Second Chance Rancher by Patricia Thayer Page A

that’s who was on the phone?”
    She shrugged, quickly losing her confidence. “He only said my name, ‘Laurel,’ and then ‘I’m sorry.’” She looked at him. “Should I call the police?”
    â€œAnd say what? You got a call that might be your ex-fiancé.” He got a pen and paper off the counter and wrote down the number, then pocketed the information. “Let me see if I can find out whom it belongs to. Don’t say anything until I learn more.”
    He paused and reached out and touched her cheek. “I’m sorry he hurt you, Laurel.”
    She glanced away. “It’s okay, I’m over Jack. He was one of the mistakes in my life.”
    â€œSeems we’ve all made those.” He had so many regrets, he was afraid to start the list, because right on top would be Laurel.

Chapter Seven
    The next week, Gus had come home from the hospital, but since he wasn’t ready to climb stairs just yet, Kase had moved him into the den on the main floor.
    Equipment had been rented for his therapy, and Darcy Mason had been hired to work with Gus five days a week. Luckily, his dad hadn’t complained, not about being confined to the house, or about the strenuous exercises Darcy had put him through. Right now, all his dad cared about was being with Addy and his horses.
    Kase also knew his daughter needed more interaction with kids her own age, so he’d enrolled Addy into Saint Theresa Preschool in town. At first Addy had been nervous about leaving him, but once she’d arrived at the school and seen all the other kids, she agreed to give it a try. She quickly began to make friends. Best news, Laurel had offered to pick her up on the days she worked for the accountant and bring Addy home. Plus she could also help out with the horses.
    Today was one of those days, and he found he was anxious to see her. Crazy, huh? He’d just seen her two days ago, but that didn’t seem to matter. He told himself that the reason was because he had some news about her mysterious phone call. The way his insides churned and the restlessness he’d been feeling, he knew it was more. This was all about seeing Laurel.
    â€œStaring out the window isn’t going to bring her here any faster.”
    Kase turned to see his father leaning on his walker. Darn, the man could always read him. “Shouldn’t you be in bed?”
    â€œNo, I need to walk around to help with circulation. Hurts like the blazes since Darcy’s torture session this morning, but it’s getting better.” He grimaced as he moved across the kitchen. “That girl should be in the military. She could whip our troops into shape.”
    Gus nodded toward the window. “Laurel’s truck just pulled into the drive. Go ask her to come in. I’d like her to check on Romeo for me.”
    â€œI need to talk to her about something...private.”
    His father raised an eyebrow. “Then go.”
    Kase stepped outside in the warm sunlight just as Laurel climbed out of the truck. She waved to him as she walked to the back door to unbuckle his daughter.
    Kase went to help. “Here, let me get her. She’s too heavy for you.”
    â€œYou’re kidding, right? Have you seen the horses I work with? Addy is a lightweight.”
    â€œI’m big,” the child said. “Hi, Daddy.”
    â€œHi, sweetie. How was your day?”
    He lifted her out of the seat. “I played with Chelsea, but she was mean and didn’t want Kelly to play with us, too. Kelly cried so I hugged her and we played together. And Chelsea got a time-out for not sharing.”
    His heart swelled with pride. “I’m glad you were nice.”
    â€œI don’t like people who are mean.” She turned sad. “Now Kelly is my new friend. And if Chelsea can be nice, we’ll play with her, too.”
    â€œGood girl.” He set her down. “Go inside and see to Papa Gus.