Rocky Mountain Brides: Raising the Rancher's Family

Holt sighed. “You’re the only pain I have. Now, why don’t you help me get this herd into the pen?”

Zach rode off, his laughter ringing in Holt’s ears. Damn. The last thing he needed was to think about Leah all the time. He had enough on his plate with the ranch, and Corey. He didn’t want to fall for a woman who was going to be headed off to God knew what country.

He’d always been the one to walk away first. That way it didn’t hurt so much. Who was he kidding? He’d had a lot of hurt in his life. It hurt that his own mother couldn’t see past the hatred she had for his father and love her son. He hated that his own father couldn’t love him enough to come and see him.

He looked up as Leah kicked Daisy’s flanks, sending the horse into a gallop as she went after a stray. Her hair was flying in the wind, her body moved in unison with the animal. They moved as one, and he thought he’d never seen anything more graceful. Corey cheered her on as she chased down the calf and directed it back into the herd. Suddenly Leah’s attention turned to Holt and she smiled.

Or anyone more beautiful.

“This was the best day ever,” Corey said as they returned to the barn.

Zach walked by carrying his saddle. “You may not say that later when your backside is aching.”

“My backside doesn’t hurt.”

“Just give it time,” Leah said, starting to feel the effects of four hours in the saddle. “But you’re right, Corey, it was fun. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden like that.”

“It was so cool when you went off to get the calf.”

“Well, when you’re older, you can do the same thing. I’ve had a lot of practice. Maybe …” She paused not knowing how long he’d be here. “Maybe Zach can teach you.”

“Or Holt can,” the foreman said. “He can handle a cow pony pretty good. I’d say he was a fast learner.”

The boy’s eyes rounded. “Really?”

“Well, I already knew how to ride before I came to Colorado,” Holt said. “I just had to adjust to a Western saddle.”

Zach closed the stall gate. “Yeah, Holt used to wear those fancy breeches and hat, and use a funny looking saddle.”

“That’s because it was an English saddle.” He frowned at the foreman. “We don’t chase a lot of cows back in New York.”

Zach’s eyes twinkled. “Just a funny wooden ball.”

“Polo. You played polo?” Leah asked. She couldn’t hide her surprise as her gaze roamed over the ultimate looking cowboy.

Holt glared at Zach. “I did for a few years. My grandfather belonged to a polo club. It was a tradition. Do you have a problem with that?”

Leah shook her head. This man never ceased to amaze her. Even knowing it was dangerous to her heart, she found she wanted to know more about him.

“Holt, will you teach me to play polo?” Corey asked.

“I think we’re a little busy now,” Holt told him.

“Maybe you have some pictures?”

“Not that I brought with me.” He turned away. “Maybe we should think about finishing the morning’s chores.”

“Maybe we should have lunch first,” Leah suggested. “It’s after twelve.”

“Okay, I’m getting pretty hungry,” Zach said. “What do ya say, Corey, that we head up to the house and put together some sandwiches?”

“I’m hungry, too,” the boy said.

“I’ll heat up the soup my mother sent out yesterday,” Leah called after the two as they headed toward the barn door. “Give me a few minutes.”

Leah finished with Daisy and walked out of the stall. She was about to take the saddle and bridle back to the tack room when Holt stopped her.

“I’ll get it,” he told her. “You go on to the house.”

“Are you coming?”

“I have things to do,” he said. “I’ll be by later.”

She’d seen him withdraw when he’d started discussing his life back east. “You know,” she began, “there are a lot of things in our past we’d all like to forget. Things we can’t change. My big concern right now is making a life for a little boy. And he needs you to help him.”

“I’ve given him a roof over his head.”

“And that’s wonderful. But you of all people should know that’s not the only thing that’s important. He needs you.”

His eyes met hers. She saw stubbornness in the green depths, but also a vulnerability that reminded her of Corey.

“If you want some sort of family man, you better look somewhere else. That’s something I can’t give him.”

She wanted to pound some sense into this man, but at the same time she wanted to pull him in her arms and let him know someone cared about him.

“You might be surprised, and in the meantime you might just find what you’ve been looking for, too.” She turned and walked away so she wouldn’t do something stupid again.

Like kiss some sense into him.

