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    "He asked me if we'd stay through next month to help with calving.  Said he'd talk Charlotte Kennedy into selling me cattle once I buy land," Rafe said.
    Jerrick scratched his head, then replaced his hat.  "I'm heading to town tomorrow.  Looking into finding out about land for sale and such.  And I want to get familiar with the local townsfolk."
    "Or perhaps the town’s womenfolk?" Rafe said knowing Jerrick enjoyed the company of the fairer sex.  "I suppose it's good to know what families live here and such."
    "Since you got your eye on the Misses, I don't reckon I can step in there.  Although it would be interesting to see if the elusive woman would come around if we both vied for her attention." Jerrick chuckled at Rafe's scowl.  "Don't give me that look.  You constantly keep an eye out for her.  And when she does appear, you sit straight as a board."
    "I'll get the horses," Rafe walked faster, doing his best to ignore Jerrick's chuckle.
    Rafe rounded the ranch house later that day carrying wood for the fireplace.  He stopped short at seeing Charlie on the porch.  With her head bent, she sewed, taking advantage of the bright sunshine.  He studied her for the moment before she'd notice him. 
    Relaxed, her lips curved slightly at the corners, her features soft.  The breeze blew the loose tendrils of hair across her face and she reached up to brush them away.  The woman was beautiful, enticing.
    When Charlie noticed him, for an unguarded moment, she studied him, her gaze falling from his face to the wood he carried.  Just as quickly her expression shuttered, becoming harder, as if a shield fell.
    "Good afternoon, Misses Kennedy.  How are you feeling?" Rafe asked.
    "Much better, thank you." She went back to her sewing, an obvious attempt to dismiss him.  When he didn't move, she looked back up with expectancy. "Is something on your mind, Mr. Preston?"
    Something in him stirred. In that moment a feeling of wanting to protect her lodged in his chest.  A need to look over Charlie Kennedy, get to know her became strong.  At the same time, he knew it wouldn't come easy. Not good timing, either. Whatever had happened in her past, made her distrustful and aloof.  "Will you be joining us for dinner tonight, Misses Kennedy?  Or continue to avoid our company?"
    She straightened and frowned.  "Why do you ask such a thing?  Surely it's my choice when and who to eat with."
    "So you prefer to eat alone then?" he prodded, finding amusement when she bristled, scowling at him. 
    "Mr. Preston, is the wood not getting heavy in your arms?" Once again she returned to her sewing and pulled the needle through the fabric with deft smooth motions.
    When Rafe put the wood on the edge of the porch, she looked up with a questioning expression, then frowned.
    "Why do you mistrust me?" Rafe pulled his handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped the perspiration from his face.  "Have I given you reason to?"
    Charlie let out a huff.  "I don't know you, Mr. Preston.  Of course, I don't trust you.  Around here it’s best to sit back, give people time to show who they really are.  You'd best learn that if you plan to stay.  Not everyone is trustworthy."
    "I understand that.  But I rather give people the benefit of a doubt.  Like you said, time will tell, but I trust that most people are good.  And there is a difference between trusting fully and giving people the benefit of a doubt."
    She looked out into the distance, it was obvious her mind went elsewhere for a few moments. "I tried that, Mr. Preston, and paid a high price for it."
    Whatever she meant by the statement, Rafe could see someone in the past had cause her great pain.  He suspected it was a man and whoever the bastard was, had done a lot of damage.
    "I'll leave you to your sewing then.  Enjoy the afternoon sun."  He lifted the wood and climbed the stairs.
    Just as he reached the door, she spoke. "Thank you for helping Joe around here.  It's much