In spite of himself, Jed laughed along. “He almost blew a gasket. Thank God for your degree in business from that fancy college of yours.”

“It was worth all the years of studying marketing and business just to see the look on his face. He wanted Tom’s store, as well. The money-grubbing old fu…”

“Ah, ah, how in the hell are you ever gonna get married with a mouth like that?”

Tess heard the serious tone behind the laughter. She glared up at him. “I’m not getting married,” she gently reminded him.

Jed took a long patient breath. Tess gave him a stern “don’t start this again” look, and he let out a sigh of resignation.

“I want a grandson.”

Tess gave him an incredulous look. “A grandson? Dad,” Tess started. Her father groaned and hid his face in his hand. “I know I’ve been gone for a while, but did we forget one teeny tiny fact?”

Jed groaned more deeply and did not respond.

Tess hid her grin. “Dad?”

“What?”

She laughed openly then and walked up to his horse. Reaching up, she tugged at his arm until he looked down at her. “I love you, and you know I’d do anything for you.”

Jed beamed. “Rick Cunningham is still single.”

“It’s Cumberland, and I’m still a lesbian.”

Jed grimaced and shut his eyes. “Still? I thought maybe you’d have come to your senses.” He opened his eyes and chuckled. “No, huh?”

“No.” Tess smirked and put her hands on her hips. “You’ll have to adopt.”

She was pleasantly surprised when her father let out a hearty laugh. “So much like your mother. Just as sarcastic and independent as she was.” He stopped and frowned for a moment. “Come to think of it, you’re just like my mother. It’s in the Rawlins women’s blood, I suppose. God help us all.”

“Yes, it’s a curse. C’mon, get down from there. You look tired. Take the car home. I’ll ride Daphne.”

“You remember how?”

Tess glared as he slid off the mare and stretched his back. She gave him a stern look. “How long were you riding this morning?”

“Oh, hush. I’m fine. I can’t stay off a horse for too long. You know that,” he said seriously. “I remember the days when I’d ride the range all day and into the night.” Jed looked around and smiled. “I was happiest out here in the open with my brothers and your granddad. Being in the house sometimes makes me feel closed in and restless.”

Tess said nothing as she took the reins from him. She watched him stretch his back; he looked so tired.

“I remembered how your mother and I would ride together at sunset and watch the moon as it swept across the grassland. Just as my mother and father did and his before.”

They stood in silence for a moment almost, Tess thought, out of respect. Finally, Jed reached over and kissed Tess on the cheek.

“That’s what I want for you, sweetie. Someday to have someone—”

“To ride into the sunset with?” Tess grinned innocently.

“Yes. Even if it’s another woman and I don’t get a grandson. I love you.”

Tears leapt to her eyes. “Thanks, Dad.” She sniffed loudly as she mounted the horse, ignoring the deep groan. “I love you, too. Now get back to the house.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He mumbled back, “Just as bossy as your mother.”