From lone wolf to family man

When trick roper Zeke Rafferty sees Tess Irwin standing on his front porch, memories of two unforgettable days—and nights—come flooding back. But when the pretty schoolteacher reveals that one plus one will soon equal three, Zeke is stunned. Then he remembers his manners. And asks Tess to marry him.

If you turn down a handsome cowboy’s proposal, is it okay to still want to kiss him? Wait, no! Tess doesn’t want a husband. Besides, she’s holding out for love. A man has a right to know he fathered a child, but beyond that, Tess is raising this child alone. Zeke proved he can make a baby. But can he make the grade as a loving husband and dad?

Praise for Vicki Lewis Thompson

“It’s a wonderful sexy romance, with some very appealing and likable characters, and I’m definitely going to delve into more of the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood series.”

—HarlequinJunkie, Top Pick, on Cowboy Untamed

“The tongue-in-cheek, sweet yet sensual and comfortable family feel... remains until the last page. Cowboy After Dark is a story that will keep you smiling.”

—RT Book Reviews, Top Pick

“Thompson continues to do what she does best, tying together strong family values bound by blood and choice, interspersed with the more sizzling aspects of the relationship.”

—RT Book Reviews on Thunderstruck

“All the characters, background stories and character development are positively stellar; the warm family feeling is not saccharine-sweet, but heartfelt and genuine, and Lexi and Cade’s rekindled romance is believable from beginning to end, along with the classy, sexy and tender love scenes.”

—Fresh Fiction on Midnight Thunder

“Vicki Lewis Thompson has compiled a tale of this terrific family, along with their friends and employees, to keep you glued to the page and ending with that warm and loving feeling.”

—Fresh Fiction on Cowboys and Angels

Say Yes to the Cowboy

Vicki Lewis Thompson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

A passion for travel has taken New York Times bestselling author VICKI LEWIS THOMPSON to Europe, Great Britain, the Greek isles, Australia and New Zealand. She’s visited most of North America and has her eye on South America’s rain forests. Africa, India and China beckon. But her first love is her home state of Arizona, with its deserts, mountains, sunsets and—last but not least—cowboys! The wide-open spaces and heroes on horseback influence everything she writes. Connect with her at www.vickilewisthompson.com, Facebook.com/vickilewisthompson and Twitter.com/vickilthompson.

To the many copy editors over the years who’ve tightened my prose and questioned my word choices.

We share the same geeky obsession with language, so it’s too bad we can’t all meet in the bar for a drink.

I know we’d get along!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Praise

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

When a truck drove up outside the ranch house, Zeke Rafferty put down the barbell and grabbed a towel to mop his face. The workout wasn’t that hard, but the pain in his shoulder made him sweat like a pig. As he pulled on a T-shirt, the soft cotton stuck to his skin.

He’d recently decided to let his beard grow, so he hoped his visitor was someone who wouldn’t mind the sweat or the scruff. Walking out onto the front porch helped cool him off. Maybe he should start doing his exercises there so he could catch the Wyoming evening breeze.

He was glad to see the Thunder Mountain Academy logo on the tan pickup in front of the house. Anyone driving that truck would be family. When he saw it was Rosie, his foster mom, he hurried over to open the door for her. His nose told him she’d baked him a rhubarb pie. Excellent.

“Came over to see how you’re doing.” She handed him the pie and then waved him off as he started to help her down. “Don’t put a strain on your shoulder, son.”

“I won’t.” He got a kick out of seeing her at the wheel of such a massive vehicle. The top of her fluffed-up blond hairdo barely reached his shoulder yet she drove that truck with authority. He transferred the pie to his other hand and used his good arm to steady her as she stepped on the running board and hopped down. “The pie smells great.”

“It’s still warm. Do you have any of that vanilla ice cream left?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Then, if you’ll make me some decaf, I wouldn’t mind a slice before I head back. By the way, Herb said to say hello.”

“Thanks.” Zeke enjoyed these impromptu visits from his foster parents. He was fine with his own company, which made him the perfect caretaker for his foster brother Matt’s ranch, but he didn’t mind having someone to talk to now and then.

Maybe his nights seemed especially quiet because his days were filled with the sounds of hammering and sawing, sometimes punctuated with a baby’s squeals and laughter. His foster brother Damon Harrison and Damon’s wife, Philomena, were renovating the house for Matt, and they usually brought along their seven-month-old baby, Sophie. Zeke wasn’t much help with the renovation because of his shoulder, so he entertained Sophie when she was awake.

Rosie glanced at the sawhorses in the living room and the cartons of hardwood flooring. “Damon mentioned that they’d decided to replace the floors in all the bedrooms.”

“Yes, ma’am, and it’ll be beautiful when they’re done. Matt’s gonna love it.”

“He will. They do fabulous work. Speaking of Matt, have you heard from him recently?” Rosie headed for the kitchen.

“He called this morning.” Zeke started on the coffee. “Wanted to warn me that he’d ordered a kitchen table and chairs.” He gestured at the card table and folding chairs in the room now. “Should be here in a few days.” After landing a starring role in a Western being released in September, Matt was on track to become the most famous of the Thunder Mountain foster boys. With his improved finances, he’d bought this place, outside Sheridan and adjacent to Thunder Mountain Ranch. Matt’s timing had been perfect for Zeke. A torn rotator cuff from years of trick roping had forced him to leave the rodeo circuit for a few months. Keeping an eye on Matt’s property and overseeing renovations and furniture delivery had given him a spot to land until he healed.

“You’re going to the premiere, right?” Rosie put generous servings of pie on two plates and added a scoop of ice cream to each. Then she put them on the table along with napkins and forks. She’d helped Zeke organize the kitchen when he’d moved in, so she knew her way around.

“Planning on it.”

“How’s your shoulder?”

“Better.” It was his standard answer but progress was too damned slow. He worried that even after he was healed enough to get back to his routine, he’d need hours of practice before feeling confident he could dazzle the fans.

“I went online today and found a video of you performing at a rodeo in Vegas. Do you always wear sparkly clothes or was that a Vegas thing?”

He laughed. “I always do. I have a closet full of that stuff. When the spotlight hits me, I’m a regular rhinestone cowboy.” After adding cream to Rosie’s coffee, he brought both mugs to the table.

“I liked the routine in the dark where the ropes light up.”

“Those are tricky to work with but they’re a crowd-pleaser.” He took a seat across from Rosie. “I’m flattered that you looked for the video.”

“I had ulterior motives. I wanted to see if the students would go for it, and they definitely would. Once you’re healed, I’d love to have you teach a short roping class at the academy if you can work it into your schedule.”

He smiled. “Is that why you made my favorite pie?”

“I figured it couldn’t hurt.”

“I’d be glad to.” His temporary move to Matt’s place had given him a chance to see Thunder Mountain Academy in action. Years ago Rosie and Herb had sheltered numerous foster boys at their ranch. Then in retirement they’d found themselves with financial problems through no fault of their own.

Some of their foster sons had rallied to help them create Thunder Mountain Academy, a for-credit residential program for older teens where they’d learn everything equine-related. Zeke hadn’t kept in touch as much as some of the other guys, so he hadn’t heard about the financial crisis until it had been taken care of.

Fortunately the successful program had kept his foster parents from selling the ranch. It also had been a blessing in disguise because they’d obviously been bored once all the foster boys had grown and left. Unlike Zeke, they were extremely social.

“We’d pay you to teach classes in roping,” Rosie said.

