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Dear Reader,

Welcome back to Texas. I can’t tell you how excited I am about starting THE QUILT SHOP IN KERRY SPRINGS series. It is centred around the The Blind Stitch quilt shop on Main Street, and the women—young and old—who gather there at the corner table to work on their quilts and share their hopes and dreams.

In the first story, Little Cowgirl Needs a Mum, Jenny Collins moves to Kerry Springs to manage The Blind Stitch. One day she puts a sign in the window for a beginners’ class and her first student is eight-year-old Gracie Rafferty, who wants to work on a quilt she and her mother started before her death. Jenny soon learns Gracie’s mother made her daughter promise that she’d finish it. The little girl took it to heart.

That brings good-looking rancher/vineyard owner Evan Rafferty into the shop, but he refuses any help or ideas from his daughter’s new friend. Of course that doesn’t stop Jenny—even if it means butting heads and risking her heart to a stubborn man who clearly doesn’t want to share his.

There are so many wonderful characters in this small Texas town, I couldn’t wait to tell this story.

Hope you enjoy it, too.

Patricia Thayer

Little Cowgirl
Needs a Mum
Patricia Thayer


Once Upon a
Proposal
Allison Leigh

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Little Cowgirl Needs a Mum

About the Author

Originally born and raised in Muncie, Indiana, PATRICIA THAYER is the second of eight children. She attended Ball state university, and soon afterwards headed West. Over the years she’s made frequent visits back to the Midwest, trying to keep up with her growing family.

Patricia has called Orange County, California, home for many years. She not only enjoys the warm climate, but also the company and support of other published authors in the local writers’ organisation. For the past eighteen years she has had the unwavering support and encouragement of her critique group. It’s a sisterhood like no other.

When not working on a story, you might find her travelling the United States and Europe, taking in the scenery and doing story research while thoroughly enjoying herself accompanied by steve, her husband for over thirty-five years. Together they have three grown sons and four grandsons. As she calls them, her own true-life heroes. On rare days off from writing, you might catch her at Disneyland, spoiling those grandkids rotten! She also volunteers for the Grandparent Autism Network.

Patricia has written for over twenty years and has authored over thirty-six books. She has been nominated for both the National Readers’ Choice Award and the prestigious Rita. Her book Nothing Short of a Miracle won a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award.

A long-time member of Romance Writers of America, she has served as President and held many other board positions for her local chapter in Orange County. She’s a firm believer in giving back.

Check her website at www.patriciathayer.com for upcoming books.

To Harrison John,

Your smiles melt my heart.

And thanks to our family and friends who supported

the Wright Bros in the Autism Speaks Walk.

CHAPTER ONE

JENNY Collins stood looking in the storefront window of the Blind Stitch, eyeing the new sign behind the glass.

Beginner’s quilting classes starting on Wednesday and Saturday. Everyone welcome.

Okay, it was official—she was in over her head. She was a high-school English teacher, not an expert on quilting. She never should have listened when Allison had told her to jump in with both feet. Unfortunately, Jenny didn’t know any other way to do things, and it sometimes got her into trouble.

Yet, her friend had confidence in her. How could she let her down?

Even after Jenny’s life had fallen apart, she’d got the manager’s job, along with an apartment above the shop, thanks to Allison Casali. The job was hers as long as she wanted to stay in Kerry Springs, Texas. That was the million-dollar question. How long would she be staying?

The shop door opened, bringing Jenny back to the present, and Millie Roberts poked her head out. In her sixties, Jenny’s part-time employee had short, gray hair cut in a flattering style. Petite and slender, Millie was energetic and friendly and, best of all, knowledgeable about quilting.

“We just got a delivery.” She smiled. “It’s the new fabrics Allison ordered.”

Jenny followed her inside the store. “Good, we were getting pretty low on stock.”

“Well, that’s to be expected since you’ve sold nearly everything in the store.”

They walked past several quilts hanging along the high walls, all custom designs by the shop owner and, most recently, Jenny’s boss.

There were stands that displayed colorful bolts of fabrics in every print a quilter could ever want or need. A long cutting table divided the front from the back of the store. A cash register sat on the counter and beside it were several large delivery boxes.

“Oh, boy,” Jenny said. “Allison must have bought out the entire wholesale house.” She knew the company gave the quilting icon a good deal just to have their textiles associated with the name Allison Cole Casali. Her loyal followers would buy a lot of their products.

Jenny opened one box and started to remove bolts of colorful fabric. She and Millie were examining the new materials when a soft voice drew Jenny’s attention. She turned around to see a small dark-haired girl standing in front of the counter.

The cute child was dressed in a pair of jeans, a pink shirt and white sneakers. Her large blue eyes widened as she gave a tentative smile.

Jenny walked away from the boxes and stopped in front of the girl. “Hello, I’m Jenny Collins.”

“I’m Grace Anne Rafferty, but everybody calls me Gracie.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Gracie Rafferty. This is Millie.”

“Hi, Gracie,” Millie greeted her, then continued to sort through the boxes.

Jenny turned back to the child. “What can I do for you, Gracie?”

The little girl pointed to the window over her shoulder. “I read the sign. I want you to help me make my quilt.”

Jenny glanced at Millie. “Well, Gracie. I don’t know.” How could she tell the child she was too young? “This class really isn’t for children.”

“I’m eight years old and I know how to sew. I even have a quilt started … well, my mother started making it, but she can’t help me anymore.”

Jenny’s heart went out to the child, seeing her sadness. “I wish I could help you, Gracie, but the class is for adults.”

The child’s shoulders slumped, but her blue eyes widened. “But I hafta finish it ‘cause I promised her.”

