Chapter 46

Rafe's house sat on considerable acreage outside the city of Austin, a rambling piece of land dotted with oak, mesquite and mountain cedar. Enough land so his neighbors were a good distance away.

"Close enough for business, far enough away for privacy," he told her.

The house, a long, low rambling ranch-style made of limestone and adobe, had big picture windows that reflected back the late afternoon sun while ancient oaks shaded the house from excessive heat. The shrubbery, Bree noticed, was kept to a minimum but totally appropriate for the rustic environment.

"Oh, stop, Rafe! Look!"

He slammed on the brakes in the driveway and shoved the gearshift into Park. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just look." She sat up straighter in the cab and lowered her window. "Over there. Deer." She pointed to the right where a small group of deer nibbled at the leaves on a low-hanging branch.

"Be real quiet. They spook easily."

"They're so beautiful," she whispered. "I've never seen any except in th