Little Cowgirl Needs a Mom (3 page)

“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 bed was covered in a solid navy comforter.

Gracie went to a cedar chest at the end of the bed. “They're in there. Daddy put them all away after Mommy…died.”

Jenny felt as if she was intruding. “Maybe we should leave them for another time.” She glanced across the room at the dresser and saw the many framed family pictures. She recognized a younger-looking Evan standing next to a dark-haired woman who was holding a toddler, Gracie. And he was smiling. She doubted he did much of that lately.

She quickly turned away from the loving scene. “I don't want us to get into trouble.”

The child struggled to lift the lid. “But my quilt is in here.” The child looked panicked. “It's mine.”

Jenny had no choice but to help her. She opened the heavy lid and discovered the treasure inside. There were several colorful quilts folded neatly. The top one was an amazing Bow Tie-patterned quilt in shades of blues and burgundy. The background was cream-colored with intertwined blocks of printed fabric.

Megan Rafferty definitely wasn't an amateur.

Gracie continued to dig underneath. “See, there it is.”

Jenny lifted out the plastic-covered blanket. She removed the covering and spread it out on the bed. The Wedding Ring design was only partly finished, but there were several rings already sewn together, and several other stacks were in the bag.

“Mommy and I picked out all the colors, but she got too sick to sew anymore.” A sad Gracie looked at Jenny. “She had to stay in bed all the time.”

Jenny couldn't resist and sat down, pulled the small girl onto her lap and hugged her close. No child should have to go through that kind of loss.

Gracie laid her head against Jenny's shoulder. “I didn't get to see her very much 'cause she was always sleeping.”

She had no doubt Megan Rafferty fought valiantly to keep going for her child.

“Oh, honey, it wasn't because your mom didn't want you around her. She was trying to fight to get better. Just look how she worked to make you this quilt.”

The girl raised her head, revealing tears. “That's what she told me when I went to say goodbye to her. She said that I have to finish it for her. I promised her. I hafta do it.”

Evan stood in the hall outside his bedroom. It had always been Meg's domain. She'd decorated the room, trying to make it perfect. It was—to an outsider. Yet this room had never been his sanctuary, even less so now—with the guilt he felt that he'd let his wife down. Now he was letting Gracie down.

Watching her, he felt another kind of pain. Jenny Collins was holding his daughter, stroking her hair, whispering words to soothe her sadness. Gracie couldn't come to him, but she turned to a stranger.

When Jenny looked up, discovering him, it was he who suddenly felt like the intruder. Her dark-eyed gaze locked with his. He couldn't read her thoughts. Did she think he was a bad father? What did he care what she thought? She was the one intruding on his life.

Jenny saw Evan Rafferty in the hall. She held her breath, hoping that he wouldn't interrupt them. His daughter desperately needed to share some of her pain. She needed to let out her feelings without worrying about anyone else.

Jenny brushed tears from the child's face. “What else did your mother tell you?”

Gracie looked thoughtful. “She asked me to be a good girl.”

“And you are,” Jenny confirmed. “What else?”

“To help Daddy 'cause he'll be all alone.” Those pretty sapphire eyes locked on hers. Her daddy's eyes. “I don't know how.”

Jenny had to swallow hard to move the lump from her throat. “Oh, sweetie. It will take time. Maybe if you both share all the good times together. Tell stories about your mom so you'll always remember her.”

Gracie smiled. “Maybe I can tell him how much fun it was sewing the quilt with Mommy. Maybe he'll let me go to your class.”

Jenny's heart tightened painfully. “Maybe. But if he doesn't agree right now, maybe he will later. You can wait,” she said positively. “Your mommy will understand.”

Gracie hugged her. “I'm glad you came to see me, Jenny. Will you be my friend?”

Jenny swallowed back tears and hugged the child to her heart. “Oh, of course, Gracie.” She glanced over to find Evan was still there. Her chest tightened, seeing that his child's words had affected him, too.

