Once again, Janet couldn’t help thinking that the theft and subsequent accident that had brought Harlan Adams into their lives was turning out far better than she’d had any right to expect, especially for Jenny. It made her more determined than ever not to do anything to shake the trust the two of them were establishing, even if it cost her a chance with Harlan for herself.

“I’m going to write about Native Americans,” Jenny said. “I want to tell all the stories that Lone Wolf told Mom.”

“And who was Lone Wolf?”

“He was my great-great-grandfather. He died way before I was born.”

Harlan glanced at Janet. “But you spent time with him?”

“Just one summer,” she admitted sorrowfully. “My father didn’t want me spending time with my Comanche relatives. He said I’d grow up wild and out of control. One year, though, my mother insisted. She sent me to stay with Lone Wolf on the reservation in Oklahoma. It was the best summer of my life.”

“Which almost explains why you ended up in Texas when your marriage ended,” Harlan said. “Why here and not Oklahoma?”

Janet flushed guiltily and avoided Jenny’s knowing gaze. “Because he talked about Texas a lot and the days when our ancestors lived here,” she said, leaving it at that.

Harlan didn’t appear convinced. “Something tells me there’s a lot more to it,” he said.

“Not really,” she denied. “I’m just following a little girl’s dream.”

He shrugged, finally accepting her at her word. “Then we’ll leave it at that for now,” he said.

There was no mistaking the implication that he wouldn’t leave the topic alone for long. Janet wondered how well her resolve would stand up to any real grilling by this man with the coaxing eyes and persuasive charm.

And more and more she was wondering whether she’d be able to go on battling the warm feelings he was stirring in her, the kind of feelings she’d vowed never to allow to deceive her again.

Harlan Adams struck her as a complicated man of many passions. She could only guess how well she would fare if she became one of them. For her own sake, as well as Jenny’s, she hoped the moment of truth would be a long time coming.

“Maybe you should think about spending the weekend here,” Harlan suggested just then, startling her. Her panic must have shown because he quickly added, “I’ve got a whole library filled with works by Poe. Jenny could do all the research she wants right here.”

As generous and innocent-sounding as the offer was, Janet was shaking her head before the words were out of his mouth. “No, really, it’s impossible. We’re not prepared for an overnight stay.”