The Rancher's Christmas Proposal. Sherri Shackelford

Visiting Scout each morning had been part of their daily routine since before Owen could walk. He’d even had his own currycomb and took great pride in brushing the feathered hair above the animal’s hooves. Over seventeen hands high, the enormous draft horse had taken a shine to Owen as well and always remained docile beneath his ministration. “Owen wasn’t happy about leaving him behind.”

      That was an understatement. Shane briefly closed his eyes against the memory of the boy’s pitiful sobs.

      Tessa pressed a hand against her stomach, and Shane recalled the rumblings he’d heard earlier.

      He’d been almost rude with her before. The decision to leave Alyce and Owen with the Cains had weighed heavily on him, and he hadn’t been very good company on the train ride back or even today, for that matter.

      In an effort to atone for his previous behavior, he asked, “Have you eaten yet?”

      She glanced up. “Not yet.”

      He studied Tessa’s upturned face and his gut knotted. Lines of tension framed her mouth and dark circles showed beneath her eyes. He recalled the trunk he’d seen in the haberdashery window and realized why the familiar-looking luggage had caught his eye. She must be pawning her belongings. Most telling of all, she’d been frantic about the reward this morning when she’d been hesitant about the money before. Those hints might have clued him in earlier if he hadn’t been wrapped up in his own concerns.

      Tessa was obviously short on funds.

      She’d been adamant about leaving town as soon as the reward arrived. What was she going to do now? What were her plans for the future? Forcing his questions aside, he reached for his coat.

      Curiosity was holding up what needed to be done. “Join me for lunch at the hotel. I could use a bite.” Actually, he’d eaten an hour ago. “I insist. You can fill me in on the gossip from town.”

      Owen had practically attached himself to Tessa. Most likely she’d be gone soon, another disappointment for the boy, yet he couldn’t deny them their visit. At least the twins were smiling for once. All three of them had been more somber than usual lately. The finality of their situation had left Shane troubled and distracted. Assisting someone else was the perfect way to take his mind off his worries.

      “Um,” Tessa began. “There is one small matter I’d like to discuss over lunch.”