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

Everything had been going great—the ride, the food, the laughter. So how did it all go to hell? Cole knew he could let Jack walk out of his life if that’s what the man wanted. But the questions would dog him forever. No, he wasn’t going to let it end without knowing how he’d screwed up. “You have to explain what’s going through your head. If I’ve insulted you, I apologize. But please, tell me what’s wrong.”


Jack paused his movements and gave Cole a dull-eyed look. “I get it. You brought me here to warn me off. You were just being kind, and I’ve presumed too much.” He sighed and murmured, “I’m not that lucky.”


Chapter 18