Copyright © 2020 by Elle Linder

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.

Elle Linder/Ocean Dreams Publishing

17976 120th Ave NE

Thief River Falls, MN 56701

www.ellelinder.com

www.oceandreamspublishing.com

Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

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Young Hearts/ Elle Linder -- 1st ed.

A Harts of Idaho Short Story

One

Nebraska 1969

WHAT MORE DID he need? The man offered him one hundred dollars a week, including room and board, plus food. Merle would be a fool not to accept the offer.

“I’ll take the job.” Dang, it felt good saying those words. How many jobs had he applied for in the last two months? At least a dozen, and this was the first offer he had gotten.

Merle glanced down at his too-big shoes and grungy pants. He figured his appearance had put some people off… most people off. Unfortunately, Merle couldn’t do a dang thing about it. The guy didn’t have two dimes to rub together.

He felt it in his bones. This job would change his life beyond his wildest dreams.

“When can you start?” Mr. Jensen asked. He didn’t appear to be a chatty man, standing there with his hands in his pockets and a cigarette between his lips. He had a deep furrowed brow and dull, ice-blue eyes. Merle appreciated the man’s reserved demeanor. He wasn’t a big talker either.

“Right now.” Merle had nowhere to go and nothing to do. He might as well get working.

“Let me show you to your room, son.”

Son? Merle couldn’t recall ever being called son before. Mr. Jensen didn’t have any sons, or so he hadn’t mentioned in the last three minutes. However, he had one daughter, Peggy. Mr. Jensen told Merle to stay the hell away from her.

He’d have no problem following Jensen’s order. Merle had one goal: get out of Nebraska. He only wanted to earn enough money to get him to California; then he could have year-round sunshine, see the ocean, and marry a movie star. Maybe even Farrah Fawcett, whom he’d seen on The Dating Game. Merle sure liked her long golden hair and full lips.

Keeping away from a small-town country girl would be easy as pie.

Merle followed Mr. Jensen to a room inside the barn. He didn’t care if he slept with the animals. It had to have been better than the shed he snuck into at night.

“What about your things?”

His things? Merle had all he owned in a bag he brought with him. It only contained an extra pair of underwear and socks, one shirt, a bar of soap, and a toothbrush.

“I’ll collect them after work.” He cringed at the lie, but he didn’t want his new employer to know he was homeless.

Mr. Jensen nodded. “I like you, Merle.” He opened a door. “This is it. Check it out and meet me out front in five minutes.” He left without another word.

Merle couldn’t believe it. The room wasn’t big by any means, but it was a room with a door and, from what he could see, no mice or cobwebs. There was an actual cot to sleep on with a pillow and blankets. He’d be living it up now.

He rubbed his hands together and grinned so wide, his face hurt.

“California, here I come!”

Merle left his new room and was given the grand tour of Jensen’s Cattle Ranch. Jensen, as he requested Merle call him, didn’t talk much as he drove his Ford down a dirt road. The quiet man had another cigarette between his lips. He didn’t quite intimidate Merle, but he also didn’t endear him.

“How many acres ya got here?” Merle asked, interested in more than just where to dump the manure.

“Almost a thousand.”

“Impressive.”

“Not really. We’re a smaller operation compared to others in the area.”

“How many cattle?”

Jensen looked at him sidelong as if surprised by his question. “One fifty.”

“Plan on increasing your numbers?”

Jensen scratched his temple, then stamped out his smoke.

“Maybe. If I had good workers helping me…”

Merle didn’t say any more. He might be a hardworking fellow, even interested in learning about ranching, but the first chance he got, he’d cut out of Nebraska on a bus heading west. There was sense in letting Jensen believe he’d be around for the long haul.

They looped around and returned to the main part of the ranch, neither saying a word. It was just as well. Merle preferred they didn’t get chummy. Though, he could tell even after only spending an hour with Jensen that he was a man Merle wouldn’t mind knowing better.

Merle never had friends. In school, there were bullies he avoided. Then there were the kids he protected from the bullies when needed, weaker kids than him. School hadn’t been his thing.

After junior high, his gram died. With nowhere to go or any family to take him in, Merle had spent the last four years simply surviving. He’d fended for himself day and night, sleeping in sheds and eating out of dumpsters when needed. Anything to avoid going to an orphanage.

High school became an obstacle. His peers made fun of him for his dirty clothes and greasy hair. What kid could learn anything while enduring teasing and scrutiny from students and teachers alike? So he dropped out of school.

“Dinner is at seven every night. Come in through the kitchen side door. I’m not the greatest cook, but it’s edible. Normally my daughter cooks, but she’s busy tonight… graduation activities or something,” he said with a shrug.

“Yes, sir.”

“Unload the feed in the back of the truck and put it in the barn. You got any questions, I’ll be in the back with the horses.”

“Yes, sir.”

They hopped out of the Ford, and Jensen meandered away. It didn’t escape Merle that Jensen hadn’t mentioned a Mrs. Jensen. Only his daughter… his daughter who was graduating high school. Well, good for her.

Two

MARSHA MAYFIELD CACKLED, tossing her head back, though what she saw wasn’t remotely funny. Poor Eloise had spilled pop on her pink polka dot dress. Marsha didn’t care of course. Anything and everything she did was all for attention. She wouldn’t even let Eloise inside her house to tend to the stain before it set in. Nope, Marsha pointed at a water hose behind the house.

When Peggy gasped in shock, Marsha chanted: My party, my rules. Then the witch cackled some more.

Why had Peggy listened to her daddy?

Marsha Mayfield’s father owned Larry’s Diner, and Peggy’s daddy wanted to be his beef supplier. Peggy had been sent to the party to make nice with Marsha, get on her good side and become best friends. In other words, kiss Marsha’s butt. Peggy’s father infuriated her. Using his own daughter to gain business… It was deplorable.

As if she’d ever want to be Marsha’s friend.

All anyone needed to do was observe Marsha to understand why Peggy didn’t like her. Like now. All the jocks were clustered around Marsha as if she were a Southern belle, like Scarlett O’Hara. Marsha twirled her silky brown locks, scrunching her nose and batting her eyelashes. Oh, she made Peggy sick, especially when Marsha played each boy against the other while the rest of the girls at the party were ignored.

How many boys did one girl need?

In all fairness, Marsha had always been this way. Even when they were in elementary school, Marsha treated their classmates like the scum on the bottom of her shoe. Peggy was no exception. Growing up in a small town had its positives and negatives. A negative was having Marsha in every single one of her classes since kindergarten. Peggy couldn’t wait to graduate in three days, so she never had to spend another day with Marsha Mayfield.