“Not necessary. I wasn’t here to help set up the academy so it’s the least I can do.” He lifted a forkful of pie. “Just make me a few of these and I’m good. It’s hard to find decent rhubarb pie.”

“I know. Not enough demand. Until you came along I never made it because nobody else liked it besides me. Having you a short drive away is a bonus for lots of reasons, but I love the excuse to make this pie.”

Zeke scooped up another bite. “Happy to be of service.”

“Incidentally, someone called today looking for you.”

“Who?” He paused, his fork in midair.

“Tess Irwin. She lives in Casper.” Rosie gazed at him. “Your ice cream’s dripping all over.”

“Whoops.” He shoved the mixture of pie and melting ice cream into his mouth, which bought him a little time to think.

“I take it you recognize the name.” Rosie’s blue eyes saw much more than he wanted her to.

“Yes, ma’am. We met in Texas in April. She and her girlfriend came down because her girlfriend’s going with one of my buddies on the circuit. So Tess and I...spent time together.”

“She gave me her number and asked you to call.” Rosie pushed a slip of paper across the table. “I promised to pass it on.”

“Thanks.” He stuffed the paper into his pocket without looking at it.

Rosie changed the subject to an upcoming wedding at the ranch. Cade Gallagher was the first foster boy Rosie and Herb had taken in. He was marrying Lexi Simmons, his high school sweetheart, in less than a month. Rosie had been waiting for that wedding for a long time and she loved discussing the details. Zeke was glad he’d be here for it.

After Rosie left, he took one of the folding chairs from the kitchen and sat on the front porch. The scent of rain was in the air. It had rained the first night he’d had sex with Tess. He couldn’t really call it making love because they’d just met. Rain had beat on the window as they’d undressed each other.

If he closed his eyes, he could picture her perfectly: blond hair down past her shoulders, blue eyes, nice breasts, slim waist, shapely legs. She’d mentioned a divorce the previous year. She hadn’t been looking for a steady guy, just someone to have fun with.

She had, in fact, been looking for someone exactly like him, a man with no plans to settle down, a man who could enjoy a couple of nights with her and expect nothing more. When it came to people, he had no expectations. His father had taught him two things—roping and self-reliance. Zeke had become proficient at both.

He’d never expected to see Tess again, yet here she was, tracking him down. She hadn’t seemed like the stalker type. In any case, he wouldn’t call her back. He’d come here to heal and take care of Matt’s place, at least for the next few months. He wasn’t interested in whatever Tess had in mind.

When he went back inside, he took the scrap of paper from his pocket, crumpled it up and tossed it in the trash.

* * *

Tess allowed a week to go by before putting in another call to Rosie. Rosie didn’t sound happy to hear that Zeke hadn’t called. When Tess emphasized the urgency of the matter, Rosie suggested she come in person so they could work things out.

Tess had no idea how they’d do that, but she wasn’t in a position to question Rosie. She packed an overnight bag and threw it in her sedan before driving north toward Sheridan. At the turnoff to the ranch, she saw a wooden sign announcing it as the location of Thunder Mountain Academy.

The ranch itself had a homey feel. An old-fashioned, hip-roofed barn was off to the left and the low-slung house sported an awesome front porch that ran the length of the building. Adirondack chairs in alternating brown and green lined the porch. The sign she’d seen initially was painted in the same colors, which must have something to do with the academy, whatever that was.

A short, blond woman who might be in her sixties came through the front door and stood on the porch as Tess climbed out of her car.

“Tess?” she called as she walked down the steps.

“Yes, that’s me. Are you Rosie?”

“I am.”

“Is Zeke here?” All the way from Casper she’d wondered if she’d step inside the ranch house and find him waiting for her.

“Not yet, but I’ve invited him for dinner.”

“Does he know that I’ll be here?”

“No.”

Tess’s stomach churned with anxiety. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I don’t want to ambush him.”

“Tess, he’s deliberately avoiding you, and I didn’t raise that boy to be rude, especially to a young lady he has a connection to. I intend to make sure that you get a chance to talk with him.”

“You’re his mother?” If this petite, plump and fair-skinned woman had given birth to Zeke, he must take after his dad.

“Foster mother.”

“Oh! Oh, my goodness. He never told me that he’d been in foster care.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. Listen, why don’t you get your bag and come inside for some lemonade and peanut butter cookies?”

“Okay. Thank you.” Tess let out a breath. Rosie’s blue-eyed gaze was kind, and kindness was welcome right now. Lemonade and cookies sounded pretty darned good, too.

After depositing her overnight bag in a guest room, she sat at Rosie’s kitchen table, enjoying her snack while Rosie filled her in on the history of Thunder Mountain. Then Rosie explained the structure of the academy and why it existed.

Tess hung on every word. Knowing that Zeke had been a foster child added a new challenge to the situation. But every bit of information helped, including the tidbit Rosie had provided about his injured shoulder.

“He’s terrific. A great guy,” Rosie said. “But he’s always held himself apart from the rest of us. I won’t divulge his past. That’s for him to reveal if he chooses to. But I won’t kid you...he has issues. Even though I don’t approve of his decision not to call you, I understand why he might not. His bum shoulder has turned him into an injured bear hiding in a cave.”

“I can see him doing that. He’s so independent. I’ll bet not being able to work drives him nuts.”

“I’m sure it does. But I taught my boys manners. He should have given you the courtesy of contacting you and listening to whatever it is you have to say.”

Tess smiled. She really liked this woman. “But you could have insisted he call me back instead of inviting me up here.”

“Wouldn’t you rather see him in person?”

“Yes. Yes, I would.”

Rosie laid a hand on hers. “Zeke won’t be here for another hour. Maybe you’d like to have a little rest before he gets here.”

She knows. Tess could see it in her eyes. “Is he close by?”

“In Wyoming terms, we’re neighbors. He’s agreed to be the caretaker at his brother’s ranch while he’s healing his shoulder.”

Tess pushed back her chair and picked up her empty lemonade glass. “I’m going to take you up on that suggestion of resting before dinner. Unless you need help?”

“Thank you, but I have it covered. The students are in charge of making their own dinner tonight and I have meat loaf and scalloped potatoes ready to pop in the oven for the family.”

Tess’s mouth watered. Food was one of her obsessions these days, and eating someone else’s cooking would be a treat. “That sounds delicious.”

“I’ll tap on your door when he gets here.”

“All right.” A surge of anxiety canceled her hunger. “Thank you.”

Tess escaped to her bedroom, which was decorated in soothing tones of green. Kicking off her shoes, she stretched out on the bed and launched into the deep breathing exercises she’d been practicing.

That helped. Starting at the top of her head, she gradually relaxed her entire body. Outside her window a bird sang a cheerful little song, but otherwise the house was quiet. Peaceful. It was, she could tell, a good house. A refuge.

Chapter Two

After what seemed like five minutes, Rosie tapped on her door. “Tess, he’s here.”

Heart pounding and palms sweating, Tess brushed her hair, refreshed her makeup and smoothed the wrinkles from her blouse and slacks. As she was about to open the door, she heard Zeke’s deep laugh. She hadn’t thought she’d remember it, but the sound awakened feelings she’d hoped she’d buried. She didn’t want to be attracted to him—not anymore—but her libido seemed to have other ideas.

She heard another man chuckle. That must be Herb, Rosie’s husband. Rosie had mentioned he would be the only other person there for dinner. Sometimes there was a crowd, she’d said, but not tonight. Tess figured that was on purpose.

