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  “He’s nice, isn’t he, Mommy?”

  Nice? What an insipid word to describe such a dynamic man.

  “Mommy?”

  Though Ellie nodded her agreement with Gracie’s sentiment she privately thought the Grant women were entirely too smitten with Wyatt Wright.

  *

  “Glad you could come over, Wyatt.” Tanner looked up from the tack he was sorting. “We’ll sure be glad to have your help with those boys again this afternoon.”

  “No problem.” Wyatt felt reluctant at the thought of working again with Albert, the kid Ellie was so worried about. Yet he couldn’t very well refuse to help when Tanner had phoned today.

  So far this one ranch was keeping his office afloat, but Wyatt’s practice was a long way from the shining business his father had wished for.

  “I should have asked you earlier,” Tanner said with an apologetic look. “Would you be willing to have a reference check done? I’m required to get them for anyone at Wranglers Ranch who works with the kids.”

  “No problem. When Taryn did some design work for a government building a few years ago she made friends with a social worker who persuaded us to take the foster parent training so we could be emergency foster parents.” Wyatt remembered the time fondly. “We took the whole course.”

  “I didn’t know that.” Tanner grinned. “I’m guessing they didn’t teach potty training.”

  “I wish.” Wyatt grimaced. “Cade’s about ready for that, I suppose.” He shuddered at the thought of training his headstrong son. “I think that’s when Taryn decided she wanted a baby. It was funny, because up until then she never talked a lot about kids; but after we had those kids to stay, she couldn’t talk about anything else but having her own and raising them on the ranch.” He sobered suddenly, remembering that she would never mother Cade. “Anyway, the agency did a check on us back then. It’s probably still in police files.”

  “Thanks, Wyatt,” Tanner said quietly.

  He shrugged. “No biggie. I’m going to take a quick look at that lame pony before your kids get here. If you still intend to use her for the Make-a-Wish ride, we can’t wait for the swelling to go down by itself.”

  Wyatt left the tack room and headed for the pasture where the pony stood munching on hay. He completed his examination and was returning to the house when he saw Ellie speaking to Albert. The boy looked uncomfortable. Figuring Ellie might need help, Wyatt veered their way.

  “Albert,” he said, nodding at the boy, who wouldn’t meet his gaze. “Ellie. What’s up?”

  “I was just telling Albert I’d be in his neighborhood this weekend, and I wondered if he’d like to go for a soda or some ice cream with Gracie and me.”

  Ellie was trying hard to carry off nonchalance, but Wyatt heard the intensity behind her words. She was worried about Albert. Whether his concern was unfounded or not, he wasn’t about to let Ellie go alone.

  “Cade and I could use an outing. Can we come along?” he asked. “In fact, why don’t we make it lunch? I’ll spring for burgers.”

  “Do you like burgers, Albert?” Ellie asked.

  “I used to love my grandmother’s burgers.” Albert suddenly fell silent.

  “A grandmother’s food is always special.” Ellie smiled that sweet, gentle look that coaxed confidences. “I’d love to meet her.”

  “She died.” Albert turned and walked away.

  Ellie started toward him, but Wyatt held her arm.

  “Let him go,” he said softly. “He’s embarrassed for you to see him cry.”

  “How do you know?” Ellie stared at him, her forehead pleated in a dark look.

  “I was a kid his age once. I remember what it was like.” Wyatt didn’t want to go into the past, but he’d said too much.

  “It’s hardly the same. You had your home and your dad.”

  “Yeah.” Let it go, Ellie.

  “Tanner’s beckoning.” Ellie walked by his side silently for a moment, then asked, “Did you ever find out about your mother?”

  “No. I did ask some of my dad’s friends, but they didn’t seem to know anything. Guess I’ll never know now.” He’d told himself a hundred times that it didn’t matter, but it did. The lack of knowledge about her was like a bruised bone that wouldn’t heal. It just kept aching and aching.

  “I think you should hire someone to find the truth. Then you’d know.” Ellie studied him for a moment, then shrugged. “Of course, maybe you’d rather not find out about her.”

