The Heart of a Cowboy
The Heart of a Cowboy
Charlene Sands
After six years on the rodeo circuit, rough-and-tumble cowboy Case Jarrett returned to the Triple R to face his responsibility and the only woman he'd ever loved - his late brother's pregnant widow.Case wanted to honor his brother's wishes and take care of Sarah, but living with her brought out a fever in him that begged for release! Sarah remembered the electrifying kiss she and Case had shared as teenagers.Now he was back, making a mess of her heart - not to mention her hormones! Did she dare dream of a happily-ever-after with a man whose powerful presence had always set off fireworks in her soul?
Sarah Felt A Sudden Tightening In Her Abdomen.
She gripped her stomach. Oh, no! she cried out, doubling over.
What? Sarah, whats wrong? Case asked.
The pain intensified. I thinkoh! she exclaimed, the pain gripping her tight. I thinkthe babys coming, she managed to say.
Now? But you have weeks to go.
On instinct, Sarah knew the baby was coming early. And they were out in a desolate part of the range, with no form of communication. The baby wasnt going to wait.
Babies dont always come on schedule, Case.
Case straightened and nodded, a determined light coming into his eyes. Okay, okay. Lets get you into the car. Well make it to the hospital in half an hour.
Sarah shook her head and grabbed on to his sleeve. No, Case. There isnt time. The babys coming too fast.
She met the fear in Cases eyes with her own. There was no way around this. Sarah knew what he had to do. The contractions were intense and coming far too frequently. She pleaded with him now. He was her only hope.
Case, you have to deliver my baby.
Dear Reader,
Get your new year off to a sizzling start by reading six passionate, powerful and provocative new love stories from Silhouette Desire!
Dont miss the exciting launch of DYNASTIES: THE BARONES, the new 12-book continuity series about feuding Italian-American families caught in a web of danger, deceit and desire. Meet Nicholas, the eldest son of Bostons powerful Barone clan, and Gail, the down-to-earth nanny who wins his heart, in The Playboy & Plain Jane (#1483) by USA TODAY bestselling author Leanne Banks.
In Becketts Convenient Bride (#1484), the final story in Dixie Brownings BECKETTS FORTUNE miniseries, a detective offers the protection of his homeand loses his heartto a waitress whose own home is torched after she witnesses a murder. And in The Sheikhs Bidding (#1485) by Kristi Gold, an Arabian prince pays dearly to win back his ex-lover and their son.
Reader favorite Sara Orwig completes her STALLION PASS miniseries with The Rancher, the Baby & the Nanny (#1486), featuring a daredevil cowboy and the shy miss he hires to care for his baby niece. In Quade: The Irresistible One (#1487) by Bronwyn Jameson, sparks fly when two lawyers exchange more than arguments. And great news for all you fans of Harlequin Historicals author Charlene Sandsshes now writing contemporary romances, as well, and debuts in Desire with The Heart of a Cowboy (#1488), a reunion romance that puts an ex-rodeo star at close quarters on a ranch with the pregnant widow hes loved silently for years.
Ring in this new year with all six brand-new love stories from Silhouette Desire.
Enjoy!
Joan Marlow Golan
Senior Editor, Silhouette Desire
The Heart of a Cowboy
Charlene Sands
CHARLENE SANDS
resides in Southern California with her husband, Don, and two children, Jason and Nikki. When not writing, she enjoys sunny California days, Pacific beaches, sitting down with a good book and, of course, happy endings!
She loves to hear from her readers. Contact her at charlenesands@hotmail.com or visit her Web site at charlenesands.com.
To my husband, Don, my best friend, my love and my own special breed of cowboy. Aint nobody better, honey.
And special thanks to my talented editor, Patience Smith, for your effort in making this book come together.
Its always a pleasure working with you.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Epilogue
One
Case Jarrett pulled his truck up to Red Ridge Ranch and heaved a heavy sigh. He glanced at the ranch house hed grown up in. After months away busting broncs on the rodeo circuit and silently grieving the death of his brother, Reid, he was back now.
Bounding out of the king cab, Case lifted his Stetson off his head to run a hand through his dark hair. Arizona heat coiled around him like a diamondback snake tightening about his body. He welcomed the familiar swamping and took in a deep breath of dust-laden air, then returned his hat to his head.
He had a promise to keep and wondered how Sarah, his brothers widow, would react to his moving back home. Hell, hed debated his decision over and over in his mind and hadnt come up with any other way to protect his family home and keep the promise hed made to Reid on his deathbed.
Case had kept his distance for five monthssince the funeralbut Sarah was eight months pregnant now and Case couldnt justify his staying away any longer. He was needed here. Always had been. Guilt yanked at him hard. If hed been here, seeing to the Triple R, helping out, maybe Reid wouldnt have died so tragically. His brother would still be alive to witness the birth of his first child.
Instead Reid was buried in the family plot five miles up the road. Case had stopped by on his way in, noting the fresh batch of wildflowers on his grave. Sarah, no doubt, had laid down those flowers. When the front screen slapped open, Case snapped his head up. Sarah stood on the front porch, just outside the door and her expression, that momentary sign of hope, slammed into his gut. Disappointment registered quickly on her face when she recognized him. Being an identical twin brother had had its share of benefits at an earlier age, especially where Sarah was concerned, but now, his very appearance was a constant reminder to her of the husband that shed lost. She did a fine job of covering up, but Case knew beyond a doubt that for one instant before reason and reality set in, Sarah thought she was seeing the man she had married.
Take care of Sarah for me, Case, and the baby, too. Reids dying words echoed in his head. Hed made the promise while Reid was drawing his last breath. But Case hadnt stayed on too long after the funeral. Hed headed back to the rodeo straight away.
Sarah was in good hands, hed told himself. Her sister Delaney and her two young daughters had come to spend time on the ranch, keeping Sarah company, helping her cope with her loss and the pregnancy. Case knew shed been taken care of then, but summer was over now and Delaney was gone. Shed taken her children back to California when the new school session began.
A hefty dose of conscience had struck Case while pulling back a pint of Jack Daniels and hed called Sarah from Denver one night. Shed been crying, but darn her stubborn pride, tried her best to disguise it. Sarah Johnston Jarrett couldnt lie worth a damn.
Case knew then, he had to come home. For Sarah and for Reid. The irony was, that for all his good intentions, he now had to come face-to-face with the woman hed been avoiding for the past six years. The woman hed secretly wanted. The only woman in the entire state of Arizona who could make him break out in a sweat with one pretty smile.
Case had his share of beautiful women, but no one compared to Sarah, in his mind. Hed envied his brother but never once begrudged Reid his happiness. Reid deserved every single ounce of joy he could attain. Hed been a good man, solid, dependable, a man Case had been proud to call brother.
If only Case had stayed on at the ranch.
But Case couldnt live under the same roof with Sarah. He couldnt afford for anyone to find out, that Case Jarrett, ladies man and all-around bad boy, had fallen hard for his brothers girl. The day they married, Case took off, leaving the ranch, claiming a need to sow his oats and ride rodeo.
Hello, Case, Sarah said, from just outside the front door. She moved to the porch post and leaned against it. She was heavy with child now and her movements seemed labored. There would be no grand greeting for him, no happy welcome home. He couldnt say he deserved it, either, but often he wished just once, Sarahs eyes would light for him, the way theyd always done for Reid.
Sarah, Case said, nodding and removing his hat.
They stared awkwardly at each other for a moment. Then Case lifted his boot heels and headed her way. Red dust swirled under him as he ate up the yard with long measured strides until he faced Sarah. Her sweet flowery scent knocked his senses for a loop. How the woman always managed to smell so damn good, Case couldnt figure.
What are you doing here? she asked cautiously, checking him over from head to toe. Did you get injured again?
Case had come home from the rodeo circuit once when hed busted his ribs from a fall off a feisty bronc named Dynamite Dan. That and for a few days during each Christmas were the only times Case had ever returned to the ranch.
He shook his head and lifted his arms out wide. Nope. All in one piece this time. She didnt appear relieved. Instead her expression bordered on wary and he knew what question was on her mindwhy had he come home? She wouldnt like his answer. She wouldnt take kindly to his return. And for Case, it wouldnt be easy living under the same roof with Sarah, wanting her the way he did, but an equal measure of guilt and honor had brought him home, for good. Hey, how many babies you have in there? he asked, glancing at her belly. Last time I saw you, you could fit inside the barn door.
That comment brought a soft chuckle to her lips. Sarah was beautiful when she smiled. Hed have to get used to seeing those smiles on a daily basis and not react to them. He couldnt let Sarah know what one of her pretty little smiles did to him. Only one, but he seems to be growing faster than Bobbi Sues baby heifer. She placed her hand over her abdomen.
Case took in her appearance. Her eyes looked weary, the soft blue ovals were rimmed with red. Subtle contours of her lovely face appeared drawn and tight. And although her golden hair shone like sunshine, Sarah looked exhausted. You feeling okay, Sarah?
Im fine.
Youre working too hard, he said, moving a little closer, getting a better look.
Her smile faded some and she took a step back. That was Sarah, always backing off from him, always wary. I need to keep busy, Case, and theres lots of work to do.
Sarah had been working too hard. Well, that was about to change. Case let his brother down once and that mistake might have cost Reid his life. Case wasnt about to neglect his brothers widow or his unborn child. Not again. He wasnt going to let Sarah work herself into the ground, either. He knew she had a stubborn streak. She was one determined lady who didnt back down from trouble.
And there had been trouble. But it hadnt been Sarah who had confided in him. No, he had to find out from Benny Vasquez, the neighbor on their south border, that Sarah had been threatened by pushy land developers to sell out. The woman probably thought she could handle the situation on her own. He hadnt given Sarah much reason to trust him, but damn it, he sure wouldve liked it better if shed been the one to confide in him about what was going on.
Whether Sarah wanted him to stay on or not, hed see to the trouble. Case would bet his championship belt buckle, Sarah wasnt going to be happy about it. Not one bit.
He rubbed the side of his neck and glanced her way. Let me get the trailer unhitched and my bags unpacked and well talk.
Her light blond brows arched up. Your bags?
There was a look of panic on her face with that dawning knowledge. Couldnt be helped. Cases mind was made up. He and Sarah were going to live together at the Triple R, and both were going to have to deal with the consequences. Thats right. Im moving back home, Sarah. To stay.
Sarah fidgeted nervously in the kitchen, strumming her fingers against the oak table and tapping her toe against the floor. She heard Case upstairs; slamming shut drawers, opening the sliding closet doors, whistling out a tune as he made himself at home.
She reminded herself, this was his home, too. He owned half of the Triple R, not that he seemed to care much about it lately. It appeared that the minute she and Reid married, Case was out the door, leaving his family home and his legacy behind. Reid had never complained, he just picked up the slack, but Sarah had often wondered why Case had left so abruptly. She couldnt help but feel shed intruded on his life, barging into his home and taking over.
He said he was hometo stay. Dread crept up her spine. Case was a virtual stranger to her now. Shed hardly spoken to him in six years. She didnt know him anymore. How could she manage to live with Case, in this house, after all that had happened between them in the past? Sarahs stomach churned, a queasy feeling reminiscent of her early pregnancy. Only this time, it wasnt the baby causing commotion to her insides, but instead, the babys uncle.
He was Reids brother and he did own half of the Triple R, but Sarah hadnt given much thought as to what shed do when Case decided to claim his half of the ranch. She certainly hadnt expected him to come home now. She knew he was riding high on the rodeo circuit, having won several bronc-riding championships. Hed been sending money, and that amount had doubled lately from his recent successes, to help with ranch expenses and Reids hospital bills. The ranch was heavily mortgaged to pay those debts and Sarah honestly didnt know how shed manage to pay off the loans. But one thing was certain, she wasnt going to give up on the Triple R.
With Case it was different. Hed seemed to lose interest with the ranch and as soon as he was old enough, hed taken off. His sudden unexpected reappearance had really rattled her.
By law and by rights, her share of the ranch would belong to her child one day. Moving off this land had never been an option. She loved the ranch too much to think of leaving. The Triple R was home. But she never thought shed live here without Reid. Shed never fathomed a freakish accident would claim her husbands life.
The raging dust storm that had spooked the animals and caused the barn collapse had nearly taken Reid, as well. A wooden beam from the rickety barn loft had struck him down as he tried saving the animals. Hed lingered for days, fighting off the crushing pain to his chest and Sarah had been by his side, holding on, listening as Reid uttered words of assurance. There had been silent understanding in his words, and Sarahs heart bled each time Reid would make plans for her future without him. In the quiet moments right before Reids death, hed said point-blank, the Triple R would be her home forever. Sarah had prayed for the best, but feared the worst. And then the worst did happenhis heart gave way. Reid died five days after the accident.
And now Sarah would be living with Case.
She heard footsteps descending on the stairway and stood up abruptly to pour the coffee shed brewed. But the fast move made her light-headed and she swayed, grabbing for the kitchen chair.
Sarah? Case was beside her instantly, steadying her shoulders with strong hands.
The room spun, and Sarah took a deep breath. A moment later, her head cleared. She looked into a set of deep brown, concerned eyes. And her skin burned from the heat of Cases solid hold on her, his fingers gently digging in, reminding her what it felt like to be in a mans arms. Reminding her, what it had been like being in his arms. But Sarah didnt want to dwell on the past. She had enough to deal with, right now, in the present. Im okay. The doctor says not to get up too fast. My blood pressures a bit low and quick moves tend to make me dizzy.
Case helped ease her down into a chair. Sit down and take it easy.
You dont know what youre in for, living with a pregnant woman. She couldnt believe what shed be in for, living with Case, either. They both had some adjusting to do.
Cases eyes never left her face. He sat down across from her. Ive got a feeling Im going to learn about it right quick. So, you dont mind me coming back?
