Once a Rancher

by Linda Lael Miller

  “This has certainly been an interesting day.”

  It became more interesting.

  She said slowly, “I think we could try living at the ranch and see if it works for us. I like having my own space, but Ryder would love being there. And having your family around would help me, not just with him, but if we do have a baby. You’ll be away a lot. I’m not talking built-in babysitters, although I’m sure they’d be all over that. I’m talking family.”

  There were two deer standing in the driveway to the ranch, so he waited until they loped off. “I’m really willing to work on the baby thing.”

  “You,” she said, “have turned my life upside down. I’d just gotten it all in order and then you come along.”

  He loved her sulky smile and how she completely failed to convince him she meant it. “Really?” he said as they went up the drive. “Life in order? Seems to me you moved, inherited your ex-husband’s problem child, started a new career, had serious trust issues and acquired a stalker. You met me, and now your life’s in order.”

  “Oh, right. I’m getting married for the second time—something I swore I’d never do—I’m apparently going to live with my rambunctious in-laws, including a housekeeper who rules with an iron fist, your brother the wizard and the other one who plies me with wine. And we have to ride off into the sunset every evening since that’s your favorite way to relax.”

  He glanced at her, eyebrows slightly raised. “Well, that point can be debated. There’s another way to relax that I like even more. It involves a different kind of ride, but it’s still you and me together.”

  That won him a genuine laugh despite the tense evening. “I’ll give you the sweet-talking cowboy award, but you lose in the subtle category, Carson.”

  “Hey, I wasn’t even aiming for that belt buckle.” He parked the truck in his usual spot. The porch lights were on, and he knew both his mother and Harry would be up, waiting anxiously.

  He leaned over and put his thumb on Grace’s chin to tilt her face up to his. “I am planning to enter the best husband category, though.”

  Just before he kissed her, she whispered, “You go, cowboy.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  SHE WAS NERVOUS, which made no sense. Or maybe it did.

  It wasn’t as if she hadn’t done this before.

  Well, that was the point, wasn’t it? Grace had been a bride before, but—as she reminded herself emphatically—she’d never married Slater Carson. And she’d never had a birthday wedding. Daisy had very sweetly asked her father if they could have the wedding at her party. So she could wear her new dress in front of everyone, she said. That was what she wanted for her present.

  Considering that he’d been stumped by what to give her, the look on Slater’s face was priceless.

  Since the wedding was so last-minute, Blythe and Harry had gone straight into high gear. Grace still had to work at the resort so she was grateful for the help. Not surprisingly, based on what she’d learned about those two formidable women, she hadn’t been involved in the plans.

  She adjusted the two combs holding her hair in a chignon of sorts and looked at it critically.

  “I like it that way,” Raine said. “Although… I’d tell you he loves you for your mind, but that’s giving any man too much credit. I think he fell in love with your hair. Wear it loose,” she advised.

  Grace turned around. “He likes my sense of humor.”

  Raine, beautiful herself in her blue dress, a shade darker than Grace’s, rolled her eyes. “Oh, yeah, that’s it. He took one look at you and made up his mind. He told me so.”

  Melody Hogan and Hadleigh Galloway, who had volunteered to pitch in with wedding preparations the minute they heard about it, agreed with her. “Yes,” they said in unison. “Do what she says.”

  Grace could hardly argue against such a united front. It actually felt better, more natural, more her, to have her hair free in long loose curls. She tossed the jeweled combs aside and just finger-combed it. In the giant living room, she could hear children shrieking with laughter as they played a party game. That wasn’t exactly what she would’ve pictured for her wedding—but then, she hadn’t planned on getting married again, so she really hadn’t imagined anything at all.

  She and her attendants walked into the living room to see Slater—handsome in his suit—talking to Ryder and his two brothers. Adding to the general mayhem, the two dogs that seemed to follow Drake everywhere were sitting at his feet. All the young girls started clapping at the sight of the bridal party, and a harpist began to play. (Who knew how Blythe had found a harpist in Mustang Creek?)

  Most of the guests had birthday cake on their faces. Children’s birthday party combined with wedding. Daisy strolled out first, and her friends cheered and she waved regally, smiling a wide smile, probably more the star of the day than Grace, which Grace didn’t mind at all. Meg and Raine followed, holding bouquets of white roses provided by Mrs. A.

  It made Slater happy to see his daughter happy, and Grace felt the same way.

  Red walked her down the makeshift aisle. Her parents hadn’t been able to come because of the short notice and the fact that her father had some minor surgery scheduled. Slater had arranged to fly out to Seattle with her next week so he could meet them, and that was met with approval, especially since her mother hated to travel. Although they hadn’t been pleased about her divorce from Hank, they seemed much more accepting of her new marriage than she’d expected. And to her delight, her brother and his family would meet them in Seattle.

  Red wore new boots, but that was his only concession to the solemnity of the occasion. The usual flannel shirt, old hat (removed for the moment) and jeans. Everything was neatly pressed, probably thanks to Harry.

