Sarah Felt A Sudden Tightening In Her Abdomen.

She gripped her stomach. “Oh, no!” she cried out, doubling over.

“What? Sarah, what’s wrong?” Case asked.

The pain intensified. “I think…oh!” she exclaimed, the pain gripping her tight. “I think…the baby’s coming,” she managed to say.

“Now? But you have weeks to go.”

On instinct, Sarah knew the baby was coming early. And they were out in a desolate part of the range, with no form of communication. The baby wasn’t going to wait.

“Babies don’t always come on schedule, Case.”

Case straightened and nodded, a determined light coming into his eyes. “Okay, okay. Let’s get you into the car. We’ll make it to the hospital in half an hour.”

Sarah shook her head and grabbed on to his sleeve. “No, Case. There isn’t time. The baby’s coming too fast.”

She met the fear in Case’s eyes with her own. There was no way around this. Sarah knew what he had to do. The contractions were intense and coming far too frequently. She pleaded with him now. He was her only hope.

“Case, you have to deliver my baby.”

Dear Reader,

Get your new year off to a sizzling start by reading six passionate, powerful and provocative new love stories from Silhouette Desire!

Don’t miss the exciting launch of DYNASTIES: THE BARONES, the new 12-book continuity series about feuding Italian-American families caught in a web of danger, deceit and desire. Meet Nicholas, the eldest son of Boston’s powerful Barone clan, and Gail, the down-to-earth nanny who wins his heart, in The Playboy & Plain Jane (#1483) by USA TODAY bestselling author Leanne Banks.

In Beckett’s Convenient Bride (#1484), the final story in Dixie Browning’s BECKETT’S FORTUNE miniseries, a detective offers the protection of his home—and loses his heart—to a waitress whose own home is torched after she witnesses a murder. And in The Sheikh’s Bidding (#1485) by Kristi Gold, an Arabian prince pays dearly to win back his ex-lover and their son.

Reader favorite Sara Orwig completes her STALLION PASS miniseries with The Rancher, the Baby & the Nanny (#1486), featuring a daredevil cowboy and the shy miss he hires to care for his baby niece. In Quade: The Irresistible One (#1487) by Bronwyn Jameson, sparks fly when two lawyers exchange more than arguments. And great news for all you fans of Harlequin Historicals author Charlene Sands—she’s now writing contemporary romances, as well, and debuts in Desire with The Heart of a Cowboy (#1488), a reunion romance that puts an ex-rodeo star at close quarters on a ranch with the pregnant widow he’s loved silently for years.

Ring in this new year with all six brand-new love stories from Silhouette Desire….

Enjoy!

Joan Marlow Golan

Senior Editor, Silhouette Desire

The Heart of a Cowboy

Charlene Sands

CHARLENE SANDS

resides in Southern California with her husband, Don, and two children, Jason and Nikki. When not writing, she enjoys sunny California days, Pacific beaches, sitting down with a good book and, of course, happy endings!

She loves to hear from her readers. Contact her at charlenesands@hotmail.com or visit her Web site at charlenesands.com.

To my husband, Don, my best friend, my love and my own special breed of cowboy. Ain’t nobody better, honey.

And special thanks to my talented editor, Patience Smith, for your effort in making this book come together.

It’s always a pleasure working with you.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

One

Case Jarrett pulled his truck up to Red Ridge Ranch and heaved a heavy sigh. He glanced at the ranch house he’d grown up in. After months away busting broncs on the rodeo circuit and silently grieving the death of his brother, Reid, he was back now.

Bounding out of the king cab, Case lifted his Stetson off his head to run a hand through his dark hair. Arizona heat coiled around him like a diamondback snake tightening about his body. He welcomed the familiar swamping and took in a deep breath of dust-laden air, then returned his hat to his head.

He had a promise to keep and wondered how Sarah, his brother’s widow, would react to his moving back home. Hell, he’d debated his decision over and over in his mind and hadn’t come up with any other way to protect his family home and keep the promise he’d made to Reid on his deathbed.

Case had kept his distance for five months—since the funeral—but Sarah was eight months pregnant now and Case couldn’t justify his staying away any longer. He was needed here. Always had been. Guilt yanked at him hard. If he’d been here, seeing to the Triple R, helping out, maybe Reid wouldn’t have died so tragically. His brother would still be alive to witness the birth of his first child.

Instead Reid was buried in the family plot five miles up the road. Case had stopped by on his way in, noting the fresh batch of wildflowers on his grave. Sarah, no doubt, had laid down those flowers. When the front screen slapped open, Case snapped his head up. Sarah stood on the front porch, just outside the door and her expression, that momentary sign of hope, slammed into his gut. Disappointment registered quickly on her face when she recognized him. Being an identical twin brother had had its share of benefits at an earlier age, especially where Sarah was concerned, but now, his very appearance was a constant reminder to her of the husband that she’d lost. She did a fine job of covering up, but Case knew beyond a doubt that for one instant before reason and reality set in, Sarah thought she was seeing the man she had married.

Take care of Sarah for me, Case, and the baby, too. Reid’s dying words echoed in his head. He’d made the promise while Reid was drawing his last breath. But Case hadn’t stayed on too long after the funeral. He’d headed back to the rodeo straight away.

Sarah was in good hands, he’d told himself. Her sister Delaney and her two young daughters had come to spend time on the ranch, keeping Sarah company, helping her cope with her loss and the pregnancy. Case knew she’d been taken care of then, but summer was over now and Delaney was gone. She’d taken her children back to California when the new school session began.

A hefty dose of conscience had struck Case while pulling back a pint of Jack Daniels and he’d called Sarah from Denver one night. She’d been crying, but darn her stubborn pride, tried her best to disguise it. Sarah Johnston Jarrett couldn’t lie worth a damn.

Case knew then, he had to come home. For Sarah and for Reid. The irony was, that for all his good intentions, he now had to come face-to-face with the woman he’d been avoiding for the past six years. The woman he’d secretly wanted. The only woman in the entire state of Arizona who could make him break out in a sweat with one pretty smile.

Case had his share of beautiful women, but no one compared to Sarah, in his mind. He’d envied his brother but never once begrudged Reid his happiness. Reid deserved every single ounce of joy he could attain. He’d been a good man, solid, dependable, a man Case had been proud to call brother.

If only Case had stayed on at the ranch.

But Case couldn’t live under the same roof with Sarah. He couldn’t afford for anyone to find out, that Case Jarrett, ladies’ man and all-around bad boy, had fallen hard for his brother’s girl. The day they married, Case took off, leaving the ranch, claiming a need to sow his oats and ride rodeo.

“Hello, Case,” Sarah said, from just outside the front door. She moved to the porch post and leaned against it. She was heavy with child now and her movements seemed labored. There would be no grand greeting for him, no happy welcome home. He couldn’t say he deserved it, either, but often he wished just once, Sarah’s eyes would light for him, the way they’d always done for Reid.

“Sarah,” Case said, nodding and removing his hat.

They stared awkwardly at each other for a moment. Then Case lifted his boot heels and headed her way. Red dust swirled under him as he ate up the yard with long measured strides until he faced Sarah. Her sweet flowery scent knocked his senses for a loop. How the woman always managed to smell so damn good, Case couldn’t figure.