When she walked into the living room, Zeke was sitting on one end of the sofa, holding a bottle of beer. A wiry older man, undoubtedly Herb, had taken the opposite end and Rosie was in a comfy-looking armchair. Both men popped up immediately.

Herb smiled in welcome, but Zeke’s face, what she could see of it since he now had a full beard and wore his Stetson, was brick-red with either anger or embarrassment. Maybe both.

He gave Rosie a quick what-the-hell glance before turning back to her. “Hello, Tess.” He cleared his throat. “Wasn’t expecting you.”

“I invited her.” Rosie stood. “Tess, this is my husband, Herb.”

“Nice meeting you.” Herb walked over and shook her hand. “Glad you could pay us a visit.” He, too, had kind eyes.

“Thank you.” She managed a smile. “So am I. Your place is charming.”

“Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes,” Rosie said, “but I can let it simmer a little longer if you two need more time to talk. Herb, let’s go whip up a salad.”

“I’m on it.” He left the room.

Tess wished she could follow them both into the kitchen. She’d rather do almost anything than stay there with the smoldering volcano that was Zeke. But Rosie was right. Telling him in person was the way to go, no matter how awkward it might turn out to be.

He let out a breath and met her gaze. “Guess I should have called you.”

“Maybe this is better.”

Gradually the color drained from his face. “Why?”

“I’m pregnant.”

He stared at her. Then he shook his head. “You can’t be.”

“I didn’t think it was possible, either, so I put off going to the doctor. Frankly, I thought I might have some serious health issues and I didn’t want to deal with them until school was out.”

His breathing accelerated. “How can you be pregnant? We used condoms!”

“I can’t answer that for sure. The doctor said it could be for any number of reasons, but she said it happens.”

“So much for modern science.” He grimaced. “Look, this feels like a lousy thing to say, but I have to ask. Are you sure it was me?”

“That’s a fair question. But you were my first lover after my divorce, which was a year ago, and there’s been nobody since. I don’t have any proof, though, so you’ll have to take my word for it.”

“I will.”

“Thank you.” That was one ugly discussion they could skip. “Look, I know this is a shock, but let me put your mind to rest. I’m here to inform you because I don’t believe in keeping a pregnancy a secret from the father, but I don’t expect anything from you.”

“But you’re pregnant with my kid!”

She shrugged. “So what? You didn’t intend for this to happen and, judging from our discussions in April, you never planned to have children, so I’ll handle everything. I absolve you of any responsibility.”

“That’s crazy. You can’t just—”

“Sure I can. I’ll have a lawyer draw up something legal for us to sign if you’d prefer that. I know you don’t want him, but the thing is, I do. I love children, but I was told I had about a five percent chance of ever conceiving. This is a miracle baby and I can’t wait to be a mother.”

“You said him.”

“Yes. I’m having a boy.”

“I thought you couldn’t tell at three months.”

“They have a blood test now. It’s very accurate.”

He rubbed a hand over his face. “A boy. Wow.” Then he glanced toward the kitchen. “Did you tell Rosie you were pregnant? Is that why she set up this meeting?”

“No, you’re the first person I’ve told.”

“Really? What about your folks? What about your friend, the one you came to Texas with?”

“Nobody knows. I wanted a plan before I broke the news. But I think Rosie suspects. When I called back a second time and told her it was very important that I get in touch with you, she probably guessed why.”

“I should have called. I apologize for that. I thought—well, it doesn’t matter. I still should’ve called.”

“You thought I was out of school and looking for a way to spice up my summer?”

“Yes, ma’am, I did.” His hazel eyes gleamed for a moment but then the twinkle was gone. “And I’m not feeling up to that.”

The temporary gleam of desire got to her. She hated to admit it, but the longer they talked, the more she wanted to touch him. “I’m sorry about your shoulder. I thought you might show up here in a sling.” She didn’t know which shoulder was injured, either.

“I have one but I don’t like wearing it.”

“Does your bad shoulder make it hard to shave?”

“Shave? No, I’m right-handed. Oh.” He stroked his beard. “You mean this. I decided to grow it since I’m not doing public appearances.”

“Mmm.” She wondered if it would be prickly or soft.

“You don’t like it.”

“It makes you look different.” Like a pirate or a mountain man, both intimidating images of rugged men who couldn’t be bothered with changing diapers and warming bottles.

“You don’t look different.” His gaze drifted to her stomach. “This is so hard to believe. I feel like this is a dream and any minute I’ll wake up.”

“Trust me, I felt the same when I got the news. The difference is, I was thrilled. I don’t expect you to be.”

“I don’t know what I’m feeling, Tess.” He looked into her eyes. “I’m pretty disoriented right now.”

“That’s understandable.”

Rosie appeared in the doorway. “Dinner’s ready. But you don’t have to come right away if you need more time.”

“I do need some time.” Zeke glanced her way. “I wouldn’t be fit company right now, anyway. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll take a rain check on dinner.”

“Your decision, but I made another rhubarb pie.”

“Thanks, Rosie. At least I know you’re not too mad at me for not returning Tess’s call.”

“I wasn’t mad, son. Just a little disappointed. If you feel the need to head on back, I’ll save some of the pie for another time.”

“That would be great.” Crossing the room in three long strides, he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “And thanks for setting me straight on this deal.”

“You’re welcome.”

He turned back to Tess. “I’d like to ask a favor, if I may?”

“What’s that?”

“I’d appreciate it if you’d stick around for another day or so. Give me a chance to get my bearings before you go back to Casper.”

“I don’t want to impose on your foster parents.”

“It’s not an imposition,” Rosie said. “Stay as long as you like.”

Zeke nodded. “Good, then. It’s settled. I’ll be back tomorrow. Ladies.” Touching the brim of his hat, he walked out the front door.

* * *

Zeke made the trip back to Matt’s ranch on autopilot. He couldn’t have said how he got there but, sure enough, there he was parked in front of the house. He sat in the truck for a while, unable to summon the energy to go inside.

Against all odds, he’d created a child, something he’d vowed never to do. Worse yet, the kid was a boy. He’d decided years ago that girls were more resilient. They bonded with each other in some mysterious way that strengthened them against disaster.

But a boy—specifically his boy—could end up battling demons alone. That had certainly been Zeke’s experience. And when this as-yet-unnamed boy figured out that his father had abandoned all parental responsibility? Guaranteed he’d have demons.

Eventually, Zeke climbed out of his truck, went into the house and stripped off his good shirt so he could do his exercises. And because he lost track of his repetitions, he ended up in more pain than usual. He bypassed his prescription pain medication in favor of a beer.

Sitting on the front porch on one of the folding chairs, he drank the beer and contemplated his options. He didn’t have a lot of them, and none were part of the life he’d imagined. But as the beer mellowed him out, he allowed his thoughts to dwell on Tess.

She was beautiful, way prettier than he’d remembered. He’d heard that pregnancy gave women a special glow. It might be true because she’d seemed lit from within. Her eagerness to have this baby was appealing. Hell, it was more than that. Her enthusiasm about bringing a new life into this world turned him on.

Yeah, there it was. The naked truth. Tess had been a great lover, and he had fond memories of their time in that Texas hotel room. But Tess as the mother of his child transformed her into a woman of irresistible appeal. If the attraction he’d felt back in April could be compared to a backyard fountain, this new emotion was more like Niagara Falls.

