When she couldn’t see them anymore for the tears she was fighting, she walked toward the car. “Come on, Sylvia. I’ll drive us back to our cabin and fix you a cup of coffee.” Her mother-in-law was a big coffee drinker.

  “I like the sound of that.” Sylvia handed her the keys. “This is very beautiful country,” she said as they drove through the sage. “When we saw the brochure on the internet, I couldn’t appreciate it the way I do now.”

  “You have to be here and see those Tetons to realize the grandeur.”

  “You love it here as much as Johnny does, don’t you?”

  With that serious inflection in Sylvia’s voice, it was the kind of question that deserved a totally honest answer. “Yes.”

  Tracy pulled the car up to the cabin and they went inside. “The bathroom is through there, Sylvia. While you freshen up, I’ll fix us some coffee.” Her mother-in-law liked it with cream and sugar. Tracy added a few snacks to a tray and put it on the coffee table.

  A few minutes later they were both ensconced on the couch. “This is a very charming cabin, sunny. So was the dining room at the ranch house. You say this whole ranch belongs to Mr. Lundgren?”

  Instead of the usual chitchat about family, Sylvia had zeroed in on Carson. Tracy couldn’t say she was surprised. “Yes. The Teton Valley Ranch has been in their family since the early 1900s. His grandparents raised him here after his parents were killed. Carson’s grandfather died recently and left him everything.”

  “Johnny told us he isn’t married. He’s certainly young to have so much responsibility.”

  Oh, Sylvia... “There’s no one more capable.”

  “Obviously. Why does he cough so much?”

  Tracy explained about him and his friends who’d met at Walter Reed. “Because of their illness, they were discharged from the military and decided to make this place into a dude ranch.

  “Next month, another family they’re honoring will be arriving. The plan is to take care of several more war widows with children by the time summer is over. They’re quite remarkable men.”

  “I agree.”

  Tracy moistened her lips nervously. “Sylvia, why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”

  “I wanted to, but Vincent felt it would be more fun to surprise you. You know how much he loves Johnny. Every time he looks at him, he sees Tony. It was hard for him to see you two leave on this trip.”

  “And hard for you, too, I bet,” Tracy added.

  Sylvia teared up. “Yes, but I was glad for you to have this opportunity and told him. He was morose after you left. It came as a shock to hear Johnny talk about this man over the phone. He didn’t mention his father once.”

  I know.

  “That upset Vincent so much, especially after we’d heard Natalie telling Sally about this exciting cowboy you met. After we got off the phone with Johnny, Vincent called to make reservations to fly out here.”

  It was exactly as Tracy had thought. Her father-in-law had felt threatened.

  “Don’t be upset with Vincent, Tracy. He’s different since Tony died, because he doesn’t want anything to change. He wants to be there for you and Johnny.”

  “I know that, Sylvia, and I love him for it.”

  “But you didn’t like our coming here out of the blue. If you could have seen your face.” She reached over to squeeze Tracy’s hand. “I don’t need to ask what this man means to Johnny. What I want to know is, how much does he mean to you?”

  Tracy’s heart was thudding so hard, she had to get up from the couch. “I— It’s hard to put into words,” her voice faltered.

  “That means it’s serious.”

  She wheeled around. “It could be,” she answered with all the truth in her, “but I don’t mean to hurt you or Dad. You know Tony was my life.”

  “Hey—you forget I’m a woman, too.” She got to her feet. “Our son has been dead for a year. I have eyes in my head. When this tall, blue-eyed god walked toward our table in the dining room, he made my heart leap.”

  “Oh, Sylvia—” Tracy reached out and hugged her mother-in-law. She’d never loved her more than at this moment. For a few minutes they both cried. Finally Tracy pulled away and wiped her eyes. “He’s asked me to stay on so we can really get to know each other.”

  “Does Johnny know this?”