Jenny leaned down to the small child. “Then you and your mother should finish it together. What about if she joins the class?”

The girl shook her head, causing her ponytail to swing back and forth as tears welled in her eyes. “She can’t, ‘cause she’s in heaven.”

Evan Rafferty had searched up and down all the aisles of Sayers Hardware, but there was no sign of his daughter anywhere. He hurried outside to his truck, hoping she’d gotten bored and left. Gracie wasn’t there either.

He glanced up and down the small town’s main street. Where had she gone to? Dear Lord, could someone have taken her? No, not in Kerry Springs. He sent up a silent prayer as he hurried next door to the drug store. Maybe she’d gone in to buy candy. She wasn’t there either. He couldn’t slow the pounding of his heart, the dread that threatened to overtake him.

He couldn’t even take care of his own daughter. Had Megan been right? Maybe he wasn’t cut out to be a father.

He rushed past two more storefronts, then stopped suddenly when he saw the patchwork quilts in one of the windows. Gracie had said something about having to finish a quilt.

He pulled open the glass-paneled door and slowed his steps when he heard the sweet voice of his little girl. She’d been the mainstay in his life, the thing that had kept him focused over the past year and a half. The reason he got up every day when some days he wanted to walk away from it all.

Evan passed the rows of shelves stacked high with material until a blond woman came into view, talking to his daughter.

“Gracie Rafferty.”

She swung around as her happy look suddenly turned to one of guilt. “Oh, hi, Daddy.”

“Don’t ‘hi, Daddy’ me. You know better than to run off.” His voice softened, “I couldn’t find you.”

“I’m sorry,” she said as tears welled in her eyes. “You were busy, so I thought I’d come and look at the quilts.” She forced a smile that reminded him of her mother.

“None of that excuses you for going off by yourself.”

“Mr. Rafferty, I’m Jenny Collins.” The blond woman still stood next to his child. “I’m the new manager of the Blind Stitch.”

He appraised the storekeeper with her fresh look and easy smile. She was tall and slender, wearing a blue blouse tucked into jeans, accenting a narrow waist and the flare of her hips. When his attention went to her large dark eyes he felt a sudden tightening in his gut.

“I’m sorry you were worried about Gracie,” the woman continued. “I didn’t know that she didn’t have permission to come here.”

He reined in his straying thoughts. “What did you think when a child walked in by herself?”

The woman continued to smile, but he could see a flash of anger in her brown-sugar eyes. “I assumed her parent would be coming shortly.” She looked down at his daughter. “Gracie, next time you come here make sure you have permission.”

The girl nodded as she wiped away a tear. “Okay.”

“Good. Now, why don’t you go wash your face before your dad takes you home?” The store manager sent him a look as if daring him to challenge her.

An older woman came out from behind the counter. “Hello, Evan.”

He felt his cheeks warm as he recognized Millie Roberts. A retired teacher from the school, and a member of the church he’d once attended. He tipped his hat. “Hello, Mrs. Roberts.”

“Why don’t I take Gracie and show her where to wash up?”

After the two left Jenny turned back to him. “Could I just take a minute of your time, Mr. Rafferty?”

“What’s the point? Gracie won’t be coming back here.”

“Why? Do you have a problem with her taking up quilting? Gracie explained to me that her mother was a quilter and she’s been very unhappy since … lately.”

Evan didn’t want to talk about his private life, especially not with a stranger. “That’s not your concern. Besides, Gracie’s too young.”

Jenny studied this man. She hadn’t figured him out yet, only that neither father nor daughter looked happy. From the second she’d seen Gracie standing in front of the counter she’d felt an instant connection to her. Her own childhood hadn’t been the happiest, and seeing the girl’s sadness nearly broke Jenny’s heart.

“Maybe if you take the time to talk to her,” she suggested.

“Look, I don’t know what makes you an expert, but I’d appreciate it if you let me handle my daughter.”

She nodded. “Your daughter walked in here and involved me in this. I’d like to help. Maybe we can come up with an idea to get her involved in something.”

The last thing he needed was another person getting into his business. “No thanks. What I want is to be left alone.”

He was grateful when his daughter came out of the restroom. Evan motioned for her. “Come on, Gracie. We need to get back to the ranch.”

He headed for the door, Evan didn’t know why he was being so rude, both to his daughter and to a woman he didn’t even know. It was the woman, that was the problem.

He could understand why Gracie was drawn to her. He glanced back at the pretty blonde. He hated that he felt the same pull. He groaned. He needed to get out more.

“What a jerk,” Jenny murmured. “Did you hear him, Millie?” She walked to the store window, not waiting for her coworker’s answer. She watched as Mr. Rafferty walked to the curb and helped his daughter into a late-model truck with a logo on the door for Triple R Ranch.

The rancher walked around the cab, giving her a view of his backside. The tall, loose-limbed cowboy was a killer in a pair of jeans. His thighs were solid and so was his rear end. He had broad shoulders and muscular arms and thick sable hair under his wide-brimmed Stetson.

She could still feel the heat from his smoky blue-eyed stare. Great! For the first time in a long while she felt an attraction to a man, and he definitely wasn’t her type. She’d known too many rude and arrogant men like him, including her stepfather. No, she wouldn’t waste her time on someone like Evan Rafferty.

She thought back to what the girl had said about her mother being in heaven. Okay, so he’d lost his wife recently. She couldn’t help but feel for both of them.

Jenny watched the truck pull away from the curb and Gracie looked in her direction. She waved at her and Jenny’s chest tightened with longing. Admittedly the big cowboy had one thing in his favor. The sweetest little girl.

