“Finding our own way sometimes means accepting help when it’s offered,” Rafe said. “Then we help others in return.”
“He’s right, Jack,” Lilia said. “If I hadn’t accepted help from your family, where would I be today?” She smiled. “Besides, it’ll solve our little problem.”
Rafe widened his eyes. “What problem would that be?”
“Come here, honey,” Jack said to Lilia, and she went to him and perched on his good knee.
Ah, so that’s how it is.
“We’ve fallen in love, son,” Jack said. “It’s been coming for some time. So Lilia won’t have to worry about keeping her green card, because as soon as your marriage is dissolved, I plan to make an honest woman out of her.”
“That’s wonderful.” Rafe’s heart warmed. He couldn’t have asked for this to work out any better. “I’m happy for both of you.”
“What about you?” Jack asked. “Is there a lady in your life? Why this sudden interest in making yourself available?”
Angie’s image appeared in Rafe’s mind. Beautiful Angie, who kissed him like a temptress and made his knees weak with a mere look. Lovely Angie. Engaged Angie.
“Not at the moment,” he said.
“What about that Angelina Bay? Tom and that pretty Amber sure tried hard to keep me from seeing you on the dance floor with her.”
Rafe laughed. Nothing got past his father. “Angie is a remarkable woman,” Rafe said. “But she’s too old for me.”
“Age ain’t nothin’ but a number.” Jack gazed at the woman in his lap. “Right, honey?”
“Right,” she agreed.
Rafe sighed. “No matter what her age, she can’t be mine. She belongs to someone else.”
“Oh.” Jack’s eyes drooped a little. “I just thought—I mean the two of you looked so—”
Rafe simply shook his head.
“I’m sorry, son.”
“It’s okay. We’re from two different worlds, anyway. But my woman’s out there somewhere. In the meantime, I’m glad you found yours.” He meant those words with his whole heart.
As he left to go back to town, he wondered if he’d ever find his own.
He had a sneaking suspicion he’d already found her.
Too bad she’d never be his.
* * *
“What are you doing here?”
Rafe’s deep timbre voice cut through Angie like a saw through a giant redwood. She swallowed. “I still need to learn to ride, don’t I? I’m going to be a rancher’s wife. You’ll still be paid the price we agreed upon.” She smoothed Belle’s mane. “Besides, my horse is here.”
Rafe grabbed the bandana out of his pocket and wiped his face. “I figured our lessons were over. You haven’t been here in a while.”
“I’ve had other things to do, as you know. My father just died.”
“Yes, I know.” He put the handkerchief back in his pocket. “But aren’t you getting married day after tomorrow?”
She swallowed again. The thought nauseated her. “Yes. So it’s safe to say I won’t be here for a lesson tomorrow. I am, however, here today.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right. We have a deal. Go ahead and bring her out.”