was going through her own personal pain, too. Her stepfather didn’t have such a rosy future.
“You’re right, I don’t, but I know you’re healthy, with a family who loves you, and all you’re doing is complaining.”
His stony look told her that she’d gone too far. “I should go,” she said. “I’m sure someone will be here shortly.”
She stood, but before she could get to the door it opened and a little girl came running in.
“Uncle Brady, Uncle Brady. Mommy said you fell down.” The little blonde went running to the stoic man on the sofa. “Are you hurt?” she cried.
“No darlin’, I’m fine. I just tripped over my big feet and bumped my head.”
The girl’s worried look didn’t leave until her uncle showed her the damage. “See, it’s just a little bump.”
The child leaned down and kissed it. “There, that will make it better.”
Then it happened. Brady Randell sat back and a big smile appeared across the handsome face. Lindsey’s heart leaped and she tried hard to remember the man with the bad attitude.
The little girl turned to her and smiled. “Mommy said you’re Whiskey’s new vet. I’m Livy Meyers Randell. My new daddy married my mommy and ’dopted me.”
Lindsey smiled. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Livy Meyers Randell. I’m Lindsey Stafford.”
“Hi, Miss Lindsey.” A smile beamed on her cute face. “Thank you for taking care of Whiskey, and Uncle Brady.”
“You’re very welcome.”
The child put her arm around her uncle’s neck. “Did you know I’m gonna marry Uncle Brady when I grow up?”
You can have him, Lindsey thought. “Isn’t that nice.”
Lindsey hadn’t planned to be gone all day, but she also hadn’t planned to babysit an injured fighter pilot, either. That was until she’d been pushed aside by a five-year-old girl. It didn’t matter her age, that female had already staked her claim on the man. What had amazed Lindsey was how Brady Randell’s whole demeanor had changed when the child walked into the room.
She smiled. So he wasn’t the tough guy he pretended to be.
Tired, Lindsey walked into the cabin the Randells had given her to use during her three-month stay. The one-bedroom structure was located in the Mustang Valley Nature Retreat. This cabin had been designed as a romantic getaway.
A big, river-rock fireplace, plush rug and overstuffed love seat were the centerpieces of the main room. The bedroom consisted of a large four-poster bed with satin sheets and an abundance of candles. It connected to a bathroom with a whirlpool tub that easily held two.
Definitely for a couple.
It was off season, so she had the place to herself except for the herd of wild mustangs that roamed freely in this area.
The only drawback was she had to park her SUV at the top of the rise and walk or ride down in a golf cart. There were no vehicles allowed in this area.
Hank Barrett, the patriarch of the Randell family, was adamant about keeping his wild ponies protected. Lindsey felt the same way. So many people thought of them as nuisances, but the Randells had made sure this area was going to be left untouched.
No development in this valley. Ever.
Luke Randell was the project manager for a gated horse community being built on the land that edged the valley. But the project had many strict rules.
It was dusk, and Lindsey looked out the picture window at the scene below. Picking up the binoculars off the sill, she focused in on the grassy meadow. She sighed at seeing the half-dozen mustang ponies grazing peacefully.
Her chest constricted at the incredible sight. How could Jack Randell ever have left this place? More importantly, after all these years, how could she get him to come here? Back to his home…his boys.
THE following week Brady got some good news. At his doctor’s visit the day before, he learned his fracture was healing well. Well enough that the bulkier cast had been replaced with a walking cast, so he could finally put weight on his leg. That meant he could get rid of the crutches and use a cane. And start more-intense therapy.
Finally it was time to get back in shape so he could get back into the cockpit.
Brady had also succumbed to Luke’s badgering and gone along as he toured the construction site. He cursed as the golf cart bounced over the uneven ground. He grabbed the frame as he nearly flew out of his seat. “Hey, do you think you could have missed a few potholes back there?”
Luke grinned as he continued to maneuver the vehicle along the ridge. “Just wanted to make sure you haven’t fallen asleep.”
“Not the way you drive.” Brady zipped up his flight jacket to help ward off the morning chill. “Besides, I don’t need any more injuries added to my list.”
His brother gave him a sideways glance. “I might have to call on the pretty veterinarian to come by. Seems she’s the only one who can handle you.”
Brady tensed. Not one of his proudest moments. “I didn’t need to be handled by anyone. I was fine then and I’m fine now.” He hadn’t seen the hot redhead since that day. Probably a good thing. If he let her, Lindsey Stafford could be a powerful distraction.
Luke stopped the cart, then he sat back with a sigh. “Now, is this a view or what?” He motioned with his hand. “What do you think?”
Brady looked through the grove of ancient oak trees that shaded part of the valley below. A creek flowed around the sturdy trunks and through high, golden meadow grass.
In the peaceful silence, Brady felt a calm come over him. “Not a bad view.” His gaze went to the other side of the rise where a small cabin nestled on the hillside. Farther on was another log structure, and another nearly hidden from view. “Who lives up there?”
“That’s the Mustang Valley Nature Retreat. It’s part of our holdings, too. There are about a dozen cabins that are rented out through the summer months. Some of the construction staff is living there now. And also your Dr. Stafford.”
Brady refused to take the bait. “Why? Can’t she afford to rent her own place?”
“Since she’s here temporarily, Hank offered her one of the cabins for her stay.”
“How temporary?”
“Just until Doc Hillman is able to handle his practice again.” Luke stole a glance at his brother. “Tess would love for Lindsey to stay on permanently. Maybe it’s because she’s a woman, but she likes how Lindsey seems to take extra time with Whiskey.”
“I take it