What about the rodeo? she asked abruptly. Of course, she minded, but she had no right tossing him out. He owned an equal share of the ranch.
He studied her face for a moment. Im entered in a handful more events so Ill go back from time to time, but this is my last year. Im through. What do you say, Sarah? Can you abide me coming back to the ranch?
She shrugged. What could she say? She couldnt very well kick him out. Hed left the ranch at a bad time. Money had been tight, beef prices down and they couldnt afford to hire on any more help. Reid had done the work of two men to make ends meet back then, but now, it was Cases turn to work the land, she supposed. Its your home, Case. Reid would want it this way.
Butnot you?
Sarah wouldnt lie. She had her doubts about these living arrangements. He was Reids brother, but he was also a man Sarah couldnt trust. Hed let Reid down too many times. Case, we hardly know each other anymore. At best, itll be awkward.
Sarah, listen. I need to be here right now, but you have my word, Ill stay out of your way. I know about the threats youve received. His tone sobered considerably and his expression grew fierce. His deep dark eyes penetrated hers with raw determination. Nobody threatens a Jarrett.
Case, they werent threats really. Mr. Merriman from the Beckman Corporation got a little tooenthusiastic in his bid to get me to sell the ranch. His company is planning this big housing community called Beckman Bridle Homes and the Triple R seems to be right smack in the middle of where they intend to build.
I heard the McPhersons refused the offer, too. Not too long after their barn burned down suspiciously.
Yes, thats true. It happened last week, but they cant prove anything. Luckily no one was hurt. Seth McPherson spotted the fire and they put it out before any livestock got caught in the flames.
You should have told me about this. I had a right to know. Anger burned low and intense in Cases dark eyes.
I didnt think youd
Care?
Well, its not as though youve taken an interest in the ranch, Case.
The ranch is my business now, Sarah. And you, living all alone out here.
Sarah was alone now. And she felt it every day. Shed been lost when Reid died, and had to fight off her melancholy for the babys sake. Shed never known this kind of loneliness before. Theres more than half a dozen hands on the ranch. Im not entirely alone. Besides, I handled Mr. Merriman in my own way. He probably wont be back.
How can you be sure?
You didnt see the look in his eyes when I pulled out Reids Winchester and aimed it straight at his heart.
Cases lips lifted in a small crooked smile and uncannily, Sarah felt that smile all the way to her toes. You chased him off the property?
She nodded, remembering that day all too well. The man had been more threatening than shed let on to Case. And hed forced himself inside the house, using verbal pressure when shed refused his offer of sale. What was worse, the man knew of the ranchs outstanding debts and that they were headed for financial trouble. He played on that until Sarah couldnt take another minute of it. Shed asked him to leave twice, before reaching for that rifle. You could say that.
Case shook his head. You wont have to worry about him again.
Probably not, she thought wryly, but now shed have another worry. She didnt relish living with a man like Case. Theyd had a history together that she didnt enjoy recalling. Growing up in a small country town, their paths had crossed more times than not. Case hadnt made her life easy. Two years her senior, hed been a bully at times, a tease, and later when theyd been in their late teens, hed played a trick on her. One she still smarted from.
One she had trouble forgetting. And forgiving.
Case Jarrett may have shared similar looks with her late husband Reid, but the differences between the two were clearly notable to her now. Oh, not physically, but Sarah couldnt help but look at Case and see the man who had abandoned Reid and the Triple R when he was needed the most. Sarah saw a man bent on danger. She saw him as the man who had tricked and cajoled her one too many times.
How Sarah had ever been fooled in the past by their identical appearance, she couldnt understand now. And the scar slanting down Cases cheek from his right eye only marked him as different to othersa way of singling him out from Reid. But to Sarah, Case was nothing like Reid, and she didnt need that facial wound to remind her that Case Jarrett was certainly not his brother.
Is that why youre back, Case? Are you worried about the ranch?
Case narrowed his eyes and drew in a long breath, deep in thought. Its my responsibility now, Sarah.
She nodded, wondering why, after all this time Case felt the need to own up to his responsibilities. Hed never been the type to settle down. And if his coming back had anything to do with her, she needed to make one thing abundantly clear. But Im not.
Youre not what? he asked, the picture of innocence.
Your responsibility. I can take care of myself.
Case had the good sense to stifle a smug smile, but Sarah sensed she knew what hed been thinking. Shed nearly fainted dead away just now from dizziness. And hed been the one to catch her before the fall. Tough pregnant lady, are you?
Im a ranchers wife, arent I? At least she had been, up until five months ago. The heartache was still with her each and every day, but she had the baby to think about so she looked to the future instead of aching in the past. More than anything she wanted this child to thrive. Nurturing this baby was her only source of comfort.
Case nodded and averted his eyes. He stood then and poured coffee into a mug. Ive got to have a talk with Old Pete and let that crotchety foreman know Im back at the ranch. Ill spend the day out on the range, checking over the place. I plan to do my share of the chores around the house, too, so dont you lift a finger on my account. I didnt come back home to add to your work. Ill be back in time for supper. Im cooking tonight.
You cook? she asked, startled. Sarah knew Case was a capable man, but she didnt think of him being comfortable in the kitchen.
Dont get too excited. I get by. My meals are edible, barely. Ill let you be the judge.
Sarah lifted herself from the chair, bracing a hand on the table for support. Case reached his hand out, but then quickly retracted the offer once Sarah had straightened without his help. One chance is all youre getting, Case, so make it a good meal. The baby needs his nourishment. And I get real crabby when Im hungry.
Ill make a note of that.
Sarah watched Case leave out the back door then heaved a deep wearisome sigh. Case Jarrett was back. Shed have to get used to him being around, is all. There wasnt a doggone thing she could do about her circumstances. She and Case would be living under the same roof from now on.
Whether she liked it or not.
Case burned the steaks on the grill. The potatoes were choked with garlic and Sarah had never seen flatter biscuits. But she ate the meal without a fuss and listened to Cases assessment of how hed like to make a few changes on the ranch.
He had ideas for saving money and time that Sarah thought sound enough. She agreed with him on some things and gave her opposition on others. Case listened to her quietly, nodding his head then strengthening his arguments to make her see things from his point of view. He had a stubborn streak that matched her own, especially when he believed he was right. Which was pretty much all the time.
When dinner was over, Case helped Sarah bring the plates to the sink. He rinsed as she loaded the dishwasher. At times they worked so closely, their hands brushing as he handed her one dish after another, Sarah felt the need to flee. She hadnt been touched in such a long time, and twice today, Case had touched her. Once to catch her fall and now this. It was silly to feel so awkward around him. Shed known him a long time. He was her husbands brother, uncle to her unborn child. But she also felt a sense of disloyalty, irrational; as it seemed that she was somehow betraying Reid by engaging in such domestic rituals with another man.
Get a grip, she warned herself, this is how its going to be from now on.
Case looked around the kitchen, nodding his head, claiming that the dinner was a success and the room was cleaned. Sarah had to burst his bubble. Her baby needed more than meat and potatoes to survive and so did she. She cleared her throat and smiled sweetly. Case, thanks for the meal, but I think Ill take over the cooking duties from now on.
Case stood with both hands on his hips, pursed his lips and studied her for a time. Thank God, he said finally, surprising her.
W-what? I thought you wanted to cook some of the meals?
His lips parted with a devilish grin. Hell no. I hate my own cooking.
Then, why did you offer?
Seemed like the right thing to do, Sarah. You nearly keeled over right in front of me today. I was afraid my being here was an added burden to you.
That was true, but feeding him had nothing to do with it. It was the seeing him every night and waking up in the morning part of their arrangement, that Sarah disliked. Shed be living with her husbands brother, a man she didnt know all too well, a man she had a brief history with in the past. Shed put that part of her life behind her, only to have Case move in here and remind her all over again, about times shed rather not recall.
And besides all that, she hated losing her privacy. She wasnt always at her best, being eight full months pregnant. Some days she just wanted to scream down the walls and others she wanted to cry until there were no more tears left to shed. It didnt set well that Case had to witness some of her less than perfect days. She was too tired to try to cover up her feelings from anyone, anymore.
You made me eat charcoal steak and greasy potatoes, Case. Thats cruel and unusual punishment. From now on, well have a well-balanced meal. The baby needs his vitamins.
If you say so, he said, lifting dark eyes her way. She wore a pair of loose denim overalls with a tiny T-shirt top underneath. It was comfortable attire and she knew she must look like an overstuffed Mrs. Farmer John. Yet, his eyes traveled over her, grazing her with heat as he peered at her blossoming chest. Sarah had never been so well endowed. Her body was preparing for nourishing the baby and it appeared, Case had noticed. The appreciation she noted in his eyes brought forth tingles that ran the length of her spine. With one heated look, Case had the ability to make her forget she was eight months pregnant. With one look, hed made her feel soft and feminine again.
Sarah cleared her throat. I do. But tomorrows dinner will be a little bit late. Ive got a doctors appointment in the afternoon in Prescott.
Whos taking you? Case asked immediately.
Well, nobody. Im driving in myself.
Like hell you are. What time is your appointment?
Three.
Ill take you.
Thats really not necessary. Sarah didnt understand Cases sudden involvement in her life. Shed made it clear that she wasnt his responsibility. She didnt want him watching out for her. She had to learn to get by without any help since she was going to be a single mother. Case was the last man shed ever rely on. Hed proven time and again that he couldnt be trusted. Im perfectly capable of driving to town, Case.
He came up as close as he could get without crushing the baby and pinned her with a look. And what if you get dizzy again? Then what?
I only get dizzy if I move too fast. And Im being very careful about that.
Case blew out a breath and the classic Jarrett pig-headed expression stole over his face. Sarah knew shed be better off agreeing, since no amount of discussion was going to change his mind and she just wasnt up for an argument. Having Case move back home had taken a definite toll on her today.
Be ready at two, Sarah. I was meaning to get into town soon anyway.
If you insist, but you dont really have to.
He grunted his reply and strolled out of the kitchen.
Case settled himself on the back porch steps and took a swig of his beer. The golden liquid slid easily down his throat and quenched his thirst. Stretching out his long legs, he leaned on his elbows and glanced up at the stars, but Sarahs image appeared, out of nowhere it seemed, and interrupted his peace. Hed been thinking about her all day. Couldnt rightly get her off his mind.
That night years ago flashed into his head, like a moving picture and plagued his memory. Sarah had looked so beautiful in her flowing pale blue gown, standing there on the threshold, expecting Reid to pick her up for her much-anticipated senior prom. Reid had come down with the flu, but hadnt wanted Sarah to miss out on the evening. Hed practically begged Case to don his rented suit and replace him for the evening. Case protestedhe didnt want to go to some fancy doings with his brothers girl, but in the end, for his brothers sake, he agreed.
The mistake was in not calling Sarah first, to let her know the situation. Reid argued that she wouldnt go if she knew how sick hed been, so Case agreed to tell her once he got to her house. But once he knocked on her door, Sarah gave him no time for explanations. The minute she saw him standing there in his brothers suit, believing him to be Reid, she flowed into his arms and kissed him soundly on the lips. Case hadnt expected the intense surge of passion that erupted within him. He hadnt expected to enjoy Sarahs lips moving over his or her sweet scent nearly buckling his knees.
On pure male instinct, he wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue in her mouth. Incredible sensations wiped all rational thought clear from his head. He forgot all about his mission, the fact that Sarah could never be his.
They kissed deeply, Case pressing her back with small exquisitely sensual steps until he had her braced against the wall. Their bodies touched intimately, the whisper of satin crushed up against his groin. He couldnt hide his arousal. He couldnt get enough of her. He needed more, to touch her and continue touching her. Hed never been so taken by a female before. Hed never felt so overwhelmed and completely helpless to the sudden urges consuming him.
She arched back and he traveled kisses along her delicate throat. Her moans of pleasure caused him to throw all caution to the wind. He couldnt think beyond absorbing Sarah into his heat. Within seconds, her dress was unzipped and his hands found the contours of her smooth back, his lips the beautiful swell of her breasts. She tasted better than heaven, better than anything hed ever known. He wanted Sarah more than his next breath.
Intense desire seared through him like a burst of flames. Hed pressed himself closer and hiked up her pretty dress. The soft silky slide of her nylons gave way to bare flesh. She burned under his fingertips and moaned his name. His name. Case, stop. You have to stop.
Startled, Case did stop, looking Sarah dead in the eyes. How long had shed known it was him and not Reid, he would often wonder. Why hadnt she stopped him immediately?
Case slugged back another gulp of beer and shook his head, remembering. Sarah had been furious and called him every name under the sun. Denial played heavily on his lips, but he didnt defend himself, he couldnt. But to keep Reid from getting suspicious, hed finally convinced Sarah to go to the party. Theyd both agreed not to tell Reid what had happened and not to speak of it again. It was the only way Case could calm her down.
Theyd spent an awkward tense night with Sarah hardly able to look at him. She hadnt let him touch her. They hadnt danced. Case knew Sarah thought he played a dirty trick on her. He couldnt blame herhed always teased and tormented her in their younger days often times pretending he was Reid. But Case had to let her believe that he was just plain rotten, that hed used her in a mean-spirited game rather than to let on to the truth. Because the truth was far worse and it had hit Case right smack between the eyes that night. Hed fallen for his brothers girl. The girl Reid had professed to love since the age of fourteen. The girl Reid was going to marry.
Case cursed his bad luck and chugged down another swig of beer. The strong smell of liquor was soon replaced by a flowery scent that teased his nostrils as it drifted by.
Case?