  “No, and I don’t want him to know.” Having broken down this far, Tracy decided to tell Sylvia everything and ended up admitting all her reservations. “After losing Tony, if it didn’t work out, Johnny could be severely damaged. I told Carson it wouldn’t work and that’s the way we’ve left it.”

  “If, if—” Sylvia exclaimed dramatically. “You can’t worry about the ifs! Do you remember Frankie, who was killed two years ago battling that warehouse fire?”

  “Yes. It was horrible.”

  “No one thought his wife and daughters would get over it. One of the other firefighters looked out for her, and six months later they were married and expecting a baby of their own. These things happen and they should! What if she’d said she couldn’t risk it? Now she has a father for her girls and a new baby with this man she loves.”

  Tracy was struggling. “How do you think Frankie’s parents felt about it?”

  “At first they had a hard time. Now they’re fine with it.”

  She looked at Sylvia. “Can you honestly see Vincent being fine with this? Carson’s not a firefighter. His life is here, running this ranch. If I were to get to know him better, Johnny and I would have to stay out here, otherwise a relationship wouldn’t be possible.”

  Sylvia’s brows lifted. “You worry too much. Yes, Vincent is having difficulty letting go, but this situation isn’t about your father-in-law or me. You let me worry about him. This is about your life and Johnny’s, what’s best for the two of you. In time you’ll get your answer.”

  “You’re the wisest woman I know. I love you, Sylvia.”

  “I love you, too. I always will. Since neither Vincent nor I have ever been to Yellowstone, he has his heart set on taking Johnny to see the Old Faithful geyser. Why don’t we all leave for the park after the rodeo? He has us booked at Grant Village. That will give us Saturday, Sunday and Monday together. Then we’ll drive you back here to the ranch and leave Tuesday. Perhaps by then you’ll know your mind better.”

  It was a good plan. Three days with his grandparents, and Johnny might realize he was ready to go home to Ohio, especially when he remembered Sam and Rachel would be gone. Three days away from Carson would give Tracy some perspective, too. At the moment she had none.

  * * *

  “WILL YOU COME to our sleepover?”

  Carson smiled at Johnny as he helped him off his pony. “I’ll do better than that. I’ll bring pizza for your going-away party.”

  Johnny frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “You’re leaving for Yellowstone after the rodeo, so I thought we’d celebrate tonight.”

  “But we’ll be back.”

  “I don’t know what your mother’s plans are, Johnny.” Out of the corner of his eye, he watched his grandfather dismount. Carson hated to admit it, but he was a good man who obviously adored his grandson and couldn’t wait to get him home to Ohio.

  Carson’s gut twisted when he thought back to his conversation with Tracy, who loved her in-laws. Their hold on her and Johnny was fairly absolute. “I’ll bring enough for your grandparents, too.” He turned to the others. “Let’s get you guys home so you can get ready for the pizza party.”

  “Yay!” the others cried, but not Johnny.

  Everyone got in the Jeep and they took off. He dropped Sam and Rachel at their cabin, and then headed for Tracy’s. The rental car was out in front. She’d been there all afternoon with her mother-in-law. It was no accident her in-laws had decided to show up. She’d been right about Tony’s family. They were very protective. You don’t have a chance in hell, Lundgren.

  Mr. Baretta sat next to Carson. When he stopped the truck, the older man turned to him. “It’s been a privilege to go riding with you. I can see Johnny has been in the best of hands.” He shook Carson’s hand and got out to help his grandson.

  Since he couldn’t handle seeing Tracy right now, Carson went straight to the ranch house without looking back. He made a beeline for the kitchen and put in an order for pizza for six. While he was at it, he’d bring the chaps for Sam.

  He saw Ross and Buck in the office. “I’m glad you’re both here.” He walked inside and shut the door.

  Ross eyed him curiously. “The Harrises told us Johnny’s grandparents showed up.”

  “You heard right.”

  “That’s interesting,” Buck muttered on a cough. “What’s going on?”

  “They’ve missed Johnny and came to get him. Under the circumstances, I need a favor.”

