The Perfect Couple

“Well—” Susan cast a sly smile her way “—nothing is carved in stone. Maybe he'll change his mind once he gets to know you better.”

“No.”

“Of course he will. You're smart, and pretty, and—”

Kara interrupted. “I mean, no, I don't intend to get to know the man any better than I already do. I've had enough of Tyler Corbett to last me a lifetime.”

Susan was grinning. “I notice you didn't say you think he's ugly.”

“He isn't ugly, he's—” Blushing, Kara broke off in midsentence.

“Aha! I thought so. You did notice how good-looking the guy is. Maybe there's hope for you yet.”

“I am not interested in getting involved with another man, no matter how good he looks in a Stetson,” Kara insisted. “Not ever. And certainly not a person as opinionated and short-tempered as Tyler Corbett.”

“Don't be so sure. After all, just because a man isn't quiet and refined like Alex was doesn't mean he won't be every bit as easy to get along with, once you get to know him.” Susan paused, studying her sister's pained expression. “What's the matter? What did I say? You look like you're about to cry.”

Kara swallowed hard and steeled herself for the well-rehearsed denial she was ready to recite. Then it occurred to her that to do so would be to perpetuate a lie. What kind of practice of her faith would that be? Instead, she managed a smile and a diversion.

“I didn't get much sleep last night. I'm over-stressed.” That was certainly true. She eyed the crumpled money Susan was still holding. “I had company, remember?”

“Did he yell at you?” Susan asked, chagrined.

“A little. Don't worry about it, okay?” Turning, Kara looped an arm around her sister's shoulders and guided her toward the front desk. “It's almost time to open and you haven't put out the display of flea collars that came in yesterday. Think you'll have time to do it this morning?”

“Sure. No sweat.” Susan smiled slightly. “I'm sorry if I seemed too pushy. I just hate to see you all alone like this. I feel kind of sorry for Tyler, too, so I thought—”

“What part of no don't you understand?”

She brightened, her eyes twinkling. “Hey. I've got an idea. How about the new manager at the feed store? Would you like to meet him? I hear he's single.”

“Susan…”

“Okay, okay. But you can't enjoy being a recluse. I know you too well to believe that. There's a man for you somewhere. I'll just have to keep looking till I find him.”

“Aaargh!” Wheeling, Kara gave up and headed for the kennel. There was no reasoning with Susan when she was in one of her Ms.-Fix-It moods. As the younger of the two sisters, Kara had always looked up to Susan and admired her, even after they'd become adults. But this was one battle Susan was going to lose. No way was Kara going to allow herself to become romantically involved with another man. It was too scary an idea to even consider. She'd had her fill of men. And of marriage.

Shaking her head to punctuate her decision she made her way between the rows of smaller animal cages, her mind wandering. Yes, Tyler Corbett was good-looking. More than that, his tenderness toward helpless animals had spoken to her heart. But that was the end of her involvement. At this point, she didn't even care if she collected the full amount due for treatment of the injured pup he'd brought in. It would be worth it to write off the remainder of the bill if that meant she wouldn't have to face Tyler again.

Kara shivered. Truth to tell, she found she was actually starting to like him.

That inclination scared her far more than anything else had for a long, long time.

Kara was still insisting she wanted nothing to do with romance a week later, even though she was driving toward the Corbett ranch.

“This is all Susan's fault,” she said to the drowsy puppy lying on the car seat beside her. “So help me, if she tries anything funny I'm going to disown her.”

The pup thumped its thin tail and rested its chin on her lap, looking up at her with sad, brown eyes.

“If it wasn't for you,” Kara told him, “I wouldn't be doing this.” She laid her hand on his head and smoothed his fur. The cut by his ear was almost healed. His broken leg would take longer.

Recalling her recent conversation with her sister, Kara sighed in resignation.

“So, what are we going to do with Road Kill?” Susan had asked that morning. “We haven't had a single call on that lost-and-found ad you had me put in the paper.”

Kara remembered making a face. “I don't know. I can't take him home with me. My neighbors are already complaining about the greyhound getting out and chasing game, and the rest of my dogs barking too much. Not to mention my cats hunting wild birds.”

“Well,” Susan had drawled, “I could always deliver him to Tyler.” She paused and arched her eyebrows. “Of course, since Mark works for him it might be better if I didn't make him mad. Again.”

