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  "Yes, and no. Lex wants to, and I admit we could use the help. But I'm not sure I want a stranger in our home. I know she's right; I don't have the time to work in town and at home. I was going to start interviewing women in the next week or so." Amanda nibbled on a tender chunk of beef. "Mmm. I can never get my stew this good. What's your secret?"

  "I cut up a roast instead of using stew meat. Makes all the difference in the world." Anna Leigh put her spoon down and covered Amanda's hand with hers. "The office has run its course, Amanda. I think it's time to shut it down."

  Amanda blinked the unexpected tears away. "But what about Wanda, Peggy and Margaret? What will they do?"

  "Wanda will probably be more than happy to stay at home and raise her daughters. She's often hinted around at wanting to do so, but I believe stayed because she didn't want to leave you in a bind."

  "She's never said a thing to me," Amanda said. "But Peggy is single. I'd hate for her to be out of work, especially in times like these."

  Anna Leigh laughed. "And she's been commuting back and forth from Austin, because of her new boyfriend. Honestly, Amanda. Do you not know the goings-on at your own office?"

  "Obviously not." Amanda put her elbow on the table and propped her chin in her hand. "And I suppose you know something about Margaret, too?"

  "Possibly." Anna Leigh returned her attention to her meal.

  "Well?"

  Ignoring the outburst, Anna Leigh took a sip of her tea. She daintily wiped the corner of her mouth with her napkin. "Margaret's mother has been after her for years to move to Dallas and stay with her. She's used her job as an excuse, although I believe she's become quite agreeable to the idea."

  Amanda sighed heavily and dropped her spoon into her bowl. "Why is it that I go to work every day and don't know any of this? But you come in to 'visit' once or twice a month and know everything?"

  "I believe it's because you're too close to the situation."

  "Maybe."

  Finishing her stew, Anna Leigh nudged her bowl aside. "Answer me this. What is the main reason you're dragging your feet over this? Do you and Lexington need the money you were bringing in?"

  "Not exactly." Amanda started to push the last of her vegetables around in her bowl. "I haven't been drawing a check for several months."

  "Excuse me?"

  Amanda shook her head. "I didn't feel right. We weren't making any money and I didn't want to take away from the business."

  "What am I going to do with you?" Her words weren't said with any heat, but Anna Leigh still frowned at her. "What does Lexington say about that?"

  "Uh." Amanda suddenly found something on the tablecloth interesting.

  "You didn't tell her?"

  "She's been busy with trying to keep the cattle alive on the ranch. The last thing she needed was me whining about my work."

  Anna Leigh gathered their dirty dishes and put them in the sink. She stared out the window, as if weighing her words. "Are you two having trouble? You used to share everything with each other."

  Joining her grandmother at the sink, Amanda put her arm around her. "We've never been better, Gramma. I thought I could fix things at the office before she found out." She lowered her head until it rested against Anna Leigh's shoulder. "I don't want her to know I'm a failure."

  "Oh, dearest." Anna Leigh turned and held Amanda's face in her hands. "The only way you could fail is if you stopped being yourself. We are all very proud of what you've accomplished." She kissed Amanda's forehead. "I was ready to close the office down years ago. You brought new life to Sunflower Realty. But I think it's time you focused on your family, don't you?"

  Unable to speak, Amanda could only nod.

  WITH A HEAVY heart, Amanda returned to the office. As she stepped through the door, all three women stood to greet her. Amanda's emotions must have shown on her face, because Wanda immediately enveloped her in a warm embrace. Clinging to her as if her life depended on it, Amanda choked out, "Did my grandmother call you?"

  "She didn't have to." Peggy moved to one side of Amanda, while Margaret silently took the other. "We've all wondered how long it would take you to see the writing on the wall."

  Surrounded by their compassion, Amanda greedily absorbed all they had to offer. "I've been worried about the three of you."

  "And we were more concerned with how you would handle things." Margaret snagged the box of tissue off her desk and passed it around. "My mother will be thrilled when I move in with her."

  Wanda laughed, although there were a few tears mixed in as well. "Dirk has been begging me for years to stay at home with the girls. I think they've about worn him out."

  Turning to Peggy, Amanda asked, "What about you?"

