She’s pregnant on his doorstep...

Saddle up for this Wyoming Cowboys novel

When his childhood friend Kit McAllistor shows up, widowed and pregnant, rancher Wade Croft offers her a place to stay...but he can’t offer her his heart. As old feelings begin to surface, past tragedies force Wade to ignore them. But on the brink of losing his ranch, will he also risk losing the woman he’s beginning to love...or can he cowboy up in time?

JILL KEMERER writes novels with love, humor and faith. Besides spoiling her mini dachshund and keeping up with her busy kids, Jill reads stacks of books, lives for her morning coffee and gushes over fluffy animals. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website, jillkemerer.com, or contact her at PO Box 2802, Whitehouse, OH 43571.

Also by Jill Kemerer

Wyoming Cowboys

The Rancher’s Mistletoe Bride

Reunited with the Bull Rider

Wyoming Christmas Quadruplets

His Wyoming Baby Blessing

Small-Town Bachelor

Unexpected Family

Her Small-Town Romance

Yuletide Redemption

Hometown Hero’s Redemption

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

His Wyoming Baby Blessing

Jill Kemerer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-09628-7

HIS WYOMING BABY BLESSING

© 2019 Ripple Effect Press, LLC

Published in Great Britain 2019

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

Version: 2020-03-02

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“I don’t want to be a bother...”

“You won’t be a bother. That’s why I’m going to hang out with you. I miss you.” Wade didn’t realize how much he meant it until he said it.

“I’ll be boring to be around, anyhow. I’ve taken napping to a whole new level.” Kit flashed him

a half-hearted smile and averted her eyes.

She was lying. He knew her too well.

“You’re sleeping pretty good, then?”

He’d been right to take the time off. Kit wasn’t sleeping. Her mind was probably racing circles around the baby’s health troubles. Or she was mourning Cam. Both, most likely.

Wade might not be able to fix any of it, but he could be present.

Kit needed a friend.

And, frankly, so did he.

It was only for a week. Nothing to worry about.

Then they’d go back to being long-distance friends. The way it should be.

Why didn’t the thought fill him with relief?

He wasn’t in a position to take care of Kit. He couldn’t even take care of himself. He had to tread carefully...

Dear Reader,

Thank you for reading Wade and Kit’s story. I’m a bit weepy that the Wyoming Cowboys series is coming to an end. I enjoyed getting to know Clint, Nash, Marshall and Wade, the best friends and foster brothers who found love in each book. I like to think of all of them growing closer in their friendships and raising faith-filled families. Sweet Dreams will always be dear to my heart. I wonder what Dottie Lavert would have nicknamed me if I went to her diner. What would your nickname be?

One of the themes that came up again and again as I wrote these books was worthiness. Are we worthy of love? We all have difficult times when it’s easy to fall into a pit of despair, insecurity, disillusionment or bitterness. Don’t worry. God has declared you worthy, and this is a free gift. Isn’t that the best news? Hold tight to your faith in Him.

Thanks again for choosing my book. Please sign up for my newsletter to stay informed of my upcoming releases. Go to jillkemerer.com/newsletter for the simple form. I love to hear from you! Feel free to email me at jill@jillkemerer.com or write me at P.O. Box 2802, Whitehouse, Ohio, 43571.

May God bless you!

Jill Kemerer

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

—Romans 15:13

To the AW baseball moms! Sandi Hood and Kerri Penrod— you’ve taken the brunt of my plotting nonsense and iced-coffee addiction—thank you! Special thanks to Amy, Jill, Rhonda, Kim W., Kim K., Marla, Dawn, Michelle, Dreama, Katie, Heather, Amber, Brooke and Jessica for your encouragement, pictures and smiles. My sincere apologies to anyone I might have missed!

Thank you to Shana, Melissa and Elizabeth, the editors who helped shape this book. You make me a better writer.

And finally, thank you to my agent, Rachel Kent, for all you do.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Introduction

Dear Reader

Bible Verse

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

Epilogue

Extract

About the Publisher

Chapter One

She should have been here by now.

Wade Croft paced the front porch of the sprawling log cabin he called home. Late May wildflowers and blue skies spread as far as he could see, pausing only at the white-capped Bighorn Mountains. Unfortunately, the peaceful scene did nothing to slow his rapid heartbeat. Kit McAllistor would be here any minute, and the last time he’d seen her had been at her husband’s funeral four months ago. The experience had unsettled him.

Kit’s stricken, drawn face as she’d cried over the casket had picked off the scab on emotions he’d gotten used to pretending didn’t exist, and, as much as he sympathized with her loss, he’d avoided contacting her since then. The little girl he’d met in foster care all those years ago—his childhood best friend, the one who always believed the best in him—had grown into a very special, very beautiful woman.

Her husband passing away complicated things.

A dust cloud formed in the distance. It must be Kit’s car. He propped his hand against one of the posts. His land stretched for miles. Land he’d been blessed with. He’d taken it for granted in his quest to expand. Look where it had gotten him. On the brink of losing it all. Why had he overextended himself last year to buy Dudley Farms, a massive farm east of here? If he didn’t find a buyer for Dudley Farms soon, he’d lose everything, including his home, JPX Ranch.

Somehow, he’d find a way to get out of this financial hole, and until he did, no one needed to know about the trouble he was in.

Right now he had to focus on Kit.

The compact silver car stopped in front of the garage. He had the oddest sensation that if he moved even a muscle, his life would change forever.

Nonsense. Get over there like the barn is on fire!

He took off toward the driveway as the car door shut with a thud. Kit walked his way. A perfectly rounded belly jutted out from her long sundress.

His feet refused to move another inch.

She was pregnant.

Why the concept floored him, he couldn’t say, maybe because the thought of her having a baby hadn’t occurred to him, with Cam’s death and all.

If he thought her husband dying complicated things...

“Wade.” The word sounded scratchy, defeated. Her skin was drawn, dark crescents shadowed her pale green eyes and weariness burdened her shoulders. The woman standing before him barely resembled his vibrant friend.

“Kitty Cat.” The old nickname fell off his tongue before he could worry about the consequences.

Something sparked in her eyes, and she closed the distance between them, wrapping her arms around his waist. He held her lightly, trying to ignore the sensations crowding his brain. Soft skin. Long silky hair with a hint of coconut shampoo. A pregnant tummy separating them. She seemed thinner, not taking into account the baby. There was a frailness to her that didn’t mesh with any version of the Kit he knew. At least the freckles on her nose were still there.

“I didn’t know where else to go.” She stepped back and let out the most pitiful sigh he’d ever heard.

“What have I always told you?” He tried to capture the teasing tone he saved especially for her, but he didn’t quite nail it.

“If I ever need anything, you’re here for me.” She didn’t crack a smile. In fact, her face was as devoid of expression as it was of makeup.

“Exactly.” He straightened, locking his jaw. The fragile, pregnant woman standing here wasn’t the feisty, optimistic girl he’d bonded with as a kid. Life had beaten her down. It had beaten him down enough, too, but he hated that it hadn’t spared her.

“Come inside.” He held the door open, then he led the way to the great room, a large open space with plenty of windows, hardwood floors, leather furniture and area rugs to keep the chill out. Visible signs of the wealth he’d accumulated and, in his greed, put in jeopardy.

“You really did it, didn’t you?” She looked around, lowering her body onto one of the couches. “You always said you were going to own the biggest ranch in Wyoming someday. Your house alone is massive.”

