Page 29 of The Cowboy's Surprise Return

She wiped her boots on the front mat and called out, “Knock, knock! Anybody home?”

“In here,” Cole’s mother called.

Jackie followed her voice to the kitchen, where Maria was at the counter, rolling out dough. The room smelled like pancakes and some delicious Italian dish like lasagna or spaghetti. The patio door near the large dining table opened and Cole entered, his cheeks rosy from the cool morning. He stomped his boots on the mat as though expecting mud to fall from them, then closed the door, his gaze on Jackie.

“Good morning. Need a coffee?” he asked, his voice rich and warm. He moved past her to the coffeepot after saying hello to his mom.

“We have a bumper to fix,” Jackie said, checking the cow-shaped clock on the wall. “We’re not going to sit here and sip coffee all morning until it’s time to work onyourto-do list.”

“Taskmaster,” Maria said with an approving laugh.

Cole shot them each a look.

“I like it,” Maria said to Jackie. She jerked her chin in Cole’s direction. “This one isn’t like Ryan when it comes to skirting chores, but you may still want to keep an eye on him.”

He threw his arms in the air as though indignant. “Hey! I’ve shown I’m someone to count on, have I not? I’ve been doing chores every morning since Christmas and helping Levi out as much as he’ll allow.”

“I thought he was eager for help from all the brothers?” Jackie said, accepting the cup of coffee Cole had poured for her. “At least Ryan sure complains about it a lot.”

Cole, jaw set, filled his own cup. “He seems to believe I’m going to run off and leave him high and dry.”

“You’ve still got that hint of a wild side,” Maria said gently.

Cole set down his coffee and crossed his arms, then leaned against the counter facing his mom. “Have you seen it since I’ve come home?”

There was an edge in his voice, and Jackie watched the exchange over the rim of her cup.

“No, you’re right,” Maria said carefully, her fingers slowing as she formed a pie crust. She studied her son for a long moment, and Jackie sensed her concern. “You’ve changed. Five years is a long time.”

“I’m sorry they slipped away,” Cole said, his voice low with regret.

“Don’t worry, Maria, I’ll bring back Cole’s fun side,” Jackie said with a wink. “We’ve all missed it.”

“I’m trying to turn over a new leaf,” Cole growled. “I don’t need an enabler. I’m not that guy any longer.”

“Don’t take yourself so seriously,” Jackie teased. She was fairly certain that any new leaf Cole might turn over wouldn’t have her on the other side. And that would be a good thing. “I’m not suggesting anything bad.”

“I don’t want you getting into trouble or starting rumors,” Maria said, her moves brisk and efficient again as she finished with the crust and started adding sliced apples to her pie. “I just want to see you have some fun. You’ve barely smiled since you came home.”

Cole gave an exaggerated grin that bordered on grotesque.

“A real smile.” Maria’s gaze bored into him. She looked as though she wanted to hug him and fix all his problems. “A mother wants to see her son happy.”

“I’m working on it, Mom.”

Cole and Maria locked gazes, silently communicating in a way that Jackie and her father used to. She focused on her cup, swirling the coffee around, waiting for their private moment to pass.

“Well,” Maria said, a moment later, “I’m glad Jackie’s here for the day. She’ll help brighten you up.”

Jackie’s eyes met Cole’s once again, a current passing between them, and causing her to look away.

* * *

“You doing all right?” Cole asked Jackie, after she parked her car in the equipment shed out near the barns. She was cute, wearing small heart earrings, jeans, boots and a teal top under a spring jacket. She looked beautiful, but also ready to work.

“I’m fine,” she said, her tone light, an obvious lie.

“You seem quiet.”

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