Page 91 of Kayla's Cowboy

Kayla kept back a smile, recalling her clashes with Jackson. “I suppose a few ranchers cling to older attitudes.”

“And others, as well,” Madison added darkly. Kayla had a feeling she was having problems with the man currently in her life.

“Some people in Schuyler seem relatively in step with the modern world,” Kayla said. It was true. Even Jackson didn’t have a problem with her as a businesswoman; his issues with females were based on entirely different ideas. It was possible he might shed some of his chauvinism if he was determinedly kicked in the right direction.

“Maybe. You know, you’ve been good for the family.”

“That’s nice,” Kayla answered, surprised by the change of subject.

“You probably think I’m just being polite, but I mean it.”

Not knowing what to say, Kayla simply smiled.

“Having more kids around has been great, too. I’m beginning to see why Mom keeps saying we need more children in the family. It keeps you loosened up, instead of trying to always do things the way you used to. I’ve been thinking that I don’t need to have a guy to have a baby—I could go to one of those sperm banks.”

Kayla leaned forward. “I’m sure that works well for lots of women. But I’ve had a baby alone and I’ve had one with my husband, and there’s something to be said for doing it as a team.”

Madison’s chin rose determinedly. “Except I don’t want to just wait around hoping something will happen.”

“I understand, and my marriage didn’t work out,” Kayla conceded. “But you’re not ancient, so don’t give up, even if you decide to make a withdrawal at a sperm bank.”

Madison grinned. “Withdrawal? I like that. Anyhow...” She glanced across the pool to where Jackson was talking to Josh. “It turns out that the guy I’ve been seeing is a real loser. Maybe I shouldn’t have gone out with him, but he was different from the guys in my family.”

“Oh?”

“Never mind.” Madison turned around. “My mother has this crazy idea that you and Jackson might get together again.”

Kayla tried not to show any reaction. “That isn’t going to happen, if for no other reason than he has too much baggage left from being married to Marcy.”

“I know. God, she was awful.” Madison shuddered. “Alaina and I told Mom that, but she keeps hoping anyhow.”

“And you were asked to scope out the possibilities with me, right?” Kayla guessed shrewdly.

Madison nodded, looking embarrassed. “She kept pushing, so we got together and drew straws. I thought Alaina would be best—she’s better at diplomacy—only I got the short straw. I was supposed to be subtle and sneaky, but I’m not good at that.”

“Just tell her there’s nothing to report.”

“Right.”

Madison stayed and chatted until Kayla said she wanted to go in the water to cool off. She changed and came out of the pool house, aware of Jackson’s intent gaze as she walked across the damp pavement. She could have kicked him—his mother had definitely noticed his interest.

The day wore on slowly, and when she wasn’t trying to interact with people, Kayla stewed over the situation. There was an ache inside her that wouldn’t subside.

How had she landed in such a mess? Somehow Jackson—a guy with worse trust issues than the ones she had herself—had gotten through her defenses. And that wasn’t even counting his often archaic attitudes about the opposite sex. Even Cora had told her she wouldn’t mind a visit with the caveman, she just didn’t want to live with one.

Perhaps while trying to help Alex build a relationship with his birth father, she’d let herself see Jackson’s positive side too clearly—his devotion to Morgan and sincere desire to live honestly and work hard. He knew how to laugh and... Hell. What was the point of enumerating his good qualities?

After supper she started moving the kids toward the car.

Jackson stopped her before she slid behind the wheel. “Kayla, do you have a few minutes to talk? I’d like to clarify a couple of matters before you leave for Seattle.”

In frustration, she glanced at her watch. It was only seven. Although she had time, she’d hoped to avoid any more private moments with Jackson. “Okay, but I want to get the kids home to my grandparents’ house, and I’d rather not drive back to the ranch. Can we meet at Ryan’s in an hour?”

“Sure.”

It was déjà vu as she later walked into the restaurant and saw Jackson waiting at the bar. He led the way to the private table they had occupied the first time they’d met to discuss Alex. She tried not to speculate what he had on his mind this time.