The Cowboy's Return

The Cowboy's Return
Linda Warren

Camila Walker has spent years overcoming rumors and gossip to build a better life for herself and her twelve-year-old daughter, Jilly. Then Tripp Daniels, rodeo star, returns home demanding answers about Camila's relationship with his brother and, more particularly, about Jilly's paternity. Tripp has always known - but never acknowledged - that he loves Camila. But all those years ago she belonged to his brother, and his family loyalty came first.Now he has a chance to put things right, for Jilly, for Camila - and for him. But Camila can't let herself love the handsome cowboy, not until she tells him her secret.

“May I help you? I’m Tripp Daniels.”

The girls stared at him, mouths open.

“Are you selling something?”

The dark-haired girl shook her head.

“Did you find a lost dog?”

She shook her head again and held the dog tighter against her chest.

“Well, I’m running out of questions, so you’d better tell me what you want.”

There was no response—just wide-eyed silence.

“I have to get back to work,” he said, and stepped back to close the door.

“I’m Jilly Walker,” the dark-haired girl blurted out.

Tripp paused. Was this Camila Walker’s kid? Yeah, she had the same gorgeous hair, skin and eyes. That would mean…

“I make straight A’s and I’m going to be a doctor. I’m a good kid, everyone says so, and your family missed a lot by not knowing me. You missed even more by not knowing my mama. That’s all I have to say.”

She took a step backward and ran into her friend, who seemed to have turned to stone. The two of them locked hands and ran toward their bikes, then quickly rode away.

Dear Reader,

If you’ve read The Christmas Cradle, you might remember Tripp Daniels, a rodeo cowboy estranged from his family. The Cowboy’s Return is his story. After thirteen years, he returns home to face his past and a woman he can’t forget.

Camila Walker is used to rumors and gossip. Those tidbits of malicious hearsay have affected her life, her relationships and the way she feels about herself. She is a survivor, though, and she’s built a good life for her daughter.

Tripp is still drawn to the beautiful Camila, but he’s determined to find out if her daughter is his dead brother’s child. Through the lies and the secrets, they can’t deny the attraction building between them. But will they be able to overcome the past?

Come along and get involved in the rumors and gossip. Just don’t believe everything you hear.

Hope you enjoy Camila and Tripp’s story.

Warmly,

Linda Warren

P.S. It’s always a pleasure to hear from readers. You can e-mail me at Lw1508@aol.com or write me at P.O. Box 5182, Bryan, TX 77805 or visit my Web site at lindawarren.net or superauthors.com. Your letters will be answered.

The Cowboy’s Return

Linda Warren

Mrs. Ida Baker (Big Mama)—To our amazing grandmother

When I first married my husband, his grandmother

would give us lye soap. Young and immature, I wasn’t

sure what to do with it. But as always, years bring wisdom,

and I began to see this wonderful lady’s ability to create

necessities out of the simplest things and admired

her indomitable spirit and immeasurable love.

We still miss you.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Lola Dee Vavra—thanks for lovingly sharing your knowledge of quilting.

Becky Hess of Eden Naturals for graciously explaining her soap-making techniques. Thanks.

Any errors are strictly mine.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven