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  Melanie was the first inside and she scooted across the seat to her usual spot. "El," she squealed. "Are you not sick no more?"

  Ellie glanced at Amanda, who shrugged. "Yeah. I'm feeling a lot better now, thanks to your mom."

  Lorrie climbed in beside her sister and closed the car door. "Hi, El. Whatcha doin' here?"

  "Lorrie! That's not polite. But for your information, Ellie is going to be staying with us for a while."

  Both girls cheered, causing Ellie to blush. The love that surrounded her eased the ache that had been in her chest for the last half year. She looked forward to being a part of an active family again.

  BACK AT THE ranch, Lex paced in the living room as she waited for the buyer to arrive. She was about to return to her office when she heard the sound of tires rolling across the graveled driveway. She fought the urge to peek through the living room blinds and instead slowly made her way to the front door. She opened it as her guest stepped up the stairs to the porch. "Welcome to the Rocking W. Come on in out of the cold." After closing the door behind her guest, Lex held out her hand. "I'm Lex Walters. Let me take your coat."

  The smaller figure removed their hat and coat to reveal a woman close to Lex's age. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Shelby Fisher."

  Lex accepted the woman's coat and hung it on a spare hook by the door. You from around here?"

  "Yeah. We bought a small place on the other side of Somerville a few years ago. Nothing like your spread, but I'm enjoying it."

  Pleased to meet another businesswoman, Lex gestured for Shelby to enter the living room. "Come on in, I've got some coffee in my office."

  Freckles, who had been asleep in her bed by the fireplace, raised her head at the newcomer. When she decided Shelby posed no threat, she lowered her head and closed her eyes again.

  "Coffee sounds great." Shelby looked around the spacious living room as they headed for the office door in the far corner. "Nice place you've got here."

  "Thanks." Waiting until her guest was seated, Lex poured two mugs of coffee from the carafe on her desk. "Take anything?"

  Shelby shook her head as she accepted the cup. "No thanks." She leaned back in her chair and studied the woman across the desk. "I really appreciate you meeting me on such short notice. When I saw your flyer at the feed store, it took all I had not to race out here."

  "Not a problem. To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure if anyone was going to be interested. Not many folks are buying right now."

  "True. I've been looking for a good stud, but haven't been able to find one in my price range that wasn't broken down. When I saw your ad, I thought I'd take a chance."

  Lex nodded. "Good idea. Are you in the horse trade?"

  "No, not really. We've got a paint mare, and I picked up a nice sorrel mare a year or so ago. Right now we mainly board other people's stock. But I'd like to start up a training facility or a riding school." Shelby sipped her coffee. "The old guys at the feed store have good things to say about you."

  "They're a fun bunch," Lex said. "Since you're on the other side of town, have you done any business with Lockneer? He's got some real good horses."

  Shelby choked on her coffee and wiped her chin. "Uh, no. He doesn't care much for me, or my partner."

  Lex caught the subtle hint. "Don't feel bad." Lex handed Shelby a tissue. "He hates me, too. Homophobic bastard." She put her cup on the desk. "Want to go see the colt?"

  "Sure." Shelby set her mug down also and followed Lex from the office.

  In less than five minutes, the pair stepped inside the barn closest to the house. Shelby glanced around and whistled. "Impressive."

  "Thanks." Lex led her to a stall near the rear of the barn. Inside was a small bay colt. His face had a white streak down the center that went all the way to his nose. Lex opened the stall and gently grasped the animal's halter. "Come on, fella."

  Shelby studied the colt as Lex walked him around the barn. "He's a handsome one, that's for sure."

  "Yep. Good stock." Lex pointed to the other side of the barn. "Sire's over there. Dam's up at the other barn. We can drive up and take a look at her if you want." She handed the colt to Shelby. "Why don't you two get acquainted?"

  With an almost reverence, Shelby brushed her hands over the animal's coat. She carefully inspected every inch of him before looking at Lex. "He's magnificent. Why on earth do you want to sell him?"

  Lex smiled, pleased with the other woman's obvious knowledge of horses. "He's too good an animal to geld, and I've already got a nice stud. No sense in him competing with his sire."

