Second Chance Rancher

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME…

Single dad Kase Rawlins wants to give his little girl, Addy, a fresh start in life by moving back to the family ranch. The only downside to that plan is seeing his neighbor Laurel Quinn every day—his first love and the woman he walked away from.

After being jilted at the altar, Laurel decided to focus her attention on training and breeding her quarter horses. But being around Kase, she’s finding her heart is being stolen once again, and not just by the rugged rancher. Because it seems Addy’s mission is to make Laurel her new mommy!

His heart was breaking into a thousand pieces.

He reached out and stroked her hair. “Do you know how special you are?”

She shrugged. “My parents tell me all the time.”

“Well, let me tell you something, too. You’re a woman I desire very much.” He touched her face. “I want you, Laurel. We may have some obstacles in our way, but that’s not going to stop me.” He brushed his mouth over hers and loved hearing her intake of breath. “I wish I could offer you more, but right now…”

She placed her lips against his. When she finally broke off the kiss, she said, “No promises, Kase. That way no one has any expectations. I’m here for you and Addy. So it’s all good for now.”

He wanted more. Not the girl he once knew, but the beautiful, giving woman she’d turned into. Would she give him a second chance? His thoughts turned to his daughter. Would he get that second chance to be a father? He cradled Laurel’s head against his chest. How he prayed he didn’t let either one of them down.

Dear Reader,

This story is connected to my previous book, Count on a Cowboy, and is about the other twin sister, Laurel. She’s the rancher’s daughter, the sister who grew up with the advantage of having both a mother and a father. She trains quarter horses for a living. It seems she had everything. Even her twin, Brooke, came looking for her, and now they have a wonderful relationship.

The one thing Laurel didn’t have was the man she loved. Ten years ago, Kase Rawlins left her when he went off to college to be a lawyer. She tried to forget him, and even planned to marry another man.

Then Kase walks back into her life, and he doesn’t come alone. The widower father brings his cute four-year-old daughter, Addy. That’s so unfair! What is also unfair is Kase’s in-laws want custody of their grandchild. He needs Laurel, and so does his daughter. Could they finally find their way back and make a life? Will Laurel be able trust the man again?

I hope you enjoy the read.

Second Chance Rancher

Patricia Thayer

www.millsandboon.co.uk

PATRICIA THAYER was born and raised in Muncie, Indiana, the second in a family of eight children. She attended Ball State University before heading west, where she has called Southern California home for many years. There she’s been a member of the Orange County Chapter of RWA. It’s a sisterhood like no other.

When not working on a story, she might be found traveling the United States and Europe, taking in the scenery and doing story research while enjoying time with her husband, Steve. Together, they have three grown sons and four grandsons and one granddaughter, whom Patricia calls her own true-life heroes.

MILLS & BOON

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To my readers who have faithfully read me

over the years. You are the reason this story

is my 50th book for Harlequin.

And always to Steve.

My dad might have been my first hero,

but you are my forever hero.

Love you.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Laurel Quinn drove the all-terrain vehicle over the rough pasture at the Bucking Q Ranch. The ATV was ideal for getting around in the hilly pastureland. In the Colorado winters, the ranch hands had to switch to snowmobiles to find lost cattle. Today, she wasn’t looking for lost calves, but for one runaway stallion. Gripping the steering wheel tighter, she flew over a rise but still kept an eye peeled for the honey-brown-colored quarter horse.

Sadly, she seemed to have trouble keeping a male, no matter what the species. Right now, though, she had to focus all her attention on the valuable horse, Capture the Wind.

A stallion was always harder to train, and to keep confined, especially when a mare was in season. And this guy was double the trouble. She’d been thinking about gelding the golden-brown bay if he kept escaping. It was a good thing he’d made some money for his stud service. That was the only thing that saved his sorry hide. She was anxious to see his first foals. Then his price would go up.

She drove through a group of aspen trees and looked upward at the cloud-speckled sky above the familiar green and brown hues of the Rocky Mountains. Off in the distance were the familiar granite peaks of the Maroon Bell. She loved springtime on the ranch. Nature came to life with new growth and new births. Soon, her newly found twin sister, Brooke, and her husband, neighboring rancher Trent Landry, would be having their first child. A son. They were going to name him Christopher after Trent’s brother, who’d died in a tragic accident years ago. Although a little envious, she was happy for her sister.

Off in the distance, Laurel spotted the downed fence and slowed the ATV. With a curse, she reached for her cell phone and called the Bucking Q barn. This job was going to be more difficult than she thought. Then she realized this was a border fence. Her horse was now on Rawlins property.

The ranch foreman answered, “Chet Bradshaw.”

“Hey, Chet, it’s Laurel. Looks like Wind got over the fence in the south pasture. The posts are rotted out, so could you send out a couple of the guys to repair them? It’s about a mile south of Rainbow Canyon.”

