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he has an income to live on.” Kase had done well for himself in Denver. And although he hadn’t made partner at the firm, his income was quite impressive. “I’ve already invested in the business with a brood mare, and I plan to do some improvements.” After all, his father was just sixty-five, and he could continue to do his training if only in hiring personnel. “Also I have my daughter’s trust from her deceased mother. That’s handled by a bank in Denver. As of now, the trustee is her grandfather. I’m hoping to change that in the future.”
    Allen took notes. “We’ll see if we can assist you in that trust transfer.” He arched an eyebrow. “Will you be strictly working with your father, or opening your own law practice?”
    â€œI’m not ready to make that decision.” The type of law he’d practiced for Chappell had left a bad taste in his mouth. He’d sold his soul for money. Now that Johanna was gone, he had to worry about what damage her lifestyle had done to Addy. Even though the four-year-old was worth millions, she needed a lot more than money. She needed stability and love. He’d hoped by coming back here he could do more for her. His thoughts turned to Laurel Quinn. It seemed that she was doing a much better job with his daughter than he was.

Chapter Four
    Two hours later, Kase had finished with his financial meeting and ended up at the Rocky Mountain Grill for lunch. The place was a mix of fifties-style diner with a Western twist. The storefront restaurant hadn’t changed since he used to hang out here in high school.
    He glanced across the table at Laurel, and a funny feeling rushed over him. Suddenly he thought about the cocky-as-hell seventeen-year-old boy who’d dated the pretty freshman with the big green eyes. She’d been into horses, but he’d quickly changed her interest to him. He also remembered how he used to sit in this same booth and share some fries...and a few kisses.
    Then came the day he’d broken her heart and went off to what he thought would be a better life. The joke was on him. It seemed everything he’d been looking for wasn’t found in Denver. The big home, beautiful wife and illustrious career had gone down the tubes. The only thing that mattered now was Addy. He tensed. He would do anything to keep her safe and with him.
    At the sound of Addy’s soft sigh, he looked down to find that she was snuggled up beside Laurel, fast asleep.
    He started to stand. “Let me take her.”
    Laurel waved him off. “She’s fine.”
    â€œI should move her so you can at least eat your lunch. You have to be uncomfortable.”
    â€œIt’s okay.” She continued to rub Addy’s arm. “Let her sleep. I have a feeling she’s missing her naptime.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you know naps are for babies?”
    That got a smile from Laurel, and his pulse sped up.
    â€œThen I guess I’m still a baby because I like naps,” she confessed. “But then I’m up at five.”
    He glanced again at his daughter and how Laurel’s hand stroked her lovingly. He couldn’t remember his wife ever spending much time with their child. Addy was probably starved for some affection. Guilt hit him deep in his chest. He should have been there for his child, too.
    Laurel got his attention when she said, “I bet she was up this morning at five.”
    â€œYeah, you know my dad. He needed to feed the horses.”
    â€œWhere is Gus?”
    â€œI dropped him off to visit his friend Charlie Cleveland.” He checked his watch. “But I’ll need to pick him up soon and take him to his appointment at the clinic.”
    The waitress arrived at their table and set down their plates. “Would you like anything else?” the girl asked.
    He glanced at Laurel and she shook her head. “We’re fine, thank