A Cowboy to Call Daddy (The Boones of Texas 4)

Anger and defeat washed over her. “Bastard,” she sniffed.

“He always was.” Teddy Boone’s voice made her jump. “Your father, I mean. Jason Monroe. And what exactly is your job, Miss Monroe?”

Her cheeks were burning as she said, “I’m a grant administrator and manager for several trusts managed by my father’s bank.”

“Which means?” he asked, smiling.

“I help decide who gets funding and make sure everything stays in order, for the trusts and the recipients.”

“You look just like her,” Teddy said. “Same eyes, lighter hair. I knew you as soon as I laid eyes on you.”

“But you didn’t say anything,” she murmured, glancing at him.

“No, I didn’t. I don’t approve of lying, not one bit. But I know a little about your family. I figure you’ve got your reasons and will straighten things out when the time is right.” He nodded at her. “Question is, why are you here, Miss Monroe?”

“I’m working that out.” She stared at him, stunned by Teddy’s calm. “I have questions you might be able to answer.”

He nodded. “It’s not too hot out yet. We could take a walk, if you like?”

She stared at the man. She liked him. But would he tell her something that would change that—and alter the way she thought of her mother forever? Could she blame her mother if...if things had developed between them?

Yes. She could.

She’d never cheated on Clark. Never thought about it. Her word was all she had that was hers free and clear to give. She’d left Clark. She hoped her mother would do the same before she’d move on to another man.

But...she needed to know. She needed to understand her father.

“Ten minutes?” she asked, needing time to pull herself together. And morning hugs from the girls.

“Take all the time you need,” he offered. “Just so you know, there’s nothing to be said that would prevent your girls and Clara from coming, Eden.”

She stared at him for a long time, wondering if that meant that he’d edit his responses or that the niggling fear in her gut was completely unfounded. Either way, she returned to the dining room in time for Lily to start crying. After a long night of teething and lost sleep, it made sense to pack them up for a change of scenery. Better than keeping Clara cooped up with a fussy baby.

She scooped up her daughter, smiling at the giggle her baby made as they spun. “Let’s take a walk with Mr. Boone,” she said, noting the smile on Clara’s face.

In ten minutes, they were strolling along one of the stone-lined paths that made sure visitors didn’t stray too far from civilization. Eden cradled Lily, bouncing her or patting her little back to soothe her baby’s teething discomfort.

“Poor little thing,” Teddy said. “Hurting but no one can fix it.”

Eden kissed her daughter’s temple, glancing back to see Ivy pointing at the ducks on the pond behind the Lodge. Clara pulled a bag of crackers out and the two of them fed the ducks while she and Teddy wandered a few feet away.

She saw no point in beating around the bush, so she asked, “How do you know my mother?”

“Your mother and my wife, Mags, met in college. They roomed together the first couple of years. Before me and your daddy came along.”

Eden looked at him. “And then?”

“Your father is a mite competitive.” He grinned. “While your momma was helping me win Mags’s heart, he thought I was after Rachel. Don’t think he ever let go of that notion, either.”

Eden smiled, a hard smile. No, maybe he hadn’t. “But you loved your wife.”

“Still do.” He nodded. “Rachel was a good girl, sweet and funny. She was a good friend to Mags, and to me.”

Eden nodded. “She had the best laugh.”

“And the two of them together, my Mags and Rachel?” He shook his head. “You heard them laughing, you had to laugh, too.”

Eden smiled at him, adjusting Lily against her shoulder.