Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble Page A

her seat. Craning her neck, she wished she could go watch them, but there was no time today. But someday she would learn just what cowboys did.
    Nate stopped at the barn and got down. He tossed the buckboard reins to a ranch hand, then stepped over to help Lucy and Eileen.
    Eileen planted a kiss on his cheek when he lifted her down. “I like you for a brother.”
    He grinned. “I think you make a pretty nice sister too.”
    Warmth spread up Lucy’s neck. She stood to get down, then lost her balance when she started to step out. He caught her before she could tumble to the ground. Pressed against his hard chest, she caught the aroma of the soap he’d used to wash his hair. The pleasant, masculine scent, combined with his proximity, made her swallow hard.
    His eyes lingered on her lips while his hands spanned her waist. Looking deep into his eyes, she felt a connection she’d never experienced. She stepped away and put a trembling hand to her hair to make sure it was still in place. Nate’s hand dropped, and Eileen took it as though he had put it down for her. Her small fingers curled around his big hand. Nate exchanged an amused look with Lucy.
    “Watch it or she’ll have you wrapped around her little finger,” Lucy whispered.
    “Too late,” Nate whispered back, leading them toward the door. “I was lost when she let the calf suck her fingers. She has a lot of spirit like her sister.” He glanced away. “I never did say thank you for your sharpshooting.”
    “It was the least I could do for making you give up your pet.” A slight shudder passed through her frame.
    “You replaced Zeke with Bridget.”
    “At least Bridget looks good with hair.”
    Nate grinned. “Zeke would be offended that you didn’t care for his haircut.”
    “He’s lucky I didn’t have my way. If I had, he would have been bald and flattened.”
    Nate chuckled. The door swung open, and Doc Cooper let himself out. His lean face held a trace of worry, and Lucy tensed with concern.
    The mirth left Nate’s face as well, and he reached out to touch the doctor’s arm. “How’s Pa?”
    Doc pressed his lips together. “Weaker than I’d like to see him. He had another spell a few hours ago.”
    Nate’s face went white. “I should have been here.”
    “No, no. Percy fetched me, and your pa is resting comfortably.”
    “We’d better stay here instead of at my place.”
    Doc nodded. “Couldn’t hurt, providing the old coot will let you coddle him a bit. I’m not telling you anything you don’t know when I say your pa is the most stubborn man I know.”
    A ghost of a smile lifted one corner of Nate’s mouth. “He’s ornerier than a newly branded calf when he’s sick. I’m not sure my—my wife is up to this.”
    The doctor’s eyebrows went up to his hairline. “I wondered who this pretty lady was, Nate. Where you been hiding her?” He turned to Lucy and nodded. “These cowpokes have needed a woman’s hand for a long time. It’s a big job, though, missus. I’ll be prayin’ for you to withstand the strain.”
    Lucy laughed and took hold of his hand. “Until you’ve faced matrons determined to fit into clothes two sizes too small for them, you don’t know what strain is, Dr. Cooper. I think I can handle two cantankerous men. But the prayers would be most welcome.”
    The doctor guffawed and slapped his hat on his leg. “You’ve got your work cut out for you handlin’ this little woman, Nate. I wish I could be a fly on the wall and watch.” Still grinning, he went toward his buckboard. “Send Percy if you need me.” He climbed into the seat.
    Sneaking a peek at Nate, Lucy caught his stare fixed on her with an expression on his face she couldn’t read. “I’m sorry, Mr. Stanton. I didn’t mean to cause you embarrassment,” she whispered. “When will I ever learn to watch my tongue?”
    “I thought you handled yourself right well. Doc’s sense of humor can be pretty intimidating. I was proud of you.”
    A lump