My Foot's in the Stirrup ... My Pony Won't Stand — Stephen A. Bly

Why is it when a gunman decides to call it quits, no one seems to listen? All Tap and Pepper want to do is settle down, buy a small, out-of-the-way ranch, get a few head of cattle, and start raising a family. After all, a baby's on the way. But it's not that easy for an ex-convict and former dance hall girl trying to break with their pasts. No matter where they go or what they do, they collide with the past and plenty of problems in the present. Meanwhile, Tap's current job as brand inspector for the cattle association keeps him smack dab in the middle of conflict. One day its holding off rustlers and avoiding ambushes. The next day it's babysitting Texas ranchers and trying to clear himself of murder charges. Or keep from getting shot and Pepper from having the baby too early. And his new horse won't stay still long enough for him to get on and stay on.