A surge of shame filled him. If he hadn’t bought Dudley Farms, he’d have been financially set for a lifetime. All attempts at trying to salvage his mistake hadn’t worked. Last year the farm’s old irrigation equipment had failed, and the drought had polished off any hopes of growing enough crops to be profitable. On both properties—here on JPX Ranch and on Dudley Farms—he’d downsized all his employees to the bare minimum. Sold as many calves, heifers and horses as he could, except for his favorite stud horse, Del Poncho. He’d sell Del Poncho only if absolutely necessary. But the way the bills were coming in, he’d have to sooner rather than later.

“I didn’t realize you were...having a baby.” He waved in her general direction as he sat in a chair opposite her. “I mean, it was hard enough Cam died.” Heat licked up his neck, and he averted his gaze. What was wrong with him? He wasn’t shy. Didn’t get squeamish. And here he was acting like a pimply kid instead of a grown man.

She tucked her hair behind her ear and averted her own eyes. It brought him back to their younger days. She’d been eight and he’d been ten when they’d met at a foster home. They’d been best buds the three years they’d lived there. He could still see the freckles on her nose as she swung her legs high in the air, brown hair flying in the wind. Her eyes had danced with delight as she begged him to push her higher, higher. When her swing would finally come to a stop, he’d sit on the one next to hers, and, with their legs dangling, they’d talk about the future.

He’d been set on owning the biggest ranch in Wyoming. He’d have so much money no one could ever again tell him what to do. She was going to be a teacher and get married to the best husband in the world and have two boys, one girl, a dog, a cat and a nice house. They both had been on their way to achieving those dreams. And though they still shared a childhood bond, Kit’s marriage to Cam had strained their friendship. Wade understood. Marriage changed things.

“I guess the perfect family you always wanted isn’t turning out the way you’d hoped,” he said, as gently as possible.

“Yeah, well, it was a stupid dream, anyhow.” She gazed out the wall of windows. Sadness and something else was etched into her face. Bitterness?

Not Kit. Sunny, kind, spitfire Kit never let anything get her down.

He didn’t like to think of her spirit broken, but maybe he was overanalyzing things.

“When are you due?”

“October second.” Her shrug gave him the impression she was nervous. “Depending.”

Depending on what? He scuffed his foot against the floor.

“Thanks for letting me stay here. It will only be for a week. The extended-stay hotel should have a room for me by then.”

She hadn’t given him much information when she called last night. Just said she needed a place to stay for a week and did he have a spare room for her? He’d offered her one of several renovated cabins on his property. They’d been remodeled a few years ago for his friends to use for getaways, hunting, fishing...whatever. She was welcome to hunker down in any of them.

But last night she hadn’t mentioned an extended-stay hotel.

She also hadn’t mentioned she was having a baby.

“Why are you going to some roadhouse?” He needed more information from her. Nothing was adding up, and he didn’t exactly consider himself slow.

One of her shoulders lifted. “I’m moving to Casper.”

“Did you get a new job or something?” He couldn’t picture her accepting a different position. She loved teaching second grade in Fort Laramie. But maybe the memories with Cam made it too hard for her to continue working there.

“No.” Her hands covered her tummy.

Her short answers, air of gloom and lack of animation kicked up his stomach acid.

“Kit, this is me. You don’t have to hide anything.” He leaned forward, immediately recognizing the hypocrisy of his words. He was hiding his problems from her and everyone else he was close to. “What is going on?”

“I need a new start.”

Normally, he’d buy what she was saying. She’d lost the love of her life. She was alone. Pregnant. But...she was keeping secrets. He narrowed his eyes. “You’re not telling me everything.”

“Look, I need a place to crash for a few days, and then I’ll be on my way. Don’t ask me to tell you my life story in the meantime.”

“I already know your life story.” He knew most of it. The important stuff, anyhow.

“That was the old me.”

“I liked the old you.”

“Well, she’s gone, so don’t bother looking for her. Why don’t you show me the cabin where I can put my stuff? Then you can go back to work.” She braced both hands against the couch cushions in an attempt to get up. He sprang to his feet, offering her his hand.

“Why the hotel? Why Casper?” He kept her hand in his and searched her face for clues about whatever she wrestled with. Had Cam’s death destroyed the best part of her?

Her eyes welled with tears.

Great, he’d made her cry. Why had he badgered her? Of course she wanted to move. She was alone and pregnant and grieving the sudden death of her husband. No wonder she was shattered and prickly. He’d always tried to fix anything bothering her, but this was beyond him.

Maybe he should do as she asked. Take her to the cabin and leave her alone to work things out.

“It’s the baby,” she whispered.

“What do you mean?” He gently clasped her forearms and bent to look into her eyes.

“He has a large hole in his heart.”

“What?”

“A few weeks ago, I had a routine ultrasound. I figured I’d be finding out if it was a boy or girl, and everything would be fine. Unfortunately, they suspected there was a hole in his heart, but they told me not to worry and to come back in a few weeks for a fetal echocardiogram. Well, I did, and the hole was confirmed, which led to another ultrasound with a specialist last Wednesday. Since the heart defect may be caused by chromosome abnormalities, I had an amniocentesis done on Friday. They’re using the cells to do a chromosomal microarray test to check for Down syndrome, DiGeorge syndrome and a few other things. The results won’t be in for about three weeks.”

He let go of her arms. Friday. And today was Tuesday. Chromosomes, tests, a hole in the baby’s heart...his heart, she’d said.

The baby was a boy.

An image came to mind of a little tyke with Kit’s freckles holding Wade’s hand as the child stared up at him with excitement at the thought of riding around the ranch.

“This amnio-cent-whats-is and chromosome thing—what does all of it mean?”

“Amniocentesis is a test to determine the likelihood of genetic problems. It was offered in my first trimester, but I opted not to have it at that time because I’m young and healthy. And chromosome abnormalities are just a fancy way of saying my baby might have special needs.” Her inhalation was long and shaky.

“Okay, we’ll deal with it.” The earlier image of a little boy morphed from one who looked like Kit to one with Down syndrome. The image appealed to him as much as the first one had.

“The hole could heal on its own.” A tear dropped onto her cheek, and she swiped it away. “But if not, the baby will require heart surgery. And if he has DiGeorge syndrome, there’s a strong chance he won’t make it to his first birthday. The doctor told me not to worry about DiGeorge too much and that heart defects are common, but I don’t know what to think at this point. I’ll know more after the test results come back. In the meantime, I’m praying he doesn’t die in the womb.”

Die? He tried to process it. No wonder she’d become a shadow of her former self. She’d lost her husband, and now she might lose her baby, too.

“I’m scared, Wade.” The faint words spun him out of his thoughts.

He understood scared. Too many sleepless nights trying to come up with a solution to his lack of cash flow had taken their toll.

“You’re staying here until the baby is born. Not in a hotel.” He straightened, widening his stance. “I want you to rest. You won’t move a muscle. I’ll take care of you.”

Why had he promised the last part? Him? Taking care of her? He could barely keep up with the mortgage on his land. He didn’t trust himself to take care of a stray dog at this point.

“No.” She clutched her hands, wringing them together.

“If he does have special needs, would you still want him?” he asked.

“Of course! I just want him to live. I don’t care what problems he might have. I love this baby so much. I can’t bear to think of him dying.”

He wasn’t surprised. She’d love any child fiercely, but her declaration reminded him of those complications from earlier.

Kit wasn’t his. Never had been, never would be.

And that’s the way it would stay. She deserved someone who would treat her right and take care of her financially and emotionally. He’d never been good at the emotional stuff, and, frankly, he had little to give in the finance department, either.