That night, Holt rolled over in bed and glanced at the clock. It was nearly midnight. He cursed as he threw back the sheet and sat up. It had been nearly a week since he’d been able to sleep. Hell, he hadn’t had a decent night’s sleep since Leah Keenan stormed into his life.

He couldn’t stop thinking about her, the kisses they’d shared, her softness…the feel of her body against his. The ache he’d felt whenever she was close.

Damn. He raked a hand through his hair. He was slowly going crazy. He got up and went to the window, opening it wider in search of the mountain breeze. Anything to cool off his heated skin. He got some relief, but not enough. Nothing could drive Leah from his thoughts…from his already complicated life. The strange thing was, he didn’t want her to leave the ranch. She’d filled the old house with energy and laughter. Even as he’d tried to stay in the background, she’d pulled him in, including him in a family she’d help create with Corey.

Holt shut his eyes. As a kid, he’d wanted to belong, but every time he’d reached out to his grandfather, he’d been rejected. And he never had a chance with his father …

The stillness was suddenly interrupted by a soft cry. He immediately recognized Leah’s voice coming from her room next door. He grabbed his jeans off the chair, pulled them on and went out into the hall. He listened at her door and heard the pain-filled sound again. After a moment’s hesitation he let himself into the dark room. With the aid of the moonlight through the window, he saw her slender body thrashing around on the bed and went to her.

“Leah. Leah, wake up.” He sat down on the mattress and gripped her shoulders. “Leah, wake up.”

She finally gasped and jerked upright. “Holt?”

“You were having a nightmare.”

Leah brushed the hair from her face and drew in a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t. I’m more concerned about you. Are you all right?”

She nodded, but the moonlight revealed the fear in her eyes.

“Do you have nightmares often?” he asked.

“Sometimes,” she said, her gaze avoiding his. “Really, Holt, I’m okay.”

He knew she wasn’t. “Maybe you should talk to someone…professionally.”

“I’m fine. It’s just, sometimes the memories …”

“You’re not fine, Leah,” he said. “You’ve spent a lot of time in war-torn counties. You were probably dodging bullets in your dreams.” That thought made him shiver. “At the very least, talk to your family.”

“It’s not that bad. I just need to get some rest. I’ll be fine by the time I go back.”

He tensed. She was leaving. “So you’re continuing your quest to save the world.”

“I have to. I made a promise …” A sob shook her slight frame.

He wrapped his arms around her. “Shh, it’s all right,” he whispered. “I’m here.” He brushed a kiss against her hair as he held her. “Oh, Leah. What am I going to do with you?”

She burrowed into his embrace. “Just…don’t leave me.”

Never, he promised silently. “I won’t.” Impulsively he bent down and placed a kiss on her mouth before pulling away. “Just let me check on Corey.” He hurried down the hall to the boy’s room and found him sleeping soundly. After covering Corey with a light blanket, he returned to Leah. Holt closed the door behind him and went to the bed. Her wide-eyed gaze showed her sudden apprehension.

“Holt…maybe it would be better if you go back to your room.”

He sat down and picked up her trembling hand. “Do you really want me to?”

She hesitated, then shook her head.

“Then go to sleep, Leah.” He stretched out on top of the blanket beside her, and pulled her close. “I’m right here…if you need me.”

“Thank you,” she whispered as she curled against him, her hand resting on his chest. Within seconds she was sound asleep. It took Holt a lot longer, but having Leah close was worth a sleepless night. For the first time in a long time, he didn’t feel alone.

The next evening, Leah was anxious to see her sister, the mayor, in action at the town council meeting. She had also managed to convince Holt to attend. Since he was staying in Destiny, he should get to know the town’s residents.

That had been all she’d managed to talk to him about during the past day. Even though they’d shared a bed most of the previous night, he hadn’t said a word about it.

That morning, she woke up when she felt him brush a tender kiss against her forehead before he left her bed at dawn.

Maybe it was best they hadn’t discussed sharing the moment together. They had already gone too far beyond the reason for them being together.

Corey.

The small community of Destiny was already talking about their situation. Maybe it was time Leah thought about moving back to her parents? Corey would understand.

“Are you sure there are going to be other kids here tonight?” Corey asked as Holt pulled his truck into the parking space.