  "I guess not. I'm almost afraid to ask how much you want for him." Shelby's eyes widened at the figure Lex quoted. "Kinda low, isn't it?"

  "Maybe." Lex stepped to the opposite side of the colt and began running her hand across his back in a soothing motion. "This drought has made things rough for us. One less mouth to feed will easily offset what I could get for him next spring. Besides, I'm hoping this could be the start of a good business relationship. Having an ally is never a bad thing."

  Shelby held out her hand. "You've got a deal. I've got my checkbook with me, but I'll have to run back to the house for my trailer."

  "Actually, I need to pick up a few things in town and was going to take a trailer. I can follow you and do my errands afterward, if that's okay with you."

  "That would be more than okay. Thanks."

  AS SHELBY'S TRUCK left the highway onto a small dirt road, Lex took in the surroundings. They passed a small frame house, the well-kept flowerbeds around it attesting to its care. Not far behind the house was a barn and corral. Several horses milled freely in the enclosure, heads turning as Shelby's truck parked nearby.

  Lex pulled past Shelby then backed the trailer up to the corral. She got out and met Shelby by the gate. "I like how you've got the corral sectioned off. How many horses do you stable here?"

  "Five in all. Three boarders and our two. I'm about to add another set of stables this winter. We tore down the old barn a couple of years ago when business picked up. My partner and I built this one ourselves." Shelby opened the trailer and climbed in beside the colt. She slowly backed him out. "Easy there."

  The slam from the back door of the house caused both women to turn. Hurrying down the steps was a voluptuous redhead. She buttoned her blue quilted jacket as she jogged toward the corral. Her blue eyes lit up when she spied the colt. "He's adorable!"

  Shelby grinned. "Rebecca, I'd like you to meet Lex Walters. Lex, this is my partner, Rebecca Starrett."

  Rebecca shook hands with Lex. "Hi, Lex. I've seen you at Carson's with your family." Rebecca had recently been promoted to assistant manager at the western-wear store. It was the only one of its kind in the county, and most of Somerville shopped there.

  "I thought you looked familiar. It's nice to see you again." Lex stepped back and allowed Rebecca to get closer to the colt. She grinned as the younger woman began to stroke the animal's coat.

  "Oooh, Shelby. What's his name?" Rebecca asked.

  Shelby looked over at Lex, who shrugged. "I guess that's up to you, darlin'. We've got Patches and Dutchess. What do you think this little fella looks like?"

  Rebecca looked into the colt's eyes. "How about Morgan?" She gently rubbed his nose. "You like that, don't you?" She continued to coo at Morgan, while the other two women looked on in amusement.

  "I have a feeling I've lost my new horse," Shelby joked. "Lex, you want to come up to the house for some coffee? I think Morgan's in good hands."

  "Coffee sounds great. I'm getting too old to stand out in the cold wind nowadays." Lex glanced over her shoulder before she stepped into the house. The joy on Rebecca's face solidified in her mind that she'd made the right decision on selling the colt.

  Shelby laughed as they headed for the house. She held the door open for Lex, exhaling heavily as they stepped into the warm kitchen. "Tell me about it. My old aches from the rodeo get worse every year. Take your coat off and get comfortable. I'm sure Rebecca will get Morgan sett
led and be in shortly."

  Lex grinned. The more she was around Shelby, the more she enjoyed the other woman's company. She decided to talk to Amanda, and see about inviting the couple out for dinner in the future.

  Chapter Five

  AMANDA PACED THE bedroom as Lex watched from the bed. The house was quiet, as the sun was only now peeking through the blinds. The children were fast asleep, which allowed their parents the privacy early morning brought. "I don't know, Lex. Keeping Lorrie out all day, especially with a cold front expected, doesn't sound like a very good idea."

  "We'll be back by lunch." Lex pulled her boots on, stood and stamped her feet. "The cold front's supposed to hit tonight. I'll have her home sipping hot chocolate long before then." She held out her arms and waited until Amanda snuggled close. "We've been out plenty of times. Why are you so worried?"

  "You'll think I'm being silly," Amanda muttered into Lex's shirt. She felt lips lightly touch her head.

  "Never."

  Amanda raised her head and looked up. Lex's eyes sparkled with tenderness and Amanda felt her heart speed up and overflow with love. "How did I ever get this lucky?"