“What are you doing here?” she asked cautiously, checking him over from head to toe. “Did you get injured again?”

Case had come home from the rodeo circuit once when he’d busted his ribs from a fall off a feisty bronc named Dynamite Dan. That and for a few days during each Christmas were the only times Case had ever returned to the ranch.

He shook his head and lifted his arms out wide. “Nope. All in one piece this time.” She didn’t appear relieved. Instead her expression bordered on wary and he knew what question was on her mind—why had he come home? She wouldn’t like his answer. She wouldn’t take kindly to his return. And for Case, it wouldn’t be easy living under the same roof with Sarah, wanting her the way he did, but an equal measure of guilt and honor had brought him home, for good. “Hey, how many babies you have in there?” he asked, glancing at her belly. “Last time I saw you, you could fit inside the barn door.”

That comment brought a soft chuckle to her lips. Sarah was beautiful when she smiled. He’d have to get used to seeing those smiles on a daily basis and not react to them. He couldn’t let Sarah know what one of her pretty little smiles did to him. “Only one, but he seems to be growing faster than Bobbi Sue’s baby heifer.” She placed her hand over her abdomen.

Case took in her appearance. Her eyes looked weary, the soft blue ovals were rimmed with red. Subtle contours of her lovely face appeared drawn and tight. And although her golden hair shone like sunshine, Sarah looked exhausted. “You feeling okay, Sarah?”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re working too hard,” he said, moving a little closer, getting a better look.

Her smile faded some and she took a step back. That was Sarah, always backing off from him, always wary. “I need to keep busy, Case, and there’s lots of work to do.”

Sarah had been working too hard. Well, that was about to change. Case let his brother down once and that mistake might have cost Reid his life. Case wasn’t about to neglect his brother’s widow or his unborn child. Not again. He wasn’t going to let Sarah work herself into the ground, either. He knew she had a stubborn streak. She was one determined lady who didn’t back down from trouble.

And there had been trouble. But it hadn’t been Sarah who had confided in him. No, he had to find out from Benny Vasquez, the neighbor on their south border, that Sarah had been threatened by pushy land developers to sell out. The woman probably thought she could handle the situation on her own. He hadn’t given Sarah much reason to trust him, but damn it, he sure would’ve liked it better if she’d been the one to confide in him about what was going on.

Whether Sarah wanted him to stay on or not, he’d see to the trouble. Case would bet his championship belt buckle, Sarah wasn’t going to be happy about it. Not one bit.

He rubbed the side of his neck and glanced her way. “Let me get the trailer unhitched and my bags unpacked and we’ll talk.”

Her light blond brows arched up. “Your bags?”

There was a look of panic on her face with that dawning knowledge. Couldn’t be helped. Case’s mind was made up. He and Sarah were going to live together at the Triple R, and both were going to have to deal with the consequences. “That’s right. I’m moving back home, Sarah. To stay.”

Sarah fidgeted nervously in the kitchen, strumming her fingers against the oak table and tapping her toe against the floor. She heard Case upstairs; slamming shut drawers, opening the sliding closet doors, whistling out a tune as he made himself at home.

She reminded herself, this was his home, too. He owned half of the Triple R, not that he seemed to care much about it lately. It appeared that the minute she and Reid married, Case was out the door, leaving his family home and his legacy behind. Reid had never complained, he just picked up the slack, but Sarah had often wondered why Case had left so abruptly. She couldn’t help but feel she’d intruded on his life, barging into his home and taking over.

He said he was home…to stay. Dread crept up her spine. Case was a virtual stranger to her now. She’d hardly spoken to him in six years. She didn’t know him anymore. How could she manage to live with Case, in this house, after all that had happened between them in the past? Sarah’s stomach churned, a queasy feeling reminiscent of her early pregnancy. Only this time, it wasn’t the baby causing commotion to her insides, but instead, the baby’s uncle.

He was Reid’s brother and he did own half of the Triple R, but Sarah hadn’t given much thought as to what she’d do when Case decided to claim his half of the ranch. She certainly hadn’t expected him to come home now. She knew he was riding high on the rodeo circuit, having won several bronc-riding championships. He’d been sending money, and that amount had doubled lately from his recent successes, to help with ranch expenses and Reid’s hospital bills. The ranch was heavily mortgaged to pay those debts and Sarah honestly didn’t know how she’d manage to pay off the loans. But one thing was certain, she wasn’t going to give up on the Triple R.

With Case it was different. He’d seemed to lose interest with the ranch and as soon as he was old enough, he’d taken off. His sudden unexpected reappearance had really rattled her.

By law and by rights, her share of the ranch would belong to her child one day. Moving off this land had never been an option. She loved the ranch too much to think of leaving. The Triple R was home. But she never thought she’d live here without Reid. She’d never fathomed a freakish accident would claim her husband’s life.

The raging dust storm that had spooked the animals and caused the barn collapse had nearly taken Reid, as well. A wooden beam from the rickety barn loft had struck him down as he tried saving the animals. He’d lingered for days, fighting off the crushing pain to his chest and Sarah had been by his side, holding on, listening as Reid uttered words of assurance. There had been silent understanding in his words, and Sarah’s heart bled each time Reid would make plans for her future without him. In the quiet moments right before Reid’s death, he’d said point-blank, the Triple R would be her home forever. Sarah had prayed for the best, but feared the worst. And then the worst did happen…his heart gave way. Reid died five days after the accident.

And now Sarah would be living with Case.

She heard footsteps descending on the stairway and stood up abruptly to pour the coffee she’d brewed. But the fast move made her light-headed and she swayed, grabbing for the kitchen chair.

“Sarah?” Case was beside her instantly, steadying her shoulders with strong hands.

The room spun, and Sarah took a deep breath. A moment later, her head cleared. She looked into a set of deep brown, concerned eyes. And her skin burned from the heat of Case’s solid hold on her, his fingers gently digging in, reminding her what it felt like to be in a man’s arms. Reminding her, what it had been like being in his arms. But Sarah didn’t want to dwell on the past. She had enough to deal with, right now, in the present. “I’m okay. The doctor says not to get up too fast. My blood pressure’s a bit low and quick moves tend to make me dizzy.”

Case helped ease her down into a chair. “Sit down and take it easy.”

“You don’t know what you’re in for, living with a pregnant woman.” She couldn’t believe what she’d be in for, living with Case, either. They both had some adjusting to do.

Case’s eyes never left her face. He sat down across from her. “I’ve got a feeling I’m going to learn about it right quick. So, you don’t mind me coming back?”

“What about the rodeo?” she asked abruptly. Of course, she minded, but she had no right tossing him out. He owned an equal share of the ranch.

He studied her face for a moment. “I’m entered in a handful more events so I’ll go back from time to time, but this is my last year. I’m through. What do you say, Sarah? Can you abide me coming back to the ranch?”

She shrugged. What could she say? She couldn’t very well kick him out. He’d left the ranch at a bad time. Money had been tight, beef prices down and they couldn’t afford to hire on any more help. Reid had done the work of two men to make ends meet back then, but now, it was Case’s turn to work the land, she supposed. “It’s your home, Case. Reid would want it this way.”

