The Perfect Couple. Valerie Hansen

beheld when she'd first entered Tyler's living room. The elderly, yellow Lab was as much a permanent fixture in the casually furnished ranch house as the soft, leather sofa he'd claimed as his own. Clearly, he was a well-loved member of the family.

      Tears began to cloud her vision. Disgusted, she blinked them back. What was the matter with her? The mercy mission had gone well. Roady had a good home with a loving man who'd watch over him and care about him. So why get emotional now? Why, indeed?

      Suddenly, Kara realized what was bothering her. The concept wasn't rational, nor could she explain what had caused her to make such a ridiculous comparison. Only one thing was certain. In spite of her aversion to marriage and commitment, she envied the dogs. They'd found unconditional love. And someone they could always trust.

      It didn't matter that their master was Tyler Corbett. The important thing was they truly belonged.

      For the first time in months, Kara dreaded Sunday. She wasn't about to let anything keep her out of church, she just wasn't keen on running into Tyler there. To be on the safe side, she'd spent the two days since her visit to his ranch rehearsing a series of nonchalant comments to use in case they happened to come face-to-face.

      Knowing that the Corbetts and their friends usually sat together in the third and fourth rows, Kara took a seat near the rear of the old stone church, greeting fellow worshipers with a demure smile.

      This was the church she'd attended before her marriage. Afterward, Alex had insisted they didn't need to worship in a small, country church that didn't offer him much opportunity to further his practice by impressing wealthy, local ranchers with his intellect and supposed piety. Kara never had been able to make him understand how at home and peaceful she felt when she sat quietly in that little church and allowed the Lord to fill her heart with His love. She sighed. Words couldn't describe how good it felt to be back.

      The day had promised to be warm so she'd wound her long hair into a twist and fastened it up with a large, tortoiseshell clip that matched the muted colors of her softly draped, rayon print dress. She was smoothing her skirt when all of a sudden her sense of peace vanished.

      Wisps of hair on the back of her neck tickled, prickled and would have stood on end if they hadn't been so long. She tensed. It wasn't necessary to look over her shoulder to know what was wrong. Tyler Corbett had arrived. She could feel his presence.

      The broad-shouldered man passed right by Kara as he made his way forward, down the center aisle. On his arm was a slim, blond-haired lady. Kara raised one eyebrow. Well, well. And who might this be? She wasn't surprised that she didn't recognize the woman. Since she'd only recently begun attending this church again, there were many people she didn't know, or faces she couldn't place.

      What did bother Kara, however, was the unexpected twinge of jealousy when Tyler and his companion had walked by. What a silly response! Why should she care who he was with?

      Susan slid into the pew next to her and nudged her gently. “Scoot over, will you? Mark's coming as soon as he parks the car. I was afraid we'd be late so I had him let me off at the door. One of the horses picked last night to foal and we were up half the night.”

      “Why didn't you call me?” Kara whispered. “You know I'd have come out to help.”

      Susan made a face. “I thought of that. Mark said no. It seems Tyler wasn't too pleased when you dropped by the other day.”

      “That's your fault.” Kara wasn't about to back down. “You talked me into doing it. I wanted you to take the puppy to him in the first place.”

      “I know. My mistake.” She shielded her mouth with one cupped hand and leaned closer. “What did you say to the man, anyway? Mark says he's been a real pill ever since you were out there.”

      Shrugging, Kara was at a loss. “I don't know. We just talked. Made polite conversation. The usual.” She remembered her confession about their father's bad temper but could see no connection between that and Tyler's mood. “He seemed okay when I left.” A sly smile lit her face. “Of course, I did foist an injured dog on him. Maybe that's what's bothering him.”

      “Maybe.” Susan slid closer as her husband joined them. “And maybe he's just naturally mean-spirited.”

      “Oh, I don't think so,” Kara said quickly. She noticed a look of smug satisfaction come over her sister and easily anticipated her thoughts. “Don't start with me again about needing a husband,” she warned. “Don't even start.”

      Susan almost managed to look innocent. “Who? Me? I didn't say a word.”

      “No, but I know what you were thinking. I told you, I have no interest in any man, least of all Tyler Corbett. Besides, he's got a special lady friend. Look. Third row. Second from the left.”

      Leaning sideways, the elder sister peered between the heads of other worshipers until she spotted her quarry. “Aha. I do see. How interesting that you noticed.”

      “The man walked right by me. I couldn't help but see him. Now, will you please leave me alone?”

      “Till the service is over,” Susan said. “Then you and I are going to find Mr. Corbett so I can properly introduce you to his lady friend.”

      “It won't be necessary to go to…” Kara began.

      Susan pointed to the front of the sanctuary. “Shush. They're starting. I can't hear a thing when you're talking.”

      Disgusted, Kara closed her mouth. Her mind, however, refused to be quieted. No way was she going to permit her sister to drag her into another unnecessary discussion with Tyler Corbett. Especially since he'd brought a female companion to church!