“Don’t waste your breath on me. I’m not the one you need to convince. It’s my sister. Hell, dickhead. You and I have had fights before and we always make up. We’re like brothers and that’ll never change,” he said in a husky tone. “We just might even like each other more as brothers-in-law.”
Boone stared at the door long after Brody walked inside chuckling like he had a secret of his own.
Brothers-in-law?
Hells bells.
He wasn’t going that far…or maybe he was.
Could he see his life without Daisy?
Boone didn’t have a problem waking up every day with her. Coming home to her. Making sure she was taken care of.
But did she want that with him?
Climbing into his truck, it took great control not to go over the speed limit. He didn’t think he’d ever get to Daisy’s house. And then when he got to the door he froze up. What would he say?
He should start with the truth.
He knocked and waited, kicking up a pebble with the toe of his boot.
Hearing the door open, he swung, ready to make a confession when it wasn’t Daisy on the other side. “Hi, Chynna.”
“Well, well. Finally come crawling back have you?”
“Is Daisy here?” Chynna’s candor never bothered him. “I need to speak to her.”
“Maybe.” She leaned against the door jamb.
“Look, I’ve already dealt with one Bloom this evening. Can I just speak to her?” He shifted on his worn boots.
“Fine, but just so you know, you hurt her and I’ll make you pay. Got it?”
“Loud and clear.”
“I’m leaving, Daiz,” Chynna said over her shoulder. She stopped to say, “Congratulations.”
He watched her walk down the sidewalk, curious what she meant. What was wrong with everyone?
Inside, he was met by Liger and Bruno and he offered them each a scratch.
“Chynna? What did you say?” Daisy came out of the kitchen and stopped when she saw him. “What are you doing here?”
Hooking his thumbs into his front pockets, he tried to keep his head on track. “To say I’m sorry.”
“Okay. I accept it.”
“I know—wait, you accept it?” He’d expected to have to crawl and beg.
“I do, and maybe at some point we can be friends again.” She looked different and he couldn’t quite pinpoint how. Maybe he was different.
He took a step but didn’t go close. “Friends? I hope so.” Tossing off his hat, he kept his gaze steady. “I’m a jackass. I should have spoken to Brody weeks ago. I should have told him the truth.”
“I’m as much to blame. I guess I just thought that once we told him, anyone, it would change things for us.”
“Why?”
Her bottom lip fluttered. “I was afraid you’d feel like we’d taken things too far and walk away.”
“Possibly I would have, that was until I realized how I feel.” He tore a hand through his hair. “I told Brody that I don’t care what he thinks. I want you, Daisy. I know I have a lot of making up to do—”
“Did you say you want me?” Her eyes glistened. “This isn’t a game. I need someone who can offer me a future. Someone who can commit to me and the—”
“Don’t count me out, Daisy. A lot of people would, but I need you to believe and trust in me. I have never given my heart to anyone and I can see how that’d scare you into thinking I’m not capable of the emotion. I promise you, with each day my heart will grow bigger. Place your bet on me. I won’t let you down.”
“What about a child? Is that in the cards too?”
“Yeah…sure. We’re moving a little fast here, but I’m not against having a kid.”
She looked down at the floor and when she brought her gaze back up, tears had streamed down her cheeks. “If you think talk of a child is too fast then you should leave.” She turned her back to him.
He crossed the distance to her. “What is this, Daisy?” He wanted to hold her. Craved to feel her against him, but he couldn’t touch her until she gave him the go-ahead.
Her shoulders shook. “I-I’m pregnant.”
“What?”
She spun around to face him. “I said I’m pregnant. Only a few weeks, but after five tests it’s pretty clear I’m going to have a baby.” Her cheeks glistened with fresh tears.
He’d always been careful. But he hadn’t with Daisy.
“A baby. Wow. How do you feel? You know, about being pregnant?”
The corner of her lips played with a smile. “I’ve had a few days to absorb the news. It’s a lot, but I’m happy. Incredibly happy.”
“Me too. I’m a little in shock, but I won’t let you down. Or the baby. Damn. A baby.”
“Don’t feel obligated. We can work this out.”
He reached for her hand, holding it between his. “Obligated? I had no clue about the baby when I got here. I meant every word. Sure, a baby changes things, some, but not my feelings. Hell, if you don’t want me, I’ll still be here for you both.”
“Boone…”
“Daisy?”
“There’s never been anyone but you. I don’t think there ever will be. I want you with me. I need you. I’m full of so much emotion.”
He cupped her cheek, staring down into her eyes. “A man knows when he can’t live without someone when everything he used to like and enjoy just isn’t the same without her. Working the land isn’t the same. The sunset isn’t as bright. Beer tastes like sandpaper. And breathing feels like it’s more about survival than living. I truly lived with you, sweetheart. It’s an amazing thing to wake up after being in a slumber.”
She smiled. “It won’t be easy. We might want to kill each other at times.”
“Yeah. Then we make up.”
“No more Talias and Glendas.” She lifted a brow.
“That’s already done. Long before you.”
“We have to continue to grow. No more secrets.”
