Little Cowgirl Needs a Mum / Once Upon a Proposal. Patricia Thayer

play.”

      Evan looked at his brother, Matt, in the passenger seat. Usually Matt had never been shy about speaking his mind. Yet, since his return from overseas, he’d pretty much kept to himself, working the cattle operation and taking up residence in the foreman’s house.

      His dad, on the other hand, had voiced his opinion many times about him isolating Gracie.

      “Daddy,” Gracie called again. “She’s having a sleepover. And her older sister is going to put makeup on us and paint our toes and fingernails with any color we want.”

      He tensed. She was too young for all that stuff. “I’ll think about it.”

      Matt didn’t stay quiet this time. “It wouldn’t hurt to let her go. Give her that girl experience.”

      Evan kept his voice low and controlled. “I don’t think Gracie will be deprived if she doesn’t get her toes painted.”

      “How do you know that? You’re not a little girl. We got to do boy things when we were growing up.”

      They’d had a rough childhood, especially after their mother had taken off, leaving her husband and sons. They’d been left unsupervised more than they should have been. It might not have been the typical home life, but they’d always got plenty of love from their dad.

      “And look how much trouble we got into,” Evan told his brother.

      A smile kicked at the corners of Matt’s mouth. “We survived, Evan. Kids need to learn how to deal with things.”

      “Gracie has had to deal with enough already. So can we let it go for now?”

      “Why? So you don’t have to deal with it? Gracie doesn’t have a problem. It’s you, bro. You’re the one who hasn’t moved on.”

      Evan turned his attention toward the house and saw a strange car parked out front. He parked in his usual spot at the back and they walked into the house through the kitchen door. He heard laughter, then his breath caught when he saw Jenny Collins sitting on the bar stool talking with his father.

      She was dressed in a pair of dark jeans with black boots and a red blouse under a short black jacket. Her blond hair hung past her shoulders in thick waves. He was suddenly irritated at the feelings she stirred up, feelings he’d thought were long gone.

      “Man, oh, man,” Matt murmured as he removed his cowboy hat and placed it on the hook. “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

      His father finally noticed them. “Well, you’re home.”

      Gracie came in behind them. “Jenny,” she cried and went to her. “You came to my house.”

      “Yes, I did.” Jenny glanced at Evan. “I hope that’s not a problem.”

      Not happy with the surprise, Evan hung up his hat, then crossed the family room. “Gracie, go put your books away and change into your play clothes.”

      She started to argue, but then did as her father asked. “Don’t go away, Jenny,” she called. “I’ll be right back. I want to show you something.”

      Jenny sent a challenge to Evan. “I promise I’ll be here when you get back.”

      Everyone watched as Gracie walked out. But before Evan could speak, his father began, “Jenny Collins, this is my other son, Matt.”

      Jenny smiled at a younger version of Evan, but one with an easy smile and dark bedroom eyes. And he knew how to use them.

      “Well, hello, Jenny,” he said and took her hand. “You must be new in town, or my eyesight is going if I passed you by without as much as a hello.”

      She laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Matt. And yes, I recently took over the quilt shop in town, that’s why I’m here. I need to convince your brother that his daughter would be perfect for our class. I know Gracie is interested in joining us.”

      “That sounds like a great idea,” Matt said.

      Evan jumped in. “It’s not a good idea, because I don’t have time to bring her in.”

      Jenny wasn’t giving up. “Surely we can work out something, Mr. Rafferty. She’s told me how much she wants to finish her quilt.”

      Evan frowned. “I haven’t seen any quilt.”

      Jenny was afraid she’d given away a secret. “Maybe you should ask your daughter about it.”

      “I plan to.”

      Jenny wasn’t sure what to do now. The man had dismissed her, but she couldn’t leave without seeing Gracie.

      Sean stepped in. “I know Gracie will want to show you her project. And Jenny, we would like you to stay for supper.”

      Jenny hesitated, but Sean smiled at her.

      “It’s my famous beef stew,” he told her. She glanced at Evan. His stoic look was meant to drive her away. She refused to let it.

      “Oh, my, how can I turn that down? Thank you. I accept.” She glanced around, trying to avoid looking at Evan Rafferty. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

      Sean waved his hand. “Oh, no, you’re a guest.”

      There was a sound of footsteps on the stairs, then Gracie came running into the room a little breathless. “Good. You’re still here.”

      She stroked the child’s hair. “I told you I wouldn’t leave.”

      “And she’s staying for supper,” her grandfather told her. “Now, go and show Jenny where to wash up.”

      Gracie’s eyes lit up. “You want to see my room?”

      “Of course, I’d love to.” Jenny held out her hand and Gracie took it. Together they walked out.

      Angry about being blindsided, Evan turned to his father. “What are you doing?”

      “It’s called being neighborly. Something you seem to have forgotten as of late. I never thought I’d see the day when one of my sons would be rude to a guest in his home. It’s time you climbed out of the cave you’ve buried yourself in. It might be what you want, but your daughter needs more.”

      Matt elbowed him. “Yeah, bro. And man, she’s one pretty lady.” He looked at his dad. “If you hadn’t invited her, I would have.”

      Sean raised a hand. “Simmer down, Matt. Jenny’s interest is in Gracie. Even she can see the child needs more. And look here, son, help came knocking on the door.”

      Evan didn’t like everyone invading his life. He just wanted to be left alone.

      His father grew serious as he looked at him. “It wouldn’t hurt for the little one to have some female companionship. So, son, don’t go looking at this gift as if it’s a curse.”

      Jenny glanced around the small yellow-and-lavender bedroom as Gracie showed off the row of her favorite dolls on a shelf along the wall. The hardwood floors were covered with a natural-colored area rug. There was a white twin bed that was covered with a patchwork quilt.

      “My mom made me this quilt for my birthday when I was six.”

      Jenny examined the detail on the Country Hearts pattern. The colorful heart appliqués sat inside each of the many six-inch blocks. The sashing was a wide strip of a lavender print. It was well done.

      “This is so pretty.” Jenny looked at Gracie. “Your mother did beautiful work.”

      The girl smiled. “She made a lot more. You want to see?”

      “Sure.”

      Gracie motioned for her to follow. They went down the hall into another bedroom. The second Jenny stepped inside she knew she shouldn’t be here. Yet, she couldn’t leave what was obviously the master bedroom. The beautiful large four-poster