  Lex's lips curled into a familiar smile. "I'd have to say we're both very lucky, sweetheart." She lowered her face and kissed Amanda. When they finally separated, her grin widened. "Now what was it you were going to say?"

  "Like I can remember anything after being kissed like that," Amanda grumbled good-naturedly. She adjusted Lex's shirt collar. "I have a weird feeling about today. I wish you and Lorrie would stay closer to the house."

  "We're only going to the northern pasture and checking the pump on the tank. It's about a forty-five minute ride out there. If the weather even seems the least little bit chancy, I promise we'll head right back."

  Knowing she was fighting a losing battle, Amanda gave up. "All right. I know Lorrie's been looking forward to this. The extra week of grounding nearly killed her."

  "Wasn't easy for me, either. But she had to understand that using the emergency ladder had consequences. She'll think twice before doing it again." Lex lifted Amanda off the floor and slowly spun her around. "Are you sure you don't want to come with us? I bet Ellie wouldn't mind watching Melanie for us." Even after being given her own pony, their youngest wasn't as fond of horseback riding, and would rather spend her time in more artistic pursuits.

  During the past week, Melanie had become Ellie's shadow. She had even talked her into playing dolls, something that the other members of the family had little time, or inclination, to do.

  Amanda laughed. "I have enough trouble separating them as it is. Poor Ellie's going to get sick of Melanie at this rate."

  Lex thought about the changes in her cousin during the past week. Day by day, Ellie's face relaxed, and she was returning to the woman they had all come to love. "I doubt that. If anything, I think Mel's been good for her." Lex put Amanda down and gave her another quick kiss. "I'm going to go wake Lorrie so we can get started early. Why don't you head back to bed?"

  "No, I think I'll take advantage of the quiet and get some things done downstairs." Amanda picked up an item from the dresser. "Don't forget your phone."

  "Yes, ma'am." Lex clipped it to her belt, resting the leather holster on her right hip. She started to leave the room, but was stopped by Amanda's grip on her back pocket. "What?"

  Amanda stepped into Lex's arms and kissed her again. "Be careful."

  Lex started to joke, but saw the real worry in her wife's eyes. "I promise. What we have is too precious to me."

  THE SUN PIERCED through the barren trees, the glare causing Lex to wish she had remembered to wear her sunglasses. She squinted at Lorrie, who rode alongside her on Mine. Her daughter's face showed all the wonder of being alive on a beautiful day. Lex dipped the brim of her hat to block the worst of the blinding light. "You doing all right, lil' bit?"

  Lorrie turned and gave Lex a huge smile. "Yep." The grin took on a decidedly wicked turn. "Wanna race?" Mine sidestepped as Lorrie tightened her grip on the reins.

  "Sure." Lex pointed to a dead tree a few hundred yards ahead. "Last one there has to brush down both horses when we get back."

  "And give Freckles a bath," Lorrie added.

  The little dog wasn't happy being left behind, but Lex didn't want her out that far with the weather being chancy. And giving her a bath usually meant that the bather would need one afterward. "All right."

  Lorrie kicked her horse and whooped, taking off and leaving Lex behind.

  "You little--" Lex urged Mac forward. His wounds had healed nicely, but she knew they'd have a difficult time catching the younger quarter horse in a short distance race. "Come on," Lex yelled. "You're not going to let a little mare win, are you?" She leaned over Mac's neck. They got within a length of Mine when Mac stumbled. Lex pulled up on the reins and finally brought him to a stop. "Damn."

  "Yay!" Lorrie cheered and brought Mine to a halt, turning to look for Lex. She saw her standing beside Mac. "Momma?"

  Lex bent over to look at Mac's leg. She raised his hoof and found a small stick wedged beneath his shoe. Using her pocketknife, Lex gently removed the stick and brushed her finger across the frog, testing for tenderness. Mac didn't flinch, so she stood and patted his shoulder. "We'll get her next time."

  Lorrie rode back to where Lex stood. "Is he okay?"

  "I think so. Just a stick in his shoe." Lex climbed into the saddle. "Looks like I'm going to be busy this afternoon, aren't I?"

  "Yep. Unless you want to race again."

