever.

She hadn’t talked to him for a couple of days, since that night he’d explained he walked ranch inspection every night. From the window of her tiny cabin she’d seen him pass by, but he didn’t look over, obviously not even tempted to drop in and see her. She wasn’t accustomed to serenity, but she also wasn’t used to being ignored. Or being considered a “stray.” It had been so hectic she hadn’t had time to process what Caroline had told her about the cabin being available to Cabot’s charity cases. She wasn’t a three-legged dog or blind cat. Or an abused woman. It rankled some that he’d pegged her that way.