Free A Baby in the Bunkhouse by CATHY GILLEN THACKER

should take the rest of the day off,” Rafferty’s father advised.
    Jacey hesitated. “I’m not sure that’s fair.”
    Eli clamped a paternal hand on her shoulder. “Fall roundup is going to continue for another two weeks. You haven’t had any time off since you’ve been here. You need to be out doing what women do today. Black Friday—isn’t that what they call it?”
    â€œBecause of all the crowds and holiday sales?”
    Eli nodded.
    â€œI’m going to do most of my shopping on the Internet this year,” Jacey admitted. “But I would like to get into Summit, look around.” She hadn’t had time thus far to see much except the hospital, grocery store and pediatrician’s office. The weeks on the ranch had left her feeling a little stir-crazy. And she could use some new reading material. She decided to take Eli up on his offer, got Caitlin ready for their outing and left for town.
    Jacey’s first stop was the library.
    Filling out the application form was easy. All she had to do was prove she was a resident of Summit County—and thereby eligible for a card. “I’m working at Lost Mountain Ranch,” Jacey explained.
    The librarian behind the information desk, a petite and pretty blonde about Jacey’s age, smiled. “That’s one of our historic ranches,” she said cheerfully.
    Jacey cradled a sleeping Caitlin to her chest. “How long has it been around?” she asked curiously.
    â€œI’m not really sure. We could look.” The librarian typed in another command. “I don’t think there are any books written on it, but there are plenty of newspaper articles.” She paused. “What would you like to know?”
    Whether or not I should stay on there, for starters.
    Jacey struggled to contain her emotions. “I’m just trying to learn more about the area in general.” And Rafferty in particular. Was he the kind of man she should even be thinking about getting involved with, never mind kissing?
    Noting Jacey’s confusion, the librarian leaned across the desk and confided, “I know this is none of my business, but…watch out for Rafferty Evans. He’s left a string of broken hearts from here to Big Bend National Park.”
    A trickle of unease went down Jacey’s spine. “You’re saying he’s a player?”
    The librarian hesitated, then continued typing Jacey’s information into the computer, her expression one of quiet distress. “All I can tell you is that I dated him for two months, six years ago. He was so incredibly good to me. I thought we were getting serious. Next thing I know—” she shook her head, remembering “—he’s easing away from me, ever so kindly, the same way he eased away from all his other girlfriends when he began to lose interest. Which he always seems to do for one reason or another…. No one thought he would marry at all until Angelica came along. But then,” she said, shrugging her slender shoulders dejectedly, “what man in his right mind can resist a beautiful model?”
    What man indeed? Jacey thought. “Were they happy?” she asked before she could stop herself.
    The librarian gestured unknowingly. “They certainly should have been. They had everything going for them.” She paused, her eyes full of sympathy. “I’ll say this—it’ll be a miracle if Rafferty Evans ever settles down again.”
    Â 
    R AFFERTY KNEW something was up. At lunch break on Monday, the hired hands approached him.
    â€œJust out of curiosity, boss,” Stretch opened the discussion. “Did you do or say anything to Jacey that might have upset her?”
    I kissed her and would have made love to her if we both hadn’t come to our senses.
    â€œYeah, she’s been real quiet,” Curly said, worriedly.
    Red opened his lunch pail. “Happy cooking and taking care of