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An Heir For The Texan
KRISTI GOLD


She's hiding a secret from this rancher that may change everything… Georgie Romero's daddy had one die-hard rule: do not get involved with Austin Calloway. Yet when she left town six years ago, her fling with the blue-eyed heartbreaker wasn't the only secret she hid. Now the job of a lifetime has brought her—and her young son—back to the Calloways' Texas ranch…and the sizzling chemistry with Austin that still lingers.As the daughter of a rival family, Georgie has always been forbidden. But Austin's never been one to follow the rules. Will he feel the same way about Georgie once he learns about their son?







She’s hiding a secret from this rancher that may change everything...

Georgie Romero’s daddy had one die-hard rule: do not get involved with Austin Calloway. Yet when she left town six years ago, her fling with the blue-eyed heartbreaker wasn’t the only secret she hid. Now the job of a lifetime has brought her—and her young son—back to the Calloways’ Texas ranch...and the sizzling chemistry with Austin that still lingers.

As the daughter of a rival family, Georgie has always been forbidden. But Austin’s never been one to follow the rules. Will he feel the same way about Georgie once he learns about their son?


“Before you go, there’s something I just have to do,” Austin said.

She released a weary sigh. “What now?”

“This.”

He framed her face in his palms and covered her mouth with his before she had time to issue a protest. She knew she should pull away, but as it had always been, she was completely captive to the softness of his lips, the gentle stroke of his tongue, his absolute skill. No one had ever measured up to him when it came to kissing. She suspected no one ever would.

Once they parted, Austin tipped his forehead against hers. “Man, I’ve missed this.”

“We’re not children anymore, Austin. We can’t go back to the way it was.”

He took an abrupt step back. “I’m not suggesting we do that. But we can go forward, see where it goes.”

“It won’t go anywhere because you’ll never be able to give me what I want.”

“What do you want, Georgie?”

“More.”

* * *

An Heir for the Texan is part of the Texas Extreme series— Six rich and sexy cowboy brothers live— and love—to the extreme!


An Heir for the Texan

Kristi Gold






www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


KRISTI GOLD has a fondness for beaches, baseball and bridal reality shows. She firmly believes that love has remarkable healing powers, and she feels very fortunate to be able to weave stories of love and commitment. As a bestselling author, a National Readers’ Choice Award winner and a three-time Romance Writers of America RITA® Award finalist, Kristi has learned that although accolades are wonderful, the most cherished rewards come from networking with readers. She can be reached through her website at www.kristigold.com (http://www.kristigold.com), or through Facebook.


To my former farrier and dear friend Stephanie S., and her fantastic mother-in-law, Florence, for all the support they’ve shown me throughout the years.

Love ya both.


Contents

Cover (#u59bbf2dd-913a-5b3b-9451-98551563c371)

Back Cover Text (#ua3060481-4eab-5f8b-b2c9-872df669233d)

Introduction (#u77761ff6-54bb-536f-9165-1bd3aaee1841)

Title Page (#udd0ebd15-19ea-55b5-b392-0ae2c3b9e7af)

About the Author (#u2960db5f-6570-5115-9ef1-c9ed734e6292)

Dedication (#u1ad1cd47-51e7-5032-942c-890d2dbcb4fe)

One (#ud5ac2c59-8770-589a-a1ce-ad32d9c2b9d0)

Two (#ud6c84235-6848-5c8c-be6c-890545c1132e)

Three (#u90f85f34-444f-5b9f-a97b-376ffff0a33a)

Four (#litres_trial_promo)

Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)


One (#u86af8e01-2eee-56a7-921d-676a373b1488)

If Austin Calloway had to hang one more damn holiday light, he’d book a flight to the Bahamas to ring in the New Year.

For the past six Decembers, the D Bar C Ranch—his home, both past and present—had morphed from a South Texas ranch into a fake winter wonderland, all in the name of community involvement. Next week, the chaos would begin with cars lining up to bask in the holiday glow and deliver toys for underprivileged children. As much as he appreciated the cause, he didn’t particularly care for the effort involved in transforming the place, especially while being supervised by two nitpicky female relatives.

After draping the last string on the barbed wire, Austin hopped off the fence flanking the entry and climbed onto the ATV, taking off through the main gate toward temporary freedom. He passed by the family homestead, where his sister-in-law, Paris, sat on the front porch, hands resting on her pregnant belly. He raised his hand in a wave, and grinned when he noticed his brother, Dallas, struggling to set up the inflatable Santa beneath the massive oak while his blond-haired bride cheered him on. But his smile faded fast when he thought about his own failed marriage, and the loneliness that plagued him during the holidays.

Shaking off the self-pity, Austin picked up speed before someone chased him down, namely one of the two self-proclaimed elves now hanging angels on the manicured hedges. As much as he appreciated Maria, the former nanny who’d become his much loved stepmom after the death of his birth mother, and Jenny, the surprise stepmom they’d only learned about six years ago during the reading of his father’s will, he was more than done with the decorating demands.

Once he rounded the corner and reached his own cedar-and-rock house, he pulled into the driveway, shut down the ATV, then slid into the cab of his dual-wheel truck. He backed out and retraced the path he had taken, not bothering to acknowledge the family members standing on the lawn, shooting dagger looks in his direction. He continued toward the safety of the highway as he headed to an atmosphere where he could feel more macho.

A few miles down the road, Austin pulled into the gravel parking lot at the outdoor arena and claimed a spot among all the stock trailers, plagued by past memories of the life he’d left behind. He’d said goodbye to the rodeo circuit several years ago to enter the cutthroat world of car dealerships. Actually, several truck dealerships spanning three states, thanks to the help of his winnings and inheritance. At least he’d succeeded at that endeavor, even if he had failed at his marriage.

Shaking off the regrets, he walked through the entry, nodding at several cowboys, some who had been his competition. He immediately noticed all the young bucks crowded round the catch pens, eyeing him with awe like he was some sort of rodeo god. Those glory days were long gone and only remnants of the memories remained. But at least he’d left some sort of positive legacy to some kids since he’d probably never have any of his own.

He climbed the steps two at a time and slid onto a wooden bench as a spectator, not a participant. That’s when he spotted her rounding the arena—a great-looking filly he knew all too well. A literal blast from his past. She was as flighty as a springtime moth, and as stubborn as a rusty gate. She could bring a man down with the swish of her tail. Austin should know. She’d brought him to his knees on more than one occasion. And even though several years had passed since he’d last seen her, he fondly recalled how she’d always given him a damn good ride.

He shifted slightly as he watched her weave in and out of traffic, black mane flowing behind her in the breeze. She hadn’t lost her spirit, or her skill, or her ability to completely captivate him.

Austin tensed when he noticed a gelding coming toward her, trying his best to buck off the cowboy on his back. If the filly didn’t slow down, move over, an equine wreck was imminent.

No sooner than he’d thought it, it happened. The filly in question went one way, the mare she was riding went the other, and Georgie Romero, his black-maned, flighty, spirited first real girlfriend, ended up on the ground in a heap.

A distant memory from his early childhood shot through Austin’s mind in response. The recollection of his own mother falling from her horse when he’d been too young to comprehend the consequences, or the impending loss. When he’d been too little to understand.