Sarahs soft voice from behind had him swiveling his head. She stood in the doorway, dressed in a short white cotton robe. His gaze riveted instantly to her legs, exposed from the knees down. They were still shapely, regardless of her pregnancy and he recalled how damn soft theyd felt when hed slid his hand up her thigh and touched her there. He wanted that again. He wanted to hold her, kiss her and finish what theyd started that night. Damn. His whole body tightened, just looking at her. Huh?
I forgot to tell you at supper that you had a few messages. Penny Applegate, Josie Miller and Reba Stokely called. Theyd heard you were back in town and wanted to say hello.
Case nodded and averted his gaze. The last thing he needed was to hook up with any of his old girlfriends. Hed had enough female trouble on the rodeo circuit to last him a lifetime. Itd be hell enough living with Sarah, much less getting involved with any other female right now. Whatd you tell them?
Only that Id give you the message.
He nodded and lifted his eyes to meet hers. Consider it done. You going to bed now?
Yes. Uh, well, good night, Case.
Night, Sarah.
Case listened as Sarah entered her bedroom and closed the door. Good thing she decided months ago to move into the downstairs bedroom, he thought earnestly. At least, he wouldnt be bumping into her in the middle of the night.
He finished his beer and rose slowly, trying to banish Sarah and those torturous memories from his head. He cursed his bad luck once more, thinking of the lonely nights ahead and the promise hed made to his brother. Hed take care of Sarah and the baby for as long as necessary and shed never know why hed really come home. Her stubborn pride wouldnt have it. Case knew undoubtedly if hed told her of Reids deathbed plea, shed become indignant and refuse his help.
Case needed to do this. He had demons to chase and guilt to absolve. He wouldnt let Reid down again.
But it wouldnt be easy. Sarah barely tolerated him. She didnt want him on the ranch. And she didnt trust him worth a damn.
Two
Case was used to fast speeds and quick action, but he deliberately took it slow with Sarah seated beside him in the truck. She sat as far away as possible and glanced out the window rather than make conversation with him. He knew hed bullied her into agreeing to this, but darn it, she could grant him a smile once in a while, couldnt she?
Whats the doctors name? he asked.
Dr. Michaels.
Never heard of him, he said conversationally.
She came to town about a year ago.
Case raised a brow. She specialize in delivering babies?
Sarah turned to him and nodded. Shes an OB/GYN, if thats what you mean. She has a great reputation. Reid and I researched all the doctors in the area and she seemed to have the best credentials. I have a lot of faith in her.
Thats good, Sarah. Whens the baby due exactly? he asked. He had one more rodeo event scheduled this month, but he wouldnt go, if it were close to the babys due date.
Ill know more after todays appointment, but Dr. Michaels thinks the baby will come in about four weeks.
You and Delaney go to those classes and all?
Yes. She took me to six childbirth classes. She promised to come back when its time. Shell be a great labor coach, having gone through it twice already.
Case shuddered at the thought of witnessing the babys birth. Selfishly, he was glad Sarah had Delaney to rely on to be there for the delivery. Case had pulled many a calf and pony in his day, but it ended there. He knew nothing about delivering babies.
When their brief conversation died, Case glanced at Sarah out of the corner of his eye. So pretty, he thought, with her long golden hair blowing in the breeze. He witnessed her tucking the strands that had brushed her cheeks, back behind her ear. He wished he had the right to run his fingers through her hair, to let the golden lights play over his hand.
She was a feisty one, though, with her chin raised indignantly. She wasnt going to make today easy on him. But hed secretly admired that trait in her. Hed put her through a lot as kids, but shed never buckled under. One thing about Sarah Johnston, she always came out swinging.
The usual thirty-minute ride into Prescott took Case over forty-five, going ten miles under the speed limit, just to make sure Sarah was comfortable. Hed been careful on the pitted road not to hit any big potholes.
Once in town, Sarah directed him to Dr. Michaelss office building. She was nearly out the door, before he stopped the truck. Thanks, Case. You can come by for me in about an hour.
Hey, he said, bounding out of the truck in time to help her down. She hung on to his arm, mostly for balance as he helped her feet hit the ground. Hed like it fine if shed keep her hands on him, but she pulled away from him real quick. Not so fast. Id like to come and meet the doctor.
W-why? she said, curiously.
Why? This is the doctor whos going to deliver my nephew, isnt it?
Could be a niece, Case. We dont know for sure and yes, Dr. Michaels will do the delivery.
Well then, Im coming with you.
But, I thought you had errands to run in town.
That can wait. This is more important. Although the thought of the delivery scared the dickens out of him, Case was just plain curious about this whole birth process. He needed to understand things, like how would he know that Sarah was in labor? What were the signs? What if Sarah had trouble?
Another shudder ran down his spine. Damn, the whole thing made him jittery.
I dont know, Case, she said, a doubtful expression marring her face. There was mistrust there, too, along with a large dose of reluctance.
You can decide inside, he said, glancing at his watch, then taking her arm gently. Or you might be late for your appointment.
Once inside the office, Case took a seat next to Sarah in the waiting room. For all anyone knew, they must have appeared like a loving expectant married couple. Case breathed in her subtle flowery scent, noted her shapely legs peeking out from her pretty dotted dress and marveled at the serene glow on her sweet face. Damn, being near Sarah still had a powerful effect on him. If he could claim Sarah as his, he would and be done with it, and theyd really be the loving couple they seemed to portray. But Case knew beyond a doubt that would never happen.
Mrs. Jarrett, the medical assistant called from an opened doorway.
Sarah struggled to rise. Case stood and helped ease her up slowly. He laid a hand on the small of her back and guided her to the door. She stopped and turned to him. Case didnt want to bully her again. This had to be her decision. Id really like to come in with you, Sarah, he said softly.
Sarah stared into his eyes for a moment and he noted wariness mixed with reluctance, but when she relented with a brief nod, Case felt a small sense of relief that hed won this round with her. The medical assistant led them into a small examining room. There, the assistant asked Sarah to step up onto the scale. Dont look, she said firmly, before she took off her shoes to get on.
Case stifled a chuckle and glanced out the window. Wouldnt dream of it. Hed never understand a womans vanity. Sarah was as big as a house, beautifully so, but still she worried that hed find out how much she weighed.
After her temperature and blood pressure was taken, Dr. Michaels walked into the room and stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed Case. Confusion mingled with uncertainty and she gave Sarah a questioning look. Mrs. Jarrett, she said, darting a glance from her chart to Case and back. Im sorry, I was under the impression
Oh, Sarah said quickly, this is Case Jarrett, Dr. Michaels, my husbands brother.
Identical twins? she asked, realization dawning instantly.
Yes, Sarah answered.
Case put out his hand. Pleased to meet you.
After blinking once, Dr. Michaels took his hand. Nice to meet you, too. Are you planning on attending the birth, Mr. Jarrett?
No, hes not, Sarah put in. My sister will be here for the delivery. You might remember her. She took me to all my appointments during the summer.
Yes, I do remember her. Well, then, lets get started. Youre due for an ultrasound, I see.
After the doctor did an assessment of Sarah, checking, measuring and answering her questions, the assistant brought in the ultrasound machine. Here we go, Dr. Michaels said, once Sarah was all hooked up. You might want to stand a little closer to Sarahs side of the bed, Mr. Jarrett. The screen isnt very large.
Case positioned himself by Sarahs side and watched in utter fascination as the doctor applied a jellylike substance to Sarahs abdomen, then moved an instrument around slowly. The picture on the screen appeared to take form and Case witnessed a miracle in the making. Awestruck, he asked Dr. Michaels, Thats the baby?
Uh-huh, but the little babe doesnt want to turn so we can see the sex. Healthy one, though.
Are you sure, Doctor? Sarah asked, motherly concern apparent on her questioning expression.
He looks fine to me, Sarah. The babys got a steady strong heartbeat.
Case watched the baby move around on the screen. He glanced at Sarah, captivated by the look of joy and serenity on her face. He was so moved, he had to put his hand on her shoulder. Surprisingly she reached up to touch his hand. The contact ripped right through him and the solid rhythm of his heartbeat went a little crazy.
Hes beautiful, isnt he, Case?
Couldnt agree with you more, he said, completely taken by the moment. Hes so small.
But it doesnt feel that way to me, she said softly.
No, I dont suppose.
Case cleared his throat, humbled by what he was witnessing. But he or she is keeping us in suspense. Dont know if we should paint the nursery blue or pink.
Sarah slowly lowered her hand away. The room is yellow and green, Case. Delaney and I already painted it.
The magic of the moment was suddenly gone. Sarah had made herself perfectly clear. She wasnt including him in with her plans for the baby. He couldnt say he blamed her, with him showing up spur of the moment and expectingwhat had he been expecting? He knew damn well Sarah wouldnt welcome him home. But he was the babys uncle. He did have some rights in that regard.
Id like to speak with Dr. Michaels privately now, Case. she said gently.
He nodded. Sure thing. Ill be in the waiting room.
Dr. Michaels shot Case a thoughtful expression, then handed him a brochure about what to expect when the baby comes. Here you go. Interesting reading, when you get the time.
Thanks, maam, he said, grateful for small favors. Appreciate it.
Case sat in the waiting room staring blankly at the brochure. For a minute there, he thought Sarah was softening toward him. Theyd shared a moment of sheer joy and fascination, witnessing the baby make its subtle movements. Case had never experienced anything quite so awe-inspiring. And the look on Sarahs face was worth a thousand eight-second rides.
From behind, he heard Sarahs voice. She was making her next appointment at the reception desk. Case stood and faced her. She smiled tentatively and he walked toward her.
Ready to go? she asked.
Im about famished. Cmon, were going out to dinner. Anywhere you want.
Case silently groaned when Sarah suggested a diner notorious for health food salads and soy dishes. The lady certainly wasnt going easy on him. No sir. And soft sweet Sarah knew exactly how to hit a man below the belt.
He put a hand to her back and led her out to the truck. Tofu Sallys, it is, he said, unruffled. I can hardly wait.
Sarah shuffled her salad around on her plate, aware of Cases eyes on her. Hed been watching her intently as they sat at the diner and ate their meal. Hed already polished off two veggie sandwiches without complaint and was working on peach pie with two scoops of some soy concoction of ice cream.
So, the good doc thinks the baby will arrive right on schedule? he asked, after taking in a forkful of pie.
Yes, four weeks and counting, she replied.
And Delaney will be able to get away in time?
Yes, shes going to leave the girls with her neighbor during the day. Her husband Chuck will be able to handle the rest. Shes going to stay at the ranch one week.
Good. That must take a load off your mind.
It does. I dont know she began and the urge to cry suddenly reached up and grabbed her. Overwhelming feelings of melancholy, of grief, of her gratitude toward her sister, descended on her at once. She managed to hold back tears, but her voice cracked a little. I d-dont know what I w-would have done without her d-during the h-hard times.
The usual hard edge in Cases eyes softened a bit, and he said carefully, Your sister wants to help you, Sarah. She loves you.
I know. Its just that shes sacrificed so much already for me.
Delaney wouldnt think of it that way.
Her sister had postponed their family vacation to Hawaii just to stay with her for the summer. Shed left her husband for weeks at a time, and disrupted her household. Sarah hated asking anything more of her. Being an independent soul and having lost her parents at a young age, Sarah had gone all through her adult life without depending on anyone. Except Reid. But that was different, she surmised because married people were supposed to help and support one another. Without Reid by her side, Sarah knew shed be on her own. The grandmother who raised her and Delaney passed away three years ago.
If she had to, shed face childbirth alone, too, but Delaney insisted she wanted to be a part of the babys birth. Shed been enthusiastic about the delivery and so caring that Sarah would never be able to fully repay the favor, or show Delaney just how much her selfless help had meant to her.
Delaney has been wonderful, she said, thinking aloud.
Sarah noticed that Case had stopped eating. Half a slice of pie still sat on his plate. Oh Lord, thats all she needed. Make the man feel so sorry for you that he loses his gigantic appetite, Sarah. Your ice cream is melting, Case.
He grinned and lifted his spoon. Never could take a teary-eyed woman.
Im not teary-eyed, she said with indignation. It was better to spar with Case than have him feel sorry for her. Sarah hated the moods that came hand in hand with pregnancy. Often she knew she was being irrational or just plain difficult, but she was powerless to stop it.
Yes, maam.
A dollop of ice cream landed on his chin and stayed there. Without conscious thought, Sarah leaned over and wiped away the droplet with her finger. Case grabbed her finger gently and peered deep into her eyes, holding her hand to his chin. Temptation and danger cast a dark spark in his gaze. Sarahs heartbeats sped up just looking into those eyes. His touch did things to her, things she didnt want to encourage or entertain yet shed certainly felt it and was powerless to slow the pace of her heart. If you were any other woman, he said, letting her imagination take hold, this might have gotten interesting.
Sarah knew all too well what happened when Case got interested. For about five minutes in his life, shed been the object of his desire on her prom night. That evening had been a disaster. Not only had Case tricked her but hed also made Sarah doubt herself and her love for Reid. That had been a hard pill to swallow because of all the men in the world, Reid Jarrett deserved her love completely and unconditionally. He was a good man, solid and sure. Sarah had been enraged with Case and his hard-hearted game. Hed proven outright that he could never be trusted.
But Im not, she responded firmly, removing her hand from his chin, any other woman.
She was his brothers pregnant widow and a woman who would always be wary of him. That about sized it up. She couldnt allow her bouts of loneliness to sway her resolve.
Eyes twinkling now, in direct contrast to the hot look hed just given her, he had the good sense to back off. No, maam. Youre certainly not just any woman, Sarah. He lowered his voice. Ive always known that.
The soft way he said those words brought unexpected tingles and Sarah hid her smile. At eight months pregnant, Sarah wasnt used to hearing too many compliments.
She put her head down and toyed with her salad.
