Skylar's Outlaw. Linda Warren

Judd Calhoun, had wooed her away. Now the responsibility for High Five was on Sky’s shoulders, and she didn’t take that lightly. She had to make her sisters understand her point of view.

      Clearing her throat, she said, “We’re all dealing with motherhood, but we still have to run this ranch.”

      Cait lifted an eyebrow. “Is bitchy getting responsible?”

      Sky groaned at the nickname, but she had to admit she could be a bitch if the occasion arose.

      “I’ve always been responsible.” She tried to keep a straight face.

      “Yeah…”

      Maddie slipped back into the room. “Sorry that took so long, but Georgie had the baby’s blanket tied around his neck, preparing to jump off the back of the sofa as Spider-Man. Kira was right behind him.”

      Sky was immediately on her feet. Her child was her life. “Is she—”

      “She’s fine.” Maddie motioned for her to sit down. “I had a talk with Georgie, and he won’t do it again.”

      “Your talks are not exactly stern. I’d better—”

      “Georgie won’t disobey,” Maddie said on a firm note. “Gran and Etta are watching them. So what do you want to talk about?”

      This was it. She had their attention.

      “Oh, darn.” Maddie glanced sideways at her shoulder. “I have milk all over me.”

      Sky felt like bumping her head against the desk in frustration. Instead, she opened a drawer and threw her a box of tissues. “You smell great, too.”

      Maddie made a face and caught the box. “Sour milk is my perfume these days. Walker loves it, so we’re both happy.”

      Losing patience, Sky clapped her hands. “Listen up. We need to talk about High Five.”

      “I’ve been here thirty minutes and nothing’s been said.”

      “Because you’re not listening,” Sky shouted at Cait. “You’re in la-la land.”

      Both sisters stared at her, and she leaped right in with what she had to say. “After the destruction of the hurricane and the fire, High Five is finally making a turn for the better. I think that’s what Dad wanted for us—to realize the importance of our heritage and to work together to secure it. That’s why he put that ridiculous clause in his will that the ranch had to be sold to Judd if it wasn’t showing a profit in six months.”

      “Dad knew I’d fight that like a hellcat and call y’all home to help, especially since I’d jilted Judd fourteen years before and considered him my archenemy.” Cait’s voice softened. “He also knew that if he pitted Judd and me against each other, we’d fall in love all over again.”

      “He had a plan and it worked,” Maddie said, wiping at her blouse. “Even though he’d left the ranch in dire straits because of his gambling debts, he knew we’d pull together to save High Five. He wanted us to feel the same pride he had in home and family.”

      Cait’s eyes grew wistful. “It’s ironic that Dad, who was the king of spoiling and pampering and who repeatedly told us we needed husbands to take care of us, took the biggest gamble of his life when he bet those same daughters would rescue High Five.”

      There was silence for a moment as they each thought about their father. Sky knew they were getting sidetracked, and she had to bring the discussion back to her problem.

      “As I said, the ranch is finally showing a profit and I want to keep it that way.” She gripped the paperweight. “I can’t do that with Cooper Yates as foreman. He has to go. I’ve put up with his insolent attitude long enough.”

      Maddie’s head shot up. “I don’t understand why you can’t get along with Cooper.”

      “Why do I have to? I own this ranch.”

      “You’re a part owner,” Cait reminded her.

      She gritted her teeth. “When Maddie got married, I agreed to take over running the place, but I can’t do that with someone who ignores me and my orders.”

      Maddie and Cait shared a glance, and it irritated Sky when they did that. She was always the odd one out.

      Cait got to her feet. “Bottom line, Sky, this ranch won’t survive without Cooper’s expertise. He puts in fourteen- to sixteen-hour days without any overtime pay. He’s dedicated to High Five, so I suggest you learn to get along, because Cooper stays.”

      Sky rose to her feet, ready for battle. “You don’t get to make that decision alone.”

      “I vote with Cait.” Maddie placed the tissues on the desk. “Cooper stays.”

      Sky tucked her naturally curly red hair behind her ears. “I have a child and I thought you’d be more considerate of Kira. I don’t want her around an ex-con.”

      “You know Cooper was framed for killing those horses, and all the charges were dropped.” Cait reached for her purse on the floor. “What else is bothering you?”

      Sky had to be honest. “Not all the charges were dropped. He almost beat to death the man who framed him, and he’s still on probation for the assault. I don’t want a man with that kind of temper around my daughter.”

      Maddie picked up her diaper bag. “I’d trust Coop with my kids any day of the week. I’ve worked with him and I know he’s a good man who’s had some bad breaks. Just cut him some slack.”

      “I can’t believe you two.” Sky flung up her hands. “I ask for your help and you’re telling me to deal with him.”

      “That’s it.” Cait glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to run. Judd has a decorator coming to give ideas on a nursery.” She slung her purse strap over her shoulder. “As if I need ideas, but I’ll cooperate because I’m such a good wife.”

      Sky’s patience snapped. “If High Five needs Cooper Yates so badly, then I might as well not be here. I’ll pack my things and leave.” She glared at her older sister. “That’s my bottom line.”

      “That’s just like you, Sky,” Cait shot back, just as Sky knew she would. Their relationship had always been volatile because they were so alike in their fiery temperament. “It’s your way or nothing.”

      “It’s not about having my way. I can’t work with the man.”

      “All right,” Cait shouted. “I’ll take over running High Five.”

      “Cait!” Maddie was quick to come to her defense. “You can’t do that. You’re going to have a baby.”

      “With Sky being so stubborn, I don’t see any other way. I’ll have to come back.”

      Sky felt like a fifth grader, being mean for no reason. Except she had a reason.

      “Cait…” Maddie trailed off as Gran walked into the room. Their grandmother’s hair was beautifully white and curled into a knot at her nape. In slacks, a multicolored blouse and sensible shoes, Dorthea Belle looked much younger than her seventy-seven years. Sky had often thought she had an ageless beauty, with a softness and a fragility that was very striking. Even in slacks Gran wore her pearls.

      Southern manners had been instilled into her, and she tried her best to impress those views on her granddaughters. Somehow her teachings had missed the mark, but all three sisters were aware of Gran’s position on life, women and their roles. They respected her enough never to hurt her.

      “What’s this I hear about leaving and coming back?”

      Maddie hoisted the diaper bag higher on her shoulder and walked forward. Linking her arm through Gran’s, she asked, “Have you been listening at the door?”

      “Certainly not.” Gran stiffened her shoulders. “A lady would never do such a