He’d just have to do his best to support her, regardless.

“Stay here in the main house. I have three guest rooms. That way if you need me—”

“No. I need space.” She shook her head rapidly, her long brown hair swishing behind her. “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t. One of your cabins will be fine.”

“You can take your pick. Stay in one of them until the baby is born.”

“That’s kind of you, but I’ll just stay the week.” She ducked her chin. “I’m only crashing here until the hotel has a vacancy.”

He should be relieved. It wasn’t as if he could offer her anything more than a temporary place to stay. As much as he’d like to see her taken care of long-term, it wasn’t his place.

“If you’ll point me in the right direction...”

He gave her a curt nod. “I’ll take you over there right now.”

* * *

JPX Ranch truly was her last resort. On the long drive here, Kit had dreaded having to rely on Wade. She’d messed up her life, and he’d always been able to see right through her. But as she followed his truck down a dirt driveway behind his house, relief replaced the dread. He was the one person—the only one—she’d ever been able to count on for anything.

And here he was, coming through for her again.

If he had any idea what a disaster her life had been for the past three years, would he view her the same?

She had no intention of finding out.

Wade stopped in front of a large log cabin. She could see four other smaller structures spaced out farther down the lane. As she got out of her car, she was glad the blooming wildflowers had spread to surround the guest homes. Silver lupine and little yellow castles waved in the breeze, and she couldn’t help but enjoy their beauty. For a moment, anyway. Nothing good in her life ever stuck around for long.

“I think you’ll like this one the best.” Strength oozed from him as he strode up the covered porch, then swung open the door and waited for her to join him.

She tried not to stare. In form-fitting jeans, cowboy boots and a short-sleeved Western shirt, he looked every bit the cowboy most women only dreamed about. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners—a side effect of his sense of humor. He kept his dark blond hair short. The bone structure of his face was perfectly symmetrical, and she’d often thought he could model for one of those rodeo calendars she’d hung on her wall as a teen. Not that she’d ever tell him that. Most days his head was too big for his cowboy hat without her swelling it even more.

What woman wasn’t attracted to Wade Croft? Even one on her deathbed would likely revive if it meant catching a glimpse of the prime Wyoming cowboy.

The cabin was anything but the dusty old hunting lodge she’d expected. Freshly renovated with big windows, gleaming wood floors and comfortable furniture, it was nicer than any place she’d lived. And, better yet, it held none of the bad memories or mistakes she’d made in her other homes.

“It’s so light and open.” The high wooden ceilings cast a pretty glow on the room.

“The kitchen’s back here. Should meet your needs.”

She followed him and stopped, her mouth dropping open.

“You’re kidding, right?” She trailed her fingertips along the marble—or was it quartz? It certainly wasn’t the chipped counters she was used to. This was hands down the best kitchen she’d ever seen. With stainless steel appliances, tall cabinets and a pretty backsplash, it was her ideal kitchen.

From the window above the sink, a carpet of wildflowers came into view. A reprieve for her weary soul.

“Kidding? What do you mean?” His defensive tone would have made her laugh if she still had a shred of joy left, which she didn’t. Not by a long shot. “What’s wrong with the cabin?”

“Not a single thing.” She could at least attempt to set him at ease. He’d been kind today. But then, he’d always been kind to her. “Except your boots are leaving dirt all over the floor.”

He kicked up the bottom of his boot, then shot her a teasing glare. “My boots are as clean as the day I took them out of the box.”

“You sure about that?”

“As sure as I am a hotel won’t do you a lick of good.”

The hotel. Right.

She massaged her belly. Until recently, she’d been dealing with Cam’s death as best as she could, but finding out about the hole in the baby’s heart and learning it might be caused by special needs... As much as she hoped the hole would heal on its own, the fact the doctor was running all those tests didn’t reassure her. Nor did the online research she’d done on her own.

“Does this place have a bedroom?” She forced a tight smile. The sooner Wade concluded the tour, the sooner she could sit and think. Well, worry and fret about the baby was more like it.

His forehead furrowed as if he wanted to press the issue. “Down the hall. I’ll show you.”

The bedroom had log walls, traditional furniture, a neutral area rug and a puffy white comforter on top of a king-size bed.

“The television works. Bathroom is attached.” He paused in the doorway with one hand planted on the frame. His long body filled the space. “Tell me what you need.”

What did she need?

A healthy baby. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. Even if the child wasn’t healthy, she still wanted him. She could handle the hole in the heart, the special needs. What she really needed was a living baby. She just wanted a chance to raise him. No matter what complications were involved.

Her life had been one big complication for years. For her entire life, really. With each change, she’d dug her feet in, disciplined herself to be good, to meet other people’s needs in the hopes they’d keep her around.

And every single time, she hadn’t been good enough.

The sincerity radiating from Wade’s expression tempted her to confess the truth about why Cam had died, but she hadn’t survived an abusive aunt, four foster homes and a cheating husband for nothing.

“I’m pretty tired.” She sat on the edge of the bed. If Wade wasn’t here, she’d crawl under the covers and sleep for a month. Try to, at least.

“Stretch out and rest. I’ll get your bags.” He knocked on the door frame and left.

She was too tired to protest. Besides, Wade was a strapping cowboy. He’d never let her haul her suitcases and bags inside. She had nothing to prove by overexerting herself and everything to lose if she let her pride override her common sense.

This baby needed a healthy mama.

Her idea of a perfect family had been shattered long ago. She’d give about anything to have any family—perfect or not. A family of two suited her fine. Her and her boy.

Please, God, let my baby live.

The front door creaked, and Wade’s footsteps clomped closer. He set two suitcases in the bedroom. The muscles in his arms and chest strained as he straightened. Even pregnant, she couldn’t help but notice. Unfortunately, her pulse did, too.

“Be right back with the rest.” He waved his fingers toward the bed. “Why aren’t you lying down?”

“I don’t need to lie down. Now scoot.” She was surprised how easily she fell into their familiar sassing, but it left a bittersweet tang on her tongue.

His lips curved into a cocky smile as he exited the room.

She wished she could be the same Kit McAllistor she was before Cam had announced he wanted a divorce. The one who could banter with her old friend Wade, the one who believed love conquered all and if she just tried hard enough, her husband would want her and not other women.

The old Kit wouldn’t have screamed at Cam the night he had a heart attack and died.

She might not have killed him, but it was her fault he was dead. If she hadn’t yelled those terrible things, he wouldn’t have had the heart attack. He still would have divorced her, though.

The old Kit was gone, along with her dreams and her husband.

No matter what happened, she was on her own. Deluding herself into thinking Cam would provide the security she’d craved had been her biggest mistake. She couldn’t afford to make the same one twice.

“That’s everything.” Wade deposited the bags and wiped his hands down his jeans. “You hungry?”

She almost said no, but her stomach growled.

“Guess that answers my question.” He hitched his chin for her to follow him. “Come on. I’ll take you back to my place and feed you.”

Why tears sprang to her eyes, she didn’t know. Maybe because with all the uncertainties she faced—no job, no husband, a baby with serious health problems—she could still count on Wade.

“What are we having?” She stood, pressing her palm into her lower back. The drive had tightened every muscle in her poor body.

“Steak.” He rolled his eyes. “Du-uh.”

“Grilled?” Her mouth started watering. The man had always been able to grill a mean steak. “With melted butter on top?”

“As if I’d cook it any other way.”

A steak. Warm bed. Gourmet kitchen. And wildflowers as far as the eye could see.