“Meaning?” Kara had a feeling she wasn't going to like the answer.

“I just thought, if you took the pup out to the ranch, I'd be off the hook and Mark wouldn't have to defend my actions to his boss, like before.” She began to pout. “I'm still in the doghouse over that bill I hand delivered.”

“No doubt.”

“Well?”

Kara's eyes narrowed as she studied her seemingly innocent sister. “No tricks.”

“Cross my heart.” Her index finger traced an invisible X on her chest. “I just want to find a good home for the poor puppy, that's all. There's plenty of room on the ranch and nobody cares how much noise those dogs make.”

“Then you and Mark can take him,” Kara said, certain she'd come up with the perfect solution.

“Sorry. Can't. It's not our house, remember? We're not supposed to have pets inside. And it would be too lonely for Road Kill, anyway.”

“Then leave him outside.”

“Where he can get into more trouble or get hurt, again? No way. Tyler has a big, fenced yard for his dog. It would be the perfect place for recuperation.”

“You're not going to drop this, are you?”

Susan had stood her ground and grinned with self-satisfaction. “Nope. I'm right. Admit it.”

Which was why Kara was now driving toward the Corbett ranch in spite of her misgivings. She stroked the puppy's head slowly, gently, taking care to avoid his sore ear. The contact was soothing to both of them. Before she knew it, she'd arrived.

She turned into the gravel drive and drove beneath the iron-work arch marking the main ranch entrance. The only other times she'd been there was when she and Alex had come to treat Tyler's cattle. It seemed strange to be visiting in a quasi-unofficial capacity.

The Corbett ranch had always been impressive. The main house was a sprawling, brick residence that rivaled any in the area for both style and size. This time, though, Kara noticed that the flower beds needed care and the perennial plants were wildly overgrown. Tyler apparently wasn't interested in gardening.

Parking directly in front of the house, she carefully lifted the puppy and started for the porch. “Lord, be with me,” she prayed in a whisper. “And help me find the right words to soften his heart.”

Before she could ring the bell, the door was jerked open.

Kara gasped. “Oh! You startled me.”

“I wish I could say the same,” Tyler countered. “Susan told me you were coming. I called your office as soon as I got back to the house to try to stop you. I'm afraid you've made the trip for nothing. I'm not taking that dog.”

His pigheaded attitude provoked her. “Then why did you bother saving his life?”

“You know I couldn't just leave him there.”

“But you have no qualms about leaving him homeless?”

“That's different.”

“Not the way I see it.” She stood her ground, her chin jutting out stubbornly, her eyes issuing a clear challenge.

“I hate to tell you this, but your opinion doesn't cut it with me, lady.”

“Do you think I'm surprised?” she snapped back. “I don't care what you think of me, or my practice. All I care about right now is finding a place for this poor little helpless puppy to recuperate.”

“So keep him at your place.”

Kara arched her eyebrows. “I wish I could. Unfortunately, my neighbors are already upset about the menagerie I have out there.”

“That's not my problem. It's yours.”

“You're absolutely right.” She extended her bur den toward him and the pup began to wag its skinny tail excitedly. “And this one is yours.”

“Now wait a minute….” Tyler's instinctive reaction was to accept the friendly puppy when she thrust it into his arms. The minute he drew it to his chest it wriggled happily and stretched up to lick the bottom of his chin.

“See?” Kara said, delighted. “Road Kill likes you.”

“Yeah. I see that.”

She watched his telling reaction to the little dog. It warmed her heart. Tyler Corbett might act antisocial toward her but he clearly had a way with animals. He couldn't be all bad. As a matter of fact, he looked thoroughly appealing as he stood there holding the fractious pup. His eyes sparkled with amusement, his mouth was curved into a charming smile, and the weariness seemed to have gone from his face.

It suddenly occurred to Kara that Tyler needed the puppy as much as it needed him. He'd continued with his chores at the ranch and built a new way of life for himself after the loss of his wife, but apparently he didn't have anything in that life that needed his personal attention or his love the way Road Kill did.

Kara cleared the lump from her throat, then said, “I tell you what. How about keeping him just until his leg heals? I'm sure we can find a home for him then.”