He wondered if his reaction was connected to some primitive urge to claim the female who’d successfully welcomed his bid for immortality. He hadn’t realized at the time how unlikely this mating had been. Knowing that he’d overcome the condom barrier plus her apparent infertility made him feel...okay, it made him feel like one heck of a stud.

But when he wasn’t mentally strutting around like the prize rooster in the henhouse, he was scared spit-less. He’d had reasons for avoiding fatherhood and none of them had changed just because he’d accidentally gotten a woman pregnant. He had skeletons in his closet, and Tess had every right to know what they were.

On the other hand, maybe he didn’t have to drag out those skeletons in the next twenty-four hours.

* * *

During dinner, Tess broke the news of her pregnancy to Rosie and Herb. That’s when she learned that Rosie considered the unborn baby her future grandchild.

“I realize that’s slightly unconventional.” She passed Tess a basket of warm yeast rolls. “But most of those boys call us Mom and Dad, so why not? Babies need grandparents to spoil them rotten.”

Tess laughed, charmed by the prospect of Rosie and Herb as her son’s grandparents. “I suppose they do. Mine treated me like a princess. I came along after they’d given up on having any, so I really did get spoiled. I’m sad that they’re gone now. They would have loved fussing over another baby.”

“Of course they would! Sophie—that’s Damon and Phil’s daughter—is the light of my life. She’ll be a year by the time your little guy is born. That’s old enough for her to understand that she has a new baby cousin. I can’t wait to see them together. It’ll be adorable.”

“Yes, well...” Tess had allowed herself to get carried away by Rosie’s enthusiasm. “I’m not sure how often I’ll get over here. I’ll do my best but...”

“Oh.” Rosie shared a quick glance with Herb. “You’ll have to excuse me, Tess. I was so focused on the baby that I didn’t think about anything else. Zeke will be back on the circuit by then, not living next door. I shouldn’t make assumptions about how the two of you will work everything out. For all I know, you’re going to travel with him.”

She shuddered at the thought. “I plan to raise the baby on my own.”

Rosie gave a little gasp of surprise. “Does Zeke know?”

“I told him tonight.”

Herb frowned. “And what did he say?”

“Not much. But when we met he told me he didn’t want kids. In my opinion, a reluctant father is worse than no father at all.”

Herb’s frown deepened. “But Zeke has a financial obligation to his son.”

She met Herb’s worried gaze. “Legally, yes, but I’m relieving him of that. I’m financially capable of raising this child and, despite my right to child support, I couldn’t in good conscience take money from a man who won’t be participating in the process.”

Rosie and Herb greeted that statement with a long silence. Tess wished circumstances could be different for these two wonderful people. But this baby was a gift and she refused to let him become an obligation to anyone, least of all the man who’d unintentionally fathered him.

Finally, Rosie took a deep breath. “I can understand why you feel that way. But we’d love to be part of the process, so I hope you’ll bring that sweet baby over to see us now and then.”

“I will.” She reached over and squeezed Rosie’s arm. “I promise.”

After that, Rosie demonstrated her conversational skills, because the baby and Zeke weren’t mentioned again. Tess’s admiration for Rosie’s social abilities grew as they spent the rest of the meal discussing various teaching methods. They talked about the differences and similarities between Tess’s primary students and the teens that Rosie and Herb had worked with, both as foster parents and founders of Thunder Mountain Academy.

Immersed in her favorite subject, Tess lost track of time as they lingered over dessert. Rosie had made two pies: rhubarb and cherry. Herb was the only one eating the cherry pie as Tess and Rosie each enjoyed a generous slice of the rhubarb topped with vanilla ice cream. Judging from Rosie’s comment to Zeke before he left, he was a fan of this particular flavor, too. But Rosie never brought it up.

Tess helped with the dishes before bidding Rosie and Herb good-night. She was touched by their willingness to accept whatever plan she had for this baby. Her own parents weren’t likely to react the same way and she dreaded the confrontation when she told them. But she didn’t have to worry about that tonight.

After a satisfying meal with two people who made her feel at home, she was more than ready for a good night’s sleep. Her last thought was of Zeke’s full beard. In a way, it helped that he’d grown one because he looked so different from the man she’d tumbled into bed with back in April. She could more easily pretend he was a stranger, one she would never see again after tomorrow.

Chapter Three

Zeke woke at dawn. Early morning light filtered through the leaves of a tree outside the window and he enjoyed watching the patterns created on the west wall. Once Damon and Phil had installed new flooring in the two smaller bedrooms, he’d move into one of them. He’d be sorry to leave the master bedroom, though.

Climbing out of bed, he headed into the bathroom. He rummaged in his shaving kit for a pair of manicure scissors and clipped off most of his beard. Then he took a razor to what was left.

A hot shower relieved some of the tension in his neck and shoulders, but it came back the minute he dried off. He dressed in his nicest shirt and jeans, and polished his boots. His hat got a good brushing, too. He’d let it get dusty and that wouldn’t do for what he had in mind.

Damon and Phil would arrive in a couple of hours with little Sophie, but they’d have to manage the baby without his help. He wrote them a quick note explaining that he had an errand to run at Thunder Mountain and couldn’t be sure when he’d be back. If all went well, he might be gone all day.

Grabbing his keys, he locked up the house and walked out to his truck. It could use a wash, but he didn’t have the time. He used his hand to clean off the passenger seat before walking around to the driver’s side and sliding in behind the wheel.

On the way to Thunder Mountain, he had the same feeling in the pit of his stomach that he always got right before he stepped into the arena for a performance. So he followed the same technique and, several deep breaths later, he was calmer.

The academy kids were busy down at the barn taking care of morning chores when he pulled up in front of the house. He saw Cade and Herb with them, supervising. Cade looked up and waved. By now he probably knew the score. Herb would have filled him in.

Zeke lifted a hand in acknowledgment before mounting the steps to the porch. He rapped on the screen door and opened it while calling out a greeting. For anyone who’d lived at the ranch, that was all Rosie and Herb required. The door was nearly always open for their family.

Zeke had never let himself fully accept being a part of Herb and Rosie’s family. Counting on something to stay the same was a recipe for disappointment. While the other guys called Rosie and Herb “Mom and Dad,” he didn’t. They referred to the ranch as “home” but he hadn’t made the mistake of labeling it that way. Even so, he enjoyed the privilege of walking into the house whenever he wanted.

“In the kitchen!” Rosie responded.

He found her predictable breakfast routine a comfort, but he’d never taken that for granted, either. He could tell some of the other guys did.

When he walked into the kitchen, it was just Rosie and Sharon, the cook they’d hired to help fix meals for the academy students. She was a middle-aged lady with short brown hair and a great laugh. No Tess.

“Hey, Zeke.” Rosie turned from the stove to look at him. “Where’s your beard?”

“Shaved it off.” He glanced over at Sharon and touched the brim of his hat. “Howdy, ma’am.”

“Howdy, Zeke. I was growing partial to that beard.”

“It was starting to itch. Can I help you two with anything?”

Rosie handed him a bowl and a whisk. “You can scramble these eggs. Sharon and I have already delivered the food to the rec hall, so she’s ready to leave. Herb will be back from the barn shortly.”

“See you two later.” The cook grabbed her tote bag out of the storeroom.

“Bye, Sharon,” Rosie said. “Thanks!”

Zeke waited until she went out the front door. “Tess isn’t up yet?”

“Not yet.” Rosie eyed him. “You can start scrambling those eggs anytime now.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He set the bowl on the counter and started in on them. “She told you, right?”

