The Perfect Couple. Valerie Hansen

extra time to spend taking care of a puppy.”

      Nodding, she said, “I understand.”

      There was a strange, faraway quality to her voice which made him wonder what she really meant. “You do?”

      “Oh, yes. I threw myself into my work after Alex died, too. It helps. Until I go home and have time to think. I suppose that's why I've taken in so many homeless animals. They give me company and keep my mind occupied.”

      Tyler was ashamed of himself. It didn't matter what kind of man Alex Shepherd had been, he'd still been Kara's husband. And she'd suffered the same kind of personal loss he had. Whether he liked it or not, they had a lot in common. No wonder he'd sensed an unexplainable camaraderie when he was in her presence. He'd been unfairly judging her for her husband's sins. In reality she was as much a victim of a meaningless tragedy as he was.

      He bent to place the puppy in Kara's lap. “Here. You do the honors while I get us some coffee.”

      “I can't stay for coffee.”

      “Why not?” he asked pointedly.

      “I have to get home and feed my animals.” She shifted Road Kill so his nose faced Buster's and carefully let the two dogs sniff each other. Neither seemed upset about the encounter.

      “One cup of coffee won't take long.” He flashed her an amiable smile. “Humor me, okay?”

      Kara didn't know what to say. The last thing she wanted to admit was that she was actually enjoying his company, in spite of the way he'd welcomed her at first. There was something soothing about being with Tyler. It was as if she no longer had to worry about doing or saying the wrong thing. He seemed to accept her as she was, not as she thought she should be, and the resulting feeling was strangely peaceful.

      “All right. One cup,” Kara said. “Lots of sugar.”

      Tyler chuckled. “You've heard about my coffee?”

      “No. Why?” She was continuing to monitor the dogs but chanced a quick peek at him. He looked thoroughly amused.

      “Dee used to tell me it would dissolve a spoon. Nobody's ever proved it, though.”

      “Let's hope I'm not the first,” Kara said with a smile. “Maybe you'd better put some cream in it, too. Just to be on the safe side.”

      “Gotcha. Back in a minute.”

      She held Road Kill in her lap and continued to rhythmically stroke Buster's head after Tyler left the room. What was wrong with her? Didn't she have any sense? She hadn't come to the ranch to pay a social call or to befriend Tyler Corbett. She'd come to foist an injured dog on him. That was all. So why was she looking forward to a leisurely cup of coffee as if they were old friends?

      Because he understands, she answered. And I understand how lonely he feels, too, even though I didn't share the same kind of wonderful love he once had.

      Kara gazed down at the puppy, smiled and nodded her head. It looked like the Lord was in the process of healing a lot more than the little dog's broken leg. He was mending Tyler's broken heart, too.

      She was glad to be able to help.