A_AT1 Baby_NN1 In_II The_AT Bunkhouse_NN1 I_PPIS1 figured_VVD I_PPIS1 'd_VM find_VVI you_PPY here_RL ,_, burning_VVG the_AT midnight_NNT1 oil_NN1 ._. "_" 
Rafferty_NP1 Evans_NP1 looked_VVD up_RP from_II his_APPGE computer_NN1 screen_NN1 to_TO see_VVI his_APPGE father_NN1 standing_VVG in_II the_AT doorway_NN1 of_IO the_AT ranch-house_JJ study_NN1 ._. 
At_II seventy-four_MC ,_, Eli_NP1 Evans_NP1 had_VHD finally_RR agreed_VVN to_TO retire_VVI ._. 
Which_DDQ meant_VVD he_PPHS1 had_VHD more_DAR time_NNT1 on_II his_APPGE hands_NN2 to_TO stick_VVI his_APPGE nose_NN1 into_II his_APPGE son_NN1 's_GE business_NN1 ._. 
Sensing_VVG a_AT1 talk_NN1 coming_VVG on_RP he_PPHS1 'd_VM rather_RR avoid_VVI ,_, Rafferty_NP1 grumbled_VVD irritably_RR ,_, "_" Someone_PN1 's_VHZ got_VVN to_TO do_VDI the_AT books_NN2 before_II the_AT fall_NN1 roundup_NN1 starts_VVZ ._. "_" 
Eli_NN2 settled_VVN into_II a_AT1 leather_NN1 club_NN1 chair_NN1 ._. 
"_" The_AT last_MD two_MC days_NNT2 of_IO rain_NN1 has_VHZ you_PPY chomping_VVG at_II the_AT bit_NN1 ._. "_" 
Actually_RR ,_, Rafferty_NP1 thought_VVD ,_, he_PPHS1 felt_VVD this_DD1 way_NN1 every_AT1 November_NPM1 ._. 
Ignoring_VVG the_AT flash_NN1 of_IO lightning_NN1 outside_RL ,_, he_PPHS1 went_VVD back_RP to_II studying_VVG the_AT numbers_NN2 he_PPHS1 'd_VHD been_VBN working_VVG on_RP ._. 
"_" A_RR21 lot_RR22 to_TO get_VVI done_VDN over_II the_AT next_MD six_MC weeks_NNT2 ._. "_" 
Eli_NN2 spoke_VVD over_II the_AT deafening_JJ rumble_NN1 of_IO thunder_NN1 ._. 
"_" Including_II the_AT job_NN1 of_IO hiring_VVG a_AT1 new_JJ bunkhouse_NN1 cook_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" The_AT hands_NN2 chased_VVN away_RL the_AT last_MD three_MC with_IW their_APPGE incessant_JJ complaints_NN2 ._. 
They_PPHS2 can_VM fend_VVI for_IF themselves_PPX2 while_CS I_PPIS1 search_VV0 for_IF another_DD1 ._. "_" 
"_" You_PPY know_VV0 none_PN of_IO them_PPHO2 can_VM cook_VVI worth_II a_AT1 darn_JJ ._. "_" 
"_" Then_RT they_PPHS2 should_VM be_VBI more_RGR appreciative_JJ of_IO anyone_PN1 who_PNQS has_VHZ even_RR a_AT1 tiny_JJ bit_NN1 of_IO skill_NN1 ._. "_" 
Eli_NN2 thought_VVN about_II pursuing_VVG the_AT matter_NN1 ,_, then_RT evidently_RR decided_VVN against_II it_PPH1 ._. 
"_" About_II Christmas_NNT1 &hellip;_... "_" he_PPHS1 continued_VVD ._. 
Rafferty_NP1 stiffened_VVD ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 told_VVD you_PPY ._. 
I_PPIS1 do_VD0 n't_XX celebrate_VVI the_AT holidays_NN2 ._. 
Not_XX anymore_RR ._. "_" 
Not_XX since_CS the_AT accident_NN1 ._. 
Eli_NN2 frowned_VVD with_IW the_AT quiet_JJ authority_NN1 befitting_VVG a_AT1 legendary_JJ Texas_NP1 cattleman_NN1 ._. 
