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Chapter 2

By noonday, the chinook wind had dith to a stiff breeze Most of the ranch yard’s snow cover had ered in the sheltered areas

Crossing the ranch yard, Trey Calder angled toward the heavy-timbered bar Christened Chase Benteen at birth he was the third Calder to bear that name The distinction had early on earned him the nickname of Trey, and he’d answered to Trey ever since The outdoor life of a rancher had left a bronze cast to the hard angles and planes of his face, features that were a hallmark of male Calders He stood three inches over six foot in his stocking feet The riding heels of his cowboy boots added another couple inches to that

As he neared the barn, the side Dutch door swung open Out hopped his young son who instantly clamped a hand on top of his cowboy hat to keep the wind fro it off Trey allowed a small smile to play with the corners of his lance at Sloan when she appeared in the doorway behind their son

By then Jake had spotted hiround sucked at his boots, giving a clu?”

“Looking for you”

“Guess you don’t have to look anymore ’cause I’m here, huh?” Jake reasoned

“That’s right” Trey slipped an arm around Sloan when she joined them “What have you two been up to?”

“I been working, Dad,” Jake declared very matter-of-factly

Fighting back a s son’s tone “Get a lot done, did you?”

“Yup”

“Really” But the sideways glance he gave Sloan was skeptical

“It’s true,” she assured hiave Jobe a hand cleaning out the stalls, then held a horse for Tank while he trimmed its hooves”

“Tank said I was a real good helper” Jake fairly beamed with pride at the remembered praise

“With all the work you’ve been doing, I’ll bet you’re hungry,” Trey guessed