That alone sent him on a sprint toward the arena in an effort to come to this woman’s rescue. He damn sure didn’t want to relive that tragedy.

He hoped like hell this time he wasn’t too late.

* * *

When Georgia May Romero opened her eyes, she sensed a gathering crowd, but a pair of brown boots earned her immediate focus. She then noticed jean-encased legs and two large masculine hands resting casually on bent knees. And next—one very impressive, extremely big...belt buckle.

Clearly she had died and gone to Cowboy Heaven.

Her gaze traveled upward to take in the blue plaid shirt rolled up at the sleeves, revealing arms threaded with masculine veins and, above that, an open collar showing a slight hint of chest hair. She then visually journeyed to a whisker-shaded jaw surrounding a stellar mouth and an average nose with a slight indentation on the bridge. But there was nothing average about the midnight blue eyes. Devilish eyes. Familiar eyes. Surely not.

“You okay, Georgie?”

No, she’d died and gone to Cowgirl Hell.

Shaking off her stupor, Georgie sat up and scrambled to her feet, silently cursing her bad luck and the man standing before her. The only man who could shake her to the core with only a smile. The man who’d changed her life six years ago, and he didn’t even know it. “Where’s my horse?”

He pointed toward the outside of the arena. “Over there, tied to the rail. She’s a little bit shaken but she’s physically fine.”

Only then did she venture another glance at her walking past, Austin Calloway. “Thanks,” she muttered. “She’s a two-year-old and still a little green. I brought her out to get used to the crowds. Obviously she’s not ready for competition.”

He had the gall to grin. “I figured that much when she tossed you on your head. You fell pretty hard.”

Oh, but she had...for him. Ancient history, one she didn’t dare repeat despite this chance meeting.

Chance.

She did a frantic search for the dark-haired, hazel-eyed boy who’d been the love of her life for the past five years, and thankfully spotted him still seated in the stands, holding cowboy court with a host of familiar men laughing at his antics. Andy Acosta, the middle-aged father of five, and horse trainer extraordinaire, sat at Chance’s side. Not only had Andy been a longtime hand on her family’s ranch, he happened to be one of the few people she trusted with her son.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Georgie? No headache or double vision? Broken bones?”

Just a pain in her keister. “I’m fine,” she said as she tore her gaze from her son to Austin and tried to appear calm. Having him learn of her own child’s existence, and the risk of prodding questions, was the last thing she needed at the moment. When she’d made the decision to move back to town to establish her veterinarian practice, she’d known she would have to tell him eventually, but she wanted to prolong that revelation until she’d had more time to prepare. Until she could gauge how he might react. Standing in a busy arena wasn’t an appropriate venue to deliver that bombshell.

“You don’t look fine,” he said. “In fact, you look a little out of it.”

She swept the dirt from her butt with her palms and frowned. “I assure you I’m okay. It’s not the first time I’ve been bucked off.”

He took off his tan felt hat, forked a hand through his golden brown hair, then set it back on his head. “True. I remember that summer you broke your arm when you tried to ride your dad’s stallion.”

Leave it to him to bring that up. “I remember when you broke your nose getting into a fight with Ralphie Jones over Hannah Alvarez.”

He smiled again, throwing her for a mental loop. “Hey, he started it. Besides, I didn’t really like her all that much, and I was young and pretty stupid.”

She’d been the same way at that time, and the price for her naivety had been high—losing her virginity to him. “Look, it’s been nice seeing you again, but I have to go.”

He inclined his head and frowned. “How long are you going to be in town?”

She considered lying but realized he would eventually learn the truth. At least one truth. “Indefinitely.”

He looked shocked, to say the least. “You’re living here now?”

“Yes.”

“How long have you been back?”

She wasn’t in the mood for a barrage of questions, although she did have one of her own. “A couple of weeks. Dallas didn’t tell you?”

He scowled. “No. Dallas doesn’t tell me a damn thing. When did you see him?”

“Actually, he called me after he learned I’ve taken over Doc Gordon’s practice. He asked me if I’d be the vet for the D Bar C, and this new venture you have in the works, although he didn’t exactly explain what that entails other than it involves livestock.”

“We’re calling it Texas Extreme,” he said. “We’re starting a business that caters to people who want the whole cowboy experience. Roping and bull riding and all things rodeo, plus we’re considering a good old-fashioned trail ride.”

Just what the Calloways needed—another business that would pad their pockets even more. “Interesting. I don’t think the ranch house is large enough to accommodate guests and your brothers, so I assume you’re going to put them in the bunkhouse.”

“We’re in the process of building a lodge. And since you’ve been away awhile, you probably don’t know that we’ve all built our own houses. Or at least Dallas, Houston, Tyler, Worth and me. Fort won’t step foot on the place. He basically hates the entire family.”

She recalled how upset Austin had been when he’d learned he had twin brothers, Forth and Worth, and a stepmother in Louisiana, thanks to a bigamist father who’d revealed all after his death. She also remembered how Austin had turned to her following the reading of the will, and his distress that had led to her providing comfort. If only she could forget that night, but she’d been left with a constant, precious reminder.

Georgie sent a sideways glance toward her son, who fortunately didn’t seem interested in her whereabouts. But if she didn’t get away soon, he might notice her and flag her down. Worse still, call her “Mama.” Then she’d have to explain everything. Almost everything. She backed up a couple of steps and hooked a thumb over her shoulder. “I guess I better go now.”

“You aren’t competing in the barrel racing with a more seasoned horse?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Not today.”

He favored her with another sexy grin. “Guess I’ll be heading out, too.”

“But you just got here.” And she’d just given herself away.

His smile faded into a confused look. “How do you know that?”

She studied the dirt at her feet before raising her gaze to his. “I saw you take a seat in the stands.” The distraction had resulted in her lack of concentration in the arena, and the fact that he’d come to her rescue still stunned her.

He hooked both thumbs in his pockets, causing her to glimpse a place no self-respecting mother should notice, and it wasn’t his buckle. “I was only here to escape all the holiday decorating at the ranch,” he said. “If I don’t get back, my stepmom is bound to send out a posse.”

She forced herself to look at his face. “How is Maria?”

“Feisty as ever. How are your folks?”

Georgie didn’t care to broach that topic in detail, and preferred to let Austin assume she still lived at home. That would guarantee he wouldn’t come calling, considering the long-standing feud between both their families, compliments of their competitive fathers. Only one time had a Calloway son entered their abode. Through her bedroom window. She had given Austin everything that night eighteen years ago, including her heart. “Mom and Papa are doing fine,” she said, banishing the bittersweet memories from her mind.

“I’m sure they’re glad to have you back from school. I bet Old George is strutting around like a rooster over his only kid becoming a veterinarian.”

Not so much. Her father was still shamed over having a daughter who’d had a baby out of wedlock, information her family had kept away from the public eye. In fact, she hadn’t spoken to her dad to any degree in years. Luckily her mother hadn’t passed judgment and still supported her when she’d stayed away from the small town and the prospect of gossip. She purposefully lost touch with friends, and now that she’d returned, she’d fortunately been able to find a remote place of her own, even if it was only a rental. But eventually everyone would know about her son because she couldn’t hide out forever, nor did she want to.

When Chance waved, Georgie tried for a third departure. “Well, I better load up and leave before the competition begins.”