"_" It_PPH1 's_VHZ been_VBN two_MC years_NNT2 ._. "_" 
Rafferty_NP1 pushed_VVD back_RP his_APPGE chair_NN1 and_CC stood_VVD ,_, hands_NN2 shoved_VVN in_II the_AT back_NN1 pockets_NN2 of_IO his_APPGE jeans_NN2 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 know_VV0 how_RGQ long_RR it_PPH1 's_VHZ been_VBN ,_, Dad_NN1 ._. "_" 
He_PPHS1 strode_VVD to_II the_AT fireplace_NN1 ,_, picked_VVD up_RP the_AT poker_NN1 and_CC pushed_VVD the_AT burning_JJ logs_NN2 to_II the_AT back_NN1 of_IO the_AT grate_NN1 ._. 
Sparks_NN2 crackled_VVN from_II the_AT embers_NN2 ._. 
"_" Life_NN1 goes_VVZ on_RP ,_, "_" Eli_NP1 continued_VVD ._. 
"_" Holidays_NN2 are_VBR for_IF kids_NN2 ._. "_" 
Eli_NN2 fell_VVD silent_JJ ._. 
Tired_JJ of_IO being_VBG made_VVN to_TO feel_VVI like_II Ebenezer_NP1 Scrooge_NP1 ,_, Rafferty_NP1 added_VVD another_DD1 log_NN1 to_II the_AT fire_NN1 ,_, stalked_VVN to_II the_AT window_NN1 and_CC looked_VVN out_RP at_II the_AT raging_JJ storm_NN1 ._. 
Rain_NN1 drummed_VVD on_II the_AT roof_NN1 ._. 
Another_DD1 flash_NN1 of_IO lightning_NN1 lit_VVD the_AT sky_NN1 --_NN1 followed_VVD closely_RR by_II a_AT1 loud_JJ clap_NN1 of_IO thunder_NN1 ._. 
Car_NN1 headlights_NN2 gleamed_VVD in_II the_AT dark_JJ night_NNT1 and_CC turned_VVD into_II the_AT main_JJ gate_NN1 ._. 
Rafferty_NP1 frowned_VVD and_CC looked_VVN at_II the_AT clock_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ midnight_NNT1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 turned_VVD to_II his_APPGE dad_NN1 ._. 
"_" You_PPY expecting_VVG anyone_PN1 ?_? "_" 
Eli_NN2 shook_VVD his_APPGE head_NN1 ._. 
"_" Probably_RR another_DD1 tourist_NN1 who_PNQS lost_VVD his_APPGE way_NN1 ._. "_" 
Rafferty_NP1 muttered_VVD a_AT1 string_NN1 of_IO words_NN2 not_XX fit_JJ for_IF mixed_JJ company_NN1 ._. 
The_AT car_NN1 was_VBDZ n't_XX turning_VVG around_RP ._. 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ just_RR sitting_VVG there_RL ,_, inside_II the_AT ranch_NN1 entrance_NN1 ,_, engine_NN1 running_NN1 ._. 
His_APPGE father_NN1 came_VVD to_TO stand_VVI beside_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
"_" You_PPY want_VV0 me_PPIO1 to_TO go_VVI out_RP there_RL ,_, set_VV0 'em_PPHO2 straight_RR ?_? "_" 
Rafferty_NP1 clapped_VVD a_AT1 companionable_JJ hand_NN1 on_II his_APPGE dad_NN1 's_GE shoulder_NN1 ,_, and_CC tried_VVD not_XX to_TO notice_VVI how_RGQ frail_JJ it_PPH1 felt_VVD ._. 
He_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX know_VVI what_DDQ he_PPHS1 would_VM do_VDI if_CS he_PPHS1 lost_VVD his_APPGE dad_NN1 ,_, too_RR ._. 
He_PPHS1 pushed_VVD aside_RL the_AT troubling_JJ thought_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'll_VM do_VDI it_PPH1 ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD ._. 
