A Rancher for Their Mom (Rodeo Heroes) by Leann Harris Page A

coffee table.
    “No problem. Seeing dinner through the eyes of the person preparing it gives you a different perspective.”
    “I like that. Your sister sounds like a great gal.”
    “She is.”
    “And you’ll make some lady a great husband, thanks to your sister.” April stood there for a moment, her eyes wide, her Freudian slip echoing through her mind. “Uh, what I meant was—”
    He chuckled. “Like I said, I’ve been the cook. Any help is welcomed.”
    “That it is.”
    “C’mon, boys. Let’s go feed the animals and check on things out in the barn before I load Spice in her trailer and drive back to the rodeo.”
    The words burst the pleasant mood, reminding everyone that he had other obligations at the rodeo that he needed to do.
    * * *
    The boys proved to be a help with the chores, with less direction required each time. They were learning the daily routine of the ranch and understanding what each animal required. After finishing, they went inside to get ready for bed. Joel called to Spice, wanting to load her into her horse trailer. Her ears perked up, she looked over her shoulder, then went back to grazing.
    “It appears she’s not listening to you.”
    Joel turned in the direction of April’s voice. She walked to where he stood beside the pasture fence.
    “I think the charm of your pasture outweighs anything I could say. I bought Spice from a friend who was retiring from rodeo when I started back out on the circuit. Spice was used to the traveling and working the rodeo shows, as opposed to my horse I used on the ranch. She knew the ropes. Now, suddenly, she wants to just hang out in the pasture.”
    “I guess even horses want a few days off.”
    “I could leave the trailer here, but my bed is in the front compartment.”
    “It seems you’ve got a dilemma.”
    Todd appeared on the porch. “Mr. Joel, could you stop by my room before you leave and say good-night?”
    April pressed her lips together.
    “Do you have an objection to that?” He didn’t want to upset her family rituals.
    “Yes.”
    He opened his mouth to respond when she answered, “He’ll be there in a couple of minutes, Todd.”
    The lady sent mixed signals, confusing him.
    “What just happened here?”
    She folded her hands over her chest. “I know when I can’t stop a sandstorm.”
    He frowned. “What?”
    “Living out here, when you see a sandstorm on the horizon, there’s nothing you can do but take cover. I feel like I’m watching as a storm comes my way and I can only ride out the aftereffects. When you leave, there won’t be a man to tuck my boys into bed at night. They’ll have to settle for their mom.” She sighed. “Vernon always kissed the kids good-night.”
    She didn’t paint a good picture.
    “What about their dad?”
    Her lips tightened, but she didn’t answer.
    “I’m sorry. It’s not my business.”
    “Their father was never interested in coming home after he left to work on different oil rigs. He begged my dad to get him a position on an oil platform out in the Gulf. It was more exciting than staying on the ranch with his family and working.”
    Joel didn’t know how to walk this situation back. His first girlfriend had claimed he never thought about her feelings. Here in this situation, he didn’t have a clue. He’d rather face a mad bull. He knew how to respond to that. “Is it okay to say good-night to the boys?”
    A short laugh drifted into the night. “Sorry for the confusion. Say good-night. It’s a treat for them, which I can’t deny.”
    He felt her confusion. “You sure?”
    “I don’t want to deny them this special time.”
    Although she was worried, she put her boys first, which won Joel’s admiration. Someday, he’d like a family like this. Maybe have boys like Wes and Todd. And several girls like Cora. “Okay, I’ll say good-night to them as soon as I load up my horse.”
    “Hope you get her into the trailer. Spice doesn’t seem interested in leaving.” Winking,