  Peggy left the group and took her purse from her desk. She removed a small jewelry box and opened it. Nestled inside was a small diamond solitaire. She took the ring from the box and slipped it on her left hand. "Steven gave this to me a couple of weeks ago. I told him I needed to think about it for a while." She held out her hand and grinned as the light sparkled off the ring. "I've given it a lot of thought and can't think of any reason to say no. I was going to give my notice this Friday." She was quickly surrounded by the three women, all of them speaking at once.

  "Why didn't you say anything?" Wanda asked.

  "It's about time," Margaret gushed.

  Amanda felt a weight lift from her shoulders. "We have to give you a party."

  Wanda and Margaret squealed together. "Party!"

  THE BARN WAS a welcome relief from the cold as Ellie led her horse inside. She took Stormy to her stall, while Lex did the same with Thunder. "That was fun," Ellie said, as she removed the saddle. She watched as Lex struggled with the larger horse's tack. "Do you need any help?"

  "Nope." Lex gritted her teeth while she stretched to lift the bridle from Thunder. "Been doing this my whole life."

  Ellie started to brush Stormy's coat. "I know that, smartass. But I also know that you've got to be hurting by now, and thought I'd offer to give you a break."

  "I'm fine." The grunt that came from Lex when she stretched to brush the top of the horse belied her comment.

  "No, what you are, is stubborn." Ellie left Stormy to stand in front of Thunder's stall. "It's past lunch time. Why don't you head to the house, and I'll finish up here? It'll take me less time to do both horses than it would for you to do one."

  Lex turned to argue the point, when her knee gave out. She caught herself on the side of the stall, barely able to stand. "Damn it."

  Ellie tapped the top of the stall with one hand. "Now do you need my help?" She ignored Lex's growl and carefully eased her cousin's arm around her shoulder and led her from the stall. "You have a choice," she said, as she bore the brunt of Lex's weight. "You can sit on a bale of hay and watch me work, or I can call Martha and Charlie to come get you."

  "Stay," Lex said. She groaned in relief as Ellie lowered her to the bale. "Thanks."

  "You're welcome." Ellie patted Lex's cheek and winked. "Now sit there and be a good girl while I finish the horses." She laughed at the muttered curse she received.

  THE TELEVISION WAS on low as Lex flicked through the channels on the satellite dish. She was tucked in one end of the couch, her legs stretched across the leather. The ice pack on her knee helped, but she still hated being treated like an invalid.

  Ellie came into the den carrying a tray. She set it on the coffee table and handed Lex one of the plates, as well as a canned soda. "How's the leg?"

  "Better." Lex lifted one corner of the bread on her plate. "Mmm. Roast sandwich. My favorite."

  "I thought so." Ellie sat at the end of the sofa and popped the top on her soft drink. "Hope you like barbeque chips. That's all I can find."

  Lex took a bite of the sandwich and nodded. She chewed and swallowed before answering. "Those are my favorites, too. Thanks for making lunch."

  "No problem." Ellie started on her sandwich. "What are you watching?"

  "There's not much choice. Eith
er soaps, talk shows, or cooking." Lex finally landed on a classic sports station. "Ah. Much better."

  Ellie rolled her eyes but kept quiet.

  The sound of tires on the gravel drive caused both women to turn toward the front windows. Lex was about to put her plate on the side table when Ellie stood. "Don't even think about it," Ellie said. "I'll see who it is."

  Lex grumbled but kept her place on the sofa. She watched as Ellie peeked through the window. "Well?"

  "They must have driven around back. I'll go check." Ellie crossed the den and headed down the hallway. She was almost to the back door when it opened, and Amanda stepped inside. "Oh, hey."

  Amanda hung her coat up on one of the hooks by the door and set her purse on the bench below. "Hi, Ellie. Do you know where Lex is?"

  Ellie used her thumb to point back over her shoulder. "She's in the den. Is everything okay?"

  "I think it will be." Amanda stepped by Ellie. "Come on. You might as well hear this, too."

  "All right."

  When Amanda stepped into the den, all thoughts left her as she noticed her wife's posture. "What happened to you?"

  Lex turned and looked over the top of the sofa. "Amanda? What are you doing home so early?"