Well hello, cowboy, a deep sultry voice called from across the room. Sarah snapped her head up to find Case frowning, then followed the line of his vision. Josie Miller, one of Cases old girlfriends, sauntered up to the table. The leggy redhead had eyes only for Case.
Hello, Josie. Case seemed to eye her with typical male scrutiny.
Howve you been, Case. Long time, huh?
Yeah, Id say its been a long time. Case pushed his dish away and stretched out. Just got back in town, actually. I took Sarah to her doctors appointment today.
Sarah wanted to scream from the proprietary way Case had thrown that bit of information out. Shed just barely allowed him to accompany her to that appointment and Case made it sound as ifas if they would be sharing more than her medical appointments.
Josies wide smile faded, glancing from Case to her. Oh, hello, Sarah. Whens the baby due? You look like youre ready to pop.
Babies dont pop, Josie, Case said, coming to Sarahs defense before she had a chance to respond. It more than irritated her that Case would be answering questions on her behalf.
The babys due in about one month, Josie.
Oh, that so? Josie swung her hip in Cases direction, but he didnt appear to notice.
Yes, Sarah answered. I can hardly wait.
Josie tossed her long red hair off her shoulder. I bet. You plan on being the surrogate daddy, Case? The woman seemed truly intent on his answer.
Well, I, uh. Case blinked and fumbled with an answer. Not exactly.
My child will know who his father is, Josie. And that Case is his uncle. Sarah hoped she left no room for doubt.
I see. Sure. The three of you all, living in that little ole ranch house together. Seems to me, that baby might get a teeny bit confused.
Heat surged up Sarahs throat and stung her face. She couldnt look at Case. She couldnt look at Josie. The woman hit the nail right on the head. Sarah had been thinking that very thing ever since Case showed up yesterday. She hadnt expected his arrival and now all sorts of doubts were filtering in about their living arrangements once the baby came.
Shed planned on keeping Reids memory alive by speaking of him often and showing her child pictures of his father. But Case was the spitting image of Reid. With all three of them living under one roof, things could get confusing all the way around.
Im sure you folks will work it all out, Josie said smugly, then directed her attention back to Case, but if you get at all tired of the family scene, Case, you have my number. Dont hesitate.
Case pursed his lips and nodded grimly. Night, Josie.
Same to you all, she said sweetly.
Shes not subtle, Sarah said, once Josie returned to her table across the diner. Sarah decided to keep Josies marital problems to herself having never been one to gossip. But the fact remained Josie had been married and divorced twice since high school.
Case chuckled, his tight face giving way to a smile. She never was.
You liked her once.
I liked a lot of women, once. He let out a deep sigh. Those days are long gone.
Sarah found that hard to believe. Case Jarrett with his devastating good looks and aloof attitude had been a heartbreaker. He liked women, all kinds of women and had always been the first to admit that. You dont mean you plan on settling down, do you?
That could solve her problem. If Case had a wife, then Sarah wouldnt feel so doggone awkward with him underfoot.
Case shook his head. Noooo. Settling down means getting involved with a woman. Ive just about sworn off females.
I give you about a week, Case.
Im serious, he said, leaning forward. Im going to focus on the ranch anduh
And? Case was holding something back. She could see it in his eyes and in the way his shoulders stiffened.
Nothing, Sarah. You ready to go?
Yes. Im all through.
Lets get on back home, he said impatiently.
Sarah cringed inwardly at how Case used the very same expression Reid would whisper in her ear when he was impatient to get Sarah home. To make love. Theyd spend a long sweet night together, loving.
How different her life was now.
Thered be no more nights of love and no more sweet embraces.
The only thing she had to look forward to was the arrival of the baby. That would be enough to see her through long lonely nights.
On the way home, Case pulled up to the Beckman Bridle Homes trailer located just outside of Prescott. The sign out front showed a planned community with a country club, golf course and boasted five hundred new bridle path homes. Hell, every damn ranch within a twenty-mile radius was a bridle path home. And if the path wasnt there, you simply mounted your cow pony and etched one out of the land.
Case, what are you doing here? Sarah asked.
I was thinking Id go in there and give those land agents a piece of my mind.
I dont think theyll come around again.
Look at that sign, Sarah, he said, gesturing toward the large painted signpost. Doesnt appear to me that theyre going to give up. Looks as though they got this whole thing planned and nothings going to stop them. I heard that five ranches have already agreed to their terms.
Case, I cant say as I blame them. The smaller ranches havent turned a profit in years. Those folks were just barely holding on. The offer came at a good time for them.
And what about McPhersons barn? Dont folks care that these people theyre selling to have no compunction?
I know it seems suspicious, Case, but we have no proof that Beckman Corporation had anything to do with that fire. Could have been an accident.
He scoffed at that. Case was certain that barn burned down because of foul play. He wasnt going to let anything like that happen at the Triple R. He doubted the corporation would buckle under just because one woman lifted a rifle and shooed their agent off the property. Brave as she was, Sarah just didnt have it in her to truly intimidate another living soul. That Merriman fella probably just decided to leave the pregnant woman be and find another approach.
Besides, Case. It looks like theyre closed for the day.
Case did a cursory glance and found Sarah to be right. Everything looked locked up good and tight as the small Closed sign on the far right window indicated.
Yeah, guess youre right. Case would have to deal with them later. It was best Sarah not be around when he did. He wouldnt want her to get upset if things got ugly.
Case drove off slowly, noting Sarah putting her hand on her abdomen. Everything okay? he asked, peering at her from the corner of his eye.
A warm smile graced her face. Yeah, just fine, Case. The baby is moving a whole lot.
Case swallowed a lump in his throat. Hed never been the sentimental type, but seeing Sarah so at peace, enjoying the movements of that little babe, twisted something in his gut.
He gets fidgety this time of night, Sarah said softly.
Does it hurt, with him moving around like that? Heck, it wasnt as if there was lots of room in there.
No, doesnt hurt at all. Oh, she said sharply, then smiled, but hes very active. I think he just kicked my ribs.
And that doesnt hurt?
Well, its a good kind of pain and doesnt last long.
Case nodded and returned his focus to the road. He had a lot to learn about babies. Tonight, hed read through the brochure Dr. Michaels had given him.
They drove on in silence. Case noticed Sarah yawning several times. Shed had a long tiring day. He probably shouldnt have insisted they stop to eat, but sometimes he forgot that she needed more rest than usual.
The sun set on the horizon and it was dark by the time Case pulled up to the house. About fifteen minutes earlier, Sarah had fallen asleep, her head lodging uncomfortably against the trucks window. He hated to wake her, but darn it, shed get a kink in her neck from the way shed fallen asleep.
Quietly Case slid his body next to her. Sarah, he whispered, were home.
Sarah didnt budge.
Sarah, he repeated a little louder. He put his arm around her shoulder and gently shook her.
Mmmm, she murmured and turned into his arms. Drugged by sleep, Sarah rested her head onto his chest and snuggled in. Golden strands of hair tickled his hand in a silken caress. Case sat there a moment, uncertain as to what to do. He listened to her deep breaths, taking in the flowery scent that was Sarahs alone.
Sarah, he whispered again, but she didnt respond at all this time. The woman was definitely out.
Case folded his arm around her, holding her against him, letting her sleep. He forced himself to relax and lean back a little bit. Sarah flowed against him, but didnt stir.
She wouldnt like this, if she knew. But hell, Case had tried to wake her, several times. The woman was tired and needed her sleep. Case decided to enjoy this secret time with her. How long had he dreamt of holding her this way? Of taking her into his arms, and kissing her until kissing wasnt enough? Hed wanted Sarah for so long, hed had to banish her from his thoughts at night so he could get some sleep. And now, he held her in his arms, as hed always imagined.
Case wouldnt torture himself with those thoughts. He couldnt have Sarah. She had no use for him in her life. Hed made a promise to Reid to watch out for her and the baby. Hed lay down his life doing that, but Case knew thats all it would ever be. He couldnt compete with his brothers memory. For all he knew Sarah was still in love with Reid. At least thats the uneasy feeling he got every time she looked at him, as though she was disappointed that he wasnt Reid.
Maybe Sarah felt the wrong brother had been taken. Hell, Case rode around with that guilt, too. He was the one with the dangerous profession. Busting broncs nearly took out his eye and crushed his cheekbone, but ironically it was Reid whod been injured in a nightmarish accident that eventually took his life. If Case had been here at the ranch, helping out, maybe Reid wouldnt have died.
In his heart Case believed Sarah would never look at him and see him clearly, for the man he truly was. Hed let her believe him to be a scoundrel for so long shed never have any other opinion of him. Perhaps it was better that way.
When Sarah flinched, Case peered sharply down at her belly. He could see ripples, a small tide of movement. His better sense gave way to desire. Case laid his hand carefully on Sarahs stomach. A little flutter, then a jolt met with his hand. The baby had spunk. Case stifled a chuckle, but a smile split his face wide open. No doubt, this child was a Jarrett.
A miracle lay under his fingertips. Case sat in wonder, holding the woman he wanted, feeling new life reach up and touch him. He closed his eyes and a deep sense of peace, of tranquillity, of something stronger he didnt dare name, washed over him. For a moment, he knew how Sarah must feel, carrying this child, nurturing it with all the love she had in her heart. Case brushed a soft kiss on Sarahs forehead.
And wished shed sleep in his arms all night long.
Three
Sarah sat in a lawn chair under a shady cottonwood tree in Bobbi Sue Currys backyard and opened another gift. Her best friend had insisted on giving her a baby shower and so nearly all the female population of Barrel Springs was upon her. The women chattered and laughed happily as Sarah was presented with just about everything her new child would ever need. Her friends had been generous, even though she knew many were having their own financial difficulties, which made their generosity even more heartwarming.
A car seat! Sarah exclaimed, after opening the rather large rectangular box with the help of Bobbi Sues five-year-old daughter, Maureen. Now Ill have two. Thank you so much, she said, smiling at Amelia Velacruz, an old high school friend.
You can return it for something else, Sarah. If you dont need two, Amelia promptly offered.
Shell need em both, thats for sure, Judy Melcher, another of her old school friends called out. Case will need one for his truck.
A rapid rise of heat flamed her cheeks. Sarah thought she must have blushed two shades of red. Ever since Case had moved back one week ago, shed heard talk. Nothing much had been said directly to her, but thered been plenty of innuendo about Case stepping in for his brother. Most of the comments seemed innocent enough, a way for folks to ease their curiosity about the goings-on at the Triple R, but Sarah had been hard-pressed as to how to clear things up exactly. Case was home, but he certainly wasnt stepping in for his brother.
At least not where she was concerned.
He was home to tend to the ranch. Finally hed owned up to his responsibility, but Sarah doubted hed stay on long. Case had a restless nature; he wasnt someone you could bank on for the long haul. Sarah knew this just as sure as she knew her baby had just knocked her in the ribs again. She smiled, thinking how rambunctious her child wasand how healthy.
Thank heavens for that.
That baby will know how to ride a wild bronc before he walks, if Case has anything to say about it, one woman announced.
Sarah came out of her musings to respond. Case wont, she said, perhaps too firmly as a hush stole over the ladies, have anything to say about it.
Sarah noted her friends faces, some staring with wide eyes, others averting their attention completely. What had gotten into them? Shed only stated a fact. Case Jarrett wouldnt have any say as to how she would raise her baby. Heavens, hed only just come back to the ranch, and the entire town, practically, was making them into a couple. No. Everyone was trying to make them into a family. Sarah had learned the hard way that life didnt always fit into nicely wrapped packages complete with perfectly tied bows, like the remaining gifts on the table. No, life was more messy than that.
Just then, the back screen door slammed and Sarah turned around. Case stood at the opened doorway, staring at her. In that instant she knew hed been there long enough to hear what shed said. Dread mixed with misery as she peered into his eyes. Shed hurt him, yet there he stood, looking as handsome as ever and smiling at her. That smile always seemed to create butterfly flutters in her stomach. Case, w-what are you doing here?
Bobbi Sue handed him a plate filled with food and a glass of iced tea. I thought Id save Bobbi Sue and Carl a trip and pick you up myself. I brought my truck to haul all the gifts back to the ranch.
Oh, she said, slumping a bit in her chair, thats very thoughtful.
I thought so, too, Bobbi Sue said then pointed to a seat on the porch in the shade. Take a load off, Case. Sarahs about through, just a few more gifts to open then well have cake. Wont be but another half an hour.
Case planted himself down with plate in hand. Dont mind if I do, he said, thanking Bobbi Sue, then winking at Sarah. You go on and finish up, darlin. Ill wait.
Sarah was handed the next gift, a pretty pink and blue basket. She glanced into the crowd of her friends and smiled tentatively. They seemed to have one eye on Case and the other on her, waiting and watching. For what exactly, Sarah didnt know but so many of her friends were nodding approval or casting her undisguised smirks.
One hour later, Sarah gave Bobbi Sue a big hug. Thanks so much, she said, stepping out onto the front steps. I dont think the baby will be wanting for a thing now.
Nope, I dont think so. Im glad the shower was such a success. You deserve every good thing that comes along, Sarah.
Sarah sighed and patted her belly. The baby is all I need now, Bobbi Sue. Itll be the best thing that comes along in my lifetime.
Bobbi Sue looked out onto the front yard, where Carl was helping Case load the gifts up into the bed of his truck. Theres nothing like a child, Sarah, thats true. My little Maureen has brought us nothing but joy, even if shes still resisting going to school every day. But honey, dont sell yourself short. Youve got a whole lot of living yet to do. And looks to me, theres more than just one good thing in store for you in this life.