“She did. And you’d better give me those eggs before you beat them to death.”

He handed over the bowl and Rosie poured the mixture into the frying pan. Bacon sizzled in another pan and country fries were cooking away in a third. Normally he’d be salivating for one of Rosie’s famous breakfasts, but he wasn’t even slightly hungry.

“Zeke, please don’t pace.”

“Sorry.” He hadn’t realized he was doing it.

“Would you like some coffee?”

“No, thank you, ma’am.”

“Well, I would, so please pour me a cup and sit down at the table. I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He got her coffee, carried it to the table and took a seat.

She turned down the heat under each of the pans and covered them with lids. As she approached the table, Zeke stood and held her chair for her.

“Thank you.” She settled herself and wrapped both hands around her coffee mug. “I take it you have a plan.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Judging from how spiffy you look, I can guess what it is, but I should probably warn you that—”

“Good morning.” Tess walked into the room wearing a soft blue button-up shirt and jeans.

Zeke leaped to his feet again and knocked over his chair. “Good morning.” He righted the chair and gazed at her. She looked incredible. Her hair shone like gold and her cheeks were flushed as if she might be as nervous about their situation as he was.

She stared at him. “What happened to your beard?”

“It itched, so I shaved it off.”

“Oh.”

“Hail, hail, the gang’s all here.” Herb walked into the kitchen. “I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m starving.” He took plates from a cupboard. “I vote we serve ourselves from the stove.”

Rosie stood. “That works. I’ll make us some toast. Zeke, you can get out the silverware and napkins. Tess, coffee mugs are in the cabinet nearest the window, first shelf. I have mine but we’ll need three more.”

Zeke had thought about lying and saying he’d had breakfast before he’d come over, but he was a lousy liar and Rosie wouldn’t believe him anyway. Nobody in his right mind ate breakfast beforehand if he had a chance to enjoy Rosie’s cooking. He filled his plate and sat with everyone else.

Herb picked up his coffee mug and paused with it halfway to his mouth. “Why did you shave off your beard, Zeke?”

“He said it itched.” Rosie gave Herb a glance that said plainly he shouldn’t pursue the matter.

Zeke appreciated the intervention on his behalf. He didn’t want his beard removal to become the main topic of conversation.

Herb shrugged. “I can see that could be an issue. So, Tess, the kids have cleared out of the pasture area if you’d like to head down there with me or Zeke and take a look at the horses.”

That would delay Zeke’s plan and the longer he delayed, the more likely he’d lose his nerve. “Actually, I—”

“I’d love to,” Tess said. “I wanted one so bad when I was a kid but my parents weren’t into horses. Since then I’ve taken lessons, although I can’t claim to be a seasoned rider.”

Zeke looked at her in surprise. “I didn’t know you ride.”

“A little. I’m taking a break from it until the baby’s born, just to be on the safe side.”

“Good.” He sighed in relief. “That’s good.” He’d been around horses all his life and loved them, but he didn’t like the idea of Tess riding one and chancing a fall.

“The advice on riding while pregnant is conflicting,” Herb said, “but since it’s not something you do on a daily basis, I think you’re smart to stop for the next few months.”

Tess nodded. “Thanks. But I’d love to visit your horses. How many do you have?”

“Six at the moment.” Herb ticked them off on his fingers. “Technically, Lucy and Linus, a palomino mare and her son, don’t belong to us. We’re boarding them.”

Tess smiled. “Love the names.”

“Then we have Cade’s big black horse, Hematite, and his fiancée Lexi’s mare, Serendipity, Serra for short. Finally there’s Navarre and Isabeau, my gelding and Rosie’s mare.”

“You named them after the characters in Ladyhawke?”

Now if only he could get Tess to respond with that kind of delight when he had his chance to talk to her. They were burning daylight and his special place looked its best in the morning before that rock heated up.

“Rosie named them,” Herb said “She made me watch the movie and, after I did, I agreed to the names. I don’t admit this to everyone, but we’re all friends here. I’m a sucker for a great romance.”

“And that’s why I married him.” Rosie gazed fondly at her husband. “He’s a stand-up guy, but underneath he’s a sentimental sweetie who doesn’t mind naming our horses after characters in a love story.”

Zeke noticed that Tess was a little misty-eyed. Maybe that was his cue. “Look, I know how much Tess is interested in seeing the horses, but I also wanted to show her the view from Lion’s Rest Rock. It’s at its best when the sun’s at an angle instead of beating straight down.”

“Lion’s Rest?” Tess gazed at him, her expression difficult to read. “Are you talking about mountain lions?”

“Technically, yes, but if we take the trail up there, I guarantee we won’t find one lounging on that flat rock. They’d hear us coming long before we arrived and vamoose.”

“But they do hang out there?”

“Sure, when no people are around.”

“That’s too bad. I’d love to catch a glimpse of one. I never have.”

All righty, then. He was quickly learning things about the mother of his child, information that could be valuable in the future. “Well, you never can tell. If we get a move on and walk very quietly up that trail, we might see one disappearing through the underbrush.”

He ignored Rosie when she lifted her eyes to the ceiling. So he was exaggerating a little. No one he knew had actually spotted a cougar on that rock. Rumor had it that they perched on it when no people were around because the rock gave them an excellent vantage point for spotting prey. It could be true.

But Lion’s Rest Rock was a famous make-out spot because the granite slab was the size of a king mattress, besides being smooth as a well-worn saddle. Zeke couldn’t speak for other guys, but he’d never made a conquest up there. His conscience was clear about sharing it with Tess.

Tess finished her coffee and picked up her empty plate. “I’m ready to go see this Lion’s Rest Rock, right after we clean up.”

“Leave the dishes,” Rosie said.

Zeke had never heard more beautiful words in his life. In another forty minutes that rock could be hot as a branding iron. He could get there in ten and lead Tess up the path in another ten. That gave him twenty minutes to execute his plan. It should be enough.

With anticipation vying with anxiety, he ushered Tess out the front door of the ranch house and handed her into the passenger seat of his truck. So far, so good.

“I can’t help thinking you have an ulterior motive,” she said as he put the truck in gear.

“Why’s that?” He didn’t dare look at her as he drove. She might see something in his eyes.

“Number one, you shaved off your beard. That had to take a couple of weeks to grow, so why shave it now unless it has something to do with me?”

“My beard grows really fast. It only took about nine days.”

“All right, but the timing is still suspicious. Yesterday afternoon you had a bushy beard. Then I tell you I’m pregnant and the next morning you appear with a close shave. Coincidence? I don’t think so.”

“I got the impression you didn’t like it.” They reached the paved road and he accelerated.

“I didn’t dislike it. I just... What difference does it make, anyway? There’s no reason for you to try to please me. We’re ships who passed in the night.”

“We didn’t just pass. We moored in the same spot and produced a dingy.”

That gave her the giggles. “I shouldn’t have introduced a nautical reference. It makes no sense in Wyoming. We’re landlocked.”

“Okay, let’s compare ourselves to a couple of Conestoga wagons that ended up gathered around the same campfire and produced a little buckboard.”

Her laughter was now out of control. “Stop! Don’t be funny! This is a very serious situation we’re in.” But she couldn’t seem to keep a straight face.

And it was catching. Soon he was laughing right along with her. When he pulled over onto the side of the road next to the trail leading up to Lion’s Rest Rock, he was out of breath. Shutting off the engine, he glanced at her and grinned. “Enough. You’ll need both energy and lung power to walk up this trail.”