A slight span of silence passed before Austin spoke again. “You look real good, Georgie girl.”

So did he. Too good. Otherwise she might scold him for calling her by his pet name. “Thanks. I’ll see you around.”

“You most definitely will.”

Georgie disregarded the comment, turned away and then walked through the gate to retrieve her mare. She lingered there for a few moments and watched Austin leave the arena before seeking out her son. “Let’s go, Chance,” she called as she untied the horse and started down the aisle.

Chance scampered down from the bleachers and came to her side, his face and baseball cap smeared with dirt. “Who was that man, Mama?”

Oh, heavens. She had so hoped he hadn’t noticed. “Austin Calloway.”

“Who is he?”

She kept right on walking as she considered how she should answer. She settled on a partial truth instead of full disclosure as she walked toward her trailer, her baby boy at her side.

“He’s an old friend, sweetie.”

An old friend who’d been her first lover. Her first love. Her one and only heartbreak. But most important, the father of her child.

If or when Austin Calloway learned that she’d been withholding that secret, she could only imagine how he would react—and it wouldn’t be good.

* * *

Austin stormed into the main house to seek out the source of his anger. He found him in the parlor where they’d grown up, his pregnant wife seated in his lap. “I’ve got a bone to pick with you, Dallas.”

Both Dallas and Paris stared at him like he’d grown a third eye, then exchanged a look. “I think I’ll go see if Maria and Jenny need help with dinner,” Paris said as she came to her feet.

Dallas patted her bottom. “Good idea. I can’t feel my legs.”

She frowned and pointed down at her belly. “Hush. This is all your fault, so complaining is not allowed.”

“You sure didn’t complain when I got you that way,” Dallas added with a grin as his wife headed toward the kitchen.

Watching his brother and sister-in-law’s banter didn’t sit well with Austin. “If you’re done mooning over your bride, we need to talk.”

Dallas leaned back on the blue floral sofa that Jenny had brought with her, draped an arm over the back and crossed his boots at his ankles. “Have a seat and say what’s on your mind.”

Austin eyed the brown leather chair but decided he was too restless to claim it. “I don’t want to have a seat.”

“Then stand, dammit. Just get on with it.”

He remained planted in the same spot even though he wanted to pace. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me Georgia Romero was back in town?”

“Georgia’s back in town?” came from the opening to his right.

Austin turned his attention to Maria, his stepmother, mentor and crusader for the truth, and sometimes intruder into conversations. “So he didn’t tell you, either?”

Dallas’s jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. “I’d forgotten I’d talked to her day before yesterday. Besides, it’s not that big a deal. A drought is a big deal.”

“It’s a big deal to your little brother, mijo,” Maria said as she tightened the band at the end of her long braid. “Austin and Georgia have a special relationship.”

Obviously the family was intent on throwing the past up in his face like prairie dirt. “Had a relationship. That was a long time ago.”

Dallas smirked. “You’d take her back as your girlfriend in a New York minute.”

“You have a girlfriend, sugar?”

Enter the blonde, bouncy second stepmom. The woman Austin’s dad had married without divorcing Maria. Jenny was a good-hearted gossip and that alone made him want to walk right back out the door. Doing so would only prolong the conversation, unfortunately. “No, Jen, I don’t have a girlfriend.”

“He used to have a girlfriend,” Maria added. “Georgia and Austin were real close in high school.”

Jenny laid a dramatic palm on her chest below the string of pearls. “I just love Georgia. Atlanta in the springtime is...”

“Focus, woman,” Maria scolded. “We’re talkin’ about a girl, not a state.”

Jenny lifted her chin. “I know that, Maria. You’re telling me about Austin being joined at the hip to his high school sweetheart, who happens to be named Georgia.”

Dallas chuckled. “You’ve got that ‘joined at the hip’ thing right, Jen, but Austin chased her for years before that joining.”

Austin needed to set this part of the record straight. “I damn sure didn’t chase her.” Much. “She hung around all of us when we were kids. I never paid her any mind back then.”

“Not until she came back from camp that summer after she turned fourteen,” Dallas said.

Man, he hadn’t thought about that in years. She’d returned with a lot of curves that would make many a hormone-ridden guy stand up and take notice. Every part of him. She still had a body that wouldn’t quit, something he’d noticed earlier. Something he wouldn’t soon forget. “Yep, she’d definitely blossomed that summer.”

“You mean she got her boobies,” Jenny chimed in. “Mine came in at twelve. That’s when the boys started chasing me like Louisiana mosquitoes.”

Maria waved a dismissive hand at Jen. “No one wants to know when you reached puberty and how many times you got a love bite.”

Austin didn’t want to continue this bizarre conversation. Luckily Paris showed up to end the weird exchange. “Dinner will be ready in about five minutes.”

Jenny turned her attention to Austin. “Maybe you should invite your special friend to dinner.”

Of all of the stupid ideas—subjecting Georgie to an ongoing conversation about puberty. Then again, he wouldn’t mind sitting across a table from her. He wouldn’t mind her sitting in his lap, either. “It’s late and I’m sure she’s busy.”

Paris perked up like a hound coming upon a rabbit’s scent. “She? So that’s what you were discussing in my absence.”

Dallas pushed off the sofa. “Yeah, and boobies and mosquitoes.”

“Don’t ask, Paris,” Maria stated. “Now you boys wash up while we put the food on the table.”

No way would he subject himself to more talk about his history with Georgie. “I’m not staying for dinner.”

“Suit yourself,” Dallas said. “But you’ll be missing out on Jen’s chicken-fried steak.”

Any other time he would reconsider, but not today. “I’m sure it’ll be great. Before I take off, Dallas, we need to finish our conversation.”

His brother shrugged. “I’m listening.”

When Austin noticed the women still hovering, he added, “In private. Outside.”

Dallas sighed. “Fine. Just make it quick. I’m starving.”

He had every intention of making it quick while getting his point across.

After they walked out the door onto the porch, Austin faced his brother. “Look, I would’ve appreciated you consulting all the brothers before you hired Georgie as the ranch vet.”

Dallas streaked a hand over his jaw. “Actually, I did. Houston doesn’t have a problem with it, and neither does Tyler. Worth doesn’t know about it but he trusts my judgment, unlike you.”

Austin’s ire returned with the force of a tornado. “You consulted them but you didn’t bother to ask me?”

“Majority rules, and I figured you weren’t going to be too keen on the idea after the way you two ended it.”

“What the hell does it matter what happened when we were in high school?”

“I meant six years ago, after the reading of Dad’s will.”

“How did you know we hooked up then?”

“Georgie called me a few months later and asked how she could get in touch with you. By that time you’d already married Abby. When I told her about that, she was upset. In other words, you broke her heart. Again.”

Yeah, he probably had, and he’d never been proud of it. “It was just one night, Dallas, and I didn’t marry Abby until four months later, so I wasn’t cheating on either Georgie or Abby. Besides, I married Abby on a whim.”

“A whim involving a woman you barely knew.”

Only a partial truth. “Not so. I’d known Abby for years. I just didn’t date her on a regular basis.”

“But you did date Georgie at one time, and she’s not the kind of woman to take sex lightly.”

He was inclined to agree but decided not to give Dallas the pleasure of knowing he was right. “Georgie and I agreed no promises, no expectations, the last time we were together.”

