Love Lessons by Margaret Daley Page B

search.”
    One corner of his mouth tugged upward. “So I should be glad she is so ugly.”
    â€œYeah, something like that.”
    â€œDad, Kelly and Aaron are gonna help us search the woods. Let’s go.” Jana trudged toward the grove of trees, flanked by the two teens.
    â€œThanks, Gloria, for staying here. The back door is open if you get cold.” Ian released one of Alexa’s hands but kept hold of the other one and started after the kids.
    â€œDid you ever have a pet as a child?” Alexa asked, to take her mind off the fact that the warmth of his grasp had sent her heart pounding.
    â€œNo, my mother didn’t want to have any pets in the house. Too messy for her.”
    â€œAre your parents alive?”
    â€œMy dad died a few years back from cancer. My mother lives in Florida with her sister. How about your father? You never talk about him.”
    â€œMy father is alive but doesn’t want to have much to do with me.” The words were out before she could stop them. In all the time she had lived in Tallgrass, she hadn’t told anyone about her father’s rejection, the conditions he put on his love. The hurt burrowed deep in her heart came to the foreground.
    â€œWhy? What happened?” He slowed his pace.
    Ian’s question, spoken with such concern, gave her yetanother reason she was drawn to him. He cared and wasn’t afraid to show it. “I didn’t want to become a doctor like him. My dad wasn’t happy with my choice of occupation. I haven’t seen him in five years.”
    â€œI’m sorry. That can’t be easy for you.” He paused, his intense gaze on her.
    The look in his eyes pulled her closer, as though she didn’t have a will of her own. For a long moment she forgot they were following Jana. All Alexa’s senses became centered on Ian. His touch on her. His musky scent that competed with the outdoor aromas of the trees and lake. Her heartbeat slammed against her rib cage in a mad staccato. He edged closer, lifting his hand toward her face as he leaned forward. He palmed her cheek, his mouth inches away.
    Jana calling out to them separated Alexa and Ian.
    â€œI…” Words evaded her.
    A flushed stained his cheeks. He spun on his heel and resumed his trek toward the woods.
    Alexa quickened her step and caught up with him. “Jana is lucky to have you.”
    â€œBut she still has to deal with a parent’s rejection, and nothing I can do will change that fact.” A frown descended, his jaw clenched.
    She snagged his hand and squeezed it, trying to convey her silent support as they approached the kids standing at the edge of the woods.
    â€œWe’ve been talking. We need to split up and cover as much of the area as possible,” Kelly said as she surveyed the grove of pine and scrub oak.
    â€œYeah. Kelly, Aaron and me are going that way.” Jana waved her arm toward the left. “You two go to the right. We’ll meet on the other side.”
    â€œIf we find Sugar, I’ve got my cell. I’ll call you, Mr.Ferguson.” Kelly started forward with Aaron and Jana quickly catching up.
    Alexa stared after their disappearing figures for a moment, then looked at Ian.
    â€œI think my daughter has actually learned something from me. I didn’t realize she could take charge like that. Usually she’s disorganized and apathetic, especially this past year.”
    â€œShe wants to find Sugar badly. She’s smart and can do anything she sets her mind to. I found the unit on animals we’re doing has sparked a lot of interest in Jana. I want to suggest we go to the ranch Helping Hands Homeschooling Group uses. Will that be okay?”
    â€œIf you can get my daughter to agree, that would be great.”
    The weary lines on his face tugged at Alexa. “You might have to go with us at least the first time.”
    â€œFine by me. I’ve been trying, and she hasn’t