The Cowboy Next Door

By: Linda Warren

Tyler Jakes couldn't believe the nerve of Eden March. Since she'd graduated high school, she'd

always been after something bigger and brighter. Tyler had never understood what was wrong

with the grandparents or the small Texas town she'd left behind. And now that her grandparents

had died, she thought she was going to sell their property and use it for her next scheme? Not if

Tyler had anything to say about it.

And he did. He'd put all his hopes—and his last bit of money—into using her grandfather's land

for his crops. Without it, where would he find the money to feed himself and his daughter…and

buy her the clothing she always seemed to lose? There had to be a way to convince Eden that the

house, the land, the town and even the cowboy next door were worth another look. And maybe

worth a lifetime…

Chapter One

She was back.

Tyler Jakes reined in his horse and watched Eden March's blue Tahoe stop in her grandfather's

driveway. When Ira March had passed away two months ago, Eden had been home just long

enough to take care of her grandfather's affairs before she'd left town, much as she was known to

do. Staying in their small hometown of High Cotton, Texas, for any length of time wasn't her

style.

But now she'd returned—and she wasn't alone, he noted as a white Suburban pulled up behind

her. He peered closer at the sign on the car: a real estate agent.

What the…?

If she had plans to sell, he would have a say in that. He'd leased the land from Ira to grow corn

and had already plowed and prepared the land for planting. He needed every dime from those

crops, and he wasn't about to let Eden cut him out of the deal.

Kneeing his horse, Tyler galloped toward the barbed wire fence that surrounded the fifty-acre

property. He dismounted, tied Champ to a post and strolled through the gate toward them. Eden

was talking to the lady and didn't spot him until they turned and started walking to the house.

Pushing her sunglasses to the top of her head, she frowned. "Why is it when I come home you're

always here?" Her blue eyes flashed with anger as they often did when she spoke to him. Ira had

called her his beauty, and she was certainly that, with flowing blond hair and features that had to

have been created when God was in a good mood. No question she'd been blessed in the looks

department, but in others…he'd always thought she was flighty and irresponsible, constantly

flitting from one harebrained scheme to another. While he had to pick up the pieces.

He cleared his throat. "I take care of the place."

"Who gave you permission to do that?" The sun picked out the silver highlights of her hair and

he was mesmerized for a second.

"Your grandfather did."

"Pa isn't here anymore and I'd appreciate it if you'd stay off my property." She marched up to the

door, twisted the knob and pushed. The door didn't open. She tried again. No luck. She swung

toward him. "It's locked."

"Seems like it. Don't you have a key?"

The smooth lines of her face crunched into a bigger frown. "I suppose, but I'm not sure where it

is. Pa always kept the door open." Her baby blue eyes caught his. "I'm betting you have one."

He jammed a hand into his jeans pocket for the key. Strolling to her side, he shoved it into the

lock and opened the door. Eden didn't move. She stood right at his shoulder, and a delicate

fragrance reached him. For a moment he had difficulty concentrating.

She held out a hand, palm up. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what she wanted.

He laid the key in her palm.

"Thank you. And from now on, please, stay away."

But Tyler wasn't leaving it at that. Not when he had so much at stake. He offered his hand to the

real estate lady, who seemed to be rendered speechless by the interaction between Eden and

Tyler. "I'm Tyler Jakes. I own the property next door."

"Mona Parker." The older woman eyed him. "Oh, yes. You're the rodeo guy."

"Used to be. I'm a farmer and rancher now."

"And he was just leaving," Eden said.

Mona looked around. "How many acres with the house?"

"Fifty," Eden replied.

"That will be a big draw. People like a country setting where they can have horses and ride four-

wheelers."

"That is not happening," Tyler interrupted. "I lease those fifty acres and no one is riding ATVs

over my crops."

Eden stared at him, dumbfounded. "What are you talking about?"

"I leased the land from Ira."

"But Pa is dead, surely whatever agreements he made aren't still binding."

"Ira's word is binding to me."

Eden paled.

"This is a problem," Mona said, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "Do you have a

contract, Mr. Jakes?"

Tyler was about to respond and make darned sure that he quashed Eden's attempt to sell—or at

least stalled it—when he saw Chance Hardin drive into his yard. Chance was the foreman of the

Southern Cross ranch. If he was in Tyler's driveway, it probably meant he had a job for Tyler.

The large Southern Cross ranch was located across the road from Tyler's small spread, making it

easy for him to pick up extra jobs. And since he needed every spare cent, he had to cut this short.

"I…I have to go. But I'd love to tell you all about my long-term agreement with Ira. Do you have

a business card?"

Mona fished in her purse and handed one to him. "We really should get this straight. Ms. March,

didn't you say you were in a rush?"

Before Eden could respond, Tyler suggested, "How about if we meet here at nine in the

morning?"

"That's fine with me," Mona replied.

Eden stepped to the side so only he could hear. "If you ruin this for me, I'll never forgive you."

"Well, Eden, lucky for me that forgiveness is not something I need from you." He tipped his hat

to the ladies and strode over to meet Chance.

***

After Tyler and Mona left, Eden locked the door and flipped on a light. Her anger at Tyler

disappeared as she stood in the living/kitchen area and soaked up the ambience of her

grandparents. Two recliners sat facing a huge fireplace and a TV. The scent of Pa's pungent pipe

still lingered. A moment of sadness and loneliness hit her. She ran across the hardwood floor,

down the hall to their bedroom and fell into a big feather bed.

It was soft, heavenly, and she could almost feel her grandmother's arms around her.

"Everything will work out, Beauty."

That's what she'd said when Eden's parents, after ten years of marriage, had decided to divorce

and go their separate ways. There was just one problem—what to do with Eden. Without much

thought they'd left her with her father's parents.

After Eden got over the shock of their abandonment, she realized it had been a good decision.

Her parents had argued constantly and her life had been in turmoil. Her grandparents, by

contrast, had never argued. They were a stabilizing force for Eden. She went to school in High

Cotton, made new friends and started a new life, blooming in the love and attention that her

grandparents showered on her.

But there was a big, pesky fly in her happiness—Tyler Jakes.

He was a child of a single mom, his father having died when he was young. Pa had been an

agriculture teacher and Tyler was one of his favorite students—which meant Tyler was at their

house asking Pa questions about growing coastal and corn, and what was the best feed his mom

should buy for their cattle, and on and on. Her grandfather doted on him. When he was around,

Eden felt invisible.

Even though Tyler was six years older, they always seemed to be competing for her

grandparents' attention. She'd had a brief moment of happiness when Tyler graduated high

school and joined the rodeo circuit. But two short years later, Tyler's mom had remarried and

moved away, and Tyler quit the rodeo circuit to come home and run the ranch—which meant he

spent even more time at their house, soaking up Pa's knowledge.

She tried not to be jealous, but there didn't seem to be anything she was good at, nothing that

made her feel special. Nothing in High Cotton, anyway. And by the time she turned eighteen, she

couldn't wait to get away. She took fashion and design classes in Austin, still unsure what she

really wanted to do. Her grandparents always told her how beautiful she was, so she changed

courses and devoted every moment to studying acting and modeling.