Then_RT ordered_VVD gently_RR ,_, "_" You_PPY go_VV0 on_RP to_II bed_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" Sure_JJ ?_? "_" 
Rafferty_NP1 knew_VVD this_DD1 kind_NN1 of_IO damp_JJ cold_NN1 was_VBDZ hard_JJ on_II his_APPGE father_NN1 's_GE arthritis_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 shook_VVD his_APPGE head_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM sure_JJ they_PPHS2 're_VBR just_RR turned_VVN around_RP ._. 
I_PPIS1 'll_VM make_VVI sure_JJ they_PPHS2 get_VV0 back_RP to_II the_AT main_JJ road_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" The_AT news_NN1 said_VVD the_AT river_NN1 's_VBZ rising_VVG ,_, "_" Eli_NP1 warned_VVD ._. 
Rafferty_NP1 grabbed_VVD his_APPGE slicker_NN1 and_CC hat_NN1 from_II the_AT coatrack_NN1 in_II the_AT hall_NN1 ._. 
Shrugging_VVG on_II both_DB2 ,_, he_PPHS1 swung_VVD open_RR the_AT front_JJ door_NN1 and_CC stepped_VVD out_RP onto_II the_AT porch_NN1 ._. 
The_AT chill_NN1 air_NN1 and_CC the_AT fresh_JJ green_JJ scent_NN1 of_IO rain_NN1 were_VBDR invigorating_JJ ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 wo_VM n't_XX waste_VVI any_DD time_NNT1 making_VVG sure_JJ they_PPHS2 get_VV0 on_II their_APPGE way_NN1 ._. "_" 
Of_IO all_DB the_AT things_NN2 Jacey_NP1 Lambert_NP1 had_VHD expected_VVN to_TO happen_VVI to_II her_PPHO1 today_RT ,_, coming_VVG to_II the_AT end_NN1 of_IO the_AT road_NN1 was_VBDZ not_XX one_MC1 of_IO them_PPHO2 ._. 
But_CCB after_II miles_NNU2 of_IO traversing_VVG an_AT1 increasingly_RR rough_JJ and_CC narrow_JJ highway_NN1 that_CST had_VHD dead-ended_JJ into_II the_AT entrance_NN1 of_IO the_AT Lost_JJ Mountain_NN1 Ranch_NN1 ,_, that_DD1 was_VBDZ exactly_RR where_CS she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ ._. 
She_PPHS1 had_VHD gotten_VVN completely_RR turned_VVN around_RP ._. 
She_PPHS1 was_VBDZ tired_JJ and_CC hungry_JJ ._. 
Her_APPGE car_NN1 was_VBDZ low_JJ on_II fuel_NN1 ._. 
Worst_JJT of_IO all_DB ,_, her_APPGE cell_NN1 phone_NN1 had_VHD n't_XX worked_VVN for_IF miles_NNU2 ._. 
Would_VM it_PPH1 be_VBI rude_JJ to_TO knock_VVI on_II the_AT door_NN1 of_IO the_AT sprawling_JJ adobe_NN1 ranch_NN1 house_NN1 just_RR ahead_RL ?_? 
Before_CS she_PPHS1 could_VM formulate_VVI an_AT1 answer_NN1 ,_, she_PPHS1 heard_VVD the_AT sound_NN1 of_IO an_AT1 engine_NN1 starting_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 looked_VVD up_RP to_TO see_VVI a_AT1 pickup_NN1 truck_NN1 headed_VVN her_APPGE way_NN1 ._. 
It_PPH1 stopped_VVD just_RR short_JJ of_IO her_APPGE Volvo_NP1 station_NN1 wagon_NN1 ._. 
A_AT1 cowboy_NN1 in_II a_AT1 black_JJ hat_NN1 and_CC a_AT1 yellow_JJ rain_NN1 slicker_NN1 climbed_VVD out_II21 of_II22 the_AT cab_NN1 ,_, strode_VVD purposefully_RR over_RP to_II the_AT driver_NN1 's_GE side_NN1 ._. 
As_CSA he_PPHS1 neared_VVD her_PPHO1 ,_, Jacey_NP1 's_GE mouth_NN1 went_VVD dry_JJ ._. 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ n't_XX so_RG much_RR the_AT size_NN1 of_IO him_PPHO1 that_CST caught_VVD her_PPHO1 off_RR21 guard_RR22 ._. 