“Want me to run up to the rooftop and yell it out to the world? I will.” He caressed her cheek with his thumb.
“What would you yell?”
“That I’m the happiest man in Cooper’s Hawk. You’ve made me the happiest man. You make my future brighter.” He kissed her forehead.
She slipped her hand into his. “Come on. It’s late. Something about pregnancy makes a woman exhausted.” She led him into the bedroom and clicked on the lamp.
“You’re ready for bed?”
“Not quiet. There’s something else about pregnancy that I need to share with you.” Her eyes were on fire with need.
“Oh? Are you sure? I’m willing to keep my hands to myself to prove that I love you more than just the sex.”
Her cheeks flushed. “You used the L-word.”
“I did, didn’t I?” He kissed her fully on the lips. “I’m yours, sweetheart. All of me will always want all of you. That’s my solemn vow.”
Not the end but only the beginning.
I love happily ever after stories. And I’m guessing you do too.
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From the author:
Thank you for reading. Please leave a review and let others know your thoughts.
Hugs,
Rhonda Lee Carver
At an early age, Rhonda fell in love with romance novels, knowing one day she’d write her own love story. Life took a short detour, but when the story ideas were no longer contained, she decided to dive in and write. Her first plot was on a dirty napkin she found buried in her car. Eventually, she ran out of napkins. With baby on one hip and laptop on the other, she made a dream into reality—one word at a time.
Her specialty is men who love to get their hands dirty and women who are smart, strong and flawed. She loves writing about the everyday hero.
When Rhonda isn’t crafting sizzling manuscripts, you will find her busy editing novels, blogging, juggli
ng kids and animals (too many to name), dreaming of a beach house and keeping romance alive. Oh, and drinking lots of coffee to keep up with her hero and heroine.
For other titles by Rhonda Lee Carver, please visit: www.rhondaleecarver.com.
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Other books by Rhonda Lee Carver
Rhonda Lee Carver Books by Series
Tarnation, Texas Series
Hitched (Book 1)
The Cowboy's Son (Book 2)
Pour Me a Drink (Book 3)
Cowboy State of Mind (Book 4)
Big Hearted Cowboy (Book 5)
Mountain Force Series
Justice by the Lawman (Book 1)
Secured by the Lawman (Book 2)
Tormented by the Lawman (Book 3)
Lawmen of Wyoming Series
Protected by the Lawman (Book 1)
Wanted by the Lawman (Book 2)
Seized by the Lawman (Book 3)
Claimed by the Lawman (Book 4)
Sheltered by the Lawman (Book 5)
Taken by the Lawman (Book 6)
Saddles & Second Chances Series
Roman's Choice (Book 1)
Penn's Fortune (Book 2)
Weston's Trouble (Book 3)
Urban's Rush (Book 4)
Hugh's Chase (Book 5)
Cowboys of Nirvana Series
Cowboy Paradise (Book 1)
Ropin' Trouble (Book 2)
Smoke. Fire. Cowboy (Book 3)
Kissed, Spurred & Valentined (Book 4)
Cowboy is Mine (Book 5)
The Discreet Cowboy (Book 6)
A Perfect Cowboy Daddy (Book 7)
Cowboys Forgive (Book 8)
Second Chance Cowboy Series
Second Chance Cowboy (Book 1)
Second Ride Cowboy (Book 2)
Second Round Cowboy (Book 3)
Second Dance Cowboy (Book 4)
Second Song Cowboy (Book 5)
Second Burn Cowboy (Book 6)
Second Hope Cowboy (Book 7)
Second Sunrise Cowboy (Book 8)
The KNIGHT Brothers Series
Pride and Pleasure (Book 1)
His Weekend Wife (Book 2)
The Darkest Knight (Book 3)
Letting Go Series
Letting Go (Book 1)
Legacy (Book 2)
Without You (Book 3)
Rhinestone Cowgirls Series
Under Pressure (Book 1)
Pressure Rising (Book 2)
Pressure Point (Book 3)
Secret Pressure (Book 4)
Resisting Pressure (Book 5)
Studs in Scrubs Series
Hot as Hell (Book 1)
Dirty as Hell (Book 2)
Smooth as Hell (Book 3)
Buttermilk Valley Series
Unexpected Hero (Book 1)
The Lawman's Promise Book 2)
Wicked Wolves Series
Wicked Pleasures (Book 1)
Wicked Lust (Book 2
Other books by Rhonda Lee Carver (Not part of a series)
A New Year’s Cowboy
Leather for Two: Wings of Steel MC
Fighting Flames
Double Dare
With Honor
Sin with Cuffs
Friends with Benefits
Dreaming Ivy
Castle’s Fortress
Delaney’s Sunrise
Diamond in a Rose
BONUS READ. All Cowboy and Charm
All Cowboy and Charm
(Book 1, The Brothers of Dove Grey Series)
By Rhonda Lee Carver
Copyright © 2021 by Rhonda Lee Carver
www.rhondaleecarver.com
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission from the author, Rhonda Lee Carver, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages written in a review. For information, please contact Rhonda Lee Carver at [email protected].