  “Why would you think that?” Stunned by the comment, he stared at her.

  “Well, it seems like you’re not putting much effort into finding her.” Ellie held up her hands, palms facing him. “Sorry. It’s none of my business.”

  But she had a point. He should discover what he could and then finally put the matter to rest. He made up his mind then and there to contact a private detective. Maybe he wouldn’t like what he learned, but wasn’t that better than not knowing? Besides, he owed it to Cade to learn their entire family history.

  Ellie had a point on another subject, too. Forgiveness for Ted. Her words had troubled Wyatt ever since she’d said them. God has forgiven us for so much. How can we not forgive others? He needed to be forgiven for so many mistakes he’d made.

  But Wyatt couldn’t dwell on that now, because Tanner again assigned him and Ellie to work with Albert and another boy, Jason. Ellie’s knowledge of horses and riding surprised Wyatt until he recalled that she’d been raised on a farm. Several times she left him alone with the two boys to treat superficial scrapes of other guests. While Jason seemed comfortable with riding, Albert acted nervous about controlling his horse.

  “Jonah here wants to know what you expect of him,” Wyatt explained. “He’s been broken to ride, so if you don’t tell him what he’s supposed to do, it makes him feel like he’s doing something wrong. You have to pull on the reins to get him to respond.”

  “But it might hurt him,” Albert worried. “That thing in his mouth will cut him.”

  “No, the bit is for Jonah’s protection. It helps him understand what you want him to do.” Wyatt strove to reassure him, relieved that Lefty had taken over with Jason. “Climb on and try again,” he urged Albert. “Remember, Jonah’s trying to do what you want.”

  As he encouraged Albert to pay attention to his horse, he couldn’t help but wonder what the kid had done to end up in this program. A kid who was so worried about hurting his horse and spoke with obvious love about his grandmother hardly seemed the troubled-teen type.

  A short time later Tanner called a halt to the trail ride, and Wyatt was more than ready for a coffee break. As the kids devoured the snack Sophie had prepared, Wyatt cradled his coffee and thought about how he could adapt the equipment for the Make-A-Wish child whose file Tanner had given him that morning.

  “Cookie for your thoughts?” Ellie sat down beside him and handed him a huge oatmeal cookie.

  “Not sure they’re worth it, but thanks.” He munched on the treat, suddenly very aware of the strong bond forming between him and Wranglers Ranch’s nurse.

  “What were you frowning about?”

  “The Make-A-Wish thing.” He shook his head. “I can’t figure out how we can manage for that little girl they added at the last minute.”

  “Esther.” Ellie sighed. “I know. I’ve been struggling with the same issue, but I just can’t bring myself to say no. There has to be a way for her to ride, doesn’t there? This might be the last time she’s well enough to live her dream.”

  That’s what Wyatt liked so much about Ellie Grant. Giving up wasn’t even in her vocabulary, especially not when it came to kids.

  “Wyatt?” She nudged him back to the present with her elbow.

  He looked up to see Albert standing in front of them, looking uncomfortable. “Hey, Albert. Good work today.”

  “Thanks.” The boy exhaled as if he was about to take a giant leap of faith, then looked straight at Ellie. “I was thinking. About the weekend. I maybe co
uld go for an ice cream with you. If you still want to.”

  “Oh, I still want to, Albert,” Ellie assured him.

  He nodded when the bus driver called him to come. “Uh, thanks. Thanks a lot.”

  “See you Saturday.” Ellie watched him leave, but when the bus had driven away she thumped the table with her fist. Wyatt blinked and saw the glitter of tears on her lashes.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?”

  “Didn’t you notice the marks around his wrist?” she asked, her eyes glinting with anger. “They’re new, so the abuse or bullying or whatever it is hasn’t stopped. But it will. I’m going to make sure of that.”

  “Okay, then, so we’ll take Albert out for lunch on Saturday,” Wyatt said mildly. “I’ll pick you up when?”

  “You’re really coming?”

  “There is no way you’re going alone. And Tanner agrees with me.” Wyatt thought Ellie would argue, but she didn’t. Instead she exhaled a sigh of relief.

