The Rancher's Secret Wife

She smiled because he smiled, disarming her, making her think that they could really be friends if given a chance. “My sister was born when I was five. Surprise! All of a sudden I was the child they shouldn’t have

adopted. They should have had more faith in God. They should have waited for Melissa.”

His expression softened, and he shook his head. “I’m sorry they made you feel that way.”

She knew he meant it. Of course he did. But she also knew that he probably had some similar feelings about marrying her. He’d married her on impulse. Someday the right woman would come along, and he’d be sorry he’d rushed ahead of God and married her.

“I’m sure they didn’t mean to.” She whispered the words for fear saying them too loud would bring an onslaught of tears that she couldn’t control.

“Is that why you went to Vegas?”

She closed her eyes and fought emotion that tightened her throat. The baby kicked against her ribs, and she touched her belly, letting her hand rest where her baby fought for space inside her. She breathed deep.

“I just wanted to...” To be loved. Unconditionally.

“You wanted?” His voice was soft—raspy soft.

She breathed deep again, this time to get through a pain that tightened around her belly. “Could we let this go?”

“I think we can. Have you called them lately?”

“No. Reese, they don’t want to hear from me. I was their mistake. They adopted me when I was six months old, and they regretted it for the next seventeen years.”

“I don’t know how they could regret having you.”

She stood, needing space, needing to breathe deep. “Don’t you regret telling a dancer in Vegas that you would marry her?”