Millie came up beside her. “Don’t be too hard on that young man. He’s been through a lot.” The older woman turned to Jenny, looking sad. “He lost his wife, Megan, a year ago last Thanksgiving.”

“What happened?” Jenny found herself asking.

“She had cancer.” Millie sighed. “I know she suffered terribly. Then, not only did Evan have to deal with her death, he’s trying to raise a daughter and run his ranch. I don’t blame him for being upset when he couldn’t find Gracie.”

Jenny nodded. She didn’t have a child, but she knew what her friend, Allison, had gone through to get her daughter Cherry to walk again after an automobile accident that had nearly taken her life.

She’d probably be as protective if she had a child. She shook away the familiar longing that nagged her and put on a smile.

“Okay, we’d better get back to work,” she told Millie. “The beginners’ class is scheduled to start in two weeks.”

She walked through the store to the new opening in the west wall that led into the building next door. Allison had bought that property when the old tenant had moved out, and the carpenters had finally finished the improvements to expand the shop.

Jenny stood in the doorway and looked at the empty space. They still needed to paint, but new cabinets and shelving lined the far wall. There was plenty of room for class supplies and fabric. And they could bring in the portable sewing machines from storage.

Jenny walked to the area right at the front window. “What do you think about getting a big round table and some comfortable chairs for this area?”

A bright smile lit up Millie’s face. “Women can come here to socialize and quilt.”

Jenny shrugged. “A lot of the customers are friends and neighbors. Why not make a place where they can come and work on their projects together, share ideas and tips. We can call it Quilters’ Corner. What do you think?”

Millie beamed. “You won’t have any trouble filling that table.”

Jenny nodded. Good. She had one problem solved, but she was still being nagged by Evan Rafferty. Darn that man for stirring her up. The last thing she needed was a man to disrupt her life right now. She already had enough to deal with.

Yet, she couldn’t stop thinking about his daughter. She wanted to do something to help Gracie. An idea suddenly hit her.

“Millie,” she began. “If I moved the adult classes to Wednesday and Saturday mornings that would open up time on Saturday afternoons.”

Millie hesitated. “What do you have in mind?”

“Maybe a girls’ class.”

The older woman studied her a moment. “That’s a big undertaking because one little girl wants to finish a quilt.”

Was that all Gracie wanted? Jenny wondered, thinking back to her own childhood. She had been overshadowed by her stepbrothers and ignored by her stepfather. The worst part was that her mother had let it happen. Maybe that had been Gracie’s experience since her mother’s death—maybe she felt pushed aside. The big question was, was an eight-year-old too young to join a quilting class?

No.

Jenny looked at Millie. “Do you think some of our regular customers would help out with a mentoring class?

The woman shrugged. “Probably. Is this for any student, or are you talking about one in particular?”

“Maybe, but why can’t we help a little girl finish her quilt?”

Millie nodded. “If we’re talking about a quilt her mother started, it’s not a simple matter. Megan Rafferty was pretty close to an expert quilter. She’d sold several at the local craft fair. But you’re right. This could help Gracie, especially since she lives with a houseful of men.” A slow smile lit up Millie’s face. “All those Rafferty men are a handsome bunch.”

Jenny softened thinking about Evan Rafferty, recalling the raw pain in those eyes. That was her clue to stay clear of the handsome cowboy.

Even without his bad attitude, he still belonged to someone else.

The next afternoon, Jenny headed over to Kerry Springs Elementary School, flyers in hand. She was hoping that the school principal, Lillian Perry, would help promote her class.

When the office door opened she was surprised to see a woman not much older than herself. The attractive brunette smiled as Jenny greeted her and they walked inside.

The principal closed the door. “Thank you for waiting, Ms. Collins.”

“Please, call me Jenny.”

“And I’m Lily.”

After Jenny sat down in a chair, Lily did the same behind her desk. “I hear you’ve taken over the Blind Stitch.”

She nodded. “News travels fast.”

“It does in this town. And my mother practically lives at your shop. Beth Staley.”

“Oh, of course. She and Millie are friends.”

Lily nodded. “So what can I do for you?”

Jenny jumped right in. “I was hoping you could help me promote a children’s quilting class.” She handed her a flyer. “It’s free.”

Lily glanced over the paper. “This looks interesting.” She eyed Jenny. “Generous, too.”

She shrugged. “Call it community service. I’m still not sure how many women I can get to volunteer. Just so you know, I’m asking for your mother’s help. It’s my plan to pass on the craft to a new generation.”

Lily leaned her forearms on the desk. “I’m sure Mother would love it,” she told her. “She’s been trying to get my daughter, Kasey, interested. Maybe with a class and with other girls her age, she’ll want to participate.”

They spent the next twenty minutes going over the program; it would not only be good for the young girls to learn a craft, but it would also help them build a relationship with an older generation.

“Blind Stitch will donate fabric and thread, but we’d like to encourage kids to bring in some of their own material. Maybe some blocks cut out of old clothes. Everyone is big on recycling.”

“Oh, I love that,” Lily said. “Take pride in your family, your heritage.” She leaned back in her chair. “I like your enthusiasm, Jenny, and I’ll be happy to pass out the flyers to the upper grades.” She stood. “Since the bell is about to ring, I need to be out front. I like staying connected to my kids.”

“I used to do that,” Jenny told her. “Of course, my students were older. High school.”

Lily gave her a sideways glance. “You aren’t teaching any longer?”

Jenny didn’t want to go into details. “I’m taking a semester off for now.”

She hated that her attitude about teaching had changed, although never about her students. She would always stand up for the kids; she just didn’t always win the fight. “I’ll be returning in the fall.”