Although_CS she_PPHS1 guessed_VVD he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ six_MC foot_NN1 three_MC or_CC so_RR --_JJ with_IW broad_JJ shoulders_NN2 and_CC the_AT long-legged_JJ ,_, impressively_RR muscled_JJ physique_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 man_NN1 who_PNQS made_VVD his_APPGE living_NN1 roping_VVG calves_NN2 &hellip;_... or_CC whatever_DDQV it_PPH1 was_VBDZ cowboys_NN2 did_VDD ._. 
It_PPH1 was_VBDZ the_AT face_NN1 beneath_II the_AT brim_NN1 of_IO that_DD1 hat_NN1 that_CST truly_RR made_VVD her_PPHO1 catch_VV0 her_APPGE breath_NN1 ._. 
Ruggedly_RR handsome_JJ ,_, with_IW even_JJ features_NN2 ,_, a_AT1 straight_JJ nose_NN1 ,_, arresting_VVG blue_JJ eyes_NN2 and_CC walnut-brown_JJ hair_NN1 peeking_VVG out_RP from_II under_II his_APPGE cowboy_NN1 hat_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 was_VBDZ clean-shaven_JJ ,_, a_AT1 plus_NN1 in_II her_APPGE estimation_NN1 ._. 
Jacey_NP1 hated_VVD a_AT1 man_NN1 with_IW a_AT1 scraggly_JJ beard_NN1 ._. 
And_CC she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ digressing_VVG ._. 
He_PPHS1 'd_VHD obviously_RR said_VVN something_PN1 as_CSA she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ sliding_VVG down_RP her_APPGE window_NN1 ,_, and_CC he_PPHS1 was_VBDZ waiting_VVG for_IF her_PPHO1 to_TO answer_VVI ._. 
Which_DDQ would_VM have_VHI been_VBN okay_JJ if_CS she_PPHS1 'd_VHD known_VVN the_AT question_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 swallowed_VVD to_TO add_VVI moisture_NN1 to_II her_APPGE parched_JJ throat_NN1 ._. 
"_" What_DDQ did_VDD you_PPY say_VVI ?_? "_" she_PPHS1 asked_VVD ._. 
"_" This_DD1 is_VBZ private_JJ property_NN1 ._. 
You_PPY 're_VBR trespassing_VVG ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 repeated_VVD ,_, clearly_RR not_XX all_DB that_DD1 happy_JJ about_II being_VBG pulled_VVN out_RP in_II the_AT torrential_JJ rain_NN1 to_TO deal_VVI with_IW an_AT1 interloper_NN1 ._. 
So_RR much_RR for_IF the_AT renowned_JJ West_ND1 Texas_NP1 hospitality_NN1 ,_, she_PPHS1 thought_VVD on_II a_AT1 sigh_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 indicated_VVD the_AT highway_NN1 map_NN1 she_PPHS1 had_VHD spread_VVN across_II her_APPGE steering_NN1 wheel_NN1 --_NN1 the_AT one_PN1 that_CST covered_VVD her_APPGE unusual_JJ girth_NN1 ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM lost_VVN ._. "_" 
His_APPGE eyes_NN2 narrowed_VVD ._. 
"_" I_PPIS1 figured_VVD ._. "_" 
"_" I_PPIS1 'm_VBM trying_VVG to_TO find_VVI Indian_JJ Lodge_NN1 at_II Davis_NP1 Mountains_NNL2 State_VV0 Park_NN1 ._. "_" 
He_PPHS1 angled_VVD a_AT1 thumb_NN1 in_II the_AT opposite_JJ direction_NN1 ._. 
Then_RT growled_VVD ,_, "_" You_PPY 're_VBR at_RR21 least_RR22 sixty_MC miles_NNU2 of_IO back_NN1 roads_NN2 from_II there_RL ._. "_" 
Which_DDQ might_VM as_RR21 well_RR22 have_VHI been_VBN six_MC hundred_NNO ,_, given_VVN how_RGQ low_JJ visibility_NN1 was_VBDZ in_II this_DD1 pouring_JJ rain_NN1 and_CC thick_JJ mist_NN1 ._. 