She headed for Hollywood to test her skills, but soon found there were thousands of girls more

beautiful, more talented and more driven. But finally she landed a bit in a commercial and called

home to tell her grandparents, wanting to prove to them that she could succeed. But they were

more excited that Tyler had gotten married. She got a gig modeling for a catalogue and once

again called home, only to be met with the news that Tyler and his wife had had a child.

Everything she did seemed to pale in comparison to Tyler's life. A bit in a commercial and a

brief job modeling did not equal success.

But Eden March was nothing if not determined. She'd be a success yet. And now she had the

ticket to that success. One day about two years ago, she'd gone to a craft store on a lark, bought

supplies and started making her own jewelry pieces. People continually stopped her to ask about

them and almost overnight she was making and selling her jewelry to craft stores and boutiques.

Around the time her grandmother had passed away, one of the store owners had urged her to go

to New York and sell her designs to the fashion industry. Eden knew as soon as the woman had

said it that it would be her break. She'd gone home for her grandmother's funeral and to grieve

with Pa, but hadn't said a word to him about her new career, wanting to have something to show

for it first. Only he'd died before she could even get the money together. But that's why she was

home—the sale of the house would give her enough capital to get started. It was her chance to

prove to her grandparents, if only in spirit now, that she could be as big a success as Tyler. They

would be proud of her. She was so close…and this time she wouldn't fail.

She ran her hand over the handmade quilt on the bed. Her grandmother had made it. So many

memories were in this old house. Could she let it go?

Getting up, she walked into the kitchen and glanced out the window. She could see Tyler talking

to Chance Hardin. Tall and lean, Tyler had brown eyes and hair and a swagger that was typical

cowboy. She supposed he was handsome in a rugged sort of way. But she had never thought of

him in that way.

He'd always been her archenemy. And judging from the way he'd seemed intent on torpedoing

her appointment with the real estate agent, nothing had changed. But this time, she'd be the one

who came out on top.

Chapter Two

Tyler galloped toward his house, he thought of the encounter with Eden. She was home to sell

the property. He smiled. Evidently she hadn't read her grandfather's will. She was going to blow

a gasket when she found out he had a say in any potential sale.

Ever since Eden had left High Cotton seven years ago, her trips home had been sporadic. When

her grandmother had passed on right before Thanksgiving about a year ago, she'd stayed through

Christmas to help Ira adjust. Tyler had stayed out of the way, giving them time together.

Almost a year to the day, Ira had followed his wife. Tyler had wanted to comfort Eden in some

way, but getting close to her was similar to getting close to a porcupine. She'd made it very clear

with sharp barbs that she didn't need him.

But now she did. At least if she wanted to sell the house.

He dismounted as he neared Chance and shook his friend's hand. "Hey, Chance. What's up?"

"Are you in for a little cowboying?"

"Always. But don't you have your own cowboys who can do that?"

"Yeah. But I got a situation that calls for an expert…so why not ask a national finals champion?"

That always made him grin. "What's the problem?"

"I got a Brahma bull calf with something in his foot. He's limping, but when we try to get close

to the calf the momma charges. It's too far away from the corral and a hassle to take portable

pens out there."

"And you have a plan?"

"The cowboys can cut the calf from the herd for a few minutes, but I need a good roper who can

go in quick and get the calf down so I can examine his hoof."

"Team roping?"

"Yep. I'll be the header, but you'll have to be the heeler. It's going to take some magic to get the

rope around his back feet, so that's your job."

"I have to pick Jenny up from school in a few minutes. Will tomorrow work?"

"Sure. I did mention this could be dangerous, that we only have a few minutes before the

momma breaks loose?"

He tipped his hat. "I can handle it."

Chance glanced toward the March house. "Eden's back."

"Yeah," Tyler replied without too much enthusiasm.

"Wonder if she'll stay this time."

"I doubt it. Her life is not in this small town."

His friend watched him. "Still not getting along?"

"Not even close," he admitted.

"If I knew anything about women, I'd give you some advice. Since I don't, I'll keep my mouth

shut. See you tomorrow."

Tyler waved goodbye and noticed the real estate lady had left. He could go over and try to talk to

Eden, but it wouldn't do any good. Once she contacted the lawyer, they'd be enemies forever.

Which was fine with him. If the choice was between the money to feed his daughter and Eden

March's current harebrained scheme, he'd fight her 'till the bitter end.

***

The next morning Tyler was in a rush getting his six-year-old daughter, Jenny, off to school. He

brushed her hair and gathered it together so he could loop a band around it. But it was the most

difficult task he'd ever attempted. He couldn't seem to hold it long enough before strands slipped

out. Roping a steer was much easier. God, he was inept at raising a girl. He was inept at being a

father, period.

At the third attempt, Jenny scrunched up her face.

"What?"

"You're not very good at this, Daddy."

"No, I'm not," he admitted.

"I can do it. I can do it."

He handed her the brush. Things were so much easier when his mom was here, but Jenny was his

responsibility. His mother had a right to her own life. She'd spent many years taking care of him.

Still, being a single father was hell. He'd never expected Denise to run out on them. She'd said

small-town life was stifling. They'd argued about moving to a big city, but his roots, land and job

were here. Eventually the marriage ended and Tyler had refused to let Denise take his daughter.

He'd been surprised when Denise had caved so easily.

Oblivious to his dark thoughts, Jenny gathered her hair and whipped a band around it in two

seconds flat.

"See, Daddy." Big brown eyes stared at him. "It's easy."

He hugged her. "You're growing up." But he hoped not too fast. "Now for the million-dollar

question. Where's your jacket?"

She shrugged.

"Jenny." He sighed. "Daddy can't afford another jacket right now." Every time he turned around

there was one more bill to pay. He was betting on the crops on his and Ira's land to get him back

on his feet. That is, if Eden didn't sell Ira's land out from under him.

Searching through Jenny's closet, he found an old denim jacket. "This will have to do."

After she slipped it on, he gave it the once-over. It was a little tight in the shoulders and the

sleeves were too short. His heart sank. He had to do better than this.

"Don't worry." Jenny smiled, her two front teeth missing. "Everybody knows my daddy's a

cowboy."

A broke cowboy who was struggling to raise a little girl.

"Let's go, pumpkin, or you're going to be late. I'll check with Mrs. Lofton. Maybe you left your

jacket in her classroom."

"'Kay." She followed him into the kitchen. "Do I have to stay 'til six today?"

"Yes. Daddy has to work." The school had an after school program for kids whose parents

worked, which was great for him but Jenny hated it. Once the crops were in from his land and

Ira's he'd have more time for Jenny.

After dropping Jenny at school and watching her run off in her too-small jacket, Tyler headed for

Eden's, ready for battle.

***

Eden was showing Mona around when Tyler walked in. He removed his hat. "Morning, ladies."

"Mr. Jakes." Mona smiled at him. He seemed to have that effect on women. Damn him. "I was

just looking at the house."

"It's almost a hundred years old," he said.

Eden glared at him. "Pa took very good care of it. He had it painted five years ago and the roof is

new."

Mona glanced at the floor. "Is this the original flooring?"

"Yes," she replied. "Pa said they don't make wood like that anymore."

"What a beautiful dining room set," Mona exclaimed as they walked around.