The bell sounded as they walked out the door. In the bright sunlight, chatty students hurried to meet their rides home, but many stopped to greet their principal, Jenny realized she missed that connection she’d once had with her students.

She heard her name called and turned around to see Gracie Rafferty.

“Jenny. Why are you at my school?”

“Hi, Gracie. I came to meet Mrs. Perry.”

The girl looked at her principal and smiled. “Hello, Mrs. Perry.”

“Hello, Gracie. Jenny came to tell me she’s going to have a young girls’ quilting class at her shop.”

Those big eyes widened. “Really?”

Jenny was glad that made the child happy. “Really. And maybe you can work on your quilt, too,” she told her.

The girl seemed excited, but before she could speak again, they heard someone call her name. Jenny glanced around and saw Evan Rafferty standing next to his truck.

The child’s smile faded quickly. “I can’t. It will make my daddy mad.” She turned and ran to the man who had been on Jenny’s mind since their first meeting.

“Excuse me, Lily. I need to speak to someone.”

Jenny stared over at the truck. She needed to get through to this man, but seeing the stubborn set to Evan Rafferty’s jaw, she knew it wasn’t going to be easy.

“Mr. Rafferty,” she called sweetly. “May I speak with you?”

Evan closed the passenger-side door, then stepped away from the truck and his daughter’s hearing. “I’m short on time right now.” He gave her the once-over. “Beside, we finished our business the other day.”

She ignored him. “Since it’s about your daughter, I thought you might spare me a minute.”

Evan adjusted the hat on his head and stared into her velvety, brown, dark eyes. He felt a surge of heat. He quickly glanced away.

“Well, you thought wrong. Look, I need to be somewhere right now.” Anywhere away from you. He stepped off the curb, climbed into his truck and drove off.

Jenny stood, feeling anger stirring inside. How dare the man … Okay, so she had to figure out another way to help the girl. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d fought for a child. She refused to give up on either one of them.

CHAPTER TWO

THE next afternoon, Jenny turned her compact car off the highway, and then along a narrow road until she came to the archway announcing the Triple R Ranch and Rafferty’s Vineyard.

This probably wasn’t the brightest idea. Yet, she wouldn’t stop fighting for kids. She knew what it was like to feel alone, to have no one on your side, especially not your parent. Her own mother had refused to listen to her pleas for help. The teasing, the abuse from stepbrothers who’d been older and should have protected her. They shouldn’t have been allowed to pick on an eight-year-old. And no one had done a thing.

Her mother had gotten angry because she’d caused a rift in the family. Family? They were never a family.

Jenny shook away the bad memories. Was that the reason she’d become a crusader for kids? Why she’d wanted to be a teacher? So the young and innocent would have someone to confide in? So they’d know someone was on their side? How many times had she gone the extra mile to help a student succeed? She loved helping kids realize their potential and dreams.

Then it had all fallen apart recently when she’d lost a battle over one of her students. Luis Garcia was excellent college material and she’d worked hard to help him apply for scholarships. Then Luis got into a fight defending another student, and they’d found a knife. Even though the small pocket knife wasn’t Luis’s, the principal took the word of the other boy and his friends—Luis was expelled immediately.

Jenny begged the principal to at least let him take his mid-term tests, but he’d refused to allow any special consideration.

Jenny knew Luis would never return to school. She was discouraged, too, and took a leave of absence during the spring semester. She needed the time to figure things out, to stop feeling as if she got too involved to be a teacher.

So what did she do now? She went storming into another conflict. She didn’t have any business nosing into Gracie’s life, but that had never stopped her before. If a child was crying out, she wanted to make sure someone heard. Gracie Rafferty was crying out.

She slowed as she approached the ranch. There were several head of cattle grazing in the pasture. On the opposite side of the road was a hillside covered in perfect rows of trellises heavy with grapevines. It was breathtaking.

She continued on until she came to a compound with a large barn and a fenced corral. Then a two-story clapboard house appeared, painted a glossy taupe with burgundy shutters and a large welcoming porch. The yard was thick with new spring grass and an array of colorful flowers edged the split-rail fence.

The place looked immaculate.

Jenny pulled up on the gravel parking area and got out. She released several calming breaths as she made her way up the walk. By the time she reached the porch, an elderly gentleman had come out of the house. Big and burly, he had a head of snow-white hair and a broad grin across his face.

“Hello, lass.”

She couldn’t help but smile back. “Hello. I’m Jenny Collins and I’m looking for Mr. Rafferty.”

Still grinning, the man nodded. “And which one of us would you be wantin’? I’m Sean,” he said with a slight bow. “Or my sons, Evan and Matthew?”

She could see where Evan got his good looks. Too bad he didn’t get his father’s charm. “It would be Evan.” She glanced around, feeling nervous. “If he isn’t busy I’d like to speak with him.”

“He isn’t here at the moment. Why don’t you come in and wait. We’ll have some tea.”

She hesitated. “I wouldn’t want to intrude. If he isn’t going to be long, I could wait out here.”

Sean motioned for her to step up on the porch. “A pretty lass like yourself would only brighten my day. Please come in.”

She couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you. I accept your invitation.”

Jenny went ahead of Sean and inside the house to the entrance hall. To one side there was a small living room that looked too formal and neat to get much use. Past a staircase with ornate spindles was a dining room with a long table and half a dozen chairs lining either side.

“The Raffertys are an informal bunch. The kitchen is where our hearts are. Around food.”

Jenny followed Sean on into the big open room. Miles of cabinets lined the walls, and a solid counter displayed many appliances. There was a natural-stone backsplash that highlighted the area. But it was the wonderful aroma that hit her that made her feel this was truly a home.