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Charlene Sands
After six years on the rodeo circuit, rough-and-tumble cowboy Case Jarrett returned to the Triple R to face his responsibility and the only woman he'd ever loved - his late brother's pregnant widow.Case wanted to honor his brother's wishes and take care of Sarah, but living with her brought out a fever in him that begged for release! Sarah remembered the electrifying kiss she and Case had shared as teenagers.Now he was back, making a mess of her heart - not to mention her hormones! Did she dare dream of a happily-ever-after with a man whose powerful presence had always set off fireworks in her soul?
Sarah Felt A Sudden Tightening In Her Abdomen.
She gripped her stomach. Oh, no! she cried out, doubling over.
What? Sarah, whats wrong? Case asked.
The pain intensified. I thinkoh! she exclaimed, the pain gripping her tight. I thinkthe babys coming, she managed to say.
Now? But you have weeks to go.
On instinct, Sarah knew the baby was coming early. And they were out in a desolate part of the range, with no form of communication. The baby wasnt going to wait.
Babies dont always come on schedule, Case.
Case straightened and nodded, a determined light coming into his eyes. Okay, okay. Lets get you into the car. Well make it to the hospital in half an hour.
Sarah shook her head and grabbed on to his sleeve. No, Case. There isnt time. The babys coming too fast.
She met the fear in Cases eyes with her own. There was no way around this. Sarah knew what he had to do. The contractions were intense and coming far too frequently. She pleaded with him now. He was her only hope.
Case, you have to deliver my baby.
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Dont miss the exciting launch of DYNASTIES: THE BARONES, the new 12-book continuity series about feuding Italian-American families caught in a web of danger, deceit and desire. Meet Nicholas, the eldest son of Bostons powerful Barone clan, and Gail, the down-to-earth nanny who wins his heart, in The Playboy & Plain Jane (#1483) by USA TODAY bestselling author Leanne Banks.
In Becketts Convenient Bride (#1484), the final story in Dixie Brownings BECKETTS FORTUNE miniseries, a detective offers the protection of his homeand loses his heartto a waitress whose own home is torched after she witnesses a murder. And in The Sheikhs Bidding (#1485) by Kristi Gold, an Arabian prince pays dearly to win back his ex-lover and their son.
Reader favorite Sara Orwig completes her STALLION PASS miniseries with The Rancher, the Baby & the Nanny (#1486), featuring a daredevil cowboy and the shy miss he hires to care for his baby niece. In Quade: The Irresistible One (#1487) by Bronwyn Jameson, sparks fly when two lawyers exchange more than arguments. And great news for all you fans of Harlequin Historicals author Charlene Sandsshes now writing contemporary romances, as well, and debuts in Desire with The Heart of a Cowboy (#1488), a reunion romance that puts an ex-rodeo star at close quarters on a ranch with the pregnant widow hes loved silently for years.
Ring in this new year with all six brand-new love stories from Silhouette Desire.
Enjoy!
Joan Marlow Golan
Senior Editor, Silhouette Desire
The Heart of a Cowboy
Charlene Sands
CHARLENE SANDS
resides in Southern California with her husband, Don, and two children, Jason and Nikki. When not writing, she enjoys sunny California days, Pacific beaches, sitting down with a good book and, of course, happy endings!
She loves to hear from her readers. Contact her at charlenesands@hotmail.com or visit her Web site at charlenesands.com.
To my husband, Don, my best friend, my love and my own special breed of cowboy. Aint nobody better, honey.
And special thanks to my talented editor, Patience Smith, for your effort in making this book come together.
Its always a pleasure working with you.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Epilogue
One
Case Jarrett pulled his truck up to Red Ridge Ranch and heaved a heavy sigh. He glanced at the ranch house hed grown up in. After months away busting broncs on the rodeo circuit and silently grieving the death of his brother, Reid, he was back now.
Bounding out of the king cab, Case lifted his Stetson off his head to run a hand through his dark hair. Arizona heat coiled around him like a diamondback snake tightening about his body. He welcomed the familiar swamping and took in a deep breath of dust-laden air, then returned his hat to his head.
He had a promise to keep and wondered how Sarah, his brothers widow, would react to his moving back home. Hell, hed debated his decision over and over in his mind and hadnt come up with any other way to protect his family home and keep the promise hed made to Reid on his deathbed.
Case had kept his distance for five monthssince the funeralbut Sarah was eight months pregnant now and Case couldnt justify his staying away any longer. He was needed here. Always had been. Guilt yanked at him hard. If hed been here, seeing to the Triple R, helping out, maybe Reid wouldnt have died so tragically. His brother would still be alive to witness the birth of his first child.
Instead Reid was buried in the family plot five miles up the road. Case had stopped by on his way in, noting the fresh batch of wildflowers on his grave. Sarah, no doubt, had laid down those flowers. When the front screen slapped open, Case snapped his head up. Sarah stood on the front porch, just outside the door and her expression, that momentary sign of hope, slammed into his gut. Disappointment registered quickly on her face when she recognized him. Being an identical twin brother had had its share of benefits at an earlier age, especially where Sarah was concerned, but now, his very appearance was a constant reminder to her of the husband that shed lost. She did a fine job of covering up, but Case knew beyond a doubt that for one instant before reason and reality set in, Sarah thought she was seeing the man she had married.
Take care of Sarah for me, Case, and the baby, too. Reids dying words echoed in his head. Hed made the promise while Reid was drawing his last breath. But Case hadnt stayed on too long after the funeral. Hed headed back to the rodeo straight away.
Sarah was in good hands, hed told himself. Her sister Delaney and her two young daughters had come to spend time on the ranch, keeping Sarah company, helping her cope with her loss and the pregnancy. Case knew shed been taken care of then, but summer was over now and Delaney was gone. Shed taken her children back to California when the new school session began.
A hefty dose of conscience had struck Case while pulling back a pint of Jack Daniels and hed called Sarah from Denver one night. Shed been crying, but darn her stubborn pride, tried her best to disguise it. Sarah Johnston Jarrett couldnt lie worth a damn.
Case knew then, he had to come home. For Sarah and for Reid. The irony was, that for all his good intentions, he now had to come face-to-face with the woman hed been avoiding for the past six years. The woman hed secretly wanted. The only woman in the entire state of Arizona who could make him break out in a sweat with one pretty smile.
Case had his share of beautiful women, but no one compared to Sarah, in his mind. Hed envied his brother but never once begrudged Reid his happiness. Reid deserved every single ounce of joy he could attain. Hed been a good man, solid, dependable, a man Case had been proud to call brother.
If only Case had stayed on at the ranch.
But Case couldnt live under the same roof with Sarah. He couldnt afford for anyone to find out, that Case Jarrett, ladies man and all-around bad boy, had fallen hard for his brothers girl. The day they married, Case took off, leaving the ranch, claiming a need to sow his oats and ride rodeo.
Hello, Case, Sarah said, from just outside the front door. She moved to the porch post and leaned against it. She was heavy with child now and her movements seemed labored. There would be no grand greeting for him, no happy welcome home. He couldnt say he deserved it, either, but often he wished just once, Sarahs eyes would light for him, the way theyd always done for Reid.
Sarah, Case said, nodding and removing his hat.
They stared awkwardly at each other for a moment. Then Case lifted his boot heels and headed her way. Red dust swirled under him as he ate up the yard with long measured strides until he faced Sarah. Her sweet flowery scent knocked his senses for a loop. How the woman always managed to smell so damn good, Case couldnt figure.
What are you doing here? she asked cautiously, checking him over from head to toe. Did you get injured again?
Case had come home from the rodeo circuit once when hed busted his ribs from a fall off a feisty bronc named Dynamite Dan. That and for a few days during each Christmas were the only times Case had ever returned to the ranch.
He shook his head and lifted his arms out wide. Nope. All in one piece this time. She didnt appear relieved. Instead her expression bordered on wary and he knew what question was on her mindwhy had he come home? She wouldnt like his answer. She wouldnt take kindly to his return. And for Case, it wouldnt be easy living under the same roof with Sarah, wanting her the way he did, but an equal measure of guilt and honor had brought him home, for good. Hey, how many babies you have in there? he asked, glancing at her belly. Last time I saw you, you could fit inside the barn door.
That comment brought a soft chuckle to her lips. Sarah was beautiful when she smiled. Hed have to get used to seeing those smiles on a daily basis and not react to them. He couldnt let Sarah know what one of her pretty little smiles did to him. Only one, but he seems to be growing faster than Bobbi Sues baby heifer. She placed her hand over her abdomen.
Case took in her appearance. Her eyes looked weary, the soft blue ovals were rimmed with red. Subtle contours of her lovely face appeared drawn and tight. And although her golden hair shone like sunshine, Sarah looked exhausted. You feeling okay, Sarah?
Im fine.
Youre working too hard, he said, moving a little closer, getting a better look.
Her smile faded some and she took a step back. That was Sarah, always backing off from him, always wary. I need to keep busy, Case, and theres lots of work to do.
Sarah had been working too hard. Well, that was about to change. Case let his brother down once and that mistake might have cost Reid his life. Case wasnt about to neglect his brothers widow or his unborn child. Not again. He wasnt going to let Sarah work herself into the ground, either. He knew she had a stubborn streak. She was one determined lady who didnt back down from trouble.
And there had been trouble. But it hadnt been Sarah who had confided in him. No, he had to find out from Benny Vasquez, the neighbor on their south border, that Sarah had been threatened by pushy land developers to sell out. The woman probably thought she could handle the situation on her own. He hadnt given Sarah much reason to trust him, but damn it, he sure wouldve liked it better if shed been the one to confide in him about what was going on.
Whether Sarah wanted him to stay on or not, hed see to the trouble. Case would bet his championship belt buckle, Sarah wasnt going to be happy about it. Not one bit.
He rubbed the side of his neck and glanced her way. Let me get the trailer unhitched and my bags unpacked and well talk.
Her light blond brows arched up. Your bags?
There was a look of panic on her face with that dawning knowledge. Couldnt be helped. Cases mind was made up. He and Sarah were going to live together at the Triple R, and both were going to have to deal with the consequences. Thats right. Im moving back home, Sarah. To stay.
Sarah fidgeted nervously in the kitchen, strumming her fingers against the oak table and tapping her toe against the floor. She heard Case upstairs; slamming shut drawers, opening the sliding closet doors, whistling out a tune as he made himself at home.
She reminded herself, this was his home, too. He owned half of the Triple R, not that he seemed to care much about it lately. It appeared that the minute she and Reid married, Case was out the door, leaving his family home and his legacy behind. Reid had never complained, he just picked up the slack, but Sarah had often wondered why Case had left so abruptly. She couldnt help but feel shed intruded on his life, barging into his home and taking over.
He said he was hometo stay. Dread crept up her spine. Case was a virtual stranger to her now. Shed hardly spoken to him in six years. She didnt know him anymore. How could she manage to live with Case, in this house, after all that had happened between them in the past? Sarahs stomach churned, a queasy feeling reminiscent of her early pregnancy. Only this time, it wasnt the baby causing commotion to her insides, but instead, the babys uncle.
He was Reids brother and he did own half of the Triple R, but Sarah hadnt given much thought as to what shed do when Case decided to claim his half of the ranch. She certainly hadnt expected him to come home now. She knew he was riding high on the rodeo circuit, having won several bronc-riding championships. Hed been sending money, and that amount had doubled lately from his recent successes, to help with ranch expenses and Reids hospital bills. The ranch was heavily mortgaged to pay those debts and Sarah honestly didnt know how shed manage to pay off the loans. But one thing was certain, she wasnt going to give up on the Triple R.
With Case it was different. Hed seemed to lose interest with the ranch and as soon as he was old enough, hed taken off. His sudden unexpected reappearance had really rattled her.
By law and by rights, her share of the ranch would belong to her child one day. Moving off this land had never been an option. She loved the ranch too much to think of leaving. The Triple R was home. But she never thought shed live here without Reid. Shed never fathomed a freakish accident would claim her husbands life.
The raging dust storm that had spooked the animals and caused the barn collapse had nearly taken Reid, as well. A wooden beam from the rickety barn loft had struck him down as he tried saving the animals. Hed lingered for days, fighting off the crushing pain to his chest and Sarah had been by his side, holding on, listening as Reid uttered words of assurance. There had been silent understanding in his words, and Sarahs heart bled each time Reid would make plans for her future without him. In the quiet moments right before Reids death, hed said point-blank, the Triple R would be her home forever. Sarah had prayed for the best, but feared the worst. And then the worst did happenhis heart gave way. Reid died five days after the accident.
And now Sarah would be living with Case.
She heard footsteps descending on the stairway and stood up abruptly to pour the coffee shed brewed. But the fast move made her light-headed and she swayed, grabbing for the kitchen chair.
Sarah? Case was beside her instantly, steadying her shoulders with strong hands.
The room spun, and Sarah took a deep breath. A moment later, her head cleared. She looked into a set of deep brown, concerned eyes. And her skin burned from the heat of Cases solid hold on her, his fingers gently digging in, reminding her what it felt like to be in a mans arms. Reminding her, what it had been like being in his arms. But Sarah didnt want to dwell on the past. She had enough to deal with, right now, in the present. Im okay. The doctor says not to get up too fast. My blood pressures a bit low and quick moves tend to make me dizzy.
Case helped ease her down into a chair. Sit down and take it easy.
You dont know what youre in for, living with a pregnant woman. She couldnt believe what shed be in for, living with Case, either. They both had some adjusting to do.
Cases eyes never left her face. He sat down across from her. Ive got a feeling Im going to learn about it right quick. So, you dont mind me coming back?
What about the rodeo? she asked abruptly. Of course, she minded, but she had no right tossing him out. He owned an equal share of the ranch.
He studied her face for a moment. Im entered in a handful more events so Ill go back from time to time, but this is my last year. Im through. What do you say, Sarah? Can you abide me coming back to the ranch?
