The Rancher's Baby Proposal. Barbara Daille White

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СКАЧАТЬ their teas arrived. Ally’s quick drink left the straw candy-tipped from her lipstick. She smiled at him. “So, how has the big, bad city been treating you all these years? Well enough, I guess, or you would have been home again before now.”

      “Houston did treat me well, I have to admit.” The woman he had met just before graduation was another story. “Going to school there was a good experience, one I don’t regret. But I’m not in Houston anymore. I’ve got a job outside San Antonio, sales manager for a distributor of farming equipment.”

      She blinked those big dark eyes. “Why would you be selling farm equipment, when you have a ranch right here to come home to?”

      “It pays the bills.”

      “Oh.” His curt reply had thrown her. It didn’t keep her down for long. “Well, I can certainly see the benefits of that.”

      He hoped so. Just as he hoped this meeting would benefit them both. But he wanted to lead up to his idea slowly. And he didn’t want to say too much about the past. If he had his way, neither Ally nor anyone else in Cowboy Creek would learn what happened between him and the woman he’d loved and had thought loved him, too.

      He grabbed his tea glass. He had skipped the straw and now took such a long swallow, ice cubes clattered against his front teeth. “What about you? You didn’t sound so overjoyed about the job at the store.”

      Even with her tanned skin and the pink makeup on her cheeks, he saw the telltale darkening of her flush. “I was just joking, pointing out the differences between us. Actually, it’s a great job. Of course, I could always use some extra money. Who couldn’t? But there’s not a lot of work in Cowboy Creek, unless you’re a cowboy or want to help decorate for weddings at the Hitching Post. I’d rather decorate a cowboy.”

      She shot him a flirty grin. “Kidding again, in case you didn’t catch that. But, honestly, since I still live at home, my bills aren’t too bad.”

      “How are your parents doing?”

      “Great. Papa’s still working at the car dealership, and Mama’s still spoiling us both, making us breakfast before we head out to work every morning.” She laughed. “Mama’s always complaining my hours cut into her beauty sleep. But I’m an early riser, which means the seven-to-three shift works for me. Plus, it leaves my evenings free.”

      The perfect opening. “Yeah, so you’d said. You still like to hang out at the Cantina?”

      “Sometimes. My friends and I will go there for the dance nights. Or go to the movies or bowling. You know, all the highlights of Cowboy Creek.”

      He laughed. “Yeah. I remember. I wanted to ask about the time you said you had free. While I’m here, I could use some help in the late afternoon and maybe some evenings.”

      Ally reached for her tea glass again and hoped Reagan couldn’t see her hand shaking. This was Reagan Chase, the boy she had had a crush on all through school, the boy who had barely seemed to notice she was alive. Even back then, to her, he had looked hotter than a jalapeño—and he had grown up to become a man who looked ten times better than he had years ago.

      And that man wanted her help.

      “Of course,” she said brightly, trying to hide her elation. “I’d be happy to give you a hand. Since you haven’t been home since...since your mama and then your father died, I’m sure there’s a lot to be done at the house. I’m sorry about your parents, Reagan,” she said in a softer tone, “and sorry I never had the chance to tell you before today.”

      How could she—or anyone else in Cowboy Creek—have told him? He hadn’t been home since before his mama died.

      He nodded.

      She hesitated, then said, “It’s been over a year since your father passed. What brings you home now?”

      He looked down at his glass. She felt sure he wouldn’t answer. Too late, she realized maybe she shouldn’t have asked.

      Finally, he said, “The right way to phrase that question probably is why haven’t I come back before now.” He shrugged. “This was the first chance I had to get here.”

      “Well, I’m glad you’re back. Everyone else will be, too. And I’m happy to help you empty closets, sort through cabinets, do some cleaning.”

      But not clearing out. Now you’re here, tell me you’re going to stay.

      “Thanks,” he said, “but that’s not the kind of help I need.”

      Because you are planning to stay.

      Her heart nearly jumped from joy. She couldn’t help the reaction. She’d had years of history behind her when it came to caring about Reagan.

      “That’s fine, too,” she assured him. “If it’s anything to do with paperwork, I can help. I do some of the parts orders and the filing at the store. And Tina’s a bookkeeper. She’ll help me out if you need to do anything with financial paperwork or taxes. So...what can I do for you?”

      He smiled, and her heart gave an extra thump.

      “While I’m in town,” he said, “I need a babysitter.”

       Chapter Two

      Reagan’s matter-of-fact statement sent a shock wave all the way down to Ally’s toes. “A...” She gulped. “A b-babysitter?”

      “Yes.”

      “For a baby? Your baby?” Now, her heart plummeted. He had a child. Did he also have a wife?

      Why hadn’t she thought of that before she had agreed to meet him here? Wildly, she sent her gaze to his hand then back to his clear blue eyes. No ring on his finger. Not that a lack of one meant much. She saw enough married men, especially cowboys and ranchers, come into the store without their wedding rings. Jewelry could become a hazard to people who worked around equipment and livestock.

      If she were married, she would wear a ring. She would want people to see the symbol of her love, of her devotion—once it was a done deal. However, she hadn’t met the right cowboy yet...because no other cowboy could live up to Reagan Chase.

      “Yes,” he said, “I need a babysitter for my baby. I’m not married,” he added flatly.

      Relief flooded through her. Though curiosity about his past filled her, too, she knew she had to focus on the here and now. She nodded, not sure what to say.

      “It’s a long story. One I’d rather not get into. But I have a one-month-old son. I’ve got someone to watch him during the day. You know Mrs. Browley?”

      “Of course. She’s one of my mama’s best friends.”

      “She was to my mom, too. They spent a lot of time together at the women’s club and planning events at the community center.”

      “I remember,” she said softly. “Everyone misses her.”

      “Yeah.” He stripped the covering from the straw he hadn’t СКАЧАТЬ