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knock out his teeth. For a man, he's got a heart of stone."
    "You're right. For too many years, Travis has been responsible for the running of the ranch. He takes himself and his responsibilities much too seriously. He needs to learn that life is not all work and should be fun occasionally."
    "Well, don't look at me. I'd sooner round up rattlesnakes than try to teach that man to play."
    The matron laughed. "Snakes bite."
    "Not unless you get too close, and I don't plan on getting anywhere near your son. I'm taking the next stage to San Antonio and from there I hope to take a train to New York in the next few months." She threw her clothes into her trunk.
    "Travis was forced to become tough at an early age and young women do not see past his gruff mannerisms. He's really a good man. I know that he, too, would like to find out about his brother."
    "I'm sure he would," Rose said absentmindedly, as she picked up personal items and put them in her traveling case. "But not with my help."
    Eugenia stepped around the suitcase and watched as Desirée threw things into the strongbox. No matter what she said, the girl was determined to leave. And if she left town, Eugenia felt certain her chances of finding the right woman for Travis would be next to nothing. Only Desirée Severin seemed to have caught her son's attention.
    The sparks she'd seen in her son's eyes when he mentioned Desirée's name were more than just passing embers. Here was a woman who attracted him, who was strong enough to hold her own against him. Someone who could drag him in off the range and make him realize that land could consume a man. After all, it had exhausted his father, but Eugenia was not going to let that happen to her sons. She'd already lost a husband and possibly a son; she was not about to lose another one.
    Travis needed someone who could teach him about the things in life that really mattered, not just what a man thought was important.
    She knew that Desirée Severin was the only woman she'd met who wasn't afraid of her son's scowl and loud bark. The continued threat of jail was the only reason Desirée was leaving.
    "There's no way I can persuade you to stay?" she asked quietly, wringing her hands.
    "Ha! And get to know the girls down in the county jail? I don't think so. Jails are not where I want to spend my time," Desirée said as she leaned into the wooden box to straighten some clothes.
    "Now where did I put my brooch?" she said, digging through a chest.
    Eugenia laid her hand on the top of the trunk, her diamond wedding band glistened in the sunlight. It sparkled, its brilliance twinkling, distracting her, reminding her of her promise to her husband to make sure their sons found wives. She glanced at the ring, then turned her gaze on Desirée. There had to be a way to change the young woman's mind.
    The idea slammed into her with the force of a mule kicking its rider. She took a deep breath and tried to think rationally.
    She couldn't! The girl didn't deserve to be treated like a common thief. But then again, if the end justified the means, wouldn't it be worth a little white lie?
    Who was she kidding? This wasn't any little white lie. This was a whopper even the state of Texas couldn't contain.
    "You know, Mrs. Burnett, I hope you find out what really happened to your son, Tanner. And I hope some woman teaches Travis the important lessons of life, but it isn't going to be me."
    Eugenia glanced at her hand and then back up at Desirée. "He definitely has a few lessons he needs to learn." She walked to the door. She had to get out of here, before she gave away the plan that was quickly forming in her mind.
    She was about to take a huge risk, but one son was lost and the other two didn't seem concerned about settling down. Maybe Travis needed a little shove in the right direction.
    "Have a safe journey, Miss Severin, and I hope to see you again, soon."
    Eugenia hurried out the door of The Last Word . She gazed at the ring on her finger and