  "I asked you first." Amanda sat beside Lex and gently removed the ice pack. "Did you hurt yourself again?"

  "No, it's just a little swollen, so Nurse Ellie fixed me up." Lex took in Amanda's red-rimmed eyes and gently cupped her cheek. "What's wrong?"

  Amanda leaned into the touch and closed her eyes. "Nothing, now."

  "Sweetheart, talk to me."

  Opening her eyes, Amanda kissed the hand against her cheek. "Remember when we talked about getting someone to help out with the house because neither one of us had time to do everything?"

  "Yeah?"

  "Well, I don't think that's going to be a problem anymore. We've shut down Sunflower Realty."

  Lex sat up straighter. "What? Why? But I thought--" Her mouth was covered with Amanda's fingers to stop her stammering.

  "We haven't had any clients in a couple of months, honey. I talked to Gramma about it, and she agreed that it was time." The grim look Amanda wore eased into a gentle smile. "Besides, it's been getting harder and harder to leave the house and go into work every day. I'm tired of it." She removed her fingers, her smile widening when they were caught and kissed.

  "Are you sure?"

  Amanda nodded. "More now than ever." She turned to Ellie, who'd been quietly sitting in the nearby chair. "Looks like you'll have more company around here."

  Ellie sat up straighter. "Actually, I may have a lead on a job. Don't know if it'll pan out or anything, but I'm waiting to hear back from the hospital in Parkdale."

  "Really? You didn't mention it when we were out riding," Lex questioned.

  Amanda's head turned back around so quickly it would have been funny, if not for the completely pissed off look on her face. "Riding?"

  "Um." Lex's countenance took on the spitting image of Lorrie when she was in trouble. "We just rode over to the edge of the creek to check on a live trap." She turned to Ellie for help. "We weren't out very long, were we?"

  Laughing, Ellie stood. "I think I'll go see what Martha and Charlie are up to." She left the room, obviously enjoying her cousin's plight.

  "Lex, do you have any sense? I can't believe you would do something as irresponsible as going out for a ride when you can barely walk! What if something else had happened? Do you--" Amanda was effectively silenced when Lex's mouth covered hers. She melted into the kiss.

  Feeling Amanda's arms lock around her neck, Lex slowly leaned back until Amanda was straddling her lap. She worked her hands under the soft sweater. The tiny yelp as she unhooked Amanda's bra made her smile. "I love you."

  Amanda unbuttoned Lex's shirt. "I love you, too." She closed her eyes as Lex's hands left warm trails across her skin. "Don't think this will get you out of trouble." As Lex hit a particularly sensitive spot, she moaned.

  "I like trouble," Lex murmured, falling back and sliding Amanda's sweater off.

  Chapter Eight

  COLD DRY AIR whipped through Ronnie's scrubs as he hurried across the graveled lot toward the back of the veterinary office. He stripped off his disposable gloves and tossed them in the trash can inside the rear door. At the sink, the warm water felt good against his hands as he scrubbed them. He looked up when an interior door opened, and nodded to Dr. Hernandez. "Hi, Ben."

  "Afternoon, Ronnie. How's everyone looking out there?"

  Ronnie turned off the water and dried his hands. "Pretty good. I think we'll have a couple of vacancies in the next day or two. Tracy's finishing up the paperwork now."

  "Excellent." Ben leaned against the stainless steel counter and crossed his arms over his chest. "What about the Bower's heifer?"

  The paper towel Ronnie had used to dry his hands hit the rim of the trash can, before bouncing in. "The stitches can come out--"

  "Dr. Hernandez," the intercom buzzed with their receptionist's voice. "I have Sheriff Richards on line two for you."

  Ben winked at Ronnie before he picked up the phone. "What did you do this time?"

  "Hey, I'm innocent."

  "This is Dr. Hernandez. What can I do for you, Sheriff?" Ben listened for several minutes. "We'd be glad to help, of course. But I don't think we have a space available at the moment." He nodded as the sheriff continued to speak. "Uh-huh. Would you mind giving my assistant directions? Excellent." He handed the phone to Ronnie. "Time for a house call. Since I've done my share, why don't you take this one?"

  Ronnie grinned as he accepted the phone. "Hey, Jeremy. What's up?"