“Wait for me. I’ll bring Billy along because I don’t want you tangling with the stallion alone.”

She wasn’t as worried about the horse as the neighbors. “First, I’ve got to find him.” She heard a loud whinny off in the distance. “Gotta go.”

She tossed her phone on the seat, then eased her vehicle through the opening in the fence. She didn’t think about her trespassing onto Rawlins land, or the fact that the last person she wanted to run into was Kase. She’d known for a while that the prodigal son had returned home.

Wind whinnied again, and she shot off toward the corral, not knowing if the stallion was injured or trapped or what. All she knew was she had to get to her horse. Her future depended on this animal.

At one time, she’d known the Rawlins Horse Ranch as well as her dad’s ranch. Gus Rawlins had taught her nearly everything she knew about equines. Then that day ten years ago she’d had her heart broken by Kase... She shook away the memory. Those days were long gone.

She drove over the uneven ground, praying Wind hadn’t been hurt or caused any more trouble. Maybe if she were lucky, she’d find him before anyone discovered her on the property.

She heard the familiar whinny again. She drove over the rise to see a corral and there was her horse, his black mane and tail flying as he pranced around the arena as if he owned the place.

Then she turned her attention to another horse. A glistening chestnut...mare. Oh, no.

She hit the gas pedal and raced down the hill, hoping to prevent what she knew was about to happen. She stopped at the broken boards of the fence, grabbed Wind’s lead rope off the seat and climbed through the splintered wood. She yelled and waved her arms, but nothing could stop the crazed stallion. Wind raised up on his hind legs and quickly mounted the willing mare. Laurel stuck her fingers in her mouth and let go of a loud whistle as if that would stop this act of nature. Not. “Damn!”

All she could do was stand back out of the way. There was no finesse about animals mating. They were loud and sometimes brutal as the powerful stallion’s forelegs gripped the mare’s sides and he drove into her body several times.

Once Wind finished, he dropped back from the other horse. He threw his head back and released a soft whinny, then sauntered over toward her as if he had just taken a stroll in the park.

She attached the lead rope to Wind’s halter. He blew out a loud breath. “Now you come to me.”

“It seemed he was a little busy before.”

Laurel swung around to see the tall, handsome man. His sandy-brown hair under his black cowboy hat was shorter than she remembered, but his deep-set gray eyes could still mesmerize her. The worst thing possible, Kase Rawlins could still make her heart race. She cursed under her breath.

“Kase? What are you doing here?”

He folded his large arms over his chest. “I live here.” He walked over to the mare, examined her quickly, took hold of the horse’s halter and walked her to one of the ranch hands. Once the mare was in the barn, he came back to her. With a nod toward her stallion, he said, “I take it this guy belongs to you.”

Laurel nodded, unable to make eye contact. It had been ten years since her first love took off for college and never came back. “This is Capture the Wind. I’m so sorry about what happened. He got away from my handler. I came after him...but not in time.”

“You should be sorry.” He nodded toward the horse headed through the barn door. “We had plans to breed Honor’s Promise. Even paid the stud fee.”

She definitely didn’t have the money to repay him right now. “Well, I didn’t plan this, either. And if it’s any consolation, Wind is registered, and he gets a substantial stud fee.” Which was a stretch, since he hadn’t sired any foals. Yet. She’d had him only a few months, but her mare, Starr Gazer, her best cutter, was pregnant.

He blinked those steel-gray eyes at her. “You don’t expect me to pay for what just happened here.”

She tossed her long braid over her shoulder and jammed her hands on her hips. “Of course not, but don’t insult Wind like he’s some mongrel horse that runs wild.”

Kase couldn’t believe Laurel Quinn would show up here of all places. His gaze couldn’t help but wander over the girl he once knew. It seemed like a million years ago when he was young and arrogant. There was still that deep fire in her green eyes. Damn, if it didn’t have him thinking about all the times they’d been together. Also their last argument before he’d left Hidden Springs.

Laurel had been only eighteen then. She might still have that long braid, but she definitely was a woman now. His gaze moved over her body, full breasts and long, shapely legs. He had no business thinking about her, or any woman, right now.

“I have no clue to the bloodline of this stallion.”

“Well, believe me, he has an impressive pedigree.”

“Too bad he doesn’t have any manners.”

Kase eyed the magnificent stallion. At least sixteen hands, he had a rich golden-brown coat and black mane and tail. And was cocky as hell. This might be a good thing. Of course, he wasn’t the expert. That would be his dad.

The large animal danced sideways, but Laurel managed to hang on to the lead rope. He would offer to help her with the horse, but he knew she’d turn him down.

“I’ll pay for any damages to the fence.”