“I’m ready to leave,” Peggy muttered to Alice, her closest friend.

“I was ready to leave before I even got here.”

“Do you think Eloise is okay?”

“Would you be okay after spilling pop on your dress and being laughed at?” Alice asked and shook her head, glaring at Marsha. “I hate her.”

“You’re right. We should check on Eloise.” Guilt crashed through Peggy. She should’ve followed Eloise. They weren’t close friends, but they’d known each other their whole lives. She should’ve gone to help her.

“I don’t see her anywhere. She might have left.”

Peggy’s eyes darted around the backyard. It seemed Eloise had indeed left.

She sighed. “Let’s bug out before Marsha does something else to annoy us. We can walk to Foster’s Drive-In, grab a malt, and then I’ll call Daddy to pick us up.”

Alice bobbed her head and took Peggy’s hand. The two snuck away without being noticed.

“Three more days and we’ll be done with school. Did you ever think we’d get to this point?” Alice asked as they strolled down the street. It wasn’t dark yet, only a little after eight o’clock. Foster’s closed at nine, so the girls had plenty of time to improve their evening with a chocolate malt.

“Sure, eventually. I always thought I’d be in love and planning a wedding.”

“Me too. Something small with you as my maid of honor. But no, Gary just had to dump me after he graduated last year and joined the navy.” Alice growled and fisted her hands. “Still burns me up.”

“He wasn’t the one. When you meet the right guy, everything falls into place when you’re not looking.” Or so her mother had told her when she was young. Peggy would sure love to talk to her mother regarding her worries about the future.

She’d never had a boyfriend. Never been kissed. Her daddy shooed any boy away who came sniffing around her, saying no boy was good enough for his little girl, but Peggy knew better of it. He wanted her to marry a rancher, someone who could take over his cattle ranch so his legacy lived on. Peggy had no interest in ranchers. She wanted to marry a doctor and live in town, preferably the east side of town with the big, stately homes.

“You’ll probably wind up a spinster.”

“Hey!” Peggy elbowed Alice, and they both laughed. “You might jinx me.”

“Not a chance. You’re too pretty and sweet to never get married. You might need to lower your standards, give one of your daddy’s ranch hands a shot.”

Peggy groaned. “Let’s talk about something else. All this boy talk is bringing me down.”

“Fair enough. Do you know what you’re wearing for graduation?”

Peggy and Alice talked about clothes the rest of the way to Foster’s. It was a more pleasant topic than boys and marriage, and certainly more enjoyable than talking about Marsha Mayfield. Peggy hated how Marsha had made sure to corner the market with all the boys who had potential. The stingy girl. As if she could marry all of them. She was a greedy one all right.

Peggy would have to find her own boy, maybe in the next town over. Once her new car arrived, a graduation gift from her daddy, she’d be able visit the surrounding towns.

A funny feeling sprouted in her stomach. Not fear, worry, or excitement. Just a feeling something was coming.

Maybe it had to do with her graduating school and finally becoming an adult. More than anything, she wanted to live her life her way, make her own decisions. Only problem with this line of thinking was her daddy always found a way to steer her in the direction he felt she should go. She couldn’t fault him for it. She was all he had left in the world

Three

TURNED OUT JENSEN’S Cattle Ranch was a supreme job. After the best night’s sleep Merle had had in years and a breakfast of bacon and eggs, he was happier than a tick on a fat dog. To show his gratitude, he worked his tail off mucking the stables and pulling weeds. Later, he’d be mending fences.

“Break time. You hungry?” Jensen asked as he strutted toward the wash bin.

When was he not hungry? Merle put his tools back from where he’d gotten them and joined Jensen. He eyed Jensen’s every move so he could copy him.

“I could eat,” he rasped.

“It’s nothin’ fancy. Sandwich, potato chips, and pop.”

Merle nodded. Sounded like a damn feast to him.

“Wash up, and I’ll bring it to the picnic table out by the red maple in front of the house.”

“Yes, sir.” Merle washed his hands and face, feeling energized. Lunch? He never ate in the middle of the day. He’d be lucky if he had one meal a day. But two meals? He was living high on the hog.

Merle stretched his legs out, sitting against the trunk of the tree. It was hot out, but he didn’t mind. He liked the view in front of him. Low-rolling hills beneath a clear blue sky and―

“Who are you?”

He hadn’t expected to hear a woman’s voice come from behind the tree. Merle looked over his shoulder and gulped when his eyes fell on the prettiest girl he’d ever seen. Her light-blonde hair was in a ponytail, and it shimmered as the sun caressed it. Her ice-blue eyes sparkled, unlike her daddy’s lackluster depths.

“Well? Cat go your tongue?” She tapped her toe. The movement drew his attention down to her slim legs. He liked the dress she wore. The small straps showed off her appealing shoulders and neck, which led down to her unavoidable chest.

Merle gulped again, trying to get his wits about him.

“Do. You. Speak. English?” she asked in a soft voice, emphasizing each order. The gesture teased him mercilessly as he watched her pink lips move.

“Peggy, where’re you off to, darlin’?” Jensen carried a plate in one hand, two bottles in the other, and a bag of chips tucked under his arm. He set everything on the table, then jerked his chin at Merle, as in: come eat.

“I’m going to the school with Alice to help the teachers pack up their rooms. We also have an assembly to attend.” Her gaze flitted over to Merle again. “New ranch hand?”

“Yep. This is Merle Hart. He started yesterday.”

“Well, does he talk? I asked him who he was, but he only stared like he’d seen a ghost.”

Merle’s face heated. He sat on the bench and took a drink of his pop.

Jensen chuckled for the first time since Merle met him. “He can talk but doesn’t much.”

“Ah, I see,” she said with a tinge of annoyance in her voice. “Well, he doesn’t need to be rude.”

“Merle was rude?” her daddy asked, feigning surprise.

“Silence is rude when someone is talking to you.”

Jensen chuckled again. Strange. “Merle, say something to the girl before she reams both of us.”

“Um… I can talk when I want to. As Jensen said, I’m Merle Hart.” He nodded, then popped a chip into his mouth.

Peggy narrowed her eyes at him, then swooped them toward her daddy, then back at him again.

“Well, you two enjoy your lunch.” She turned on her heel, but before she left, her daddy called to her.