She shrugged. What could she say? She couldnt very well kick him out. Hed left the ranch at a bad time. Money had been tight, beef prices down and they couldnt afford to hire on any more help. Reid had done the work of two men to make ends meet back then, but now, it was Cases turn to work the land, she supposed. Its your home, Case. Reid would want it this way.
Butnot you?
Sarah wouldnt lie. She had her doubts about these living arrangements. He was Reids brother, but he was also a man Sarah couldnt trust. Hed let Reid down too many times. Case, we hardly know each other anymore. At best, itll be awkward.
Sarah, listen. I need to be here right now, but you have my word, Ill stay out of your way. I know about the threats youve received. His tone sobered considerably and his expression grew fierce. His deep dark eyes penetrated hers with raw determination. Nobody threatens a Jarrett.
Case, they werent threats really. Mr. Merriman from the Beckman Corporation got a little tooenthusiastic in his bid to get me to sell the ranch. His company is planning this big housing community called Beckman Bridle Homes and the Triple R seems to be right smack in the middle of where they intend to build.
I heard the McPhersons refused the offer, too. Not too long after their barn burned down suspiciously.
Yes, thats true. It happened last week, but they cant prove anything. Luckily no one was hurt. Seth McPherson spotted the fire and they put it out before any livestock got caught in the flames.
You should have told me about this. I had a right to know. Anger burned low and intense in Cases dark eyes.
I didnt think youd
Care?
Well, its not as though youve taken an interest in the ranch, Case.
The ranch is my business now, Sarah. And you, living all alone out here.
Sarah was alone now. And she felt it every day. Shed been lost when Reid died, and had to fight off her melancholy for the babys sake. Shed never known this kind of loneliness before. Theres more than half a dozen hands on the ranch. Im not entirely alone. Besides, I handled Mr. Merriman in my own way. He probably wont be back.
How can you be sure?
You didnt see the look in his eyes when I pulled out Reids Winchester and aimed it straight at his heart.
Cases lips lifted in a small crooked smile and uncannily, Sarah felt that smile all the way to her toes. You chased him off the property?
She nodded, remembering that day all too well. The man had been more threatening than shed let on to Case. And hed forced himself inside the house, using verbal pressure when shed refused his offer of sale. What was worse, the man knew of the ranchs outstanding debts and that they were headed for financial trouble. He played on that until Sarah couldnt take another minute of it. Shed asked him to leave twice, before reaching for that rifle. You could say that.
Case shook his head. You wont have to worry about him again.
Probably not, she thought wryly, but now shed have another worry. She didnt relish living with a man like Case. Theyd had a history together that she didnt enjoy recalling. Growing up in a small country town, their paths had crossed more times than not. Case hadnt made her life easy. Two years her senior, hed been a bully at times, a tease, and later when theyd been in their late teens, hed played a trick on her. One she still smarted from.
One she had trouble forgetting. And forgiving.
Case Jarrett may have shared similar looks with her late husband Reid, but the differences between the two were clearly notable to her now. Oh, not physically, but Sarah couldnt help but look at Case and see the man who had abandoned Reid and the Triple R when he was needed the most. Sarah saw a man bent on danger. She saw him as the man who had tricked and cajoled her one too many times.
How Sarah had ever been fooled in the past by their identical appearance, she couldnt understand now. And the scar slanting down Cases cheek from his right eye only marked him as different to othersa way of singling him out from Reid. But to Sarah, Case was nothing like Reid, and she didnt need that facial wound to remind her that Case Jarrett was certainly not his brother.
Is that why youre back, Case? Are you worried about the ranch?
Case narrowed his eyes and drew in a long breath, deep in thought. Its my responsibility now, Sarah.
She nodded, wondering why, after all this time Case felt the need to own up to his responsibilities. Hed never been the type to settle down. And if his coming back had anything to do with her, she needed to make one thing abundantly clear. But Im not.
Youre not what? he asked, the picture of innocence.
Your responsibility. I can take care of myself.
Case had the good sense to stifle a smug smile, but Sarah sensed she knew what hed been thinking. Shed nearly fainted dead away just now from dizziness. And hed been the one to catch her before the fall. Tough pregnant lady, are you?
Im a ranchers wife, arent I? At least she had been, up until five months ago. The heartache was still with her each and every day, but she had the baby to think about so she looked to the future instead of aching in the past. More than anything she wanted this child to thrive. Nurturing this baby was her only source of comfort.
Case nodded and averted his eyes. He stood then and poured coffee into a mug. Ive got to have a talk with Old Pete and let that crotchety foreman know Im back at the ranch. Ill spend the day out on the range, checking over the place. I plan to do my share of the chores around the house, too, so dont you lift a finger on my account. I didnt come back home to add to your work. Ill be back in time for supper. Im cooking tonight.
You cook? she asked, startled. Sarah knew Case was a capable man, but she didnt think of him being comfortable in the kitchen.
Dont get too excited. I get by. My meals are edible, barely. Ill let you be the judge.
Sarah lifted herself from the chair, bracing a hand on the table for support. Case reached his hand out, but then quickly retracted the offer once Sarah had straightened without his help. One chance is all youre getting, Case, so make it a good meal. The baby needs his nourishment. And I get real crabby when Im hungry.
Ill make a note of that.
Sarah watched Case leave out the back door then heaved a deep wearisome sigh. Case Jarrett was back. Shed have to get used to him being around, is all. There wasnt a doggone thing she could do about her circumstances. She and Case would be living under the same roof from now on.
Whether she liked it or not.
Case burned the steaks on the grill. The potatoes were choked with garlic and Sarah had never seen flatter biscuits. But she ate the meal without a fuss and listened to Cases assessment of how hed like to make a few changes on the ranch.
He had ideas for saving money and time that Sarah thought sound enough. She agreed with him on some things and gave her opposition on others. Case listened to her quietly, nodding his head then strengthening his arguments to make her see things from his point of view. He had a stubborn streak that matched her own, especially when he believed he was right. Which was pretty much all the time.
When dinner was over, Case helped Sarah bring the plates to the sink. He rinsed as she loaded the dishwasher. At times they worked so closely, their hands brushing as he handed her one dish after another, Sarah felt the need to flee. She hadnt been touched in such a long time, and twice today, Case had touched her. Once to catch her fall and now this. It was silly to feel so awkward around him. Shed known him a long time. He was her husbands brother, uncle to her unborn child. But she also felt a sense of disloyalty, irrational; as it seemed that she was somehow betraying Reid by engaging in such domestic rituals with another man.
Get a grip, she warned herself, this is how its going to be from now on.
Case looked around the kitchen, nodding his head, claiming that the dinner was a success and the room was cleaned. Sarah had to burst his bubble. Her baby needed more than meat and potatoes to survive and so did she. She cleared her throat and smiled sweetly. Case, thanks for the meal, but I think Ill take over the cooking duties from now on.
Case stood with both hands on his hips, pursed his lips and studied her for a time. Thank God, he said finally, surprising her.
W-what? I thought you wanted to cook some of the meals?
His lips parted with a devilish grin. Hell no. I hate my own cooking.
Then, why did you offer?
Seemed like the right thing to do, Sarah. You nearly keeled over right in front of me today. I was afraid my being here was an added burden to you.
That was true, but feeding him had nothing to do with it. It was the seeing him every night and waking up in the morning part of their arrangement, that Sarah disliked. Shed be living with her husbands brother, a man she didnt know all too well, a man she had a brief history with in the past. Shed put that part of her life behind her, only to have Case move in here and remind her all over again, about times shed rather not recall.
And besides all that, she hated losing her privacy. She wasnt always at her best, being eight full months pregnant. Some days she just wanted to scream down the walls and others she wanted to cry until there were no more tears left to shed. It didnt set well that Case had to witness some of her less than perfect days. She was too tired to try to cover up her feelings from anyone, anymore.
You made me eat charcoal steak and greasy potatoes, Case. Thats cruel and unusual punishment. From now on, well have a well-balanced meal. The baby needs his vitamins.
If you say so, he said, lifting dark eyes her way. She wore a pair of loose denim overalls with a tiny T-shirt top underneath. It was comfortable attire and she knew she must look like an overstuffed Mrs. Farmer John. Yet, his eyes traveled over her, grazing her with heat as he peered at her blossoming chest. Sarah had never been so well endowed. Her body was preparing for nourishing the baby and it appeared, Case had noticed. The appreciation she noted in his eyes brought forth tingles that ran the length of her spine. With one heated look, Case had the ability to make her forget she was eight months pregnant. With one look, hed made her feel soft and feminine again.
Sarah cleared her throat. I do. But tomorrows dinner will be a little bit late. Ive got a doctors appointment in the afternoon in Prescott.
Whos taking you? Case asked immediately.
Well, nobody. Im driving in myself.
Like hell you are. What time is your appointment?
Three.
Ill take you.
Thats really not necessary. Sarah didnt understand Cases sudden involvement in her life. Shed made it clear that she wasnt his responsibility. She didnt want him watching out for her. She had to learn to get by without any help since she was going to be a single mother. Case was the last man shed ever rely on. Hed proven time and again that he couldnt be trusted. Im perfectly capable of driving to town, Case.
He came up as close as he could get without crushing the baby and pinned her with a look. And what if you get dizzy again? Then what?
I only get dizzy if I move too fast. And Im being very careful about that.
Case blew out a breath and the classic Jarrett pig-headed expression stole over his face. Sarah knew shed be better off agreeing, since no amount of discussion was going to change his mind and she just wasnt up for an argument. Having Case move back home had taken a definite toll on her today.
Be ready at two, Sarah. I was meaning to get into town soon anyway.
If you insist, but you dont really have to.
He grunted his reply and strolled out of the kitchen.
Case settled himself on the back porch steps and took a swig of his beer. The golden liquid slid easily down his throat and quenched his thirst. Stretching out his long legs, he leaned on his elbows and glanced up at the stars, but Sarahs image appeared, out of nowhere it seemed, and interrupted his peace. Hed been thinking about her all day. Couldnt rightly get her off his mind.
That night years ago flashed into his head, like a moving picture and plagued his memory. Sarah had looked so beautiful in her flowing pale blue gown, standing there on the threshold, expecting Reid to pick her up for her much-anticipated senior prom. Reid had come down with the flu, but hadnt wanted Sarah to miss out on the evening. Hed practically begged Case to don his rented suit and replace him for the evening. Case protestedhe didnt want to go to some fancy doings with his brothers girl, but in the end, for his brothers sake, he agreed.
The mistake was in not calling Sarah first, to let her know the situation. Reid argued that she wouldnt go if she knew how sick hed been, so Case agreed to tell her once he got to her house. But once he knocked on her door, Sarah gave him no time for explanations. The minute she saw him standing there in his brothers suit, believing him to be Reid, she flowed into his arms and kissed him soundly on the lips. Case hadnt expected the intense surge of passion that erupted within him. He hadnt expected to enjoy Sarahs lips moving over his or her sweet scent nearly buckling his knees.
On pure male instinct, he wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue in her mouth. Incredible sensations wiped all rational thought clear from his head. He forgot all about his mission, the fact that Sarah could never be his.
They kissed deeply, Case pressing her back with small exquisitely sensual steps until he had her braced against the wall. Their bodies touched intimately, the whisper of satin crushed up against his groin. He couldnt hide his arousal. He couldnt get enough of her. He needed more, to touch her and continue touching her. Hed never been so taken by a female before. Hed never felt so overwhelmed and completely helpless to the sudden urges consuming him.
She arched back and he traveled kisses along her delicate throat. Her moans of pleasure caused him to throw all caution to the wind. He couldnt think beyond absorbing Sarah into his heat. Within seconds, her dress was unzipped and his hands found the contours of her smooth back, his lips the beautiful swell of her breasts. She tasted better than heaven, better than anything hed ever known. He wanted Sarah more than his next breath.
Intense desire seared through him like a burst of flames. Hed pressed himself closer and hiked up her pretty dress. The soft silky slide of her nylons gave way to bare flesh. She burned under his fingertips and moaned his name. His name. Case, stop. You have to stop.
Startled, Case did stop, looking Sarah dead in the eyes. How long had shed known it was him and not Reid, he would often wonder. Why hadnt she stopped him immediately?
Case slugged back another gulp of beer and shook his head, remembering. Sarah had been furious and called him every name under the sun. Denial played heavily on his lips, but he didnt defend himself, he couldnt. But to keep Reid from getting suspicious, hed finally convinced Sarah to go to the party. Theyd both agreed not to tell Reid what had happened and not to speak of it again. It was the only way Case could calm her down.
Theyd spent an awkward tense night with Sarah hardly able to look at him. She hadnt let him touch her. They hadnt danced. Case knew Sarah thought he played a dirty trick on her. He couldnt blame herhed always teased and tormented her in their younger days often times pretending he was Reid. But Case had to let her believe that he was just plain rotten, that hed used her in a mean-spirited game rather than to let on to the truth. Because the truth was far worse and it had hit Case right smack between the eyes that night. Hed fallen for his brothers girl. The girl Reid had professed to love since the age of fourteen. The girl Reid was going to marry.
Case cursed his bad luck and chugged down another swig of beer. The strong smell of liquor was soon replaced by a flowery scent that teased his nostrils as it drifted by.
Case?
Sarahs soft voice from behind had him swiveling his head. She stood in the doorway, dressed in a short white cotton robe. His gaze riveted instantly to her legs, exposed from the knees down. They were still shapely, regardless of her pregnancy and he recalled how damn soft theyd felt when hed slid his hand up her thigh and touched her there. He wanted that again. He wanted to hold her, kiss her and finish what theyd started that night. Damn. His whole body tightened, just looking at her. Huh?
I forgot to tell you at supper that you had a few messages. Penny Applegate, Josie Miller and Reba Stokely called. Theyd heard you were back in town and wanted to say hello.