Even_RR in_II good_JJ conditions_NN2 ,_, the_AT speed_NN1 limit_NN1 on_II these_DD2 winding_JJ mountain_NN1 roads_NN2 was_VBDZ barely_RR thirty-five_MC miles_NNU2 per_II hour_NNT1 ._. 
These_DD2 were_VBDR n't_XX good_JJ conditions_NN2 ._. 
Plus_NN1 ,_, her_APPGE back_NN1 was_VBDZ aching_VVG ,_, and_CC all_DB she_PPHS1 wanted_VVD was_VBDZ a_AT1 good_JJ bed_NN1 and_CC a_AT1 soft_JJ pillow_NN1 ._. 
So_RR much_RR for_IF her_APPGE plan_NN1 to_TO do_VDI a_RR21 little_RR22 leisurely_JJ sightseeing_NN1 on_II the_AT way_NN1 to_II her_APPGE sister_NN1 's_GE place_NN1 in_II El_NP1 Paso_NP1 ._. 
"_" How_RGQ far_RR to_II the_AT nearest_JJT hotel_NN1 then_RT ?_? "_" 
Jacey_NP1 asked_VVD ,_, more_RRR than_CSN ready_JJ to_TO be_VBI en_RR21 route_RR22 again_RT ._. 
"_" About_II the_AT same_DA ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 told_VVD her_PPHO1 grimly_RR ._. 
She_PPHS1 suppressed_VVD a_AT1 groan_NN1 ._. 
"_" Can_VM you_PPY give_VVI me_PPIO1 directions_NN2 ?_? "_" 
He_PPHS1 shook_VVD his_APPGE head_NN1 ._. 
"_" Too_RG difficult_JJ to_TO follow_VVI ,_, even_RR without_IW the_AT bad_JJ weather_NN1 ._. 
I_PPIS1 'll_VM lead_VVI you_PPY back_RP to_II the_AT main_JJ highway_NN1 ,_, point_VV0 you_PPY in_II the_AT right_JJ direction_NN1 ,_, and_CC you_PPY can_VM take_VVI it_PPH1 from_II there_RL ._. "_" 
Telling_VVG herself_PPX1 she_PPHS1 could_VM make_VVI it_PPH1 another_DD1 hour_NNT1 or_CC two_MC if_CS she_PPHS1 had_VHD to_TO ,_, Jacey_NP1 smiled_VVD with_IW gratitude_NN1 ._. 
"_" Thanks_NN2 ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 put_VVD her_APPGE road_NN1 map_NN1 aside_RL while_CS the_AT sexy_JJ cowboy_NN1 in_II the_AT yellow_JJ rain_NN1 slicker_NN1 stalked_VVD back_RP to_II his_APPGE pickup_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 motioned_VVD for_IF her_PPHO1 to_TO back_VVI out_II21 of_II22 the_AT gate_NN1 ,_, then_RT climbed_VVD into_II the_AT cab_NN1 of_IO his_APPGE truck_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 did_VDD as_RG directed_JJ and_CC he_PPHS1 took_VVD the_AT lead_NN1 ._. 
Body_NN1 still_RR aching_VVG all_RR over_RP from_II way_NN1 more_DAR hours_NNT2 in_II the_AT car_NN1 than_CSN she_PPHS1 'd_VHD expected_VVN ,_, Jacey_NP1 turned_VVD her_APPGE windshield_NN1 wipers_NN2 on_II high_JJ and_CC followed_VVD the_AT large_JJ pickup_NN1 in_II31 front_II32 of_II33 her_PPHO1 ._. 
They_PPHS2 'd_VHD gone_VVN roughly_RR two_MC miles_NNU2 down_II the_AT paved_JJ lane_NN1 ,_, when_CS he_PPHS1 started_VVD down_II a_AT1 hill_NN1 ,_, then_RT braked_VVD so_RG abruptly_RR she_PPHS1 almost_RR slid_VVD right_RR into_II him_PPHO1 ._. 
Wondering_VVG what_DDQ the_AT holdup_NN1 was_VBDZ ,_, she_PPHS1 waited_VVD as_II the_AT rain_NN1 came_VVD down_RP even_RR harder_RRR ._. 
