Second Chance Rancher (19 page)

Laurel took another bite of her food. After swallowing, she said, “So, you've decided to do some remodeling.”

“It's time,” he told her, knowing Gus wouldn't give in if it weren't for the fact his granddaughter asked him. “And I got Dad to agree.”

Gus shrugged. “I didn't have much choice. The family is expanding.”

“Shh, Papa,” Addy whispered. “It's a secret.”

“What secret?” Laurel asked again.

Kase smiled. “We'll tell you after dinner.”

* * *

A
BOUT
THIRTY
MINUTES
later the meal concluded with dishes of ice cream with chocolate sauce. Then the men carried the dirty dishes into the kitchen.

Laurel still hadn't learned any more about what was really going on, especially when Addy got down from the table and announced it was bedtime. After Addy gave Laurel a hug, Gus walked his little princess up the stairs to bed.

Laurel turned and looked at Kase. “Okay, what's going on?”

He gave her an innocent shrug. “I wanted some alone time with you.”

Remembering the kiss in the car, she wasn't sure if she could handle another. Kase had a way of making her forget her common sense. He crossed the room toward her, and his heated gaze left no denying his desire for her. She wanted this man, too.

He took her hand and said, “Come with me. I have something to show you.”

With her nod they walked down the hall to the office. On the old desk was a set of architectural plans spread across the top.

“I had plans drawn up for an addition to the house.” He pointed to the French doors behind them. “They're going to blow out the entire back of the house and add another suite of rooms. There will be two rooms with another bathroom downstairs, and a large master suite with a bath upstairs. The kitchen will be remodeled, adding space from part of the mudroom.”

Laurel's head was spinning. “This is a big project.”

“It's going to be Addy's and my home.” He removed his tux jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “Come on, I'll show you.” He opened the French doors and they stepped out to a small deck. The sun was setting, and there was a gold-and-orange hue outlining the mountains. The land was dense with giant pine trees. The scene stole her breath.

She leaned against the railing. “It's beautiful here.”

He stood beside her. “It's the reason I wanted the bedrooms on the backside of the house with a wall of windows.” He sighed. “Can you imagine waking up to this view?”

She would love nothing more. “It would be heavenly.”

He turned to face her. The light was growing dim, but she could still see his incredible eyes. He touched her face. “Yes, it would, but only if you're with me.”

Her heart was pounding. “Oh, Kase...”

“Hear me out.” He brushed a soft kiss across her lips. “I love you, Laurel. I don't think I ever stopped. It's just taken me years to wise up and realize what's important. You. You are so important to me, and my family. I want to build a life here with you, Addy and Gus.”

She didn't get a chance to answer as his mouth closed over hers. Suddenly she lost the fight and wrapped her arms around him and gave in to the feelings.

Kase broke off the kiss. “Sorry, you got me a little distracted.” He kissed her nose. “Now, where was I?”

She had no idea. “Something about building a life together.”

He smiled. “So toss out any doubts you have, and I bet I have a solution.”

“This isn't funny, Kase.”

“No, it's serious. I want you in my life, Laurel. I know you hate the fact that your family lost money, and nothing I say will convince you that you aren't to blame. And there's nothing I can do to get that money back, but I have an idea on how to replace it.”

She frowned. “Okay, I'm listening.”

He grew serious. “The first idea is we could invest in Q and L Rental Cabins. Help your dad expand the business.”

“I won't take any money from you,” she argued.

“No, not from me, but from us. We have the foal. The money we get from selling the horse, we can invest in the rental cabins. And any profits we make, we give to Trent and Rory until all the money is paid back.” He paused, then went on. “After talking with both your father and Trent, they'll only accept ten thousand. That's one-third of the money because they feel they should pay, too.”

Laurel was stunned to say the least. “You'd sell your foal?”

He nodded. “Rory and Trent are already drawing up plans for phase two of the cabins. Brooke thinks we should concentrate on weddings and also cater to families, maybe think about adding horseback riding.”

“Seems you've been busy.”

“Of course, this is our future. I don't want to lose you, Laurel, especially over money.”

She was touched and thrilled. “You never lost me, Kase.” But she was still reluctant. “What happens when Hidden Springs isn't enough? When I'm not enough?” Her voice began to fade away. “Sam offered you a job, and I can't compete with that.”

He reached for her. “Ah, baby, this isn't a competition. Sam's job offer was so I could stay here with Addy, Dad and you. The job offer from Sam was to do legal consulting online.” He blew out a breath. “I nearly lost my daughter, Laurel, and I never want another parent to go through that. I want to help fathers who feel they don't have any rights.”

She felt tears well in her eyes. “Oh, Kase. You'd be wonderful at that.”

“So you like the idea?”

She nodded. “Very much.”

He cupped her face tenderly. “Good, because I love you, Laurel Quinn. And I want us to work this time.”