“There usually are during the summer,” Leah told him. “My parents and Morgan will be there. And there’s always cake and cookies.”

They climbed out of the truck and walked together toward the old hall. The structure held maybe three hundred people and served many of the town’s functions. On a warm night like tonight, it was bound to be filled. Everyone was gearing up for Destiny’s Founder’s Day celebration. And Leah suspected that they wanted to meet their newest citizens, Holt Rawlins and Corey Haynes.

At the door, her father waited. “Hi, Dad.”

“Leah.” Tim Keenan greeted her with a kiss. “Corey, good to see you.”

The boy smiled as her father ruffled his hair. “Hi, Mr. K.”

Tim Keenan looked at Holt. “Holt, nice to see you could make it.”

The two shook hands. “Your daughter can be pretty persuasive.”

Tim winked. “She gets that from her mother.”

Claire Keenan appeared. “I heard that.” She offered her daughter a kiss and one for Corey. She surprised Holt and hugged him. “Holt, it’s nice you’re here.”

He glanced around. “It looks like a big turnout.”

“It is,” her mother said. “And a perfect opportunity for Tim to introduce you around.” She nudged her husband and the two men walked off together. “And, Corey, there’s someone I want you to meet.” Claire glanced around then motioned at someone. Suddenly a dark-haired boy about eight years old appeared.

“Corey, this is Mason Langston. Mason, Corey Haynes. Mason, Corey is staying at the Rawlins Ranch. He hasn’t had much of a chance to meet anyone. Do you think you could show him around?”

“Sure, Mrs. K.” He looked at Corey. “Hey, do you like chocolate chip cookies?”

Corey shrugged. “Yeah.”

The boy motioned to follow him. “Come on, before Kenny Dorsey eats them all.”

Leah watched the two boys run off.

“Not to worry, they’ll be fine,” Claire told her.

“I know, but Corey’s very vulnerable. He’s been through a lot.”

“And Mason is a good boy. He’ll be nice to Corey.” Her mother turned her attention to her husband and Holt as they made their way around the hall. “The two older boys seem to be getting along nicely, too.”

Leah was glad that Holt was meeting people. “Holt should know his neighbors,” Leah said. “He’s going to live here.”

“He seems to be attracting the ladies, too.”

As much as Leah tried to ignore that comment, she noticed that Kaley Jenkins Sims was standing very close to him. “Kaley hasn’t changed since high school. She goes after any good-looking male. I heard she’s divorced now.”

“About a year ago,” her mother said. “She has a sweet little girl.”

Leah found she didn’t like seeing Holt and Kaley together. “Well, it looks like she’s on the hunt for number two.”

“Maybe you should stake your claim,” her mother suggested.

That got Leah’s attention. “What? I’m not going to stake any claim. I’m committed to my job. Besides, the man has a lot of baggage. The last thing Holt wants is a woman in his life.”

Claire Keenan smiled. “You can always change your career. And all men claim to be loners before they realize they can’t live without us. From what I can see Holt Rawlins is interested in you.”

Leah couldn’t consider that possibility. She had a feeling, whether intentionally or not, the man could hurt her.

Holt looked up from the conversation and glanced across the hall at Leah. He knew she was enjoying this. He’d met so many people tonight he’d never be able to remember their names.

“I hear that you were a financial advisor in New York.”

He turned to the blond woman named Kaley something. She was attractive in a too-made-up sort of way. Her jeans were a little too tight as was her tank top that carried one of those sayings that he didn’t dare attempt to read.

Luckily the mayor was walking their way. He reached for her arm and pulled her into the circle. “Hello, Morgan.”

“Holt, it’s nice that you could make it,” she told him with a smile that reminded him of Leah.

“Your sister thought it was time I met a few people.”

“I, for one, am glad he came,” Kaley said as she moved in a little closer.

“So am I,” Morgan said. “Holt, if you have a minute, I need to speak with you.” She glanced at Kaley. “If you’ll excuse us for a moment …”

Kaley frowned, but finally managed a tight smile. “I guess I can let Holt go…for a while. Maybe later we can share some refreshments.”

“Maybe,” Holt said as he took Morgan’s arm. “What do I owe you?” he said when they found a deserted area.

“Sorry, Kaley is a little…overeager.”