“But…not you?”

Sarah wouldn’t lie. She had her doubts about these living arrangements. He was Reid’s brother, but he was also a man Sarah couldn’t trust. He’d let Reid down too many times. “Case, we hardly know each other anymore. At best, it’ll be awkward.”

“Sarah, listen. I need to be here right now, but you have my word, I’ll stay out of your way. I know about the threats you’ve received.” His tone sobered considerably and his expression grew fierce. His deep dark eyes penetrated hers with raw determination. “Nobody threatens a Jarrett.”

“Case, they weren’t threats really. Mr. Merriman from the Beckman Corporation got a little too…enthusiastic in his bid to get me to sell the ranch. His company is planning this big housing community called Beckman Bridle Homes and the Triple R seems to be right smack in the middle of where they intend to build.”

“I heard the McPhersons refused the offer, too. Not too long after their barn burned down suspiciously.”

“Yes, that’s true. It happened last week, but they can’t prove anything. Luckily no one was hurt. Seth McPherson spotted the fire and they put it out before any livestock got caught in the flames.”

“You should have told me about this. I had a right to know.” Anger burned low and intense in Case’s dark eyes.

“I didn’t think you’d…”

“Care?”

“Well, it’s not as though you’ve taken an interest in the ranch, Case.”

“The ranch is my business now, Sarah. And you, living all alone out here.”

Sarah was alone now. And she felt it every day. She’d been lost when Reid died, and had to fight off her melancholy for the baby’s sake. She’d never known this kind of loneliness before. “There’s more than half a dozen hands on the ranch. I’m not entirely alone. Besides, I handled Mr. Merriman in my own way. He probably won’t be back.”

“How can you be sure?”

“You didn’t see the look in his eyes when I pulled out Reid’s Winchester and aimed it straight at his heart.”

Case’s lips lifted in a small crooked smile and uncannily, Sarah felt that smile all the way to her toes. “You chased him off the property?”

She nodded, remembering that day all too well. The man had been more threatening than she’d let on to Case. And he’d forced himself inside the house, using verbal pressure when she’d refused his offer of sale. What was worse, the man knew of the ranch’s outstanding debts and that they were headed for financial trouble. He played on that until Sarah couldn’t take another minute of it. She’d asked him to leave twice, before reaching for that rifle. “You could say that.”

Case shook his head. “You won’t have to worry about him again.”

Probably not, she thought wryly, but now she’d have another worry. She didn’t relish living with a man like Case. They’d had a history together that she didn’t enjoy recalling. Growing up in a small country town, their paths had crossed more times than not. Case hadn’t made her life easy. Two years her senior, he’d been a bully at times, a tease, and later when they’d been in their late teens, he’d played a trick on her. One she still smarted from.

One she had trouble forgetting. And forgiving.

Case Jarrett may have shared similar looks with her late husband Reid, but the differences between the two were clearly notable to her now. Oh, not physically, but Sarah couldn’t help but look at Case and see the man who had abandoned Reid and the Triple R when he was needed the most. Sarah saw a man bent on danger. She saw him as the man who had tricked and cajoled her one too many times.

How Sarah had ever been fooled in the past by their identical appearance, she couldn’t understand now. And the scar slanting down Case’s cheek from his right eye only marked him as different to others…a way of singling him out from Reid. But to Sarah, Case was nothing like Reid, and she didn’t need that facial wound to remind her that Case Jarrett was certainly not his brother.

“Is that why you’re back, Case? Are you worried about the ranch?”

Case narrowed his eyes and drew in a long breath, deep in thought. “It’s my responsibility now, Sarah.”

She nodded, wondering why, after all this time Case felt the need to own up to his responsibilities. He’d never been the type to settle down. And if his coming back had anything to do with her, she needed to make one thing abundantly clear. “But I’m not.”

“You’re not what?” he asked, the picture of innocence.

“Your responsibility. I can take care of myself.”

Case had the good sense to stifle a smug smile, but Sarah sensed she knew what he’d been thinking. She’d nearly fainted dead away just now from dizziness. And he’d been the one to catch her before the fall. “Tough pregnant lady, are you?”

“I’m a rancher’s wife, aren’t I?” At least she had been, up until five months ago. The heartache was still with her each and every day, but she had the baby to think about so she looked to the future instead of aching in the past. More than anything she wanted this child to thrive. Nurturing this baby was her only source of comfort.

Case nodded and averted his eyes. He stood then and poured coffee into a mug. “I’ve got to have a talk with Old Pete and let that crotchety foreman know I’m back at the ranch. I’ll spend the day out on the range, checking over the place. I plan to do my share of the chores around the house, too, so don’t you lift a finger on my account. I didn’t come back home to add to your work. I’ll be back in time for supper. I’m cooking tonight.”

“You cook?” she asked, startled. Sarah knew Case was a capable man, but she didn’t think of him being comfortable in the kitchen.

“Don’t get too excited. I get by. My meals are edible, barely. I’ll let you be the judge.”

Sarah lifted herself from the chair, bracing a hand on the table for support. Case reached his hand out, but then quickly retracted the offer once Sarah had straightened without his help. “One chance is all you’re getting, Case, so make it a good meal. The baby needs his nourishment. And I get real crabby when I’m hungry.”

“I’ll make a note of that.”

Sarah watched Case leave out the back door then heaved a deep wearisome sigh. Case Jarrett was back. She’d have to get used to him being around, is all. There wasn’t a doggone thing she could do about her circumstances. She and Case would be living under the same roof from now on.

Whether she liked it or not.

Case burned the steaks on the grill. The potatoes were choked with garlic and Sarah had never seen flatter biscuits. But she ate the meal without a fuss and listened to Case’s assessment of how he’d like to make a few changes on the ranch.

He had ideas for saving money and time that Sarah thought sound enough. She agreed with him on some things and gave her opposition on others. Case listened to her quietly, nodding his head then strengthening his arguments to make her see things from his point of view. He had a stubborn streak that matched her own, especially when he believed he was right. Which was pretty much all the time.

When dinner was over, Case helped Sarah bring the plates to the sink. He rinsed as she loaded the dishwasher. At times they worked so closely, their hands brushing as he handed her one dish after another, Sarah felt the need to flee. She hadn’t been touched in such a long time, and twice today, Case had touched her. Once to catch her fall and now this. It was silly to feel so awkward around him. She’d known him a long time. He was her husband’s brother, uncle to her unborn child. But she also felt a sense of disloyalty, irrational; as it seemed that she was somehow betraying Reid by engaging in such domestic rituals with another man.

Get a grip, she warned herself, this is how it’s going to be from now on.

Case looked around the kitchen, nodding his head, claiming that the dinner was a success and the room was cleaned. Sarah had to burst his bubble. Her baby needed more than meat and potatoes to survive and so did she. She cleared her throat and smiled sweetly. “Case, thanks for the meal, but I think I’ll take over the cooking duties from now on.”

Case stood with both hands on his hips, pursed his lips and studied her for a time. “Thank God,” he said finally, surprising her.

“W-what? I thought you wanted to cook some of the meals?”

His lips parted with a devilish grin. “Hell no. I hate my own cooking.”