  LORRIE CLIMBED TO the top of the monkey bars and hooked her legs over a pipe. In the shape of a dome, the metal bars interconnected and were popular with the children. Six other kids were draped in various poses, chattering away. She bent backward and looked at the playground upside down. "Everybody's on their head," she laughed.

  "Nuh-uh," a younger voice piped up from below her. Teddy sat cautiously on a lower rung. "You're upside down."

  "Duh." Lorrie reached for him. "Come on up here, Teddy-bear. It's fun."

  He shook his head and held on tightly to the bar in front of him. "No way. You're gonna fall on your head and splat, and then my daddy will have to fix you."

  Tired of the view, Lorrie raised her head and changed positions. Now she hung by one leg, while the other reached for a different bar. "Don't be such a scaredy-cat. The ground's soft." She gestured down at the rubberized padding. "My Momma said it's made of old tires, so I'd probably bounce."

  "No way!" Teddy looked at the ground.

  "Yep." Lorrie tapped the straw cowboy hat he wore. "You wanna come riding on Saturday?"

  Teddy's eyes grew larger at the thought of horses. "I dunno. By myself?"

  "No, you can ride with me, if you want. Or maybe Momma will take you." She grinned. "If you're scared."

  "I'm not scared! I just don't wanna ride some stinky ol' horse, that's all." He climbed from the equipment and stood on the ground. "When I have my own ranch, I'm not gonna have any dumb old horses."

  Lorrie dropped down beside him and dusted off her hands. She looked around the playground until she spotted her sister, who was sitting under a tree with two other girls. Satisfied that Melanie was okay, she turned her attention back to her cousin. "You can't have a ranch without horses, silly. How do you 'spect to get around everywhere?"

  He held out his hands as if holding handle bars. "With motorcycles. Vroom-vroom."

  "Momma says motorcycles aren't no good in the mud, or in rough 'train. You need a horse for that."

  "I don't care. Horses are gross. And my ranch won't have no trains."

  When the bell rang, Lorrie tipped the back of Teddy's hat forward, making it fall over his eyes. "That's not what I meant, goofy." She laughed at him. "Come on. Let's go inside. Maybe when you grow up you won't be afraid of horses."

  Teddy adjusted his hat and followed her. He g
lared at her back. "I'm not afraid. I just don't like them."

  RONNIE CRINGED AS his truck bounced over another deep pothole on the dirt road. He glanced at the directions he had written on a piece of paper. "There should be a gate somewhere. Ah. There it is." He tossed the paper onto the seat beside him and drove over the rusted cattle guard. "I'm going to charge Jeremy extra if I have to get my shocks replaced after this," he grumbled.

  The road led to a clearing, where a corral and collapsed wooden barn sat amongst the dead, knee-high weeds. Ronnie parked in between two sheriff's cars and got out of the truck. He saw two deputies and an animal control officer racing around the broken corral, chasing an emaciated horse. The deputies each had a blanket, and the woman with animal control carried a coiled length of rope. Ronnie stopped outside the corral and watched the show.

  "Glad you're here." Jeremy stepped next to Ronnie as the horse shook its head and raced away from one of his men. "Maybe you'll have better luck catching the blasted thing."

  From where they were standing, Ronnie could see open wounds on the animal. "What happened to it?"

  Jeremy sighed. "We think it was in the barn when it fell. I can't believe it's still alive. Animal control got an anonymous call about an abandoned horse, and when she got here, she called us for help." He saw the horse rear. "You guys, watch out," he yelled.

  "They're never going to get anywhere like that," Ronnie said. He crawled through the slats of the corral and walked to where the control officer stood. "Can I borrow your rope?"

  She handed him the coiled rope. "Be my guest. I don't get paid enough to do this kind of crap."

  In a low voice, Ronnie replied, "That's okay. I've been around enough horses, so maybe I'll have more luck." He moved closer to the panicked animal. "Guys, could you back away, slowly? He's spooked enough as it is."

  Oscar patted Ronnie on the shoulder. "No problem, kid. I wasn't lookin' to get stomped today. Come on, Jay. Let's leave it to the expert." He tugged on his partner's arm to lead him away from the horse.