“You’re too nice. If you hadn’t shown up she’d be naming our children.”

Morgan laughed. “Well, she’s used to men giving her attention. But I only want to discuss a little business.” She took a breath. “First, I want to say that, speaking for the town, we’re glad you’ve decided to stay in Destiny.”

“Thank you. I’m glad I’m staying, too.”

“And secondly, I want to talk to you about a section of your property. Maybe Leah has already mentioned it to you.”

He shook his head. “No, she hasn’t said anything. So what’s this about my land?”

“I’m been looking for a way to bring revenue into town, and it seems logical that we build a ski resort. The town owns an ideal parcel of land, but we just need access from the highway before we can develop the area.”

“Where is this land?”

“It’s Silver Wolf Pass.”

Holt knew the location. It would cut right by Hidden Falls. “You want to build a road through my property?”

Morgan raised an eyebrow. “It’s not as drastic as it sounds. Maybe you should come by my office so you can see the plans.”

Holt didn’t like being blindsided like this. Was Leah supposed to butter him up so he’d be more agreeable when approached? “Did you ever talk about this with my…with John?”

“I did, in fact.”

“And what did he say to your idea?”

“I’m afraid we didn’t have much time to discuss it, but he did promise to think about it.”

“Well, I’m not going to think about it, because I don’t want anyone building a highway across my land. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find Corey.” Holt knew he was being rude, but at this point he wasn’t sure he could contain his anger. Had Leah planned to get him to agree to this?

Before he could reach her, Leah was cornered by another group of people just as the meeting was called to order.

He forced himself to take a seat, but he wasn’t finished with this. He would just have to wait until he got Leah back to the ranch, then he’d set her straight.

Set everyone straight.

CHAPTER SEVEN

LATER that evening, Leah was in the ranch’s kitchen when Holt finally came in from checking on Lulu. Her foal was due anytime and he’d been watching her closely.

“How’s the mother-to-be doing?”

He walked to the coffeepot and poured a cup. “She’s getting close. Zach’s going to call when it’s time.”

Leah was excited. “Could I go down, too? It’s been a long time since I’ve watched a birth.”

He shrugged. “I don’t have a problem with that.”

He sure knew how to make a girl feel welcome. “I promised Corey he could go, too, I should wake him.” He started to leave the kitchen when Leah stopped him.

“Holt, is there something wrong?”

He looked at her with that unreadable hooded gaze of his. “Why should there be something wrong?”

“Maybe because you haven’t said more than a few words to me since last night when you came into my room. I thought that …”

“You thought what?”

“I thought we could now at least talk to each other if something was bothering one of us.”

He frowned and crossed the room to her. “Okay, maybe we should talk. When were you planning on telling me about the town wanting me to sell land for an access road?”

She swallowed hard. “I’d forgotten all about it.”

“Were you elected to sweet-talk me into agreeing to give the town access?”

Leah was starting to get angry over his constant mistrust. “Well, whatever the plan, it seems that I’ve failed miserably.”

“I don’t like being used.”

“And I don’t like you thinking I would use a friend like that. Besides, all Morgan wanted me to do was present the idea to you. You have the choice to look over the plans and tell them yes or no.” She threw up her hands in defeat. “Word was people in town thought you came here to sell the ranch, then head back to New York.”

“Well, I’m staying,” he said.

“Then prove it. Stop closing yourself away from everyone and get to know your neighbors.”

He opened his mouth to protest and she stopped him. “And don’t say they’re just curious because you’re John’s son, or I’ll clobber you. You are John Rawlins’s son. If you’re not proud of that, there’s something wrong.”

Raw emotion flashed across his face. “I am tired of being compared to the man. He wasn’t in my life. This ranch, this land, is all I ever had of him.”

“I’m sorry about that, Holt.” She stepped closer and placed her hand on his arm. “I know you never had the chance to know John, and I wish so much you had.” She felt him start to pull away and she tightened her grip. “No, please listen to me. The man I knew would have loved his child—his son. There had to be something that happened between your parents to keep him away.”

“Well, whatever it was, it worked. I never saw him after I left here.” Holt broke free and walked out the door. As much as Leah wanted to stop him, Holt Rawlins wasn’t going to listen to anything she had to say.