“Please, have a seat,” Sean told her as he went to the refrigerator. “Would you prefer hot or cold tea?”

“Whatever is easiest for you,” she said as she eyed the connected family room with oversized furniture and a television.

“You have a lovely home, Mr. Rafferty.”

He set a glass of iced tea in front of her. “First of all, please, call me Sean.”

“Only if you call me Jenny.”

He nodded and continued. “And secondly, this house belongs to my son Evan and his daughter. My other son Matt and I moved in about a year ago to help out after Evan’s wife, Megan, passed away.”

She immediately saw his sadness. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

He nodded. “Thank you. It’s been a rough time for my son and the little one.” He looked thoughtful, then finally went on to say, “Anyway, the three of us worked out a partnership.” He grinned. “I’m not a rancher, that’s Evan’s livelihood and it’s now Matt’s too.”

“Is the vineyard yours?”

He shook his head, smiling easily. “It’s Evan’s, too. I’m just the cook and bottle-washer around here.”

Jenny liked this man. Had Evan been this way before his wife’s death? “Don’t diminish your contribution to the family, Sean. I have a feeling you do more than you’re saying.”

He leaned against the counter and arched an eyebrow. “I like you, Jenny Collins. So how long have you lived in Kerry Springs?”

“I worked here for a summer two years ago and was here again last summer for a visit, but I returned recently and took over running the Blind Stitch quilt shop.”

“I’ve seen the store. It’s across the street from Rory’s Bar and Grill. I tend bar there on the weekends.”

“Really. I haven’t been there.”

“It’s a nice neighborhood bar. A few friendly games of billiards and darts and a little dancing on weekends. You should stop by sometime.” He cocked his head. “But I am curious. What does my son have to do with a quilt shop?”

“It’s Gracie. She came into the shop interested in my class.”

“Did she now,” Sean commented. “Why does that not surprise me? She’s been talking about her mother’s quilts.”

“I’m here to see if there’s a way to help her get enrolled.”

Sean frowned for the first time. “Good luck with that.”

“Daddy,” Gracie called. “Can I go to Carrie’s house?”

Evan turned the truck off the highway and glanced in the rearview mirror at his daughter in the backseat. “Not on a school night.”

“It’s not tonight. It’s a party. A sleepover.” She hesitated. “All my friends are going to be there and I want to be with them.”

Evan wasn’t ready to let her go on her own. “If you want, your friends can come to the house and play.”

Evan looked at his brother, Matt, in the passenger seat. Usually Matt had never been shy about speaking his mind. Yet, since his return from overseas, he’d pretty much kept to himself, working the cattle operation and taking up residence in the foreman’s house.

His dad, on the other hand, had voiced his opinion many times about him isolating Gracie.

“Daddy,” Gracie called again. “She’s having a sleepover. And her older sister is going to put makeup on us and paint our toes and fingernails with any color we want.”

He tensed. She was too young for all that stuff. “I’ll think about it.”

Matt didn’t stay quiet this time. “It wouldn’t hurt to let her go. Give her that girl experience.”

Evan kept his voice low and controlled. “I don’t think Gracie will be deprived if she doesn’t get her toes painted.”

“How do you know that? You’re not a little girl. We got to do boy things when we were growing up.”

They’d had a rough childhood, especially after their mother had taken off, leaving her husband and sons. They’d been left unsupervised more than they should have been. It might not have been the typical home life, but they’d always got plenty of love from their dad.

“And look how much trouble we got into,” Evan told his brother.

A smile kicked at the corners of Matt’s mouth. “We survived, Evan. Kids need to learn how to deal with things.”

“Gracie has had to deal with enough already. So can we let it go for now?”

“Why? So you don’t have to deal with it? Gracie doesn’t have a problem. It’s you, bro. You’re the one who hasn’t moved on.”

Evan turned his attention toward the house and saw a strange car parked out front. He parked in his usual spot at the back and they walked into the house through the kitchen door. He heard laughter, then his breath caught when he saw Jenny Collins sitting on the bar stool talking with his father.

She was dressed in a pair of dark jeans with black boots and a red blouse under a short black jacket. Her blond hair hung past her shoulders in thick waves. He was suddenly irritated at the feelings she stirred up, feelings he’d thought were long gone.

“Man, oh, man,” Matt murmured as he removed his cowboy hat and placed it on the hook. “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

His father finally noticed them. “Well, you’re home.”

Gracie came in behind them. “Jenny,” she cried and went to her. “You came to my house.”

“Yes, I did.” Jenny glanced at Evan. “I hope that’s not a problem.”

Not happy with the surprise, Evan hung up his hat, then crossed the family room. “Gracie, go put your books away and change into your play clothes.”

She started to argue, but then did as her father asked. “Don’t go away, Jenny,” she called. “I’ll be right back. I want to show you something.”

Jenny sent a challenge to Evan. “I promise I’ll be here when you get back.”

Everyone watched as Gracie walked out. But before Evan could speak, his father began, “Jenny Collins, this is my other son, Matt.”

Jenny smiled at a younger version of Evan, but one with an easy smile and dark bedroom eyes. And he knew how to use them.

“Well, hello, Jenny,” he said and took her hand. “You must be new in town, or my eyesight is going if I passed you by without as much as a hello.”

She laughed. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Matt. And yes, I recently took over the quilt shop in town, that’s why I’m here. I need to convince your brother that his daughter would be perfect for our class. I know Gracie is interested in joining us.”

“That sounds like a great idea,” Matt said.

Evan jumped in. “It’s not a good idea, because I don’t have time to bring her in.”

