The Cowboy’s Baby

by Patricia Thayer

Trace had been busy most of the day, and so had Kira. Their paths had only crossed once when he’d gotten in line for the noon meal. She served him a plate of fried chicken, a big helping of potato salad and a smile.

  He liked the smile the best.

  Now, one hundred and forty-one calves had been branded, and eighty-seven castrated into steers which he’d once planned to run in a summer herd. But with the loan payment coming due, he needed to sell them off now, along with some of his heifers. If he got enough money, he could hang on to his breeding bulls a while longer. They were a big part of their future and keeping the ranch going.

  A dark sedan car pulled into the driveway, catching Trace’s attention. The tall, athletic, Jarrett McKane climbed out and walked toward him with that cocky attitude that demanded people’s attention. And he got it.

  Trace was surprised, but more suspicious of his brother’s casual appearance in faded jeans and a dark Western shirt. What reason would Jarrett have to show up at the roundup?

  Trace’s thoughts turned to his older brother’s business proposition. It would be easy to hand back the land, but he knew Jarrett had never felt the same way he did about the ranch. If someone wanted it, for the right price, his brother would sell. Somebody had to want that section of land—and badly—for Jarrett to work so hard to get it back.

  “Hey, bro, I hear you could use some help,” Jarrett said.

  “I’d say you were a little late. We finished the branding a while ago. But if you really want to help out, Cal can use your help separating the yearlings.” He raised an eyebrow. “That is, if you still remember how to ride a horse.”

  His brother’s eyes narrowed. “As I recall, I’ve beaten you in a few rodeos.”

  Jarrett had beaten him in a lot of things. “Then prove it.”

  “I will, but first, I need to say hello to a few people.”

  Trace took hold of his arm. “I won’t have you wheeling and dealing at Kira’s school function.”

  “You’re pretty protective of the little mother-to-be.”

  Trace stiffened as he glanced around. “I’d appreciate it if you’d keep that to yourself. Nothing is definite yet.”

  Jarrett relented. “Sure.”

  “I mean it, Jarrett.”

  “Okay. Okay.” He pulled away and walked off, but slowed his gait when Michele Turner came toward him. Then together the two went toward the branding pens.

  “Trace.”

  He turned around to see Kira. He put on a smile. “How’s it going?”

  “Good, so far. We’re just about to start the contests. Are you able to help with the cutting competition? Mark Petersen is going to handle steer wrestling, and Cal will do the roping.”

  Trace shook his head. “Where do these kids get so much energy?” They started walking toward the branding pen. “I could use a nap.”

  She smiled. “I wouldn’t mind one, either.”

  His gaze locked with hers. “You think they’d notice if we disappeared?”

  Kira swallowed hard, and turned away. “Yeah, I think so.”

  Trace’s body tensed. He tried not to remember those past lazy afternoons when they’d go up to the bedroom and make love for hours. Where had those carefree days gone?

  “I better get going,” he murmured, then turned and walked away. He quickened his steps. He didn’t need to be thinking about Kira right now, especially since they hadn’t been intimate in months.

  He groaned and kept walking. Today was about the kids. He needed to keep his desire for Kira out of it.

  A nearly impossible task.

  Kira stood at the corral fence along with the other kids and parents, watching Trace work Thunder. She’d always been in awe of her husband’s skill with horses. He looked so at ease on the powerful stallion, but there was no doubt who was in charge. Trace.

  She glanced down at his gloved hands. She knew that along with that power came gentleness. A shiver raced through her, recalling the nights he’d stroked her, caressed her body, bringing her endless pleasure.

  “He’s pretty good.”

  Kira fought a blush as she turned to find Jarrett next to her at the railing. “Yes, he is.”

  A mischievous grin appeared on his face. “That’s because I taught him everything he knows.”

  Cheers broke out from the crowd. “Really?” She hadn’t known her brother-in-law as a young man. And just barely got to know him better over the past few years because Trace and he weren’t close. A few holidays here and there when their folks were alive. “Since I’ve never seen you on a horse, I can’t judge.”

