Barefoot Blue Jean Night. Debbi Rawlins

stable was only half this size, though.”

      Muffled voices carried from the back where it was dark and shadowed. Jamie couldn’t see anyone but she immediately recognized Cole’s quiet husky drawl.

      “I thought he’d left,” Rachel said absently.

      “Who?”

      “Cole. He’s supposed to be working on the irrigation system in the north pasture.” Rachel picked up her pace. “Cole? Jesse?”

      “Back here with Jezebel.”

      “Is she okay?” Rachel asked anxiously. “She’s not due yet.”

      “She’s fine … still pregnant.”

      The two men stepped out into the dappled sunlight sneaking in through a gap in the wall. Seeing Jamie, they lapsed into a brief uncomfortable silence.

      She slowed behind Rachel. The brothers were of similar height and build, both had dark hair, but Cole’s was longer. Still, they looked remarkably alike.

      Rachel introduced Jesse, who was so cute he even took off his hat before he shook Jamie’s hand.

      “Nice to meet you, ma’am, but you’ll have to excuse me,” he said in a deep rumbling voice, and glanced at his sister. “I’ve got to make a run to the border to pick up a goat.”

      That startled a laugh out of Jamie.

      “His date.” Rachel grinned, and watched her brother shake his head as he headed out. “He works part-time as an animal rescue pilot.”

      “Wow.” Jamie turned to watch him go. “How interesting.”

      Cole noisily cleared his throat. “I gotta be going, too.”

      Rachel caught his arm. “I thought you’d already left.”

      “I got sidetracked.”

      “Are you sure Jezebel’s all right?”

      He briefly glanced at Jamie, and she thought she saw a glint of guilt in his eyes. Maybe the brothers had been looking for a private place to talk. “Go see for yourself.”

      “Stay,” Rachel said. “It’s getting close to suppertime. Have a beer on the porch with our guests.”

      He frowned. “I got four hours of daylight left. I’ll grab a sandwich when I get back.”

      “Come on, Cole, you work too hard.”

      Jamie couldn’t see his face, but she could just imagine the glare he gave his sister as he strolled purposefully past her. “Mind if I go with you?” The words were out of Jamie’s mouth before she considered them.

      Even Rachel looked a bit stunned.

      Jamie shrugged. “I’ve been cooped up in a plane or car all day. I wouldn’t mind the fresh air.”

      Cole stared at her, looking as if he’d been cornered by a rattlesnake.