“Maybe you didn’t have any expectations, but I suspect she did. She’s always loved you, brother. I wouldn’t be surprised if she still did, although I don’t get why she would after the way you’ve treated her.”

He didn’t welcome his brother’s counsel or condemnation. “You’re a fine one to talk, Dallas. You left a trail of broken hearts all over the country.”

“Yeah, but it only took one woman to set me straight.”

“A woman you married because you wanted to keep control of the ranch.”

Dallas leaned against the porch railing. “In the beginning, that was true. But it didn’t take me long to realize Paris could put an end to my wicked ways.”

He’d thought that about Abby, too, but his ex-wife hadn’t been as sure. In the end, they realized they’d had no choice but to go their separate ways after rushing into a marriage that should never have taken place. “I’m glad for your good fortune, Dallas. But I don’t think that woman exists for me.”

Dallas’s expression turned suddenly serious. “If you open your eyes, you might just see you’ve already found her. In fact, you ran into her today.”

With that, Dallas went back inside, leaving Austin to ponder his words. True, he’d always had a thing for Georgie, but he’d chalked that up to chemistry. And she’d always been a beautiful woman, even during her tomboy phase. But he couldn’t see himself with her permanently. See himself with anyone for that matter.

He’d already wrecked one marriage and he wasn’t going to wreck another. He refused to fail again.

That said, if he and Georgie decided to mutually enjoy each other’s company down the road, he wouldn’t hate it. As long as she understood that he wasn’t in the market for a future.

When it came to Georgia May Romero—and his ever-present attraction to her—keeping his hands to himself would be easier said than done.

* * *

“How’s your first day as the Calloway vet going, Georgie girl?”

Fine...until he’d walked into the main barn dressed in chambray and denim, looking like every gullible girl’s dream. Yet when she decided to accept Dallas’s job offer, she’d known seeing Austin would be a strong possibility. In fact, that had been part of her reasoning to sign on as the resident veterinarian—to size him up, but only when it came to his life, not his looks. However, she was still a bit shaken over their encounter yesterday, and she was bent on ignoring him today.

For that reason, and many more, she continued putting away her equipment in the duffel without looking at him. “I was just vaccinating the pregnant mares.”

“At least we only have four this year, not ten like in years past.”

“True.” Georgie straightened and patted the bay’s muzzle protruding through the rail. “I remember when this one was born, and that had to be fifteen years ago. We’re both getting on up there in age, aren’t we, Rosie? They should really give you a break from the babies.”

Georgie sensed Austin moving toward her before he said, “She keeps churning out prime cattle horses, but hopefully Dallas will decide to retire her from the breeding program after this year.”

“Good, although I’m sure she’ll have no trouble foaling this year. Dallas did ask me to be here when Sunny foals since she’s a maiden mare. I told him I’d try, although horses have given birth without help for centuries. Of course, I expect to have to pull a few calves in the future.”

When he didn’t respond to her rambling, she faced him and met his grin. “Do you find some sort of warped humor in that?”

He braced his hand on the wooden frame and leaned into it, leaving little distance between them. “No. It’s just strange to see you doing your animal doctor thing.”

Boy, did he smell good, like manly soap, as if he’d just walked out of the shower. She imagined him in the shower...with her. Slick, wet bodies and roving hands and... Good grief. “Are you worried I’m not qualified?”

His come-hither expression melted into a frown. “I have no reason to believe you’re not qualified since you went to the best vet college in the country. I guess I’m just used to you riding horses, not giving them shots. It’s going to take a while to adjust to the new you.”

“I’m the same old me, Austin.” And that had never been more apparent than when she continued to react to him on a very carnal level. “Only now I have a career that I’ve talked about since we were climbing trees together.”

He reached out and tucked one side of her hair behind her ear. “Do you remember that one time we were in the tree near the pond on your property? You were twelve at the time, I believe.”

What girl didn’t remember her first kiss, even if it had been innocent and brief? “If you’re referring to that day when you tried to put me in a lip-lock, I definitely recall what happened next.”

His grin returned. “You slugged me.”

“I barely patted your cheek.”

“I almost toppled out of the tree. You didn’t know your own strength.”

He hadn’t known how much she had wanted him to kiss her, or how scared she had been to let him. “That kind of thing was not at the top of my to-do list at that time.”

“Maybe, but I found out kissing had moved to number one on the list that summer after you came back from camp.”

She felt her face flush. “I was fourteen and you were fifteen and a walking case of hormones.”

He inched a little closer. “You had hormones, too. They were in high gear that first night we made out behind the gym after the football game.”

She shivered over the recollection. “Big deal. So you managed to get to first base.”

His blue eyes seemed to darken to a color this side of midnight. “Darlin’, I got to second base.”

“Your fumbling attempts weren’t exactly newsworthy.”

Oddly, he didn’t seem at all offended. “Maybe I was a little green that first time, but I got better as time went on.”

Her mind whirled back to that evening full of out-of-control chemistry. She didn’t want to acknowledge how vulnerable she’d been that particular night, and many nights after that when they’d met in secret. How completely lost she had been for three whole years, and she hadn’t been able to tell one solitary soul. “We were so reckless and stupid and darn lucky. If my father would have ever found out I was with a Calloway boy—”

“He would’ve shot first and asked questions later. He’d probably do that now.”

Time to turn the subject in a different direction. “I’d hoped that after J.D. died, my father would’ve buried the hatchet and been more neighborly to you and the brothers.”

“Ain’t gonna happen,” Austin said. “Last month he called the sheriff when one of our heifers ended up on his property. He blamed us for not maintaining the shared fence line when it’s his responsibility, too.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.”

“I’m surprised he approves of you working for the enemy.”

“Actually, he doesn’t know because I haven’t told him.” Just one more secret in her arsenal.

Austin pushed away from the wall, giving her a little more room to breathe. “That’s probably wise. It’s not fun to suffer the wrath of George Romero. But he’s bound to find out eventually.”

She shrugged. “Yes, but it really doesn’t matter. I’m all grown up now and I make my own decisions, not him.”

He winked. “Yep, you’re all grown up for sure.”

Her heart executed a little-pitter patter in her chest. “I need to get back to work now.”

“Me, too. If I don’t get busy soon, I’m going to suffer the wrath of Dallas.”

If she didn’t leave soon, she might be subjected to another journey into their shared past, including their sex life. Former sex life. “I’ve got a very busy day ahead of me, so I’ll see you later.”

He moved closer, as if he didn’t want her to leave. “Then business is good?”

“So far.” Yet she wouldn’t be tending to livestock for the remaining hours. She would be sending her son off on a trip without her for the first time since his birth.

“I’m glad you’ve returned, Georgie,” he said as he finally stepped back. “And by the way, if you’re not busy this evening, Maria wants you to have dinner with us. All the usual suspects will be there. Have you met Worth or his mom, Jenny?”

“No. I haven’t had the opportunity yet.”

“All the more reason for you to come.”

But being close to Austin was the best reason to decline. “I’m not sure I’ll be finished with everything before dinnertime.”

“We don’t usually eat until around seven. If you decide to join us, and we really hope you will, just show up. We’ll set a place for you.”