  He grinned as he offered his arm. “You’re making a powerful mistake, young lady.” He patted her hand, eyes twinkling. “I’m the better catch. Oh, sure, he has looks, talent and all his hair, but I’m like that old stallion who’s proven he can run the course. We could still sashay off together. You positive about that young fella?”

  Grace nodded, although she did her best to appear regretful. She knew just what he was asking. “I’m afraid that, tempting as your offer is, I’m positive. He’s the one.”

  “That, honey, is exactly the answer I needed to hear. Slater’s been waiting for you his whole life. That hooligan is like my own son. Good to see him so sweet on the right girl.”

  Grace could swear he was misty-eyed. Slater had already said that Red must be getting soft in the head because of that comforting hug he’d given her, but if he cried in front of the Carson boys and their guests, she had a feeling he’d never live it down. She whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep him in line.”

  “Well, he’s about to officially become the thorn under your saddle, not mine, young lady. The preacher seems to be ready so I’m handing over the reins. You ready, too?”

  “I can’t believe it, but I am.”

  That was the truth. And nothing but the truth.

  *

  HAPPIEST DAY OF his life, hands down. Took the trophy.

  It even eclipsed the day Daisy was born, whole and perfect, because she was part of this celebration, as well, as junior bridesmaid. She wore a long blue dress to match the one Grace had chosen, enjoying her birthday with glowing joy and being quite the little princess. She looked like one to him, but he was her father, so objectivity could be in question.

  The audience was an array of family and friends, not more than about thirty people, including Mrs. A and her husband, the Galloways and Hogans and Calders—and the vet, Jaxon Locke, and his wife. His mother’s desire for the typical big wedding had been eclipsed by Daisy’s request, and he knew Grace was relieved since, short notice aside, she’d been through that kind of very public event before and had no interest in doing it again. He also knew she would’ve preferred more time… Still, to her credit, she embraced the idea of small children running amok and causing general mayhem on her wedding day. />
  He didn’t care one way or the other. He just wanted Grace Emery to become Grace Carson.

  She looked incredibly beautiful.

  His brothers were acting ridiculous. If they weren’t unmistakably kin, he’d disown them both. They grabbed her away from Red and kissed her soundly before the ceremony had even started, undoubtedly to irk him.

  “Sorry,” he told Grace as they joined hands in front of the preacher once the shenanigans were over. “They have a…quirky sense of humor.”

  Drake merely smiled as he took his place next to Slater. With his dogs, for heaven’s sake. Harold and Violet just sat politely, ears forward.

  Mace winked at Grace. Ryder grinned.

  She was laughing, with that lovely telltale blush on her cheeks. She squeezed his hand. “Your problem is you don’t think you have an expressive face, but you do. They know how to get to you. Now, if this makes you feel better, they came to me individually and said I’m the luckiest girl on earth to be marrying you.”

  His brothers looked at each other accusingly. Drake said, “You did something that sappy?”

  Mace countered, “Apparently, so did you.”

  Standing beside Grace, Daisy piped up. “Uncle Drake, Uncle Mace, I win! I told her first.”

  One of the most touching moments in his life was when Daisy had said on the day she heard about the engagement that she thought Grace was making a “perfect” decision.

  From the mouths of babes…

  Except that she was eleven now, today, so not a baby anymore. She’d become a wise little girl.

  Grace pointed out, “Maybe we should get this started. It might not be the most orthodox wedding ever, but it’s still a wedding.”

  He couldn’t agree more.

  And after the ceremony and the celebration came the wedding night… Enough said. The minister spoke, and Slater was fairly sure he repeated the right words, but if he didn’t, not one person called him on it. Finally he heard the magic phrase. You may kiss the bride.

  He leaned down and threaded his fingers through her hair, looked at her luscious mouth, and then, just to tease her, kissed her forehead.

  A nice kiss. Soft and affectionate, but he knew Grace, and she wasn’t having that.

  “No way, Carson.” She caught his tie and pulled him down for the real deal, and then they were both laughing. He picked her up to the cheers of a group of eleven-year-olds and the enthusiastic guests, all applauding as he carried her out of the room. Even Ryder was clapping.

  “Yes way, Carson,” he said as he headed for the front door. “We have a date at the finest suite in a certain resort right here in Bliss County. I’m going to fill out the satisfaction questionnaire afterward, by the way. Just giving you fair warning.”

  She tossed back all that gorgeous hair and gave him a sultry stare as he carried her to the truck. “I’m expecting to get an A-plus rating.”

  She did.

  *

  Read on for a sneak preview of

  TEXAS REBELS: JUDE,

  from award-winning author

  Linda Warren’s TEXAS REBELS miniseries.

  When Paige Wheeler returns to the small Texas town where they both grew up, will Jude Rebel be able to tell her he kept the child she gave up for adoption…or will he continue to protect his heart?

  On sale April 2016

  from Harlequin American Romance.

  If you loved Once a Rancher, then don’t miss the next installment in the captivating Carsons of Mustang Creek series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, featuring strong, arresting men who embody the West and define what it means to be a rancher, a cowboy and a hero.

  Always a Cowboy

  Order your copy today!

  “Linda Lael Miller creates vibrant characters and stories I defy you to forget.”

