Chapter Two

      “You’re making a lot of noise for a kid who’s been fed, watered and changed.”

      In the year since Taryn’s death Wyatt had grown comfortable speaking to Cade as if he understood everything. What he doubted he’d ever get used to was the volume of noise a small child could generate.

      “You’ll give me a bad reputation as a dad,” he complained as he drove into Wranglers Ranch.

      While Cade, red-faced and bellowing, continued his vocal outrage, Wyatt parked beside the visitors sign and exited the noisy truck with a sigh of relief.

      “Nothing wrong with his lungs, is there?” Tanner appeared and held out a hand. “Nice to see you again, Wyatt.”

      “You, too, Tanner.” He shook hands then picked up Cade. “He’s in a bad mood because he wouldn’t settle for his nap.” He offered a soother, but Cade knocked it from his hand.

      “Got a temper, too.” Tanner laughed as he bent and picked it up.

      “I’m sorry about this,” he said as Cade launched into another earsplitting roar. “I did warn you I couldn’t get a sitter.” Wyatt jiggled the grumpy child in a futile hope that he’d relax and perhaps drift off to sleep. “Maybe you should get another vet.”

      “Don’t want anyone else,” Tanner said firmly. “You have the best reputation around these parts when it comes to horses, Wyatt. I want your opinion.”

      “Okay. On what?”

      “Two animals I’m considering buying.” Tanner winced as Cade amped up his protests. “Come on. We’ll take him to Sophie. She’ll know what to do.”

      Wyatt desperately hoped so. He’d been through Cade’s overtired days before, and though his son eventually relaxed and fell asleep, the experience always left him drained.

      But his hopes were dashed when he heard someone say, “I’m sorry, Tanner, but Sophie went shopping. She’s catering that barbecue tonight, remember?”

      Wyatt turned and saw her. The woman from the grocery store.

      Though Ellie smiled as she approached the Wranglers’ boss, Wyatt thought her face tensed when her gaze moved to him. “Hello, again,” she said in a pleasant tone.

      “Hi. Sorry about the racket.” He shifted Cade from one hip to the other. “How’s Gracie?”

      “She’s fine. May I take him?” Ellie held out her hands with a smile. “Hello there, little man,” she said in that lilting voice he hadn’t been able to forget. “What’s your issue?”

      Cade stopped midscreech to stare at her. Then he grinned and clapped his hands.

      “Traitor.” The word slipped out without thinking. Embarrassed, Wyatt caught Ellie’s grin. “He missed his nap.”

      “And he’s been taking it out on you.” She laughed and nodded. “Been there. Why don’t you leave him with me? I’ll rock him on the porch for a few minutes, and he’ll soon nod off.” She studied Cade’s now-drooping eyes. “See? I doubt he’ll be awake long.”

      “Maybe,” Wyatt said doubtfully. “But that’s too much of an imposition. This is your workplace.” He held out his hands. “I’ll just take him home. Maybe I can make it back another time, if you really want my advice,” he said to Tanner.

      “Please, leave him. I’d enjoy the break. The morning’s been a little monotonous.” Ellie winked at Tanner. “No kids have fallen off their horse or skinned a knee, so I’ve been a bit bored.”

      “Our guests do not fall off,” Tanner protested indignantly.

      “Sorry. Of course they don’t. It’s all to do with gravity.” Ellie winked at Wyatt. “Seriously, we’ll be fine. I’ll call Tanner if I need you.”

      Wyatt hesitated, watching her face soften as she swayed back and forth with Cade. His son’s eyes were almost closed, his thumb in his mouth. “You’re sure?” he murmured.

      “Positive.” Ellie began to hum softly while maintaining the same swaying movements. A tiny smile flirted with her lips. “Walk away now,” she sing-songed, never losing a beat in her lullaby.

      Since Taryn’s death Wyatt had trusted his son to only two sitters and then only after a complete vetting by him and Tucson’s premier child care agency. Yet somehow he felt utterly confident in Ellie’s abilities with Cade. Maybe it was because he’d seen her with Gracie and knew her to be a loving parent. Or maybe it was the way she so confidently held Cade that he immediately relaxed in her arms.

      “You can trust Ellie,” Tanner added.

      “I know.” Wyatt set down the diaper bag he held. “Here’s his stuff.”

      Ellie’s gaze met his, a knowing look in her gray eyes. “I promise he’ll be all right.”

      Of course he would. Because, thanks to Ellie, Cade was already sleeping.

      “I’ll be back in about an hour,” he said.

      “We’ll be here.” Ellie’s smile lent encouragement as he went on his way.

      * * *

      As it turned out, Wyatt’s inspection of Tanner’s horses went slowly, thorough as it was.

      “These mares appear healthy and well cared for. They should be fine to breed.” Wyatt stretched his back, his examination finally complete. “I’ll run the blood samples anyway, but I doubt there’s an issue.” He frowned, noting a larger, older stallion in the paddock beyond. “Him I’m not so sure about. Where’d you get him?”

      “He was left here late last night.” Tanner’s lips tightened. “I’m guessing he’s been kept inside a barn or something for a long time, because I’m pretty sure he’s got thrush on his feet.”

      “That’s not a common ailment here in the desert.” Wyatt climbed the fence and walked closer for a better look, barely aware that Tanner followed. “He seems lame... Did you notice he doesn’t flex his foot?” He spoke soothingly while he lifted the horse’s leg and probed the tender heel and frog area.

      “Yeah, I noticed. Lack of flexing usually means his hooves didn’t get cleaned much.” Tanner’s voice was low and gruff. “Which certainly seems to be the case.”

      “It’s