Case nodded and averted his gaze. The last thing he needed was to hook up with any of his old girlfriends. Hed had enough female trouble on the rodeo circuit to last him a lifetime. Itd be hell enough living with Sarah, much less getting involved with any other female right now. Whatd you tell them?
Only that Id give you the message.
He nodded and lifted his eyes to meet hers. Consider it done. You going to bed now?
Yes. Uh, well, good night, Case.
Night, Sarah.
Case listened as Sarah entered her bedroom and closed the door. Good thing she decided months ago to move into the downstairs bedroom, he thought earnestly. At least, he wouldnt be bumping into her in the middle of the night.
He finished his beer and rose slowly, trying to banish Sarah and those torturous memories from his head. He cursed his bad luck once more, thinking of the lonely nights ahead and the promise hed made to his brother. Hed take care of Sarah and the baby for as long as necessary and shed never know why hed really come home. Her stubborn pride wouldnt have it. Case knew undoubtedly if hed told her of Reids deathbed plea, shed become indignant and refuse his help.
Case needed to do this. He had demons to chase and guilt to absolve. He wouldnt let Reid down again.
But it wouldnt be easy. Sarah barely tolerated him. She didnt want him on the ranch. And she didnt trust him worth a damn.
Two
Case was used to fast speeds and quick action, but he deliberately took it slow with Sarah seated beside him in the truck. She sat as far away as possible and glanced out the window rather than make conversation with him. He knew hed bullied her into agreeing to this, but darn it, she could grant him a smile once in a while, couldnt she?
Whats the doctors name? he asked.
Dr. Michaels.
Never heard of him, he said conversationally.
She came to town about a year ago.
Case raised a brow. She specialize in delivering babies?
Sarah turned to him and nodded. Shes an OB/GYN, if thats what you mean. She has a great reputation. Reid and I researched all the doctors in the area and she seemed to have the best credentials. I have a lot of faith in her.
Thats good, Sarah. Whens the baby due exactly? he asked. He had one more rodeo event scheduled this month, but he wouldnt go, if it were close to the babys due date.
Ill know more after todays appointment, but Dr. Michaels thinks the baby will come in about four weeks.
You and Delaney go to those classes and all?
Yes. She took me to six childbirth classes. She promised to come back when its time. Shell be a great labor coach, having gone through it twice already.
Case shuddered at the thought of witnessing the babys birth. Selfishly, he was glad Sarah had Delaney to rely on to be there for the delivery. Case had pulled many a calf and pony in his day, but it ended there. He knew nothing about delivering babies.
When their brief conversation died, Case glanced at Sarah out of the corner of his eye. So pretty, he thought, with her long golden hair blowing in the breeze. He witnessed her tucking the strands that had brushed her cheeks, back behind her ear. He wished he had the right to run his fingers through her hair, to let the golden lights play over his hand.
She was a feisty one, though, with her chin raised indignantly. She wasnt going to make today easy on him. But hed secretly admired that trait in her. Hed put her through a lot as kids, but shed never buckled under. One thing about Sarah Johnston, she always came out swinging.
The usual thirty-minute ride into Prescott took Case over forty-five, going ten miles under the speed limit, just to make sure Sarah was comfortable. Hed been careful on the pitted road not to hit any big potholes.
Once in town, Sarah directed him to Dr. Michaelss office building. She was nearly out the door, before he stopped the truck. Thanks, Case. You can come by for me in about an hour.
Hey, he said, bounding out of the truck in time to help her down. She hung on to his arm, mostly for balance as he helped her feet hit the ground. Hed like it fine if shed keep her hands on him, but she pulled away from him real quick. Not so fast. Id like to come and meet the doctor.
W-why? she said, curiously.
Why? This is the doctor whos going to deliver my nephew, isnt it?
Could be a niece, Case. We dont know for sure and yes, Dr. Michaels will do the delivery.
Well then, Im coming with you.
But, I thought you had errands to run in town.
That can wait. This is more important. Although the thought of the delivery scared the dickens out of him, Case was just plain curious about this whole birth process. He needed to understand things, like how would he know that Sarah was in labor? What were the signs? What if Sarah had trouble?
Another shudder ran down his spine. Damn, the whole thing made him jittery.
I dont know, Case, she said, a doubtful expression marring her face. There was mistrust there, too, along with a large dose of reluctance.
You can decide inside, he said, glancing at his watch, then taking her arm gently. Or you might be late for your appointment.
Once inside the office, Case took a seat next to Sarah in the waiting room. For all anyone knew, they must have appeared like a loving expectant married couple. Case breathed in her subtle flowery scent, noted her shapely legs peeking out from her pretty dotted dress and marveled at the serene glow on her sweet face. Damn, being near Sarah still had a powerful effect on him. If he could claim Sarah as his, he would and be done with it, and theyd really be the loving couple they seemed to portray. But Case knew beyond a doubt that would never happen.
Mrs. Jarrett, the medical assistant called from an opened doorway.
Sarah struggled to rise. Case stood and helped ease her up slowly. He laid a hand on the small of her back and guided her to the door. She stopped and turned to him. Case didnt want to bully her again. This had to be her decision. Id really like to come in with you, Sarah, he said softly.
Sarah stared into his eyes for a moment and he noted wariness mixed with reluctance, but when she relented with a brief nod, Case felt a small sense of relief that hed won this round with her. The medical assistant led them into a small examining room. There, the assistant asked Sarah to step up onto the scale. Dont look, she said firmly, before she took off her shoes to get on.
Case stifled a chuckle and glanced out the window. Wouldnt dream of it. Hed never understand a womans vanity. Sarah was as big as a house, beautifully so, but still she worried that hed find out how much she weighed.
After her temperature and blood pressure was taken, Dr. Michaels walked into the room and stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed Case. Confusion mingled with uncertainty and she gave Sarah a questioning look. Mrs. Jarrett, she said, darting a glance from her chart to Case and back. Im sorry, I was under the impression
Oh, Sarah said quickly, this is Case Jarrett, Dr. Michaels, my husbands brother.
Identical twins? she asked, realization dawning instantly.
Yes, Sarah answered.
Case put out his hand. Pleased to meet you.
After blinking once, Dr. Michaels took his hand. Nice to meet you, too. Are you planning on attending the birth, Mr. Jarrett?
No, hes not, Sarah put in. My sister will be here for the delivery. You might remember her. She took me to all my appointments during the summer.
Yes, I do remember her. Well, then, lets get started. Youre due for an ultrasound, I see.
After the doctor did an assessment of Sarah, checking, measuring and answering her questions, the assistant brought in the ultrasound machine. Here we go, Dr. Michaels said, once Sarah was all hooked up. You might want to stand a little closer to Sarahs side of the bed, Mr. Jarrett. The screen isnt very large.
Case positioned himself by Sarahs side and watched in utter fascination as the doctor applied a jellylike substance to Sarahs abdomen, then moved an instrument around slowly. The picture on the screen appeared to take form and Case witnessed a miracle in the making. Awestruck, he asked Dr. Michaels, Thats the baby?
Uh-huh, but the little babe doesnt want to turn so we can see the sex. Healthy one, though.
Are you sure, Doctor? Sarah asked, motherly concern apparent on her questioning expression.
He looks fine to me, Sarah. The babys got a steady strong heartbeat.
Case watched the baby move around on the screen. He glanced at Sarah, captivated by the look of joy and serenity on her face. He was so moved, he had to put his hand on her shoulder. Surprisingly she reached up to touch his hand. The contact ripped right through him and the solid rhythm of his heartbeat went a little crazy.
Hes beautiful, isnt he, Case?
Couldnt agree with you more, he said, completely taken by the moment. Hes so small.
But it doesnt feel that way to me, she said softly.
No, I dont suppose.
Case cleared his throat, humbled by what he was witnessing. But he or she is keeping us in suspense. Dont know if we should paint the nursery blue or pink.
Sarah slowly lowered her hand away. The room is yellow and green, Case. Delaney and I already painted it.
The magic of the moment was suddenly gone. Sarah had made herself perfectly clear. She wasnt including him in with her plans for the baby. He couldnt say he blamed her, with him showing up spur of the moment and expectingwhat had he been expecting? He knew damn well Sarah wouldnt welcome him home. But he was the babys uncle. He did have some rights in that regard.
Id like to speak with Dr. Michaels privately now, Case. she said gently.
He nodded. Sure thing. Ill be in the waiting room.
Dr. Michaels shot Case a thoughtful expression, then handed him a brochure about what to expect when the baby comes. Here you go. Interesting reading, when you get the time.
Thanks, maam, he said, grateful for small favors. Appreciate it.
Case sat in the waiting room staring blankly at the brochure. For a minute there, he thought Sarah was softening toward him. Theyd shared a moment of sheer joy and fascination, witnessing the baby make its subtle movements. Case had never experienced anything quite so awe-inspiring. And the look on Sarahs face was worth a thousand eight-second rides.
From behind, he heard Sarahs voice. She was making her next appointment at the reception desk. Case stood and faced her. She smiled tentatively and he walked toward her.
Ready to go? she asked.
Im about famished. Cmon, were going out to dinner. Anywhere you want.
Case silently groaned when Sarah suggested a diner notorious for health food salads and soy dishes. The lady certainly wasnt going easy on him. No sir. And soft sweet Sarah knew exactly how to hit a man below the belt.
He put a hand to her back and led her out to the truck. Tofu Sallys, it is, he said, unruffled. I can hardly wait.
Sarah shuffled her salad around on her plate, aware of Cases eyes on her. Hed been watching her intently as they sat at the diner and ate their meal. Hed already polished off two veggie sandwiches without complaint and was working on peach pie with two scoops of some soy concoction of ice cream.
So, the good doc thinks the baby will arrive right on schedule? he asked, after taking in a forkful of pie.
Yes, four weeks and counting, she replied.
And Delaney will be able to get away in time?
Yes, shes going to leave the girls with her neighbor during the day. Her husband Chuck will be able to handle the rest. Shes going to stay at the ranch one week.
Good. That must take a load off your mind.
It does. I dont know she began and the urge to cry suddenly reached up and grabbed her. Overwhelming feelings of melancholy, of grief, of her gratitude toward her sister, descended on her at once. She managed to hold back tears, but her voice cracked a little. I d-dont know what I w-would have done without her d-during the h-hard times.
The usual hard edge in Cases eyes softened a bit, and he said carefully, Your sister wants to help you, Sarah. She loves you.
I know. Its just that shes sacrificed so much already for me.
Delaney wouldnt think of it that way.
Her sister had postponed their family vacation to Hawaii just to stay with her for the summer. Shed left her husband for weeks at a time, and disrupted her household. Sarah hated asking anything more of her. Being an independent soul and having lost her parents at a young age, Sarah had gone all through her adult life without depending on anyone. Except Reid. But that was different, she surmised because married people were supposed to help and support one another. Without Reid by her side, Sarah knew shed be on her own. The grandmother who raised her and Delaney passed away three years ago.
If she had to, shed face childbirth alone, too, but Delaney insisted she wanted to be a part of the babys birth. Shed been enthusiastic about the delivery and so caring that Sarah would never be able to fully repay the favor, or show Delaney just how much her selfless help had meant to her.
Delaney has been wonderful, she said, thinking aloud.
Sarah noticed that Case had stopped eating. Half a slice of pie still sat on his plate. Oh Lord, thats all she needed. Make the man feel so sorry for you that he loses his gigantic appetite, Sarah. Your ice cream is melting, Case.
He grinned and lifted his spoon. Never could take a teary-eyed woman.
Im not teary-eyed, she said with indignation. It was better to spar with Case than have him feel sorry for her. Sarah hated the moods that came hand in hand with pregnancy. Often she knew she was being irrational or just plain difficult, but she was powerless to stop it.
Yes, maam.
A dollop of ice cream landed on his chin and stayed there. Without conscious thought, Sarah leaned over and wiped away the droplet with her finger. Case grabbed her finger gently and peered deep into her eyes, holding her hand to his chin. Temptation and danger cast a dark spark in his gaze. Sarahs heartbeats sped up just looking into those eyes. His touch did things to her, things she didnt want to encourage or entertain yet shed certainly felt it and was powerless to slow the pace of her heart. If you were any other woman, he said, letting her imagination take hold, this might have gotten interesting.
Sarah knew all too well what happened when Case got interested. For about five minutes in his life, shed been the object of his desire on her prom night. That evening had been a disaster. Not only had Case tricked her but hed also made Sarah doubt herself and her love for Reid. That had been a hard pill to swallow because of all the men in the world, Reid Jarrett deserved her love completely and unconditionally. He was a good man, solid and sure. Sarah had been enraged with Case and his hard-hearted game. Hed proven outright that he could never be trusted.
But Im not, she responded firmly, removing her hand from his chin, any other woman.
She was his brothers pregnant widow and a woman who would always be wary of him. That about sized it up. She couldnt allow her bouts of loneliness to sway her resolve.
Eyes twinkling now, in direct contrast to the hot look hed just given her, he had the good sense to back off. No, maam. Youre certainly not just any woman, Sarah. He lowered his voice. Ive always known that.
The soft way he said those words brought unexpected tingles and Sarah hid her smile. At eight months pregnant, Sarah wasnt used to hearing too many compliments.
She put her head down and toyed with her salad.
Well hello, cowboy, a deep sultry voice called from across the room. Sarah snapped her head up to find Case frowning, then followed the line of his vision. Josie Miller, one of Cases old girlfriends, sauntered up to the table. The leggy redhead had eyes only for Case.
Hello, Josie. Case seemed to eye her with typical male scrutiny.
Howve you been, Case. Long time, huh?
Yeah, Id say its been a long time. Case pushed his dish away and stretched out. Just got back in town, actually. I took Sarah to her doctors appointment today.
