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

Maybe Greta and Lee were wrong. Maybe it was too much. He looked at Jack’s smiling face, and that shimmering tug in his chest started up again. Okay, food first. Then he’d force himself to speak his mind—and his heart. If it all turned to shit?—well, so be it. Jack was worth the risk.


Cole unzipped the cooler and started pulling out the lunch Lee had packed for them. Unwrapping the sandwiches, he sniffed appreciatively and peeked inside. “Mmm. Looks like chicken and bacon with ranch dressing on wheat or roast beef with horseradish on pumpernickel. He held up one of each. “Which one is calling your name?”


Cole shoved one of each into Jack’s hands. “How about both?”


Laughing, the man answered, “I like the way you think.”


Chapter 17