Eden touched the dark oak. "It belonged to my great-grandparents." Every holiday they'd eaten at

this table. Pa sat at the head, and Gran had her place at the end by the kitchen. Eden's seat was on

the side and unless the planets were out of alignment, Tyler had sat across from her. And the

conversation centered around Tyler and his accomplishments. Once she'd left for college and

Tyler had gotten married, somehow she'd never been back during the holidays. Until her

grandmother had passed away.

She ran her hand along the surface of the table and could almost smell Gran's chicken and

dressing that she'd made in a roaster older than Eden. So many memories. She'd loved cooking

with her grandmother. There was so much love in this house. And she had to wonder why at

times she felt so unloved. Maybe it had something to do with her parents abandoning her. And

the fact she had to compete with Tyler for her grandparents' affection.

"How is the house heated and cooled?" Mona was asking. Eden immediately brought her

attention back to the conversation, but before she could respond, Tyler spoke up.

"Window units and space heaters and, of course, the fireplace, but the house is very drafty in

winter and hot in the summer."

"It is not," Eden denied. "The fireplace warms the whole house and the window units adequately

cool the place."

Tyler knocked on a wall with his fist. "These walls are single, not double like they are today, so

there's no insulation anywhere."

Mona scribbled something on her clipboard. "I'm assuming there's a well for water."

"Yeah," Tyler replied, "and it's old and tiresome at best. The pump has to be primed—a lot, and

in the wintertime it's a headache. You have to keep the pump shed warm or the pump will freeze,

and the pipes to the house have to be drained or they'd all bust. It takes—Ouch."

She'd brought her shoe down hard on his boot, stopping his unwanted opinion. "Sorry. I didn't

notice your foot."

His brow knotted in resentment, but he didn't say anything else.

"Well." Mona looked from one to the other. "I have all I need. Does the furniture go with the

house?"

"I'm not sure," Eden admitted.

"Ms. March, it seems there's a lot to be decided before we can take this to contract. From the

road, it's obvious the land is plowed and ready for planting. A potential buyer will see that, so,"

Mona shoved the clipboard into her big purse, "you and Mr. Jakes have to work this out. Take a

few days and let me know your decision."

As soon as the door closed, Eden turned on Tyler. "How dare you."

His eyes darkened. "And how dare you. You waltz in here, trying to sell everything Ira and

Mavis ever had without a second thought. What about Mavis's quilts and afghans? You gonna

sell them in a garage sale? Take the money and run, is that your motto, Eden? How about her

china and dishes? Just chuck them, huh? They mean nothing to you. Nothing in this house is of

value to you. It never has been. Not even your grandparents. You never called and only visited

sporadically. How do you think that made your grandparents feel? They loved you and wanted

you here, you never cared about—"

Before she knew what she was doing, she'd slapped him hard across the face. The skin-on-skin

sound seemed to echo between them. She was horrified. She'd never done anything like that

before in her life.

"Tyler, I'm so sorry." She pressed her hand to his warm, roughened cheek, softly this time,

almost a caress. She'd never been this aware of him. Never noticed that he smelled of a

tantalizing mix of leather and sunshine, never noticed that his lips were full and oh-so-

tempting…

Suddenly, his eyes darkened even more and he framed her face with his hands, bringing her

closer to him. In slow motion he brought his lips down on hers in a gentle kiss, but the force of

her response made her knees buckle and she went limp against him, trembling.

He let her go abruptly and, without a word or a backward glance, strolled from the room.

After a moment, Eden regained her equilibrium and held a hand to her quivering lips, still feeling

his touch, his masculine scent all around her.

Chapter Three

The buzz of her phone brought Eden to her senses. She dashed to the bedroom to get it. Since

she'd slept in her grandparents' room, she'd left it in there. Snatching it up, she flipped it open. It

was her roommate in Hollywood, Paige. Her friend was from Dallas, and they'd hit it off as soon

as they'd discovered they were from the same state. They were planning to stay together in New

York, too. Eden had had to take odd jobs to pay her share of the rent, but she hoped to remedy

her financial situation soon.

"Hi, Paige." Her voice sounded raspy. Heavens, she'd been kissed before, but not quite like

that—with so much emotion.

"Are you okay? You sound funny."

"I'm just tired from driving."

"I guess you made it home safely then?"

"Yeah. I arrived late yesterday."

"Any luck in selling the place?"

Eden sat cross-legged on the feather bed. "No. I contacted a Realtor, but I might speak to Judd

Calhoun this afternoon. It would be much faster. He owns a lot of land here and might be

interested. If he's not, I'll have to go with the Realtor and that's going to take time."

"But without that money you're not going to be able to stay in New York long and your business

is dead in the water."

"Mmm."

"We've already given notice at the apartment and our flight to New York is booked for just

weeks from now. We can stay with my sister who works at Bloomingdale's until we find a place.

It's going to be so exciting. I have your new, expanded website almost ready to upload. I hope

your jewelry starts selling like hotcakes."

Paige was a computer whiz and also a singer. They were both eager to try their talents in New

York City. They talked for a while longer and Eden promised to call as soon as she wrapped up

things in High Cotton, which, if she had anything to say about it, would be very soon.

***

Eden spent the morning going through things in the house. There was so much stuff: the antique

dining room set, the armoire Gran had received as a wedding gift from her parents, the wrought

iron bed that had belonged to her grandfather's parents, Pa's silver dollar collection, Gran's

handmade quilts, Pa's Purple Heart and the feather bed. She couldn't bear to part with any of

those items. Tyler had been wrong. These things meant something to her. Storing them would be

the logical decision, but first she had to find a buyer for the property.

Trying to keep her thoughts off Tyler, she grabbed her purse and headed for her vehicle and

Judd's ranch, the Southern Cross. Thirty minutes later she had her answer—Judd wasn't

interested in the place, but he suggested she contact Tyler Jakes, whose property joined hers and

who already had crops planned for her grandfather's fields. That was not what she wanted to hear

As she traveled from the big ranch, she saw trucks parked on the side of the road. At first she

thought it was a wreck, but then she noticed several men had gotten out of their vehicles to watch

a herd of Brahma cows. Curious, she stopped behind one of the trucks, opened her door and got

out.

In the distance, she saw a handful of cowboys on horses talking amongst themselves. Her eyes

zeroed in on Tyler, looking handsome and rugged, sitting on a chestnut-colored quarter horse

with three white stocking feet. Tyler and Chance Hardin, the foreman, seemed to be discussing

something.

Chance motioned to the cowboys and pointed to the herd. The cowboys weaved their horses

through the agitated cows. Tyler and Chance readied their ropes. They were going to rope

something. A rush of excitement shot through her.

The cowboys worked steadily, trying to get a calf away from his mother. Cows threw up their

heads in fear and loud bellows echoed.

"They'll never get a rope on that calf," Mr. Hopper—one of the men in the crowd she'd joined—

said, leaning on his truck.

Rufus Johns, Chance's uncle, joined him. "You just watch, Ben. I taught those boys everything

they know."

Finally, the cowboys had the calf out in the open and tried to keep the momma in with the herd.

Chance immediately bolted out and threw his rope around the calf's neck. In a split second, Tyler

followed, standing in the stirrups and sailing his rope in a perfect loop under the hind hooves and

the calf went down, bellowing. On cue, Tyler's horse backed up, as did Chance's, holding the calf

flat and tight.

