The Lionhearted Cowboy Returns. Patricia Thayer

house all day.”

      Jeff watched as she tried to stay in control. “Did you check the barn?” he asked. “Maybe he was just hiding out.”

      She folded her arms. “I checked and found his horse gone, too. I don’t know how I missed him. I was in the kitchen most of the morning. He must have walked Buddy around the front of the house so I wouldn’t see him leave.” Her lower lip quivered. “He wanted to get away from me that badly.”

      “He’s had a rough year, Lacey,” Brandon said. “But we’re going to find him.” He frowned. “Are you sure you’ve checked all the places he would go?”

      She nodded. “That’s why I came up here. This was where he used to come with Trevor.”