Free A Montana Cowboy by Rebecca Winters Page B

his phone. After opening the front door, she waved him off.
    Who knew when he’d be back?
Please don’t care, Cassie. Please don’t.
    Once she showered, she’d grab a bite to eat and watch a little TV before going to bed. Maybe because she knew he would be coming back, even if it was late, Cassie was able to fall asleep faster. For the first time since Logan’s passing, her husband didn’t fill her thoughts. She found herself thinking about Trace and what an amazing man he was. Any woman loved by him would feel cherished.
    * * *
    T RACE DROVE OVER to Jarod’s to pick him up. Jarod had talked to Zane after he and Avery had returned from the reservation. She was eager to visit her grandfather and tell him about her day, so Jarod thought this was the best time to drop in on Zane.
    They took off for the Corkin-Lawson Ranch bordering the other side of the Bannock spread. “What does Avery do at the reservation?”
    â€œShe’s a historian, writing a book on Crow folklore. On Thursdays she teaches classes on Crow culture at the college.”
    â€œYou must be very proud of your sister.”
    â€œI am. The tribe has given her a special name. Winterfire Woman.”
    â€œWhat does it mean?”
    â€œBecause she does her research on the reservation year-round, not just in summer, the tribe considers her an authentic teller of their histories. She reminds them of the storytellers of old who gathered children around the fire on long wintry nights. Avery doesn’t make them feel used.”
    â€œThat’s a phenomenal compliment. Are she and Zane happy?”
    A smile broke the corner of Jarod’s mouth. “You ought to see them together. I know she’ll be anxious to see you.”
    It didn’t take long for them to pull up in front of the small, one-story ranch house. They got out and knocked on the front door. Only one other time had Trace ever been over here. His father had been called out on an emergency and fifteen-year-old Trace had gone with him.
    The owner of the ranch, Daniel Corkin, was in a drunken rage because his best horse had broken a leg. When his dad told him they needed to put the animal out of its misery, Daniel ordered him off his property. If he didn’t leave, he’d shoot him.
    Trace still remembered that day and understood why Daniel’s daughter Sadie had fled to California to live with her mother, who later on remarried. His thoughts drifted back to Cassie. Her father Grant Bannock may not have been in a drunken rage, but he was unstable enough to drive his flesh-and-blood daughter out of his home and his life. Considering Ned Bannock was his son, it proved the adage that the proverbial acorn didn’t fall far from the oak tree.
    Trace’s thoughts were jerked away when a striking man, Trace’s height, in cowboy boots with dark brown hair answered the door. He wore a plaid shirt and jeans. “Thanks for coming, Jarod.”
    He nodded. “Zane Lawson? Meet Trace, Doc Rafferty’s son.”
    His gray eyes swerved to examine Trace. Dimples formed when he smiled. “Your fame is legendary. Avery will be sorry she wasn’t here to welcome you home, Trace. She’s thrilled to know you’re back to stay for good.”
    That meant Jarod hadn’t told him about Trace’s plans. Everyone assumed he was home to take over the ranch. “It’ll be great to see her again.”
    â€œI’m finally shaking hands with the Ace!”
    Trace liked him right away. “I’m a has-been. You’re the famous SEAL.”
    â€œYou couldn’t be talking about me. My nephew Ryan has reduced me to Deputy Dawg status, isn’t that right, Jarod.”
    All three men chuckled before Zane grew serious. “I know you have other things you’d rather do tonight, but I felt this visit couldn’t wait, not after talking to Jarod. Come on in. Can I get you a drink?”
    â€œNo, thanks.”