Cowboy On Her Doorstep (Montgomery Brothers Book 1)

by Pam Mantovani

  A short time later, Logan lifted Marissa off the horse. While Carter led the horse to the barn, Logan bent over to talk with Marissa, making sure he had her attention. She nodded at what he said, and Kendall thought their little girl looked solemn. Then Kendall sighed when Marissa grinned and threw her arms around Logan’s neck. In the next instant, Marissa ran over to where Kendall opened the gate.

  “Mamma. Did you see me? I did it right. Three times.”

  “I’m so proud of you.” Kendall scooped Marissa up into her arms and kissed her dusty cheek. She felt the pinch of her heart to go along with the one at the small of her back. “I’m not going to be able to pick you up much longer.”

  “I’m getting bigger,” Marissa declared. “Mamma.” Marissa pressed her hands to Kendall’s cheeks. “Daddy says I can ride in the rodeo.”

  “Did he?” Kendall looked over Marissa’s shoulder as Logan approached. She lifted a brow but got only a grin in return. “Well, he’s the expert. I guess we’ll trust what he thinks.” Marissa threw her arms into the air and cheered. Kendall eased her down.

  “Why don’t we all celebrate this news? You and Audra go find Uncle Carter and ask if he wants to join us for dinner.”

  “What are you up to?” Logan asked when both Marissa and Audra walked away.

  “It’s like I said, we can have a family dinner and celebrate Marissa’s accomplishment.” She slanted him a look. “If you’re lucky, Audra will do the cooking.”

  “I think it’s more to the point that you’re cooking up something between the two of them.” Logan closed the gate at his back.

  “You’re the one who told me you thought Carter was interested in Audra.”

  “And we need to let them do this in their own way.”

  “Marissa will be married with children of her own at the rate Carter moves.” Kendall grinned when Logan winced. “Okay, okay. I won’t say anything more. Maybe you should take a walk with me so I don’t interfere.”

  “In a minute.” He drew her into his arms, gave her a long, stirring kiss. “Hi. How was your day?”

  “It was good, really good. How was yours?”

  “Better now.” He kissed her again. “Now we can take that walk.”

  “Easy for you to say, my knees have turned to jelly.”

  Logan laughed and kissed her again. In a habit Kendall expected they would continue the rest of their lives, they started for the spot where they’d first made love more than a year ago.

  Along the way, Kendall told him about Audra’s hope of renting out Carter’s old barn. Logan again teased her about matchmaking, which this time she didn’t deny. They came to a stop at the edge of the small creek.

  Kendall looked up at Logan, suddenly nervous. “Sheriff Owens informed me today that Lloyd Miller was arrested in Idaho. He’s being extradited and will stand trial for Robbie’s shooting.”

  “You’ll have to testify.”

  “And I’ll do so with pleasure.”

  Logan drew her against his chest, holding her secure in his arms. “I’ll be in the courtroom with you.”

  “I know.”

  They talked a bit longer before she stepped back, wanting to see his face. “I just hope the trial is over before the baby comes.”

  He blinked as if he hadn’t heard her right.

  She cocked her head and smiled a little. In his eyes, she saw the same stunned wonder she’d felt today when she walked out of the doctor’s office.

  “Really?”

  “The doctor confirmed today. It’s why I’m late getting home.”

  Before she could say anything more, he let out a whoop and, lifting her, twirled her in a wide circle. His hands, those strong yet gentle hands that she loved, held her secure. His reaction was everything she could have hoped for.

  “Logan,” she laughed.

  “We’re having a baby.”

  “Actually, I think I’m the one who’ll be doing most of the work.”

  Her teasing words were like a douse of water in his face. He went stock-still and slowly, reverently, lowered her to the ground. Kendall bit down on her bottom lip as he kept his hands on her arms, steadying her. She had a feeling this was the start of what she could expect for the next seven months.

  “I love you, Kendall.” He lowered his forehead to hers, closed his eyes. “You’re okay?”

  “Never better.” She huffed out a breath. “I thought about waiting to tell you until later tonight, when we were alone, but I got impatient.”

  “No, here is perfect.” Kendall felt her throat close when he pressed his hands against where their child grew. “I’ll be here with you this time.”

  “Logan, we agreed. No regrets about the past.” It was something they’d discussed often and at length.

