Free A Montana Cowboy by Rebecca Winters Page A

air. But now that you’re here, why don’t you say something to Giselle? Let’s see what she does. Touch her nose at the same time.”
    Trace moved closer and put his index finger on it. “Hello, Giselle. You don’t know me. I’m Trace.”
    â€œTrace rhymes with Ace, Giselle. Guess what? Would you believe his eye got hurt, too? You two have a lot in common.”
    The man standing next to her threw back his head and laughed. It was a marvelous sound. Happy. Cassie wished he’d do it more often. When he quieted down he said, “Are you the one to name her Giselle?”
    â€œYes. The woman who ran this incredible French auberge in Switzerland had that name. I think it’s beautiful, and it just seemed to suit my precious fox. I wanted to take her home with me to raise, but of course that was impossible. She was turned over to the sanctuary. That’s when I started coming on a regular basis to help where I can.
    â€œYou should see all the animals and birds. They’ve got a rough-legged hawk that’s only half-flighted, and a lynx that can only see light and dark. Then there’s a vulture with an amputated wing. The list goes on and on.”
    Trace smiled at her. “Pretty soon you’ll be occupied with your own little daughter. Maybe if the fox lives for a long time, you can bring her to see Giselle and tell her the story of how her daddy found the fox.”
    The tenderness in Trace’s voice was too much. She felt her eyes smarting and fought tears. “Maybe.”
    â€œI’m sure you’re tired. I’ll follow you home. You’ve worked so hard, you need to put your feet up.”
    â€œYou’re not supposed to remember everything I tell you.” Trace was way too attentive.
    â€œMy former commanding officer would tell me the exact opposite.” He walked to her truck. “Drive safely.” His eyes narrowed on her face. “Remember there are two of you to consider.”
    â€œAs if I could forget,” she said, sounding out of breath to her own ears. The things Trace said shook her world.
    He got in his truck just as Paul called to her from outside his car. “See you next Saturday.”
    Cassie wheeled around. Lindsey smiled, giving Cassie a knowing look that said she approved of the attractive cowboy who’d come to the sanctuary looking for her. This town was too small for Trace and Cassie. Gossip would build. There’d be a price to pay if he didn’t leave for Colorado soon.
    â€œI’ll be here, you guys. What will we be working on next?”
    â€œThat’s anyone’s guess. Let’s go for pizza after.”
    â€œI’d love it.”
    Adrenaline spilled into her system as she drove back to the ranch. Out of her rearview mirror she noticed how Trace stayed behind her. She’d been alone just long enough without Logan that she’d forgotten what it was like to have someone watching out for her.
    Cassie had to admit it was a nice feeling. She couldn’t understand why Trace’s girlfriend hadn’t arrived here already. A man like him didn’t come along every day. The Rafferty men were exceptional.
    When she finally reached the ranch house, Trace pulled up alongside her and opened his window to talk to her. “Jarod called me a minute ago and asked me to meet up with him. Before I go, I want to make sure you get in the house safely.”
    Her spirits didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed he was leaving. “I’m fine, Trace. Don’t forget I’ve been doing this for a long time. But thanks for caring.” She climbed down from the cab and hurried up the porch to the front door.
    â€œWait, Cassie—before you go in let’s exchange cell phone numbers in case we need to get hold of each other.”
    â€œThat’s a good idea.” She pulled the phone out of her purse and programmed his number. He did the same thing with