She_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX have_VHI long_JJ to_TO wait_VVI ._. 
He_PPHS1 put_VVD his_APPGE truck_NN1 in_II Park_NP1 ,_, hopped_VVD out_RP and_CC strode_VVD back_RP to_II the_AT driver_NN1 side_NN1 of_IO her_APPGE station_NN1 wagon_NN1 once_RR21 again_RR22 ._. 
"_" There_EX 's_VBZ water_NN1 on_II the_AT bridge_NN1 ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 shouted_VVD through_II the_AT window_NN1 ._. 
Jacey_NP1 's_GE view_NN1 of_IO the_AT low_JJ stone_NN1 bridge_NN1 was_VBDZ obscured_VVN ._. 
"_" How_RGQ much_DA1 ?_? "_" she_PPHS1 shouted_VVD back_RP ._. 
He_PPHS1 grimaced_VVD ._. 
"_" About_II a_AT1 foot_NN1 ._. "_" 
Jacey_NP1 swore_VVD heatedly_RR ._. 
If_CS she_PPHS1 drove_VVD across_II the_AT low-water_JJ crossing_NN1 ,_, she_PPHS1 'd_VM be_VBI swept_VVN off_II the_AT concrete_JJ bridge_NN1 and_CC into_II the_AT current_NN1 of_IO the_AT river_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 looked_VVD at_II him_PPHO1 ,_, heart_NN1 pounding_NN1 ._. 
"_" Now_RT what_DDQ ?_? "_" 
"_" There_EX 's_VBZ a_AT1 ditch_NN1 on_II either_DD1 side_NN1 of_IO the_AT lane_NN1 ,_, and_CC no_AT room_NN1 to_TO turn_VVI around_RP ._. 
You_PPY 're_VBR going_VVGK to_TO have_VHI to_TO back_RP up_II the_AT hill_NN1 ._. "_" 
Jacey_NN1 was_VBDZ not_XX good_JJ at_II backing_VVG up_RP ._. 
Never_RR mind_VV0 in_II these_DD2 conditions_NN2 ._. 
"_" Ca_VM n't_XX I_PPIS1 just_RR --_JJ "_" "_" Just_RR do_VD0 it_PPH1 ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD abruptly_RR ._. 
"_" And_CC stay_VV0 off_RP the_AT berm_NN1 ._. "_" 
"_" Easier_RRR said_VVN than_CSN done_VDN ,_, "_" Jacey_NP1 muttered_VVD as_CSA she_PPHS1 took_VVD her_APPGE car_NN1 out_II21 of_II22 Park_NP1 and_CC put_VV0 it_PPH1 in_II Reverse_NN1 ._. 
For_IF one_MC1 thing_NN1 ,_, she_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX have_VHI headlights_NN2 behind_II her_PPHO1 ,_, which_DDQ meant_VVD she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ essentially_RR backing_VVG up_RP in_II the_AT dark_NN1 ._. 
For_IF another_DD1 ,_, the_AT road_NN1 was_VBDZ n't_XX a_AT1 perfectly_RR straight_JJ line_NN1 ._. 
In_RR21 addition_RR22 ,_, she_PPHS1 could_VM n't_XX recall_VVI exactly_RR where_CS the_AT curve_NN1 at_II the_AT top_NN1 of_IO the_AT steep_JJ hill_NN1 began_VVD ._. 
And_CC last_MD but_CCB not_XX least_RRT she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ n't_XX as_RG physically_RR agile_JJ these_DD2 days_NNT2 as_CSA she_PPHS1 normally_RR was_VBDZ ._. 
Which_DDQ made_VVD turning_VVG around_RP to_TO look_VVI over_RP her_APPGE shoulder_NN1 while_CS still_RR steering_VVG with_IW one_MC1 hand_NN1 very_RG technically_RR difficult_JJ ,_, if_CS not_XX damn_JJ near_II impossible_JJ ._. 