Jenny wasn’t giving up. “Surely we can work out something, Mr. Rafferty. She’s told me how much she wants to finish her quilt.”

Evan frowned. “I haven’t seen any quilt.”

Jenny was afraid she’d given away a secret. “Maybe you should ask your daughter about it.”

“I plan to.”

Jenny wasn’t sure what to do now. The man had dismissed her, but she couldn’t leave without seeing Gracie.

Sean stepped in. “I know Gracie will want to show you her project. And Jenny, we would like you to stay for supper.”

Jenny hesitated, but Sean smiled at her.

“It’s my famous beef stew,” he told her. She glanced at Evan. His stoic look was meant to drive her away. She refused to let it.

“Oh, my, how can I turn that down? Thank you. I accept.” She glanced around, trying to avoid looking at Evan Rafferty. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Sean waved his hand. “Oh, no, you’re a guest.”

There was a sound of footsteps on the stairs, then Gracie came running into the room a little breathless. “Good. You’re still here.”

She stroked the child’s hair. “I told you I wouldn’t leave.”

“And she’s staying for supper,” her grandfather told her. “Now, go and show Jenny where to wash up.”

Gracie’s eyes lit up. “You want to see my room?”

“Of course, I’d love to.” Jenny held out her hand and Gracie took it. Together they walked out.

Angry about being blindsided, Evan turned to his father. “What are you doing?”

“It’s called being neighborly. Something you seem to have forgotten as of late. I never thought I’d see the day when one of my sons would be rude to a guest in his home. It’s time you climbed out of the cave you’ve buried yourself in. It might be what you want, but your daughter needs more.”

Matt elbowed him. “Yeah, bro. And man, she’s one pretty lady.” He looked at his dad. “If you hadn’t invited her, I would have.”

Sean raised a hand. “Simmer down, Matt. Jenny’s interest is in Gracie. Even she can see the child needs more. And look here, son, help came knocking on the door.”

Evan didn’t like everyone invading his life. He just wanted to be left alone.

His father grew serious as he looked at him. “It wouldn’t hurt for the little one to have some female companionship. So, son, don’t go looking at this gift as if it’s a curse.”

Jenny glanced around the small yellow-and-lavender bedroom as Gracie showed off the row of her favorite dolls on a shelf along the wall. The hardwood floors were covered with a natural-colored area rug. There was a white twin bed that was covered with a patchwork quilt.

“My mom made me this quilt for my birthday when I was six.”

Jenny examined the detail on the Country Hearts pattern. The colorful heart appliqués sat inside each of the many six-inch blocks. The sashing was a wide strip of a lavender print. It was well done.

“This is so pretty.” Jenny looked at Gracie. “Your mother did beautiful work.”

The girl smiled. “She made a lot more. You want to see?”

“Sure.”

Gracie motioned for her to follow. They went down the hall into another bedroom. The second Jenny stepped inside she knew she shouldn’t be here. Yet, she couldn’t leave what was obviously the master bedroom. The beautiful large four-poster bed was covered in a solid navy comforter.

Gracie went to a cedar chest at the end of the bed. “They’re in there. Daddy put them all away after Mommy … died.”

Jenny felt as if she was intruding. “Maybe we should leave them for another time.” She glanced across the room at the dresser and saw the many framed family pictures. She recognized a younger-looking Evan standing next to a dark-haired woman who was holding a toddler, Gracie. And he was smiling. She doubted he did much of that lately.

She quickly turned away from the loving scene. “I don’t want us to get into trouble.”

The child struggled to lift the lid. “But my quilt is in here.” The child looked panicked. “It’s mine.”

Jenny had no choice but to help her. She opened the heavy lid and discovered the treasure inside. There were several colorful quilts folded neatly. The top one was an amazing Bow Tie-patterned quilt in shades of blues and burgundy. The background was cream-colored with intertwined blocks of printed fabric.

Megan Rafferty definitely wasn’t an amateur.

Gracie continued to dig underneath. “See, there it is.”

Jenny lifted out the plastic-covered blanket. She removed the covering and spread it out on the bed. The Wedding Ring design was only partly finished, but there were several rings already sewn together, and several other stacks were in the bag.

“Mommy and I picked out all the colors, but she got too sick to sew anymore.” A sad Gracie looked at Jenny. “She had to stay in bed all the time.”

Jenny couldn’t resist and sat down, pulled the small girl onto her lap and hugged her close. No child should have to go through that kind of loss.

Gracie laid her head against Jenny’s shoulder. “I didn’t get to see her very much ‘cause she was always sleeping.”

She had no doubt Megan Rafferty fought valiantly to keep going for her child.

“Oh, honey, it wasn’t because your mom didn’t want you around her. She was trying to fight to get better. Just look how she worked to make you this quilt.”

The girl raised her head, revealing tears. “That’s what she told me when I went to say goodbye to her. She said that I have to finish it for her. I promised her. I hafta do it.”

Evan stood in the hall outside his bedroom. It had always been Meg’s domain. She’d decorated the room, trying to make it perfect. It was—to an outsider. Yet this room had never been his sanctuary, even less so now—with the guilt he felt that he’d let his wife down. Now he was letting Gracie down.

Watching her, he felt another kind of pain. Jenny Collins was holding his daughter, stroking her hair, whispering words to soothe her sadness. Gracie couldn’t come to him, but she turned to a stranger.

When Jenny looked up, discovering him, it was he who suddenly felt like the intruder. Her dark-eyed gaze locked with his. He couldn’t read her thoughts. Did she think he was a bad father? What did he care what she thought? She was the one intruding on his life.

