Free Rustler's Heart (A Kinnison Legacy Novel) by Amanda McIntyre

mountains.
    “Penny for your thoughts.” Caroline’s voice jarred him from his reverie.
    He searched her beautiful eyes, asking himself how he never seen past her façade. “I’m just thinking how damn lucky I am to live here.”
    The realization that he’d put her ideas about the ranch not being worth much in her place, panned across her face.
    “I never said it wasn’t beautiful, Rein.” He heard the note of tension in her voice.
    He offered a congenial smile. “No, you didn’t. But it still isn’t beautiful enough for you, is it?”
    “Rein, I—”
    He shook his head and took a step back. “It’s okay, Caroline. I understand you needed more, but I’m okay with how things turned out. I wouldn’t have wanted you to stay where you weren’t content.” By the look on her face, he guessed that she might not be content anywhere, no matter how beautiful. Not until she could be content in her own skin. The realization created a stark contrast in his mind between her and Liberty. Despite their differences, he should have defended Liberty against her barbed comments. Had it been Dalton she’d spoken ill of, he’d never tolerated it. Liberty was kin to the two men that had treated him as a blood brother from the time he came to live with them after the car accident that claimed his parents, leaving him an orphan. His Uncle Jed had taken him in without hesitation. How could he not at least show the same consideration for this young girl? He had the sudden urgent need to make things right with her.
    Her expression appeared puzzled. “Are you implying I’m not content?”
    Rein shrugged. “That’s something only you can answer, Caroline.” He carefully motioned to Dalton to relieve him on the dance floor. His brother shook his head. He didn’t like Caroline any more than the rest of his family did. Rein gave him a look that would kill and Dalton relented with a scowl.
    “May I cut in?” He shot Rein a dark look before Caroline saw the exchange.
    “Hey, Dalton.” He acted surprised. “Caroline, you remember my brother, Dalton?” He stepped away from Caroline and offered his spot to his less than thrilled brother. Dalton stepped around him, leaning close in Rein’s earshot. “You owe me,” he whispered. And then, with a bright smile, held his arms out to Caroline.
    “Hey Caroline, welcome back to the backwoods. You had any of Betty’s possum pie?”
    Rein hid a smile. He’d owe him…big time. Dalton’s tolerance of Caroline’s attitude was far less than his and for a brief moment, he felt guilty leaving her at his mercy. But it didn’t last long.
    “Listen, if you two will excuse me. I need to check on something.” Rein looked at Caroline. “If I don’t get the chance to see you off, have a safe flight, and tell Hank I’ll be in touch.” He patted his brother on the shoulder. Caroline’s mouth was still gaped open when he left.
    Stepping out of the barn, he noticed small clusters of guests enjoying the beautiful spring evening, but he saw no sign of Liberty. Was it wise to try to find her, or should he leave well enough alone? What were the odds she’d heard a word that Caroline said? Then again, Caroline’s voice seemed to have turned heads of several folks standing nearby. He looked up and saw Betty walking down the lane from the main house. She carried a fresh pie in each hand. “Need any help?” He looked over her shoulder and wondered if Liberty might be close behind.
    “Thanks, honey. I’m getting these to send home with Hank. You know how he likes my cherry pie.”
    “Yep, he loves them.” He cast a quick look over her shoulder again. “You haven’t seen Liberty around, have you?”
    “Now that’s funny. Wyatt just asked me the same thing.”
    Rein turned his focus on her then. “And?”
    “Oh, I’d sent her to check on the buffet table to see if we needed more lemonade. She mentioned that you were in a very animated conversation with a lovely woman.”
    “Caroline