So_RR it_PPH1 was_VBDZ really_RR no_AT surprise_NN1 when_CS she_PPHS1 felt_VVD the_AT station-wagon_JJ wheels_NN2 on_II the_AT right_JJ side_NN1 slip_NN1 as_CSA she_PPHS1 inadvertently_RR left_VVD the_AT paved_JJ surface_NN1 and_CC hit_VVD the_AT gravel_NN1 along_II the_AT edge_NN1 ._. 
Slowing_VVG even_RR more_RRR ,_, she_PPHS1 turned_VVD the_AT steering_NN1 wheel_NN1 in_II the_AT opposite_JJ direction_NN1 in_II an_AT1 effort_NN1 to_TO get_VVI back_RP up_RP on_II the_AT road_NN1 ._. 
To_II no_AT avail_NN1 ._. 
The_AT heavy_JJ rains_NN2 ,_, combined_VVN with_IW the_AT mud_NN1 ,_, had_VHD the_AT wheels_NN2 on_II the_AT right_JJ side_NN1 of_IO the_AT car_NN1 sinking_VVG even_RR lower_JJR ._. 
Jacey_NP1 stopped_VVD what_DDQ she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ doing_VDG ,_, not_XX sure_JJ how_RRQ to_TO proceed_VVI ._. 
The_AT cowboy_NN1 got_VVN out_II21 of_II22 his_APPGE truck_NN1 ._. 
He_PPHS1 stalked_VVD back_RP ,_, took_VVD a_AT1 look_NN1 and_CC muttered_VVD a_AT1 string_NN1 of_IO words_NN2 she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ just_RR as_RG happy_JJ not_XX to_TO catch_VVI ._. 
"_" You_PPY 're_VBR not_XX stuck_VVN ._. 
Yet_RR ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD ._. 
Thank_VV0 heaven_NN1 for_IF small_JJ miracles_NN2 ._. 
Jacey_NP1 flashed_VVD a_AT1 weak_JJ smile_NN1 ._. 
"_" Just_RR give_VV0 it_PPH1 a_AT1 little_JJ bit_NN1 of_IO gas_NN1 and_CC keep_VV0 backing_VVG up_RP slowly_RR ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 instructed_VVD ._. 
Jacey_NP1 put_VVD her_APPGE foot_NN1 on_II the_AT accelerator_NN1 ,_, pressed_VVD ever_RG21 so_RG22 lightly_RR ._. 
The_AT car_NN1 did_VDD n't_XX move_VVI --_JJ at_RR21 all_RR22 ._. 
He_PPHS1 frowned_VVD ._. 
"_" More_DAR than_CSN that_DD1 ._. "_" 
Jacey_NP1 pressed_VVD down_RP harder_RRR ._. 
The_AT wheels_NN2 spun_VVN and_CC the_AT right_JJ side_NN1 of_IO her_APPGE car_NN1 sunk_VVN ._. 
She_PPHS1 was_VBDZ stuck_VVN ._. 
Stuck_VVN in_II the_AT mud_NN1 on_II a_AT1 lonely_JJ country_NN1 road_NN1 in_II Texas_NP1 with_IW a_AT1 disgruntled_JJ cowpuncher_NN1 staring_VVG at_II her_PPHO1 as_CS21 if_CS22 he_PPHS1 wanted_VVD to_TO be_VBI anywhere_RL else_RR on_II earth_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 knew_VVD exactly_RR how_RRQ he_PPHS1 felt_VVD ._. 
Exhaling_VVG ferociously_RR ,_, he_PPHS1 strode_VVD back_RP to_II her_APPGE side_NN1 ,_, while_CS lightning_NN1 flashed_VVD overhead_RL ._. 
He_PPHS1 stomped_VVD around_RP to_TO further_RRR examine_VVI the_AT wheels_NN2 on_II her_APPGE tilting_JJ car_NN1 then_RT came_VVD back_RP ._. 
"_" We_PPIS2 're_VBR not_XX going_VVGK to_TO be_VBI able_JK to_TO get_VVI your_APPGE vehicle_NN1 out_RP until_II morning_NNT1 ,_, "_" he_PPHS1 said_VVD as_CSA another_DD1 clap_NN1 of_IO thunder_NN1 split_VVD the_AT air_NN1 ._. 
Jacey_NP1 had_VHD been_VBN afraid_JJ of_IO that_DD1 ._. 
