The Renegade's Redemption. Stacy Henrie

paused in her task to brush her sleeve across her forehead. Her expression changed from one of focus to complete exhaustion as she dropped her chin. She was likely praying, Tex guessed, or crying—or maybe both. Her visible despondency seemed to reach across the field and twist at his heart. She couldn’t spend all of her money on hired help when she had a houseful of children to care for and a desire to bring others to the farm. But she couldn’t afford a delay in getting her crops planted either.

      As Tex watched, Ravena lifted her head, pulling strength from somewhere, and clucked to the horses to keep moving. It would take her weeks to complete the planting, even with Jacob’s help. And what about everything else that needed doing around the farm in the meantime? While he’d heard the children going about their chores morning and evening, none of them were old enough to take the place of an able-bodied man.

      But if he stayed...

      Tex blew out his breath, certain the heat must be getting to him after so many days inside. That would explain the crazy notion attempting to take shape inside his head. Staying was a foolish idea. If he wanted to help, he could give her money, as he had in the past, though he suspected she didn’t know those anonymous envelopes of cash were from him.

      Ravena wasn’t likely to accept his offer of money though. She would likely see it as him buying her off, attempting to monetarily make up for the pain of the past. And she’d be right, wouldn’t she?

      He paced the grass, his side and head beginning to ache. Did she have to be so stubborn? Do you? a gentle thought from deep inside him countered.

      Yanking off his hat, he slapped it against his leg. He had to leave. What if she learned he was the Texas Titan? He spun around, determined to bid her goodbye after insisting she take some of his money. But Ravena was no longer plowing. Instead she stood still, her eyes meeting his across the field.

      There was more than freshly-turned earth between them—there was a chasm of regrets and heartache. And yet, he hadn’t stopped caring about her and likely never would. She’d been his greatest friend and his first and only love. How could he turn his back on her a second time?

      The answer came swift and firm: he couldn’t.

      Plopping his hat back on, he marched toward the house. Jacob guided his horse forward as Tex drew closer. “What did she say about me missing school to help?”

      “Nothing. I didn’t ask her, but you can put the horse away.”

      The boy’s brow scrunched in bewilderment. “Put him away? Why?”

      After removing his jacket, Tex tossed it to Jacob who caught it one-handed. “Because,” he said, rolling up his sleeves, “I’m staying to help, kid.”