“Peggy, I expect you home to prepare dinner tonight.”

Slowly she turned around, her eyes on Merle. He ran his hand through his shaggy, overgrown hair as a weird feeling settled in his gut.

“Yes, Daddy, I’ll be home by four.”

“Good. Merle and I will be mending fences. We’ll be expecting a hearty dinner.”

“We?”

Jensen nodded, then took a bite of his sandwich. With a mouthful, he said, “Yes.”

Peggy’s eyes went wide. She didn’t say anything else as she left. Merle tried his best to not watch her, but he was only human. Any guy would be weak around Peggy Jensen.

“You fancy her?”

Merle nearly choked on his drink. “N… No… sir.” He coughed until he cleared his throat. He should have been more careful not to stare at Peggy. If he lost his job, he didn’t know what he’d do.

Jensen frowned. “Oh.”

Oh? What did oh mean?

Jensen’s shoulders sagged as he continued to eat his lunch. Silence filled the air between them, but it was different from the other times. An awkward tension passed from Jensen to Merle for the next several minutes.

It didn’t take long for them to finish their bologna sandwiches.

After a long sigh, Jensen lifted his gaze to Merle’s, and it was easy to see he had something on his mind. Merle waited while his stomach churned.

“You got a sweetheart, Merle?”

He did not see that question coming.

“No, sir.” As if any girl would want a scrappy, homeless guy like him. Well, he wasn’t homeless anymore, but he also wasn’t easy on the eyes. He wouldn’t call himself ugly. He’d seen uglier, but Merle didn’t have anything to offer a girl. Plus, he was in desperate need of a haircut and new clothes. No decent girl would consider him as he was.

None of it mattered anyway. Merle had no interest in Nebraska girls, not even a pretty one like Peggy. She was more than pretty; she was beautiful. Again, it didn’t matter. She’d never consider him, and he was moving to California where he’d start over with a clean slate.

Jensen appeared to perk up, and his dull, ice-blue eyes had a glint of something in them. Merle couldn’t make it out but interestingly enough, Jensen’s demeanor seemed lighter.

“Let’s get to mending fences…” Jensen collected the empty bottles and plate. “I set out some clothes on your cot.” He eyed Merle. “We’re about the same size.” True, they were both about six feet tall and thin.

“Uh, sir?”

“You don’t have any others, do ya? Only the ones on your back.”

Merle dropped his head. How did Jensen know? Well, he wasn’t a lying kind of man, so he owned up to the truth.

“Yes, sir.”

A strong hand cupped Merle’s shoulder and he looked up. There was understanding in Jensen’s eyes, along with a small curl to his lip.

“Before dinner, I’m going to Pauly’s. He’s a barber in town and a friend. Care to join me?”

Merle ran his fingers over the top of his thick mop. He used to cut his own hair with a pair of scissors he’d found, but he discovered their age when the gap near the screw would pull out his hairs rather than cut them. It’d been months since he’d made another attempt.

“Well, I don’t have any money.”

“Is that a yes?” A real smile stretched across Jensen’s face. “It’s my treat.” He squeezed Merle’s shoulder.

What else could he do but agree? “Thank you, sir. I’d appreciate it.”

“No thanks needed, son. You’re a hardworking, good man. You just need a little boost.” Jensen’s stride lengthened, leaving Merle lagging.

What had Jensen meant by a little boost? More so, how could he know Merle was a good man? Merle himself never even thought such a thing.

Merle felt a noticeable shift. The stale, rank-smelling air normally surrounding him disappeared. He inhaled, filling his lungs as if he were purified after one day’s time on Jensen’s Cattle Ranch.

What was happening to him?

Four

A HEARTY MEAL Daddy requested, a hearty meal he’d get. Peggy whipped potatoes until they were light and creamy. She even added extra butter. Meatloaf was resting on the counter, and creamed peas were ready too. She didn’t know how to bake bread, so sliced sandwich bread would have to do.

All afternoon, she could not stop thinking about Merle Hart. When she told Alice about him and his rude behavior, filthy clothes, and overgrown hair, she’d scrunched up her nose. Alice’s tart expression had mirrored Peggy’s.

And yet, she couldn’t explain the butterflies in her stomach. They had appeared when her eyes connected with Merle’s. Boy was he a mess, and he hardly talked, but when he did, his raspy voice sent a shudder through her like nothing she’d ever felt before. She hadn’t told Alice that part or about the butterflies or how her toes had curled.

“Evening, dear. Sure smells good.” He daddy entered the kitchen freshly showered and took his spot at the table.

“Hi, Daddy. Figured meatloaf would please you.” She watched the entrance but no Merle. She avoided asking about him, though she was curious.

“Merle should be here any minute. Told him dinner was at seven every night.”

Every night? “Hmm…” Peggy took three plates out of the cupboard, then sliced the meatloaf.

“He’s sleeping in the barn.”

She paused with a piece of meat on the spatula. Had she heard her father correctly?

“It’s part of the deal I made with Merle. Room and board, plus meals.”

Strange, her daddy never made a deal before with a ranch hand. Peggy resumed her task and said nothing. How could she when her heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest? She licked her lips several times and swallowed.

None of the other ranch hands ever lived on the property before. Why now? Her father never liked men around her.

A knock on the kitchen door startled her. When it opened on its own accord and Merle appeared, she sucked in a breath and dropped the spatula, along with the slice of meatloaf right in front of her feet.

“Shoot!” Peggy squatted to clean the mess she’d made. It wasn’t a lot, but sticky glaze had splattered on the floor.

She didn’t dare look back at Merle. What happened to all his hair?

A damp dishcloth dangled in front of her face, nearly touching her nose. Her eyes flitted up to Merle’s. There were no words were exchanged, only an intense stare.

She nodded and took the rag.

“Merle, come sit down. Peggy’s got that,” her father said from behind her.

“Yes, sir.”

Once everyone was served and she was seated at the table, across from Merle, nobody spoke. It drove her nuts. She wasn’t one to talk all the time, but eating in silence wasn’t pleasant in the least.

She tried not to stare at Merle. There was just something about him, something she couldn’t put words to. There was a draw to him she hadn’t felt toward a boy before. It wasn’t because he’d gotten his hair shaved off or the clean, stain-free, hole-free clothes he was wearing either. The feelings she had swimming through her veins had happened within seconds of seeing him earlier in the day.

Peggy sipped her iced tea, hoping it’d cool her down. She was sure her cheeks were as red as the sliced tomato on her plate. Fortunately, neither her daddy nor Merle would notice with their eyes glued to their dinner plates.