"_" We_PPIS2 can_VM put_VVI you_PPY up_RP in_II the_AT bunkhouse_NN1 ._. "_" 
She_PPHS1 blinked_VVD ._. 
This_DD1 whole_JJ night_NNT1 was_VBDZ getting_VVG more_RRR and_CC more_RGR bizarre_JJ ._. 
"_" With_IW &hellip;_... cowboys_NN2 ?_? "_" she_PPHS1 echoed_VVD incredulously_RR ._. 
"_" The_AT cook'_NN1 ..._... 
Jacey_NP1 woke_VVD at_II dawn_NNT1 ,_, her_APPGE body_NN1 aching_VVG the_AT way_NN1 it_PPH1 always_RR did_VDD when_CS she_PPHS1 'd_VHD spent_VVN too_RG long_RR behind_II the_AT wheel_NN1 of_IO a_AT1 car_NN1 ,_, her_APPGE stomach_NN1 rumbling_VVG with_IW hunger_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 opened_VVD her_APPGE eyes_NN2 ,_, and_CC for_IF a_AT1 second_NNT1 as_CSA she_PPHS1 looked_VVD around_II the_AT rustically_RR appointed_VVN room_NN1 ,_, she_PPHS1 had_VHD trouble_NN1 recalling_VVG where_RRQ she_PPHS1 was_VBDZ ._. 
Then_RT she_PPHS1 remembered_VVD the_AT rain_NN1 --_NN1 which_DDQ was_VBDZ still_RR pounding_VVG torrentially_RR on_II the_AT roof_NN1 overhead_NN1 --_NN1 the_AT jagged_JJ slash_NN1 of_IO lightning_NN1 across_II the_AT dark_JJ night_NNT1 sky_NN1 ,_, thunder_VV0 so_RG loud_RR it_PPH1 shook_VVD the_AT ground_NN1 beneath_II her_PPHO1 ._. 
And_CC a_AT1 man_NN1 in_II a_AT1 black_JJ hat_NN1 and_CC a_AT1 long_JJ yellow_JJ rain_NN1 slicker_NN1 coming_VVG to_II her_APPGE rescue_NN1 ._. 
Jacey_NP1 closed_VVD her_APPGE eyes_NN2 against_II the_AT image_NN1 of_IO that_DD1 ruggedly_RR handsome_JJ face_NN1 and_CC tall_JJ ,_, muscular_JJ frame_NN1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 did_VDD n't_XX know_VVI what_DDQ it_PPH1 was_VBDZ about_II Rafferty_NP1 Evans_NP1 ._. 
She_PPHS1 'd_VHD seen_VVN plenty_PN of_IO men_NN2 with_IW soft_JJ ,_, touchable_JJ brown_JJ hair_NN1 and_CC stunning_JJ blue_JJ eyes_NN2 ._. 
Taken_VVN item_NN1 by_II item_NN1 ,_, there_EX 'd_VHD been_VBN nothing_PN1 all_DB that_DD1 remarkable_JJ about_II his_APPGE straight_JJ nose_NN1 and_CC even_RR features_NN2 ._. 
So_RR what_DDQ if_CS every_AT1 inch_NNU1 of_IO him_PPHO1 had_VHD been_VBN unerringly_RR masculine_JJ and_CC he_PPHS1 'd_VHD been_VBN six_MC foot_NN1 three_MC inches_NNU2 of_IO strength_NN1 and_CC confidence_NN1 ?_? 
Just_RR because_CS his_APPGE shoulders_NN2 and_CC chest_NN1 had_VHD looked_VVN broad_JJ enough_RR to_TO shelter_VVI her_PPHO1 from_II even_RR the_AT fiercest_JJT storm_NN1 was_VBDZ no_AT reason_NN1 to_TO tingle_VVI all_RR over_II just_RR remembering_VVG the_AT sight_NN1 of_IO him_PPHO1 ,_, or_CC the_AT gentle_JJ ,_, deferential_JJ way_NN1 he_PPHS1 'd_VHD helped_VVN her_PPHO1 out_II21 of_II22 her_APPGE car_NN1 ._. 