“Then, why did you offer?”

“Seemed like the right thing to do, Sarah. You nearly keeled over right in front of me today. I was afraid my being here was an added burden to you.”

That was true, but feeding him had nothing to do with it. It was the seeing him every night and waking up in the morning part of their arrangement, that Sarah disliked. She’d be living with her husband’s brother, a man she didn’t know all too well, a man she had a brief history with in the past. She’d put that part of her life behind her, only to have Case move in here and remind her all over again, about times she’d rather not recall.

And besides all that, she hated losing her privacy. She wasn’t always at her best, being eight full months pregnant. Some days she just wanted to scream down the walls and others she wanted to cry until there were no more tears left to shed. It didn’t set well that Case had to witness some of her less than perfect days. She was too tired to try to cover up her feelings from anyone, anymore.

“You made me eat charcoal steak and greasy potatoes, Case. That’s cruel and unusual punishment. From now on, we’ll have a well-balanced meal. The baby needs his vitamins.”

“If you say so,” he said, lifting dark eyes her way. She wore a pair of loose denim overalls with a tiny T-shirt top underneath. It was comfortable attire and she knew she must look like an overstuffed Mrs. Farmer John. Yet, his eyes traveled over her, grazing her with heat as he peered at her blossoming chest. Sarah had never been so well endowed. Her body was preparing for nourishing the baby and it appeared, Case had noticed. The appreciation she noted in his eyes brought forth tingles that ran the length of her spine. With one heated look, Case had the ability to make her forget she was eight months pregnant. With one look, he’d made her feel soft and feminine again.

Sarah cleared her throat. “I do. But tomorrow’s dinner will be a little bit late. I’ve got a doctor’s appointment in the afternoon in Prescott.”

“Who’s taking you?” Case asked immediately.

“Well, nobody. I’m driving in myself.”

“Like hell you are. What time is your appointment?”

“Three.”

“I’ll take you.”

“That’s really not necessary.” Sarah didn’t understand Case’s sudden involvement in her life. She’d made it clear that she wasn’t his responsibility. She didn’t want him watching out for her. She had to learn to get by without any help since she was going to be a single mother. Case was the last man she’d ever rely on. He’d proven time and again that he couldn’t be trusted. “I’m perfectly capable of driving to town, Case.”

He came up as close as he could get without crushing the baby and pinned her with a look. “And what if you get dizzy again? Then what?”

“I only get dizzy if I move too fast. And I’m being very careful about that.”

Case blew out a breath and the classic Jarrett pig-headed expression stole over his face. Sarah knew she’d be better off agreeing, since no amount of discussion was going to change his mind and she just wasn’t up for an argument. Having Case move back home had taken a definite toll on her today.

“Be ready at two, Sarah. I was meaning to get into town soon anyway.”

“If you insist, but you don’t really have to.”

He grunted his reply and strolled out of the kitchen.

Case settled himself on the back porch steps and took a swig of his beer. The golden liquid slid easily down his throat and quenched his thirst. Stretching out his long legs, he leaned on his elbows and glanced up at the stars, but Sarah’s image appeared, out of nowhere it seemed, and interrupted his peace. He’d been thinking about her all day. Couldn’t rightly get her off his mind.

That night years ago flashed into his head, like a moving picture and plagued his memory. Sarah had looked so beautiful in her flowing pale blue gown, standing there on the threshold, expecting Reid to pick her up for her much-anticipated senior prom. Reid had come down with the flu, but hadn’t wanted Sarah to miss out on the evening. He’d practically begged Case to don his rented suit and replace him for the evening. Case protested—he didn’t want to go to some fancy doings with his brother’s girl, but in the end, for his brother’s sake, he agreed.

The mistake was in not calling Sarah first, to let her know the situation. Reid argued that she wouldn’t go if she knew how sick he’d been, so Case agreed to tell her once he got to her house. But once he knocked on her door, Sarah gave him no time for explanations. The minute she saw him standing there in his brother’s suit, believing him to be Reid, she flowed into his arms and kissed him soundly on the lips. Case hadn’t expected the intense surge of passion that erupted within him. He hadn’t expected to enjoy Sarah’s lips moving over his or her sweet scent nearly buckling his knees.

On pure male instinct, he wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss, thrusting his tongue in her mouth. Incredible sensations wiped all rational thought clear from his head. He forgot all about his mission, the fact that Sarah could never be his.

They kissed deeply, Case pressing her back with small exquisitely sensual steps until he had her braced against the wall. Their bodies touched intimately, the whisper of satin crushed up against his groin. He couldn’t hide his arousal. He couldn’t get enough of her. He needed more, to touch her and continue touching her. He’d never been so taken by a female before. He’d never felt so overwhelmed and completely helpless to the sudden urges consuming him.

She arched back and he traveled kisses along her delicate throat. Her moans of pleasure caused him to throw all caution to the wind. He couldn’t think beyond absorbing Sarah into his heat. Within seconds, her dress was unzipped and his hands found the contours of her smooth back, his lips the beautiful swell of her breasts. She tasted better than heaven, better than anything he’d ever known. He wanted Sarah more than his next breath.

Intense desire seared through him like a burst of flames. He’d pressed himself closer and hiked up her pretty dress. The soft silky slide of her nylons gave way to bare flesh. She burned under his fingertips and moaned his name. His name. “Case, stop. You have to stop.”

Startled, Case did stop, looking Sarah dead in the eyes. How long had she’d known it was him and not Reid, he would often wonder. Why hadn’t she stopped him immediately?

Case slugged back another gulp of beer and shook his head, remembering. Sarah had been furious and called him every name under the sun. Denial played heavily on his lips, but he didn’t defend himself, he couldn’t. But to keep Reid from getting suspicious, he’d finally convinced Sarah to go to the party. They’d both agreed not to tell Reid what had happened and not to speak of it again. It was the only way Case could calm her down.

They’d spent an awkward tense night with Sarah hardly able to look at him. She hadn’t let him touch her. They hadn’t danced. Case knew Sarah thought he played a dirty trick on her. He couldn’t blame her—he’d always teased and tormented her in their younger days often times pretending he was Reid. But Case had to let her believe that he was just plain rotten, that he’d used her in a mean-spirited game rather than to let on to the truth. Because the truth was far worse and it had hit Case right smack between the eyes that night. He’d fallen for his brother’s girl. The girl Reid had professed to love since the age of fourteen. The girl Reid was going to marry.

Case cursed his bad luck and chugged down another swig of beer. The strong smell of liquor was soon replaced by a flowery scent that teased his nostrils as it drifted by.

“Case?”

Sarah’s soft voice from behind had him swiveling his head. She stood in the doorway, dressed in a short white cotton robe. His gaze riveted instantly to her legs, exposed from the knees down. They were still shapely, regardless of her pregnancy and he recalled how damn soft they’d felt when he’d slid his hand up her thigh and touched her there. He wanted that again. He wanted to hold her, kiss her and finish what they’d started that night. Damn. His whole body tightened, just looking at her. “Huh?”

“I forgot to tell you at supper that you had a few messages. Penny Applegate, Josie Miller and Reba Stokely called. They’d heard you were back in town and wanted to say hello.”

