Zane Five Years Later Ruby’s not in a mood for listening. Just as stubborn as her mama. She wants to be smack-dab in the middle of the barrel racing competition, even though I’ve explained to her she needs to be patient and wait until she gets older.  But the tempestuous little raven-haired beauty won’t listen, even after I promise her a funnel cake before the bullriding starts. Her bottom lip’s sticking out now, and it’s hard to be angry at her because she’s Rebecca’s doppelganger. The result? I spoil her too much, something that my wife points out on the regular. But honestly, all my girls have me wrapped around…

Cricket Four Months Later My pulse races as I watch Christian walk up the long driveway to our cabin—tanned, tall, and breathtaking in his crisp sheriff’s uniform and white Stetson.  The front door swings wide, and he strides in, his face unreadable. If anything, there’s a grimace. My heart sinks into my stomach. What Christian confided in me after the rescue lightened his spirit, but a shadow still loomed. The shadow of wondering when and how the person who texted him for money would make another move.  I encouraged him to go public with the story surrounding his birth. After talking it out and weighing the pros and cons, he…