Sarah wanted to scream from the proprietary way Case had thrown that bit of information out. Shed just barely allowed him to accompany her to that appointment and Case made it sound as ifas if they would be sharing more than her medical appointments.
Josies wide smile faded, glancing from Case to her. Oh, hello, Sarah. Whens the baby due? You look like youre ready to pop.
Babies dont pop, Josie, Case said, coming to Sarahs defense before she had a chance to respond. It more than irritated her that Case would be answering questions on her behalf.
The babys due in about one month, Josie.
Oh, that so? Josie swung her hip in Cases direction, but he didnt appear to notice.
Yes, Sarah answered. I can hardly wait.
Josie tossed her long red hair off her shoulder. I bet. You plan on being the surrogate daddy, Case? The woman seemed truly intent on his answer.
Well, I, uh. Case blinked and fumbled with an answer. Not exactly.
My child will know who his father is, Josie. And that Case is his uncle. Sarah hoped she left no room for doubt.
I see. Sure. The three of you all, living in that little ole ranch house together. Seems to me, that baby might get a teeny bit confused.
Heat surged up Sarahs throat and stung her face. She couldnt look at Case. She couldnt look at Josie. The woman hit the nail right on the head. Sarah had been thinking that very thing ever since Case showed up yesterday. She hadnt expected his arrival and now all sorts of doubts were filtering in about their living arrangements once the baby came.
Shed planned on keeping Reids memory alive by speaking of him often and showing her child pictures of his father. But Case was the spitting image of Reid. With all three of them living under one roof, things could get confusing all the way around.
Im sure you folks will work it all out, Josie said smugly, then directed her attention back to Case, but if you get at all tired of the family scene, Case, you have my number. Dont hesitate.
Case pursed his lips and nodded grimly. Night, Josie.
Same to you all, she said sweetly.
Shes not subtle, Sarah said, once Josie returned to her table across the diner. Sarah decided to keep Josies marital problems to herself having never been one to gossip. But the fact remained Josie had been married and divorced twice since high school.
Case chuckled, his tight face giving way to a smile. She never was.
You liked her once.
I liked a lot of women, once. He let out a deep sigh. Those days are long gone.
Sarah found that hard to believe. Case Jarrett with his devastating good looks and aloof attitude had been a heartbreaker. He liked women, all kinds of women and had always been the first to admit that. You dont mean you plan on settling down, do you?
That could solve her problem. If Case had a wife, then Sarah wouldnt feel so doggone awkward with him underfoot.
Case shook his head. Noooo. Settling down means getting involved with a woman. Ive just about sworn off females.
I give you about a week, Case.
Im serious, he said, leaning forward. Im going to focus on the ranch anduh
And? Case was holding something back. She could see it in his eyes and in the way his shoulders stiffened.
Nothing, Sarah. You ready to go?
Yes. Im all through.
Lets get on back home, he said impatiently.
Sarah cringed inwardly at how Case used the very same expression Reid would whisper in her ear when he was impatient to get Sarah home. To make love. Theyd spend a long sweet night together, loving.
How different her life was now.
Thered be no more nights of love and no more sweet embraces.
The only thing she had to look forward to was the arrival of the baby. That would be enough to see her through long lonely nights.
On the way home, Case pulled up to the Beckman Bridle Homes trailer located just outside of Prescott. The sign out front showed a planned community with a country club, golf course and boasted five hundred new bridle path homes. Hell, every damn ranch within a twenty-mile radius was a bridle path home. And if the path wasnt there, you simply mounted your cow pony and etched one out of the land.
Case, what are you doing here? Sarah asked.
I was thinking Id go in there and give those land agents a piece of my mind.
I dont think theyll come around again.
Look at that sign, Sarah, he said, gesturing toward the large painted signpost. Doesnt appear to me that theyre going to give up. Looks as though they got this whole thing planned and nothings going to stop them. I heard that five ranches have already agreed to their terms.
Case, I cant say as I blame them. The smaller ranches havent turned a profit in years. Those folks were just barely holding on. The offer came at a good time for them.
And what about McPhersons barn? Dont folks care that these people theyre selling to have no compunction?
I know it seems suspicious, Case, but we have no proof that Beckman Corporation had anything to do with that fire. Could have been an accident.
He scoffed at that. Case was certain that barn burned down because of foul play. He wasnt going to let anything like that happen at the Triple R. He doubted the corporation would buckle under just because one woman lifted a rifle and shooed their agent off the property. Brave as she was, Sarah just didnt have it in her to truly intimidate another living soul. That Merriman fella probably just decided to leave the pregnant woman be and find another approach.
Besides, Case. It looks like theyre closed for the day.
Case did a cursory glance and found Sarah to be right. Everything looked locked up good and tight as the small Closed sign on the far right window indicated.
Yeah, guess youre right. Case would have to deal with them later. It was best Sarah not be around when he did. He wouldnt want her to get upset if things got ugly.
Case drove off slowly, noting Sarah putting her hand on her abdomen. Everything okay? he asked, peering at her from the corner of his eye.
A warm smile graced her face. Yeah, just fine, Case. The baby is moving a whole lot.
Case swallowed a lump in his throat. Hed never been the sentimental type, but seeing Sarah so at peace, enjoying the movements of that little babe, twisted something in his gut.
He gets fidgety this time of night, Sarah said softly.
Does it hurt, with him moving around like that? Heck, it wasnt as if there was lots of room in there.
No, doesnt hurt at all. Oh, she said sharply, then smiled, but hes very active. I think he just kicked my ribs.
And that doesnt hurt?
Well, its a good kind of pain and doesnt last long.
Case nodded and returned his focus to the road. He had a lot to learn about babies. Tonight, hed read through the brochure Dr. Michaels had given him.
They drove on in silence. Case noticed Sarah yawning several times. Shed had a long tiring day. He probably shouldnt have insisted they stop to eat, but sometimes he forgot that she needed more rest than usual.
The sun set on the horizon and it was dark by the time Case pulled up to the house. About fifteen minutes earlier, Sarah had fallen asleep, her head lodging uncomfortably against the trucks window. He hated to wake her, but darn it, shed get a kink in her neck from the way shed fallen asleep.
Quietly Case slid his body next to her. Sarah, he whispered, were home.
Sarah didnt budge.
Sarah, he repeated a little louder. He put his arm around her shoulder and gently shook her.
Mmmm, she murmured and turned into his arms. Drugged by sleep, Sarah rested her head onto his chest and snuggled in. Golden strands of hair tickled his hand in a silken caress. Case sat there a moment, uncertain as to what to do. He listened to her deep breaths, taking in the flowery scent that was Sarahs alone.
Sarah, he whispered again, but she didnt respond at all this time. The woman was definitely out.
Case folded his arm around her, holding her against him, letting her sleep. He forced himself to relax and lean back a little bit. Sarah flowed against him, but didnt stir.
She wouldnt like this, if she knew. But hell, Case had tried to wake her, several times. The woman was tired and needed her sleep. Case decided to enjoy this secret time with her. How long had he dreamt of holding her this way? Of taking her into his arms, and kissing her until kissing wasnt enough? Hed wanted Sarah for so long, hed had to banish her from his thoughts at night so he could get some sleep. And now, he held her in his arms, as hed always imagined.
Case wouldnt torture himself with those thoughts. He couldnt have Sarah. She had no use for him in her life. Hed made a promise to Reid to watch out for her and the baby. Hed lay down his life doing that, but Case knew thats all it would ever be. He couldnt compete with his brothers memory. For all he knew Sarah was still in love with Reid. At least thats the uneasy feeling he got every time she looked at him, as though she was disappointed that he wasnt Reid.
Maybe Sarah felt the wrong brother had been taken. Hell, Case rode around with that guilt, too. He was the one with the dangerous profession. Busting broncs nearly took out his eye and crushed his cheekbone, but ironically it was Reid whod been injured in a nightmarish accident that eventually took his life. If Case had been here at the ranch, helping out, maybe Reid wouldnt have died.
In his heart Case believed Sarah would never look at him and see him clearly, for the man he truly was. Hed let her believe him to be a scoundrel for so long shed never have any other opinion of him. Perhaps it was better that way.
When Sarah flinched, Case peered sharply down at her belly. He could see ripples, a small tide of movement. His better sense gave way to desire. Case laid his hand carefully on Sarahs stomach. A little flutter, then a jolt met with his hand. The baby had spunk. Case stifled a chuckle, but a smile split his face wide open. No doubt, this child was a Jarrett.
A miracle lay under his fingertips. Case sat in wonder, holding the woman he wanted, feeling new life reach up and touch him. He closed his eyes and a deep sense of peace, of tranquillity, of something stronger he didnt dare name, washed over him. For a moment, he knew how Sarah must feel, carrying this child, nurturing it with all the love she had in her heart. Case brushed a soft kiss on Sarahs forehead.
And wished shed sleep in his arms all night long.
Three
Sarah sat in a lawn chair under a shady cottonwood tree in Bobbi Sue Currys backyard and opened another gift. Her best friend had insisted on giving her a baby shower and so nearly all the female population of Barrel Springs was upon her. The women chattered and laughed happily as Sarah was presented with just about everything her new child would ever need. Her friends had been generous, even though she knew many were having their own financial difficulties, which made their generosity even more heartwarming.
A car seat! Sarah exclaimed, after opening the rather large rectangular box with the help of Bobbi Sues five-year-old daughter, Maureen. Now Ill have two. Thank you so much, she said, smiling at Amelia Velacruz, an old high school friend.
You can return it for something else, Sarah. If you dont need two, Amelia promptly offered.
Shell need em both, thats for sure, Judy Melcher, another of her old school friends called out. Case will need one for his truck.
A rapid rise of heat flamed her cheeks. Sarah thought she must have blushed two shades of red. Ever since Case had moved back one week ago, shed heard talk. Nothing much had been said directly to her, but thered been plenty of innuendo about Case stepping in for his brother. Most of the comments seemed innocent enough, a way for folks to ease their curiosity about the goings-on at the Triple R, but Sarah had been hard-pressed as to how to clear things up exactly. Case was home, but he certainly wasnt stepping in for his brother.
At least not where she was concerned.
He was home to tend to the ranch. Finally hed owned up to his responsibility, but Sarah doubted hed stay on long. Case had a restless nature; he wasnt someone you could bank on for the long haul. Sarah knew this just as sure as she knew her baby had just knocked her in the ribs again. She smiled, thinking how rambunctious her child wasand how healthy.
Thank heavens for that.
That baby will know how to ride a wild bronc before he walks, if Case has anything to say about it, one woman announced.
Sarah came out of her musings to respond. Case wont, she said, perhaps too firmly as a hush stole over the ladies, have anything to say about it.
Sarah noted her friends faces, some staring with wide eyes, others averting their attention completely. What had gotten into them? Shed only stated a fact. Case Jarrett wouldnt have any say as to how she would raise her baby. Heavens, hed only just come back to the ranch, and the entire town, practically, was making them into a couple. No. Everyone was trying to make them into a family. Sarah had learned the hard way that life didnt always fit into nicely wrapped packages complete with perfectly tied bows, like the remaining gifts on the table. No, life was more messy than that.
Just then, the back screen door slammed and Sarah turned around. Case stood at the opened doorway, staring at her. In that instant she knew hed been there long enough to hear what shed said. Dread mixed with misery as she peered into his eyes. Shed hurt him, yet there he stood, looking as handsome as ever and smiling at her. That smile always seemed to create butterfly flutters in her stomach. Case, w-what are you doing here?
Bobbi Sue handed him a plate filled with food and a glass of iced tea. I thought Id save Bobbi Sue and Carl a trip and pick you up myself. I brought my truck to haul all the gifts back to the ranch.
Oh, she said, slumping a bit in her chair, thats very thoughtful.
I thought so, too, Bobbi Sue said then pointed to a seat on the porch in the shade. Take a load off, Case. Sarahs about through, just a few more gifts to open then well have cake. Wont be but another half an hour.
Case planted himself down with plate in hand. Dont mind if I do, he said, thanking Bobbi Sue, then winking at Sarah. You go on and finish up, darlin. Ill wait.
Sarah was handed the next gift, a pretty pink and blue basket. She glanced into the crowd of her friends and smiled tentatively. They seemed to have one eye on Case and the other on her, waiting and watching. For what exactly, Sarah didnt know but so many of her friends were nodding approval or casting her undisguised smirks.
One hour later, Sarah gave Bobbi Sue a big hug. Thanks so much, she said, stepping out onto the front steps. I dont think the baby will be wanting for a thing now.
Nope, I dont think so. Im glad the shower was such a success. You deserve every good thing that comes along, Sarah.
Sarah sighed and patted her belly. The baby is all I need now, Bobbi Sue. Itll be the best thing that comes along in my lifetime.
Bobbi Sue looked out onto the front yard, where Carl was helping Case load the gifts up into the bed of his truck. Theres nothing like a child, Sarah, thats true. My little Maureen has brought us nothing but joy, even if shes still resisting going to school every day. But honey, dont sell yourself short. Youve got a whole lot of living yet to do. And looks to me, theres more than just one good thing in store for you in this life.
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Charlene Sands
Тип: электронная книга
Жанр: Современные любовные романы
Язык: на английском языке
Издательство: HarperCollins
Дата публикации: 16.04.2024
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О книге: After six years on the rodeo circuit, rough-and-tumble cowboy Case Jarrett returned to the Triple R to face his responsibility and the only woman he′d ever loved – his late brother′s pregnant widow.Case wanted to honor his brother′s wishes and take care of Sarah, but living with her brought out a fever in him that begged for release! Sarah remembered the electrifying kiss she and Case had shared as teenagers.Now he was back, making a mess of her heart – not to mention her hormones! Did she dare dream of a happily-ever-after with a man whose powerful presence had always set off fireworks in her soul?