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chores with you.”
    Natalie groaned. How many times this past week had Dillon snuck out on his own, not telling anyone where he was going, his chores abandoned? She headed for the porch and called his name, tired of the responsibility.
    â€œIf you’d like, I’ll look for him while you finish up in here.” The man stepped out of the way, his elbow brushing against hers.
    She glanced down and caught the contrast of his fair skin next to her tanned arm. Who was this man, and why was he here? She tilted her head to study his face and a trace of musky aftershave stirred her senses. “I have a better idea. You can help me look, and while we look, you can tell me why you’re so interested in our family.”
    Without another word, Natalie took off toward the barnyard and heard the rapid footfall of his steps behind her.
    â€œI wanted to thank you for your generosity the other day,” he said as he caught up to her. “Since I’m new in Diamond Falls, I thought it might be nice for us to visit and get to know one another.”
    Now even more on guard, Natalie hollered for Dillon as shepeeked into the tool shed. “A neighborly visit, huh?” As a former rodeo queen, she’d had more than her share of men who wanted to be neighborly—most of their motives suspect.
    â€œWell, yes, and to return the stringer I borrowed.”
    â€œAnd that’s why you’re staying for supper?”
    Two red splotches colored his cheeks. “I have to confess—your sister’s cooking smelled delicious, much better than anything I could stir up at home.”
    Natalie smirked at the man’s sincerity. Judging from his tall but slight build, he probably didn’t get home cooked meals too often. Unable to think of a clever response, she headed for the next outbuilding.
    â€œChelsey told me about your dad.” He trailed behind. “I’m sorry for your loss. Perhaps I might be able to help?”
    Natalie stared at the ground, growing accustomed to such condolences, though the harsh reality of her dad’s death still left her cold and numb. “I appreciate you wanting to help, but quite honestly, I don’t see how that’s possible.”
    â€œOh, but that’s the easy part.” He grinned, his eyes trained on something in the distance. “I’ll start by helping you find your brother.”

SEVEN
    J ARED LED N ATALIE TO THE ENTRANCE OF THE LIMESTONE BARN WHERE he’d seen Dillon sneak past. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the cool darkness, but he soon distinguished the thick rock walls of the structure built more than a century ago. A movement behind a wooden cattle stanchion caught his attention, and he quietly motioned Natalie to follow.
    Together they watched unnoticed while the freckled-nosed boy pinned a wiry kitten to his chest. The scene caused Jared’s chest to squeeze, reminded of his own youth and fondness for little creatures. He smiled at Natalie, but recognized the exasperation on her face.
    â€œWe’ve been looking all over for you, Dillon, and here you are playing with a cat. Have you even started your chores?” She shook her head and cursed.
    Jared inwardly cringed, perplexed by Natalie’s attitude. Dillon was just a kid, after all.
    The boy dropped the kitten and stood before his sister, his eyes downcast. “I’ll do them now. Go ahead and eat without me.” He peeked up at Jared, his mouth a straight line. The sadness there made Jared want to take the kid fishing, play catch, anything but stand here and witness his dejection.
    â€œMaybe I could help with those chores.” Jared eased into the conversation. “Then we could have dinner together.”
    Dillon’s brown eyes filled with guarded curiosity. “You’re gonna eat with us?”
    â€œThat’s right. Maybe afterward, you could share a few of your fishing secrets. Those flathead you caught made for some