Free Yuletide Cowboy by Debra Clopton Page B

was in a ponytail and she wore a soft blue sweater that made her skin radiant. “I’m just starting.”
    He also didn’t want to tell her that it didn’t matter if she’d been working all day it wasn’t going to get any better. “I was just passing by and thought I’d drop by. You know, see how you were this morning.” He’d gone in for coffee at Sam’s and been put through more of the same from Sam, App and Stanley. He couldn’t explain in front of the twins that he needed to talk to her, so he left it at that. “This is going to be the floor, I’m thinking.” He tried to sound light.
    She didn’t find that amusing. “We’re learning.”
    â€œWe got a mess.” Jack crossed his little arms and studied the situation seriously. He looked like a miniature man contemplating his next move.
    â€œSure do,” Gavin agreed. “Momma done nailed that board on there nine hundred times!”
    Jack crunched his eyebrows looking up at Chance. “We’re havin’ a learn’n’ experience, all right.”
    â€œHey, it’s not that bad.” Lynn chuckled, and then sighed. “But close. Apparently I have no talent with a hammer and on top of that I have no clue what I’mdoing. But we’re getting there. We are definitely having a learning experience.”
    Chance felt for her. His own unease lessened a bit. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” He didn’t want to talk about the money from the auction in front of the boys.
    â€œSure. Boys, why don’t you go get a carton of juice. You deserve a break.”
    Both boys yelped excitedly and started toward the house only to halt.
    â€œAre you gonna help us?” Gavin asked.
    Chance felt a tug on his heartstrings. What did he say to that? He couldn’t overstep their mother. “We’ll see.”
    That got him two frowns. Lynn intervened. “Go on now and get your juice. You can add a cookie, too.”
    The offer was too sweet to pass up, bringing big grins as they raced each other to the back door. Tiny trailed them, flopping on the step to wait when they disappeared inside.
    It was quiet the moment the door slammed shut behind them. Feeling suddenly ill at ease, Chance snagged his hat from his head and held it in both hands. “I came to tell you that my cousins gave the donation to the shelter with no strings attached. I didn’t want you to feel bad or worry that your decision caused them not to get the money.”
    Her shoulders relaxed and her pretty eyes softened. “Thank you. I didn’t want them to lose out on such a generous donation because I didn’t accept the offer.”
    It was easy to see that she was a nice lady, just guarded. And hurt, giving her every right to protect her self. He couldn’t help being curious about her. “I know we talkedabout this last night but I just want you to understand that my family meant well. They really did. They just overstepped their boundaries. The Turners are known for being overzealous at times. Or maybe the word is overbearing. ”
    Lynn’s shoulder lifted slightly. “Overzealous can be a good thing. I’m just into planning my own life these days. I hope people can understand that. If I hurt any feelings I’m sorry, but that’s just the way it has to be.”
    Her back stiffened. She was closing the door between them again.
    â€œYou need to do what works best for you, Lynn.” He glanced again at the poor tree house. “I could help if you’d like me to.”
    â€œNo,” she said too quickly. “We’ll figure it out.”
    That was easy enough. And for the best, he guessed.
    â€œI’ll head out then. I just wanted to tell you not to worry. You have a right to turn their offer down.”
    She nodded. He wondered why she was so wary. Of course it was easy to figure out that she came from an abusive situation,