Page 26 of Cougar Chronicles

“I’ll be right up,” Jack said, rising. “Excuse me for a few minutes, Holly.”

“No problem. Take all the time you need.” She turned to Luisa. “Thank you so much for the delicious dinner. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a meal more.”

“You’re most welcome,senorita.”

“Please, call me Holly. I’d love to get your recipes if you don’t mind.”

Luisa laughed and Holly was again stunned by her fresh beauty. “I never write them down, but I can show you. Tomorrow?”

“I told Jack I’d cook for Sam and him tomorrow. Maybe the next day?”

“Si, Carlos likes a good Mexican feast on Sundays. I’ll be happy to show you then.” She sat down in the chair Jack had vacated. “Tell me, Holly, how long have you known Jack?”

“Not long. Why?”

“Because he hasn’t brought a lady home for a while. I don’t keep track, but it’s been more than a year, close to two at this point.”

“Oh?” Holly’s heart jumped as a sizzle of happiness raced along her nerve endings.

“He was very excited to have you come. He kept me busy all day making sure the house was clean and neat for you. I’ve never seen him like that.”

“You didn’t need to go to any trouble for me.”

“I’m glad to do it. Carlos and I, we want Jack to be happy. He’s a good man.”

“Luisa, Jack and I…” Holly hedged. “We haven’t been together very long. It’s too soon for any type of real commitment between us.”

Luisa smiled. “I understand. It’s just good to see him interested in someone.”

Holly returned Luisa’s smile. She couldn’t help but like the younger woman. Beneath her dark beauty shone kindness and what Holly sensed was true caring for Jack and his son.

“Do you have children, Luisa?”

“No. Carlos and I have tried for years, but it hasn’t happened for us yet. I have Sam. Carlos and I love him like he’s our own. And we have lots of nieces and nephews who we dote on. Most of Carlos’s family is still in Mexico, but I have seven brothers, and they all have kids.” Luisa’s black eyes filmed over—only a bit, but Holly noticed.

And she understood.

She reached across the table and patted Luisa’s hand. “It may happen yet, Luisa. You’re young.”

“Yes, I am only twenty-seven. I pray every night for a baby of my own. Until it happens, I take care of Sam for Jack.”

“How long have you been taking care of Sam?”

“Since he came.” Luisa’s eyes crinkled as she smiled. “Carlos and I have been on the ranch since we got married. I was only nineteen at the time. Carlos didn’t speak much English, so I came with him to speak to Jack about working here on the ranch. My mother works for his mother, and she sent us over here.”

“Does his mother live nearby?”

“Si, on a neighboring ranch. His father passed away last year.”

“I’m sorry.”

“He was very ill with cancer. It was for the best.”

The C-word. Chills crept up Holly’s spine. Would she ever be able to say it out loud? There was so much she didn’t know about Jack, and so much she wanted to learn, but wouldn’t be able to.

“Sam’s all tucked in.” Jack’s voice boomed as he entered the kitchen.

“I’ll get home, then,” Luisa said, rising. “It was great talking to you, Holly.”

---