She nodded. “And I love you, Kase Rawlins.”

“The sweetest words I could ever hear. Hold that thought.” He reached into the pocket of his jacket she was wearing and pulled out a velvet box.

Laurel gasped when he opened the lid and she saw an incredible platinum ring with a pear-shaped emerald surrounded by small diamonds. “Oh, Kase.”

“Addy helped me pick it out. So you like it?”

“Oh, yes, but I love you and Addy more. I don't need a ring.”

He wasn't listening to her protest as he went down on one knee in front of her. “Addy instructed me on how a prince is to ask for your hand.” He looked up at her, his expression serious. “Laurel Kathryn Quinn, I love you more than I could ever put into words, but over the next fifty years I'm going to do my best. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Oh, yes. Yes...yes...yes!”

He stood and slipped the ring on her finger, then kissed her until they were both breathless.

“I want nothing more than to carry you off to bed and make love to you, but I promised one little girl that she would be the first to know if you were going to be her mommy.”

Laurel's chest tightened. “Oh, Kase. Do you think she'll be awake?”

“Let's go find out.”

Like two kids, they hurried up the steps and quietly opened the child's door and silently walked inside to find Addy sound asleep.

“I think she's asleep,” Kase said in a loud whisper. “We'll just tell her in the morning.”

“Daddy! Laurel!” Addy sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Tell me what?”

Laurel sat down on the bed. “Sorry to wake you, sweetheart, but we wanted our daughter to be the first to know.” She held out the beautiful ring.

“Oh, it's so sparkly.” She smiled as she looked at Laurel. “Are you my mom now?”

Fighting tears, she pulled the child close. “Now and forever.”

Kase sat down behind her. “And we're going to live happily ever after.”

Laurel felt Kase's arms around her and she knew she found what she'd been looking for. It was definitely worth the wait.

Epilogue

The autumn leaves blew across the Rawlins Horse Ranch's new corral. Laurel rode Wind around the arena, taking him through his reining exercises. Over the past four months, the wayward stallion had shown a lot of promise. And she still trained Ruby Ridge, who made a good showing in Laurel's first reining competition.

Even with the recent move from the Bucking Q to their new home at the Rawlins Ranch a few days ago, both horses had adjusted nicely. Wind seemed to be happy sharing a barn with Honor's Promise. The mare was fat and sassy like all pregnant moms should be.

A pang of envy hit Laurel. Her own desire was still unfulfilled. Although she loved her new daughter, she wanted a baby, Kase's baby.

Since her June wedding to Kase, they'd forgone a honeymoon, but both wanted to add to the family. Maybe now that all the construction on the house and new arena was completed, they could concentrate on each other. Warmth surged through her as her thoughts turned to the sexy man who'd been curled up against her this morning, eager to please her. His every touch, his kisses...

A horn honked, startling Laurel back to reality, and she saw Kase pull his SUV into the driveway. She felt the excitement; her husband and daughter were home. Laurel climbed off Wind and handed the horse off to their new ranch hand, Charlie. She caught up with Gus as he came out of the barn.

“I guess we missed them today, huh?” She hugged her father-in-law. She knew he'd given up a lot with them all moving in together. He had a new suite of rooms on the ground floor with his own sitting room, bedroom and bath. He even had his own entrance, if he wanted more privacy.

“After all these years, this old cowboy loves having his family here.”

She slipped her arm around his waist and together they walked to the car. “We're the ones who've been blessed, Gus. We need you around.”

He nodded. “I just don't want you to feel I'm in your way.”

“I love you being in my way.”

They reached the car as Addy was getting out of the backseat. “Hi, Mommy.”

Laurel's chest tightened hearing her new title. Addy decided on their wedding day that was what she wanted Laurel to be. Her father got a wife and she got a new mommy.

Addy hugged her. “We stopped at Pop Rory's house and saw the new cabins. And I got to ride Firecracker but just for a little bit. Daddy said when we bring my pony here, I can ride more.”

“Yes, you can,” Laurel told her. They hadn't been able to bring all the horses over yet. “Was Mimi there?”

“Yes, she gave me some cookies.” She held out a plastic bag. “I have to save them for after lunch. She was going to see Coralee with Aunt Brooke. She said she would take me the next time.”

It saddened Laurel that their biological mother's Alzheimer's had become a lot more aggressive in the past few months. The last time Laurel had visited her, the woman didn't know her. It was different for Brooke. Coralee had raised her and her twin was hurting over this loss. “We'll both go with Aunt Brooke the next time.”

Gus stepped up. “And how about we go and start on lunch now?” He shuffled the child into the house.

Kase pulled his wife into his arms and relished the feel of her against him. “I missed you today.” He kissed her, reminding him that just hours ago, they'd been making love in their new bedroom, in their new bed. “So much.”