  “Oh. Good. I was hating the idea of going by myself.”

  “But you would have, wouldn’t you?” he said, knowing the answer. “He matters that much to you?”

  “Every kid matters, Wyatt.” Ellie sipped her coffee. “I couldn’t forgive myself if something happened to Albert because I was too scared to act.”

  “Ellie Grant, you are, quite simply, amazing.”

  “No, I’m not. I’m just a mom who doesn’t want a kid to get hurt.” Her cheeks were flushed as red as he’d ever seen them.

  “You’re a great big softie.” He rose and held out a hand. “Come with me.”

  Ellie frowned but finally placed her hand in his, allowing him to draw her up. “Where?”

  “To the ponies. I need your opinion about something. And Gracie’s help.”

  “Gracie?” Ellie walked beside him, obviously curious, but after a couple of steps she drew her hand away.

  Wyatt wished she hadn’t. He liked holding Ellie’s hand, sharing things with her. He’d never known anyone with such a big heart. And Gracie had grown on him, too. She yearned for a father to love her in the same heartaching way he’d yearned for his father to love him.

  Be careful. You can’t get too close. You can’t afford to fail another woman. Your job is to father Cade, remember?

  His guilt wouldn’t let him forget. But as he explained his idea to modify the saddle and harness to Ellie and then Gracie when she arrived, Wyatt realized Gracie didn’t care about his failures or shortcomings. All she wanted was a daddy who would love her. And he intended to do that, but as her friend. Somehow he’d have to make her understand he couldn’t be more than that.

  Chapter Nine

  “So you’ve brought over some of Tanner’s rescued horses.” On Saturday morning Ellie studied the scruffy-looking animals surrounding Wyatt inside his pasture and thought how happy he looked among them. “To stay?”

  “Temporarily. I know they’re not the most handsome beasts, yet,” he said. “But with some pampering, they soon will be.” He smoothed his palm over the withers of the nearest stallion who quivered under his touch. “You’ll be amazed by what they look like in a month.”

  “I don’t understand why you’re spending so much time worrying about your practice.” Ellie smiled as he fondled the ears of a mare who bore obvious signs of malnourishment. “Caring for animals is obviously what you love most about being a vet, so why won’t you accept Tanner’s offer of full-time employment?”

  “You wouldn’t understand.” He opened the gate and left the paddock, his face mirroring his inner struggle.

  “Try me.” She walked with him toward the house, enjoying Cade’s laughter as they swung him between them with Gracie egging them on.

  “I told you. Growing my practice, making it the best in the city, that was the last thing I promised my father before he died.” He stopped and stared into the distance. “I promised that I’d make him proud, Ellie. That’s a promise I cannot break.”

  “You don’t think just being who you are would make him proud?” Cade tugged his hands free, then headed for the sandbox. She nodded when Gracie asked to join him.

  Ellie walked with Wyatt to the patio table and sat while he poured them each a glass of lemonade. She lifted her face into the sun, loving the warm caress of it, especially after hearing numerous reports of a blizzard in North Dakota. Today she did not miss the cold or the snow that were part of her childhood, but, oh, she missed her family.

  She frowned at Wyatt’s smartly pressed shirt and perfectly fitting jeans, then glanced at herself. She’d chosen to dress down for the visit to Albert, choosing worn jeans, a plain shirt and her favorite battered sandals in hopes that she wouldn’t stand out against Albert’s usually threadbare clothes. But Wyatt’s appearance gave her second thoughts. Either the man didn’t own a pair of tattered jeans or he’d chosen not to wear them. As usual, he looked great. And he’d shaved.

  A memory of his bristled face against hers when he’d kissed her burst to life. Her skin prickled, her heart started thumping, and her brain screamed again, again so loudly she could barely hear the mourning doves cooing in the gravel path.

  Focus, Ellie.

  She cleared her throat, took a deep breath and returned to the subject at hand.

  “Wyatt, you’re a well-respected veterinarian who’s been asked to join the staff of a thriving ranch that’s doing good work in the community. What’s not to be proud of?”

