The Cowboy's Texas Family

“Thanks. I appreciate it. If I get my car fixed later today, could I visit Corey at the ranch?”

“Seeing someone familiar would be great.”

“We don’t know each other well, but I’m glad to come as soon as I can.”

When Darcy hung up, Carol came over to her. “I couldn’t help overhearing that Nick’s friend is going to the boys ranch. If you don’t get your car back, I’ll drive you.”

“I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“It would be a good reason for me to pay a visit to my friend Bea. I could take you after I do a few things around here.”

“Thanks. I’ll let you know about my car.”

An hour and a half later, Carol drove Darcy to the boys ranch. Carol had called and discovered Corey was there at the barn with Nick. Darcy dressed in jeans, a white blouse and tennis shoes. As she strolled to the porch with Carol, she noticed Nick’s beat-up pickup parked next to the barn. Before she had a chance to ring the bell, the front door swung open and an older woman with brown hair and brown eyes appeared in the entrance.

The lady hugged Carol and then turned to Darcy. “It’s nice to meet you, Darcy.” She stood to the side. “Come in. I understand you’re staying at the inn for a few weeks. What has brought you here to Haven?”

“A forced vacation.”

Bea’s eyebrows rose. “Forced?”

“My parents, who fund a legal-aid office in Mobile, insisted I finally use my vacation days. It’s their way of telling me I work too much.”

“Why Haven?”

“Texas interests me, but I don’t want to go to a large city. I’m here for rest, not sightseeing. I thought I could help out while I was visiting. It’s hard to go from working ten-hour days to no hours.” When she’d been diagnosed six months ago with celiac disease, her parents were convinced the stress of her job had made her symptoms worse.

“She’s met Nick and even helped with locating Corey last night,” Carol said as Bea closed the front door.

The manager of the boys ranch grinned. “My, you’ve jumped right in. So you’re familiar with ranches or, in your area, farms?”

“Well, no. But I’m a quick learner. I help out in my church’s nursery as well as in a shelter for families. I love animals and children.”