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

“Aren’t your responsibilities to Alex more important?”


Jack knew he shouldn’t antagonize the man caring for Alex, but exhaustion had scraped his emotions raw. “It’s easy for youto criticize, but I’m his sole support. It’s all up to me to pay the bills, send him to college. I need my job.”


“I get it. God knows, I’m no role model, but after our parents died, I pretty much raised Lee. Like you, I obsessed about how to support my brother. Still do. But I was lucky—I had Lee with me while I built this ranch. Your job tears you away from Alex. How can you keep on doing something you know is hurting both of you?”


Chapter 12