She laughed. “You were only gone four hours.”

“It was
five
hours. Maybe I need to rethink this new career path.”

“Oh, no, you don't. You're a wonderful lawyer, and Sam needs you.”

His good friend Sam Gerrard had done what he promised and opened a small law office in Hidden Springs. Kase went to work in the mornings when he took Addy to school, and did consultations online.

He tossed her a sexy grin that had her body stirring to life. “You're right, I'm enjoying it. How was your morning?”

“It went well. Wind seems to be adjusting to his new home. I worked both him and Ruby pretty much the entire morning. I guess I'm a little tired.”

“I don't know why. Besides training horses and being a new mother and a wife, you've supervised the remodel of the house. You've been going nonstop for months.” He wrapped his arm across her shoulders and whispered against her ear. “Want to go take a nap?”

She arched an eyebrow. “Do you mean a nap, nap?”

He smiled. “We can see how tired you are when I get you upstairs.”

He escorted Laurel through the mudroom, where she removed her boots. In the new kitchen there were pristine white cabinets and dark granite countertops with stainless-steel appliances, including the much-needed dishwasher. Instead of the old maple table, there was a large breakfast bar, where Addy sat eating her peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich.

“Laurel's going to take a nap. I'll change my clothes and be back down in a few minutes.”

Laurel kissed the child on the head, then walked through the great room, then the new open staircase that led to the second floor. Together they walked toward the new section of the house, their sanctuary, the master suite.

Kase opened the double doors and followed his wife into the large ivory-carpeted room. Against one wall was a king-size bed covered in a plush burgundy comforter, adorned with navy and ivory pillows. The other wall was all windows, with a set of French doors that led out to a deck with that glorious mountain view.

Laurel walked to the bed, pulled back the covers and lay down. Concerned, he walked over immediately and sat down next to her.

“I felt fine this morning,” she said.

He brushed wayward strands of hair from her flushed face. “How do you feel outside of being tired?”

She shrugged. “I'm not very hungry. Food kind of makes me sick to even think about.”

Kase caught her pale coloring as she turned to her side. “Honey, I think you've worn yourself out with all the work going on around here.”

He rubbed her back in slow, soothing circles.

“You worked hard, too.” She took hold of his hand. “Sorry, I had plans for this afternoon. I thought we could go horseback riding. Pretty soon it will be too cold.”

There was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Kase called.

Brooke poked her head inside and smiled. “You two decent? I thought I'd stop by, since I was out with Chris.” She walked in, then she frowned. “What's wrong?”

“I'm fine, really.” Laurel sat up. “I guess I've been overdoing it.”

Brooke eyed Kase. “Really. Huh, just a second.” She went into their bath, then returned carrying a box. “I figured you had a few of these on hand.” She gave it to her sister. “Maybe you should use it now.” She started for the door. “I won't say a word until you call me with the news.”

Laurel frowned, then looked at the pregnancy test. She glanced at Kase but couldn't speak. She'd taken the test before and it had come out negative.

She wanted to say that it was impossible to be pregnant, but she couldn't. She looked at her husband. “Don't say anything yet.” She got up off the bed and went into the bathroom.

Nearly ten minutes later she returned to the bedroom. She handed the stick to her husband. “I don't think I can look.”

“Laurel, I know how badly you want a baby, but we've only been trying for a few months.”

“I know. And I get to adopt Addy.” She walked into his arms. Everything always seemed better when Kase held her close. “I'm one lucky girl even if we never have a child.”

“We're the lucky ones, Laurel. Addy and I have you. I love you so much.”

She realized how much her life had changed in just a year. She almost married the wrong man. She discovered she had a different mother, and a twin sister. But most important, she found her way back to Kase. If she had anything to teach Addy, it was to make sure she held out for the right man.

“I love you, Kase Rawlins.”

Kase captured her mouth and she immediately gave in to the heartwarming pleasure he gave her.

He tore his mouth away. “I think we need to see the results.”

She nodded bravely, but her heart pounded in her chest. Was she ready for this? Disappointment. Or motherhood.

Kase eyed the stick, but his expression didn't give anything away.

“Okay, tell me,” she begged.

He looked down at her, his silver gaze warm and loving. “I think we need to go downstairs and ask Addy if she wants a brother or a sister.” A big grin appeared on his face.

“Oh, my God. Really, truly?”

He nodded and she saw the tears in his eyes. “I love you, Laurel. You've already given me and Addy so much.” He placed his hand over her stomach. “And now this miracle...”

She laughed as her own happy tears spilled down her cheeks. “I guess from the day Wind found his way here, we've been destined to be parents.”

He kissed her again. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”

“We were both given another chance.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “This time we're not wasting a moment of it.”

* * * * *

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, the next book in Patricia Thayer's miniseries,
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