Case nodded and averted his gaze. The last thing he needed was to hook up with any of his old girlfriends. He’d had enough female trouble on the rodeo circuit to last him a lifetime. It’d be hell enough living with Sarah, much less getting involved with any other female right now. “What’d you tell them?”

“Only that I’d give you the message.”

He nodded and lifted his eyes to meet hers. “Consider it done. You going to bed now?”

“Yes. Uh, well, good night, Case.”

“’Night, Sarah.”

Case listened as Sarah entered her bedroom and closed the door. Good thing she decided months ago to move into the downstairs bedroom, he thought earnestly. At least, he wouldn’t be bumping into her in the middle of the night.

He finished his beer and rose slowly, trying to banish Sarah and those torturous memories from his head. He cursed his bad luck once more, thinking of the lonely nights ahead and the promise he’d made to his brother. He’d take care of Sarah and the baby for as long as necessary and she’d never know why he’d really come home. Her stubborn pride wouldn’t have it. Case knew undoubtedly if he’d told her of Reid’s deathbed plea, she’d become indignant and refuse his help.

Case needed to do this. He had demons to chase and guilt to absolve. He wouldn’t let Reid down again.

But it wouldn’t be easy. Sarah barely tolerated him. She didn’t want him on the ranch. And she didn’t trust him worth a damn.

Two

Case was used to fast speeds and quick action, but he deliberately took it slow with Sarah seated beside him in the truck. She sat as far away as possible and glanced out the window rather than make conversation with him. He knew he’d bullied her into agreeing to this, but darn it, she could grant him a smile once in a while, couldn’t she?

“What’s the doctor’s name?” he asked.

“Dr. Michaels.”

“Never heard of him,” he said conversationally.

“She came to town about a year ago.”

Case raised a brow. “She specialize in delivering babies?”

Sarah turned to him and nodded. “She’s an OB/GYN, if that’s what you mean. She has a great reputation. Reid and I researched all the doctors in the area and she seemed to have the best credentials. I have a lot of faith in her.”

“That’s good, Sarah. When’s the baby due exactly?” he asked. He had one more rodeo event scheduled this month, but he wouldn’t go, if it were close to the baby’s due date.

“I’ll know more after today’s appointment, but Dr. Michaels thinks the baby will come in about four weeks.”

“You and Delaney go to those classes and all?”

“Yes. She took me to six childbirth classes. She promised to come back when it’s time. She’ll be a great labor coach, having gone through it twice already.”

Case shuddered at the thought of witnessing the baby’s birth. Selfishly, he was glad Sarah had Delaney to rely on to be there for the delivery. Case had pulled many a calf and pony in his day, but it ended there. He knew nothing about delivering babies.

When their brief conversation died, Case glanced at Sarah out of the corner of his eye. So pretty, he thought, with her long golden hair blowing in the breeze. He witnessed her tucking the strands that had brushed her cheeks, back behind her ear. He wished he had the right to run his fingers through her hair, to let the golden lights play over his hand.

She was a feisty one, though, with her chin raised indignantly. She wasn’t going to make today easy on him. But he’d secretly admired that trait in her. He’d put her through a lot as kids, but she’d never buckled under. One thing about Sarah Johnston, she always came out swinging.

The usual thirty-minute ride into Prescott took Case over forty-five, going ten miles under the speed limit, just to make sure Sarah was comfortable. He’d been careful on the pitted road not to hit any big potholes.

Once in town, Sarah directed him to Dr. Michaels’s office building. She was nearly out the door, before he stopped the truck. “Thanks, Case. You can come by for me in about an hour.”

“Hey,” he said, bounding out of the truck in time to help her down. She hung on to his arm, mostly for balance as he helped her feet hit the ground. He’d like it fine if she’d keep her hands on him, but she pulled away from him real quick. “Not so fast. I’d like to come and meet the doctor.”

“W-why?” she said, curiously.

“Why? This is the doctor who’s going to deliver my nephew, isn’t it?”

“Could be a niece, Case. We don’t know for sure and yes, Dr. Michaels will do the delivery.”

“Well then, I’m coming with you.”

“But, I thought you had errands to run in town.”

“That can wait. This is more important.” Although the thought of the delivery scared the dickens out of him, Case was just plain curious about this whole birth process. He needed to understand things, like how would he know that Sarah was in labor? What were the signs? What if Sarah had trouble?

Another shudder ran down his spine. Damn, the whole thing made him jittery.

“I don’t know, Case,” she said, a doubtful expression marring her face. There was mistrust there, too, along with a large dose of reluctance.

“You can decide inside,” he said, glancing at his watch, then taking her arm gently. “Or you might be late for your appointment.”

Once inside the office, Case took a seat next to Sarah in the waiting room. For all anyone knew, they must have appeared like a loving expectant married couple. Case breathed in her subtle flowery scent, noted her shapely legs peeking out from her pretty dotted dress and marveled at the serene glow on her sweet face. Damn, being near Sarah still had a powerful effect on him. If he could claim Sarah as his, he would and be done with it, and they’d really be the loving couple they seemed to portray. But Case knew beyond a doubt that would never happen.

“Mrs. Jarrett,” the medical assistant called from an opened doorway.

Sarah struggled to rise. Case stood and helped ease her up slowly. He laid a hand on the small of her back and guided her to the door. She stopped and turned to him. Case didn’t want to bully her again. This had to be her decision. “I’d really like to come in with you, Sarah,” he said softly.

Sarah stared into his eyes for a moment and he noted wariness mixed with reluctance, but when she relented with a brief nod, Case felt a small sense of relief that he’d won this round with her. The medical assistant led them into a small examining room. There, the assistant asked Sarah to step up onto the scale. “Don’t look,” she said firmly, before she took off her shoes to get on.

Case stifled a chuckle and glanced out the window. “Wouldn’t dream of it.” He’d never understand a woman’s vanity. Sarah was as big as a house, beautifully so, but still she worried that he’d find out how much she weighed.

After her temperature and blood pressure was taken, Dr. Michaels walked into the room and stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed Case. Confusion mingled with uncertainty and she gave Sarah a questioning look. “Mrs. Jarrett,” she said, darting a glance from her chart to Case and back. “I’m sorry, I was under the impression—”

“Oh,” Sarah said quickly, “this is Case Jarrett, Dr. Michaels, my husband’s brother.”

“Identical twins?” she asked, realization dawning instantly.

“Yes,” Sarah answered.

Case put out his hand. “Pleased to meet you.”

After blinking once, Dr. Michaels took his hand. “Nice to meet you, too. Are you planning on attending the birth, Mr. Jarrett?”

“No, he’s not,” Sarah put in. “My sister will be here for the delivery. You might remember her. She took me to all my appointments during the summer.”

“Yes, I do remember her. Well, then, let’s get started. You’re due for an ultrasound, I see.”

After the doctor did an assessment of Sarah, checking, measuring and answering her questions, the assistant brought in the ultrasound machine. “Here we go,” Dr. Michaels said, once Sarah was all hooked up. “You might want to stand a little closer to Sarah’s side of the bed, Mr. Jarrett. The screen isn’t very large.”