That wasn't all she felt. Their gazes connected as she suddenly became aware of the man's powerful presence. Yet, underneath, she could sense sadness, a loneliness that pulled at her. She felt the longing, too. A rush of heat went through her and she couldn't look away.

That was when she realized that
all
the Raffertys were getting to her.

A
N
hour later, Evan sat at the dining-room table drinking his wine. The laughter was getting to him, but he found it hard to join in. He watched Gracie with Jenny, recalling what had taken place upstairs in the bedroom.

His daughter's sadness ran deep, and he couldn't seem to help her. Yet, this woman had an easy, comforting way with the child. He envied that.

He turned to his brother. Matt seemed infatuated with her, too. That was a good thing, wasn't it? It seemed his brother was returning to that happy and carefree guy he remembered.

His attention returned to Ms. Collins. She was attractive with those big brown eyes and silky wheat-colored hair. He felt a stirring of interest, but told himself it was because he hadn't been with anyone in a long time. Even months before Meg died, they hadn't shared any intimacy. Not that they had shared much before that, either. So it wasn't exactly headline news that the sight of a pretty woman would push his buttons.

He took another drink of the zinfandel. The fruity taste—strawberry and raspberry—had just enough sweetness with a hint of oak. Pride struck him, knowing he'd helped produce the grapes for this vintage.

His father leaned toward him. “It's so natural between
them,” he said, nodding toward the two females. “It does my heart good to watch them.”

Evan knew that Gracie missed her mother. He'd hated hearing her crying at night, hated even more that he didn't know how to comfort her. Meg had been the loving, nurturing one. She and Gracie had had the close bond he'd never managed with his daughter.

He studied Jenny. She had that same easy way with kids, with the rest of the family, too. He wasn't going to let himself get taken in by the pretty woman. He didn't need the distraction, and too many people could get hurt if things didn't work out. His main concern now was his daughter.

“Gracie, I think it's time for you to get bathed and ready for bed.”

She started to argue, then looked at Jenny. “Will you come and say goodnight?”

Jenny glanced at Evan. “Sure. I'll help clean up here and be right up.”

“Okay.” The child stood and scurried out of the room.

Jenny looked at Evan's father. “Dinner was delicious, Sean.”

“Then have another glass of wine, and savor it a little longer,” he insisted.

She shook her head. “Although it was wonderful, I have to drive back into town. Now, no argument, I am going to help you with the dishes.” She stood, stacked some plates and carried them into the kitchen.

Sean turned to Evan. “You're coming, too. Because whether you believe it or not, you need to speak to Jenny about Gracie. And listen to her, son.” Sean headed out, and Evan followed. He hated that his father was right. Hated that he couldn't seem to make Gracie happy.

In the kitchen Matt was already beside Jenny when they
got there, but his father stepped in. “Lass, you get away from the sink. It's Matt's turn to clean up. Besides, most everything goes into the dishwasher.” He glanced at his eldest son. “Evan, why don't you show Jenny around the vineyard?”

That was subtle.

Jenny looked stunned. “Oh, there's no need, Sean. I'll go up and see Gracie, then I should get back to town.”

“There's plenty of daylight left. And I'll keep my granddaughter occupied until you return.” He leaned toward her. “You wanted to talk to Evan, now's your chance.” He motioned to the door and practically pushed them both outside.

Jenny could tell that Evan didn't like the idea of them being thrown together any more than she did. That bothered her. Except for her stepbrothers, she wasn't used to people not liking her. She worked hard to make friends.

“You don't have to do this, Mr. Rafferty.”

“It's Evan.” He tugged on his hat as he walked her toward a golf cart. “Jenny.”

She sat in the passenger seat as he walked around and climbed in. He drove off toward the hillside. “I usually walk, but this will be faster.”

“And you can get rid of me quicker.”

He shook his head, but didn't say a word as they rode past the barn and took a trail up the bumpy hillside for about a half mile. The spring evening was nice. Quiet. Serene. Peaceful.

The cart stopped at the edge of the rise, he got out and she did the same, but had to hurry to keep up. The sun was just going down as they walked toward the rows of vines.

