Free Rachel's Cowboy by Judy Christenberry Page A

boot.
    “Why?”
    “The shape of the heel and the pointed toe help you keep your feet in the stirrups.”
    “But I don’t know how to ride,” Rachel said, her eyes wide.
    “You will, sweetheart, you will,” he assured her.
    There they were, communicating with their eyes again! She had to put a stop to this. If she only knew how.

Chapter Six
    When they returned home, Rachel volunteered to fix sandwiches for all three of them so Madge could work on her project.
    “Oh, no, I can— Well, if you don’t mind, that would be wonderful,” she said. Without waiting for any response, she hurried to her room.
    Rachel refused to look at J.D.
    “Something seems to be going on with Madge,” he finally said. “You got any ideas?”
    “Not unless you have a cowboy with moss-green eyes.”
    “You really think she’s…interested in one of my cowboys?” J.D. didn’t sound as if he’d believe such a thing even if Rachel could offer proof.
    Rachel looked up from the sandwiches she’d begun preparing and glared at him. “So what if she is? What’s wrong with that? Why can’t Madge have a little romance in her life?”
    “Why are you so upset?”
    “Madge told me about her husband dying in Vietnam. She’s been alone for a long time. I think she deserves to find someone else to share life with.” Rachel turned her back so J.D. wouldn’t see the tears that had filled her eyes.
    He put his hands on her shoulders and turned her around to face him. “Why does it mean so much to you?”
    “I—I’ve been alone most of my life. My adoptive mother wasn’t…warm. And I always felt something was missing. I didn’t know what until I was reunited with Rebecca and Vanessa. Now, even though I’m not living in Dallas, all I have to do is pick up the phone and I can share my feelings with someone who cares about me.”
    To her surprise, J.D. put his arms around her. “I wouldn’t begrudge Madge finding someone to share her life. She’s a good woman. But I haven’t seen any signs of it until today.” He pulled Rachel closer so her head rested on his shoulder. “It’ll be all right. I’ll look at all my cowboys’ eyes today and report back to you. How’s that?”
    She raised her head. “That will be good.” Then she stepped out of his arms before she gave in to the feeling of safety…and excitement. “I’ll finish the sandwiches. You have about fifteen minutes until everything is ready.”
    “I guess I’ll work on my papers. I’ve got a lot of info to put into the computer.”
    “I didn’t know you had a computer. Where is it?”
    J.D. walked across the big kitchen to some shelves close to the fireplace and a big lump covered by a tablecloth. He pulled the cloth off. “Here it is. Madge believes the dust will get in it and ruin it. She covered it up before the last sandstorm we had.”
    “Do you mind if I use it to e-mail my sisters? Thatis, if you have an Internet connection.” Anticipation lit up her face.
    “You know how to use a computer?”
    “Oh, yes. I like to use it to organize my finances and to do research on companies I want to invest in. And, of course, to send e-mails.”
    “Help yourself. I’ve had some basic lessons, but I’m not very good at it. I’m months behind putting in the information I’ve collected.”
    “What do you use it for?”
    “I track the individual cows’ production, which means how many calves they have each year, the quality of their babies, etc. I keep track of which pastures I plant each year, so I can successfully rotate crops, figure how much hay I produce and how much feed I need to buy. And, of course, I keep my finances on it—if I ever get caught up putting in my bills.”
    “I could enter some of the information for you. It would give me something to do that wouldn’t be too physically demanding…if you want me to.”
    “Are you serious?” J.D. asked. “It would be great for me, if you don’t mind.”
    “I don’t mind. I enjoy using a