eyes.
Her parents were dead, and they'd been dead all those years she'd harbored bitterness and resentment at them for deserting her. Guilt hit, stabbing at her for every negative, mean thought she'd ever had.
Ty was right behind her, not touching her, but she felt his presence in every fiber of her being as he silently gave her his strength. Maddie, too. 'I just… need a moment,' she said, staring into the lush meadow before her.
She was truly an orphan, always had been, but not because she'd been deserted on purpose.
She wasn't Constance's heir.
But how was that possible when she didn't even know who that her was? Ty was still right there, so was Maddie, and they were clearly worried sick. 'Please,' she whispered. 'I need a moment alone.'
'No,' Ty and Maddie said at the same time.
Ty reached for her, drew her slowly and steadily into the circle of his arms, undeterred when she struggled. 'Shh,' he said, holding her to his chest.
Maddie stroked her back.
'I want to be alone, you know.' But she clung to him.
'Sorry,' Ty murmured. 'But not ever again.'
She kept resisting, kept pushing, to no avail. And a small part of her was so very grateful.
With the sun overhead and Maddie and Ty holding her, Zoe stopped struggling and closed her eyes, absorbing their love.
Chapter 17
'All right, that about wraps it up, then,' Zoe said, addressing the group in front of her. 'Any questions?'
She sat on a log in front of the place they'd held their 'truth or dare' bonfire a couple of weeks ago. Around her sat Maddie, Delia and the three ranch hands they'd hired for their fall season.
Cade was there, too, he'd come up twice in the past week, both times to offer Zoe as much support and information he could. He was still determined to figure out which of the two remaining sisters was Constance's heir.
Ty watched the informal staff meeting, both annoyed at and proud of the woman sitting there so stoically.
He wanted, as he'd wanted all week, ever since she had gotten the news of her parents, to shake the hell out of her. Shake her until she broke, until she started to deal with everything going on in her head. Until she let it all out.
Then he wanted to yank her close, bury his face in her hair and never let go.
He was losing it big time.
'So we work in twelve-hour shifts?' This from Cliff, who had practically begged Ty to be switched from Ty's ranch to Triple M. Not that he hadn't enjoyed his work at Ty's ranch, but he was excited at the prospect of working with people.
'Yes,' Zoe said. 'Long days, I know, but you'll only be on four days a week. Thursday through Sunday for now.'
'What about if reservations pick up?' Red asked. He had come from a neighboring ranch, a huge man, with a loud, boisterous voice and a quick sense of humor to match his carrot-colored hair. He was also an excellent worker who came greatly recommended.
Zoe smiled at his question, though only Ty knew by its brittle edges that it didn't come from the heart. 'Not
Ty would bet on the first. He knew Zoe's drive, knew she held high hopes for a booming, reputable guest ranch that people would talk about from all over the States.
Which was fine; he wanted that, too. But what he wanted even more was Zoe's joy back. Her zest for life, the one she had just been beginning to nurture.
'I don't know about you guys,' Delia said dryly to everyone. 'But I like that schedule. Three days off to play.'
'I look at it the opposite.' Maddie sighed with pleasure and clear joy. 'Four days in which to be in that kitchen all day, concocting huge meals for people who will be starving.'
Ty smiled in spite of himself. Delia and Maddie had dealt with Zoe, mothering and fussing over her. He remembered when he had been part of a unit that tight. When Ben had guessed his every move, had anticipated his every word. When he'd been loved.
It was over now. Ben was gone, and Ty had accepted that. Finally.
But he wanted love again. Wanted to both give and receive it. And looking at the petite, auburn-haired beauty who had made him feel this way, he wished he could have it with her.
The small staff dispersed. Delia and Maddie and Zoe all hugged, then Delia and Maddie set off toward the house.
Zoe stood still, alone in the circle, staring off into the mountains.
Ty came up behind her, knowing he was giving her one more chance to shove him away, but unable to help himself. 'That went well,' he said.
She shrugged.
He swore.
She glanced at him over her shoulder, her expression frighteningly flat. 'Is something wrong?'
'Yes, something's wrong.' Pain blazed out of her eyes and broke his heart. 'You're what's wrong.'
'Ty… not now.' She walked away from him with a shake of her head, gasping in surprise when he hauled her back.
'That's it,' he muttered, pulling her along, stirring dirt up as she dragged her heels, not stopping until they were at his truck. 'Get in.'
She crossed her arms over her chest. 'I have work-' His short oath told her what he thought of that. 'Get in.' Leaning past her, he opened the driver's door, not so gently pushing her in, climbing in after her before she could fight him.
'Where are we going?' The peal of the tires in the dirt and the quick acceleration of the truck had her leaning back in the seat, in a deceptive pose of acquiescence.
But Ty didn't let down his guard. He knew if he slowed down, she would be out of the truck in a flash and back out of his life.
He'd had enough of that. It was a gamble, a huge one, and if he lost, he'd lose everything. But he couldn't stand back and not take the chance.
'Ty-'
'Zip it for a moment, Zoe.' Tense, he took the off-road path outside his ranch, the path intended for horses only. He knew exactly how far he could take the truck, knew exactly where he was going, and nothing was going to stop him.
Five minutes later he pulled off the trail into a small clearing. He got out of the truck, reached in and grabbed a small blanket, which he tucked under one arm. With the other, he pulled out Zoe, who came very reluctantly.
'Ty, please. I-'
'Come on.' Tugging her not all that kindly, he led the way. They were minutes away from the deepest canyon on the North American continent, surrounded by the most amazing, spectacular scenery in the world, but Ty was blind to everything but the stubborn woman beside him. The path quickly became single-tracked, but he didn't let go of her hand, providing support when the nearly nonexistent path climbed sharply.
He heard Zoe huffing behind him and he smiled grimly. Good. An out-of-breath Zoe couldn't talk. Or