  “And you’re loyal to your husband.”

  “Always.”

  “Lucky guy.”

  She’d known Jarrett was attracted to her when she first came to town. But the minute she saw Trace, she couldn’t think of anyone else. “Okay, what do you want, Jarrett?”

  “Can’t I give my sister-in-law a compliment?” He looked toward the corral. “I know things have been rough for you both lately.” He glanced around, then lowered his voice. “Well, what I mean is the adoption.”

  Of course Trace’s brother would be interviewed by the agency. She stepped down from the railing and Jarrett followed her away from the other people. “We’re still in the beginning stages. I’d appreciate it if you kept it quiet for now.”

  “Of course.” He paused. “I never realized that things…I mean I know you two wanted kids, but I never dreamed it was like this.”

  She managed a smile and touched his arm. “It’s okay, Jarrett. I’ve accepted it,” she lied, not wanting to go over this now, or with him.

  He nodded. “Well, if there’s anything I can do. There’s a doctor I knew in college. He’s made a name for himself in the fertility field.”

  It was nice that he wanted to help, but they’d already been to two specialists. “Thank you, Jarrett. We’ve been to doctors, and it hasn’t helped.” She blinked back tears. “Hopefully adoption will give us the family we want.” She told him about the appointment on Monday.

  “That’s great news.” He hugged her. “Is there anything I can do to help? I know it’s expensive.”

  Kira started to answer, when she heard, “We can handle it.”

  They both turned to see Trace.

  She stepped back from Jarrett, seeing the look on her husband’s face. Jealousy? “Trace. I thought you were working with the kids.”

  He moved up beside her and stood close. “Cal and some of the other hands are handling the competition.” He looked at her, but his gray eyes were unreadable. “Thought you might need some help.”

  She managed to pull her gaze away from his. “I’ve just been waiting for the DJ to set up for the dance. Jody Campbell organized everything, she’s assigned all the kids with a job.” She glanced around the area. “Maybe I should go find her. If you men will excuse me.”

  Trace watched Kira walk off. He wanted to go after her, and he would, just as soon as he figured out why his brother was here.

  “Okay, what’s going on, Jarrett?”

  “I told you, I just came by to help out. You should have called me about the roundup.”

  “I’ve called you for help over the years. You’ve always been busy. Why is the ranch suddenly important to you?”

  “Just because I don’t want to run the place doesn’t mean I don’t care about the ranch.”

  “Then prove it. Don’t call in my loan in thirty days. Give me more time.”

  Jarrett hesitated. “If you really don’t have the money, do you think you can keep the ranch going?”

  “Yes, the ranch is making money. I just have other expenses.” He hated telling his brother the details. “Like you said, adopting a baby is expensive. If I need to, I’ll sell off my breeding bulls.”

  Jarrett looked distracted, and Trace caught Michele walking toward them. “Come by my office next week, we’ll talk.” Jarrett rushed off before Trace could say anything.

  Trace had wanted to look up to his older brother, but
years of watching him take from people and receive all the benefits of the favored son had changed that.

  The one time Trace came in first had been with Kira, when she’d chosen him over his brother. Now, he could lose her, too. If that happened, it didn’t matter if he kept the ranch, or not.

  CHAPTER SIX

  THE afternoon was in full swing as Trace kept busy sharing his expertise with the kids. He had Jake Petersen on Thunder, instructing him on the art of cutting.

  Kira noticed that the teenage girls were watching intently. Most of the females were eyeing the boys, but a few of the mothers had their attention square on her husband.

  Had Trace noticed it, too? Did he notice the other women? Desire other women? A woman who could give him a child?

  Suddenly cheers broke out in the arena as Jake completed his task. The boy pumped his fist in the air in celebration. Kira smiled, refusing to let anything interfere with this great day. It was for the kids. Next, Ben Kerrigan climbed on the horse and began his turn. Although he wasn’t as successful, the crowd cheered him on. All except for Jody.

  Kira noticed the teenage girl stayed back from the group, but when Ben got down from his ride, she was waiting for him at the corral gate. After talking a moment, Ben shook his head and stormed off.

