Montana Cowboy's Baby. Linda Ford
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Название: Montana Cowboy's Baby
Автор: Linda Ford
Издательство: HarperCollins
Жанр: Вестерны
isbn: 9781474068079
isbn:
But it would be wrong to ask Kate to stay. She’d made it clear she planned to devote her life to medicine. He’d hoped she’d show some kind of relief or give him a bright smile when she learned he wasn’t Ellie’s father. But her response had been cold. Enough to inform him she wasn’t interested in accepting any attention from him.
Not that he felt he could offer such. Ellie’s future held so many unknowns. Would Thelma return alone and seeking his help or with a husband in tow? A husband would leave Conner with no right to decide what was best for Ellie.
He was reluctant to leave Ellie in someone else’s care, but he couldn’t continue to hang around the house. He had to pull his share of the workload on the ranch plus work on breaking his horses. Nor could Kate stay much longer. She had her own plans.
God in heaven, send us Your answer. Send us help. Trust calmed his heart. It was strengthened as he remembered it was an oft-repeated prayer of his mother’s.
He glanced past Kate. Annie had slipped away and they were alone, leaving him free to speak his heart. “Kate, you are more than a doctor’s assistant. You do realize that, don’t you?”
She shook her head, her eyes cooling.
“You admit you love this baby. Just as I do.”
She started to turn away, but he caught her by the shoulder and her gaze returned to him.
His heart stalled at the hungry, desperate look in her eyes.
She stood upright and backed away. “I’ll see if Annie needs any help.” She walked through the door, crossed the dining room and went to the kitchen.
She’d explained her reasons for choosing to be a doctor and denying herself a family. On one hand, they seemed noble and good. On the other...well, it sent regret pulsing through every part of his body. It was too great a sacrifice.
Someone came to the door. He recognized Isabelle’s voice. Of course. The answer to his prayer. Why hadn’t he thought of her? She could help with the baby.
The three young women visited in the kitchen. He couldn’t hear what was said but knew Annie and Kate would be bringing Isabelle up to date on recent events. Isabelle had popped over for a quick visit last night but didn’t linger, anxious to be back in her own home.
He smiled at Ellie and whispered, “We’ll ask Isabelle to help with your care.” Even as he rejoiced in the answer to his prayer, his insides twisted. Isabelle would take the baby to her house. Conner wouldn’t be able to see her as often as he liked.
The three ladies entered the room.
Isabelle crossed to Conner’s side and squeezed one of his hands. “They said Jesse has called. I hope he can find Thelma quickly.”
His jaw muscles twitched. “Ellie is going to stay here.” He knew he didn’t have the right to make such a claim, but his heart had spoken. He would do all he could to keep the baby.
Isabelle looked from Kate to Conner and back again. “You’re going to stay here as well?” she asked Kate.
“For a few more hours only.”
“Then what happens to Ellie?”
This was Conner’s opening. “I hoped you would agree to help.”
“Me?” She drew back. “But I know nothing about babies. Not even how to feed them.”
“Kate would show you, wouldn’t you?”
Kate nodded, though she didn’t appear overjoyed about it. Dare he believe it meant she was reconsidering her decision? Conner hoped she would look at him. If she did, could he communicate his wish that she could be a more permanent part of Ellie’s care?
Now hold on one minute, he warned himself. It was premature to be making future plans for the baby. Nothing could be decided about her until Jesse found Thelma. Besides, he knew Kate’s plans and they didn’t include a baby.
Isabelle had turned to Kate. “Do you really think I could learn to look after her?”
Kate chuckled. “If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times or more. You can do just about anything you set your mind to.”
Isabelle laughed softly. “You’ve certainly said it a number of times. But that doesn’t mean you’re always right.”
Kate smiled serenely. “But I am this time.”
Isabelle looked at Ellie, who watched Conner as if trying to understand how this conversation would affect her.
“She is very sweet. Yes, I’ll check with Dawson, and if he has no objections, I will help with the baby.” She grinned as if pleased with her decision.
“Good.” Conner was pleased, too.
“There you go. Things have a way of working out, don’t they?” Kate’s words, no doubt meant to sound encouraging, carried a note of regret. At least that was what Conner allowed himself to believe.
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