Chance jumped off his horse and straddled the calf, examining the hooves. Pulling a small pair of

pliers from his jeans pocket, he removed something and held it up to Tyler. He tipped his hat,

grinning.

Her knees felt weak.

Then someone shouted and all hell broke loose. The momma cow had managed to get away from

the other cowboys. Chance jumped into the saddle and he and Tyler simultaneously loosened

their ropes and jerked. The calf was free, but the big cow charged straight for them.

Eden held her breath.

They kneed their horses and the animals responded beautifully, digging in their hooves and

galloping toward safety. Out of harm's way, Chance and Tyler pulled up, watching the cow and

calf.

The Brahma pawed the ground and snorted, flinging her head from side to side, just daring them

to take one step toward her baby. After a moment, the momma and the little one trotted into the

woods. Eden noticed the baby limping. There had been something in its hoof.

She was still reeling from the magnificent show of skill, coordination and horsemanship. No one

did it better than Tyler Jakes. Her grandfather had told her that many times, but now something

was different. It didn't take her long to figure out what it was. She'd acknowledged his talent on

her own.

"Didn't I tell ya, Ben?" Mr. Johns said.

"Yep. Should have known better."

Mr. Johns walked toward his truck and Mr. Hopper noticed her. "Miss Eden, you're home."

"Yes. For a little while." She wrapped her arms around her waist. It was getting chilly.

"I'll miss Ira. He was a good man."

"Thank you."

He opened his door. "Call if you need anything."

"Thank you," she said again and climbed into her car. Everyone here was so friendly. She would

miss that in New York.

When she reached home, she carried firewood from the back porch and placed it in the fireplace.

She loved making a fire and she had enough wood to last while she was here. As she stuffed old

newspapers beneath the logs to light, she heard a tap at the door.

It couldn't be Tyler. Could it? Against her will, her heart hammered against her ribs.

Chapter Four

She opened the door and found a little girl—Eden judged her to be about five or six years old—

standing there. She wore jeans stuffed into cowboy boots. The tops were pink. Her blond hair

was in a ponytail. Big brown eyes stared at Eden.

"Hi," the girl said, smiling with two front teeth missing. "My name is Jenny. What's your name?"

Who was she? There were no cars in the driveway….

"How did you get here?" she asked, figuring it was the best way to start the conversation.

Jenny pointed to Tyler's house.

This had to be Tyler and Denise's child.

Eden drew a long breath. "Does your father know you're here?"

Jenny shrugged. "Daddy told me that Pa's granddaughter was here and I wanted to meet her

'cause I'm Pa's granddaughter, too."

"What?"

"I don't have a grandpa and he said he'd be mine. I took him to school for show-and-tell."

For a moment she was speechless, but it sounded just like Pa. He had a very big heart.

"Are you Eden?"

Eden had never been good with kids, and she wasn't sure what to do with this one. Please go

away, kid. "I'm sure your dad is worried about you. Maybe you should go home."

Jenny shrugged again. "Can I sit in Pa's chair? He lets me do that."

"I'm very busy, this isn't a good time." She stepped back and closed the door. The moment she

did all she saw was that hurt little face. She yanked it open. "I'm sorry. That was rude."

Jenny tried hard to keep her bottom lip from trembling and Eden felt even worse. How could she

be mean to an innocent child? "You can sit in Pa's chair."

The lip stuck out farther. "I don't want to now."

Eden bent down to her level. "I'm making a fire in the fireplace. Want to help?"

"No."

Eden walked inside, leaving the door open. She found matches on the mantel and lit the

newspaper. Soon the fire roared to life. As she was putting the screen in front of it, Jenny trailed

in and then made a dash for Pa's recliner and jumped in. She reached for Gran's afghan on the

arm and curled up. Jenny looked lost in the big chair, but it was obvious she was familiar with

the house. She must have had a loving relationship with Pa.

And yet Pa had only mentioned the little girl in passing. Maybe because he sensed Eden had

conflicting emotions about Tyler. Where was Tyler? Did he allow his child to run all over the

place unsupervised?

Not sure what else to do, she left Jenny in the chair and went to the table where she had her

jewelry-making supplies laid out. While she had time, she thought she'd make matching sets of

bracelets, necklaces and earrings to sell on the website. Stringing large lime-green and crystal

beads with silver spacers onto a flexible professional wire, she noticed Jenny had made her way

to the table.

"Whatcha doing?"

"Making a bracelet," she replied, without looking up.

"Like, to wear?"

"Yes. I sell them."

"Gee. It's pretty."

"Thank you."

"Are you Beauty?

Eden dropped a bead and immediately picked it up. "Why do you ask that?"

"'Cause Pa said he called his granddaughter Beauty and I wanted him to call me Beauty but he

said there was only one Beauty."

"Oh." Her throat closed for a second.

"So he called me Cutiepie, and there's only one Cutiepie and that's me."

Eden stopped stringing beads as she suddenly saw herself clearly in Jenny—the need to be loved.

And the feeling she had to compete for that love. She realized her grandfather hadn't loved Jenny

any more than he'd loved her, so why had Eden felt that need to compete with Tyler? The

thought was unsettling.

"My daddy says Mommy used to call me angel, but then…then she left me," Jenny blurted out.

Pa had told her that Tyler and Denise had divorced, but Eden assumed Denise still saw her child.

Obviously not.

She stared at the little girl, recognizing the pain of a nine-year-old whose parents didn't want her.

"My mommy left me, too."

"Oh." Jenny's brown eyes opened big. "Did she love you?"

Eden rolled a bead between her fingers. "I think so, but she didn't want to be a mommy."

"Mine didn't, either, but I got Daddy."

"And I had my grandparents."

Jenny smiled. "We did good, huh?"

"Yes. We did good." Why hadn't she focused on that all those years ago? Eden had felt as if she'd

done something wrong, but she knew now that she hadn't. And neither had Jenny.

Jenny pulled at the sleeves of her denim jacket, which was noticeably too small for her.

"Don't you have a bigger jacket?"

"I lost it and Daddy can't afford to buy me a new one." Jenny fiddled with a bead. "Daddy says

when he sells the calves and the crops come in things will be better."

The crops on her grandfather's land. The land she wanted to sell. Damn.

She'd always thought Tyler had the Midas touch and it was surreal finding out that he had faults

and troubles like everyone else. It made him human. And appealing.

They both heard the pounding of hooves.

"Uh-oh." Jenny quickly glanced around. "Where can I hide?"

Eden smiled. "He probably already knows you're here."

"Gee."

Tyler knocked on the door.

Eden looked at Jenny. "Do you want to get it? Or should I?"

Her brown eyes brightened. "You can and I'll run out the front."

"No, no." Eden tried not to laugh as she got to her feet. "You stay right here and I'll let your

father in."

Eden opened the door and Tyler came straight to the point. "Tell Jenny to come out."

She waved a hand toward the kitchen. "You might want to do that yourself."

"Jenny," he called, walking inside. His presence seemed to fill up the house and warm it more

than the fire ever could.

Jenny wasn't in the kitchen or the living area. Had she escaped?