“The tour isn't necessary, Evan. I only came out here to ask you a question about Gracie. I never planned to get invited to supper or involved in your life, your family.”

When he stopped suddenly, she nearly ran into him. He reached out and caught her, his touch burning through her skin; his grip tightened on her arms, but his strength didn't hurt. Then their eyes locked and suddenly she couldn't breathe. When she managed to suck in some air, she inhaled his scent of soap and sun-dried cotton. His gaze shifted to her mouth, then suddenly he blinked and released her.

With a curse, he turned away and looked out at the vineyard. Removing his hat, he raked his fingers through his hair as if gathering his thoughts.

He glanced back at her. “Look, I'm not social like the rest of my family. I prefer to be left alone.” His gaze met hers. “I have no excuse for my behavior the other day in the shop except I was worried when Gracie came up missing.”

Jenny could see the anguish on his face. “That's understandable,” she agreed. “She shouldn't have run off without telling you.”

“It seems she wants to spend less and less time with me.”

“She's growing up.” Jenny saw the sadness in his eyes. “But there's no mistaking that your little girl adores you.”

He straightened at her words. “I wouldn't say that. We're both having trouble finding our way around each other. Gracie and her mother were close.”

“It's got to be hard for both of you.”

“I've been doing okay.”

They began walking through a row of vines.

“You're lucky to have Sean and Matt helping out,” she said, wondering what it would be like to have family on your side.

Evan sent her a look. What did she think about Matt? He'd always been the more outgoing brother, especially when it came to the ladies. Was Jenny attracted to him? He
stopped his thoughts. Why the hell did he care? He didn't want a relationship. So far he'd been lousy at them.

They made their way to the hilltop and looked down the other side. He felt an ache in his chest as he saw the clearing where a large framed structure stood. Deserted. Incomplete. All construction had stopped two years ago, along with his future dreams.

Before he could steer Jenny back to the cart, she asked, “What's that?”

“It was to be the winery.”

“Oh, you're expanding?”

“Not any more,” he told her, then turned away.

She nodded, but didn't stop. “How long have you had the vineyard?”

The long-time dream replayed in his mind. He continued to stare out at the vines. “The land belonged to my wife's family, the Kerchers. As you know, a lot of Germans settled in this area. My in-laws planted the vines originally, then about six years ago when her parents passed away, Megan inherited the place and we expanded the acreage.”

“So you became an instant winemaker,” Jenny said.

“Actually Meg was already one when we met.” He'd give her the minimal information. “She'd gotten her degree at Cal Poly in California. I'm just your average, everyday cowboy.”

She studied him a moment. “I doubt, Evan Rafferty, that you do anything just average. My bet is you know every grape on this land.”

He ignored the funny sensation caused by her compliment and started back through another row of vines. “I thought you wanted to talk about Gracie.”

She nodded. “Of course. I want your daughter to come to my class.”

When he started to speak, she raised a hand. “I know it's
difficult for you to bring her into town every week. What if we find an alternative to help you out?” She hesitated. “She wants to finish the quilt her mother started for her.”

He'd hoped that he could put this off a while longer. “I don't think that's a good idea.”

“Is it not a good idea for her, or for you?”

He glared at her. “Doesn't make any difference.”

Trying to remain calm, Jenny glanced around at the vines heavy with grapes. She'd dealt with obstinate parents before. “It does to Gracie. She's going through a rough time and this focus on the quilt is how she's dealing with her loss.”

Evan stopped. His sapphire-blue gaze locked on hers, causing her breath to grow labored. “And how is this class supposed to do this?” he asked.

The man was driving her crazy. “Remember, for the past year and a half your daughter has lived in a household of only men. It's important for little girls to have other females to talk to,” she said, seeing by his blank look that she wasn't getting through to him.

“Why are you such an expert?”

“Because your daughter picked me. Also, I had three stepbrothers who made my life miserable and a mother who was too busy for me.” Darn, she hadn't meant to tell him that.

He frowned at her, but she wouldn't let him ask any questions.