She didn’t deserve this.

One week.

Then back to the real world.

She’d build a new life. In Casper. With her sweet baby. If he lived...

For now, she’d do her best to get through the next seven days. “Lead the way.”

Chapter Two

If he could find a way back to the easy friendship he’d enjoyed with Kit over the years, their first supper together wouldn’t be awkward. Well, not as awkward as it was at the moment. It was hard to believe she was actually sitting across from him at his dining table.

The top of her rounded stomach was barely visible from where he sat. Why her being pregnant messed with his head so much, he couldn’t say, but it brought out weird feelings. Protectiveness and worry and...never mind about the rest.

He’d practically grown up with her, they’d been friends for so long. They relied on each other, but not in a romantic way. She’d always viewed him as a big brother, and he’d considered her a...

He took another bite of steak and chewed a little too aggressively.

So he’d had a crush on her and lived for her emails and calls all through high school, even though they’d been apart.

And big deal, he’d visited her every chance he could get when she was at college.

The day she’d called and told him she’d gotten engaged had been like a big cow patty to the face for him. But he’d congratulated her, hung up, dusted off his chaps, gotten back in the saddle and ridden out to the section of fence he’d been about to replace. He may have chopped an old post into tiny bits that afternoon, but by the next morning, he’d been fine.

“Is Casper temporary? Are you moving back to Fort Laramie after the baby is born?” He sprinkled pepper on his baked potato.

“No.” Her eyelashes fluttered. “I canceled the lease on our house. I tried to finish out the school year, but it was difficult. I ended up using the rest of my vacation time before giving my notice. Now that there’s so much uncertainty with the baby, I’m taking life one day at a time.”

Made sense. Continuing her day-to-day existence after losing Cam must have been hard.

“Casper is permanent, then?”

She pushed the meat around her plate. “I don’t think in terms of permanent anymore.”

He didn’t, either.

Jackson Poff would turn over in his grave if he knew how poorly Wade had managed his inheritance. Wade never should have mortgaged JPX Ranch as collateral for the loan on Dudley Farms. If he sold the new property soon, even at a loss, he’d be able to pay off the loan and have his nest egg back in his bank account where it belonged. If he couldn’t sell it...he’d have to put JPX Ranch up for sale, too.

Why had he been so careless with the land he loved? It had been pure arrogance to think he could add to his profits by buying a big farm when he only had experience growing hay.

“Do you have anyone who can help you?” he asked. “Cam’s parents?”

“His mom died, and his dad and I aren’t close.” She patted her mouth with a napkin, but tension lines edged her lips.

“Friends?” He tried to think of who she’d had in her wedding, who she’d hung out with, but he drew a blank.

“Letting women into my life has never been my strong suit, Wade.” She nudged her plate to the side and leaned back in the chair. “My life revolved around Cam and my job. I’m not like you. I don’t even have to ask to know you’re still best friends with Clint, Nash and Marshall.”

It was true. They’d been his brothers since the day they’d met at Yearling Group Home for teen boys. He was blessed that two of them, at least, had settled into homes not far from his ranch. He could see them anytime he wanted.

Kit, for all appearances, was alone. He didn’t like it. Who would take her to doctor’s appointments? Who would make sure she got to the hospital when she went into labor? Who would hold her hand during the birth?

“You’re not seriously thinking about having this baby all by yourself, are you?” The words tumbled out before he’d thought them through. “I mean, you need help. There’s got to be someone who can take you to the hospital when you go into labor.”

She flashed him a surprised glance, then averted her eyes. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it covered.”

“What does that mean?” He set his fork down. He’d lost his appetite, anyhow. “Do you have someone to be there with you or not?”

Her hands balled into fists, and she pulled them onto her lap.

“Kit?” He used his you’d-better-tell-me voice.

“I found an apartment two blocks away from the hospital. It will be available in a month or so. And the extended-stay hotel is nearby, too. Like I said, I’ve got it covered.”

That was her idea of having it covered? He wanted to wipe his hands down his cheeks in frustration.

“But what if—”

“My whole life is one big what-if right now, so please don’t lecture me.”

He clenched his jaw. Lecture her? He’d hound her until she talked sense. What did she think? That she could walk a few blocks to the hospital when she got contractions? Of all the foolish ideas...

“I’m doing what’s best for me and the baby. Wyoming Medical Center has a level two neonatal intensive care unit, and, if necessary, they’ll transfer the baby to a level three or level four NICU. I’m better off in Casper.”

He couldn’t argue with that. But more worries, more questions came to mind.

“You quit your job. What’s your medical insurance situation?”

“I’m paying for an extension of the insurance I had through work.”

“Can you afford it?”

“I have Cam’s life insurance.”

“Will it last?”

She glared at him. Wade didn’t care. He needed to know she’d be all right.

“Honestly, I don’t know. Specialists and hospitals tend to be expensive, even with insurance.”

“If you need help...” He had no idea where he’d get the money, but if Kit was broke, he’d figure out something. Selling Del Poncho came to mind.

“I don’t.”

“Are you sure?” Why was he pressing her, when he wasn’t in a position to help? Old habits died hard, he guessed.

She stared at him dead on. The muscle in her cheek flickered. “I’m not taking one red cent from you. This is my life, my baby and I’m a grown woman. I’ll handle it. It’s bad enough I had to ask you to let me stay here for the week.”

What was that supposed to mean? Didn’t she want his help? His friendship?

“You might want to sheath those claws. I thought we were friends.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “I’m not good company lately. Thanks for dinner and everything. I think it’s best if I get out of your hair.” Pushing her chair back, she started to rise, and winced.

He was at her side in a heartbeat. “What’s wrong? You okay? Is it the baby? Should I call the doctor?” Who was her doctor? Was there a baby doctor around here? He had no clue. His ranch was over thirty minutes to Sweet Dreams, not exactly ideal in an emergency, and Sweet Dreams didn’t have a hospital.

“It’s nothing.” She patted his arm. “I get aches and pains now and then. They go away.”

“I don’t think you should be running around.”

She let out a long-suffering sigh. “Do I look like I’m running around? I got up from a chair.”

“Why don’t you sit on the couch? Kick those legs up. I’ll put a movie on. Whatever you’d like.”

With a sad smile, she shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m really tired. I think I’ll go to bed. Don’t feel like you have to cook for me and entertain me this week. I’ll get along on my own just fine.”

What if he didn’t want her to get along on her own?

He’d done everything wrong tonight. He should do as she said and give her the space she needed. Tomorrow he had a meeting with Ray Simon, his real estate agent. The stack of bills he’d been hoarding in his home office meant he needed to come up with a plan.

He glanced at Kit. He’d try one more time.

“It’s early,” he said. “Stay.”

“Like I said, I’m real tired.”

He’d tried. It would have to be good enough.

“Then I guess I’ll take you back.”

* * *

Ten minutes later, Kit warred with her conscience as Wade parked his truck in front of her cabin. He’d been nothing but sweet and nice and caring since she’d arrived, and he’d offered to help with medical bills. Who did that? Only Wade. But she couldn’t accept his money. Money always had strings attached, and she’d been tied up pretty tightly in the past. Never again.

Still...this was Wade, and she’d hurt his feelings, and he was the one person who knew her history. She could count on him, and she’d treated him poorly.

She needed—and wanted—to make it up to him.

“Wait, don’t move a muscle. I’ll come around and help you.” Wade held his finger up, then got out and jogged over to her. His rough hand in her palm made her heart do a flip.

