Delta's Dawn

Daddy. I'm just surprised, you don't date very often.” Abby grins as she explains and glances back at her grandpa.
“Delta is different, and I'm taking her to dinner tonight. Now, don't you have a riding lesson this morning?” He asks with a nudge.
“Oh, yes! See you later grandpa,” Abby runs off.
Chase frowns when Daniel returns to the desk. “I'd like a minute with you, Daniel,” he orders and pulls Daniel into his office.
“Dad, can you watch Abby on Friday morning. She has a sleepover tonight with a friend because of spring break this week, and a riding lesson tomorrow. I have a tour planned for tomorrow morning,” he asks with a smile.
“Not with Delta, you don’t,” Chase growls closing the door to his office.
“What? Since when do you care who I give guided tours to?” His father sighs in frustration before he answers.
“Delta is different, Daniel. She's still healing after losing her husband, and I don't want you bruising her. If you're just looking for a good time, I'm sure you can find someone else to fill that need.”
“I know about her husband, Pop, I’m not going to hurt her. You taught me better than that.” He glances at him. “How do you know so much about her anyway?”
“I had a dinner date with her the other night. She's graceful and elegant, funny and sweet. Everything a man needs in his life, but she's fragile.” Walking away, Chase turns back and glares at his son. He carries his pipe and moves to the windows overlooking the land.
“Fragile my ass,” Daniel laughs out loud before telling him about the bear and how the “fragile flower” was prepared to handle it. “I'm a little old to be taking romantic advice from my Father, but not too stupid to take it when given. I will tread carefully. The truth is Dad that I really like her, and I want some time to get to know her. In fact, I'd given up hope that I'd ever have what you and Mom had, but with Delta I see… possibilities.”
“Ah hell, Daniel.” He sits back down and sighs. “It was your Mother's greatest wish that you'd find someone special. If you truly feel that way, then tread carefully. Allow her to come into her feelings slowly. If that doesn't work, I'll give you a few tricks of the trade. Women don't stand a chance against our Montana charm!”
“I don’t know about that,” Daniel says with a laugh.
“Damn,” Chase says thinking about the bear. “You know that once a bear finds a food source, they're likely to return. I will notify animal protection services. They can try to locate this one and relocate him. Until they find him, you be careful and tell Abby to pay attention as well.”
“I will Dad. I feel better knowing she will stay with a friend tonight and be with you tomorrow.” As Daniel leaves Chase is already on the phone. His crew will randomly ride out over the populated areas to keep a lookout for the bear and protect the guests on the ranch.
Later, Chase is thinking of his wife. The home they built together is a legacy for future generations. Staring out at the place they built, Chase wonders at the cruelty of a God who allows us to grow so old and fragile. Abby is the light of his life, but one day soon he will join his bride, and he would really like to see Daniel settled before he goes.

Chapter 6
Delta tossed and turned all night dreaming about Daniel and that kiss. It was hot and sweet, a perfect combination. Tonight, she has a dinner date with him! Excited, she jumps from bed to start her day. She's going to wear the new dress she picked out with Bailey. It is a pale blue chiffon, halter neck dress with a beautiful rose print detail and corded rope belt. The asymmetrical hemline is perfect for spring and makes her feel feminine and sexy.
“This evening, I will make his eyes pop!” She says, winking at Sasha as she makes a cup of coffee and stares at the wood over her door. “I think I owe that bear a thank you.” Her doorbell rings and Sasha goes running. When she opens the door, Delta gasps in joy. A crystal vase of red roses is sitting on the deck with a card attached by a ribbon. A car with the ranch logo drives off away leaving her to pick up the vase and carries it inside. Excitement and nervousness fill her heart as she presses her face against the fragrant blossoms to inhale the scent.
“Looking forward to spending an evening beneath the stars with you. Daniel,” she reads.
Tucked inside the roses is a rose-colored envelope with the Ranch logo on it. Delta opens it and gasps in surprise. It's a gift card for a Rose facial, and massage at ten thirty this morning! Delighted and shocked she laughs out loud and glanced at the clock. It's already almost 9:30.
Delta hurries to her room to dress. The weather has warmed up, and it's going to be almost eighty degrees today, but still cold in the morning. She dresses in a white lace T-shirt and long cotton blue skirt and sandals and grabs her keys. Maintenance workers will be here to work on the door today, so she leaves food and water for Sasha in the master bedroom and tells her to stay.
The lobby is busy in the morning with people going and coming. Delta dodges them and stops at the desk for directions to the spa.
“Good Morning, Melody, can you tell me where the spa is?” Delta asks. Before Melody can respond, Daniel walks out of the office with his father and smiles at her.
“I’ll show her to the spa,” Daniel says with a