Jenny saw Evan Rafferty in the hall. She held her breath, hoping that he wouldn’t interrupt them. His daughter desperately needed to share some of her pain. She needed to let out her feelings without worrying about anyone else.

Jenny brushed tears from the child’s face. “What else did your mother tell you?”

Gracie looked thoughtful. “She asked me to be a good girl.”

“And you are,” Jenny confirmed. “What else?”

“To help Daddy ‘cause he’ll be all alone.” Those pretty sapphire eyes locked on hers. Her daddy’s eyes. “I don’t know how.”

Jenny had to swallow hard to move the lump from her throat. “Oh, sweetie. It will take time. Maybe if you both share all the good times together. Tell stories about your mom so you’ll always remember her.”

Gracie smiled. “Maybe I can tell him how much fun it was sewing the quilt with Mommy. Maybe he’ll let me go to your class.”

Jenny’s heart tightened painfully. “Maybe. But if he doesn’t agree right now, maybe he will later. You can wait,” she said positively. “Your mommy will understand.”

Gracie hugged her. “I’m glad you came to see me, Jenny. Will you be my friend?”

Jenny swallowed back tears and hugged the child to her heart. “Oh, of course, Gracie.” She glanced over to find Evan was still there. Her chest tightened, seeing that his child’s words had affected him, too.

That wasn’t all she felt. Their gazes connected as she suddenly became aware of the man’s powerful presence. Yet, underneath, she could sense sadness, a loneliness that pulled at her. She felt the longing, too. A rush of heat went through her and she couldn’t look away.

That was when she realized that all the Raffertys were getting to her.

CHAPTER THREE

AN hour later, Evan sat at the dining-room table drinking his wine. The laughter was getting to him, but he found it hard to join in. He watched Gracie with Jenny, recalling what had taken place upstairs in the bedroom.

His daughter’s sadness ran deep, and he couldn’t seem to help her. Yet, this woman had an easy, comforting way with the child. He envied that.

He turned to his brother. Matt seemed infatuated with her, too. That was a good thing, wasn’t it? It seemed his brother was returning to that happy and carefree guy he remembered.

His attention returned to Ms. Collins. She was attractive with those big brown eyes and silky wheat-colored hair. He felt a stirring of interest, but told himself it was because he hadn’t been with anyone in a long time. Even months before Meg died, they hadn’t shared any intimacy. Not that they had shared much before that, either. So it wasn’t exactly headline news that the sight of a pretty woman would push his buttons.

He took another drink of the zinfandel. The fruity taste—strawberry and raspberry—had just enough sweetness with a hint of oak. Pride struck him, knowing he’d helped produce the grapes for this vintage.

His father leaned toward him. “It’s so natural between them,” he said, nodding toward the two females. “It does my heart good to watch them.”

Evan knew that Gracie missed her mother. He’d hated hearing her crying at night, hated even more that he didn’t know how to comfort her. Meg had been the loving, nurturing one. She and Gracie had had the close bond he’d never managed with his daughter.

He studied Jenny. She had that same easy way with kids, with the rest of the family, too. He wasn’t going to let himself get taken in by the pretty woman. He didn’t need the distraction, and too many people could get hurt if things didn’t work out. His main concern now was his daughter.

“Gracie, I think it’s time for you to get bathed and ready for bed.”

She started to argue, then looked at Jenny. “Will you come and say goodnight?”

Jenny glanced at Evan. “Sure. I’ll help clean up here and be right up.”

“Okay.” The child stood and scurried out of the room.

Jenny looked at Evan’s father. “Dinner was delicious, Sean.”

“Then have another glass of wine, and savor it a little longer,” he insisted.

She shook her head. “Although it was wonderful, I have to drive back into town. Now, no argument, I am going to help you with the dishes.” She stood, stacked some plates and carried them into the kitchen.

Sean turned to Evan. “You’re coming, too. Because whether you believe it or not, you need to speak to Jenny about Gracie. And listen to her, son.” Sean headed out, and Evan followed. He hated that his father was right. Hated that he couldn’t seem to make Gracie happy.

In the kitchen Matt was already beside Jenny when they got there, but his father stepped in. “Lass, you get away from the sink. It’s Matt’s turn to clean up. Besides, most everything goes into the dishwasher.” He glanced at his eldest son. “Evan, why don’t you show Jenny around the vineyard?”

That was subtle.

Jenny looked stunned. “Oh, there’s no need, Sean. I’ll go up and see Gracie, then I should get back to town.”

“There’s plenty of daylight left. And I’ll keep my granddaughter occupied until you return.” He leaned toward her. “You wanted to talk to Evan, now’s your chance.” He motioned to the door and practically pushed them both outside.

Jenny could tell that Evan didn’t like the idea of them being thrown together any more than she did. That bothered her. Except for her stepbrothers, she wasn’t used to people not liking her. She worked hard to make friends.

“You don’t have to do this, Mr. Rafferty.”

“It’s Evan.” He tugged on his hat as he walked her toward a golf cart. “Jenny.”

She sat in the passenger seat as he walked around and climbed in. He drove off toward the hillside. “I usually walk, but this will be faster.”

“And you can get rid of me quicker.”

He shook his head, but didn’t say a word as they rode past the barn and took a trail up the bumpy hillside for about a half mile. The spring evening was nice. Quiet. Serene. Peaceful.

The cart stopped at the edge of the rise, he got out and she did the same, but had to hurry to keep up. The sun was just going down as they walked toward the rows of vines.

“The tour isn’t necessary, Evan. I only came out here to ask you a question about Gracie. I never planned to get invited to supper or involved in your life, your family.”