“Look, I don't know you, Evan, but I know your daughter is reaching out. Don't dismiss that.”

“That's right, you don't know me, or what my life's been like trying to run this place and raise a child.”

“I apologize if I spoke out of turn.” She released a breath, hating that she still thought about her own rotten childhood, and especially about her youngest stepbrother,
Todd. “We should go back. Gracie's probably wondering where I am.”

She'd started toward the golf cart when Evan reached for her.

“Dammit, Jenny, I'm not the bastard you think I am.”

She shook her head. “I never said that.” She closed her eyes momentarily. “I never should have come here.” Once again she was getting involved in something that was none of her business.

“Too late now,” he murmured as they sat in the cart.

She was thankful that Evan didn't comment anymore, but drove her back to the house. She didn't need to get involved with this man or his family. She'd been there before. Cared about a man who couldn't get past his first love. Not that she was looking for a relationship with Evan. Her hope was to help Gracie find closure.

They walked through the back door to find Sean and Matt still in the kitchen.

“Well, that didn't take much time.”

“I need to get back to town.” She smiled at Sean. “Thank you so much for supper, it was wonderful.”

Evan's father grinned. “Any time, lass.” He pulled her into a big bear hug. She couldn't help but close her eyes and revel in the comfort of those big arms, then reluctantly step away, turning to his younger son.

“It was nice to meet you, too, Matt.”

“It was my pleasure.” He hugged her too. “Hey, don't let this guy run you off.” He nodded toward Evan. “I'll protect you from him.”

Evan wanted to slug his brother. Why did everyone think he was such a grouch? He caught his reflection in the mirror over the family-room mantel and saw his grim look. Damn.

Jenny started out of the room. “I'll go and say goodnight to Gracie.”

Evan watched her leave, wanting to follow her, but knowing Gracie probably wouldn't appreciate the intrusion.

His father came up next to him. “Don't chase her off, son. At the very least Jenny Collins is willing to help with Gracie.”

Evan glared. He wasn't ready for this. “Maybe I don't want her help.”

Matt moved closer. “Oh, boy, I'd take her help in a second.”

“You stay away from her. She's not your type.”

Matt exchanged a look with his father before he turned to Evan. “She's pretty. So she's my type.”

“She's befriended Gracie, and I think that should come first, before you finding your girl of the month.”

From Matt's earliest years, he'd had a well-known reputation with the ladies around town. He'd probably dated just about every girl in the county. Now, his eyes lit up. “Do I hear a little jealousy in your voice?” He slapped Evan on the shoulder. “Welcome back, bro.”

 

Jenny went upstairs to Gracie's room. She wanted to make this quick, before she ran into Evan again.

She peeked in the door and smiled at the little girl sitting in bed, looking at a book. “Hey, sweetie.”

“Jenny.” Gracie motioned for her to come in. “Sit with me.”

She walked toward the bed and sat down. “For a little while.”

Gracie looked sad. “Did Daddy get mad at you 'cause you want to help with Mommy's quilts?”

Jenny quickly shook her head. It didn't matter if he was.
“No.” She brushed back the girl's bangs. “Your dad and I just talked awhile. How do feel when you look at your mother's things?”

“A little sad, but mostly happy.” The girl glanced away. “I wish… I wish I could talk to her again.”

“I know, honey. That part is hard. But you can still talk to her.” Jenny glanced up at the ceiling. “She's up there watching over you.”

“That's what Papa Sean says.”

Jenny nodded. “She might not be able to answer you, but she's listening. And if it makes you feel good to talk to her, then you should.”

This time Gracie nodded and looked upward. “Mom? Mom, I want to sew your quilt, but Daddy doesn't want me to. He says I'm too little. I think he's sad 'cause you went away.”

Jenny forced a smile. “Now, tell her something that makes you happy.”

“I got an A on my spelling test.” The girl looked thoughtful. “And Carrie asked me to come to her house for a sleepover, but Daddy won't let me go. He thinks I'm still a baby.” Gracie looked at Jenny. “Will you talk to him about that, too?”