  “Working at Wranglers—that’s not the kind of thing Dad would have admired.” His face stiffened into a mask that warned her not to press any further. “He was more into status and wealth.”

  “Okay, but you’re not your father.”

  “No, I definitely am not.” Wyatt’s emphatic response enhanced her curiosity about his troubled relationship with his father.

  “So you have to do what fulfills you.” Ellie whispered a silent prayer for a way to help him.

  “I made a deathbed promise to my father, Ellie. I can’t just break it. Remember the verse that says to honor your parents?”

  “But you’ve done that. You’ve tried to make your business what he wanted.” She sensed this part was very important to clearly state. “You honored your father as best you could when he was alive, right?”

  “Well, yes…” His voice trailed away.

  “Think about this.” Ellie searched for the most appropriate words to help him reevaluate. “Is continuing to handle all the minutiae of running an office because of a sense of duty to your father—who is no longer here to see it, I might add—how you really want to fill your life?”

  “I’d rather work with animals than do books or send out bills any day. Who wouldn’t?” His quick response showed that he’d asked himself the question before. The way Wyatt now plunged a hand through his hair revealed his confusion with the answer. That rumpled hair also added immensely to his good looks. “But I did make the promise.”

  “That was what—ten years ago?” Ellie made a face. “Isn’t it time for a new perspective?”

  “What perspective?” He looked at her, his brow puckered.

  “You are an amazing vet, Wyatt.” Ellie drew a deep breath of courage, then leaned forward until her face was mere inches from his, determined to make him see what she saw. “You love working with animals, and it shows every time you handle one.”

  “Thank you.” Her flattery embarrassed him, but Ellie would have none of that.

  “Don’t thank me because it’s true. Animal medicine is your God-given gift.” An idea formed. “Have you ever read that sign Tanner has hanging above the door of the barn?”

  “‘Fan into flame the gift that is within you,’” he recited with a nod.

  “Right. So if God has given you such an incredible gift with animals, isn’t your job to fan it, as in to do the most with that gift that you can?” She let the question hang for a moment.

  “It’s not that easy, Ellie.”

  “Isn’t it?” She loved the way he kept his focus on her when she s
poke to him, as if at this moment she and what she had to say were the most important things in his world. “As I see it there’s only one question to ask, and you must answer honestly.”

  “I’ll try,” he promised.

  “So the 64,000-dollar question is this—where does your heart lie? In building your own practice into the biggest in Tucson or in working directly with the animals?” Ellie waited for him to think it through.

  “When you put it like that—” He sighed. “It doesn’t help.”

  “There’s another verse in the Bible that might. Ecclesiastes 9, verse 10 says, ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.’”

  “Interesting.” He nodded, but she knew he was wondering where this was headed.

  “Whenever I see you working with the animals I think of that verse,” Ellie admitted.

  “Why?” Wyatt blinked in confusion.

  “Because you never settle for half measures. You put your whole heart into treating an animal. You don’t doubt what you’re doing or second-guess your decisions. You especially don’t consider whether or not you’ll make someone proud.” She heard the fervor in her voice but couldn’t stem it. “You treat needy animals because you can’t bear to see them suffer when you can stop it, and because it’s what you love to do. Because that’s where your heart is. Correct?”

  “I guess.” He shrugged.

  “So tell me, Wyatt.” She met his stare unflinchingly. “Can you put that same devotion, that same pride and compassion into making your practice the biggest one in Tucson?”

  “I don’t know.” He fell into thought, only speaking again after several moments had passed. “Yes, I enjoy working at Wranglers Ranch. I especially enjoy having Tanner as a spiritual mentor.” He winked. “And I’m enjoying Gracie’s stubbornly determined spirit more every day. She doesn’t give up on us no matter how often we use her as a guinea pig to figure out preparations for the Make-a-Wish kids.”

  “You’re digressing,” Ellie pointed out.

  “Yes, a bit,” he admitted. “I need time to think things through. But about Gracie—she’s so willing to help. It’s a great quality in anyone but especially nice in a kid.”