Free Blackstone's Bride by Teresa Southwick

adjust, that I didn’t want to have to tan him. But I’m beginning to think—”
    She stopped swinging and stood up. “Are you sure that’s the answer?”
    “I don’t know what else to do.” He looked completely bewildered.
    “Try giving him some of your time first.”
    “What makes you think I haven’t?”
    “Have you?”
    “Some, but—”
    “Have you taken the time to at least eat breakfast and dinner with them?” He started to answer and she pointed at him. “The morning I was here doesn’t count.”
    “Then no, but I get up before daybreak—”
    She sighed. “Jarrod, please tell me you’ve tucked them into bed at night.”
    He let out a long breath. “You don’t understand, Abby. It’s easy for you to judge me when you’re standing on the outside looking in. You have no idea what I’m up against running a ranch this big, and now having to worry aboutfour kids.” He ran a hand through his hair. “They found the waterfall where Sally and I used to go. But the two youngest can’t swim. What if they disobey me and drown?”
    “Jarrod, I—”
    “They’re into everything. They’re just playing, but it’s dangerous. Accidents happen to grown men who know to be careful. When I have to be away, I never know what I’ll find when I come back.”
    Abby felt terrible, especially when she looked closer and noticed the dark circles under his eyes, the weary slump of his shoulders. Now she knew it had been worry and lack of sleep that carved the lines around his eyes and forehead.
    “Is Katie still waking up?” she asked gently.
    He nodded. “Like clockwork. She has the same bad dream every night.”
    Abby didn’t have the heart to stay mad at him, especially when he looked so worn-out. “She’s been through a lot. When she feels secure, the dream will stop. Maybe if you put her in Lily’s room—”
    “I thought of that. It didn’t help. She just woke all of them up. At least if I go to her, no one else is disturbed. The days seem to be more peaceful that way,” he said wryly.
    “If you don’t spend time with them, how would you know?”
    “The hands take turns staying behind to keep an eye on things.”
    He was right. She hadn’t the vaguest notion what he went through. But surely with a little common sense he could get through until Bea had the household under control.
    “I have a suggestion,” she said.
    “What?”
    His gray eyes narrowed as he shot her a wary look. Why that expression caused her heart to beat a little faster, she couldn’t say. But for some reason, it made her see what she had been trying hard to forget or at least to ignore in the days since she’d been here. He was a fine-looking man. A fact that kept jumping into her mind eventhough the distance between Hollister and Blackstone Ranch separated them.
    She turned until her shoulder brushed his arm and they stood side by side, staring at the front porch. “Take Tom with you when you leave in the morning.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Whatever you have planned for the day, take Tom with you. My guess is the mischief is his way of getting your attention. So give him what he wants. Sooner or later he’s got to learn about the ranch.”
    “He’s just a boy. I leave before sunup.”
    “It won’t kill him. He’ll go to bed earlier. Tom’s a boy who’s getting bigger every day. Why, I swear he’s grown a foot since I last saw him. Makes me wonder if the clothes I brought from the mercantile will fit.”
    “So you think all I need to do is give him some notice and spend some time with him?”
    “That’s right. It doesn’t have to take you away from work. Include him in what you’re doing. Explain things. Teach him.”
    “Might slow me down some.”
    “Might. But at least you’ll have him where you can see him. You won’t have to worry about what he’s up to while you’re gone.”
    He nodded absently and gave Abby a small smile. “There is that.”
    The fact that he didn’t dismiss her idea