Lisa Gray

Horses, a sympathetic ear, or a good night’s sleep. Cole Woodruff, owner of the Lazy W Dude Ranch, supplies whatever his guests need. But when Jack Harmon arrives, Cole’s own desires clamor to be met. Should he risk the ranch to satisfy what might be nothing more than an itch? And even if Jack turns out to be that special man Cole’s yearned for, is it right to move forward when a vulnerable child is involved? Not long ago, Jack was awarded custody of his son Alex after the sudden death of the boy’s mother. Out on the road for all of his son’s life, what does he know about being a dad? Sleepless nights spent worrying have worn Jack to a raw nerve. Visiting the dude ranch with Alex, Jack delights in Cole's friendship. And the way Cole’s warm, wonderful voice is so soothing, it cradles Jack to sleep whenever they’re together. Jack aches to spend every night dreaming in the big cowboy's arms. But can a lullaby last forever? Or will the dream fade when morning comes?

Cowboy Lullaby

Resolution taken, he wolfed down a meal of fluffy scrambled eggs, smoked ham, and the best biscuits he’d ever tasted.


Just as they were about to get up and follow the last of the guests outside, the cook, Greta, came into the dining room. She frowned at seeing it nearly empty. Zeroing in on Jack and Alex, she asked, “Do you folks know where Cole’s been?”


Jack shook his head and gave a carefully worded response. “I haven’t seen him this morning.”


She snorted. “Damn fool sneaked out of here with no breakfast. Can’t figure what’s going on in that man’s head.” She shot Jack a long, speculative look, then started stacking the dishes. A moment later, she glanced up. “What are you two still doing here? You’ll miss the tour. Now, git!”


Both of them snapped out a “Yes, ma’am!” at the same moment and fled. Covering their mouths to block the laughter, they headed to the corral.


Chapter 7