“I don't know….” Tyler glanced over his shoulder. “Buster doesn't usually like to share his turf.”

Leaning to one side, Kara peered into the living room. A big, yellow Labrador retriever was lounging on the sofa as if it belonged to him. His muzzle was greying and his eyelids drooped, indicating he was pretty old. “Is that Buster? He doesn't look like he'd even bother getting up to sniff a puppy this small,” Kara said. “Why don't we see?”

Tyler scowled down at her. “You're a determined woman, aren't you?”

“Yup.” With that, she sidestepped and slipped past him. Approaching the sofa, she spoke quietly and extended her hand. “Hello, old boy. Would you like a playmate? Huh? Would you? I'll bet you would.”

Buster lifted his broad head and nosed it beneath her hand to be petted. In the background, she heard Tyler say, “Well, I'll be.”

“What's the matter?”

“Oh, nothing.” He approached slowly, still holding Road Kill up out of the way in case the older dog objected. “I just haven't seen my dog take to anybody that fast before.”

“I love animals,” Kara said.

“Obviously they know it.” He stepped closer. “Okay. Now what? Do we put this one down for Buster to sniff or do you want to hold him to introduce them?”

Relieved, Kara smiled up at him. “I take it this means you've decided to give it a try.”

“It'll be temporary,” Tyler reminded her. “I have plenty to do on the ranch. I don't have a lot of extra time to spend taking care of a puppy.”

Nodding, she said, “I understand.”

There was a strange, faraway quality to her voice which made him wonder what she really meant. “You do?”

“Oh, yes. I threw myself into my work after Alex died, too. It helps. Until I go home and have time to think. I suppose that's why I've taken in so many homeless animals. They give me company and keep my mind occupied.”

Tyler was ashamed of himself. It didn't matter what kind of man Alex Shepherd had been, he'd still been Kara's husband. And she'd suffered the same kind of personal loss he had. Whether he liked it or not, they had a lot in common. No wonder he'd sensed an unexplainable camaraderie when he was in her presence. He'd been unfairly judging her for her husband's sins. In reality she was as much a victim of a meaningless tragedy as he was.

He bent to place the puppy in Kara's lap. “Here. You do the honors while I get us some coffee.”

“I can't stay for coffee.”

“Why not?” he asked pointedly.

“I have to get home and feed my animals.” She shifted Road Kill so his nose faced Buster's and carefully let the two dogs sniff each other. Neither seemed upset about the encounter.

“One cup of coffee won't take long.” He flashed her an amiable smile. “Humor me, okay?”

Kara didn't know what to say. The last thing she wanted to admit was that she was actually enjoying his company, in spite of the way he'd welcomed her at first. There was something soothing about being with Tyler. It was as if she no longer had to worry about doing or saying the wrong thing. He seemed to accept her as she was, not as she thought she should be, and the resulting feeling was strangely peaceful.

“All right. One cup,” Kara said. “Lots of sugar.”

Tyler chuckled. “You've heard about my coffee?”

“No. Why?” She was continuing to monitor the dogs but chanced a quick peek at him. He looked thoroughly amused.

“Dee used to tell me it would dissolve a spoon. Nobody's ever proved it, though.”

“Let's hope I'm not the first,” Kara said with a smile. “Maybe you'd better put some cream in it, too. Just to be on the safe side.”

“Gotcha. Back in a minute.”

She held Road Kill in her lap and continued to rhythmically stroke Buster's head after Tyler left the room. What was wrong with her? Didn't she have any sense? She hadn't come to the ranch to pay a social call or to befriend Tyler Corbett. She'd come to foist an injured dog on him. That was all. So why was she looking forward to a leisurely cup of coffee as if they were old friends?

Because he understands, she answered. And I understand how lonely he feels, too, even though I didn't share the same kind of wonderful love he once had.

Kara gazed down at the puppy, smiled and nodded her head. It looked like the Lord was in the process of healing a lot more than the little dog's broken leg. He was mending Tyler's broken heart, too.

She was glad to be able to help.

Chapter Four

“Here you go.” Tyler held out one of the two mugs he'd just filled. “Lots of cream and sugar.”

Kara carefully lowered the puppy to the rug at her feet and made sure he was comfortable before she reached to accept the steaming coffee. Cradling the hot mug in both hands, she took a whiff. “Mmm, this smells wonderful.”