Case positioned himself by Sarah’s side and watched in utter fascination as the doctor applied a jellylike substance to Sarah’s abdomen, then moved an instrument around slowly. The picture on the screen appeared to take form and Case witnessed a miracle in the making. Awestruck, he asked Dr. Michaels, “That’s the baby?”

“Uh-huh, but the little babe doesn’t want to turn so we can see the sex. Healthy one, though.”

“Are you sure, Doctor?” Sarah asked, motherly concern apparent on her questioning expression.

“He looks fine to me, Sarah. The baby’s got a steady strong heartbeat.”

Case watched the baby move around on the screen. He glanced at Sarah, captivated by the look of joy and serenity on her face. He was so moved, he had to put his hand on her shoulder. Surprisingly she reached up to touch his hand. The contact ripped right through him and the solid rhythm of his heartbeat went a little crazy.

“He’s beautiful, isn’t he, Case?”

“Couldn’t agree with you more,” he said, completely taken by the moment. “He’s so small.”

“But it doesn’t feel that way to me,” she said softly.

“No, I don’t suppose.”

Case cleared his throat, humbled by what he was witnessing. “But he or she is keeping us in suspense. Don’t know if we should paint the nursery blue or pink.”

Sarah slowly lowered her hand away. “The room is yellow and green, Case. Delaney and I already painted it.”

The magic of the moment was suddenly gone. Sarah had made herself perfectly clear. She wasn’t including him in with her plans for the baby. He couldn’t say he blamed her, with him showing up spur of the moment and expecting…what had he been expecting? He knew damn well Sarah wouldn’t welcome him home. But he was the baby’s uncle. He did have some rights in that regard.

“I’d like to speak with Dr. Michaels privately now, Case.” she said gently.

He nodded. “Sure thing. I’ll be in the waiting room.”

Dr. Michaels shot Case a thoughtful expression, then handed him a brochure about what to expect when the baby comes. “Here you go. Interesting reading, when you get the time.”

“Thanks, ma’am,” he said, grateful for small favors. “Appreciate it.”

Case sat in the waiting room staring blankly at the brochure. For a minute there, he thought Sarah was softening toward him. They’d shared a moment of sheer joy and fascination, witnessing the baby make its subtle movements. Case had never experienced anything quite so awe-inspiring. And the look on Sarah’s face was worth a thousand eight-second rides.

From behind, he heard Sarah’s voice. She was making her next appointment at the reception desk. Case stood and faced her. She smiled tentatively and he walked toward her.

“Ready to go?” she asked.

“I’m about famished. C’mon, we’re going out to dinner. Anywhere you want.”

Case silently groaned when Sarah suggested a diner notorious for health food salads and soy dishes. The lady certainly wasn’t going easy on him. No sir. And soft sweet Sarah knew exactly how to hit a man below the belt.

He put a hand to her back and led her out to the truck. “Tofu Sally’s, it is,” he said, unruffled. “I can hardly wait.”

Sarah shuffled her salad around on her plate, aware of Case’s eyes on her. He’d been watching her intently as they sat at the diner and ate their meal. He’d already polished off two veggie sandwiches without complaint and was working on peach pie with two scoops of some soy concoction of ice cream.

“So, the good doc thinks the baby will arrive right on schedule?” he asked, after taking in a forkful of pie.

“Yes, four weeks and counting,” she replied.

“And Delaney will be able to get away in time?”

“Yes, she’s going to leave the girls with her neighbor during the day. Her husband Chuck will be able to handle the rest. She’s going to stay at the ranch one week.”

“Good. That must take a load off your mind.”

“It does. I don’t know…” she began and the urge to cry suddenly reached up and grabbed her. Overwhelming feelings of melancholy, of grief, of her gratitude toward her sister, descended on her at once. She managed to hold back tears, but her voice cracked a little. “I d-don’t know what I w-would have done without her d-during the h-hard times.”

The usual hard edge in Case’s eyes softened a bit, and he said carefully, “Your sister wants to help you, Sarah. She loves you.”

“I know. It’s just that she’s sacrificed so much already for me.”

“Delaney wouldn’t think of it that way.”

Her sister had postponed their family vacation to Hawaii just to stay with her for the summer. She’d left her husband for weeks at a time, and disrupted her household. Sarah hated asking anything more of her. Being an independent soul and having lost her parents at a young age, Sarah had gone all through her adult life without depending on anyone. Except Reid. But that was different, she surmised because married people were supposed to help and support one another. Without Reid by her side, Sarah knew she’d be on her own. The grandmother who raised her and Delaney passed away three years ago.

If she had to, she’d face childbirth alone, too, but Delaney insisted she wanted to be a part of the baby’s birth. She’d been enthusiastic about the delivery and so caring that Sarah would never be able to fully repay the favor, or show Delaney just how much her selfless help had meant to her.

“Delaney has been wonderful,” she said, thinking aloud.

Sarah noticed that Case had stopped eating. Half a slice of pie still sat on his plate. Oh Lord, that’s all she needed. Make the man feel so sorry for you that he loses his gigantic appetite, Sarah. “Your ice cream is melting, Case.”

He grinned and lifted his spoon. “Never could take a teary-eyed woman.”

“I’m not teary-eyed,” she said with indignation. It was better to spar with Case than have him feel sorry for her. Sarah hated the moods that came hand in hand with pregnancy. Often she knew she was being irrational or just plain difficult, but she was powerless to stop it.

“Yes, ma’am.”

A dollop of ice cream landed on his chin and stayed there. Without conscious thought, Sarah leaned over and wiped away the droplet with her finger. Case grabbed her finger gently and peered deep into her eyes, holding her hand to his chin. Temptation and danger cast a dark spark in his gaze. Sarah’s heartbeats sped up just looking into those eyes. His touch did things to her, things she didn’t want to encourage or entertain yet she’d certainly felt it and was powerless to slow the pace of her heart. “If you were any other woman,” he said, letting her imagination take hold, “this might have gotten interesting.”

Sarah knew all too well what happened when Case got “interested.” For about five minutes in his life, she’d been the object of his desire on her prom night. That evening had been a disaster. Not only had Case tricked her but he’d also made Sarah doubt herself and her love for Reid. That had been a hard pill to swallow because of all the men in the world, Reid Jarrett deserved her love completely and unconditionally. He was a good man, solid and sure. Sarah had been enraged with Case and his hard-hearted game. He’d proven outright that he could never be trusted.

“But I’m not,” she responded firmly, removing her hand from his chin, “any other woman.”

She was his brother’s pregnant widow and a woman who would always be wary of him. That about sized it up. She couldn’t allow her bouts of loneliness to sway her resolve.

Eyes twinkling now, in direct contrast to the hot look he’d just given her, he had the good sense to back off. “No, ma’am. You’re certainly not just any woman, Sarah.” He lowered his voice. “I’ve always known that.”

The soft way he said those words brought unexpected tingles and Sarah hid her smile. At eight months pregnant, Sarah wasn’t used to hearing too many compliments.

She put her head down and toyed with her salad.

“Well hello, cowboy,” a deep sultry voice called from across the room. Sarah snapped her head up to find Case frowning, then followed the line of his vision. Josie Miller, one of Case’s old girlfriends, sauntered up to the table. The leggy redhead had eyes only for Case.