They both had a second serving, and pride bloomed in her chest. She felt pleased with her cooking abilities. It wasn’t thanks to her father. He’d eat anything she made and call it good.

No, the streak of happiness blossoming inside her came when she heard Merle humming as he ate. She forced herself to not smile or delight in his obvious enjoyment. He also finished his meal in record time.

It would’ve been nice if he’d acknowledge her in some way. A quick glance. Maybe smile a little.

Merle cleared his throat while wiping his hands and mouth. “Dinner was delicious. Thank you.” His eyes flitted from her father to hers. “I’ll head to the barn now.”

“You don’t have to. I usually watch a little television before calling it a night,” her father said, and she was glad. Perhaps Merle only needed to spend a little time with them so he could relax. Although, she wasn’t quite sure why she cared one way or the other.

“Thanks, sir, but I’m tired. Maybe another time.” He stood from his chair and collected his plate and glass.

“Oh, I’ve got it!” She was out of her chair in a snap and at Merle’s side. She took the dishes from him.

“Thank you… Peggy.” His dark gaze dropped toward hers. They moved to her lips and back up to her eyes. Merle cleared his throat again. “Good night.”

“See you bright and early,” her daddy replied.

“Good night,” she said as Merle opened the side door. As it latched closed, she turned toward the kitchen sink. A long sigh escaped her.

“You all right, darlin’?”

She whirled around, surprised by his question. “What? Me? Oh, yes. I’m fine.” She removed the rest of the dishes from the table and began cleaning up.

“Just making sure. You seem a little flustered.”

She laughed and waved him off. “Not at all.”

“Okay then. I’ll be in the living room.” He sidled up next to her and kissed her temple. “Thank you for dinner, Peggy. It was delicious.”

She smiled. “I’m glad you liked it. It was a new recipe out of the Betty Crocker Cookbook I picked up in town last week.”

“It’s a keeper, I think. Merle devoured it too.” He chuckled and shot her a wink as he left the kitchen.

Merle devoured it too rang in her head. She shouldn’t care if he liked the meal she’d prepared, but oddly, she cared a lot more than she wished to admit.

She smiled, remembering how her name rolled off his tongue in a wonderful, low raspy voice. She also couldn’t stop thinking about how well he’d cleaned up.

If only he weren’t a ranch hand.

Five

MENDING FENCES WAS an ongoing task on a ranch, according to Jensen. Rather than argue with the man, Merle simply accepted the fact. After all, Jensen was the expert and Merle was merely the apprentice.

Apprentice. It had a nice ring.

The late morning sun was strong, beating down on his neck while he hammered nails. By noon, he’d be ready for lunch under his favorite tree and Peggy’s nonstop talking.

He wasn’t blind or too dumb to not notice her seeking him out each day. However, he wasn’t sure if it was because she just wanted someone to talk to or if it was more.

Lost in his thoughts of Peggy, he hadn’t heard her approach on her horse, Daisy.

“Howdy!” she greeted, slowing the horse to a stop.

“Miss Peggy,” he said, squinting one eye as he peered up at her. The sun was behind her head, making her blonde hair shimmer. If she sprouted wings, she’d be an angel. Nah. She was an angel, wings or no wings. “Out for a ride, I see.”

“Yup! Do you not ride? Haven’t seen you on a horse like the other men.”

“Nope. I don’t ride.” He was afraid of the massive beasts. Though he found them to be majestic creatures, they intimidated him.

“You’ll need to learn if you plan to ride in the roundup with Daddy and the other men.”

“I’m sure you’re right.”

“I am right. Want me to teach you to ride? I’m a good teacher.”

He looked back up at her. She was leaning forward on her horse, smiling. He shook his head and smiled back.

“I’m sure you’re a great teacher, but I’ll pass.”

She pouted, and her scrumptious bottom lip called to him. “You don’t trust me?”

“Said no such thing.” He hammered a nail into the piece of wood.

“Have you ever been on a horse?”

He smirked, keeping his head down. She wasn’t going to let this go. The more he got to know Peggy, the clearer it became she was strong and determined. If she wanted something, he had no doubt she’d get it one way or another.

“Nope.”

“I can’t believe it! Well, climb on up and I’ll take you for a ride!”

Merle craned his neck. She was serious.

“Sorry, Miss Peggy, but I’m working. No time for fun and games.”

“Well, nobody said anything about fun and games. This is work. You need to learn to ride a horse if you’re going to be a real rancher. Come on.” She extended her hand.

He hiked a brow. “You want me to ride behind you up there?”

“What? Is riding behind a girl demeaning?”

He chuckled at her sassy tone but didn’t respond as he stared at her. She sure was a pretty thing, perched atop the majestic white beast. Peggy was wearing shorts, a yellow-striped, button-down shirt, and riding boots. From where he was, her pink lips tempted him.

“Merle, I’ll let you sit on the saddle if it’ll make you feel better, like you’re in charge.” She snorted. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

Of course she wouldn’t.

He didn’t want to come across as a pansy. He dusted himself off and set his tools down.

“All right. You win. But let’s keep this short.”

Happiness bloomed on her face, and he liked how it made him feel inside. Before he could say any more, Peggy was off the horse.

It took a few tries, but he managed to get up on the saddle, and Peggy had no problem getting behind him. She took the reins and got the horse moving.

“You okay?” she asked from behind him. He felt her breath on his ear, and his chest tightened.

“Fine.”

“Can I put my hand on your hip, like this?” She latched onto his belt loop.

“Sure.”

She giggled. “Are you nervous?”

“A little.”

“With the horse or with me?”

“Both.” He did not mean to admit that.

“Well, no worries, we’re both gentle.”

His face heated. Was she flirting with him? He felt like she was, but he wasn’t sure.

Peggy pressed her chest against his back, and he told himself it meant nothing. She was merely guiding the horse.

“You doing all right?”

“Yes. It’s sure pretty country out here.”

“It is, especially from up here.”

“The view is quite nice.” So was the company. He wouldn’t let himself overthink, but he sure would like this to be a new beginning for them.

Six

THE LAST TWO weeks had flown. Merle was up before dawn and in bed after dinner. He worked twelve-hour days, and some of it was backbreaking. Despite the tough work and long days, he loved his new job and being on the ranch.