“Good, I’ll send you a bill.” He’d planned to repair the rotted wood that had been neglected the past few years. There had been several things around here that needed attention. Now that he had the time, he planned to get to them. “You still live at home?”

She straightened. “I live at the ranch. I have an apartment over the garage. I breed and train horses there, so being close to my horses is important.” She flashed those big green eyes at him. “So how long are you staying?”

He hesitated, not sure how much he wanted to tell her. “Not sure... I need to help Dad with the ranch.” Maybe by then, he’d figure out what to do with his life and handle the problems he’d left back in the city.

He saw Laurel’s surprise. There had been a time when he’d sworn he would never set foot on this ranch again. He was going to be a big-time lawyer and make a name for himself. Well, that dream had cost him dearly, and it’d cost Addy even more.

“But I thought... Aren’t you practicing law in Denver?”

“Not at the moment. I’m taking some time off.”

She glanced around. “Is Gus okay?”

In a town the size of Hidden Springs, there weren’t many secrets. “He needs hip surgery. So he will be out of commission for a while. I came back to stay and help out.”

He couldn’t stop watching as she stroked the stallion. This wild beast had suddenly become docile with her touch. He remembered those hands on him... His attention went to her mouth. At eighteen she hadn’t been experienced with anything but horses. Yet her innocent kisses had turned him inside out.

He’d heard at the local diner that she’d nearly gotten married a few months back. Then the bridegroom had run off with her heart and the family’s money.

“Daddy! Daddy!”

Kase turned to see his father, Gus, bracing his four-year-old daughter, Addison, on the middle rung of the corral fence. Addy had sunny-yellow hair that lay in ringlets against her tiny shoulders. Several curls had escaped, probably because he couldn’t fasten the clips correctly. Her blue-gray eyes were wide with excitement, and her big smile melted his heart. She’d been wearing jeans, T-shirts and new cowboy boots since they’d arrived home. She told him she was a cowgirl now.

“Hey, sweetie. What are you doing out here?”

“Papa said I could come out if I stayed out of the way.”

He looked at his dad. The cagey old guy had a grin on his weathered face. “We saw you had company and we wanted to come out and say hi. Didn’t we, sweet pea?”

His daughter’s head bobbed up and down. “And to see the pretty horsey.”

He wasn’t sure if he was ready for this introduction, but he might as well get it over with. “That’s Capture the Wind, sweetie.”

Addy’s attention went to Laurel. “Who’s the lady, Daddy?”

He glanced over his shoulder to see Laurel’s surprised look. “This is Laurel Quinn, our neighbor and the owner of the horse. Laurel, this is my daughter, Addison Marie Rawlins.”

Addy waved. “Hi, Laurel. I’m four years old.”

“Hi, Addy.” Laurel finally smiled back. “I’m twenty-eight.”

“Laurel, can I pet your horsey?”

Gus nodded toward Wind. “I wouldn’t mind a closer look at that animal myself.”

Laurel looked at Kase, and at his nod she tugged on the reins and started across the corral. “You stay right there and I’ll bring him to you.” Then she said to the stallion, “Mind your manners.”

Kase watched Laurel’s movements as she walked the large animal across the corral. She matched the spirited animal with her long strides. No doubt she was the boss and Wind was doing her bidding. He followed her like a gentle lamb.

Of course, he was more interested in the woman. Captivated by those long legs and full hips encased in a pair of faded jeans. She still wore the standard cowboy uniform, manure-caked boots and that old battered straw cowboy hat. She was a working cowgirl, and everything he’d never wanted. Then why did she still get to him?

Laurel was nervous. A few months ago, she’d heard that Kase was back in town. She thought it was for only a short visit. It was hard to believe the big-time Denver lawyer had moved his entire family back here. No sign of his wife—maybe she’d stayed in Denver.

She put on a smile and looked at Gus. “Hi, Gus.”

“Hey there, Laurel. Haven’t seen you in a long time.”

She nodded. “A few years.”

“You’re still as pretty as a picture, and I hear good things about you and your horses.”

“Thank you. This guy might get me to change my mind.” She patted Wind’s neck. “So sorry about what happened. I can guarantee if your mare ends up pregnant, you won’t be disappointed. If so, I’ll buy the foal.”

“Whoa, darlin’, let’s wait and see what the outcome of today is first,” Kase said.

“Papa, is the horsey going to have a baby?”

“We’ll see.”

The girl clapped her hands. “I hope so.”

Addy reached out and petted Wind. “Your horsey is pretty.”

“Well, that’s the only thing saving him right now. But he’s still in trouble because he ran off and broke down a fence.”

“Are you gonna put him in a time-out?”

She smiled. “I should, but I’m not sure he’ll understand that he did anything wrong. Horses are different from people.”