Strong, hardworking hands for a strong, hardworking man.

What would her life be like if she’d married someone like Wade instead of Cam?

What did it matter? No sense wasting energy on stupid thoughts like that. She’d made her bed and had to live with the consequences.

“Do you want to sit with me on the porch for a spell?” She gestured to the two rocking chairs angled to face the mountains.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

The sun glowed low on the horizon as they settled into the chairs. A herd of cattle grazed in the distance. The rocking motion soothed her, and she wrapped her arms around her stomach. Can you feel it, too, sweet one? This might be the only time she got to rock her little boy.

Really, she had to stop being so morbid.

She’d enjoy the baby now and not think about the future.

Nagging at the back of her mind were the key moments that had triggered the losses in her life. Getting the belt on a daily basis before being sent to the first foster home as a five-year-old. Not being docile enough for the second family and moving to the next foster home. The third home was where she’d met Wade. Happiest days of her life. Until the family moved out of state, scattering the foster kids. The next place she’d earned her keep, tucked away her needs and emotions to ensure she had a place to live.

Being her real self never felt safe. Whenever her true feelings came out, bad things happened. Just look at Cam.

“Tell me about this place,” she said. “I remember when you lived south of here. I’m assuming you still own that property. Is the little house still there?”

“The shack?” He clasped the ends of the rocker arms and slung one ankle over his knee. “I do still own it. That hundred acres was my first slice of owning a ranch. And, yeah, the shack is still there.”

“It was hardly a shack. I liked it. It was cozy, cute.”

“And infested with mice, lacking in insulation and tiny.”

“It suited you.” Her mood lightened at the memory of visiting him during one summer break. When she’d arrived, he’d been sweeping the floor, muttering about rodent droppings. He’d been younger, full of energy and ambition.

She peeked at his profile. Some things never changed. He was still full of energy and ambition.

When she was younger, she’d considered Wade her knight in shining armor. Still did. But he was all wrong for her. She’d known it then. She knew it now.

He was into building a ranch empire.

She was into raising a family.

The two concepts didn’t gel where he was concerned. Ranching would always be his love, his priority. Kit had closed the door on any fantasy of being with him. Then she’d locked it, thrown away the key and bricked it over for good measure.

Wade was too attractive inside and out for her to revisit youthful fantasies.

How many times over the years had he told her he didn’t see himself ever getting married?

Looking out over the land, she realized it had been years since she and Wade had really talked. After her wedding day, she’d felt it was inappropriate to keep texting and calling him, so they’d drifted apart, exchanging birthday cards and not much else.

She’d missed him. His friendship had been her lifeline until marrying Cam. And here Wade was extending his friendship again.

“I’m sorry, you know.” She kept rocking.

“For what?”

“For not keeping in touch better.”

He waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about that. Would have been weird with you being married and all.”

Her chest grew tight. He understood. Most guys wouldn’t have.

“Well, I’m sorry just the same. Why don’t you fill me in on all I’ve missed? You were pretty tight-lipped about how you came to own this land. Do you own more, too? What have you been doing for the past couple of years?”

A shadow crossed his face and he narrowed his eyes as he stared off into the distance. “I always had my sights on this acreage, mainly because the man who owned it, Jackson Poff, didn’t have kids to pass it down to. I figured it gave me a chance to negotiate, so I struck up a friendship with him.”

“Wade!” She widened her eyes, tilting her head. “You used him?”

He flashed a grin. “No, Kitty Cat. I was up front with him from day one. I rolled up in my truck, introduced myself, told him I loved his land and planned on buying a portion of it someday. Then I offered to help him feed his cattle. He spat on the ground and told me to take a hike, but not in such friendly language.”

She couldn’t help it—she laughed.

“The next morning, I showed up again and told him how I admired his pastures.” He pointed to the right. “That section there to be precise. I asked him what his plans were for the day, and he told me he was checking fence and for me to take a hike—once more, not in such friendly language. I ignored him and helped him fix fence. For six months I came over every day after I’d taken care of my small cattle operation. And we became good friends. I told Jackson I wanted to buy some of the land when he retired.”

“And he obviously retired.” Her head rested against the back of the chair, and she relaxed for the first time in a long while. Wade’s low, mellow voice soothed the rough places inside.

“No.” He dropped his head. “I wish that’s how it had gone.”

“What happened?”

“He died. It was sudden.”

Poor Wade. It sounded like he’d really enjoyed Jackson’s company.

“And you bought this after he passed?”

He shook his head. “I would have. But I didn’t have to. He gave it to me. All of it. Almost eight thousand acres. The house, the cabins, the outbuildings, the cattle—everything. Even his substantial savings. I still can’t believe it.”

“Wow.” She couldn’t imagine anyone doing something so generous. “No one contested it?”

“Nope. Jackson didn’t have any next of kin.” His eyebrows furrowed. “He made everything possible for me. I likely never would have been able to afford to purchase this entire ranch. I’d hoped I could buy a slice of it—and I had no illusions about the fact I’d need a huge mortgage—but his generosity made it a moot point.”

“So how much land do you own altogether, then?”

He told her about Dudley Farms, as well as a few smaller properties in the southern part of the state he rented out for pasture.

“I’m impressed.” She savored a deep breath of the fresh air. The fact Wade’s dream had come true warmed her soul. “You made it. You did everything you said you were going to do.”

“I haven’t made it.” He flashed her a confused glance. “Not by a long shot.”

“What do you mean? You own thousands upon thousands of acres and run your own cow-calf operation here, as well.” Wasn’t all this enough for him? The thought of being responsible for so much land gave her a headache.

“Yeah, well, I put Dudley Farms up for sale.”

“Why?”

“Doesn’t matter.” From his tone, she’d say he wasn’t happy about it. “I hope it sells soon.”

“If it doesn’t?” The warmth of the air and the rocking motion made her eyelids heavy.

“It will.”

“When will you have made it?” she asked lightly.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I told you you’d made it, and you said not by a long shot. How do you define making it?”

He didn’t answer.

She yawned. He’d probably never be done acquiring properties. And since he hadn’t married, she could confidently assume his conviction to stay single still held true. Exactly why she’d been wise to brick that wall over her heart all those years ago.

His priority was ranching. Her priority was her unborn child.

Exhaustion took over. She’d never been this tired in her life. She couldn’t fight it any longer. She gave in to sleep.

* * *

Wade flipped pancakes the next morning in his kitchen. Tendrils of steam rose from his mug of coffee next to the griddle. The floor felt cool beneath his bare feet. Wearing athletic shorts and an old rodeo T-shirt from his friend Nash’s bull-riding days, he inhaled the smell of batter and told himself for the eighteenth time that morning he’d done the right thing.

Earlier, he’d called his real estate agent and canceled his appointment. Ray had sounded shocked, and Wade didn’t blame him. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d backed out of an appointment.

When will you have made it?

Kit’s question last night had caught him off guard. Then when she’d fallen asleep with her dark eyelashes fanned across her cheeks, he’d watched the gentle rise and fall of her chest, her hands still cradling her stomach as if she could keep the baby safe, and something had tumbled inside him.

She’d looked like the girl who’d grabbed his hand the day he’d arrived at the foster home where she’d been living. Full of excitement, she’d said, “Come on! I have something to show you!” And she’d dragged him through the never-ending backyard, past the sheds, beyond the horse pasture to a sliver of a creek. She’d crouched down, pointing at the water gurgling over the stones. “See them?”