  —#1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

  The women of Bliss County are ready to meet the men of their dreams! Don’t miss any of the titles in the charming Brides of Bliss County series:

  Christmas in Mustang Creek

  The Marriage Season

  The Marriage Charm

  The Marriage Pact

  Get ready to be swept off your feet by The Montana Creeds, cowboys to the core, and the women who love them!

  A Creed Country Christmas

  Montana Creeds: Tyler

  Montana Creeds: Dylan

  Montana Creeds: Logan

  A Creed in Stone Creek

  Creed’s Honor

  The Creed Legacy

  For more cowboys, outlaws and stories of romance found in the Wild West, don’t miss any of these great titles in the McKettricks of Texas series!

  An Outlaw’s Christmas

  A Lawman’s Christmas

  McKettricks of Texas: Austin

  McKettricks of Texas: Garrett

  McKettricks of Texas: Tate

  Available now!

  “Linda Lael Miller delivers a powerful novel of love lost and love regained… The author does a great job of letting you into the heart of these characters.”

  —BestRomanceStories.com on McKettricks of Texas: Tate

  Available wherever ebooks are sold.

  Connect with us on Harlequin.com for info on our new releases, access to exclusive offers, free online reads and much more!

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  Harlequin.com/newsletters

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  Looking for a Western romance filled with rugged cowboys who’ll get your heart racing?

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  One Night with a Cowboy: A Western Romance Sampler

  In this new sampler, we’ve rounded up some of our hottest Western reads by some of our most popular and bestselling authors!

  Once a Rancher by Linda Lael Miller

  Untamed by Diana Palmer

  One Night Charmer by Maisey Yates

  Rustler’s Moon by Jodi Thomas

  Home on the Ranch by Trish Milburn

  Hard Rain by B.J. Daniels

  Texas on My Mind by Delores Fossen

  Texas Rebels: Jude by Linda Warren

  Out Rider by Lindsay McKenna

  Hard Silence by Mia Kay

  From traditional cowboys to modern mystery-solving wranglers, you’re sure to find the right Western romance for you! So kick off your boots and get ready to be roped by these hot cowboys as they rein in the women of their dreams.

  Available wherever ebooks are sold.

  Connect with us on Harlequin.com for info on our new releases, access to exclusive offers, free online reads and much more!

  Other ways to keep in touch:

  Harlequin.com/newsletters

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  Retail Value $10,000

  A TOAST TO FRIENDSHIP,

  AN ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME!

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  Sweepstakes ends August 31, 2016

  *

  NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. Purchase or acceptance of a product offer does not improve your chances of winning. Sweepstakes opens 3/1/2016 at 12:01 PM (ET) and closes 8/31/2016 at 11:59 PM (ET). Enter online at www.harlequin.com/myrewards.html?mt=loyalty or by mail at “Ranch Cowgirl Getaway Sweepstakes Alternate Method of Entry”, c/o Harlequin Enterprises Limited, P.O. Box 9042, Buffalo, NY 14269-9042. Open to Harlequin My Rewards members who are legal residents of the continental U.S. or Canada (excluding Quebec) who have reached eighteen (18) years of age or older as of the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. Void in Quebec. One (1) prize available to be won consisting of a 3-night/4-day trip for the winner and three (3) guests to The Resort at Paws Up® ranch resort in Greenough, Montana. Total ARV: $10,770.00
USD. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Full details and Official Rules available online at [www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=2090&chapter=1].

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  Texas Rebels: Jude

  by Linda Warren

  Chapter One

  Jude: the sixth son—the quiet one.

  A cowboy’s broken heart.

  They could say a lot of things about Jude Rebel, but they couldn’t say he wasn’t a good father.

  He’d devoted his life to Zane.

  But tonight for the first time in twelve years he was going out on a date. He swiped an electric razor lightly over his jaw line, leaving a bit of scruff. Women liked an outdoorsy look, he’d been told. In reality he had no idea what women liked. Ever since the day Paige Wheeler had told him “I’m pregnant” his fascination with the opposite sex had come to a screeching halt.

  Paige. They’d discovered sex together and to him it was better than sneaking a beer with the guys, or riding his horse or swimming in Yaupon Creek. It was better than anything he’d ever experienced in his life. Every spare moment he’d spent with her and they were inseparable. Until…

  He shoved the memory back in place where he’d kept it tucked away in a dark corner of his mind. Never Never Land he’d called it. A place he never wanted to visit again.

  His phone lay on the bathroom vanity and he tapped it just to reread her message: Tonight at seven. Can’t wait.

  Annabel Hurley. Blonde, twenty-five, and about the prettiest thing he’d seen in a long time, had asked him to dinner. She was one of Zane’s teachers and they’d spent a lot of time together in the past year trying to figure out ways to keep Zane interested in school other than letting him play video games nonstop. His son was gifted and bored in class because he always completed his assignments before the other kids. Not wanting to move him up a grade for a second time, Jude searched for other answers. Annabel had been a godsend. She was so patient with Zane.

  Going out with Annabel was his first step in putting Never Never Land behind him and not having to shove it to the back of his mind to keep from enduring the pain.