THE COFFEE AND cake were delicious. The coffee seemed to sober up Cort’s father, who was quiet and even more morose and sober. He excused himself after one cup and went to his room upstairs.

“He needs to call his wife,” Mina remarked.

“Good luck getting him to do it,” Cort mused. “I tried. He said she’d been pretty firm about not wanting him back in her life, and she’d already seen the divorce lawyer.” He grimaced. “When he gets served, he’s going to go wild.”

“We’ll handle it,” she said simply.

He searched her eyes. “There’s something I didn’t mention,” he began. “Because you didn’t know who I really was. But I’ve got business meetings in several states, starting tomorrow. You’re going to be on your own for a while. I don’t like leaving you here with Dad, in his present state.”

“I like to write poetry, as well as play games,” she said. Well, she had, in the past. “So I’m at my computer a lot. I’ll just knit and compose and play video games and watch sunsets.”

He chuckled. “Poetry, huh?”

“Yes.” It was a lie and it was probably going to come back and haunt her. She had to find a way to tell him what she did for a living. It was going to be difficult, if she was totally honest. She’d work on it while he was away.

“I’m glad you have hobbies to keep you busy,” he said. He leaned back on the sofa, studying her. “You look tired.”

“I am, a bit,” she confessed. “It was a long trip, even in a comfortable private jet.” She touched her stomach. “I don’t think the baby likes flying.”

He grinned from ear to ear. The baby lifted his heart. He’d never imagined what it would be like to have a wife who was pregnant. He was discovering a family man hidden deep in his philandering heart. “He’ll have to get used to it,” he teased. “He’ll inherit Latigo one day.”

“And my little ranch,” she replied.

“And your little ranch.” He got up and leaned over to kiss her softly. “Come on. I’ll show you to your room. I’ll have one of the cowboys bring your bags up, too.”

HER ROOM WAS bigger than most of her little house back in Wyoming. The bathroom was twice the size of her bedroom. She was aghast at the utter luxury of it. Everything was done in shades of blue and beige, and the bed looked big enough for five people.

“This was my mother’s room,” Cort said softly. “I’m putting you in here temporarily, because I’m going to be gone a lot for the next few weeks. I’m really sorry,” he added. “Things piled up while I was away. Now I have to play catch-up.”

She turned and looked up at him. “It’s okay,” she said, smiling tenderly. “I love this room.”

He moved closer and drew her against him to kiss her with soft, tender lips. “I’ll sleep in here with you tonight,” he whispered. “But I’ll be gone before you wake, I’m afraid.”