“Is it really that steep?”

“Not too bad, but I can guarantee you one thing. It’s more of a challenge while you’re laughing.”

“Okay. I’ll do my best to forget I’m having a little buckboard.”

He gazed at her. All that laughter had made her eyes sparkle like sapphires under a high-intensity lamp.

“I assume people hike this trail hoping to spot wildlife.”

“Some do, but that’s not really what the rock is known for.”

Understanding flashed in her eyes and her cheeks turned pink. “Zeke Rafferty, if you think you’re going to get me alone up there so we can do that, you have another think coming!”

“I don’t, I swear! That’s the furthest thing from my mind.” Not exactly true, but it was down the list a ways. It didn’t rank higher than number three and, considering how pretty she looked, he thought that was damned noble of him.

“So what is on your mind, then?”

“We need to talk, figure stuff out. The view from there is real nice. You can watch the morning shadows move down the mountains as the sun gets higher.”

“You seem to know this spot pretty well.”

“I do, but not for the reason you’re imagining. I used to come up here in the early morning so I could think about things when nobody else was around.”

“Come on, Zeke. A guy who looks like you must have had plenty of girlfriends in high school. I can’t believe you didn’t bring them here to make out.”

“You don’t have to believe me, but the fact is, I didn’t.” He opened his door. “It was too special.” He hopped down and walked around to her side, but she was already out.

She gazed up at him, her expression tender. “I do believe you. And you’re right about the beard. I like you better without it. Lead the way.”

He took off before he did something stupid and kissed her. As he climbed, he monitored his pace so he wouldn’t wear her out getting to the top.

“You can go faster. I’m in shape. I go for a run every morning.”

He turned around so abruptly they almost slammed into each other. “You run? Is that okay?”

“My doctor says it’s fine unless I notice any problems after a run. She’s in favor of women exercising throughout their pregnancy. It’s just the horseback riding she cautioned me about. And the bungee jumping.”

His stomach lurched. “Bungee jumping?” The mischievous twinkle in her eyes clued him in. “You’ve never bungee jumped in your life, have you?”

“Nope. Just teasing you.”

No kidding. Standing inches away from her, he was teased by a whole bunch of things—the scent of her shampoo, the curve of her cheek and the sound of her breath. He knew the pleasure her kiss could bring and he craved that pleasure again. But he’d promised that wasn’t why he’d brought her up there.

“We’d better get a move on.” He turned around and started back up the trail. “We want to get there before the sun hits that rock.”

Fortunately it was still shaded when they reached the end of the trail. He should have thought to bring a blanket for her to sit on, but then she might have questioned his honorable intentions.

She walked out onto the rock and sucked in a breath. “Gorgeous. Thank you for bringing me up here. Now I wish I’d brought a camera, or at least my phone.”

“We can come back another time.”

She turned toward him. “No, we can’t, Zeke. It’ll be better for all three of us if we make a clean break.”

“I don’t want a clean break.” He dropped to one knee. “I don’t have a ring to give you, but I’ll get one today. Tess Irwin, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Chapter Four

“Are you crazy?” Tess stared at Zeke in dismay while a voice in her head screeched, This isn’t happening! Dear God, this isn’t happening! “We barely know each other.”

His jaw tightened. “We know each other well enough to make a baby. That’s a little more intimate than a handshake, Tess. You knew me well enough to get naked with me. Marriages have been built on a lot less.”

“But I don’t want to be married. I’ve been there and it wasn’t a whole lot of fun. And I thought we were in love! You and I don’t even have that going for us.”

He rose. “What if that’s for the best? What’s wrong with getting married for the sake of the kid?”

“Everything. In eighteen years or so this baby will be ready to create a life of his own. What then? Will we stay married after he goes off to college or a job in another state? Will we stare at each other across the breakfast table and wonder what the heck we’ve done to ourselves for the sake of the kid?”

He glanced down at his boots. She noticed they had a light layer of dust on them, though they’d started the walk dust-free. When he looked up again, his gaze was bleak. “I hadn’t thought that far ahead.”

“But we have to.” She should have figured out what he was planning when he appeared this morning in clothes that looked almost new, recently polished boots and a clean-shaved jaw. Yet she’d never dreamed he’d do a complete one-eighty and propose after announcing in April that he’d never marry or have kids. He’d blindsided her because she didn’t know him at all.

“Okay, you make a good point about the marriage thing, but I still want to be part of my son’s life.”

“Why?” She gazed up at him.

“He’s my son.”

“Look, if you’re feeling an obligation because society has conditioned you that way, please try to adjust your thinking. Obligation and duty have no place in this scenario. I won’t have someone around this baby who resents him.”

“I didn’t say I resented him.”

“Maybe not yet. He isn’t even born. But kids take time away from other things you might want to do and they can be frustrating to deal with sometimes. Considering all you’ve said about protecting your independent lifestyle, why would you let yourself in for that?”

“Because I want to make sure he’ll be okay.”

“I promise you that he’ll be well taken care of.” And that was the crux of the situation. He didn’t trust her to do that. And why should he? He didn’t know her, either.

“Tess, I have a legal right to spend time with him.”

“I know you do.” She felt a stab of panic. “But don’t you see? If you’re forcing yourself to be a father, that’s horrible for a child. They know the difference between love and obligation. You can’t fake it, so why even go there?”

“Because he’s my son.”

She sighed. “We’re going around in circles. And this rock is getting warmer by the minute. Let’s go back.”

“But we haven’t settled anything.”

“I know that.” What a maddening man—a gorgeous, stubborn cowboy who still had the power to make her heart beat faster. She doubted he’d spent much time around children, while she’d made a career of it. Zeke had no idea what he would be getting into. Yet, somehow, when he’d dug in his heels and said “He’s my son,” it turned her on.

She had to watch out for those pesky feelings of lust, though. She’d read enough books on pregnancy to know the hormones coursing through her body could make her susceptible to a virile guy who kept giving her hot glances. He obviously wanted her and that was arousing, but surrendering to those urges would complicate an already dicey situation.

“Are you willing to stick around for another day or two until we come to some kind of agreement on how this will go?”

“I’m willing, but I don’t like imposing on your foster parents.”

“I seriously doubt they consider it imposing. Did Rosie give you the word that she loves being a grandma?”

“She did and I think it’s sweet. I’m sure she and Herb are terrific grandparents. I’ll be happy to keep them in the loop.”

His expression darkened. “But not me?”

“You said you didn’t want kids, Zeke!”

“That was before I found out you were pregnant. That changes everything.”

“It doesn’t have to. Just think of yourself as a sperm donor.”

“A sperm donor?” A dangerous light flashed in his hazel eyes. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I remember making this baby the old-fashioned way.” He stepped closer, his chest heaving. “I distinctly recall having some very sweaty, very satisfying, sex with you, lady, complete with orgasms that made you cry my name so loud I was afraid someone would call hotel security. I was your lover, damn it. I never want to hear that term again.”

Heat scorched her body and she clenched her fists at her sides to keep from reaching for him. She swallowed. “Got it.”

“And another thing.” His voice softened. “Although you don’t want to marry me, your eyes tell me what you do want. Just so you know, that would be fine with me, but you’ll have to do the asking. Whatever happens or doesn’t is your choice.” He turned around and started down the trail.

She prayed her legs would carry her as she followed him. He’d snapped her self-control with that speech. If he hadn’t turned away, she probably would have launched herself at him and begged for more of that red-hot loving he’d so graphically described. But he had turned away and she’d pulled together the pieces of her shredded pride.

