cantile window. It was strange for the store t

u with somethi

ff standing behind him, "Looking for

t didn't recognize you. Ho

r my parents. W

ister and your ma is out with Gracie Lace

le. Can you tell me wh

e sheriff walked over to help Mary Ann and Grace from

wered with a smile. "How are

e. What're you

e to stay alone." Grace gave Mary Anne a grateful smile as the

arm, Mary Anne bustled over to her tall dusty son and wrapped him in

he sheriff as they watched t

rangerin' for a while. " the sheriff leaned closer and whispered to Grace, "now they don't appreciate this kinda gossip, but rumor has it he quit rangerin' after he married a city gal, but he just couldn't

his neck to the scuffed black boots- he was a man that commanded respect. Without saying a word, his hard look and straight posture said he was a man that you didn't cross. Grace felt a shive

herself upset she hadn't see approval in his eyes. Sure, she wasn't a city woman like his rumored wife was but she was a survivor. Straightening her posture, Grace decided in that moment that she wouldn't beg pity or concern from anyone. She h

isn't easy having all of my babies lo in so far away from me." Mary

s tired. Mary Anne and Vance remained at the tab

es." Vance said with a rather pointed glanc

frown puckered her brow. "She is a swe

ett Lace was a name well known among the Texas R

ame." Mary

ned to Ranger Lace. His daughter was here and he wasn't. Another small part in his mind told him not to care. Knowing only led to softer feelings and Vance didn't want

ad troubles in her life. Her round freckled face and soft brown eyes led you t

a mind to, Vance was sure he could get lost in those bottomless soulful brown eyes. Her nose had the most adorable freckles, though if he knew girls he knew she probably didn't find them so adorable. Her lips caught his attention, mainly because they were so unique. They for

ded them like the plague and life had gone on perfectly well for him. Why was this girl, this Rangers daughter with the heart shaped lips, the one that would make him struggle to keep t

spend as little time around her as poss

u haven't heard one word I'v

mama. What d

ack because I think you c

asked as he sipped a

elate to her pain. Help her to cope. In fact, it would be marvelous

ompletely different circumstances. I healed on

't as different as you'

from the table. "She's your wo

mothers cheek. "I'm gonna hit

s older, yes, but he seemed so cold and sad. It was as if his spirit was dead. And his feelings. "I guess Gracie isn't the only one who needs to heal." She said into the silence. "I wonder if...