“Hello, Josie.” Case seemed to eye her with typical male scrutiny.

“How’ve you been, Case. Long time, huh?”

“Yeah, I’d say it’s been a long time.” Case pushed his dish away and stretched out. “Just got back in town, actually. I took Sarah to her doctor’s appointment today.”

Sarah wanted to scream from the proprietary way Case had thrown that bit of information out. She’d just barely allowed him to accompany her to that appointment and Case made it sound as if…as if they would be sharing more than her medical appointments.

Josie’s wide smile faded, glancing from Case to her. “Oh, hello, Sarah. When’s the baby due? You look like you’re ready to pop.”

“Babies don’t pop, Josie,” Case said, coming to Sarah’s defense before she had a chance to respond. It more than irritated her that Case would be answering questions on her behalf.

“The baby’s due in about one month, Josie.”

“Oh, that so?” Josie swung her hip in Case’s direction, but he didn’t appear to notice.

“Yes,” Sarah answered. “I can hardly wait.”

Josie tossed her long red hair off her shoulder. “I bet. You plan on being the surrogate daddy, Case?” The woman seemed truly intent on his answer.

“Well, I, uh.” Case blinked and fumbled with an answer. “Not exactly.”

“My child will know who his father is, Josie. And that Case is his uncle.” Sarah hoped she left no room for doubt.

“I see. Sure. The three of you all, living in that little ole ranch house together. Seems to me, that baby might get a teeny bit confused.”

Heat surged up Sarah’s throat and stung her face. She couldn’t look at Case. She couldn’t look at Josie. The woman hit the nail right on the head. Sarah had been thinking that very thing ever since Case showed up yesterday. She hadn’t expected his arrival and now all sorts of doubts were filtering in about their living arrangements once the baby came.

She’d planned on keeping Reid’s memory alive by speaking of him often and showing her child pictures of his father. But Case was the spitting image of Reid. With all three of them living under one roof, things could get confusing all the way around.

“I’m sure you folks will work it all out,” Josie said smugly, then directed her attention back to Case, “but if you get at all tired of the family scene, Case, you have my number. Don’t hesitate.”

Case pursed his lips and nodded grimly. “’Night, Josie.”

“Same to you all,” she said sweetly.

“She’s not subtle,” Sarah said, once Josie returned to her table across the diner. Sarah decided to keep Josie’s marital problems to herself having never been one to gossip. But the fact remained Josie had been married and divorced twice since high school.

Case chuckled, his tight face giving way to a smile. “She never was.”

“You liked her once.”

“I liked a lot of women, once.” He let out a deep sigh. “Those days are long gone.”

Sarah found that hard to believe. Case Jarrett with his devastating good looks and aloof attitude had been a heartbreaker. He liked women, all kinds of women and had always been the first to admit that. “You don’t mean you plan on settling down, do you?”

That could solve her problem. If Case had a wife, then Sarah wouldn’t feel so doggone awkward with him underfoot.

Case shook his head. “Noooo. Settling down means getting involved with a woman. I’ve just about sworn off females.”

“I give you about a week, Case.”

“I’m serious,” he said, leaning forward. “I’m going to focus on the ranch and…uh—”

“And?” Case was holding something back. She could see it in his eyes and in the way his shoulders stiffened.

“Nothing, Sarah. You ready to go?”

“Yes. I’m all through.”

“Let’s get on back home,” he said impatiently.

Sarah cringed inwardly at how Case used the very same expression Reid would whisper in her ear when he was impatient to get Sarah home. To make love. They’d spend a long sweet night together, loving.

How different her life was now.

There’d be no more nights of love and no more sweet embraces.

The only thing she had to look forward to was the arrival of the baby. That would be enough to see her through long lonely nights.

On the way home, Case pulled up to the Beckman Bridle Homes trailer located just outside of Prescott. The sign out front showed a planned community with a country club, golf course and boasted five hundred new “bridle path homes.” Hell, every damn ranch within a twenty-mile radius was a bridle path home. And if the path wasn’t there, you simply mounted your cow pony and etched one out of the land.

“Case, what are you doing here?” Sarah asked.

“I was thinking I’d go in there and give those land agents a piece of my mind.”

“I don’t think they’ll come around again.”

“Look at that sign, Sarah,” he said, gesturing toward the large painted signpost. “Doesn’t appear to me that they’re going to give up. Looks as though they got this whole thing planned and nothing’s going to stop them. I heard that five ranches have already agreed to their terms.”

“Case, I can’t say as I blame them. The smaller ranches haven’t turned a profit in years. Those folks were just barely holding on. The offer came at a good time for them.”

“And what about McPherson’s barn? Don’t folks care that these people they’re selling to have no compunction?”

“I know it seems suspicious, Case, but we have no proof that Beckman Corporation had anything to do with that fire. Could have been an accident.”

He scoffed at that. Case was certain that barn burned down because of foul play. He wasn’t going to let anything like that happen at the Triple R. He doubted the corporation would buckle under just because one woman lifted a rifle and shooed their agent off the property. Brave as she was, Sarah just didn’t have it in her to truly intimidate another living soul. That Merriman fella probably just decided to leave the pregnant woman be and find another approach.

“Besides, Case. It looks like they’re closed for the day.”

Case did a cursory glance and found Sarah to be right. Everything looked locked up good and tight as the small Closed sign on the far right window indicated.

“Yeah, guess you’re right.” Case would have to deal with them later. It was best Sarah not be around when he did. He wouldn’t want her to get upset if things got ugly.

Case drove off slowly, noting Sarah putting her hand on her abdomen. “Everything okay?” he asked, peering at her from the corner of his eye.

A warm smile graced her face. “Yeah, just fine, Case. The baby is moving a whole lot.”

Case swallowed a lump in his throat. He’d never been the sentimental type, but seeing Sarah so at peace, enjoying the movements of that little babe, twisted something in his gut.

“He gets fidgety this time of night,” Sarah said softly.

“Does it hurt, with him moving around like that?” Heck, it wasn’t as if there was lots of room in there.

“No, doesn’t hurt at all. Oh,” she said sharply, then smiled, “but he’s very active. I think he just kicked my ribs.”

“And that doesn’t hurt?”

“Well, it’s a good kind of pain and doesn’t last long.”

Case nodded and returned his focus to the road. He had a lot to learn about babies. Tonight, he’d read through the brochure Dr. Michaels had given him.

They drove on in silence. Case noticed Sarah yawning several times. She’d had a long tiring day. He probably shouldn’t have insisted they stop to eat, but sometimes he forgot that she needed more rest than usual.

The sun set on the horizon and it was dark by the time Case pulled up to the house. About fifteen minutes earlier, Sarah had fallen asleep, her head lodging uncomfortably against the truck’s window. He hated to wake her, but darn it, she’d get a kink in her neck from the way she’d fallen asleep.

Quietly Case slid his body next to her. “Sarah,” he whispered, “we’re home.”

Sarah didn’t budge.

“Sarah,” he repeated a little louder. He put his arm around her shoulder and gently shook her.