If she agreed, she would have to spend even more time with him, all the while trying to conceal her true feelings. If she didn’t, she would insult Maria. “I’ll think about it.”

He grinned, started away then said without turning around, “I’ll see you tonight.”

His confidence drove her crazy. He drove her crazy. But right then she had only one immediate concern... Her son’s impending departure.


Two (#u86af8e01-2eee-56a7-921d-676a373b1488)

Georgie climbed into her truck and headed home to face what would probably prove to be one of the most difficult times of her life. After she pulled into the drive and slid from the cab, Chance rushed out of the door and ran to her as fast as his little legs would let him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and stared up at her, his grin showing the space where he’d just lost his first tooth. “Mama, did you see the rolling house?”

Georgie glanced to her right to find the massive RV parked on the dirt road leading to the barn. “I see that, baby. It’s huge.”

Chance let her go and rocked back and forth on his heels, as if he was too excited to stand still. “Aunt Debbie said I could ride up front with Uncle Ben and she could stay in the back and play cards with Grandma.”

No doubt the wily pair would be engaging in poker. “That sounds like a plan. Are you packed?”

He nodded vigorously. “Uh-huh. I gotta get some toys.” He grabbed her by the hand and jerked her forward with his usual exuberance. “Come on, Mama.”

“All right, already. Just hold your horses.”

Chance released his grasp on her and threw open the front screen door. Georgie followed him inside to find her mother’s sister, Debbie, decked out in a blue floral sundress and an inordinate amount of jewelry, and her Uncle Ben wearing a yellow polo and white shorts that revealed his usual golf tan that ran from the top of his bald head to his beefy legs. Not exactly December attire, but luckily the region had yet to experience any significant cold weather. But that was all about to change in the next two days, according to the forecast.

“Georgia May!” Debbie said as she crossed the room and drew Georgie into a hug. “You are still as pretty as ever.”

Georgie stepped back and smiled. “You look great, too, Aunt Debbie. I love the blond hair.”

Debbie patted her neatly coifed bob. “Glad you like it. I just wish I could say the same for my husband. When I got it done, he didn’t say a word. I don’t think he’s even noticed.”

“I noticed, woman.” Uncle Ben crossed the room, picked Georgie up off her feet, hugged her hard and then put her back down. “You’re still no bigger than a peanut, Georgie. And don’t listen to Deb. She knows I’m jealous because she still has all her hair.”

“So how are you enjoying retirement?” Georgie asked.

“Love it,” Ben said. “We just drove all the way from California.”

Debbie smiled. “Los Angeles was so wonderful and warm, but the traffic was horrible.”

Chance tugged on Georgie’s hand to garner her attention. “Can we go now, Mama?”

Georgie swallowed around an annoying lump in her throat when she thought about watching him leave without her. “Don’t you need to pick out some toys?”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Don’t bring too many things, Chance.” Her directive was lost on her child as he sprinted out of the room.

“Your place is really precious, Georgie,” Debbie said as she surveyed the area. “And it’s been so well done.”

Quite the change from when Georgie had first seen it—a basic two-bedroom, one-bath rental with outdated everything. But the appeal had been in the ten surrounding acres, complete privacy and the four-stall red barn. “You can thank Mom for the restoration. She had the hardwoods refinished, put new carpet in the bedrooms, remodeled the kitchen, including appliances, and redid the entire bathroom before I moved in. As much as I appreciated the effort, I do think it was overkill for a house I don’t own.”

Right on cue, Lila Romero breezed into the room, her silver hair pulled back in a low bun, her peach slacks and white blouse heralding her classic taste in clothing. “I couldn’t let you live in squalor, dear daughter.”

Leave it to Lila to overexaggerate. “It wasn’t that bad, Mom.”

“It wasn’t that good, either.” Lila turned to her sister and sighed. “Georgie is such a nervous Nellie, I’m surprised she’s actually allowing my grandson to go with us to Florida.”

Ben turned to Georgie. “He’ll be fine, pumpkin. I used to fly big jets holding hundreds of passengers, so rest assured, I can handle a forty-five-foot motor home.”

Georgie took some comfort in knowing her son would be on the ground in good hands, not in midair. “I trust you, Uncle Ben. I’m more worried that Chance will drive you insane with all his energy.”

Aunt Debbie patted her cheek. “Honey, we have eight grandchildren. We’re used to high energy. We’ll be stopping along the way and—”

“If he acts up, we’ll lock him in the toilet.” Uncle Ben topped off the comment with a teasing grin.

Chance ran back into the room, his arms full of stuffed animals, miniature trucks and his special blue pillow. “I’m ready. Can we go now?”

Georgie fought back the surge of panic. “Can I at least have a hug, baby boy?”

As if she sensed her daughter’s distress, Lila took the toys from her grandson’s grasp. “I’ll put these in the RV while you tell your mama goodbye.”

In that moment, Georgie appreciated her mother more than she could express. “Thanks, Mom.”

“You’re welcome, honey. Take your time.”

After her family filed out the exit, Georgie knelt down on Chance’s level and brushed a dark lock from his forehead. “You’ll be a good boy, right?”

“I’ll be good. I’ll brush my teeth and go to bed on time. And I’ll mind Grandma.”

“Are you going to miss me?”

He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, Mama.”

She drew him into her arms. “I’m going to miss you something awful, too. I love you, sweetie.”

“I love you, Mama.”

Georgie held him tightly until he began to wriggle away. “I gotta go now, okay?” he said, his hazel eyes flashing with excitement.

“Okay.” She kissed his cheek and straightened. “Eat some vegetables while you’re gone.”

He wrinkled his nose. “Do I hafta?”

“Just a little. That’s better than nothing.”

After taking him by the hand, Georgie led her son to the RV where she earned one more hug, one more kiss and an understanding smile from her aunt. Chance scurried up the stairs with Debbie following behind him, and once he had disappeared, Georgie turned to her mother. “You’ll call me later, right?”

Lila raised her hand as if taking an oath. “I swear I will report back to you on a regular basis. And I also swear I will not sell my grandson for gas money.”

Georgie felt a little foolish. “I’m sorry, Mom, but this is the first time we’ve been away from each other for any length of time. He’ll be gone for two weeks.”

“Two weeks’ worth of amusement parks that he’ll dearly love.” She laid a palm on Georgie’s cheek. “I know it’s hard, honey, yet there comes a time when you have to let go a little. I learned that the hard way with you.”

“I know, Mom. It’s just so difficult.”

“It is for both myself and your father, even if he doesn’t show it.”

“I wouldn’t know since he’s clearly still refusing to speak to me, much less see me or Chance.”

“He’ll come around, and that reminds me...” Her mother hesitated a moment, which gave Georgie pause. “Speaking of fathers and their children, have you given any more consideration to telling Chance’s father about him?”

She’d been considering it nonstop. “I’m still on the fence about that. The hows and the whens and whether or not it would serve any purpose at this point in time.”

“Honey, it would serve a major purpose. It would give your son the opportunity to know his dad. They deserve to know each other.”

With that, Lila climbed on board and closed the door without awaiting her daughter’s response.

As Georgie watched the RV drive away in a cloud of dust, she felt more alone than she had since she’d realized she would be raising a child on her own.