  “Anything.”

  “You know I’m taking the kids to the rodeo tomorrow night, but during the day I need to work with the foreman. Ross, will you take the kids riding? I’ll get one of the staff to take the other guests fishing.”

  His dark brows furrowed. “Johnny’s not going to like it. You know that.”

  “It’s the only way to handle it. Tracy expects me to help make the parting easier for him. Her father-in-law let me know they’re leaving for Yellowstone right after the rodeo and will be flying back to Salt Lake from there. I’ve decided that it’ll be the best to say goodbye with a crowd around.”

  “I get it. Of course I’ll do it. Did Tracy know they were coming?”

  “I don’t think so. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I can’t be sure. It doesn’t matter, does it? They’re here, and Tracy will be leaving tomorrow for good.”

  The guys stared hard at him. “It does matter if she didn’t want them to show up,” Buck said.

  “Want to make a bet? I spent part of the afternoon with Tony Baretta’s father. He’s a crusty fire chief from a long line of firefighters and he’s tougher than nails. It kind of explains Tony,” Carson bit out. A coughing spell followed. It was always worse for all of them this time of day. “I’ve got to get my inhaler. I’ll see you guys later.”

  Carson went to his bedroom to medicate himself. After his shower, he left for Jackson to buy those chaps for Sam. He’d buy two more pair, for Rachel and Johnny, but he’d tell Monica and Tracy to hide them in their suitcases so they’d find them after they got home. The last thing he wanted was to take away the fun from Sam who’d been the winner.

  He would miss those kids like crazy. It was then he realized what a huge transformation he’d undergone since Tracy had arrived. But he couldn’t allow himself to think about that right now.

  Later, as he was coming out of the Boot Corral with his purchases, he bumped into Carly Bishoff. “Hey, Carly.” He tipped his hat to her. “How’s the best barrel racer in Teton County? I hear you’re going to win tomorrow night.”

  “You’re planning to be there?”

  “I am.”

  The good-looking redhead flashed him a winning smile. “I’d be a lot better if you ever gave me a call. I’ve been waiting since high school. Do you want to hook up after the rodeo?” She’d thrown that invitation out before, but he’d never taken her up on it.

  “Why not?” he asked, shocking himself. It was his pain speaking, but he couldn’t take it back. Tomorrow night he needed help, or he wouldn’t get through it after Tracy and Johnny drove off.

  “Did I hear you right, cowboy?”

  “You sure did.”

  “Then you know where to find me after.”

  “It’s a date.”

  He headed for his Jeep, already regretting what he’d done. She was a great girl. Hell and hell.

  With the pizza order ready, he was able to pick it up and head straight for the Harrises’ cabin. When he knocked on their door, Monica greeted him. He learned the kids had already gone and Ralph was in the shower. Carson was in luck.

  “Will you hide these from Rachel until you get back to Florida? I’m giving Sam his prize tonight.”

  “She’ll be thrilled!” Monica exclaimed. “Honestly, Carson, you’ve made this a dream vacation. We’ll never forget.”

  “Neither will I, believe me. See you tomorrow when we all leave for the rodeo.”

  “We can’t wait.”

  “Have fun tonight.”

  “Thanks to Tracy, we definitely will. She’s a wonderful person.”

  She’s more than that. “I couldn’t agree more. Good night.”

  The children were running around outside shooting their cap guns when Carson pulled up to Tracy’s cabin. The Barettas’ rental car was parked along the side. They all came running up to the Jeep.

  “Pizza delivery!” he called out.

  The kids whooped it up and scrambled around to take the cartons inside.

  “Just a minute, Sam,” he called him back. “This present is for you.” He handed him a sack with the chaps.

  Sam looked inside and broke into a big smile. “Thanks, Carson! Wait till I show my parents!”