For the first time since Merle’s grandma died, he had money in his pocket, a bed to sleep in, and three squares a day. He’d even gained weight. Eating three meals a day will do that to a person. The pants Jensen had given him didn’t fit anymore. Merle was also gaining muscle in his arms, which he liked very much.

It was late in the afternoon, and he had an hour to himself. Saturdays were a lighter workload. They weren’t really lighter workdays, but he appreciated Jensen giving him some time for himself, even if only for an hour. Merle also had use of Jensen’s truck.

Last week, Jensen had taught Merle to drive. He didn’t have a driver’s license but he didn’t care, and neither did Jensen when Merle told him he was going into town to buy a new pair of pants.

Several times his new boss had called him a quick study while learning the ropes around the ranch and driving the truck. He hoped he’d get his driver’s license soon.

Quick study were words he’d heard before when he was young, but as Merle grew up, he disregarded the words his teachers had told him. Being made to feel like a burden and a waste of space, he had little faith in himself and his abilities to amount to anything more than a homeless person.

He strutted out to the truck, keys in hand and a small smile on his face. My, how his life had changed.

“Hey! Where’re you going?” Peggy hollered, prancing over. Her ponytail swung from side to side, her smile competing with the sun. She won and brightened his whole day.

It might sound crazy to some, but over the last couple of weeks, Peggy made Merle’s life better. She’d appear when he least expected it and would talk his ear off. She might prattle on about a song or her horse, Daisy. She’d often hum a tune while working in the garden. Her laugh made him smile.

Then there were the other ranch hands, who nodded at her or said hi. Merle found himself feeling protective, maybe even a little possessive. He’d never felt those emotions for a girl before. He also discovered that when he shot a narrowed glance at any of the other men, they’d dart away and leave Peggy alone. He liked when they weren’t around her.

“Going to town.” His eyes traveled over her face, down the gentle slope of her neck, to her shoulders, and down her graceful arms. Everywhere his eyes landed, he mentally committed the spot to memory for when he’d one day kiss it.

Merle was smitten, though he shouldn’t be. The feelings he had for the blonde approaching him totally screwed with his plans to move to California. But Peggy Jensen would not be ignored. He couldn’t ignore her even if he tried. Each day, she pushed him to talk during dinner and he liked it. His plan of moving was fading fast, and his interest in her was growing even faster.

“Can I tag along?” Her cheeks turned pink, and her eyelashes fluttered. She smelled good—sweet and innocent, while tempting the snot out of him.

“What for?”

She pouted. “Because I’m bored.”

He enjoyed her pouty lip far too much. Her lips were constantly tormenting him from afar. Being around Peggy daily was the sweetest kind of torture. He loved seeing her, listening to her, smelling her… But not getting to touch her, kiss her… do more with her had left him tossing and turning throughout the night. It had gotten to the point where he needed to always have something in his hands so he could hide his arousal when she was around.

“You could bake cookies.” He loved her oatmeal cookies. And carrot cake.

She stepped closer to him, an angelic expression on her pretty face.

“Please, Merle. Let me tag along. I won’t be a bother.”

He chuckled. That was debatable. Standing a foot away from her was bothersome. “What would Jensen say?”

“Well, he’s the one who told me you were going into town and asked if I wanted to tag along.”

“He did?” Why would her father tell her anything about him? Why would he encourage her to go with him into town?

Her smile widened. “Uh-huh. Is that a yes?”

“You gonna talk my ear off?” He knew she would, but he didn’t want to appear to be a pushover, though he was when it came to her.

“Of course. Does my talking scare you?” She inched closer, her baby blues sparkling with amusement. “Please?”

The talking didn’t scare him at all. It was the pull toward her that scared the crap out of him.

He jerked his chin toward the truck. “Get in.” There was no doubt about it; he was weak. Refusing her might make her sad, and the thought of it put an ache in his chest.

Doomed. He was doomed.

They bounced along the dirt road for several minutes. The quiet was nice, but he couldn’t help wondering what she might be thinking.

Merle enjoyed this moment more than he expected. He felt freer than ever behind the wheel of a truck. He had a little money in his pocket and a beautiful girl sitting beside him. If she weren’t Jensen’s daughter, the daughter he’d been told to stay the hell away from, he might ask her out on a date.

A date.

In all his nineteen years, taking a girl out on a date had never entered his mind. Lately, though, it’d been on his mind a lot. Right along with Peggy.

“Merle, why didn’t I ever see you at school?”

It wasn’t a topic he enjoyed talking about, especially not with a girl he liked. Peggy was the first girl Merle had shared more than a few words with over the last few years. When he dropped out of high school, he avoided girls altogether. While living on the streets, he spent his days alone or talking to older folks, mostly drunks.

“I didn’t go to your school,” he answered, a partial truth. They would’ve gone to the same school had he not dropped out. Strangely, he didn’t recall seeing her in junior high, probably because she hung out with the rich kids.

“Oh…” She worried her bottom lip between her teeth. Those pink lips he dreamed of sampling were calling to him. “Then where’d you go to school? What do you want to do with your life?”

Merle gripped the steering wheel tighter as they rolled into town. He didn’t want to lie to Peggy. It wasn’t his way. Still, she’d probably lose interest in him—if she had any interest—once she heard he didn’t graduate. He shouldn’t care what she thought of him, but he did.

“What do I want to do with my life?” He snorted with an attitude. “Live.”

“We all want to live, Merle. What kind of job do you want? What kind of house?”

“I have a job, Peggy, one I like. I don’t need much by way of a house. Four walls and a roof are all I need.” A safe, clean place to call home would suit him fine.

“Why are you being difficult?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I want to know you better, but you’re not very forthcoming. What are your goals? Your dreams?”

He bit down on his molars. He didn’t want to talk about this with her. She would look down on him like everyone else. Mostly, he didn’t want to see disgust or pity in her eyes.

“What are your goals and dreams, Peggy?” Maybe he could get her talking about herself. Didn’t girls like talking about themselves?

Her face brightened as she smiled. Sweet relief washed over him.

“I want to get married, have a family, and live in town. On the east side.” Her smile grew wider, and his stomach churned.

“The east side? Where all the snobby, rich people live? All the lawyers, doctors, and business owners? That’s great.” He glowered out the window, turning onto 10th Street. Peggy had set the bar impossibly high. As she should have. Peggy was vivacious and sweet. She deserved the best of everything.

Clearly, they had different ideas about life. Or did they? He had planned to move to California and marry a movie star. Did he really believe Farrah would marry him? Not at all. Besides, she wasn’t nearly as beautiful as Peggy. When he’d cooked up the idea of moving out West, he was reaching for the stars, wanting to escape his past.