  Not good. Kira threw up a prayer, hoping it was nothing more serious than a silly fight, that she’d been wrong about a possible pregnancy. Something she knew about firsthand and could change your life, forever.

  Kira heard her name called and turned around and saw Trace walking in her direction. “Want to try a turn at cutting?”

  “You’re kidding. You want me to make a fool of myself in front of the kids?”

  “You’re a good rider, Kira. I doubt you could ever look foolish.” He tugged on her arm. “Come on, I dare you.”

  Just then a chant started amongst the kids. “Mrs. McKane. Mrs. McKane.” That and Trace’s sexy grin, she couldn’t resist. The kids began to cheer as Trace led her to the horse. “Just remember it’s been a long time since I’ve been on a horse.”

  “It’s okay, Kira. I’ll be close by,” he assured her.

  “Promise?” That had been something they used to say to each other.

  He nodded. “Promise.”

  Kira tore her gaze away to concentrate on her task. She placed her foot in the stirrup and found Trace’s hands on her waist, boosting her up. Once in the saddle, she pulled her cowboy hat down on her head to shield her eyes from the bright sunlight, then looked at her husband. “Refresh me on what to do.”

  “First of all, relax.” He reached up and placed her hands on the horn, letting the reins go slack. “Let Thunder do the work.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  With a wink, he strolled to the side of the corral and called out instructions. When one of the boys released a young steer, the cutting horse took off, twisting and turning, trying to maneuver the cow back toward the fence. Kira kept her legs pressed firmly against the horse and her hands on the saddle horn. It took a while but she relaxed as Thunder did his job, then the bell rang to signal time was up.

  The kids broke into cheers as Trace came out to help her off. “You were great,” he said, then surprised her with a quick kiss on the lips. The crowd roared with approval. A sudden heat rose to her face as Kira made her way back to the fence. Don’t make anything out of his attention, she told herself. It’s only for show.

  Two classmates, Amy and Marcy, rushed to her. “Oh, Mrs. McKane, that was so cool,” Amy gushed. “And Mr. McKane is so good-looking.” Then the girls ran off giggling, quickly distracted by another boy riding Thunder.

  Back to work. Kira turned her attention to the barn and the truck unloading the audio equipment for the dance in a few hours. At the patio area she saw the volunteer fathers starting up the barbecues for the hamburgers. She checked her watch to see that everything was on schedule.

  “Mrs. McKane.”

  Kira turned around to see Jody and Laura hurrying toward her.

  “Jody, Laura, are you having fun?”

  They answered with smiles. “Oh, yes,” Laura said. “We’re going to eat soon. By then the DJ will be ready to start the music. Some of the girls want to change their clothes. I’ve put the Girls Only sign on the bunkhouse door.”

  Kira thought about the room that Trace had been staying in and wondered if he’d locked it. “Do you know what rooms to use?”

  “Mr. McKane gave us permission to use three rooms and a bathroom. He said he locked the rooms we can’t use. And Cal will make sure the boys stay away.”

  “Good. Laura, would you ask your mother to help supervise?”

  “Sure. Come on, Jody.”

  Kira placed a hand on Jody. “I need her to help me with something first.” Kira wanted Jody to stay for the evening, and if that meant finding her something to wear, then that’s what she’d do. “She’ll meet up with you later.”

  At the girl’s nod, Kira took Jody to the house.

  “You don’t have to do this, Mrs. McKane.”

  “I know. But I want you to stay and enjoy the party. You’re a graduate, this is supposed to be a wonderful time for you. Enjoy it.”

  They passed several mothers in the kitchen, setting out the leftovers for supper. With a promise to be back soon to help out, she took Jody through the house and up the stairs.

  “Your house is so beautiful, Mrs. McKane.”

  “Thank you. It’s my husband’s family home.” The first home she’d had in a very long time, since her parents’ death. She wondered how much longer she would call it home.

  Kira walked down the hall into the master bedroom, but when she turned around she’d lost her companion. Then she saw Jody across the hall in the nursery.

