Dakota Father. Linda Ford

her back to town first thing in the morning. Before her laughter took on a shrill note.

      He had gone but twenty feet when she turned and headed back toward the house. A smile wreathed her face. She looked positively happy—excited even.

      Burke shifted direction and returned to the fence he’d been repairing with Lucky’s help.

      Lucky continued to stare at Jenny. “She’s different, I tell ya.”

      Burke wouldn’t watch her but he couldn’t stop himself from glancing up from pounding a nail. She walked with a carefree swing. Her face glowed as she glanced skyward. Her laughter rang out as Meggie said something. From his first glance he’d been attracted. But nothing had changed—not the land and not him. “She’s only been here a few hours and she isn’t staying more than a few days. No need for her to concern herself with anything but Meggie.” No need for her to think about what life was like out here, how living here day after day would feel.