She could stay at home this evening, missing her baby boy. Or she could go to the Calloways for dinner. Then again, that would mean facing Austin while reuniting with his family. Several years had passed since she had seen Maria and the boys, and the thought of eating a frozen dinner held little appeal.

Decision made. Wise or not, she would go.

* * *

“She’s not coming.” That reality had become apparent to Austin with every passing moment.

Dallas stopped rocking the back porch glider and shot him a hard look in response to the comment. “You don’t know that, Austin. Dinner isn’t even on the table yet.”

Austin pushed off the wooden chair and stared out at the fence row lined with mesquites. “Georgie is never late. If she’d decided to be here, she would’ve already shown up.”

“For a man who claimed five minutes ago, twice, that he didn’t care if she stepped foot through the door, you sure seem concerned.”

He spun on his brother and glared at him. “I just don’t like people to go back on their word.”

Dallas leaned forward and rested his arms on his knees. “So she told you she’d be here for sure?”

He had him there. “Maybe not in so many words, but she did seem open to the idea.”

“That’s a stretch from saying yes.”

Austin muttered a few curses as he collapsed back into the chair. “Doesn’t matter one way or the other. I was just being nice when I asked her.”

“You were wishful thinking, Austin. You can protest all you want but you’ve always had a thing for her. You still do.”

Time for a subject change. “Tyler mentioned that Fort called you earlier today. What did he want?”

Dallas sighed. “A part of the proceeds from Texas Extreme.”

Austin couldn’t believe his stepbrother’s nerve. “He’s never even stepped foot on this place. Why the hell does he think he’s entitled to any profit aside from what the will stated?”

“Because he’s a greedy jackass, and that’s what I pretty much told him.”

“I just hope he doesn’t make this into some legal issue.”

“That’s why we have attorneys on retainer.” Dallas checked his watch. “Looks like it’s dinnertime, and that means your girlfriend probably isn’t coming.”

“No big deal.”

Dallas smirked. “Yeah, right. That’s why you look so damn disappointed.”

He’d obviously been too transparent. “You’re full of it, Dallas.”

“You’re foolin’ yourself, baby brother.”

“Am not.”

“Are, too.”

His frustration began to build. “I really don’t care if she shows up or not.”

When the bell rang, Austin shot off the chair, strode through the hallway leading to the den, then stopped short before going any farther. Truth was, he had no idea who might be at the door. Probably one of the hands. Maybe even a neighbor. Or a brother.

“Georgia, it’s so good to see you!”

Okay, so Maria confirmed it was her. No need for him to rush into the room and have her thinking he was anxious to see her again. Even if he was.

On that thought, he took his time as he headed toward the front of the house to the sounds of excited voices. He stopped off in the kitchen, grabbed and uncapped a beer from the fridge, then continued on through the dining room where the food had been laid out like a banquet. He paused at the arched opening to take a drink and watch the women circling Georgie, bombarding her with compliments and questions. He wouldn’t blame her if she backed out the door and left for the sake of her sanity.

Jenny glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him. “Oh, Austin, sugar, she is just precious,” she said, like she’d been presented a puppy.

Then the feminine wall parted, revealing a full view of the revered guest dressed in a pale blue sweater and jeans tucked into knee-high boots. Her long, black hair, gathered up on top and secured in a clip, fell around her shoulders in soft curls.

Precious wasn’t the description that came to Austin’s mind. Sexy was much more like it. She might be small in stature, but she had an abundance of curves that would kill a lesser man. He’d had the good fortune to explore that territory on more than one occasion. He’d like to do a little exploring tonight. Slowly. With his mouth.

He felt the stirrings down south, thanks to his sinful thoughts, and realized if he didn’t get a grip, he’d have to step outside.

Austin took another swig of beer and moved forward. “Glad you could come.”

She sent him an overly sweet smile. “I wouldn’t have missed good home cooking for the world.”

Maria hooked an arm through Georgie’s. “Mija, you are welcome anytime. Now let’s go have a seat.”

“Let’s,” Jenny said. “We don’t want the food to get cold.”

Austin didn’t want to sit through the upcoming interrogation, but it was too late to turn back now. After all, Georgie might need a protector. Nah. She could hold her own better than most.

“I’ll go get Dallas,” Paris said as they wandered toward the dining room.

Austin trailed behind the threesome, all the while watching the sway of Georgie’s hips. She had a butt that wouldn’t quit, and he better quit thinking about that butt or he’d have to stay at the table long after dinner was done.

Jenny gestured toward the place at the head of the table. “Georgie, you sit here since you’re the guest of honor.”

Georgie looked a little flustered. “That’s not necessary. I’ve sat at this table many times before.”

Maria pulled out the chair. “Tonight it’s necessary, mija. Like Jenny said, you’re a special guest, even if you are practically family. We’re all about hospitality around here.”

“So true,” Jenny said. “I came here for a weekend to let Fort meet his brothers, and I haven’t gone back to Louisiana since.”

“No matter how many times I’ve asked her to go,” Maria muttered.

Jenny frowned. “Hush up, Maria. You know you like me being here to help out with the place.”

“She likes your mint juleps,” Austin added.

Maria hinted at a smile. “Bad as I hate to admit it, those would be hard to give up.”

Following a spattering of laughter, Georgie took a seat while Maria and Jenny claimed the chairs on either side of her. Austin held back until Paris and Dallas came in and chose the two of the three remaining spots, leaving him the space at the opposite end of the table from Georgie.

He settled in, set his beer aside and eventually passed his plate to Jenny, who took great pleasure in serving the masses every night. She heaped enough food on it to feed the entire town and handed it back to him. “Do you need another beer, sugar?”

“No, thanks. I’m fine.” Actually, he wouldn’t be fine unless he downed a bottle of whiskey, or poured a bucket of ice down his jeans.

Georgie took a bite and just watching that ordinary gesture sparked Austin’s imagination. After she dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, she asked, “I’m sorry Houston and Tyler aren’t here tonight.”

“They’re at a rodeo in Waco,” Dallas said. “Houston’s determined to get one more national championship, and Tyler’s there to pick up the pieces.”

“Hush, mijo,” Maria cautioned. “You’ll curse your brother with such talk.”

“He’s already cursed,” Austin added. “And if he gets one more concussion—”

“Boys,” Jenny began, “you’re upsetting your mothers. Now let’s talk about something more pleasant.” She turned her smile on Georgie. “I heard at the beauty salon that you’re living at the McGregor place.”

She glanced at Austin before returning her attention to Jenny. “Yes, I am. The family was nice enough to lease it to me after Liam went into the nursing home. They’re not quite ready to sell the place.”

Austin had a hard time believing she hadn’t moved back into the Romero homestead. He figured there had to be a story behind it. “Did your mom and dad turn your room into a gym while you were gone?”

She took a drink of iced tea and set the glass down a little harder than necessary. “No. I’m an adult and I prefer to be on my own.”

Jenny reached over and touched her hand. “Of course you do, but it’s good to keep family close.”

“As long as it’s not too close,” Dallas muttered, earning him a dirty look from his wife. “Speaking of family, where is Worthless?”

Jenny scowled at Dallas. “He’s heading back from South Padre Island so he’s running a little late. And would you please stop calling him that?” She smiled at Georgie. “You would just love Worth, sugar. How old are you?”

“Did you leave your filter in the kitchen, Jenny?” Maria asked.