“See what?” He’d crouched, too, somewhat mesmerized by her pretty green eyes and long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was younger than him, but he’d instantly bonded with her. Probably because she was so full of life.

“There! The tadpoles. They’re swimming!”

Black dots with skinny tails swirled in the water. The coolest thing he’d ever seen. Mostly because she’d been the one to show him.

What had happened to those days? Tadpoles and secrets and lemonade in Mrs. Bradley’s kitchen.

The timer beeped. He flipped the pancakes. Browned to perfection. It was all in the timing.

The truth was he had made it. And, unfortunately, he was on the verge of losing it. But the appointment with Ray would have taken all morning, and he didn’t want to leave Kit here on her own. Not yet. She’d barely touched her food last night. She was clearly exhausted. And there was a sharp edge to her he’d never seen. He didn’t like thinking of her jaded about Cam dying and the baby’s health problems. If he could soften that edge a bit, take care of her, make sure she ate and slept and relaxed, well, he’d cancel everything until she left next week.

His ranch manager could call in a few local teens to help out with the chores.

Just for the week, though.

Even thinking about not hustling out to check cattle tightened his chest uncomfortably.

It would be fine. Everyone took a vacation now and then.

Except him.

The smell of burning caught his attention. He lifted a pancake—black on one side. Well, giddyap. This was what happened when his mind wandered to unwelcome places. Perfectly good pancakes turned into hockey pucks. He tossed the ruined flapjacks in the trash and started a new batch.

Fifteen minutes later, he loaded the foil-covered platter of pancakes, a dish full of cooked bacon, strawberries, maple syrup, milk and orange juice into the back seat of his truck. Then he drove into the bright sunshine and headed to Kit’s cabin.

After knocking several times, he contemplated his next move. Knock harder? Let her sleep?

Her pinched face when she’d gotten up from the table last night came to mind. What if something was wrong? She could be unconscious on the floor right this minute.

Pounding on the door, he yelled her name. If she didn’t get out here in ten seconds, he was letting himself in.

He heard movement inside, and the relief almost buckled his knees. She opened the door, her hair mussed, eyes half-closed, and wearing a short-sleeved pajama top with matching shorts.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

A wave of embarrassment washed away his worry. What was wrong with him? He never overreacted. Why was he so worked up? He was worse than a nervous mama with a freshly born calf.

“Nothing.” He tried to act cool. “I brought breakfast. Figured you were hungry.”

“Really? Why all the noise?” She let him inside. “I’ll be right back. Let me brush my teeth and get dressed.”

As she walked away, he blew out a long exhalation. He had to stop fussing. By the time he’d brought in the food and set the table, he’d returned to normal.

“You made all this?” Kit appeared in a sundress. Her hair had been combed to fall over her shoulders, and her face, though pale, had more life to it than yesterday.

“I did.” He hitched his thumb to the coffeemaker. “Should be done in a few minutes.”

“Decaf?”

“Decaf? Why in the world would you want that? Might as well grind up the dirt out back to brew.” He tore off two paper towels to use for napkins.

“The baby. I’m not supposed to have caffeine.” She lifted the foil off the pancakes. “Oh, wow, this looks so delicious.”

“I didn’t realize about the coffee.” He rubbed his chin. “I’ll go into town later and get you some decaf.”

“No, thanks. I can get my own food.”

Stubborn as they came. But he knew how to work around her determination. He’d picked up a few secret weapons over the years.

“I’m going into town, anyway. You can either let me get you what you need or you can come with me. Your choice.”

He held his breath, hoping she’d let him go alone and hoping even more she’d join him.

“We’ll figure it out later.”

And that was one of her secret weapons against him. The delay tactic.

“I’m surprised you aren’t riding around the ranch. Or did you already check the cattle and do all your cowboy stuff?”

“Cowboy stuff?” He chuckled. “I figured I haven’t seen you in a long while. I’ll take a few days off.”

She choked on her bacon, coughing. “You don’t have to.”

“I know.”

“Seriously, Wade. I don’t want to be a bother.” She took a drink of milk. “Just do what you normally do.”

“You won’t be a bother. That’s why I’m going to hang out with you. I miss you.”

He didn’t realize how much he meant it until he said it.

“Well, I’ll ride into town with you then. But I insist you stick to your routine. I’ll be boring to be around, anyhow. I’ve taken napping to a whole new level.” She flashed him a half-hearted smile and averted her eyes.

She was lying. He knew her too well.

“You’re sleeping pretty good, then?”

She nodded, shoving a big bite of pancake into her mouth.

He’d been right to take the time off. Kit wasn’t sleeping. Her mind was probably racing in circles around the baby’s health troubles. Or she was mourning Cam. Both, most likely.

He bit into a piece of bacon. Cam was gone, the baby had a hole in his heart and Wade might not be able to fix any of it. But he could be present.

Kit needed a friend.

And, frankly, so did he.

It was only for a week. Nothing to worry about.

Then they’d go back to being long-distance friends. The way it should be.

Why didn’t the thought fill him with relief?

Until he sold Dudley Farms and got his financial life back in order, he had to tread carefully.

Chapter Three

A girl could live in a place like this forever. Kit sipped a glass of water on the porch of her cabin late Friday morning. The rocking chair had quickly become her favorite spot. She’d spent hours watching butterflies flit around and hawks circle overhead. The mountains added serenity to the scene. For the first time in years, she’d found space to breathe again. The anxieties of life didn’t choke her here, and she’d been sleeping well, too.

She wouldn’t get the results of the chromosome microarray tests for almost two more weeks, but she’d begun to make peace with whatever they might reveal. Every morning she prayed for her baby boy. Every evening, too.

Her cell phone rang. Probably Wade. Ever since she’d arrived three days ago, he insisted they eat most meals together. Afterward, she’d excuse herself to rest, and he’d wait precisely two hours to call and check on her. With anyone else it would be overbearing, but not with him.

He cared about her. Plain and simple.

The phone rang again, but she didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?”

“Is this Kit McAllistor?”

“Speaking.”

“This is Jambalaya Suites. A room opened up. You can check in after three this afternoon.”

The extended-stay hotel. It would have been welcome news when she’d been driving to Wade’s ranch, but after spending a few days here, she didn’t immediately jump for joy at the chance to move on.

“Do you still want it?” The man sounded exasperated.

“Yes, thank you. I’ll take it. I’ll be there this afternoon.”

After she hung up, she sighed, continuing to rock on the porch. She really didn’t want to leave yet. But the longer she stayed, the harder it would be to go. She’d forgotten how calming the wide-open prairie could be.

Heaving herself to her feet, she cast a longing look at the countryside, then turned and went back into the cabin. She had to pack up her stuff. She’d stop in at the main house on her way out to thank Wade.

He’d be mad, of course, and maybe a little hurt she was leaving like this, but she couldn’t face an argument right now. It was bad enough she’d be living in a hotel for weeks. The thought of being in a strange town and not knowing anyone didn’t exactly sweeten the deal. Under no circumstances would the hotel room have a porch and butterflies and wildflowers and silence.

But she’d be close to the hospital. She could start looking into job options for after the baby was born. Maybe she’d teach online classes. She’d figure out something.

After hoisting one of her suitcases onto the bed, she gathered her things. It didn’t take long. A knock on the door came as she zipped her smallest bag. Her stomach clenched, and it wasn’t because of the baby.

Wade wasn’t going to be happy about her leaving like this.

“Come in,” she hollered, rolling the luggage down the hall.

“What. Is. Going. On?” He stood in the living room, hands on his hips, legs wide and eyebrows furrowed.

