Page 83 of Quicksandy

He shook his head. “What for? I can heal on my feet. It’s good to be home.”

For a time, they stood watching the bulls. Quicksand was already dominating the herd, standing a little apart, as if to guard his brother bulls from danger.

“I suppose you know that Lexie and Shane will be moving,” she said.

“Yes, I know,” he said. “Maria told me. Change is part of life. This old man learned to accept that a long time ago. You will learn to accept it, too.”

“I suppose so. But things won’t be the same without them.”

“And what about you?” He turned to gaze at her with his wise, dark eyes. “Brock is a good man. A strong man. I think you love him. What will you do if he wants to marry you?”

“He hasn’t asked me.”

“He will. What will you do then?”

“I don’t know, Ruben. This ranch has been my whole life. Who will take care of it if I go?”

“The ranch will survive. Right now, you must think of your own happiness. When is he coming here?”

“Today. He’s already on the road. When he phoned, he did hint that he had something to ask me.”

“Then you will know what to say. Your heart will tell you,hija.”

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models, and are not intended to portray any character or characters featured in the book.

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Copyright © 2022 by Revocable Trust Created by Jimmy Dean Dailey and Mary Sue Dailey Dated December 22, 2016

After the passing of Janet Dailey, the Dailey family worked with a close associate of Janet’s to continue her literary legacy, using her notes, ideas, and favorite themes to complete her novels and create new ones, inspired by the American men and women she loved to portray.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

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Library of Congress Card Catalogue Number: 2022935868

ISBN: 978-1-4967-2737-4

First Kensington Hardcover Edition: September 2022

ISBN: 978-1-4967-2740-4 (trade)

ISBN: 978-1-4967-2743-5 (ebook)

Read on for an excerpt from Janet Dailey’s newest heartwarming Western holiday romance!

SOMEBODY LIKE SANTA

New York TimesBestselling Author Janet Dailey