“Thanks.” He perched on the arm of the sofa, purposely locating Buster between them as a buffer. “I have a question. Why were you the one who brought Road Kill to me? Why didn't you send your sister, instead? She's usually right in the thick of things.”

“No kidding.” Kara blew on the coffee, then took a cautious sip. Her eyes widened. “Wow. You weren't kidding when you described this stuff. I'll bet it keeps you awake all night if you drink much of it.”

“It's decaf,” he countered. “Don't change the subject.”

Eyes lowered, she sensed him studying her, waiting to see if she'd answer at all, let alone be truthful. She looked up as she said, “I came because Susan wanted me to do the honors, just in case.”

“In case of what?” Tyler's brow furrowed.

“In case you got mad.” Kara faced him squarely, surprised that she wasn't nearly as jumpy as usual, considering the gist of their conversation.

“What difference would that make to Susan?”

“Well…” Kara hesitated, taking time to chose her words carefully. “She didn't want to do anything that might adversely affect Mark's position with you, so she—”

Tyler got to his feet so quickly his coffee sloshed. He set the mug aside. “Whoa. Hold it a minute, lady. Do you mean to tell me that you and your sister think I'd be dumb enough to fire the best foreman I've ever had, just because his wife and sister-in-law happen to drive me nuts on a regular basis?”

“Well…”

He muttered under his breath. “You do have a pretty low opinion of me, don't you?”

“No. It's not like that at all,” Kara insisted. Their pleasant conversation had deteriorated so rapidly she felt she'd better try to say or do something that would reverse the negative trend, if only for Susan's sake. Rising, she cautiously stepped over the resting pup.

Tyler folded his arms across his chest and remained resolute as she approached. “Oh? Then how is it?”

“It's a long story.” Kara willed him to understand and hoped she wasn't making a mistake by confiding in him. “Susan and I come from a wonderful family, really we do. It's just that our father had a pretty short temper, sometimes. He yelled a lot. Especially when I was a teen. Susan used to intervene on my behalf all the time.”

Tyler's frown deepened. “What's that got to do with me?”

“Nothing, directly. But we've discussed it more than once and decided that may be the reason she and I tend to avoid unpleasant confrontations whenever possible.”

“I see.”

Kara could tell by the leery look in his eyes and his standoffish posture that he didn't see a thing. That didn't surprise her. None of her friends had ever believed that her dad could be a monster when he lost his temper, either. His company-face was unblemished. Outsiders had never seen him behave irrationally or heard him shout at his family until he was hoarse, so why should they believe the wild tales of an uptight teenager?

And then, heaven help her, she'd married a man just like him. She'd been searching for someone who was kind and gentle, who loved animals as much as she did, and she'd been totally fooled into thinking Alex Shepherd was the perfect choice. She shivered. What irony.

Taking a deep, settling breath Kara managed a nonchalant smile as she turned her back on Tyler and started for the door. “Well, thanks for the coffee. I have to be going.”

He opened his mouth to ask her to stay longer, then changed his mind. Having a normal chat with this woman was impossible. Every time he decided she was intrinsically antisocial, she came up with some revealing tidbit that tugged at his heart so strongly he was tempted to take her in his arms and offer comfort.

His breath caught. Now that would be a mistake to end all mistakes. Half the time, Kara was as prickly as a porcupine. Yet she could also be as gentle, as vulnerable, as a doe. With his luck, he'd give in and decide to hug her just about the time she stuck her quills up!

Following her to the door, he found he was smiling at the analogy.

Kara caught him grinning. “What's so funny?”

“Nothing. I was just thinking.”

“About me?”

“Sort of.”

“I don't want to know more, do I?” she asked wisely.

“Probably not.”

“I didn't think so.” She extended her hand. “Thanks for agreeing to take Roady. He really is a sweet-natured little guy. I'm sure he and Buster will get along fine.”

Instead of shaking her hand, Tyler opened the door and stood back. “I'm only keeping the dog until he's healed up.”

“Of course.” Kara felt like cheering! By the time she got around to removing the cast, Road Kill would be so much a part of Tyler Corbett's life he'd beg her to let the puppy stay. Naturally, she'd have to give in and allow it.

