Come Home, Cowboy. Cathy Mcdavid

The extra pillows were there, just like before. Back at the table, she set the pillows on a chair, then instructed Nathan, “Sit here.”

      He eagerly clambered into the chair, situated himself and began stuffing pieces of hot dog into his mouth.

      Satisfied, she started for the door. “I’ll leave you to your dinner.”

      “Before you go.” Josh intercepted her. “I have a deal to propose.”

      Her suspicions flared. This must be about the horses. “What kind of deal?”

      “Clearly, I need help with my kids.”

      “I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

      He smiled. “I could use a teacher. I was thinking of you.”

      “No.” She jerked back so quickly, she bumped into the door.

      “Hear me out first.” Josh continued speaking, ignorant of, or indifferent to, her distress. “You show me the ropes, and I’ll help you with the sanctuary. Anything you need. And I won’t pressure you to give up the land.”

      Did he not realize how hard this would be for her?

      She glanced at Nathan, smashing the last bite of hot dog into his plate rather than eating it. Kimberly had started stirring and would whimper any second. Most babies her age cried when they woke from a nap.

      Cara wanted to run and not stop until she was a thousand miles away. She also wanted to hold Kimberly. The two longings waged a war inside her. Eventually, one prevailed.

      Going to the carrier, she undid the straps and lifted the baby into her arms. A splendid feeling washed over her. Cara cradled the baby close as tears filled her eyes. She wondered if they were tears of sorrow or joy.

      “All right,” she murmured and gently rocked the baby. “We have a deal.”