“The hotel had an opening. I’m headed there in a little bit.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.”

“Nope.” Embers licked to flames in his eyes. He pointed to her suitcase. “Roll that right back into the bedroom. You’re staying here.”

“I’m going to Casper. Today.”

He pursed his lips, shaking his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Well, I do.” As much as she’d like to stay here indefinitely, she couldn’t. She’d set her plans in motion, and if she changed them now, she might do something stupid. Like stay here and get too comfortable with the one man she could count on. The incredibly gorgeous, caring one who wasn’t into love or marriage. She’d made many poor emotional decisions over the years, and she couldn’t afford to make another one now. The baby had to come first.

His jaw could crack a walnut, and he opened his mouth, but she raised her hand. “You’re not going to convince me, so don’t bother trying.” She resumed rolling the suitcase to the front door, but he blocked her path. Being within two feet of the strapping man rattled her. She glared at him. “Move.”

“Make me.”

Move that tall beam of solid steel? If she pushed him, she’d have to touch him, and touching him would merely remind her how appealing his strength was.

“Wade!” She almost stamped her foot.

“I don’t like this. Casper is too far away, and you don’t know anyone, and the hotel might have nasty bacteria and drifters.”

Bacteria and drifters? Like she needed more to worry about at this point. “You’re not my boss.”

His expression softened. “No one’s ever been the boss of you. I wouldn’t want to be, and I’d never try.”

Closing her eyes, she couldn’t decide if it was an insult or a compliment. Either way, it solidified the truth—he viewed her as a friend. Same as she did him. And if she stayed, she’d be in danger of putting on those rose-colored glasses from her youth. She needed to concentrate on herself and the baby.

“Good,” she said a little too briskly. “Then kindly put this suitcase in my trunk while I get the rest of my stuff.”

A strained moment passed with neither of them speaking.

“Won’t you consider it, at least?” He shrugged helplessly. “I think you should stay.”

“This is best. For me. For the baby. And for you—you can get back to work. I know you’ve taken off a lot of time on account of me being here.”

He exuded frustration. “Well, if you’re dead set on going today, I’ll drive you.”

“No, I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You didn’t. I offered.”

Hours in the car with him? Her senses might not be able to take it.

“How would you get back?”

“I’d rent a car when we got there.”

“Seems awfully complicated.” She chewed her bottom lip. It would be nice not to have to drive, though.

“Really? Seems simple to me. Besides, I want to make sure this hotel is in a decent area. I don’t want to worry about you getting mugged.”

“I’m sure the location will be fine. I doubt I’d be in any kind of danger.”

“You don’t know that.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Either I drive you or you stay here. Those are the options.”

“Or you move out of my way and I drive myself. I’m a big girl.”

He had the grace to look sorry. “I know. It’s not that I think you’re incapable. It’s just...well... I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something happened to you on the way there. Your car could break down. You could get a flat. Or what if you get pains or something?” He waved helplessly at her abdomen.

Why did he have to say the perfect thing? Her eyes prickled with emotion. Cam had barely spoken to her for months before he died. And the only reason she was pregnant was because of a last-ditch effort to save their marriage. Even if Cam had lived, her marriage would have ended. He’d been adamant about it.

To have a man care about her well-being like this was strange territory.

And she liked it.

But it was a mirage.

Wade cared about ranching and having lots of land. And he cared about her, too, because they were friends. That was all. She wasn’t fooling herself into thinking he’d ever want more.

She didn’t, either. But he had the power to tempt her.

Which meant she needed to get to Casper soon. Like today.

“Okay,” she said. “You can drive me, but I’m staying in the hotel whether you find bacteria or drifters or not.”

“We’ll see about that.”

* * *

Wade kept Kit’s car below the speed limit. He wasn’t in a hurry to deliver her. How could he keep an eye on her when she’d be living so far away? A honky-tonk song played on the radio. She was staring out her window. While they’d spent the first leg of the trip remembering old times, the past hour had been mostly quiet. As buildings dotted the side of the road more frequently, a sense of unease tightened his muscles. They were almost there.

And he wasn’t ready for this time with her to end.

His phone’s navigation system directed him through town. The closer they got to the address, the more danger signals flashed in his mind. It wasn’t the older homes he minded, it was the fact they were run-down. He stopped at a traffic light and assessed the area. Graffiti marked a warehouse on the corner. A skinny dog without a collar ran by, and a group of three teen boys who spelled trouble sauntered down the sidewalk.

The light changed and he drove ahead, taking a left and pulling into the parking lot of Jambalaya Suites. The neighborhood around it clearly had taken a downturn in recent times. The exterior of the hotel was dated, and weeds poked through the lawn.

Kit didn’t say a word. She got out of the car and slung her purse over her shoulder.

He fell in beside her as they strolled toward the entrance. A train whistle blared, practically deafening him, and Kit jumped, slapping her hand against her chest. He met her shocked gaze. “Wasn’t expecting that.”

“Me, neither.” She raised her eyebrows. “Home sweet home.”

Over his dead body...

They entered the lobby, and Wade forced himself to keep his cool. The forest green carpeting had stains and worn patches. Striped wallpaper peeled in several places. As they approached the front desk, he clenched and unclenched his hands and did everything in his power to stay quiet. The counter had deep scratch marks. Had someone knifed it? And what, for the love of Wyoming, was that smell?

Breathe through your mouth.

The clerk behind the desk didn’t look up.

They waited.

And waited.

As much as he wanted to scoop Kit into his arms and run out of here, he remained silent. If he said one wrong thing, she’d dig her heels in. He would convince her not to stay here, but in order to do that, he needed a level of patience he might not possess.

“Excuse me.” Kit’s pleasant voice didn’t fit here. She didn’t belong here.

“Just a sec.” The clerk continued to stare at the computer screen.

Just a sec? Wade was this close to grabbing the guy by the collar and informing him what good service entailed.

“Yeah?” Bored eyes looked up at them.

“Kit McAllistor.” She lifted her chin. “You have a room for me.”

“Oh, right.”

“She’d like to see the room before she puts down a deposit.” Wade leaned forward.

“Whatever you say.” The clerk ignored them as he typed. Then he held out a key card to her. “Your room is on the second floor. End of the hall, Kate.”

“It’s Kit,” Wade practically growled.

“Okay, Kit.”

Don’t beat the twerp up. Keep your eyes on the prize.

He’d have Kit in and out of here in ten minutes. Tops.

“Where are the elevators?” she asked the clerk.

“Don’t have them. Stairs are to the left.”

Wade held his arm out to her and gave the jerk the most lethal glare he could muster, but the kid had already resumed staring at the computer screen.

The smell of wet dog, mold, and what he could only describe as liver and onions filled the hall. Surely, the scent alone would send Kit running back to her car. She couldn’t seriously be considering living here, could she?

They climbed the stairs and turned left. This hall smelled marginally better than the one downstairs. Kit stopped in front of the door. It looked like she was praying, but he couldn’t be sure. Then she slid the card into the slot. Red light. She swiped it again. Red light.

He took it from her and quickly swiped it twice, getting a green light. She opened the door and walked in, with him on her heels.

The train whistle blew again, and the rumble of the cars moving on the tracks was so loud they could have been right outside the building. Wade crossed over to the window. The train was right outside the building. The railroad tracks butted up to the property. He swiped the curtains shut.

He could stay silent no longer.

He was getting her out of here.

Turning, he opened his mouth to let her know in no uncertain terms that this place was a dump and there was no way he was leaving her, but he didn’t have a chance to speak.