But now? Well, now there was Peggy.

“Don’t judge. Not everyone is snobby.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have said anything.” This conversation was about to go downhill and fast. Merle needed to put some distance between them. No matter what Peggy said, she wouldn’t convince him there were nice people who lived on the east side of town. He’d encountered enough firsthand, and they all treated him like a leper.

“A girl can dream, right?” Her voice softened as she turned toward him.

“Sure.” He glanced at her while at a stop sign. His heart hurt. In one short conversation, all his hopes had been destroyed. He’d never be able to afford living on the east side of town, nor did he want to, but for Peggy, he’d move heaven and earth to give her what she wanted. Unfortunately, he wasn’t God.

“Is working on a ranch all you want to do?” Her tone was sincere, no hint of judgment in it.

“It’s honest work. I don’t mind it.” He shrugged, taking his eyes off her.

“Where’re you going?” She looked around, with a look of surprise on her face.

“Feed store.” Jensen had told him it had the best prices in town for jeans. He only wanted to get two pairs of Wranglers. One pair for work, the other for play.

He searched for a parking spot.

“What for?”

He eased into a space in the parking lot. “Pants.”

“Oh… I’ll wait here.”

He twisted in his seat and faced her. He wished he could wrap her ponytail around his hand and pull her in for a kiss. Wishful thinking. She’d never be his.

“Peggy, you’re free to like what you like. If living on the east side of town is what you want, then go after it.” He meant it. Her happiness mattered to him. What he thought about her choices didn’t. He might be disappointed he’d never have a shot with her, but he wished her no ill will. He only wanted to see her happy.

“Don’t you want to go to college? Get an office job or something?”

He shook his head. Go to college? Work behind a desk? Never gonna happen, and he didn’t appreciate her pushing him in a direction that didn’t suit him.

“No. I don’t want either of those things.”

“Then what do you want?”

He wanted her, which he now saw was stupid. She wanted the stars, while he was happy working below them.

“I’m a simple guy, Peggy. I only need a roof over my head and food on the table.” He dropped his head and inhaled a breath. And a girl to give his heart to. “I don’t do fancy—east side fancy.” He felt like he’d lowered the boom, and his hope of exploring things between them was crushed. The bottom line was Peggy Jensen was out of his league.

“I see. I appreciate your honesty, Merle.” She folded her hands in her lap. “I’ll wait here for you.”

That was his cue to leave and to bury his dreams of ever being with Peggy.

“I won’t be long…”

Seven

THE LAST FEW days had been awful. She had thought her persistence with Merle had paid off. Boy, had she been wrong. Merle had reverted to hardly talking to Peggy, even when her daddy wasn’t around. She wasn’t sure what had happened, but he’d changed after they’d gone into town together. The only thing she could think of was maybe she’d pushed him too hard, too fast with talk about the future.

During dinner he’d engaged in small talk and laughed a little with her daddy over ranch mishaps, but he avoided eye contact with her. She hated how he’d ignore her.

She’d had enough of it. Tonight, Peggy was going to make him talk at dinner.

As Peggy finished slicing the pot roast, the kitchen door opened right at seven. Merle entered but stopped in place when he didn’t see her daddy at the table.

It burned her up how he stood there, unsure if he wanted to enter without her daddy there. Coward.

“What? Afraid to be alone with me, Merle? Rest assured, I don’t bite.” She clinked the carving knife on the counter. “Daddy will be here any second. But if you’d rather wait outside, suit yourself.”

“What’s going on with you tonight?” he asked nonchalantly.

“Why, Merle, I didn’t know you cared.” She huffed around the kitchen, plating the food. All the while, Merle stood by the door. “You gonna just stand there? Have a seat. Drink some iced tea. Butter your bread…” She was fuming.

“You got a bee in your bonnet, Miss Peggy?”

The sarcasm in his voice undid her, and she whirled around to face him.

“How dare you tease me when you know darn well what’s under my bonnet! It sure isn’t a little bee.”

“No? Then what is it?”

“A big jackass!” She covered her mouth, mortified by her outburst. She blinked her eyes, feeling the sting of tears. “Enjoy your dinner!”

She ran out of the kitchen and smack dab into her father.

“Where’s the fire?” He cupped her shoulders and peered down at her. “Why’s my little girl crying?”

“I’m not crying. I don’t feel well, so I’m going up to my room.”

“Not feeling well?” He pressed the back of his hand to her forehead like her mama used to do. “Don’t feel feverish.”

“It’s my stomach.”

“Hmm. Sure, it’s not that big jackass under your bonnet?” His eyes twinkled with mirth.

If her heart could stop without killing her, it would have. Overcome with shame, she dropped her chin to her chest. Her daddy had overheard her outburst with Merle, and she couldn’t reverse time to change it.

“I’m sorry you heard that. I―”

“I’m not sorry. ’Bout time y’all started talking again. Been wondering what had happened. I thought you liked each other.”

“You did?”

He nodded.

“Well… You’re wrong. I’m going to my room.” She darted away, running up the stairs and into her room.

She collapsed onto her bed and cried.

Why didn’t Merle like her? Were all the warm fuzzies she’d had around him one-sided? She felt like a fool. A silly, dopey schoolgirl. Except she wasn’t in school anymore and would turn nineteen in a few months. Some girls were planning their weddings, and she didn’t even have a boyfriend.

Pathetic. Alice was right. She’d probably wind up spinster.

She sobbed into her pillow.

Eight

WHAT JUST HAPPENED? Merle remained in place, utterly dumbstruck. She called him a jackass? He smiled and couldn’t help it. He hadn’t seen her fired up before and had to admit he liked it.

“Evening, Merle.” Jensen entered the kitchen. “Looks like it’s just the two of us tonight.”

Oh, crap.

“Sir, I didn’t mean to upset Peggy.”

Jensen waved him off. “Let’s eat.”

Eat? Merle didn’t feel like eating. His chest burned as he thought of Peggy running out of the kitchen upset, upset because of him.

Still, he sat in his chair when Jensen took his own. They spoke about nothing of importance while eating the best meal he’d ever had. Peggy was sure a fine cook. One day she’d make a fellow damn happy. The thought gutted Merle. It wouldn’t be him.

Jensen cleared his throat, tossing his napkin on the table. The air in the room thickened instantaneously.