Somehow she’d managed to keep her mouth shut, but her body still yearned for his touch. She gazed with longing at his broad shoulders and the movement of his powerful back muscles. Yes, she was guilty of ogling, but she’d dare any woman with a pulse to ignore the way his jeans cupped his backside. She’d admired that view on the way up the trail and, after his impassioned words, she was even more mesmerized on the way down.

When they reached the truck Zeke handed her in with brisk efficiency. No significant glances or lingering touches. Apparently he’d meant what he’d said. Nothing would happen between them unless she initiated it. She vowed not to do that.

After he got behind the wheel, he opened the console and took out his phone. “I’ll call Rosie and make sure she’s okay with you staying a little longer.”

“All right. Tell her I’d be glad to check into a hotel in Sheridan, if she prefers.”

“Okay.” He nudged back his hat and put the phone to his ear. “Hi, Rosie. Tess needs to stay a few more days. She’s offered to check into a hotel in town.” He smiled. “I know. Yes, ma’am, she’s very considerate. I’ll tell her what you said.” He disconnected the call and returned the phone to the console. “You’re welcome to stay at the ranch for as long as you want.” He twisted the key in the ignition and the truck’s powerful engine roared to life.

“That’s nice of her.”

“Rosie’s great.” He checked for traffic and executed a quick U-turn. “Since I’m the one who set up this discussion, I’ll let you call the shots for the next one. Tell me when and where and I’ll make sure I’m available.”

His self-possession amazed her. She was a bundle of nerves. The combination of his sex appeal and his determination to be a part of the baby’s life had torpedoed her original plan. She’d have to create a new plan before she saw him again. “I need a little time. If you’ll give me your number I’ll text you.”

“There’s a pad of paper and a pen in the console.”

She found them lying inside the compartment. Underneath was a faded brochure advertising “The Ropin’ Ragin’ Raffertys!” She recognized Zeke, who looked about ten, wearing jeans and a shirt decorated in fringe and spangles. The man beside him in a matching outfit had to be his father.

She closed the console without asking about the brochure. She wished she hadn’t seen it. Learning about his past would only draw her deeper into his life and make it harder to extricate herself. She was going to raise her baby on her own. She still believed that would be best for everyone concerned.

Zeke rattled off his phone number. She scribbled it down, tore out the page and returned the pad and pen to the console without looking at the brochure. He’d probably forgotten it was in there. She doubted he was any more eager to share details of his past than she was to hear them.

A truck with a camper shell was parked in the circular gravel drive of the ranch house. Zeke stopped behind it and switched off the engine. “Drew’s here.”

“Another foster brother?”

He shook his head as he reached for the door handle. “She’s a videographer. Cade and Lexi hired her for the wedding.” He glanced over at her. “Hang on. I’ll help you down.”

Tess put a hand on his arm. “That’s not necessary.” The muscles in his forearm tensed and she removed her hand as if she’d touched a hot stove. “I can get out by myself.”

“I know you can.” He opened his door. “But that’s not how cowboys do things.”

Back in April his chivalry had been one of the reasons she’d invited him to her hotel room. She’d had a hunch that he’d know how to treat a woman, and wow, had she been right. Now she wished he’d stop because his manners reminded her of how considerate he could be when they were alone and naked.

But refusing to let him help her in and out of his truck would be petty and pointless. He wasn’t using the gallant gesture as an excuse to steal a kiss or a caress. His assistance was proper and impersonal. He didn’t even smile.

She turned toward him. “I’ll text you this afternoon.” That should give her enough time to create a new plan.

“All right. I might run some errands today but I’ll take my phone.”

“Sounds good. Thanks for showing me Lion’s Rest Rock. It’s beautiful up there.”

An emotion flickered briefly in his eyes. “You’re welcome.” He touched the tips of his fingers to the brim of his hat. “My pleasure.” He turned and walked back around his truck.

His pleasure? Really? She’d shot down his proposal. That couldn’t have felt very good. But if she’d hurt him, he wasn’t showing any signs of it. He’d only reacted emotionally when she’d suggested he think of himself as a sperm donor.

That had been insensitive of her. Now that she was more in command of herself, she needed to apologize. But he’d already put the truck in gear and driven away.

She’d see him again later today so she could mention it then. On the other hand, if she brought up the heated exchange on the rock, that would refocus attention on their sexual past. Not a good idea.

As she climbed the porch steps and walked toward the door, she wondered about protocol. She was a houseguest and could probably walk in. But instead she rapped on the screen door and called out, “I’m back!” as she opened it.

“We’re in the kitchen!” Rosie sounded excited. “Come and tell us whether our idea is crazy or not.”

Tess walked in and discovered Rosie and two women, one with her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and the other with a mop of short brown hair. The one with short hair turned out to be Lexi, Cade’s fiancée. The other was Drew Martinelli, the videographer.

Rosie’s face was pink with excitement. “We’re thinking of having the ceremony in the barn. Is that completely nuts or completely brilliant?”

“I vote for brilliant,” Drew said. “I filmed the inside of the barn when I made the promotional video for Thunder Mountain Academy last month and the interior is suffused with a golden light, probably because of all the wood surfaces.”

Tess pulled up a chair. “I haven’t seen the inside of the barn yet, but it sounds like a fun idea. Would there be room for your guests?”

Lexi pushed over a yellow legal pad where she’d drawn a diagram. “This isn’t quite to scale, but it’s close. Rosie and I know that barn pretty well, and we think we can fit between thirty and forty people in there, especially if we use benches instead of chairs.”

“And we’ll gain extra space if we have all the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood standing here in a semicircle behind Cade and Lexi.” Rosie pointed to a spot at the front of the barn.

Tess glanced at Rosie in confusion. “What’s the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood?”

“Zeke never mentioned it?” Rosie frowned. “Come to think of it, he might not realize he’s automatically in. That’s a recent development.”

“It is,” Lexi said. “And I’ll bet nobody thought to tell him.”

Rosie looked over at Tess. “Sorry, you must have no idea what we’re talking about.”

“Not a clue.”

“Years ago, the first three boys we brought to the ranch declared themselves blood brothers. Secret ceremony in the woods at midnight, pressing bloody palms together, the works.”

Tess smiled. “Sounds like it wasn’t a secret to you.”

“Nothing’s a secret to Rosie.” Lexi gave her a fond glance. “But she let them think it was. They kept their group exclusive until last year when they figured out that was elitist nonsense and all the guys who’d ever lived here should be members. I need to have Cade talk to Zeke.”

“Damon might have more opportunity now that he’s over at Matt’s so much,” Rosie said. “He’s one of the original three. In any case, when all my boys are standing up there, Zeke should be with them.”

“It’ll be a great visual, all those cowboys in a half circle behind the bride and groom,” Drew said. “How many men are we talking about?”

Rosie ticked them off on her fingers. “Zeke would make nine. Lexi, I just heard from Austin, who says he’s flying home from New Zealand for the wedding. He put his RSVP in the mail but he’ll probably get here before it does.”

“Junior’s coming?” Lexi smiled. “Tess, you’ll love him. He was the youngest boy to come to the ranch, only nine when he arrived, so the older kids nicknamed him Junior, which I think he pretty much hates but he puts up with it. Oh, and before I forget...” She reached into a tote bag beside her chair and pulled out an envelope. “Here’s your invitation. I wasn’t sure whether I’d catch you today but I brought it so I could leave it with Rosie. I hope you can come.”