  He ran into the cabin with Rachel and Johnny. Carson followed them. He needed to tell Tracy to come out to the Jeep so he could secretly give her Johnny’s present, but she saved him the trouble by coming outside. For the moment, they were alone. She was so beautiful, he couldn’t stop staring.

  “H-Hi.” She sounded out of breath. “I can’t believe you brought pizza.”

  “It’s a going-away party. What else could I do?”

  Her hazel eyes went suspiciously bright. “Johnny’s been worried about that.”

  He grimaced. “I haven’t been too happy about it myself. What did you tell him?”

  “Nothing I said has comforted him.”

  “He’ll be all right once you’re on the road with your in-laws. I bought him chaps, but I suggest you put them in the rental car so the other kids don’t see them. He wanted to win.”

  “Johnny hasn’t gotten over it. Do you know why? Because he wanted you to be proud of him.”

  His throat swelled. “He’s the best, Tracy.”

  When she took the sack from him, he could feel her tremble. “Won’t you stay and eat with us? Vincent said the ride was a special treat for him. That’s all because of you.”

  “I’m glad, but didn’t you know seven is a crowd when you’re already a party of six?” he asked pointedly, half hoping she’d beg him to stay. But of course she didn’t, and he would have been forced to turn her down anyway. “Ross will take the kids riding tomorrow. If you and your in-laws want to meet me in front of the ranch house at quarter after four, you can follow me to the rodeo grounds. It starts at five. Have a fun sleepover. If there’s anything you need, call the desk. Good night.”

  Chapter Ten

  If a horse had kicked her in the stomach, knocking her flat, Tracy couldn’t have been more incapacitated as Carson got back in his Jeep and drove off without hesitation. She would never see him alone again. Being at the rodeo with him, surrounded by family and hundreds of other people, wasn’t the same thing.

  This was it! With children and in-laws to entertain, she couldn’t run after him right now. And even if she could, what would she say? The talk with Sylvia had taken away a lot of her guilt to do with the family, but she was no closer to making a decision. Johnny was the key. She had to put him above every other consideration.

  If she decided to stay on, how long would it be before Johnny wanted to go home? But if she went home, and he ended up grieving for Carson as well as his father, it could end up a nightmare.

  In agony, she went back in the cabin to supervise the evening’s activities.

  Her in-laws stayed until it was time to get the children to bed. They planned to come by at ten tomorrow to take everyone fishing, including the Harris children who enjoyed Johnny’s grandparents a lot. Sylvia and Vincent really were the greatest. With so many grandchildren, they’d had enough practice.

  On the surface Johnny went along and entered into the fun as much as he could because he loved his grandparents, but his heart wasn’t in it. Tracy knew her son. The light Carson had put there had gone out again, because Johnny knew they would be leaving the ranch for good tomorrow.

  How much could she trust it to be a crush on Carson that he’d get over in a few weeks? Or could it be the real thing? She’d been asking herself the same question where her feelings for Carson were concerned, but the answer was easy. When he’d driven away in the Jeep, she’d felt her heart go with him. Somehow during this last week he’d stolen it from her. Now that it was his, she couldn’t take it back. She didn’t want to.

  What if Johnny were suffering the same way? Children were so open and honest. That night at the lake after Johnny’s nightmare, he’d told Carson he loved him before saying good-night. At the time, she’d assumed he’d said it because his emotions were in turmoil after such a bad dream.

  But now Tracy wasn’t so sure. She thought back to the many times Johnny had spent with his uncles. He loved being with them and had wonderful experiences, but she couldn’t recall him ever saying he loved them to their faces in a one-on-one situation with no one else around. Only a certain cowboy held that honor, but he was gone.

  Her thoughts came full circle to that night at the lake. When Johnny’s declaration of love for Carson came blurting out, she realized it had to have been born in the deepest recesses of his soul.

  With that memory weighing her down, she finally got everyone to bed. They’d planned for Rachel to sleep on the couch so Johnny and Sam could share the other bedroom. But in the end, Johnny said he wanted to sleep with her.