“She’s up in her room crying…” Jensen’s voice trailed. “I don’t like it when my daughter cries.”

“Sir, I’m sorry…”

Jensen raised his hand. “No. Hear me out.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Peggy is all I have in this world. This ranch doesn’t mean half as much to me as my daughter does. When her mama died, my heart did too. Virginia was the heart of our home. I could’ve tried to find another woman, someone to be a mother to Peggy, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t stand having another woman in this house.” Jensen sighed, wiping his brow with tips of his fingers. “Tomorrow isn’t promised, Merle. Some people die far too young, like my Virginia. I want to be sure my sweet Peggy is taken care of.”

Taken care of? What was Jensen saying?

“Sir?”

“I like you, Merle. You’re a good, honest, hardworking man. You have my blessing.”

“Sir, I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.”

“She likes you, Merle. She likes you more than I’ve ever seen her like a boy. And I like you. You have my blessing to marry my daughter.”

Marry Peggy? A lump caught in his throat. He’d like nothing more than to make Peggy his wife. But how? Where would they live? How could he afford to take care of her?

“Unless I’ve been reading you wrong, of course.”

“N… no, sir. But you told me to stay the hell away from her.”

Jensen laughed. “I did.”

“What’s changed?”

“Peggy is stubborn. Any time I brought a boy around and encouraged her toward him, she’d reject him. You see, nobody tells Peggy what to do or who to like.” He chuckled. “She’s so much like her mama.”

Peggy’s beautiful face flashed behind his eyes, and his heart swelled. After only a few weeks, he loved her. Loved everything about her. The only question remaining was if she could love a guy like him.

“Sir, I’m honored to have your blessing, but I have nothing to offer her. I only have the money I’ve earned working here. No car. No home. Nothing. Peggy wants to live on the east side of town. She wants a man who wears a suit. That ain’t me.”

“Son, the east side isn’t her either. She just doesn’t know it yet.” Jensen cupped Merle’s bicep and gave it a firm squeeze. “As for the rest, what’s yours is hers and what’s hers is yours. This house and this ranch would be yours. You and your sons will run it when I can’t. Merle Hart, all I ask is that you do right by Peggy and love her with everything inside you.”

Merle gave Jensen a lopsided grin. “Loving her is the easy part. There’s nothing I’d rather do than make her happy, sir.”

“Good man, Merle. Now, go up and talk to her. I’ll check on the horses.” Jensen rose from his chair, then paused. “Second door at the top of the stairs. No funny business. You save it for your wedding night.” He winked.

Merle’s face heated, knowing full well what Jensen meant by funny business.

“Yes, sir.” He stood, reaching his hand out to Jensen. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t, Merle. Now go make her happy.”

Nine

A HEART SHOULDN’T experience the loss of a person twice in one lifetime. It wasn’t fair. When her mother died, Peggy was in grade school, and life as she knew it had ended. Her daddy had always been a quiet, serious man, but her mama could make him laugh until his stomach hurt. The three of them used to play games, watch television, and take the horses out every evening together.

Since her mother’s passing, her daddy had done his best raising her on his own. He was a great father, but Peggy missed her life before her mama died.

Now, losing a man her heart loved and her body yearned to be held by was a pain far greater than losing her mama.

She sniffled on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She wished she could ask her mom what she should do in this situation. She was sure Merle would have liked her. The chemistry between them was impossible to ignore. Or maybe she’d been blinded by her own desires all along. Perhaps she’d imagined him looking at her lips as if dying to kiss her.

Seeing him every day but not getting to be with him would surely torture her.

Merle was everything she never knew she wanted: handsome, serious, strong… so strong. She could watch him for hours unloading bales of hay like they weighed no more than a dry leaf. He’d changed a great deal since he arrived. He was almost indistinguishable. Dare she say he’d flourished while working on the ranch? He had, and from what her father had told her, Merle was the best worker he’d ever had.

A knock on her bedroom door pulled her from her thoughts.

“I’d rather be alone, Daddy,” she said, rolling onto her side to face the window.

The door creaked open, and she rolled her eyes. Figured he wouldn’t listen. She didn’t bother turning to face him. Maybe keeping her back to him would be enough to show him she wanted to be left alone.

“I want to talk.”

Merle? Her eyes bulged. Peggy rose to a sitting position. Sure enough, it was Merle and not her imagination playing tricks on her. He was leaning against the doorframe, handsome as ever with his arms crossed over his chest, his dark eyes set on her.

“There’s nothing to say.”

“There’s plenty to say. And I’ll start.” He pushed off the doorframe and joined her on the bed.

Her heart raced having him beside her… on her bed… alone in her room. What would her father say?

“Does Daddy know you’re up here?”

Merle smirked. “He does.”

Something was different about Merle. He didn’t seem standoffish. Usually there was tension between them, like he was nervous around her. He didn’t seem nervous now.

Merle took her hand and kissed the top of it, and she nearly fainted, feeling his warm lips on her for the first time.

“I’m sorry I upset you. I’m sorry I ignored you the last few days. And I’m painfully sorry I made you cry.” His eyes darted over her face, and with his free hand, he caressed her cheek.

She held her breath as she relished the feel of his touch. A fresh batch of tears collected in her eyes.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” she whispered, her lip trembling.

“Nothing to say, sunshine. I was wrong and I apologize. If you can forgive me, I’d like to take you out on a date. A real date. How does Foster’s and the drive-in sound?”

“Merle, it sounds wonderful, but what’s changed?” She hoped he wouldn’t shut down again, but she needed to know why he was acting differently toward her. She loved it and never wanted it to end, but she needed to understand.

“I’ve changed. When I first came to the ranch…” He inhaled a deep breath and entwined his fingers with hers. “I was homeless.”

“Merle…” The first tear fell. Her heart broke as his eyes met hers.

“Living here has been the first home I’ve had since I was fifteen. I didn’t graduate high school, and I’ve only done odd jobs around town. I never had enough money to live off, only enough to buy a meal here and there.”

“God, Merle, I’m so sorry.” She squeezed his hand as another tear rolled down her cheek.

“Don’t cry, sunshine. It hurts my heart to see you cry.” He wiped away her tears with the pad of his thumb. “Jensen, your daddy, gave me a chance when nobody else would. He believed in me, made me feel valued. I didn’t feel worthy of you, but he told me differently. He gave me his blessing to be with his only daughter. Do you have any idea what an honor it is to have his blessing?”

She smiled, her tears turning to happy ones. “By the look in your eyes, I think I have an idea.”

