Free Cassie's Cowboy Daddy by Kathie DeNosky Page B

whisker burn.” Running his hand across the back of his neck, he shook his head. “Look, I—”
    Cassie’s cheeks heated and she looked away. “Don’t worry about it. It should fade in a couple of days.”
    Logan touched her chin with his index finger, lifting it so her gaze met his. “I’m sorry, Cassie. It won’t happen again. I give you my word.”
    The intense look in his deep blue eyes made her heart twist. Why did it bother her that he was vowing not to kiss her again? Wasn’t that what she wanted, too?
    Dropping his hand, he stepped back, then stared at her for several long seconds. Just when she thought she’d melt from his intense scrutiny, he turned and headed for the door.
    â€œLunch will be ready at noon.”
    â€œDon’t worry about lunch for me,” he called over his shoulder. “I’ll be down at the foreman’s cabin until suppertime. Maybe longer.”
    When she heard his truck roar to life, she sighed. “Well, I guess that settles that.” She looked down at her happy daughters. “Looks like we’re on our own this morning, girls. At least, until Ginny finally decides to get up and greet the day.”
    Four hours later Cassie glanced at the clock, then at the stairs. She hated to bother Ginny, since she was technically on vacation. But the twins would be waking up from their naps soon and Cassie really could use help making lunch. She’d developed a slight headache and so far the tablets she’d taken hadn’t relieved it.
    Just as she made the decision to go upstairs and roust Ginny from bed, the phone rang. Hoping the sound hadn’t disturbed the girls, Cassie grabbed it before it rang a second time.
    â€œLazy Ace Cattle Company.”
    â€œHi, Cass.”
    â€œGinny?” Cassie glanced at the stairs. So muchfor her theory about Ginny sleeping in. “Where are you?”
    â€œCheyenne.” Ginny sounded breathless and…happier than Cassie could ever remember.
    â€œIs Hank with you?” she asked, already sure she knew the answer.
    â€œYes, he is.” Ginny giggled. “Cass, Hank and I got married last night.”
    Cassie felt as if the floor tilted beneath her feet. “You did what?”
    Ginny laughed. “You heard me.”
    â€œMy God, Ginny, you’ve known him less than a week.”
    Her friend was silent a moment. “I know I haven’t known Hank very long, but I really love him, Cass.”
    Cassie sighed. “Well, you know I’m happy for you. I’m just in shock.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Cass. I know I always said you’d be my maid of honor when I got married, but Hank swept me off my feet. Listen, I don’t have time to talk right now. As soon as Hank gets back with breakfast—”
    â€œIt’s time for lunch,” Cassie said dryly.
    â€œOh, yeah. I suppose you’re right,” Ginny said, giggling. “Anyway, when Hank gets back, we’re heading down to Denver for a short honeymoon. He wanted me to have you tell Logan that we’ll be back in about a week.” In the background, Cassie could hear someone pounding on a door. “Just a minute, darling. Listen, Cassie, I have to go. Take care and we’ll see you in a week.”
    When the line went dead, Cassie stared at the phone for a full minute before placing the receiverback on its cradle. Ginny marrying Hank had been a huge surprise. But what shocked Cassie more than anything was the wave of longing that had coursed through her—was still coursing through her—at Ginny’s announcement.
    Hank had adored Ginny from the moment they met. What would it be like to be loved like that? To be married to someone who loved his spouse more than he loved himself?
    She certainly hadn’t had that with her late husband. Even if Stan had lived, their marriage wouldn’t have lasted. Two days before he died in that car accident, he’d