  Lex laughed. "Nope, I think you had us beat before Mac came up lame. Next time, I'm riding Thunder. No way you'd outrun him."

  They soon came upon the clearing where the stock tank was located. Normally forty feet wide, the muddy pond would hold enough water to take care of the stock in the north pasture. Since the drought, Lex had a water well dug with the pump running off solar power.

  The pump was supposed to keep the tank filled, yet Lex could see that it hadn't. Only a small amount of water remained in the very center of the tank. Something had broken through the fence that protected the pump. It knocked the solar panels off and left them lying in the dirt. In the middle of the tank stood a cow, apparently stuck.

  "Damn." Lex could tell by the demeanor of the heifer that it had been stranded for quite some time. She urged Mac into a gallop. "Lorrie, keep Mine away from the tank. I don't want her getting in the mud, okay?"

  "Yes, ma'am." Lorrie followed behind Lex and pulled up short when they arrived at the tank. "Where's the water?"

  Lex brought Mac to a stop and climbed from the saddle. "Dried up. Looks like the pump lost power." She glanced at the pump. "We'll have to get someone out to fix it. Damn it all to hell!" She picked up a twig and broke it in half, throwing the pieces away in her anger.

  Lorrie prudently kept silent. She rode over to Lex, being especially careful to stay away from the muddy tank. "What are we going to do about the cow?"

  "Haul her out." Lex stood with her hands on her hips while she considered the challenge. "Lorrie, give me your rope. We'll have to use both horses."

  "Yes, ma'am." Lorrie detached the rope from her saddle. She watched in awe as Lex worked the loop and tossed it over the mud to land around the heifer's neck.

  "Here you go. Tie that off, will you?" Lex handed the rest of the rope to Lorrie, who quickly tied it to her saddle horn. "Keep the slack out of it, until I can get my rope on her."

  Having done similar things with her mother before, Lorrie had no trouble following instructions. She guided Mine back slightly, keeping the rope taut.

  Lex nodded and retrieved the rope from her own saddle. "Good job, Lorrie." She threw another perfect strike and got a good grip on the rope. "Back up a little. Let's see what happens."

  Lorrie did as she was told, well versed in the action.

  The cow didn't budge, and Lex called on Lorrie to stop. "Looks like she's good and stuck." Dropping her rope to the ground, Lex removed her duster and draped it across her ho
rse. She rooted around in her saddlebag until she found a small, folded shovel. "You're in charge of the horses, all right? Once I get out there, I'll take my rope off. All you need to do is keep the horses calm."

  "Yes, ma'am." Lorrie accepted Mac's reins. "You're walking out in the mud? Mommy's gonna get mad if you come home dirty."

  "Yeah, I know. But it can't be helped." Lex winked and squeezed Lorrie's leg, then started to wade into the tank. The farther she walked, the gooier the mud. By the time she reached the cow, she had to crawl across the mud on her knees. "Lorrie's right. Amanda's going to kick my ass for this mess." She laughed at herself. "Martha always said I could find mud in a drought. Never thought I'd prove her right."

  Lex patted the cow on the neck. She could see it was buried up to its belly in the mud, and its eyes were dimming. "We got here too late, didn't we?" Lex took her rope off the animal and tossed it nearby. "I'm sorry. Hang in there, okay?" She took the shovel and started to dig carefully around the cow's legs.

  Lorrie watched her mother work, but sitting still in the warm sunshine made her sleepy. She yawned and tried to keep her eyes open.

  Not far away, the cry of a bobcat caused Mine and Mac to both dance wildly. Lorrie was unable to hang on to Mac, who took off into the trees. "Momma!" As Mine struggled under Lorrie's control, she reared. Lorrie did a good job of handling the frightened horse, but couldn't keep her from backing several feet.

  Unable to help, Lex watched as Lorrie fought to stay astride. She was about to holler encouragement when the tight rope caused the cow to bellow and fall toward Lex. With her knees buried in the mud, Lex couldn't move, and found herself trapped on her back beneath the dying animal.

  "Momma!" Lorrie saw Lex fall under the cow. She untied the rope from her saddle and was finally able to bring Mine under control. Terrified, she jumped down and started out into the mud.