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, incidents and dialogue in this work are from the author’s imagination and creation. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.
This book is for your personal pleasure. Ebooks are not transferrable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. If you have enjoyed this book and wish to share with another reader(s), please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work the author invested in this book.
This book contains material that isn’t suitable for anyone under the age of 17.
For more titles by Rhonda Lee Carver, please visit www.rhondaleecarver.com or see her complete list of novels at the end of this book.
CHAPTER ONE
MELANIE JANE STARED at the letter she held in her shaking hands then dropped it onto the counter. Inhaling a long breath, she looked at her best friend, Steven, in utter disbelief. Since she’d received the mind-perplexing news two days ago, she’d been wandering around in an uneasy cloud.
Sniffing back another round of tears, she slipped off the barstool in her kitchen, needing to do something with all her restless energy. Grabbing one of the wine bottles from the selection on the metal rack, she felt Steven’s curious gaze on her. “Don’t worry. I’m not opening this for me,” she said. “At a time like this, it seems that one of us should indulge.” She popped the cork and poured him a glass.
His groomed brows scrunched. “Are you going to be alright, sweetie?”
“Once the shock fades…yes. Maybe. This wasn’t how things were supposed to happen. You’ve known me for eight years. I like having things in order.” As her editor, he’d not only helped her become a bestseller, but he’d been her best friend too. “I can always rely on you to be honest, in writing and in life, even when it hurts. This time is no different. I need your opinion.”
“Look, honey—” He gulped down half the wine in the glass and stretched the collar of his shirt. “You wanted a baby and you got one. It went exactly as you paid good money for it to happen.” He pushed his trendy blue frames further up the bridge of his thin nose.
Grabbing a tissue, she blotted at the moisture on her cheeks. “How does something like this happen? I poured over hundreds of donor profiles and found the perfect match. Now the clinic is telling me I was inseminated with some random man’s sperm. How am I supposed to handle this?” Saying the words made her throat tighten.
“If you would have simply taken my sperm from the beginning this could have been prevented. Are my genes not good enough? Believe it or not I’m a distant relative to JFK.” He gave a dramatic fluff of his longish hair.
“Stevie, you know I love you, but we talked about this. You’re my best friend and a great one at that. I didn’t want anything to be awkward between us.” She capped the wine bottle. Since the pregnancy test had come back positive two weeks ago, she’d been on a hormonal roller coaster. Getting pregnant had been what she wanted so maybe Steven was right. Did it really matter who the father was if her baby was healthy? And yet, honestly, it did matter.
Hearing her friend’s sigh, she flicked her gaze to him. “What is it?”
“A mental image of all those test tubes of seeds sitting on some lab counter makes me shudder. Did the tech play a game of eenie meenie miney mo trying to decide which specimen was due to be loaded into the turkey baster?” He chuckled.
“I told you, they didn’t use a turkey baster and making random choices of specimens isn’t part of the process.” She trudged into the adjoining living room and dropped onto the couch.
He twirled on the stool. “They were cleaning out their refrigerator, destroying old semen and somehow they got the tubes switched? That sounds like something you’d write in one of your horror novels.” He rolled his eyes. �
�Honey, you were inseminated with semen past its sell-by date.”
“Specimens can last for fifteen years. We’ll never know exactly how the switch happened, or who my child’s biological father is, so I should just somehow move forward.” But moving forward required some answers. After all, this wasn’t a bag of lettuce she could simply toss out because it was expired. This was a child she loved already, a lifetime commitment. What if a chronic disease was genetically passed down? Wouldn’t she want—need—to know? “Maybe once the donor receives the letter regarding the switch he’ll reach out to me.”
Steven cleared his throat and drummed his manicured fingers, looking like he was ready to explode in anticipation.
“Spit it out.”
“Just saying, you’re going to owe me big time.” A grin crept over his lips. “The next time you take a trip to one of those exotic, all-inclusive islands you just keep in mind who has your back.” He slipped off the stool and came to sit down next to her. “Remember the cute lab technician we met at the book release party last year? The one with flowing hair and swoon-worthy green eyes? Anyway, you’ll never guess where he works when he isn’t modeling.”
“At the fertility clinic?”
“No.”
“Okay. Where?”
“I thought I remembered him saying his dirty day job was at a lab and don’t all techs network? Anyway, I called him, and it just so happens he dated a worker at your fertility clinic who owed him a huge favor. With a little persuasion, and a promise to read a book he wrote, I managed to talk wolf-eyes out of a little four-one-one.” He reached into his designer jacket and withdrew a plain white envelope.
“Steven? Is that what I think it is?” She started to grab it, but he held it just out of her reach. “What are you doing?”
“In this is the name of your baby daddy. That’s serious. Do you really want to know who knocked you up?” He tapped the envelope. “I feel like I’m on a Jerry Springer show ready for a paternity test reveal. Who do you think it’ll be? Test tube A or test tube B?” He wagged his brows.
Cowboy Boone (Cooper's Hawke Landing Book 4) Page 17