then turned and studied Holly with Mrs. Cooke. Had he missed something? Was he that blind?
Holly stole a glance his way, then got back to work. She’d looked about to cry earlier. What could be bothering her? Had he done something?
He put Sophie back in her stroller. Maybe it wasn’t so much something he did, but what he didn’t do. Hmm …
He took one last look at Holly and left the shop. Once outside he spotted Lincoln Cooke, Mavis’ husband, sitting on a bench. He looked up from the paper he was reading and waved Zane over. “Well, well, so it’s true.”
Zane pushed the stroller closer. “Don’t tell me, let me guess. Beatrice?”
“Who else?” Lincoln said with a laugh. “So who do we have here?”
At least he didn’t call her by name like Mavis did. “This is my daughter, Sophie.”
Lincoln set his paper aside and leaned toward the baby. “Hello, little one. How are you?” He looked up. “Her eyes are shaped just like yours.”
“I know.”
“Beatrice mentioned you’ve had a rough time of it. I know it’s none of my business, but …”
“It’s fine, Mr. Cooke. I’m fine.”
“Well, so long as things are going your way. But if they don’t, I could use a new accountant. I heard you majored in business.”
“Yes, and no. I’m a professional artist now.”
Lincoln’s face broke into a wide smile. “You don’t say?” He patted the bench then scooted over. “Tell me about that.”
Zane smiled and sat. “Well, I’m a contributing writer and do the artwork for a comic book.”
“No kidding?”
Zane wiped one hand on his jeans. He’d never had a conversation with Lincoln Cooke before. The Cookes were the richest and most successful ranchers in the state if not the entire west coast. “Yes, have you ever heard of a comic book called The Lone Stranger?”
Lincoln’s eyes lit up. “Rhys loves that one.” He drew near him. “That’s yours?”
Zane smiled. “Rhys still reads comic books?”
“Shhh, don’t tell anyone,” Lincoln said with a wink.
“I remember he liked them back in high school. He doing all right?”
“Yes, helps me run the Triple-C.” He glanced at the beauty shop. “He’s still single, never married.” He looked at Zane. “You?”
“Single, but with …” he waved at Sophie. “Well, it’s complicated.”
“Not so much,” Lincoln said. “These things happen. That’s life, son.”
Zane nodded.
“So, what are you going to do? Move back?”
“I’m not sure.”
Lincoln held a finger out to Sophie who took it. “Home is a good place to be. You can think about life, love, what you’re going to do. And let’s face it, this is a good place to raise a family.”
Zane watched him move his finger up and down as if shaking Sophie’s hand. He was right of course, but he had to do what was fair for everyone. Maybe that meant not living in either Clear Creek or New York.
“She’s got a strong grip,” Lincoln said with a smile and moved his finger left then right. Sophie didn’t let go. He glanced at the shop and back. “Happy to see Holly again?”
Zane coughed. “Um, yes. It’s been nice.” His heart leaped in his chest at the mere mention of her. The pull to go back inside and speak to her was overwhelming.
“Holly’s a good gal. Mavis thinks the world of her. So do you, judging from the look on your face.”
Zane jerked. “What?”
Lincoln laughed. “Nothing wrong with things rekindling between the two of you. Don’t be ashamed of it.”
“I’m not.” And he wasn’t. It was the fact it showed so plainly on his face that rattled him.
“You two going to give it another go?”
Zane froze. “I … I’m not sure.”
Lincoln smiled. “Really?” He looked at the shop. “Take my advice, son. If you feel for the girl, then do something about it. Don’t let a second chance slip away.”
“But …”
“Oh, I know what you’re thinking. You’re a single father now, things have changed. Well, there’s nothing wrong with being a single dad. I commend you for doing the right thing.”
Zane stared at him. “Beatrice …”
Lincoln gave him a dismissive wave. “She didn’t tell us anything bad. Everyone is proud of what you’ve done.”
“So, you know what happened?”
“Regarding the mother? Poor girl.”
That answered that question. “I have things to take care of. Then I can think about pursuing … well …”
“Holly?”
Zane sighed in frustration. “I don’t think she’s ready for,” he waved between himself and Sophie.
“Why don’t you let Holly be the judge of that? Let her tell you. Besides, how is she going to know unless she