“Mmmm,” she murmured and turned into his arms. Drugged by sleep, Sarah rested her head onto his chest and snuggled in. Golden strands of hair tickled his hand in a silken caress. Case sat there a moment, uncertain as to what to do. He listened to her deep breaths, taking in the flowery scent that was Sarah’s alone.

“Sarah,” he whispered again, but she didn’t respond at all this time. The woman was definitely out.

Case folded his arm around her, holding her against him, letting her sleep. He forced himself to relax and lean back a little bit. Sarah flowed against him, but didn’t stir.

She wouldn’t like this, if she knew. But hell, Case had tried to wake her, several times. The woman was tired and needed her sleep. Case decided to enjoy this secret time with her. How long had he dreamt of holding her this way? Of taking her into his arms, and kissing her until kissing wasn’t enough? He’d wanted Sarah for so long, he’d had to banish her from his thoughts at night so he could get some sleep. And now, he held her in his arms, as he’d always imagined.

Case wouldn’t torture himself with those thoughts. He couldn’t have Sarah. She had no use for him in her life. He’d made a promise to Reid to watch out for her and the baby. He’d lay down his life doing that, but Case knew that’s all it would ever be. He couldn’t compete with his brother’s memory. For all he knew Sarah was still in love with Reid. At least that’s the uneasy feeling he got every time she looked at him, as though she was disappointed that he wasn’t Reid.

Maybe Sarah felt the wrong brother had been taken. Hell, Case rode around with that guilt, too. He was the one with the dangerous profession. Busting broncs nearly took out his eye and crushed his cheekbone, but ironically it was Reid who’d been injured in a nightmarish accident that eventually took his life. If Case had been here at the ranch, helping out, maybe Reid wouldn’t have died.

In his heart Case believed Sarah would never look at him and see him clearly, for the man he truly was. He’d let her believe him to be a scoundrel for so long she’d never have any other opinion of him. Perhaps it was better that way.

When Sarah flinched, Case peered sharply down at her belly. He could see ripples, a small tide of movement. His better sense gave way to desire. Case laid his hand carefully on Sarah’s stomach. A little flutter, then a jolt met with his hand. The baby had spunk. Case stifled a chuckle, but a smile split his face wide open. No doubt, this child was a Jarrett.

A miracle lay under his fingertips. Case sat in wonder, holding the woman he wanted, feeling new life reach up and touch him. He closed his eyes and a deep sense of peace, of tranquillity, of something stronger he didn’t dare name, washed over him. For a moment, he knew how Sarah must feel, carrying this child, nurturing it with all the love she had in her heart. Case brushed a soft kiss on Sarah’s forehead.

And wished she’d sleep in his arms all night long.

Three

Sarah sat in a lawn chair under a shady cottonwood tree in Bobbi Sue Curry’s backyard and opened another gift. Her best friend had insisted on giving her a baby shower and so nearly all the female population of Barrel Springs was upon her. The women chattered and laughed happily as Sarah was presented with just about everything her new child would ever need. Her friends had been generous, even though she knew many were having their own financial difficulties, which made their generosity even more heartwarming.

“A car seat!” Sarah exclaimed, after opening the rather large rectangular box with the “help” of Bobbi Sue’s five-year-old daughter, Maureen. “Now I’ll have two. Thank you so much,” she said, smiling at Amelia Velacruz, an old high school friend.

“You can return it for something else, Sarah. If you don’t need two,” Amelia promptly offered.

“She’ll need ’em both, that’s for sure,” Judy Melcher, another of her old school friends called out. “Case will need one for his truck.”

A rapid rise of heat flamed her cheeks. Sarah thought she must have blushed two shades of red. Ever since Case had moved back one week ago, she’d heard talk. Nothing much had been said directly to her, but there’d been plenty of innuendo about Case stepping in for his brother. Most of the comments seemed innocent enough, a way for folks to ease their curiosity about the goings-on at the Triple R, but Sarah had been hard-pressed as to how to clear things up exactly. Case was home, but he certainly wasn’t “stepping” in for his brother.

At least not where she was concerned.

He was home to tend to the ranch. Finally he’d owned up to his responsibility, but Sarah doubted he’d stay on long. Case had a restless nature; he wasn’t someone you could bank on for the long haul. Sarah knew this just as sure as she knew her baby had just knocked her in the ribs again. She smiled, thinking how rambunctious her child was…and how healthy.

Thank heavens for that.

“That baby will know how to ride a wild bronc before he walks, if Case has anything to say about it,” one woman announced.

Sarah came out of her musings to respond. “Case won’t,” she said, perhaps too firmly as a hush stole over the ladies, “have anything to say about it.”

Sarah noted her friends’ faces, some staring with wide eyes, others averting their attention completely. What had gotten into them? She’d only stated a fact. Case Jarrett wouldn’t have any say as to how she would raise her baby. Heavens, he’d only just come back to the ranch, and the entire town, practically, was making them into a couple. No. Everyone was trying to make them into a family. Sarah had learned the hard way that life didn’t always fit into nicely wrapped packages complete with perfectly tied bows, like the remaining gifts on the table. No, life was more messy than that.

Just then, the back screen door slammed and Sarah turned around. Case stood at the opened doorway, staring at her. In that instant she knew he’d been there long enough to hear what she’d said. Dread mixed with misery as she peered into his eyes. She’d hurt him, yet there he stood, looking as handsome as ever and smiling at her. That smile always seemed to create butterfly flutters in her stomach. “Case, w-what are you doing here?”

Bobbi Sue handed him a plate filled with food and a glass of iced tea. “I thought I’d save Bobbi Sue and Carl a trip and pick you up myself. I brought my truck to haul all the gifts back to the ranch.”

“Oh,” she said, slumping a bit in her chair, “that’s very thoughtful.”

“I thought so, too,” Bobbi Sue said then pointed to a seat on the porch in the shade. “Take a load off, Case. Sarah’s about through, just a few more gifts to open then we’ll have cake. Won’t be but another half an hour.”

Case planted himself down with plate in hand. “Don’t mind if I do,” he said, thanking Bobbi Sue, then winking at Sarah. “You go on and finish up, darlin’. I’ll wait.”

Sarah was handed the next gift, a pretty pink and blue basket. She glanced into the crowd of her friends and smiled tentatively. They seemed to have one eye on Case and the other on her, waiting and watching. For what exactly, Sarah didn’t know but so many of her friends were nodding approval or casting her undisguised smirks.

One hour later, Sarah gave Bobbi Sue a big hug. “Thanks so much,” she said, stepping out onto the front steps. “I don’t think the baby will be wanting for a thing now.”

“Nope, I don’t think so. I’m glad the shower was such a success. You deserve every good thing that comes along, Sarah.”

Sarah sighed and patted her belly. “The baby is all I need now, Bobbi Sue. It’ll be the best thing that comes along in my lifetime.”

Bobbi Sue looked out onto the front yard, where Carl was helping Case load the gifts up into the bed of his truck. “There’s nothing like a child, Sarah, that’s true. My little Maureen has brought us nothing but joy, even if she’s still resisting going to school every day. But honey, don’t sell yourself short. You’ve got a whole lot of living yet to do. And looks to me, there’s more than just one good thing in store for you in this life.”

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