Cattleman's Honor. Pamela Toth

absorbed the information silently as a little girl who looked to be the same age as Steven asked Rory where he’d gone. She pointed out her son, and the child ran off.

      “I understand you’ve already met Adam,” Rory said to Emily.

      “Yes, I have.” She was tempted to add more, but since the man was Rory’s brother-in-law, she restrained herself.

      “He’s trying to buy you out.”

      Her bluntness surprised Emily, who decided to be blunt in return. “He’s been by a couple of times, but I’m not selling. We just got here.”

      Rory tossed her head, sending her apricot curls flying. “Good for you. Not getting what he wants will build Adam’s character.” Her smile flashed. “Honey, everyone in the county knows how much he covets your land, but what you decide to do is your business. It doesn’t mean you and I can’t be friends.”

      Emily returned her smile. “Thank you. He warned me he’d be back.” She remembered his determination and suppressed a shiver.

      “Oh, he will.” Rory leaned closer, her eyes brimming with laughter. “I don’t see a husband in tow, and you aren’t wearing a ring. Does that mean you’re single?”

      The forthright question caught Emily off guard. “Divorced.”

      “Ah.” Rory’s grin turned smug. “Don’t let Adam push you around. He’s had it tough, and he can be a little intimidating, but he’s as honorable as any man in the county.”

      Emily wasn’t sure how to reply. “I’m sure he is,” she said finally, “but I’m still not selling.”

      Rory chuckled. “I understand. The character reference I was giving Adam was a personal one.” Her gaze strayed to her spouse. “Winchester men make good husbands.”

      “He’s not interested in me that way,” Emily protested, slightly horrified at the idea. “I’m not in the market for a husband or anything else involving a man, honorable or otherwise. All I want is to put down a few roots and provide a peaceful home for my son.”

      Rory’s gaze was steady, giving Emily the impression that the other woman could see past her words to the feelings behind them. Rory’s expression softened slightly. “I understand what you’re saying. You just keep standing up to Adam,” she said enigmatically. “You’ll be fine.”

      Before Emily could think of a response, Steven ran up and tugged on Rory’s skirt. “Mommy,” he whispered loudly, “I have to go potty right now!”

      She put her hand on his dark head before she turned back to Emily. “I hope you will come by for coffee.”

      “I’ll try.” Perhaps a visit wouldn’t be a good idea if it meant running into Adam again. “Thanks for everything.”

      “No problem. I know what it’s like to be the new kid on the block.”

      After Rory excused herself and allowed Steven to tow her away, Emily waved goodbye to Travis, who smiled in response. Before anyone else could approach her, she headed toward the parking area.

      Adam took one look at the midriff-baring black outfit his daughter had on as she left the dressing room and decided he was being set up. Kim probably figured he’d happily double the limit he’d allowed if she would agree to something that covered more skin than it bared. “Okay, you’ve had your little joke,” he said with a grin. “Now show me the dress you really want, so we can get some lunch and head home. It’s a long drive, and I’ve got paperwork waiting.”

      “Daddy!” she wailed, surprising him. “This is what I want. It’s just what everyone else will be wearing.”

      “Everyone but you,” he replied firmly, trying not to notice the amount of leg the tiny skirt revealed. Even with her lip poked out and her blue eyes filling with angry tears, she was growing up before his eyes. “Now find something that makes you look like a fifteen-year-old and not a dance-hall girl.”

      “I don’t think they sell nun’s habits here,” she retorted.

      He kept his expression blank. “Well, you’ve probably got something in your closet that would do.”

      She spun around and stomped back into the fitting room, her long dark hair swirling like silk. Adam stifled a chuckle. Two could play that game.

      When she came out a few minutes later, still pouting, his heart stuttered in his chest. She was wearing a simple blue dress that matched her eyes. It was shorter than he would have liked, but he knew he’d buy it if she wanted. Then he’d chaperone that dance with a baseball bat tucked behind him, just in case.

      Emily was in her studio the next morning with a cup of coffee in hand and the fragile old Bible on her worktable, when Monty, who’d been curled up by the heater, raised his head and whined.

      Emily pushed her chair back. Her neck was stiff from studying the Bible through the big magnifying glass. She glanced at the collie, who’d gotten to his feet. “What is it, boy?”

      As Monty padded over to the door, Emily heard the sound of an approaching vehicle. Her first thought was that Adam was back and the only concession she’d made to her appearance this morning was to wind her hair into a topknot and stick a pencil through it. Her second thought was to wonder why it mattered.