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“So like that,” he admitted and parked the pickup next to Cat’s truck

When they clireeted theone before you got here I left you a note inside,” she said, backing toward her own vehicle “Your dinner is in the oven It should be done in about”—she checked her watch—“twenty-five oing to run by the Shamrock and look in on Uncle Culley before I head home”

“He’s not there,” Ty stated

That stopped Cat “Who isn’t?”

“O’Rourke” With a nod of his head, he directed her attention to a spot beyond the trees On the other side of the riverbank, partially obscured by the trunks of the cottonwood trees, a horse and rider watched them

“I should have known Uncle Culley would follow me” Cat’s voice carried a trace of sadness “Funny, isn’t it? I can’t convince him to live with us But he’s always close by, somewhere in the shadows”

“He’s in no shape to be skulking around like a coyote” It was a habit of O’Rourke’s that Ty had never particularly liked, conscious that the man was obsessively devoted to his sister

“Tell him that” Cat’s smile was full of skepticism over the likelihood her uncle would listen

“How is he?” Jessy asked with sincere concern

Cat sighed “He hardly sleeps at all and doesn’t eat right I guess you could say he’s back to nor and ain toward her truck “Enjoy yourselves And remember” Cat pointed to Ty “You owe me one”

He waved in acknowledgment then spread his hand over the small of Jessy’s back “Shall we?” He nodded toward the cabin

Her gaze wandered over the old building,back as theyempty for a while?”

“Nearly two years,” Ty replied “Long enough that it took two full days to get it cleaned up and everything in running order again” He opened the door, then stepped back to let her enter first

The cabin was small, just three rooms, hite plastered walls and chintz curtains at the s The si looked almost the same as when she’d lived in it except for the old kitchen table

A glea white tablecloth, the best china and crystal from The Homestead, a pair of silver candlesticks, and a colorful bouquet of flowers had transforant table set for two Jessy stared at it, tears welling in her eyes