A blonde head popped up over the top of the recliner. "I'm sitting in Pa's chair, Daddy."

"Let's go. I told you not to come over here."

Jenny trudged toward her father in boots that seemed as if they weighed ten pounds each. "Yes,

sir."

"Go home and sit in the time-out chair. I'll be there in a minute."

"Yes, sir."

When Jenny reached the doorway, she looked back at Eden. "Bye."

"Bye." Eden's heart ached at the sad face.

Don't get involved. Don't get involved.

As soon as the door closed, Tyler said, "I'm sorry if she bothered you."

Sweat stained his shirt and dirt caked his jeans, but there was another awareness now. Broad

shoulders, tight jeans, boots and a worn Stetson suddenly made her blood race. She never knew

she liked cowboys.

"How old is she?"

"Six."

"She's a ball of energy."

"Some days she does me in." He raised his eyes to hers. "I'm sorry about earlier. I had no right to

say those things."

"And I had no right to slap you."

He nodded. "We have to talk."

"Yes."

"But I should get Jenny home. I'll come over later."

As the door closed, Eden knew she had a big decision to make. She'd never dreamed Tyler

depended on the crops he grew on her grandfather's land for his very livelihood. And Jenny's.

But Eden needed the money from the sale of the land to start her business and her new successful

life.

What could she do?

Chapter Five

Tyler went through his back door feeling lower than a snake. He hated disciplining Jenny. It took

a little piece of his heart every time he had to. His blood pressure had spiked when he discovered

where she was. He didn't want his kid in the middle of his and Eden's issues.

God, he couldn't believe he'd kissed her. And he couldn't believe all the suppressed emotions it

had generated. He wanted to kiss her again. To hold her, to be with her. But getting involved

with Eden was too risky. Like Denise, Eden's life was not in this small town. And he and Eden

had business to take care of that required cool heads.

In the living room, he saw Jenny sitting in her little chair, facing the wall. He took a deep breath.

"Can I get up now, Daddy?"

"Yes." He walked to the kitchen table and sat down.

She crawled into a chair.

"Why did you disobey me, Jenny?"

"I…I…wanted to sit in Pa's chair. I miss him, Daddy. Why did he have to go to heaven?" Big

tears rolled down her cheeks.

He gathered her into his arms, not sure what to say to her or how to make her feel better.

Parenting a prayer at a time was the best he could do. He stroked her hair. "Remember you said

goodbye to Pa and you gave him a big kiss."

"But I didn't want him to go," she wailed.

He held her closer. "He was sick, baby, and he was ready. He wanted to be with Mavis."

"Uh-huh."

He pulled her chin out from his chest. "What did Pa tell you?"

"Every time I see a flower to think of him."

"Yeah. Pa taught you about flowers, vegetables and fruit trees."

Jenny nodded. "He knew all about that stuff, Daddy."

He poked her chest. "Pa lives right there in you. All you have to do is think about him and all the

things he taught you."

Her eyes grew big. "Eden, too, Daddy?"

For a moment he was thrown off balance. Jenny must have sensed it because she said, "Does Pa

live in Eden, too?"

"Oh. Yes. Eden has lots of memories of Pa."

"Eden makes jewelry," Jenny announced.

Tyler was sure his daughter had that wrong. "You mean she wears jewelry?"

"No, Daddy, she puts it together with real pretty colors and she sells it."

"Oh." He had no idea what Jenny was talking about. Eden was an actress and a model; Ira had

raved constantly about how well she was doing. Why would she be making her own jewelry? To

sell? That didn't make sense.

"Her mommy left her, too."

"She told you that?"

Jenny bobbed her head. "Yep. And we decided we did good. I got you, and Eden had Pa and

Gran."

He was stunned. Eden had taken the time and bonded with his daughter over a very touchy

subject. Usually Jenny never discussed Denise, but now she seemed happy that someone

understood. Maybe Eden wasn't so flighty after all.

The idea was jarring, and he decided not to hurt his brain by thinking about it. "Listen, pumpkin.

How about this spring we plant a garden with flowers and vegetables? We'll call it Ira's Garden.

How would you like that?"

"Yeah!" She clapped her hands, her sadness forgotten.

He wanted to ask more about Eden but didn't. He had to find out on his own.

"Pumpkin, Daddy has to go out for a little while. I'll call Mrs. Hopper to see if she'll sit with you.

I won't be long."

"'Kay. She reads good stories."

Tyler took a quick shower and changed clothes. Opening a desk drawer, he pulled out a large

manila envelope. Waiting for Eden to talk to the lawyer about the will now seemed like the

coward's way. He owed it to Ira to do it himself.

***

Tyler didn't call Eden. He just showed up. He didn't want to give her the option of saying she

didn't want to see him.

When she opened the door, he caught his breath. Her long silver-blond hair tumbled around her.

Her perfect features were relaxed and not tight as they usually were when she was with him.

Black slacks and a white pullover sweater showcased her gorgeous feminine body. Red socks

were on her feet.

"Come in," she said in a polite voice he hadn't heard in a long time. He soaked it up like raw

cotton absorbs water.

He followed her into the kitchen and stopped short. The table was covered with brightly colored

beads, stones and various other things he didn't recognize. He took a seat, as did she.

"Jenny said you made jewelry."

She lifted an eyebrow. "You sound surprised." She nodded her head. "Oh. You thought I was still

acting or modeling."

"That's what Ira said."

"My grandfather tended to embellish. A bit in a commercial and a gig modeling for a catalogue

is not a big money-paying career. I make more selling my original jewelry now."

"Oh." Tyler was confused, not sure how to fit any of this new information in with the image he'd

always had of Eden.

"So Jenny lives with you?" she asked.

It took him a moment to concentrate. "Yes. I have full custody."

"Oh."

He shifted uncomfortably, and laid the papers on the table. Not sure where to begin, he said,

"Thank you for being so nice to Jenny."

"We have a lot in common. We both love Pa and have mothers who left us."

"Even at nine you were very self-confident. It never occurred to me to think of how hard that

must have been for you. I'm sorry."

"It wasn't confidence. It was self-defense. Talking to Jenny earlier made me realize how

desperately I wanted love and attention."

"And instead I hogged your grandparents' focus."

"It pissed me off…and it hurt me. I could never do anything as good as you."

"And I could never do anything to make them love me more than they loved you. I lost a parent,

too. My mom was a single mother, and didn't always have time to bake me cookies like Mavis,

or teach me about planting crops like Ira. I needed their love as much as you did."

Their eyes locked. The fire crackled in the living room behind him and she curled her feet

beneath her. "They loved us both, just in different ways."

"Mmm. We were the ones that made it a competition. We lost a lot of time with them because of

it. I'm sorry for that."

"You should be," she replied, and then smiled a smile that made his heart beat faster, made this

lousy day brighter.

She cocked her head. "Well, since we're making heartfelt confessions…what happened to you

and Denise?"

He swallowed. "Denise's idea of marriage and mine weren't the same. She liked to party and go

to clubs. I didn't. She wanted to move to Houston. I didn't. We came to an impasse and I told her

she could either stay or go. She chose to leave."

"Without Jenny?"

