A Cowboy Family Christmas. Judy Duarte

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      She’d said they’d never met, and she was probably right. Her name didn’t ring a bell. Laney? It wasn’t one you heard every day.

      Even though she’d already stepped out of the kitchen, he continued to watch the open doorway until Nate mentioned Drew’s sister.

      “How’s Kara Lee doing?” he said. “It must have been devastating for her to lose another baby.”

      “She’s still pregnant, thank goodness.”

      “Really?” Nate said. “That’s good news. I’d heard otherwise, which would have been a real shame.”

      “There’re a lot of rumors going around.” Hell, Drew had heard most of them.

      “Speaking of babies,” Drew said. “How’s little Jessica?”

      Nate, who’d recently assumed custody of his newborn daughter, a preemie, broke into a proud papa grin. “She’s doing great—and growing like a weed.”

      “And Anna?”

      Nate’s smile deepened. “She’s the best thing that ever happened to me. I love being married.”

      “Better you than me,” Drew said.

      Nate chuckled. “Anyway, I’m glad Kara Lee’s doing all right.”

      “Part of what you heard was true,” Nate said. “She did go into labor the night she caught Craig cheating. Thankfully, her obstetrician managed to stop the contractions, but she’s on bed rest for the time being.”

      “That’s got to be tough,” Nate said. “Especially for an active woman like her.”

      “You got that right, she’s determined to have this baby. And she’ll do whatever it takes.”

      “Well, give her my best,” Nate said. “I know how badly she wants a kid.”

      “This one’s a boy. And she plans to name him Robert. Bobby for short.”

      “I hate to even bring up his name, but how’s Craig fit into the picture? I heard he’s been begging her to forgive him.”

      Drew’s back stiffened. “Where did you hear that?”

      “Just around. There’s been a lot of talk.”

      Drew wished that was one rumor he could debunk, but it was true. Craig had been calling her, promising her the moon. “I can’t see her taking him back. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was still seeing that sexy brunette who was with him in that hotel restaurant.”

      “Knowing Craig like I do, you’re probably right.” Nate crossed his arms. “I didn’t see the video, but a couple of the other guys working here did. They say that woman looked like a pop-star wannabe. Did you see it?”

      “Yeah.” Way too many times. “I didn’t get a clear look at her face, but she was certainly dressed the part in that curve-hugging red dress and high heels.”

      Other than that, Drew didn’t know much about the woman, other than what he’d either heard through the rodeo grapevine or gathered from social media. Rumor had it her name was Elena, that she knew how to get what she wanted and that she’d set her sights on landing a champion bull rider, even if he was married to someone else.

      Now there was another person he’d like to confront—if he ever crossed paths with her.

      Kara Lee had told him that the brunette had claimed it was all a mistake, that Kara Lee had it all wrong. But there were plenty of nearby bars and restaurants where that woman and Craig could have met. So there was only one reason for them to be at a hotel.

      Nate clucked his tongue and shook his head. “Craig never did deserve a woman like Kara Lee. And she sure as hell didn’t deserve the way he treated her.”

      “You got that right.”

      As they both pondered the truth of that fact, the room grew silent for a couple of beats. Then Sully spoke up and snagged Drew’s attention.

      “Where did you two fellas meet?” Sully asked.

      Drew glanced first at the retired cowboy, then at his buddy. “Nate and I competed in the junior rodeo as kids, and we went to the same high school. But when I left for college, I quit the circuit.”

      “I never could figure out why,” Nate said. “Drew was always the guy to beat. He might not look it now, in those fancy duds and shiny new boots, but he’s a damn good cowboy.”

      Drew shrugged off his friend’s compliment, as well as the good-humored ribbing about his success in the business world. “Yep, don’t mess with my hair.”

      They all laughed, but Drew suspected all the rodeo talk struck a tender spot in Nate, who’d suffered a career-ending injury and hadn’t had an option when it came to hanging up his spurs.

      “Do you guys miss the rodeo?” Sully asked. “I sure did when I had to give it up. But we all have to do that at some point. Our bones don’t stay young forever.”

      Nate shrugged. “Sure, I miss it. I loved the thrill of competition. But now I’ve got a beautiful wife and baby, and they’re more important to me than anything. I actually enjoy being at home these days.” He winked at Drew. “Maybe you should consider finding a nice woman and settling down.”

      “You sound like Kara Lee, but I don’t see that lifestyle in my future.” He hadn’t seen it in his past, either. He and his sister had grown up on their mother’s run-down spread outside of Brighton Valley, and the only real memories they’d had consisted of hard work and sparse meals.

      “Well, fellas,” Sully said, “if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go check the football spreads. A couple of the guys have a Last Man Standing pool, and I’m still in contention.”

      “Not me,” Nate said. “I had to drop out during the second week.”

      As Sully left the room, chuckling at his good fortune, Nate turned to Drew and pushed away from the table. “I’ve got to get back to work. I’ll let you get started on that interview process. It’ll be lunchtime before we know it.”

      Speaking of lunch, Drew wondered when the cook would be back to start the food prep. He’d like to see her again. Maybe he’d ask again where they might have crossed paths.

      It really didn’t matter, he supposed. Yet for some weird reason, it did.

      * * *

      Lainie had barely gotten to her room when she realized she’d left those darn Dear Debbie letters on the table. Sure, she’d turned them face-side down, but what if...?

      Darn it. The last thing in the world she wanted was for someone on the ranch to see them. So, in spite of her plan to avoid Drew Madison while he was visiting, she hurried back to the kitchen.

      She’d no more than entered the room when Drew pulled out a chair and took a seat at the table, right in front of those blasted letters. He placed his hand on СКАЧАТЬ