Addy smiled. “I’m glad because Wind is a good horsey and he’s soft.” The horse bobbed his head as if to agree. The girl continued to stroke the animal without fear. “Papa Gus says you should never treat animals bad.”

The child’s blue eyes were so expressive. “Do you have any little girls that I can play with?”

Laurel felt a pang of envy and avoided making eye contact with Kase. “No, I don’t have any children.”

“Oh.” Her lower lip came out in a pout. “I got twin Bitty Baby dolls for my birthday. You want to see them?”

She started to decline when Kase stepped in and said, “Laurel can’t stay today. She has to take her horse back home. Maybe another time.”

She didn’t like anyone answering for her. Just then she saw Chet riding over the rise toward them. “Seems I’m not so busy after all. I’ll come see your dollies.”

“Yeah!” Addy cried.

She avoided looking at Kase but could feel his disdain. “Let me send Wind home with Chet.” She led her horse through the downed fence and handed the reins to the foreman. “Hey, Chet.”

The young man smiled atop his big black gelding. “So you caught the bad boy.”

“Not before he did the damage, and I’m not talking about the fence.” She told him about the mare and Chet laughed.

“It’s not funny,” she argued, but found herself smiling, too. What choice did she have? It had been the way her life had been going lately. Now she was here with the once love of her life.

Chet looked up and studied the threesome at the fence. “Is that Kase Rawlins?”

Laurel avoided eye contact. “Yeah, and his little girl.”

The ranch foreman frowned. “Do you think it’s a good idea that you’re staying?”

Chet was in his midthirties, and he’d been around the Bucking Q since he was a teenager, as far back as when Kase had left. “I appreciate your concern, Chet, but I’m a big girl. So do me a favor, and take Wind back to the barn, and I’ll be home in an hour.”

She waved and headed back toward the man who’d walked out of her life without a second glance. So why was she putting herself through this again? Good question. Even after all these years, she couldn’t think of an answer when it came to Kase Rawlins.

Chapter Two

Questioning her lack of common sense, Laurel followed Addy into the brightly painted lavender bedroom. The centerpiece was a glossy white canopy covered with a floral comforter and lined with stuffed animals.

She smiled at the perfect little-girl’s room. And she didn’t need to be here. She didn’t need to be reminded of everything she didn’t have in her life. A home and family of her own. One of the main reasons she wanted to marry last fall, even if she’d chosen the wrong man. A sudden thought popped into her head. Where was this child’s mother?

“This is Bobby. Her name is Bonnie,” Addy said as she pointed to the two baby dolls sitting on the windowsill.

Laurel sat down beside the child. “Oh, they’re so precious.” She looked at Addy. “Could I hold one?”

With Addy’s enthusiastic nod, Laurel carefully picked up Bobby and cuddled the doll close. “He looks like a real baby.”

A pleased-looking Addy followed Laurel’s example and reached for the other doll. “I pretend Bobby is my little brother and Bonnie is my sister so I won’t be all by myself.” The light went out of her eyes that were so much like her father’s. “’Cause sometimes I get scared.”

Laurel understood the girl’s feelings. She’d been an only child until a few months ago when her twin sister, Brooke, had shown up at her door. Best day of her life.

“Maybe you’ll get your wish and your parents will have another baby someday.” Why did she hate the thought of Kase with another woman? It had been years since he’d left here, and since he’d left her.

Addy looked at her with tears in her eyes. “We can’t have any more babies...’cause my mommy died.”

Oh, my God. She hadn’t heard that bit of news. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry.” Laurel reached for the tiny girl and pulled her into her arms. Warmth spread through her as she inhaled the soft powdery scent of a sobbing Addy. Her heart ached for the child, wishing she could help her more.

Finally the girl stopped crying, but Laurel continued to rub her back. “You are lucky you have your dad and your grandpa to take care of you.”

Addy raised her head. “My daddy loves me and so does Papa.” Her lips trembled again. “But my mommy didn’t.”

“Oh, Addy, that’s not true.”

The little girl brushed away tears from her cheeks and nodded. “She said I was a bad little girl. Then she went away and never came back.”

Kase stood outside his daughter’s bedroom, his fists clenched at his sides as he listened to the conversation. Damn you, Johanna. Yet his wife didn’t deserve all the blame. He hadn’t been around for his daughter, either. He was ashamed he’d allowed the abuse to happen. What kind of father did that make him?

Then he heard Laurel’s soothing voice. “I can’t imagine you were ever a bad girl, Addy. Look how nice you treat your dollies. I bet your mother was just having a bad day.”

He stole another glance inside to see Laurel brush back his child’s hair gently. “We all have bad days,” she repeated.

Addy sat up and Laurel used the bottom of her shirt to wipe away the child’s tears.