"I wouldn't let her take the baby and she eventually left without her. We went back and forth

over custody until she met an older guy with money who didn't want kids. His were grown. After

a few months, she signed over her parental rights. I have full and permanent custody."

"That must have been a relief."

"Yes…and no." He rubbed his hands together. "Jenny was barely a year old and I didn't know

how I was going to explain what had happened when she got older. My mother advised me to tell

her the truth and I did. Of course, I glossed over a lot of it and emphasized how much Denise

loved her."

"Wise decision."

He stared at all the beads and stones on the table. "So your new line of work is creating jewelry?"

"Yes. I design and craft the pieces. Clunky and bold is in these days." She moved aside a plastic

container of turquoise stones. "I'm moving to New York in less than a month to get the business

going in a big way. Only it takes money to start a business. I thought inheriting this house was

the answer to my prayers, but… You said the things in the house didn't have any sentimental

value for me, but they do. I'm not sure how to part with any of my grandparents' treasures." She

glanced at her hands. "But if I don't, it'll be one more failure. Somehow I have to do this—I have

to prove the time and the care my grandparents gave to me was worthwhile and that I can

succeed at something."

"So they'll be proud of you?"

She lifted her eyes to his. "Yes, so they'll…love me. As silly as that sounds."

"Eden, you never had to succeed to gain their love. You had it every day of your life."

"I know…now, anyway. But it's too late… They're gone." She brushed away an errant tear, then

another, and his heart twisted.

He cupped her face for a moment, in awe of the softness of her skin, before his lips touched hers.

The world rolled away, and he tasted her sweetness and her pain. He'd only meant to give her

comfort, but everything feminine in her lit a fuse deep in him. She moaned and he took the kiss

to another level.

"Tyler," she breathed against his lips as he pulled away gently.

"Shh…Eden. Everything's going to be okay. I'm going to make it okay." He forced himself to get

up and walk out the door, the manila envelope clutched in his hand.

Chapter Six

Tyler stayed up late going over his books. He had to find a way to make ends meet without the

crops he'd planned to harvest on the March property. It was Eden's land. He had no right to it.

He'd realized that when she'd talked of her dream in New York. He'd always admired her

bravery, her courage to stretch her wings as far as they would go. Eden had a zest for life

unmatched by anyone he'd ever met. Ira had wanted her to be happy. Tyler wanted her to be

happy, too. So he had to step back and let it happen.

He tore up the legal document and threw it into the fireplace. He would recoup his losses

somehow and move on. Chance would give him all the work he could at the Southern Cross.

Then he'd work his own ranch and plant crops after he signed off there. But he still had to make

time for Jenny. It wouldn't be easy, but he wasn't taking anything from Eden that rightly

belonged to her. And her dreams.

Before he crawled into bed, he thought of the new feelings they'd shared lately—the intimate

confessions…the romantic, passionate kisses. For a moment he wished it could lead to a lot

more. But like Denise, Eden wasn't happy in small-town Texas. She had big-city dreams.

Was he destined to always fall for the wrong woman?

The next morning, as they walked out the door, Jenny asked, "Can I go to Eden's this afternoon?"

Tyler forced himself not to show any emotion. Last night was still fresh in his mind. He steered

Jenny in another direction. "Don't you have a project to finish for Mrs. Lofton?"

"Yeah, but—"

"Work on it first."

"'Kay," she grumbled.

He glanced at the March house. It was in darkness—she must be still asleep. He'd talk to her as

soon as he dropped Jenny at school. She had to know he wouldn't stand in her way.

***

Eden woke up to warmth. The feather bed was so cozy and she didn't want to move, but it was

morning. And she had tons to do. In pajama bottoms, T-shirt and socks, she padded into the

living room and saw the fire was almost out. She dashed to the porch, grabbed two logs and

hurried inside. The temperature was low and she shivered.

Quickly she placed the logs on the burning ashes and stoked it. It burst to life. After replacing the

screen, she went to make coffee. With a cup in hand, she curled up in Pa's chair and wrapped

Gran's afghan around her. She should be making jewelry, she should be packing and cleaning

and getting things together. Instead, she was agonizing about what had happened last night.

She'd wanted Tyler to kiss her and it was everything she'd wanted it to be—exciting, exhilarating

and passionate. She'd wanted to lose herself in him, to feel his arms around her, his hands on her

skin. But just when she'd thought they'd go further, he'd pulled away, saying everything was

going to be okay. What did he mean by that?

Taking a sip of coffee, she stared into the glowing embers. At twenty-five, she'd been kissed

before. She should be able to figure it out, but she was clueless. She just wanted to be with him

again.

Her stomach growled so she went into the kitchen to make toast. Yesterday she'd picked up Pa's

mail and it was lying on the counter. It was probably junk, but she took a moment to flip through

it. A large manila envelope addressed to her caught her eye. It was from her grandfather's lawyer.

Pa had left everything to her so she couldn't imagine what it could be. Ripping it open, she sat

down to read.

She pulled out a legal document. It was a codicil to her grandfather's will. Her eyes froze on the

page. For his dedication to me and my welfare, I, Ira March, hereby grant Tyler Jakes first

choice to purchase said property. A legal description followed. For the said price. An amount

was listed that blew her mind.

Pa had practically given him her inheritance.

She'd thought she'd gotten beyond the competition between them, but reading her grandfather's

words made everything clear—he'd loved Tyler more.

A knock sounded at the door. Tyler. She couldn't deal with him right now. Maybe if she didn't

open the door, he'd assume she was still asleep. She didn't move a muscle.

"Eden, are you awake?"

Darn! She'd forgotten to lock the door. He walked in, bringing the cool January temperature with

him. He was awesome in boots, tight jeans and a Stetson. Her stomach fluttered in excitement,

even though she didn't want it to. She actually wanted to hit him again.

"It's nice and warm in here," he said, holding his hands to the fire.

"Why are you here?" she asked, trying to keep the anger out of her voice. She failed.

Complete silence filled the room. The fire crackled and suddenly Eden was hot—hot all over—

with renewed resentment.

She fingered the document. She could feel Tyler's lips on hers and she hated that she'd been

fooled so easily.

"Could we talk?" He walked into the kitchen. "Have you spoken to Ira's lawyer?"

"He asked me to stop by his office when I was in High Cotton. I'd planned to do that Monday.

He said it was just a formality." She held up the envelope. "But I guess it's a whole lot more than

that."

"Eden, I'm sorry. I received a copy about two weeks ago."

She stared at him. "You do realize the price is staggeringly low?"

"I had no idea Ira had this in mind."

"I bet you didn't." She got up and placed her cup in the sink. If her jewelry didn't sell, she

wouldn't be able to stay in New York. Then where would she go? Tyler would have the only

place she'd ever thought of as home.

"Eden…"

"I'd appreciate it if you'd stay away until I get my mind sorted out. But then there's not much to

think about. It's a done deal. You're getting the property at a steal. Is that what you planned all

along? Kiss up to Eden and she'll go along with anything?"

"I didn't plan what happened with us. That was honest and real."

"Oh, please."

"I came over to tell you I'm not invoking the codicil."

"Why not? Pa wanted you to have this place. You were the son he always wanted. I was just the

flighty granddaughter."

"That's not true…Eden." He moved close to her and his masculine scent did a number on her

resolve.