When he stopped suddenly, she nearly ran into him. He reached out and caught her, his touch burning through her skin; his grip tightened on her arms, but his strength didn’t hurt. Then their eyes locked and suddenly she couldn’t breathe. When she managed to suck in some air, she inhaled his scent of soap and sun-dried cotton. His gaze shifted to her mouth, then suddenly he blinked and released her.

With a curse, he turned away and looked out at the vineyard. Removing his hat, he raked his fingers through his hair as if gathering his thoughts.

He glanced back at her. “Look, I’m not social like the rest of my family. I prefer to be left alone.” His gaze met hers. “I have no excuse for my behavior the other day in the shop except I was worried when Gracie came up missing.”

Jenny could see the anguish on his face. “That’s understandable,” she agreed. “She shouldn’t have run off without telling you.”

“It seems she wants to spend less and less time with me.”

“She’s growing up.” Jenny saw the sadness in his eyes. “But there’s no mistaking that your little girl adores you.”

He straightened at her words. “I wouldn’t say that. We’re both having trouble finding our way around each other. Gracie and her mother were close.”

“It’s got to be hard for both of you.”

“I’ve been doing okay.”

They began walking through a row of vines.

“You’re lucky to have Sean and Matt helping out,” she said, wondering what it would be like to have family on your side.

Evan sent her a look. What did she think about Matt? He’d always been the more outgoing brother, especially when it came to the ladies. Was Jenny attracted to him? He stopped his thoughts. Why the hell did he care? He didn’t want a relationship. So far he’d been lousy at them.

They made their way to the hilltop and looked down the other side. He felt an ache in his chest as he saw the clearing where a large framed structure stood. Deserted. Incomplete. All construction had stopped two years ago, along with his future dreams.

Before he could steer Jenny back to the cart, she asked, “What’s that?”

“It was to be the winery.”

“Oh, you’re expanding?”

“Not any more,” he told her, then turned away.

She nodded, but didn’t stop. “How long have you had the vineyard?”

The long-time dream replayed in his mind. He continued to stare out at the vines. “The land belonged to my wife’s family, the Kerchers. As you know, a lot of Germans settled in this area. My in-laws planted the vines originally, then about six years ago when her parents passed away, Megan inherited the place and we expanded the acreage.”

“So you became an instant winemaker,” Jenny said.

“Actually Meg was already one when we met.” He’d give her the minimal information. “She’d gotten her degree at Cal Poly in California. I’m just your average, everyday cowboy.”

She studied him a moment. “I doubt, Evan Rafferty, that you do anything just average. My bet is you know every grape on this land.”

He ignored the funny sensation caused by her compliment and started back through another row of vines. “I thought you wanted to talk about Gracie.”

She nodded. “Of course. I want your daughter to come to my class.”

When he started to speak, she raised a hand. “I know it’s difficult for you to bring her into town every week. What if we find an alternative to help you out?” She hesitated. “She wants to finish the quilt her mother started for her.”

He’d hoped that he could put this off a while longer. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Is it not a good idea for her, or for you?”

He glared at her. “Doesn’t make any difference.”

Trying to remain calm, Jenny glanced around at the vines heavy with grapes. She’d dealt with obstinate parents before. “It does to Gracie. She’s going through a rough time and this focus on the quilt is how she’s dealing with her loss.”

Evan stopped. His sapphire-blue gaze locked on hers, causing her breath to grow labored. “And how is this class supposed to do this?” he asked.

The man was driving her crazy. “Remember, for the past year and a half your daughter has lived in a household of only men. It’s important for little girls to have other females to talk to,” she said, seeing by his blank look that she wasn’t getting through to him.

“Why are you such an expert?”

“Because your daughter picked me. Also, I had three stepbrothers who made my life miserable and a mother who was too busy for me.” Darn, she hadn’t meant to tell him that.

He frowned at her, but she wouldn’t let him ask any questions.

“Look, I don’t know you, Evan, but I know your daughter is reaching out. Don’t dismiss that.”

“That’s right, you don’t know me, or what my life’s been like trying to run this place and raise a child.”

“I apologize if I spoke out of turn.” She released a breath, hating that she still thought about her own rotten childhood, and especially about her youngest stepbrother, Todd. “We should go back. Gracie’s probably wondering where I am.”

She’d started toward the golf cart when Evan reached for her.

“Dammit, Jenny, I’m not the bastard you think I am.”

She shook her head. “I never said that.” She closed her eyes momentarily. “I never should have come here.” Once again she was getting involved in something that was none of her business.

“Too late now,” he murmured as they sat in the cart.

She was thankful that Evan didn’t comment anymore, but drove her back to the house. She didn’t need to get involved with this man or his family. She’d been there before. Cared about a man who couldn’t get past his first love. Not that she was looking for a relationship with Evan. Her hope was to help Gracie find closure.

They walked through the back door to find Sean and Matt still in the kitchen.

“Well, that didn’t take much time.”

“I need to get back to town.” She smiled at Sean. “Thank you so much for supper, it was wonderful.”

Evan’s father grinned. “Any time, lass.” He pulled her into a big bear hug. She couldn’t help but close her eyes and revel in the comfort of those big arms, then reluctantly step away, turning to his younger son.

“It was nice to meet you, too, Matt.”

“It was my pleasure.” He hugged her too. “Hey, don’t let this guy run you off.” He nodded toward Evan. “I’ll protect you from him.”

Evan wanted to slug his brother. Why did everyone think he was such a grouch? He caught his reflection in the mirror over the family-room mantel and saw his grim look. Damn.

Jenny started out of the room. “I’ll go and say goodnight to Gracie.”