“It shows,” Harlan said quietly, his gaze locked with hers. “You’ve got some color in your cheeks for a change and your eyes are sparkling.”

Jenny shot him a suspicious frown, as if not quite certain whether he was making another pass at her mother right under her eyes.

“It’s the God’s truth,” Harlan insisted with a touch of defiance. “Jenny, take a good look at your mom. Have you ever seen her look so happy?”

Apparently by drawing Jenny into the appraisal of Janet’s appearance, he managed to allay her fears. She studied her mother, then nodded. “You do look spectacular, Mom. You should do this more.”

“Anytime,” Harlan said quickly, capitalizing on the small, inadvertent opening. “No need even to call first. If I’m not around, just leave me a note in the barn or let Maritza know you’re taking one of the horses out.”

“Thank you,” she said, rubbing the mare’s neck. “I may take you up on the offer. This has been incredible.”

Harlan locked gazes with her once more, refusing to break eye contact as he said, “And it’s just the beginning.”

Janet swallowed hard under his intense scrutiny. He enjoyed the knowledge that she was responding to him despite whatever reservations she might have. He was finally reassured that this attraction he’d been feeling from the beginning was returned, albeit with great reluctance.

“Come on, you two. I know the perfect spot for our picnic. It’s about a mile ahead.”

They ambled along at a comfortable pace for the next few minutes, picking their way through a denser stand of trees until they emerged on the shaded bank of a creek. It was too late in the season for the bluebonnets that usually dotted the area, but it was a tranquil, lovely setting just the same. Harlan had always enjoyed coming here when he needed to ponder some puzzle in his life. The serenity seemed to clear his head.

It was also a romantic spot for a picnic. He and Mary had stolen away here a time or two before she’d decided picnics were for youngsters and they needed more sedate and elegant entertainment. He’d always regretted that they no longer shared this spot and the simplicity of the hours they had once spent here.

He kept a close eye on Janet to gauge her reaction. A soft smile lit her face as she took in her surroundings. She sighed then with what looked to be sheer pleasure.

“Lone Wolf used to tell me about incredibly beautiful places just like this,” she murmured, lifting her eyes to meet his again. “I dreamed of finding one. Thank you for bringing us here.”