"Please, don't touch me. Leave me with some dignity." She ran from the room, tears streaming

down her face.

Chapter Seven

In her grandparents' room, Eden quickly dressed and called her grandfather's attorney. She had to

have answers. A machine came on. She grabbed her purse, intending to be in Giddings, Texas,

where Mr. Spencer's office was located, when he opened the door. Tyler was gone when she

went through the kitchen to the door.

As she neared the town, she phoned again and Mr. Spencer's assistant answered. Eden informed

her she'd be there in five minutes. Mr. Spencer was waiting for her, and she followed him into

his office.

"My assistant said you sounded upset." Mr. Spencer waved a hand for her to take a seat, and he

followed suit.

She crossed her legs. "How did the codicil to my grandfather's will happen?"

"It was Ira's wish. Since you were out in California, he knew you would never live in the house,

and he wanted someone who cared about the place to own it. He wanted to give Mr. Jakes the

property outright, but felt it would be a disservice to you, the granddaughter he loved."

"Why did he want to give it to Tyler?"

Mr. Spencer looked uncomfortable. "Mr. Jakes was always there when Ira needed anything. He

wrapped the pipes in winter, kept the well pump from freezing, mowed the grass, cut wood for

the fireplace, fixed whatever was broken. And he took care of Ira in the last days of his life."

A lump formed in her throat. "I don't understand. My grandfather was healthy until the heart

attack."

Mr. Spencer's brow knotted in confusion. "Ira had two heart attacks."

"What?"

"Didn't Ira tell you?"

"About six weeks before his major heart attack he phoned and said he had a spell with his heart. I

offered to come home, but he insisted he was fine."

"He wasn't. Mr. Jakes found him in the yard, called 911 and Ira was life-flighted to Scott &

White Hospital in Temple. The doctors wanted to operate but, because of his age, they only gave

him a fifty-fifty chance. Ira decided to leave this world just as he came into it."

The lump dissolved into tears. "Why did no one call me?"

"Ira and I have been friends for a long time. I was at the hospital when Mr. Jakes asked Ira if he

had called you, and he said he had."

"But he didn't tell me what happened, only that he was okay and I wasn't to worry."

Mr. Spencer crossed his hands over the file on his desk. "I'm at a loss at what to say, Eden. Ira

had this idea that you were a lot like your father, Geoffrey, always with a big dream, always

needing to be free. After your parents deserted you, Ira wanted you to have the best and for all

your dreams to come true. He felt that would never happen here."

Eden brushed away a tear. "I guess we didn't really know each other."

"I think you did. Ira was stubborn and didn't want his beauty saddled with a sick grandfather. He

wanted you to be happy."

But I wasn't. I was so alone.

She brushed away another tear. "So Tyler looked out for Pa?"

"Yes. He moved in and took care of Ira."

"What?"

"Ira was very weak and Mr. Jakes didn't think Ira should be left alone."

"What about his little girl?"

"Mr. Jakes' mother came and took care of her, but Jenny was there a lot. Ira loved her."

"How long did this go on?"

"About six weeks. When Mr. Jakes saw the end was near, he loaded Ira into his truck and carried

him to the hospital, calling you on the way, against Ira's wishes. He felt you should be given the

opportunity to see your grandfather before he passed."

"I did. I got to say goodbye." More tears flowed. Mr. Spencer got up and handed her a tissue. She

blew her nose. All these years she and Tyler had warred for her grandfather's attention, to make

him proud—a stupid competition, a trivial thing compared to what Tyler had done for her

grandfather.

In her heart she knew her grandparents had protected her from the moment she'd come into their

lives, encouraging her to be whatever she wanted to be, even if it meant she was far away from

them. Pa had done so right to the end. She couldn't be angry because he loved her.

He loved me.

Mr. Spencer leaned against his desk. "Eden, do you want to contest the codicil?"

"No." She rose to her feet. "But I'd like to do something else. Draw up the papers to give Tyler

Jakes the property as my grandfather wanted."

"Please, think about this," he advised.

"I have. It's the right thing to do."

"Take a few days."

She reached for her purse. "Call me when the papers are ready to sign."

Walking out of the office, she felt better than she had in a long time. The truth had opened up the

dark corners of her heart. So many wasted years misguidedly thinking her grandparents had

loved Tyler more. In reality, her grandparents had loved them both, only in different ways

because they'd needed different things—Tyler had needed a father, and she'd needed a home. Pa

couldn't have loved Tyler more; love wasn't measured. It was freely given.

She'd always known Tyler was special; she just never knew how special until she heard of his

devotion to her grandfather. Not many men would make such a sacrifice.

She had to have the courage to do something as meaningful.

The money from the sale of the property would be a loss, but if she couldn't make it in New York

on her own, then she didn't need to be there.

***

Late that afternoon, Eden curled up in her grandfather's chair, soaking up his presence by

touching the things he'd loved. How she wished she had the chance to tell him his wish would

come true—his house and land would belong to Tyler and he would cherish it the same way Pa

had. And she would move on to accomplish all the dreams he had wanted for her.

Except for the one that could never be. The one that was right here in High Cotton.

"Eden?"

She turned to see Jenny standing a few feet from her.

"I knocked, but you didn't hear me."

"Oh, sorry." Her thoughts had been inward.

"Whatcha doing?"

Without thinking, she replied, "Sitting in Pa's chair and remembering him."

Jenny jumped in beside her. "I like to do that, too. We can miss him together."

Jenny's face and hands were cold. "Where's your jacket?"

She shrugged. "My teacher found it on the playground and I brought it home. But after that… I

guess I left it in my room. Pa said Daddy should tie it around my neck." Jenny giggled. "He's

funny."

Eden tucked the afghan around the little girl and they sat, watching the fire and missing a man

they both loved.

After a second, Jenny said, "Daddy and me are going to plant a garden and call it Ira's Garden.

You can help us."

"That's real sweet." Eden wasn't sure she'd be here then, but there was no need to tell Jenny that.

"We do missing good, huh, Eden?"

"Yes, we do." The future lay before her and she wondered how it would all go. What would she

miss when she left? Would she miss this house and the memories?

Would she miss the cowboy next door?

Chapter Eight

Eden smiled at the little girl on her lap. Since Jenny's two front teeth were missing, her words

came out with a "th" sound. It was so cute. She noticed a piece of tattered paper in Jenny's hand.

"What's that?"

"I have to make something for school. But I'm six years old. I don't know how to make anything.

And Daddy's hopeless. He can't even get my hair into a ponytail."

Eden took the pink construction paper from her. "What is this supposed to be?"

"A crown. I want to be a princess Barbie." She made a face. "But it's ugly. You make pretty

things. Can you make my crown pretty?"

"Let's go see what's in my bag of tricks." Jenny followed her to the table. Eden had bought some

rhinestones so she could glue them on a belt she'd worn for a party. She searched for them,

finally finding the right tray and pulling it out. Jenny sat close beside her, intently describing

how the crown should look.

Eden drew the shape on the construction paper and handed Jenny the scissors. The girl

painstakingly followed the lines, her tongue sticking out. After that, Eden made a big O in the

center and several stars along the sides. She glued on two rhinestones and then handed the glue

stick to Jenny, letting her choose the colors, which turned out to be pink, red and purple.

