Page 12 of A Touch of Cowboy

Glancing over, she spotted Justin’s children, Opal and Angus, sitting in a corner with Denise’s son, Adam. They were joined by two young girls in matching pink dresses and shiny white shoes.

Just remembering the reason for their visits to the ranch made Avery sad, so she put that out of her mind, and just smiled at the children’s antics. Angus, the eldest, had a way of making everyone smile. Making sure everyone was included. Ensuring everyone felt safe.

“That’s quite a smile.”

Avery shifted and found Will by her side. She grinned up at him. Not too much taller than her. Just the perfect distance.

“I love children.”

“None of your own, I take it.”

She shook her head. “I’ve considered trying to be a single parent. Denise does it, and I have tremendous respect for her. That’s not the right path for me. If I meet someone and they want kids, then I’m absolutely in. I don’t care if the child is biologically mine, an adoption, or even a temporary foster. I love all children.”

“Wow.” Will scratched his stubbled cheek.

Has he shaved since yesterday? Yummy. She didn’t mind a little scruff. Sexy as hell. “Do you have children?” Belatedly, she realized that wasn’t a safe question.

“Had. A stillborn baby. My wife died because of the pregnancy.”

“Oh my God, Will, I’m so sorry. That was callous of me—”

He pressed a hand to her elbow. “No harm done. A simple question I find easier to answer as time passes. It’s been five years, Avery. I still feel grief, and I’ll never forget, but life’s moved on.”

Yeah, but have you?

Because she didn’t want to compete with a ghost.

Holy hell, woman, what the heck are you thinking?

She wasn’tcompetingwith anyone. Hell, she wasn’t even contemplating a relationship with this hunky, gorgeous, damaged man.

Because she spotted the damage. Maybe not visible to everyone, but he clearly held pain. And likely always would. Justin’s job would be to help Will move forward.

“How long are you staying in Mission City?” Safe topic, right?

“Until at least the new year. Then it’ll depend on the weather. I’ve got good snow tires, but if the Coquihalla’s got a lot of snow, I won’t be in a hurry.”

“They don’t need you…wherever you came from?” Damn, she didn’t even know that much.

“Although the ranch has fewer hands in the winter, they’ve still got enough guys. Plus, I’ve been away from my sister too long. Least I can do is make it a proper visit. My niece and nephew don’t even know me.”

“How old?”

“Five and seven. Since I haven’t been out in six years, I hadn’t even met the youngest.”

“Making up for lost time?”

He rubbed the back of his neck, nearly dislodging the ever-present cowboy hat. “I’m a stranger to them. MaryAnn’s trying, but they’re shy. I don’t blame them.” He winced. “I just wish I’d done better.”

Gently, she rubbed his arm.Oops. Not supposed to touch the clients.

When she went to pull her hand away, though, he grasped it. “Thank you. I don’t…no one ever touches me, you know? MaryAnn and I didn’t have that kind of family, and since my wife… Well, it’s been kind of lonely.” He glanced around the party, tipping his head when he spotted Justin and then Kennedy. “Everyone here is so very kind.”

Justin’s husband, Stanley, had his arm around the counsellor.

Rainbow elbowed Kennedy in the arm as they laughed over something.

As Avery panned the room, she found plenty of people touching. Connecting. Bonding. Even Angus, Justin and Stanley’s son, guided his sister while they played with a puzzle. And Adam helped as well.

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