“Heather’s growing up, Cody,” Sherry told him. She leaned back and crossed her arms. “She doesn’t really understand what’s happening to her body. She’s probably frightened by the changes. Trust me, she isn’t any happier about what’s taking place than you are. Give her a little time and a little space, and you’ll be surprised by how well she adjusts.”

Cody eyed her as if he wasn’t convinced he should believe her.

“Does she have any close friends?” she asked.

“Wally and Clem, but she doesn’t seem to be getting along with them as well as she used to.”

“What about girlfriends?”

“She has a couple, but they live here in town and we’re twenty miles away. What she really needs is to talk to someone—you know, a woman, someone older than thirteen, who knows a bit more about bras and other girl stuff. And then there was this business with the 4-H—all of a sudden my daughter wants to run my life.”

“The 4-H? Your life?”

“Never mind,” he said, groaning heavily.

“Would you like me to talk to her?” Sherry offered. “I…I don’t know if I’d be able to accomplish anything, but I’d be willing to try.”

“I’d like it a whole lot,” he said, his eyes softening with gratitude. He frowned again. “She’s been acting like a porcupine lately, so don’t be offended if she seems a bit unfriendly.” Cody looked down and sighed. “Then again, she might be overly friendly. Just don’t be shocked by anything she says or does, all right?”

“I won’t be,” Sherry promised. “We’ll get along fine.” She wasn’t as confident as she sounded, but she found she liked Cody Bailman. It hadn’t been easy for him to discuss such private matters with a stranger, a woman, no less, yet he’d put his concern for his daughter first. She was impressed.

“I found something the other day. I’m sure Heather didn’t mean for me to see it.”

“What was it?”

“A book. She had it tucked between the sofa cushions. It was one of those romance novels you women like so much. I tell you right now, it worries me.”

“Why?”

“Well, because I don’t think it’s a good idea for her to be filling her head with that sort of nonsense.” He muttered something else, but Sherry didn’t catch it. Presumably he didn’t think highly of romance.

“I’ll discuss it with her if you want,” Sherry said. “Of course, I won’t let her know you found the book.”

Cody stood. “I appreciate this, Miz…”

“Waterman. But please, call me Sherry.”

“Sherry,” he repeated. He held out his hand and she took it. Was it her imagination, or did he maintain contact a moment longer than necessary? Her gaze fell to their clasped hands, and he released her fingers as if he suddenly realized what he was doing. “It’s been a pleasure.”

“Thank you. Do you want to bring Heather in to see me tomorrow afternoon, or would you rather I paid a visit to your ranch?”