“Wow, look, Holt.” Corey gasped. “She’s getting up.”

“I see,” Holt said as he leaned back on the railing in the birthing pen. He was exhausted, but even more amazed at the Silver R’s newest equine resident.

“That’s what a foal is supposed to do,” Zach said. “They got to stand up to see if everything works, that she’ll be able to reach her mama to eat.”

Holt watched the still-wobbly golden-chestnut filly check out her new surroundings. He wiped his hand on a towel and glanced across the gate at Leah.

“Congratulations, Dad,” she told him.

Almost against his will, he found himself smiling. “Thanks. Am I supposed to hand out cigars?” He couldn’t believe how a new foal could bring him such joy. Maybe it wasn’t the recent birth as much as the shared experience with Corey. And Leah.

“I guess someone needs to come up with a name,” Zach said. “You have any ideas, Corey?”

“You want me to name her?”

Zach exchanged a glance with Holt. “Sure.”

“Her coat is all golden,” Corey said.

“How about we call her Golden Girl?” Zach suggested.

“Goldie, for short,” Corey said.

“I like that.” Holt nodded. “Goldie it is.”

When Corey yawned, Zach suggested they all turn in. He’d keep an eye on the filly.

Once Corey was settled in bed, Holt followed Leah into the hall, but he stopped her before she retired to her room. When she looked at him with those big eyes, he nearly forgot what he wanted to say. But he couldn’t lose his nerve now.

“Leah, about earlier…I guess I jumped to conclusions before I knew the whole story.”

She didn’t say anything.

“You were right, I’ll go and talk to your sister in a few days.”

She sighed. “That’s all Morgan wanted you to do in the first place. You’ve got to start trusting people.” Leah started to turn away, but Holt stopped her.

“I wish I could change that.”

Leah wanted to believe him. She wanted a lot of things. She wanted to know the man behind the armor. The same man who held her one night when she was afraid to be alone. “There’s nothing wrong with admitting we need someone.” Unable to stop herself, she leaned into him and rested her head against his chest. She loved the sound of his pounding heart. “Just so you know. I’m here if you need a friend.”

Holt pulled back and his intense gaze locked on her. The heat between them quickly became electrifying. “Friends? Friendship is not exactly what I’m feeling for you right now.”

His head lowered and his mouth covered hers. The kiss started out slow and tantalizing, then began to feed on their hunger for one another. He wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her closer, pressing his body against hers as his mouth magically caressed hers. With a moan, she parted her lips, allowing him inside.

Suddenly Holt broke off the kiss, leaving her dazed and confused. His eyes narrowed as he fought to slow his breathing. “Oh, Leah. I think we both want more than just friendship. A lot more.”

The following weekend was the Silver R roundup.

It wasn’t a large herd, but Holt needed help to bring the cattle in for branding. More men than Holt had expected showed up at dawn. All Zach had told him was that he had contacted enough neighbors to get the job done. The foreman had said nothing about the men bringing their families.

By midmorning, the mamas and bawling calves had been separated into the holding pens. Up at the house another crowd had gathered, then Leah and Claire Keenan ushered the bevy of women into the house.

“Relax,” Zach told Holt. “This is how we do things in Colorado. Neighbors help out neighbors.”

“There are so many people. How are we going to feed all these…neighbors?”

Zach nodded toward the women, and Holt saw the answer in the parade of dishes being carried into the house. “I don’t think you have to worry on that score, either. Leah and Claire have things in hand. Now, let me show you how to brand a calf.”

After the next few hours Holt decided he had never been so dirty, or so tired. Since he wasn’t an experienced roper, he ended up being the one who held down the calves to brand. It seemed like an easy job, but that changed after he’d gotten kicked in nearly every part of his body. Dust filled his eyes and nose, and the stench of burning fur and flesh hung in the air.

“Hey, Holt,” a neighbor, Bart Young, announced. “The ladies are calling us to eat.”

Holt turned to find that a number of tables had been set up under the trees on one side of the house. One table was covered with food and some men were already in line to eat.

His stomach growled. “Then I guess we better go eat.”

As the men washed under the water spigot next to the house, Holt looked around for Leah and found her with Corey. The boy had been a little help earlier, but now he was off to play with his friend, Mason.