The Bronc Rider's Baby

It was no secret around here that, back in the day, both of the retired cowboys had been ladies’ men. Before the accident, Nate had been one, too. But not anymore. Even if he’d adapted to the life changes he’d been forced to make—the dashed dreams and altered career path—there was a five-pound two-ounce change that had turned him from a carefree bachelor to a man dead set on becoming a good father—or at least one that was adequate.

He just hoped that Ms. Reynolds—or rather Anna—realized how hard he was trying.

While he was determined to keep the attractive social worker in a professional light, it was a struggle. Every time he looked at her, he focused on her appearance. And now, as they stepped off the porch, he couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off the gentle sway of her hips or the way that long blond hair swished and shimmered down her back.

He didn’t need to glance at Gil or Raul to know what they were thinking. He sensed their interest and imagined they were sporting grins and winking at each other. He was also prepared for the ribbing he’d get, as well as the advice they’d offer him as soon as Anna left the ranch.

If she were any other beautiful woman, he wouldn’t need any prodding or pushing. He’d never been shy. But Anna was different.

As she moved away from the shady porch and into the light of day, the platinum strands in her hair shimmered. Some women might pay good money to have highlights like that, but he’d bet a month’s pay that Anna was a natural blonde.

He followed her to the lawn and waited while she placed her purse and briefcase on top of the old tree stump.

“Where to?” he asked.

“Nowhere in particular. I thought we should talk in private.”

Nate doubted that she’d want a tour of the ranch, so he wasn’t sure which direction to go, but definitely away from Gil and Raul. As he started toward the outbuildings, Anna fell into step beside him.

“Jessica looks good,” she said.

Nate thought so, too, although he had no idea what signs might indicate she wasn’t healthy or thriving. Rather than admit his lack of experience or reveal his incompetence, he said, “I’ll sure be happy when she gains a few pounds.”

“That shouldn’t take very long. You’ll be surprised at how quickly she’ll grow.”

It seemed as though it might take forever, but Anna was probably right. The same thing happened with a colt or a calf. The more they nursed, the bigger they got. It was just going to take a little while. Hopefully, he could spend that time here on the Rocking C, where he had plenty of help.

“She’ll be toddling around before you know it,” Anna added. “And then you’ll have other things to worry about.”

“Like what?” The minute he uttered the worry-laced question, he wanted to temper it somehow. He hadn’t meant to reveal any insecurities he might have—and not just about infants, but fatherhood.

“For one thing,” she said, “making sure the electrical sockets are protected from little fingers. And watching her closely so she doesn’t climb up on something and fall. You’ll also have to keep medications and cleaning supplies out of her reach.”

Crap. There was so much he didn’t know. “Maybe I’d better get some books on the subject.”

“That will help, but during each stage of development, the pediatricians are pretty good at pointing out the things you should be concerned about in terms of health and safety.”

“Thank God for that.” The moment those words rolled off his tongue, he wished he could reel them back in before she realized how afraid he was that he’d slip up, that Jessie might be better off in someone else’s care.

Anna’s steps slowed, and as she turned to face him, she used her hand to block the sun from her eyes, which were almost a golden-brown hue today. “When’s her first doctor’s appointment?”

“Monday at four o’clock. They told me it’s just to check her weight.”

“Would you like me to meet you there?” she asked.

Hell, he’d love to have someone go with him—anyone. But did he really want that to be a social worker?

What if the baby hadn’t gained any weight? What if Anna thought Jessie would be better off living with someone else?

Kenny might be locked up, but he had some sketchy family members, and maybe one of them would try to gain custody. From what Nate had heard, several of them had done time for various crimes such as assault, drunk and disorderly conduct or driving while under the influence.

“That’s nice of you to offer,” he said, “but it’s not necessary.”

When Anna didn’t respond, he stole a peek at her, saw her forehead creased ever so slightly.

Hoping she didn’t think he was skirting her, he added, “It’s not that I don’t want you to come. You can certainly meet me there if you want to.”

“We’ll see how my day goes,” she said. “I’m usually off by four o’clock—unless something comes up.”

They continued to walk along the lawn-flanked path to the corral where he’d been working with that new gelding a few minutes ago.

“So how are you doing?” Anna asked.

Him? He was nervous as hell and afraid he’d drop little Jessie or do something wrong. He also hadn’t been able to sleep worth a damn because he kept waking up to check on her and make sure she was still breathing. But he didn’t want to reveal any sign of weakness, so he chuckled and made light of it. “Me? I’m fine as frog’s hair.”

She laughed at his response. The lilt of her voice was enough to make him relax for the first time since she’d arrived. “Now, that’s cute.”

He hadn’t meant to be cute. Was she a big-city girl laughing at his country ways? “It’s just a saying I picked up from one of the retired cowboys who lives here.”

She shifted slightly as if trying to avoid the sunlight from shining in her eyes. “Today, while I had lunch in the hospital cafeteria with a coworker, your name came up.”

So much for relaxing around her. Why had his name come up? Had they been discussing him—and his case?

“One of the aides said you used to be a patient, that you had a run-in with a wild horse. And one of the cowboys mentioned you were involved in the rodeo.”

He’d been more than involved. He’d actually made a name for himself—until his injury. And until the doctor’s diagnosis brought about a real reckoning on many levels. “I’ve still got friends who’re on the circuit, but I gave it up.”

“Why?”

Did it really matter? He shrugged a single shoulder. “I had more than a little ‘run-in’ with a bronc last year, and the doctors said I couldn’t ride anymore. So I landed this job.”

Her brow scrunched. “That sounds like a big change of pace.”

It had been a huge change. And a real blow to his ego. Giving up the rodeo had been tough because, if he wasn’t a star or a champion, who was he? But if there was one thing he’d learned to do in life it was to roll with whatever punches fate dealt him.

“I’ve adjusted,” he said. “Besides, working as the assistant foreman on the Rocking C pays the bills.”

“So you rode broncs when you were on the circuit?” Anna asked.

Nate had never been one to toot his own horn, so he didn’t mention the buckles he’d won. Instead, he just nodded and said, “Yep.”

“No wonder you seemed so competent working with that gelding.”

Horses, broken or not, he could handle. It was only little babies that made him uneasy.

And pretty social workers.

He shot a glance her way. Damn, she was attractive. And in spite of his better judgment, he was drawn to her. Her floral scent—gardenia maybe?—snaked around him and seemed to hold him captive. Just walking next to her was a pleasure.