The Black Sheep's Proposal. Patricia Thayer

Remember when we talked that there are times when horses mate…and make babies?”

      The child nodded.

      “Well, see that big gray stallion? That’s the buckskin’s mate. And if I let Whiskey go out there, they would have fought and one or both might have gotten hurt.”

      Livy seemed satisfied with the answer. She wandered down to the creek and walked along the edge.

      “That was interesting.”

      She absently rubbed the stallion’s neck. “I didn’t expect to find a mare in season, or a stallion eager to fight.”

      Luke glanced around. He didn’t remember too much about this place, but it was beautiful. A five-year-old did most of his ride around the corral. “I’ve heard stories about the alpha males in the herd. How sometimes they fight to the death.”

      “That’s how it is in the wild. And I also think that’s what makes this place so beautiful… so untouched…”

      “And why you don’t want to leave it,” he finished.

      “Can you look at this beautiful place and tell me that it should be destroyed. Homes constructed…roads built…and the traffic—”

      He held up his hands. “Wait a minute, I never said anything about developing this land.” There wasn’t anyone in the business that would give him the time of day, let alone invest any money in another project with his name on it.

      She turned her back to her daughter and glare at him. “You’re in real estate,” she said, her voice low and controlled. “Isn’t that why you’re so eager to sell it?”

      “I was in real estate,” he said. “Besides, I can’t do a damn thing right now.”

      “You haven’t even tried to make a go of the Rocking R. I’d say that’s giving up before you give it a chance.”

      “But I’ve never ranched before in my life.”

      She crossed her arms over her breasts. “So, you could hire people.”

      “Meaning you and your father?”

      Something flashed in her eyes, then it was quickly masked. She shrugged. “It’s just something to think about.”

      He studied her for a long time. He couldn’t help but think back to another persuasive woman, one who ended up making a fool of him.

      “All I’m thinking about right now is finding my brother…”

      He paused when he saw two riders coming over the rise from the other side of the creek. They must be friends because Livy was waving at them.

      Tess sighed. “Well, looks like it’s time you met some of the neighbors.”

      “Who?”

      “Well, Randells of course. Looks like your family has come to welcome you home.”