With her hands over her face and her shoulders shaking, Kit sobbed.

Stupid Jambalaya Suites. Muttering under his breath, he took three strides and pulled her into his arms.

“It’s okay, Kitty Cat,” he said softly. “You’re not staying here.”

She lowered her hands, tears streaming down her face.

“I’m sorry, Wade, I don’t mean to be like this. But the thought of spending the next month or so here... I’m already nauseous from the smell—and I can’t take the noise and the carpet and the awful bedspread...”

“I know. I think someone heated up liver and onions, and that’s unacceptable.”

“I could handle the smell. I think I could, at least, but it’s so loud, and there’s no front porch with a rocker. And the bathroom tile freaks me out. Where are the butterflies? I can’t do this!”

He didn’t know what she was talking about, but if it meant she was coming home with him, he liked it. Keeping his arms around her, he stroked her hair. Soft, lush hair. “Shh... I know. This is no place for you.”

“I agree.” She stepped out of his embrace, tilting her chin up. “I’m finding another hotel.”

“What?” Didn’t she get it? She wasn’t staying in Casper in a hotel. She was coming back to JPX Ranch, where she’d have rest and fresh air and good food. And him.

He needed to keep an eye on her...as long as possible.

“Come on.” She hurried to the door. “I’m serious. We have to find another hotel. Today.”

The familiar no-budging tone had him gritting his teeth. Just when he thought he’d won, she threw down a new gauntlet. He couldn’t argue with that tone. No one could.

“Fine.” He’d take her to other hotels, but he wasn’t going to leave her at any of them.

He hadn’t been in the habit of praying for a long time. But he needed help. This was a situation he couldn’t control on his own. Would God even listen to a guy like him? He knew he was saved. Believed Jesus had died and risen for him. But he hadn’t been to church in years. And he kept a Bible in his nightstand only because when he left it on top all it did was gather dust.

Look, God, I know we’re not exactly tight, but Kit’s a praying woman. She might think she’s better off here in Casper, but I need You to convince her to come back with me. I don’t want her alone in her condition.

Wade followed Kit out of the room. He clearly needed to work on his praying skills.

In the meantime, maybe if he gave her more reasons to come back with him, she’d cave. He’d think of them while they drove.

* * *

She hadn’t felt this low in, well, a week, but today had been extra discouraging. Kit slid into the booth of the restaurant Wade had picked out. Her carefully constructed plan had fallen apart.

The best hotel with long-term vacancy was three times the price of Jambalaya Suites. She couldn’t afford it, and even if she could, the room had been small, and she hadn’t liked the location.

None of the rooms she’d toured today had a view of meadows. None of them had a big comfy bed and a gourmet kitchen. She’d felt claustrophobic in them. All the anxieties she’d been fighting a week ago had flooded back to her as she’d stood in the confined spaces.

If she stayed in any of the hotels, she’d spend every waking minute worrying about the baby. At Wade’s she’d been able to rest, to think, to clear her head. And while she hadn’t exactly been happy, she’d felt more like herself than she had in years. Which in itself unsettled her. Who was she if not Kit McAllistor?

“What are you hungry for?” Wade peered over his menu. “I’m starving. Let’s get an appetizer.”

She realized how hungry she was. “Yeah, I’m famished.”

“I’ll get us a sampler platter.”

Sounded delicious. But food wasn’t the main issue on her mind.

She wanted to go back to Wade’s ranch. Just until the apartment opened up.

How could she ask that of him when he’d already driven her all the way here and she’d forced him to trek to hotel after hotel? He might not even want her staying in his cabin anymore. She was too much trouble for him. Just like she’d been for Cam.

She let out a loud sigh.

“What’s wrong?” He folded the menu and placed it on the table.

“Nothing.”

“I know better. That sound was not nothing.”

“I guess I’m disappointed.” She set her menu on top of his. “I thought this would be the perfect solution.”

His eyebrows formed a V as he nodded.

“And the only hotel I’m considering is the last one we visited.”

“The room was small.”

“I don’t need much space.” It was true. She didn’t. But it didn’t have the porch and the view she’d enjoyed all week.

“Listen, I’ve been thinking.” He leaned forward, clasping his hands and resting his forearms on the table. His baby blues captured hers. A girl could get lost for days in those eyes. “I know you want to be close to the hospital. But you’re not due for months. Sweet Dreams has a medical clinic. I’m sure they have a baby doctor. And if they don’t, any of the other neighboring towns must have at least one among them.”

She could see where he was going with this, and the gesture was so wonderful, she almost started to cry again.

“I think you should put the hotel idea on hold for now. Just stay in my cabin. You liked it there. I could tell. You look more rested, and your color’s back. It’s good for the baby.”

A lump grew in her throat, and she ducked her chin to keep a lid on her emotions.

“You want what’s best for the little guy. The air, the rest, the peace of my land does you good. And if it does you good, then it’s surely doing the baby good, too.”

Her thoughts exactly. The fact he was being so tender with her when she knew he’d itched to take charge all day made her feel small. He’d been amazing from the minute she arrived on his ranch, and here he was, sacrificing his time to give her the support she needed.

“I don’t know what to say, Wade. Thank you. I was trying to figure out how to tell you I wanted to come back with you, but I feel so bad about wasting your time.”

“You aren’t wasting my time. I needed to be here.”

Kit regarded him thoughtfully. She’d never forgotten what he’d told her about his mother disappearing years ago. Maybe he was worried the same thing would happen to Kit.

“I will be all right on my own, you know,” she said gently. “I would have been alone no matter what. The day I found out I was pregnant was the day Cam died.”

“Oh.” He blinked.

“He wanted a divorce, and I thought the baby would change his mind. When it didn’t, I screamed things at him, terrible, awful things.”

The way his mouth dropped open, she guessed he was trying to process everything.

“I’m the reason Cam is dead.”

“That’s crazy,” he said. “He had a heart attack.”

“Because of me. I’ve never lost control like that. I yelled the most hateful things... He slammed out the door. And had a heart attack a few hours later.”

“Kit...you weren’t responsible—”

“Yes, I was. He would not have had the heart attack if I hadn’t been so angry. I would take back every horrible thing I said if I could.”

“We all get angry. We all yell nasty things.”

“I shouldn’t have done it. I knew better.” She felt steady now. She could see it all clearly. “The girl you grew up with doesn’t exist anymore. She might not have ever existed.”

“The Kit I grew up with is sitting right in front of me.” His eyes blazed with intensity. “You didn’t kill your husband.”

“Only you would say that. You always saw the best in me. But I’m asking you not to. See the real me. No illusions.”

“I see the real you. I wonder if you do.” The words were quiet, sincere. “I’m taking you home.”

Home. The word swamped her with relief. Maybe Wade didn’t get it, but right now she didn’t care.

“You’ll see things more clearly when you’ve had some time to rest and move forward. And I don’t care what you say or how you try to convince me you’re some horrible person. You’re not.”

Some of the bricks she’d mortared over her heart tumbled down, but there wasn’t much she could do about it now. The man sitting before her would be terribly easy to fall in love with.

And then she’d be right back to square one.

Every time she gave her heart away, eventually it was tossed back to her, bloody and damaged.

“And before we head back, we’re driving to the apartment of yours to make sure it’s in a safe location.” He picked his menu back up. “Don’t argue with me. It’s nonnegotiable.”

She’d just have to get another pile of bricks.

Living on his ranch for another month would be worth it.

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