“Morris,” she sighed. “Colt, we can’t...”

“What did you just call me?” he asked softly.

She went red. “Oh, sorry, I...”

“I love it,” he replied solemnly. “That’s the first time you’ve ever called me anything but ‘mister.’”

“You don’t mind?” she asked breathlessly, drowning in his black eyes.

“I don’t mind,” he reassured her.

She smiled. “Okay.”

“So. What were you saying about Morris?” he asked, finishing his eggs and part of a biscuit.

“I have to go back to work Monday,” she said miserably. “And Tad has to go back to school. We can’t stay away forever.”

“I’m getting that covered,” he said with a smile. “Things will be in place Monday. Trust me.”

“I do,” she said. “With all my heart.”

His own heart lifted. He loved the way she looked at him. Her eyes were as expressive as her pretty face. He grinned.

“Tomorrow, we’re all going riding,” he added.

She grinned. “I’ll try not to fall off.”

He chuckled. “If you do, honey, I’ll catch you. I promise.”

She beamed at that word. It made her feel warm all over; it filled all the empty places inside her.

He was feeling something similar. In the middle of a fervent exchange of eyes, his cell phone went off.

He grimaced as he saw the number displayed. He answered it. “Hello, Grace,” he said, but not in any affectionate way.

Clancey started moving empty plates off the table and to the sink. Her heart sank as she overheard what he was saying to the woman who had first place in his heart. Had she totally mistaken his feelings? Was he just missing Grace and Clancey was handy?

“No, I’m sorry,” he was saying, his eyes on Clancey’s stiff spine. “Yes, I know it’s important to you. But we have guests and we’re taking them riding tomorrow. Another time, perhaps? Yes, I know you leave soon. I’ll try to make time for lunch one day—how about that?” There was a pause. He grimaced. “Grace, there’s nothing wrong with the way Brenda dresses. And I’ll remind you that she goes to church every Sunday. Well, you’re entitled to your own opinion. Just don’t expect me to share it. Yes. Fine. I’ll see you.” He hung up. His expression was thunderous.

Clancey understood at once. “Brenda has pretty legs,” she said shortly. “And if she wants to show them off, it doesn’t make her a prostitute,” she added curtly.

He laughed softly, his bad mood dissipating. “You’re a tonic, honey. I was just getting irritable. You make everything so easy.”

She smiled. “I love Brenda,” she said. “She’s been very kind to me.”