  “Jody.”

  The girl jumped. “I’m sorry.” She pointed to the cradle. “Are you going to have a baby?”

  “Sadly, no.” Kira forced a smile. “Trace and I would love to have a child, but so far, it hasn’t happened.”

  “Oh. Sorry, I didn’t mean to be nosy.”

  “It’s okay.” Kira nodded and together they walked into the master bedroom. She went to the closet and began the search. She pulled out a couple of gauzy skirts and a peasant blouse. Kira glanced at Jody. “What size are you, about a four?”

  The girl hesitated, then nodded.

  Kira stopped. “Don’t worry, Jody. I’ve never worn these clothes to school. No one will know that they aren’t yours. Besides, don’t girls borrow clothes from friends?”

  She nodded. “But you’re my guidance counselor.”

  Kira smiled. “Not anymore.”

  Jody finally smiled, too. “I guess not.”

  “Okay, I think this multicolored skirt will work. It has kind of a Western look.” She went to the dresser and took out a bright-pink, cotton top and a wide belt. Then she went to the closet again and found a denim jacket. “It’ll get cool tonight.” She glanced at the girl’s white canvas shoes. “I think your shoes will work with the outfit, but if not, I have boots.”

  The teenager eyed the clothes draped on the bed. “These are so beautiful. What if something happens to them?”

  “They’re only clothes, Jody.” Kira headed out. “When you leave, go out the front door and no one will see you. Now, you better get dressed. I’m depending on you to help supervise the party.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. McKane.”

  “You’re welcome.” Kira shut the door and was surprised to see Trace waiting for her in the hall. “Trace. Is there a problem?”

  “No, but since the girls have taken over the bunkhouse, I was going to shower and change here. Then I heard you in there with Jody.”

  He was coming to their bedroom to change. “Can you wait a few minutes?”

  “I could shower in the guest bath, but my good jeans and boots are in the closet,” he suggested.

  “You go and I’ll bring you your clothes.” She nudged him toward the bathroom.

  He hesitated. “Have I told y
ou what a great job you’re doing today?” He jerked a nod toward their bedroom. “And getting Jody something to wear was awfully nice of you.”

  She shrugged. “She doesn’t have the money to dress like the other kids.” Kira glanced away. “I know what it’s like to be different. To feel left out.”

  He only nodded, then went to the bath, and closed the door. Soon, she heard the sound of the water running in the shower.

  The bedroom door opened and Jody stepped out. “Oh, Jody, you look so cute,” Kira told her.

  “You think so?”

  “Yes, just let me put a little makeup on you,” She guided her into the bathroom. Ten minutes later, she’d fixed her hair and added color to the girl’s cheeks. Pleased with her work, Kira sent Jody off to her friends.

  Trace felt foolish sneaking down the hall in his own house, practically naked. And he wasn’t about to put on his dirty clothes. Not hearing a sound, he peered into the bedroom. His heart shot off pounding when he found Kira standing in front of the full-length mirror. She had on a bright pink and green sundress, and a matching sweater. Her hair was pulled back from her pretty face, hoop earrings hung from each delicate lobe.

  She turned and suddenly gasped when she saw him. “Trace. Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot your clothes.”

  “It’s okay. Is the coast clear?” He glanced around, then stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

  He couldn’t help but notice how her gaze roamed over him. It was so intense it felt like a caress. His breath grew labored, his body definitely aware. “I need to shave. Are you finished in the bath.”

  “Oh, yes, of course.”

  In the past, he’d play this little game and they’d end up in bed. Now, they both seemed awkward, unable to speak. He walked across the room into the bathroom they’d once shared. It smelled of Kira, her shampoo, her body spray.

  He drew a breath like a suffocated man.

  She came to the doorway. “I should get back to the party.”

  He opened the cabinet and was surprised to find all his things still there. He took out his shaving cream. “It should only take me ten minutes and I’ll be down.” He found he liked her standing there, watching. It was like so many times they’d shared and taken for granted. He caught her reflection in the mirror as he applied the cream to his jaw. She still hadn’t left.