Chewing on her tongue, Jenny said, "This is gonna be so beau-ti-ful. I'm gonna win a prize."

"Does your teacher give prizes?"

"No, but she should."

Eden smiled and watched Jenny work until the crown was almost covered. She stapled it at the

back and placed it on Jenny's head.

"Do I look like a princess?"

"Oh, yes, you're a beautiful princess. And a cutiepie." Eden could see why Pa had loved Jenny

and Tyler so much. She couldn't help loving them, either. But she wasn't going to analyze that

thought any further.

"We'll let the glue dry for a bit."

"'Kay."

"Does your dad know you're here?"

Jenny bobbed her head. "I left him a note."

"A note? Can you write?"

"Yep. I can write my name and Pa's, so that's what I put on the note."

"I see." Tyler's job was to decipher the rest. Jenny certainly kept him on his toes. "Where is your

Daddy?"

"He went to check on a cow. I'm supposed to be doing my homework."

Evidently Tyler hadn't come back or he would be looking for his daughter. "I'll walk you home."

She had to talk to Tyler, anyway.

"'Kay. Can I wear my crown?"

"Sure."

They walked along a well-worn trail to the Jakeses' house, Jenny proudly displaying the crown.

The old farmhouse with a wraparound porch was timeless. Two wood rockers and a sturdy swing

decorated the front side. Jenny's bike lay on the plank floor.

At that moment Tyler rode up to the barn on his chestnut mare. As he dismounted, he noticed

them standing in the yard and strode toward them.

"Uh-oh," Jenny said. "Daddy isn't happy."

Within a few seconds he was in front of them, his handsome face etched into a scowl.

"Look, Daddy." Jenny pointed to her head. "Eden helped me with my school project."

"You weren't supposed to leave the house for any reason."

"Yes, sir. I'll go sit in the time-out chair."

"That doesn't seem to be working. You're going to bed an hour early and no TV."

"Dad-dy."

Tyler pointed to the door. "Go read one of your books. I'll be there in a minute."

Jenny stomped inside and Eden could see the pain it caused him to discipline his daughter. She

could tell he was a great father.

She wished she'd stop discovering all his good qualities.

***

Tyler took a breath and turned to face Eden. They had to talk about the codicil. He didn't want

the land. It was hers. She sat on the stoop and he joined her.

"Don't worry about Jenny coming over. She wasn't a bother," she said, and that delicate fragrance

he associated with her relaxed him. "But I agree she shouldn't leave the house alone. That's why I

brought her home."

"I'm at my wit's end on how to discipline her."

"Where's your mother?"

"In Abilene with her husband. She worries about me and Jenny and comes about every six weeks

to make sure I'm not starving her grandchild."

"So it's just you and Jenny?"

"Yeah."

The sun was sinking in the west and the temperature was dropping. But for some reason he didn't

feel cold.

"Eden, I'm sorry about the codicil. I'm not exercising that right. The house and the land are yours

totally. Besides, I can't afford it."

"I spoke with Mr. Spencer and he told me the whole story, which my grandfather neglected to

do. I had no idea he was so ill. When I'd called, he sounded weak. But he always said he was just

tired, and I believed him."

Damn! Why had Spencer done that? It accomplished nothing now but to upset her.

"Eden…"

"I'm glad he had you to take care of him and I'm so grateful."

"Are you crying?" He couldn't see clearly as the darkness crowded in on them.

"Just a little."

He put his arm around her and she nestled into him.

"I'm sorry I was jealous of you over the years."

"Really? I rather enjoyed going head-to-head with you."

"You did not." She turned and looked at him and he lost himself in the glistening blue of her

eyes. Against every sane thought in his head, he cupped her face and kissed her softly,

gently…until stronger emotions took control. Her hands slipped beneath his Carhartt jacket and

he weaved his fingers through the thickness of her hair as the kiss deepened. He'd kissed her

before, but not like this. This time they kissed as equals, aware of exactly what they wanted.

After seconds—or minutes, or hours, he couldn't gauge—he rested his forehead against hers and

his hat fell off. He didn't care about that. He only cared about the woman in his arms.

"I have to tell you something," she murmured.

"What?"

"Pa wanted you to have the house and land, so I'm giving it to you. I just want some items from

the inside."

He drew back. "No, no! You can't do that."

"I already did. I'll sign the papers before I leave town."

"You're still leaving?"

"Yes. I'm meeting a friend in New York to peddle my jewelry to designers. I'll let you know

before I go."

He frowned. "Then what was that kiss about?"

She touched his face. "Goodbye, Tyler. I'll never forget the cowboy next door." She stood and

walked into the darkness.

***

Tyler caught up with her. "Eden, I refuse to accept the property."

"Tyler, please, this is what Pa wanted." The night wrapped around them and a million stars lit

their path.

"I believe what Ira really wanted was for us to spend time together so that we could get to know

each other and stop competing. And we have. I used to think you were flighty, irresponsible, but

I don't anymore. I got a glimpse of the real Eden and I like her—a lot. She's spunky, brave and

reinvents herself when life doesn't go according to plan. That takes courage."

"What are you saying?"

She heard a heavy sigh. "I'm asking you to consider staying. I know you have plans…and this is

sudden but… You don't have to be alone anymore."

Eden threw herself into his arms and he held her tight. "I always thought you were the golden

boy with the Midas touch who could do anything. I know now that's not true. You have troubles,

heartache and pain just like everyone else. And you're so compassionate, caring for Pa and

Jenny. I never saw that side of you."

He kissed the side of her face and she trembled. "We've both learned something in the past few

days. Love doesn't come from doing what's expected of you. It comes from the heart."

"And achievement doesn't create love, either."

"No." He cupped her face. "I was so sure I wouldn't fall in love again, but I'm nuts about you. I'm

so afraid, though. Can you settle for a small-town life?"

Eden thought about her plans in New York. They weren't so appealing anymore. In the past few

days, her desperate need to succeed had been replaced by a need for someone else. A need for

family. Everything she wanted was right here, standing next to her.

She buried her face in the warmth of his neck. "Is it possible to fall in love this quickly?"

"We've been falling for a long time. We just didn't realize it."

"Mmm." She stood on tiptoes and met his lips with a fire that left no doubt about their true

feelings.

After a moment, he cupped her face once more. "Are you sure?"

"I've never been more sure of anything. This is where I belong—with you and Jenny."

"What about your plans?"

"I'll just reinvent myself again. I can make Pa's house into a workshop and create my jewelry

here. Paige will understand. Since she's doing a new website for me, I can ship items from the

local post office. I really don't need the hectic lifestyle of New York, but I do need you and

Jenny."

He kissed her briefly. "You know, your bravery has inspired me. Maybe I'll reinvent myself and

do something I've always dreamed of doing."

"What would that be?"

"I gave up the rodeo when my mom remarried. I don't want to go back there, but maybe…I

might start a rodeo roping camp. Boys are always asking me to teach them to rope."

She snuggled into him. "A great idea, and I'll be here to help."

He kissed her long and deep and the January wind blew against them.

"I love you," he whispered against her lips.

"I love you, too."

They'd both found what they'd been searching for—love, right next door.

THE END