“It’s okay,” Georgie said. “I’m thirty-four.”

“Worth is twenty-nine, but five year’s difference isn’t bad,” Jenny added. “I think it’s okay for you two to date.”

“It’s not okay with me,” Austin blurted without thought. When everyone stared at him, he had to dig himself out of the hole he’d created. “I mean, Georgie’s a nice woman. Worth likes to chase nice women, but he’s not the settling down kind.”

Georgie lifted her chin. “Just to clarify, I’m not in the market for marriage at this point in time. Actually, I’m really too busy to date. But thanks for the offer, Jenny. I still look forward to meeting him.”

“You might want to wear full-body armor,” Austin muttered.

Maria stood, plate in hand. “Who wants peach cobbler?”

“I definitely do,” Georgie said as she came to her feet. “I’ll help you bring it in.”

The pair left the kitchen and when they returned, Georgie approached Austin and set the dessert in front of him, inadvertently brushing his arm in the process. That simple touch made him shift in his seat, especially when he got a whiff of her subtle perfume. He remembered that lavender scent well. He also remembered how her hair felt brushing across his chest and lower...

Damn, damn, damn.

After everyone was served, the conversation turned casual, while Austin kept his focus on Georgie and the way her mouth caressed the fork.

Caressed the fork?

Man, he needed to get a grip. He needed some kind of distraction. Something to take his mind off Georgie.

“Hey, folks, what did I miss?”

Worth showing up was not what Austin had in mind. He glanced at Georgie, who stared at him, midbite. He could imagine what she was thinking—where did this overly buff, tanned blond guy fit into the family tree?”

“You missed dinner, Surfer Worth,” Paris said. “How’s the yacht?”

He walked behind Jenny’s chair, leaned over and kissed her cheek. “The Jenny Belle is fine. How is baby Calloway?”

Paris patted her belly. “Growing like a pasture weed.”

“I see that.” Worth slapped Dallas on the back. “Looks like the lodge is almost finished. I’m champing at the bit to see it in its finished state.”

“We still have a couple of months before that happens,” Paris said.

Austin held his breath while hoping Worth made a hasty exit before he noticed Georgie.

Jenny scooted back from the table and stood. “Sugar, we have someone we’d like you to meet,” she said, shattering Austin’s hopes. “This is Georgie, a longtime family friend.”

Worth leveled his gaze on Georgie, grinned and eyed her like she was a prize heifer. “Where have you been hiding out?”

“College Station,” Georgie answered. “Going to college.”

“Veterinarian school,” Dallas added. “She’s going to be taking care of our livestock.”

Worth moved closer to Georgie. Too close for Austin’s comfort. “Then I guess I’ll be seeing a lot more of you.”

The veiled innuendo sent Austin from his seat. “Cut it out, Worth.”

The man had the nerve to look shocked. “Cut what out?”

“Treating Georgie like she’s one of your conquests.”

Worth streaked a hand over his jaw. “Relax, brother. I’m just being hospitable.”

Jenny patted his cheek. “Just like his mama taught him.”

Maria rose and began gathering the empty plates. “Before the brawl starts, I need to clear out your Grandma Calloway’s good china.”

Dallas and Paris stood at the same time. “There won’t be any brawl,” Dallas said. “We’re going to go outside and act like civil humans, not animals.”

Georgie pushed back from the table and grabbed her glass. “I’ll clean up.”

“Or the boys could clean up,” Paris began, “and we’ll go out on the porch.”

Maria shook her head. “We tried that one time. Their idea of a clean kitchen leaves a lot to be desired. It took me a good hour to get the grease off the stove and rewash the pots and pans. If we all help, we’ll get it done faster.”

“You two mothers should join the boys,” Paris said. “Georgie and I will take care of this. That gives us a chance to get to know each other better.”

“I don’t believe the boys need a chaperone,” Jenny added.

“They might need a referee.” Maria rounded the table and came to Austin’s side. “Come on, Jenny. We could use the break and we also need to discuss some ranch business.”

Austin wasn’t in the mood to discuss business with his brothers and mothers. That would mean leaving Georgie alone with his sister-in-law to most likely discuss him. But if he protested, he would wind up catching hell from everyone over his presumed attraction to Georgie. Okay, real attraction to Georgie. He’d go along with the plan for now, but later, he had other plans for the lady...provided she was game.

Who the hell was he trying to fool? If he laid one hand on her, she’d probably throw a right hook. Not that the prospect of getting punched would keep him from trying. First, he had to get this little family meeting over with, and then he would put the Georgie plan into action.

* * *

“Do you have plans for the upcoming weekend, Georgie?”

She took the last plate from Paris and put it in the dishwasher. “Maybe I’ll unpack a box or two.” Or maybe she’d just sit around with a glass of wine and mope.

Paris wiped her hands on the dish towel, hung it on the rack near the sink, then leaned back against the marble countertop. “You should come here for the festival.”

“Festival?”

“I’m surprised Austin didn’t mention it.”

He hadn’t mentioned anything other than old memories. “We haven’t been together that long.” And that sounded suspect. “Together as in the same room, not together together.”

Paris smiled. “No need to explain. I already know you and Austin were an item in high school.”

More like idiots. “Yes, we were. Now what about this festival?”

“Well, Jenny came up with the concept when she decided to leave Louisiana behind and move here. We decorate the entire place and open the ranch to the public from the second to the last week in December. It’s family entertainment and it’s affordable.”

“How much?”

“Free.”

Very surprising. The Calloways she’d always known were in the business of making money, not giving the goods away. “Seriously?”

“Seriously. Admission is the price of a toy, but that’s voluntary. No one is turned away.”

“That’s very generous. And it includes a festival?”

“Actually, the festival is invitation-only and all the proceeds from ticket sales go to shelters in the region. We have a lot of the local ranchers attending, and several rodeo champions, along with a few San Antonio VIPs with big bucks. The food is complimentary, but we have a cash bar for safety reasons.”

“Good idea. Free booze and rowdy cowboys is a surefire recipe for disaster.”

“Hunky cowboys,” Paris said with a smile. “I’d like to claim I haven’t noticed a few in town, but I’ve discovered pregnancy does not render you blind. It does mess with your hormones. Just ask my husband. He told me the other night I was wearing him out.”

Georgie did recall the hormone rush, and no place to go to take care of them. “I suppose you could say the D Bar C has its share of hunks.”

“True, and I suspect we’ll see several other sexy men this weekend from all walks of life. So if you’re available, please come. And you don’t have to worry about buying the ticket. It’s my treat. I could use all the support I can get.”

Georgie could use a night out, and since her son wouldn’t be returning until three days before Christmas, she had no prior engagements. Yet she had to consider the Austin element... “I’ll definitely think about attending, as long as something work-related doesn’t come up.”

“I’ll send good thoughts that no emergencies arise.” Paris laid her palm on her abdomen. “However, if I get any bigger between now and then, I’m going to need a wide-load sign to wear with my maternity cocktail dress.”

Georgie smiled, remembering how she had felt that same way during her own pregnancy. “Stop it. You look great. When are you due?”

“Mid-January, as best we can tell from the ultrasound. I’m not exactly sure when I got pregnant. I found out the morning Dallas and I married the second time.”

“Second time?”