Stifling a triumphant smile, she hurried to her car, climbed in and drove away. Things were going to work out fine as long as Susan didn't interfere and try to “help.” The Corbett ranch was the perfect place for a rambunctious pup, and having a canine companion might give old Buster a new lease on life, too.

Kara's smile turned wistful. What a lovely, tender scene she'd beheld when she'd first entered Tyler's living room. The elderly, yellow Lab was as much a permanent fixture in the casually furnished ranch house as the soft, leather sofa he'd claimed as his own. Clearly, he was a well-loved member of the family.

Tears began to cloud her vision. Disgusted, she blinked them back. What was the matter with her? The mercy mission had gone well. Roady had a good home with a loving man who'd watch over him and care about him. So why get emotional now? Why, indeed?

Suddenly, Kara realized what was bothering her. The concept wasn't rational, nor could she explain what had caused her to make such a ridiculous comparison. Only one thing was certain. In spite of her aversion to marriage and commitment, she envied the dogs. They'd found unconditional love. And someone they could always trust.

It didn't matter that their master was Tyler Corbett. The important thing was they truly belonged.

For the first time in months, Kara dreaded Sunday. She wasn't about to let anything keep her out of church, she just wasn't keen on running into Tyler there. To be on the safe side, she'd spent the two days since her visit to his ranch rehearsing a series of nonchalant comments to use in case they happened to come face-to-face.

Knowing that the Corbetts and their friends usually sat together in the third and fourth rows, Kara took a seat near the rear of the old stone church, greeting fellow worshipers with a demure smile.

This was the church she'd attended before her marriage. Afterward, Alex had insisted they didn't need to worship in a small, country church that didn't offer him much opportunity to further his practice by impressing wealthy, local ranchers with his intellect and supposed piety. Kara never had been able to make him understand how at home and peaceful she felt when she sat quietly in that little church and allowed the Lord to fill her heart with His love. She sighed. Words couldn't describe how good it felt to be back.

The day had promised to be warm so she'd wound her long hair into a twist and fastened it up with a large, tortoiseshell clip that matched the muted colors of her softly draped, rayon print dress. She was smoothing her skirt when all of a sudden her sense of peace vanished.

Wisps of hair on the back of her neck tickled, prickled and would have stood on end if they hadn't been so long. She tensed. It wasn't necessary to look over her shoulder to know what was wrong. Tyler Corbett had arrived. She could feel his presence.

The broad-shouldered man passed right by Kara as he made his way forward, down the center aisle. On his arm was a slim, blond-haired lady. Kara raised one eyebrow. Well, well. And who might this be? She wasn't surprised that she didn't recognize the woman. Since she'd only recently begun attending this church again, there were many people she didn't know, or faces she couldn't place.

What did bother Kara, however, was the unexpected twinge of jealousy when Tyler and his companion had walked by. What a silly response! Why should she care who he was with?

Susan slid into the pew next to her and nudged her gently. “Scoot over, will you? Mark's coming as soon as he parks the car. I was afraid we'd be late so I had him let me off at the door. One of the horses picked last night to foal and we were up half the night.”

“Why didn't you call me?” Kara whispered. “You know I'd have come out to help.”

Susan made a face. “I thought of that. Mark said no. It seems Tyler wasn't too pleased when you dropped by the other day.”

“That's your fault.” Kara wasn't about to back down. “You talked me into doing it. I wanted you to take the puppy to him in the first place.”

“I know. My mistake.” She shielded her mouth with one cupped hand and leaned closer. “What did you say to the man, anyway? Mark says he's been a real pill ever since you were out there.”

Shrugging, Kara was at a loss. “I don't know. We just talked. Made polite conversation. The usual.” She remembered her confession about their father's bad temper but could see no connection between that and Tyler's mood. “He seemed okay when I left.” A sly smile lit her face. “Of course, I did foist an injured dog on him. Maybe that's what's bothering him.”

“Maybe.” Susan slid closer as her husband joined them. “And maybe he's just naturally mean-spirited.”

“Oh, I don't think so,” Kara said quickly. She noticed a look of smug satisfaction come over her sister and easily anticipated her thoughts. “Don't start with me again about needing a husband,” she warned. “Don't even start.”