Merle pressed his forehead to hers, and she heard him inhale a deep breath. “I love the way you smell. Reminds me of clear blue skies, sunshine, and happiness. You’re my happiness, Peggy.”

“You’re overwhelming me. In a good way.” She giggled softly as butterflies fluttered in her stomach and her heart sang gleefully.

“Can I overwhelm you a bit more? With a kiss…”

She tilted her face up toward his. Lightly, Merle brushed his nose against hers, teasing her with anticipation. Finally, she would feel his lips on hers. She prayed this wasn’t a dream.

His hand glided up her bare arm, over her shoulder to her neck, leaving a trail of goose bumps in its wake. Her body trembled excitedly.

“Just as I imagined. Soft as silk.” He cupped the back of her neck, holding her in place as he stared into her eyes. “I’ve dreamt of this moment for weeks. I haven’t even kissed you yet, but this is the second-best day of my life.”

“What was the first?”

His lips hovered above hers, the tips of their noses touching. “It hasn’t happened yet.”

“It hasn’t?” she asked on a breath, her mouth dry and thirsting for his. “Then how do you know it will be the best?”

Merle didn’t respond. His lips gently captured hers instead.

Peggy hooked an arm around his neck and pulled him closer. The move seemed to motivate Merle. His hands went into her hair, and he held her there while he deepened the kiss. She opened her mouth, a gentle nudging for more, and he obliged, poking his tongue inside.

She’d never french-kissed a boy before. As their tongues mingled, she was glad she hadn’t. It was far too intimate, something she’d only want to do with a boy she liked a lot… even loved.

Next thing she knew, they were pawing each other and kissing fervently. Merle moaned into her mouth and abruptly ended the kiss.

“We need to stop, sunshine.”

“No…” She leaned toward him.

“Your daddy said no funny business.”

“Poo.” She pouted, not wanting to stop. “You never answered me. How do you know it will be your best?”

“Marrying you, Peggy, will be the best day of my life.”

And with those heartfelt words swirling between them, they fell into each other’s arms, kissing again.

Epilogue

Two months later…

“I CAN’T BELIEVE it! You’re married!” Alice wrapped her arms around Peggy. “The day was perfect, and you, my friend, are beautiful.”

“Thank you for everything. And hey, I won’t be a spinster after all.”

They giggled and hugged again.

“I can’t believe you invited Marsha Mayfield.” Alice scowled in Marsha’s direction.

“Daddy insisted after he became Larry’s beef supplier. I guess Merle secured the deal without needing me to kiss up to her.”

“Merle is a great man.”

“He’s the best.” Peggy sought him out. As if he felt her eyes on him, Merle looked directly at her. “I’m nervous about tonight.”

“Tonight?”

Peggy hiked a brow.

“Ooh, tonight. S-E-X,” Alice whispered.

“Yes, that.”

“You mean you two haven’t done it, already?”

“Are you kidding? The night Merle declared his feelings for me and kissed me for the first time, it heated way up. We got hot and bothered fast and nearly burned the house down. Afterward, Merle refused to be alone with me. Why do you think he looks at me the way he does?”

“I did notice a hungry look in his eyes.”

“Yeah, well…” Peggy fanned her face. “He’s not the only one…” She looked away from Merle, giggling some more. “We should not be talking about this!”

“I guess not. Was it me or did it look like Marsha’s stomach isn’t so flat anymore?”

“I wasn’t you. I know it isn’t. Merle overheard one of the waitresses at Larry’s Diner say she had a bun in the oven.”

Alice gaped. “What?”

“Yup. I can’t imagine who might be the father. There must be at least a dozen possibilities.”

Alice cleared her throat.

Strong arms encircled Peggy’s waist.

“Ready to leave, wife?”

“Been ready, husband.”

“Don’t worry about a thing here. I’ve got it covered,” Alice said, smiling. “I’m so happy for both of you!”

“We appreciate your help,” Peggy said, leaning against Merle. “I’ll call you next week.”

“Will you have time? I mean, you’re a married woman now.”

“I’m also married to a rancher, who works from sunup to sundown. I’ll have plenty of time to call you.”

Merle laughed and whispered, “Let’s go…” Gently, he tugged her away.

Peggy waved bye to Alice as they made their way out to their Chevy Impala.

Her daddy appeared, a broad smile on his face. Since Merle had proposed, he’d smiled a lot more. It was easy to see he was thrilled about their union.

“Leaving?”

“Yes. Thank you for everything, Daddy.” Peggy hugged him tightly. “I’ve felt Mama here all day,” she whispered in his ear.

“Me too.”

“Sir.” Merle nodded with his hand out. “Thank you.”

“Merle, call me Dad. It’s done my heart good, seeing my little girl happy and in love.”

“Marrying Peggy has been the best thing to ever happen to me. I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

“Aww.” Peggy snuggled close to him. “I love you, Merle.”

“Well, I won’t keep you kids. Speaking of kids…” Her daddy’s eyes twinkled. “Anytime you want to make me a grandad, I’m ready.”

“Daddy!” Peggy buried her face in Merle’s chest, her face so hot it might melt off.

Merle laughed, playfully pinching her waist. Last week, he’d declared he wanted to make a baby on their wedding night. For as frisky as he’d been the last few days, she was sure their wedding night was all he could think of. It was certainly the only thing occupying her mind.

“All right, all right.” Her daddy chortled. “Didn’t mean to embarrass you, Peggy dear.”

“I’ll just say this.” She gazed into Merle’s loving eyes. “We’re open to a baby anytime.”

THE END

Did you enjoy Merle and Peggy's sweet love story? Their son, Conway's story is just as sweet with a little heat in Conflicted Hearts, a prequel to the Harts of Idaho series.

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CONFLICTED HEARTS

An ultimatum is given. Will family come before love?

Western Nebraska, 1995. When cattle rancher, Conway Hart collides with a gorgeous brunette, sparks fly. A casual fling with a sweet and sassy woman might be just what he needs, but he is short on time and not looking for love.

Elise Gordon is not falling for looks alone with the irresistibly handsome rancher. She wants a commitment, not a casual fling. When at her wit’s end, Elise decides to tell Conway to take a flying leap

But she has it all wrong. Conway wants her and only her.

Passion blooms quickly. Happiness abounds... Until it all comes crashing down. When Elise’s past intersects with her future, hearts are left reeling. A family may be divided.

Will Conway and Elise’s love survive, or will family loyalties tear them apart?