Cowboy Lullaby (The Boones of Texas 6)

Tandy couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. The thudding of her heart drowned out all other sounds. Why had the woman kept it a secret? Poor Pearl. She’d been robbed of so much time with her father. And Click. She glanced at him. He was so lost.

“You’ve got no help?” she asked, the answer on his face.

“I was coming to Lynnie. I figured she’d set me straight, show me what needs doing for Pearl. But now...” He shook his head.

Now Lynnie was gone. She swallowed, stunned by the burn of tears.

“There’s a lot to be done. When Pearl sleeps, I do what needs to be done. Repairs to the barn and fence. The horses... Horses need tending to. I can’t leave her alone.” He grinned at Pearl. “She’s busy, into everything.”

Tandy sat back in her chair, processing. Questions circled, so many questions. And yes, most of them weren’t relevant at the moment. Neither was how she did or didn’t feel about Click. Or how he did or didn’t feel about her. What mattered was this little girl. “Scarlett and I can help, Click.” She didn’t have to ask, she knew Scarlett would be on board.

“It’s not your problem,” he argued. “I’m not looking for a handout.” Click straightened in his chair, but it took effort.

She frowned. “It’s no handout. She’ll be the one that suffers when you collapse from exhaustion. This is for her.” She tickled Pearl’s cheek. “I can think of worse things than spending time with her.”

Pearl clapped her hands.

“Exactly,” she said. “Pearl approves.”

Click grinned, then yawned.

“You need sleep.” She’d never seen him so worn out.

He shook his head. “Gotta finish the patch of fence first. Damn goats are escape artists. Almost done.”

“It’d take a third of the time if you’d get some help,” she offered. “I could ask around, see if any of Uncle Woodrow’s ranch hands are looking for extra hours?”

“No offense, but I’m pretty sure your uncle wouldn’t want any of his people working for me.” One dark brow arched. “He hasn’t figured out what to do with me yet.”

Tandy agreed. “Not everyone works for my uncle. Or Mr. Wallace.” She paused then, curious. “What do you mean, what to do with you?”

“How to get Lynnie’s place. Since she left it to me. All of it,” he said. “Both Wallace and Boone have wanted the place so long, I’m worried it could get nasty.”

She smiled. Lynnie had done the right thing. He wouldn’t have expected her generosity, but he’d appreciate it in a way that few could. “What are they going to do? It’s the twenty-first century. No one’s poisoning water holes or rustling cattle anymore, are they?”

The smile he sent her way was devastating. How could a man look so vulnerable and so proud all at the same time? And the look in his eyes... His gaze traveled over her face, shifting into something else. He was wide awake now, his gaze falling to her mouth. She knew that look, knew what he was thinking and wanting. Her. It rippled over her, causing a full-body shudder.

“Ta-dee,” Pearl squealed, reaching for her. “Hi.”

“Hi, pretty Pearl,” she said, pulling her from her high chair. The toddler twined her arms around Tandy’s neck and rested her head on her shoulder.

“Ta-dee,” she said with a sigh.

Tandy held Pearl close, soaking up every ounce of affection. She stared at Click over Pearl’s head. “Lynnie’s given you a gift, Click. You can stay now, have a real home.”

She wasn’t prepared for the intensity in those blue-green eyes. Or the way her stomach tightened in response to his husky, “Maybe.”

“Maybe?” she repeated, confused. Surely he wasn’t having second thoughts because of her? She might not be a part of it anymore, but she wouldn’t take his dream away from him. She wouldn’t do that to Pearl.

“Da da.” Pearl reached for him.

He reached for Pearl, the brush of his hands against hers making her ache. She’d always felt cherished in his arms. He’d managed to chase away her doubt and uncertainty, made things steady and right. What she wouldn’t give to feel that way now. In that moment, she wished he still loved her. That she could trust in their love and know he’d always be with her. That she was strong enough to let go and brave enough to try again.

“Ta-dee. Da-gee. Yum-yum.” Pearl was chattering, pointing at things as she went. “Da da.”

“That’s me,” Click said, kissing her little fingertip.

This little girl had every right to a good life, full of love and stability. Lynnie might not have known about Pearl, but she’d wanted Click’s future to be secure. “You owe it to your daughter, Click. Give her a legacy she’ll be proud of.”