  “I’ll always regret not being here with you when you had Marissa,” he countered. When he drew in a deep breath and looked back at her, a wry smile slanted his lips. But his eyes were clear and bright with anticipation rather than dark with past shadows. “Which means I’m going to drive you crazy throughout this pregnancy.”

  She rose on her toes with a laugh and kissed his cheeks. “Not nearly as much as I’m going to drive you crazy with complaints and demands.”

  “That’s a deal.”

  After a soft kiss, he stepped back and held out a hand for her. She felt the warmth and strength of his fingers closing around hers, felt her heart swell with love.

  “Now we really have something to celebrate,” Logan said as they began walking. In the distance they could see Marissa, Carter, and Audra walk from the corral toward the house.

  “Maybe the news of a new baby sister or brother will stop Marissa from nagging us about getting another kitten.”

  Logan laughed and lifted their joined hands to kiss her knuckle just below her wedding ring. “You keep thinking that.”

  Kendall sighed, full of contentment. “I’m glad you came home, Logan. And not just because you’ll be here to help with late nights and diapers.”

  “There’s nowhere I’d rather be than with you.”

  The End

  Want more cowboys? Click to read Cowboy on Her Porch!

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  Acknowledgements

  During my long journey to this point, I often commented that if I never reached the dream of publication I could not regret a moment of the time and effort spent, because I have met so many incredible people who have had such a profound impact on my life. Now, finally, I get to take a moment to publically acknowledge and thank a few of those people. I hope each of you know that I thank you often, and hold you close, in my heart.

  Pat Van Wie, who wanted this almost as much as I did—and always believed it would happen.

  Debra Dixon, more than the magic of your red pen, it’s the gift of your friendship that I cherish.

  Deborah Smith, who has such faith in me, has helped me reach this point, and gave me a conference memory I will never forget.

  Joan Johnston, a supportive mentor and terrific friend.

  To my GRW Sisterhood: Sandra Chastain and Nancy Knight, for establishing a legacy of professionalism and integrity it is my honor to try and maintain; Gin Ellis, I hope you’d be pleased; Julie Dykstra, for always watching my back and our Friday talks; Debby Giusti, whose prayers and faith so often lifted and sustained me; Sia Huff, who helped with the b
eginning and encouraged the rest of the way; Maureen Hardegree, Sally Kilpatrick, Anna Steffl, and Terry Brock Poca, for trusting me to do the jobs; Kim Brock, for a gentle hand of friendship that never fails to make me laugh; Nicki Salcedo, who embraces me with her precious hugs and is a friend I know I can always count on.

  Shannon, Kellee, and Clay—even when you were too young to understand fully this dream of mine, you encouraged me to keep trying. With each disappointment I faced, I rationalized that, by continuing, I taught each of you to follow your heart’s passion. The truth is every day, then and now, each of you amaze me with your courage and compassion. Not only do I love you as my children, but I’m so proud of the adults you have become.

  To my in-laws (and out-laws): Family by virtue of birth and marriage, friends by choice.

  Christine Glover—from that first phone call through all the ones since, we have plotted, talked, vented, cheered, commiserated, and celebrated with an ease and friendship that surpasses being critique partners. You often take me out of my comfort zone, never let me take the easy way, and yet have endless faith in my ability. No matter what happens, I know I can always count on you to pick up my spirits, write a dynamite blurb, help me find my way around or out of a plot hole, figure out a character’s middle name and birthday, or be a conference roomie—all while sharing a glass of wine and a few laughs. This one was yours from the beginning.

  About the Author

  As an Army Brat, frequent moves often meant Pam had to leave friends behind. But no matter where she lived, romance novels were her constant companions. Then she met the man of her dreams on a blind date, and after she married her hero, Pam started writing her own love stories.

  Now she has more friends, imaginary and real-life, than she can count. She’s still happily married to the man who swept her off her feet and gave her the romance of a lifetime. She loves writing about strong women and men who find each other and quilt the fabric of their lives together.

  A member of Romance Writers of America, Georgia Romance Writers, and Southern Magic, Pam’s books have twice been awarded the Maggie Award for Excellence and once for the Linda Howard Award of Excellence.

  When not writing, Pam enjoys quilting, planting beautiful flowers, home improvement projects, and spending time with her wonderful family.