Nerves were already eating their way through Liam's stomach, and, it was only dawn. He still had a good eight hours to kill before he needed to head to town to pick up Emma.

....and already that woman was all he could think about.

Hell, she was all he'd thought about since he'd found her in his barn.

Liam ran his hand over Honey's mane and let out a long breath. "I'm thinking of asking Emma to become a more permanent fixture around here tonight."

He was surprised to find his hands were shaking. "Hell, I ain't never been so nervous in all my life. I miss the days when I didn't need anybody."

Misty let out a short whiney behind him. Liam smiled. "Yeah, I think she's worth it too."

Liam went about grooming and tending the animals in an effort to pass the time and occupy his mind. His chores were interrupted by the sound of an approaching horse.

Who would be riding out? Kyle and Chase had visited yesterday and Liam never got many other visitors. Unless Emma had decided to come out again.

The smile on Liam's lips quickly vanished when he stepped out of the barn and realized who his visitor was. A man he hadn't seen in four years....

Four peaceful years.

The bastard who had helped create him.

His father.

"Hello there, Liam."

Liam growled and yanked off his gloves. "Why are you here?"

Patrick let out a chuckle as he slid from the saddle. "Still don't waste time on pleasantries I see."

Liam merely shrugged.

Patrick had aged ten years in the last four. Hair that had once been as dark as Liam's was now more gray than black. His suntanned face looked like cracked leather and his body seemed crooked and weathered.

He was no longer the straight, solid, strong mountain man who had caused his wife's death with his lack of care and neglect....

"I was hoping we could talk, son."

Liam shook his head. "Not today."

His father had never been a real father and Liam had spent much of his life hating him. Now he couldn't manage to care enough to manage hate.

He felt indifferent about the man before him—and Liam could hardly be bothered talking to those he liked.

Patrick seemed undeterred. "I want to have a talk with my son."

Liam clenched his fists. Maybe if he gave the man what he wanted, he'd disappear for another four years. With a growl, Liam strode toward the cabin and motioned for Patrick to follow him.

He threw some wood on the dying fire and took a seat at the kitchen table. "What do you want, Patrick?"

"I'm an old man, Liam. I'm thinking about settling down. It sounds better every day."

"Then go somewhere and settle."

Patrick sat down across from him and met his gaze with determination. "I'm settling down around here, Liam. I've already visited some old friends on the mountain."

"I still haven't heard you say what this has to do with me," Liam interrupted.

Patrick shifted in the chair. "I just wanted my son to know I was staying around."

Liam tipped his head. "Now I know."

Liam stood up and headed for the door. Patrick remained in his chair and glanced around. "I don't remember you being so neat and clean."

Liam let his own gaze drift across the cabin, taking in all the small touches Emma had made. A quilt was draped over the sofa, the furniture was polished, curtains were draped over the windows and the dishes were organized.

Emma had only been in the cabin for a matter of hours and she had somehow made it seem more like a home.

"You can go now," Liam urged.

He turned his attention back to his father just in time to see the older man use his hands to steal a chunk of the last piece of pie.

Liam's temper flared. "That wasn't yours!" he snapped.

"This is damn good pie." Patrick's eyes narrowed. "You got a woman, boy? This cabin is screaming woman."

"I'm not a boy and you've never showed any interest in my life before. Don't start now."

"Hell, son!" Patrick slammed his hands on the table and shoved himself to his feet. "You ain't married, are you? I taught you better than that."

Liam's jaw popped as he opened the door. "You've never given a damn about me, Patrick. Don't start now. Now leave. I have plans in town tonight."

"The dance?" Patrick frowned. "You're taking a woman, aren't you? Do you have to learn the hard way that they can't be trusted? Your mama...."

"Don't you say a damned word about that woman," Liam all but shouted as he stepped forward. "She was a damn good woman who spent her short life being neglected, ignored and mistreated by her husband. Don't worry, Patrick. I don't plan on making your mistakes."

Liam watched as the color drained from his father's face. Oddly enough, it didn't give him the oy he'd thought it would.

"I've made a lot of mistakes, Liam, but I loved your mama."

Liam chose to say nothing.

Patrick walked to the open door. "An old friend of mine, Silas Hawke, says his daughter ran away. He's been searching for her and thinks you may know where she is."

Liam stiffened. Old friend? Yet one more reason to dislike his father.

"His mistaken," Liam grumbled. "Now see yourself out. I have things to do."

"Fine, I'll go for now. But I'll be back, son. Like I said, I'm looking to settle down."

Liam slammed the door closed after his father walked out. He threw himself down on the sofa and glared into the fire.

He had no idea why his worthless father had chosen now to come back but he wasn't happy about it. Liam had been happy. He'd been happy and hopeful about the future.

Then Patrick McIntyre had come riding in with his hatred or women, his talk of settling down and his mention of Silas. Now Liam's temper was riled and he dreaded what he knew would be upcoming conflicts with his father.

Liam laid his head back. When he closed his eyes, Liam saw an image of Emma's face. A smile instantly curved his lips.

Liam was going to forget about his father and the stress the man would no doubt create. Tonight, Liam was going to focus on Emma and on the new life he wanted with her as his wife.

Patrick stood in the sun and thought about his son. He had suspected he wouldn't receive a warm welcome but it had gone worse than he'd worried it would.

Patrick had made quite a few mistakes where Liam was concerned. But his intentions were good now. He wanted to get to know his son and he wanted what was best for Liam.

Which meant Patrick was going to ride up on that mountain and tell Silas where to find his daughter. If there was one thing Liam was not good at, it was lying.

Liam planned on going to that dance tonight and the date he was taking was Silas Hawke's daughter. Patrick wouldn't watch his son make enemies of the men on the mountain.

And he wouldn't watch his son have his heart ripped out by the woman he loved. Patrick would save his son that pain.... No man deserved that pain.