Tess gazed down at the hand-lettered envelope and her throat tightened with emotion. Lexi must have addressed the invitation this morning after hearing from Rosie. “This is incredibly sweet, but I can tell seating will be limited so you don’t have to invite me.”

“We want you there.” Lexi reached over and squeezed her arm. “No matter what happens with Zeke, you’re part of the family now.”

She swallowed. “Thank you. Then I’ll come.”

“Good! We’ll—”

Drew’s phone chimed and she quickly glanced at it. “Sorry, but I have to run. That’s my next appointment.” She pushed back her chair. “I love the barn idea. Text me and we’ll set a time to go down there and finalize the details.” She picked up a large backpack. “Nice meeting you, Tess!”

“Same here, Drew.” Once she was out the door, Tess gazed at Rosie and Lexi. “If I’m coming to the wedding, then I need to tell you what happened this morning.”

Rosie groaned. “I’ll bet I know.”

“Zeke proposed.”

Although Lexi gasped, Rosie nodded as if she’d expected that news. She wasn’t smiling in anticipation, either. “What did you say?”

“The only thing I could say. I can’t marry a man I barely know just because I’m pregnant with his child.”

“Of course you can’t.” Rosie shook her head and sighed. “I could tell when he walked in the kitchen this morning that he’d decided to do something stupid.” She looked over at Lexi. “He even shaved off his beard for the occasion.”

Lexi rolled her eyes. “What an idiot.”

“I still want to come to the wedding,” Tess said, “but I can’t guarantee how well Zeke and I will be getting along at that point. Unfortunately, I think he proposed because he doesn’t trust me to raise this baby.”

“No, he probably doesn’t.” Rosie gave her a warm smile. “But I do.”

Chapter Five

Damon and Phil’s truck was in the drive when Zeke came back to Matt’s ranch. He wondered if either of them had talked to Rosie yet. If not, then he’d be the one to give them the news about Tess and the baby.

He heard Sophie before he opened the front door. Those screeches usually meant she’d had it with staying in the playpen while Mommy and Daddy were otherwise occupied. He followed the noise.

The playpen sat in the hall. Sophie had pulled herself up on the side facing one of the guestrooms, where her parents were painting the walls pale blue. Damon was using the roller and Phil was detailing with a brush. While keeping their eyes on their work, they were trying to cajole Sophie into settling down.

She was having none of it. She’d tossed every one of her toys out and stood yelling and rattling the side of the playpen in a bid for attention.

“Hey, Sophie!” Zeke reached the playpen and scooped her up with his good arm. “What’s the matter, kid? Don’t you approve of that color?”

“Oh, Zeke, thank God.” Phil glanced up from where she was kneeling on a piece of foam and pushed her red hair off her forehead with the back of her hand. “What happened to your beard?”

“It got itchy.”

“I completely understand.” Damon pulled a bandanna from his back pocket and mopped his sweaty face. “That’s one reason I don’t have a beard, the other being Phil wouldn’t like it. Listen, we really want to get the second coat finished before lunch but Sophie has other ideas.”

“No problem. I’ll watch her for you.”

“Great. Her high chair’s set up in the kitchen and there’s a box of Cheerios on the counter if you want to sprinkle some in her tray. That’ll keep her busy for a while.”

“Do you care if I take her outside for a little walk around the place?”

Damon laughed. “You can walk her all the way into town if you have the energy.”

“But put on her bonnet if you’ll be in the sun,” Phil said.

“We’ll stay in the shade, won’t we, sweetheart?” Zeke wasn’t taking a chance on burning her fair skin. She was her mother’s mini-me when it came to coloring—same red hair and eyes blue as a Wyoming sky. But although she hadn’t ended up with Damon’s brown eyes, she had his chin. Damon didn’t think so but Zeke could definitely see it.

“Thanks, bro,” Damon said. “I owe you a beer for this.”

“I’ll put it on your tab. By the way, have either of you talked to Rosie today?”

“No,” Phil said. “Why?”

“Just wondered.”

Damon’s eyebrows lifted. “Is something going on that we should know about?”

“Yeah, but it can wait until lunch. Come on, Sophie. I’ll show you around your famous uncle’s ranch.”

She bounced in his arms and made a grab for his hat.

“Oh, no, you don’t.” He left his hat in her playpen and headed down the hall and out the front door. When she pointed to the sparrows hopping around in the tree in the front yard, he walked her over so she could look up through the branches.

She stared at everything as if memorizing it for a test later. She solemnly studied the leaves moving in the breeze, the chattering birds and a caterpillar she spotted on the trunk. Zeke held her close enough to the insect so she could see but not grab it. She’d try to eat it for sure.

Then he walked with her around to the back of the house where they startled a rabbit hiding under a bush. As it scampered away, Sophie crowed with delight and clapped her pudgy hands together. Such a simple thing, a cute little bunny, and she acted as if it was the most amazing experience in the world.

Because she soaked up her environment like a sponge, Zeke got a kick out of showing her things. He crouched so she could get a better look at a beetle pushing its way through the scrub grass. When a hawk soared overhead, he pointed to it and she watched it until it was a tiny speck in the sky.

A downspout was dripping from the brief rain they’d had during the night. He let her catch the drops on her finger and laughed with her as the cool water tickled her skin. That was where they were when Phil came looking for them.

Phil gave him an amused smile. “I almost hate to break this up. You’re one heck of a babysitter.”

“Beginner’s luck. I haven’t spent much time with little kids.” He handed Sophie over to her mother and they started back toward the front of the house.

“No one would ever know it.”

“Maybe it’s because I click with Sophie.”

“Nah, I don’t think that’s it. I’ll bet you’d be fine no matter whose kid it was.” She climbed the porch steps. “Damon’s fixing lunch so I hope you’re okay with turkey sandwiches.”

“Love ’em.” He opened the door for her. So she thought he had a talent for taking care of little kids. Interesting.

But playing with Sophie once in a while was a long way from assuming total care for a child. Tess didn’t think he was temperamentally suited for it, and she could be right. He couldn’t argue with her logic that he was untested and that his lifestyle hadn’t prepared him to be a dad. But prepared or not, he was a dad, or would be in another six months.

Phil cut up some melon and a banana for Sophie to eat with her fingers. That and the cereal kept her content while the adults ate their sandwiches and chips.

Zeke grabbed a kitchen stool out of a closet and Damon and Phil each took a folding chair. Damon adjusted the old straw hat he liked to wear while he was working and looked across the card table at Zeke. “So, what’s up?”

“I got somebody pregnant.”

“Get outta town!” Damon’s eyes widened. “Didn’t we teach you better than that?”

Zeke lowered his voice even though Sophie was too little to understand. “I used condoms, okay? And turns out she had a five percent chance of getting pregnant, so this baby never should have happened, but he did.”

Phil put down her sandwich. “Did you say he? You already know it’s a boy?”

“They have this blood test. Didn’t you guys use it?”

Damon shook his head. “No way, no how. There are so few cool surprises anymore that we both decided to wait and see. Anticipation is half the fun.” He winced, and Zeke suspected Phil had kicked him under the table. “Not that there’s a thing wrong with finding out in advance, if that’s what you two decided. It makes the naming thing way easier and you don’t get a bunch of yellow baby clothes.”

“I wasn’t part of the decision.” Now Zeke wished he had been because he liked the idea of waiting. “She didn’t notify me of this until yesterday and she’s already three months along.”

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