Paris laughed. “It’s a rather strange tale. The first time we married for all the wrong reasons. I needed a job and Dallas needed a wife before his birthday to keep control of the ranch, thanks to J.D.’s stipulation in the will. As it turned out, my ex-husband lied to me about my divorce being finalized. Dallas threatened him, I quit my position as designer for the new lodge and then he realized he couldn’t live without me, so we married in earnest. End of story.”

And quite a story it was. “I’m glad it worked out for you both.”

“So am I.” Paris flinched. “I swear, Junior here is playing soccer with my rib cage. Dallas is always asking me if the baby’s kicking so he can feel it.”

“Do you mind if I do?”

“Not at all, and thanks for asking. I’ve had complete strangers coming up to me in the store and patting my belly like a pet without my permission.”

Georgie laid her palm over the place Paris had indicated, and received a tap as a reward. “Wow,” she said after she moved her hand away. “Definitely a strong little guy. Or girl. Do you know the gender yet?”

Paris shook her head. “We’ve decided to be surprised.”

“Any names picked out?”

“If it’s a girl, Carlie. And if it’s a boy, Luke.”

“Please tell me that Luke isn’t the short version of Luckenbach to carry on the tradition of naming the kids after Texas cities.”

Paris grinned. “Funny you should mention that. Dallas thought it would be clever to name him Luckenbach, which I immediately nixed since it would be difficult for a child to spell it. Of course, he then came up with a whole alternate list, including Midland, Odessa, Arlington and the crowning glory, Texarkana.”

“Glad you decided on Luke and Carlie.”

They exchanged a laugh followed by Paris pressing her palms in her lower back. “These spasms are not fun.”

“I remember that pain and pressure. It makes it very hard to sleep, especially when it’s coupled with having to go to the bathroom five times a...” Her words trailed off when she realized she’d completely given herself away.

Paris raised a brow. “Sounds to me like you’ve had some experience with pregnancy.”

She saw no reason to lie to Paris at this point, at least about her child’s existence. “Actually, I have a five-year-old son.”

Paris’s eyes went wide. “I didn’t know that.”

“Aside from my mother and father, no one around here knows.”

“Not even the Calloways?”

“Not yet.” But if all went as planned, they would eventually know... As soon as she figured out how to tell the father.

“What about your son’s dad?” Paris lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry. I’m being too nosy.”

“It’s okay. I appreciate having someone to talk to. He hasn’t been in the picture.”

“I’m so sorry, Georgie. I hate it when a man doesn’t take responsibility for his child.”

“He doesn’t know.”

Once more, Paris looked stunned. “Why?”

“It’s complicated.” More than anyone would ever know.

Paris sent her a sympathetic look. “I can do complicated, but only if you want to talk about it.”

Although she’d only known Paris for an hour, Georgie sensed she could be objective, and nonjudgmental. Not to mention she’d kept the truth bottled up far too long. “When I found out I was pregnant, I tried to contact him and discovered he’d recently married. I didn’t want to rock that boat.”

“Is he someone you met in college?”

“No. He’s from around here. That’s one of the reasons I decided to return here to set up my practice. I needed to be close to my family, as well.”

“Then you plan to involve him in your son’s life.”

She hadn’t even planned how she would tell him. “Whether or not that’s an option would solely be dependent on his attitude. He’s not going to be thrilled that I’ve kept him in the dark for so long.”

Paris remained silent for a few seconds, as if she needed time to digest the information. “Georgie,” she began, “do the Calloways know this mystery man?”

She hesitated a moment to mull over how she would answer, and how much she would reveal. “Everyone knows everybody around here.”

Paris turned and began to fold a dish towel. “Okay. It’s not Dallas, is it?”

“Heavens no.” Georgie realized the comment was borderline rude. “Don’t get me wrong, Dallas is an attractive man, but he’s always treated me like a kid sister.”

Paris laid a palm on Georgie’s arm. “I wasn’t exactly serious. I can tell there’s nothing between you two. Which leads me to another question. It’s your decision whether to answer or not.”

Georgie braced for the query. “Ask away.”

Paris leaned back against the counter and studied her straight on. “Is it Austin?”

Georgie studied the toe of her boot. “Well...uh... I...”

“I know you two have been involved before,” Paris continued. “And I can tell you still care about him by the way you look at him.”

If Paris had noticed, what about the rest of the Calloways? What about Austin? Had she really been that obvious? “Yes, I cared about him a lot a long time ago, and in some ways I still do. Unfortunately I made the fatal mistake of letting those feelings get in the way of logic six years ago.”

“Then if you do still care about him, Georgie, you should tell him you have a child together.”

“I never actually said he’s the father.”

“You haven’t denied it, either.”

Georgie resigned herself to the fact that she couldn’t get out of this predicament without digging a deeper deception hole. “All right. Austin is Chance’s father. We got together the night after the reading of his father’s will. He was upset when he learned about J.D.’s double life, and I wanted so badly to comfort him. That’s how we conceived our son.”

Paris sent her a sympathetic look. “Austin is a good man. He’ll understand why you felt you couldn’t tell him at that point in time.”

If only she could believe that theory. “I had every intention of telling him, but when I found out he was married, I didn’t have the heart to mess up his life. At the time it seemed like the right thing to do. But when I learned he was divorced right before I finished vet school, I realized maybe I’d been wrong. Now he’s going to hate me for not telling him sooner.”

“He’s going to be angry, but I doubt he’ll hate you. And I know he won’t hate having a son. That’s why I believe you should let him know, unless you plan to keep your son hidden until he’s an adult.”

She needed more time to think. She needed to get home before her mom called.

With that in mind, Georgie turned to Paris and attempted a small smile. “I’m going to take everything you’ve said into serious consideration. In the meantime, if you don’t mind—”

“Not saying anything to anyone?” Paris returned her smile. “I promise I won’t mention it, and after you’ve told Austin, I’ll pretend to be as surprised as everyone else.”

“After you’ve told me what, Georgie?”


Three (#u86af8e01-2eee-56a7-921d-676a373b1488)

Georgie startled at the sound of Austin’s voice, so much so she physically jumped. “We were talking about...uh... We were playing a game.”

He tossed the beer can in the recycle bin and frowned. “What kind of game?”

“A guessing game,” Paris said. “Georgie tells me a story from your childhood, and I have to guess which brother did what.”

Georgie thanked her lucky stars Paris had such a sharp mind. “That’s right. I just mentioned the time someone was doing donuts in the Parkers’ pasture. I told her everyone thought it was Dallas, when it was really you, and she thought I should tell you to confess to Dallas to clear the air.” And that had to be the lamest fabrication ever to leave her mouth.

He strolled farther into the kitchen and frowned. “Yep, that was me doing the donuts on the night after I found out I got accepted into college. And FYI, Dallas already knows. He took the blame because he knew Dad would come down harder on me.”

Georgie recalled that fateful day when Austin had informed her about his college acceptance, and she had assumed he would be out of her life forever. Now just the opposite would be true, if she told him about Chance.

She did a quick check of her watch and saw an excuse to escape both Austin’s and Paris’s questions. “It’s time for me to go. I have to be up very early in the morning to make my rounds.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Austin said.

“Thanks, but I can make it to the truck on my own. Finish your visit with the family.”




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