Chance's Joy. Patricia Thayer

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      Realizing that she was enjoying the view far too much, Joy redirected her attention to his face. “What are you doing here?”

      “I’m taking you and the baby home,” he said matter-of-factly.

      “But…but you don’t need to,” Joy said, then realized her car was at the ranch, a good fifteen miles out of town. So it seemed Chance Randell was coming to her rescue again. She remembered how soothing he’d been to her in her time of need. But that was before. She couldn’t forget he wanted to buy her out.

      “Look, I’m just making sure you and…Katie, is it?”

      Joy nodded.

      “That you and Katie make it home okay. If Ella were here, she’d tell you to take it easy.”

      “Ella. Is she your wife?”

      A half smile tugged at his mouth. “I’m not married. Ella is the cook and housekeeper at the Circle B.” He raised a hand. “And I don’t know how it is where you come from, but in Texas we help our neighbors.”

      He was right, she was too suspicious of his motives. “I’m sorry. Thank you, Chance, I’d really appreciate a lift to the ranch.” She folded her arms over her tender breasts. “Tell me, do you spend all your free time rescuing women?”

      “I assure you, I have plenty to keep me busy.” His piercing gray eyes held hers. “But I couldn’t sleep nights if I didn’t make sure you and the little one get settled.”

      Joy knew he was right. She had a baby to think about. Katie deserved the best, the best from her mother. “Okay, but I’m going to pay you back for your kindness.”

      He pushed the wheelchair up to her. “I’m sure you will.”

      Chance watched as Joy nodded and went to finish packing up her things. Then the baby was brought in.

      “Here you are, Katie,” the nurse said as she laid the tiny bundle on the bed. “Your mommy and daddy are going to take you home,” the young woman crooned to the infant. She looked up at Joy. “She is so adorable, we really hate to give her up. You and your husband are so lucky.”

      Joy glanced at Chance, and his stomach tightened at the thought of someone as beautiful as Joy Spencer being his. And a child… A yearning hit him like a rock to the gut.

      “Yes, we are,” Joy said. The nurse checked the wristbands on mother and daughter, then left. Avoiding his gaze, Joy tried to explain. “Sorry, it was just easier not to go through the whole long story.”

      “No problem,” he grumbled, then glanced down at the baby who had stolen his heart the second he’d held her. “It’s the closest I’ll come to having a kid.”

      “You never know, Chance. Life is full of surprises.” Joy picked up her child, then took a seat in the wheelchair. “C’mon, Katie, let’s go to our new home.”

      Chance stared at Joy for a long time, thinking about his life and all that the name Randell had cost him. Nice women had stayed clear of the likes of him.

      But since he’d first found Joy Spencer in the barn, he’d been drawn to her. Without question, she’d trusted him to deliver her baby. He glanced at the infant in her arms and his chest tightened. A yearning stirred deep inside him, making him want things he couldn’t afford to want.

      He quickly shook away the thought. He had to stay focused. He needed to convince Joy Spencer to sell him her land. And the sooner she left, the better.

      Chapter Three

      Carrying Katie Rose, Joy walked through the front door of the Kirby house. She glanced around with a gasp. She couldn’t believe this was the same house she’d briefly walked through two days ago.

      From the floors to the windows, everything sparkled. In the living room, the sheets had been removed from the furniture, the cobwebs were gone. The scent of lemon teased her nose as she noticed the high gloss on the tables and hardwood floors.

      “Oh, my, the cleaning fairies must have been here,” she whispered, amazed at the transformation.

      Chance came in behind her, toting baby supplies the hospital sent home with all new mothers. “Ella, our housekeeper, rounded up some of the women from the local church to help get the house ready for you.”

      “They sure worked fast.” Joy eyed him closely, wondering if he’d put in a few hours himself.

      “Well, once word got around, everyone was curious about the new neighbor.” His expression was impassive. “Especially with you just having had a baby. The ladies also did some baking, and stocked the kitchen with a few staples, just until you can get to the grocery store on your own.”

      Joy felt tears well up. “But they don’t even know me.”

      “You’re Lil Kirby’s niece,” he said. “Your aunt was well liked around here.”

      “I guess so.” Joy wiped away a tear, remembering she had only met her great-aunt once when she was a child. Back when her parents had still been married, and Joy had had a family.

      “You okay?” Chance asked.

      She sniffed and nodded, suddenly feeling tired. “Just my silly hormones.”

      “You need to rest. You had a baby less than forty-eight hours ago.”

      Joy caught his silver-eyed gaze. Was it only two days ago that this man had helped her give birth to Katie? If it hadn’t been for his coming to her rescue, she might not be bringing her daughter home today. The thought terrified her. “Did I ever thank you for all your help?”

      “Too many times,” he said. “You need to rest. Wait here, I’ll take the baby upstairs, then come back for you.”

      Before Joy could reply, Chance took the carrier from Joy and climbed the steps to the second floor, returning seconds later.

      “Your turn,” he said as he suddenly swung her up in his arms.

      “Wait, you can’t carry me. I’m too heavy.” Feeling herself blush, she could only loop her arms around his neck, immediately feeling his muscles flex under his skin.

      “You’re not heavy. Besides, you look about as shaky as a new colt. Right now you need to save your strength so you can take care of Katie. I have orders from both the doctor and Ella to make sure you get some rest. And I don’t mess around when Ella gives orders.”

      Joy opened her mouth, but didn’t know how to answer him. He was right, she needed to take care of herself. She was all Katie had. Her body was still sore, and her daughter would soon be awake and wanting to be fed.

      But Joy couldn’t let this big, charge-into-her-life cowboy take over. She had to stand on her own. Soon. But right now, it felt too nice to let someone else handle things.

      Chance reached the top step without even breathing hard. “I figured since this was the largest room,” he said, “you’d СКАЧАТЬ