LITMIR.BIZ

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to save their marriage, he hadn’t expected to fall for ranching. But it suited him. He liked the physical labor. Being outdoors. Managing staff and cattle. The business side of things.

      It was a surprisingly good fit. Not that he didn’t enjoy practicing law. He still helped people out when the opportunity arose and picked up some contract work from his old firm when it fit his schedule. But the switch in lifestyle had been a godsend at a time when he’d needed it, and now he couldn’t imagine going back to that fast-paced, cutthroat world.

      Once they grabbed the last load, including a diaper bag that was thankfully a manly black backpack, the two of them tromped inside.

      The kitchen had been taken over by women, a sight that had never happened in this house. In the short time Nicole had actually lived here before taking off, she’d only prepared a handful of meals. Cooking hadn’t really been her thing. Having an affair a second time had been more up her alley.

      The kitchen opened to the living room, a butcher-block island separating the spaces. It was covered with lunch items—a tray of meat and cheese and other sandwich toppings. Hudson had awakened and was now sitting in the high chair that someone had assembled. Ruby stood in front of him, entertaining. She wore a blue dress and red cowboy boots, her hair secured in two buns. Luc’s daughter definitely had the inside demeanor to match her outside cuteness.

      “We’re going to be friends, okay? I thought we were going to be cousins, but Mommy said we weren’t.” Ruby leaned toward Hudson, voice dropping to a whisper that could be heard for miles. “But we can pretend.”

      Hudson chortled in response, filled with nothing less than adoration for the delightful girl in front of him.

      “And we’re going to ride horses, and we’re going to get lots of treats from Mr. Joe.” Apparently Joe—the Wilder Ranch head chef who was known for whipping up mouthwatering desserts—had gained a super fan in Ruby. The girl continued her initiation for the baby, listing all of the fun things she planned for them to do.

      When Gage had attempted to picture this day, he hadn’t imagined that it would turn out like this. These people filling the space. Hudson happy and not in tears at being torn first from his dad and then his nanny.

      At least today—so far—had gone okay. If only Gage could confidently say the same thing about tomorrow.

      * * *

      Emma held Hudson with his head tucked against her shoulder as she paced the living room in Gage’s house. The baby didn’t like to be cradled sideways. She’d tried that already and had been informed by squirming and tears that Hudson did not appreciate the position. So upright it was.

      It had been a long day. They’d left to get Hudson at eight this morning, and now it was thirteen hours later. The full house from earlier had dispersed, leaving only her, Gage and the baby. The man reminded Emma of a caged animal tonight. Trapped. Unable to sit still. He kept popping up to do things. He’d been out to the barn twice already even though his ranch hands knew what he was up against and had things covered.

      Gage might not know what to do with himself, but he was going to have to figure that out—and quickly—because Emma was about to go home for the night. And the man who hadn’t so much as held Hudson all day was about to be on his own.

      No time like the present. She crossed to the kitchen where Gage was unloading the dishwasher. She hated to interrupt his task—because how attractive was a guy cleaning?—but she forced herself to. “Here you go.” She deposited a drowsy Hudson in his arms despite his startled grunt of protest. “He should be ready to sleep. I think the late nap this afternoon messed up his schedule, but I’ve got him settled down.”

      Gage looked at the baby, then her, panic evident. “Maybe you should put him to bed before you go? He’s already so comfortable with you.”

       Nice try, Counselor.

      “I think it’s better if you do it.”

      “Right now? But what do I...do?”

      “Hold him.” She pressed down on a grin. “I have to use the restroom. Be right back.” She took her time inside the hallway bathroom, lollygagging, giving Gage time to adjust. When she returned, Hudson had started to fuss a bit. A drowsy, agitated complaint here and there.

      Her fingers itched to take him back, but she resisted. Barely. “You’re doing great. Just try to remain calm. He’ll sense if you’re not.”

      Gage’s eyes shot to full moon size at that. The man had really great eyes. When he grinned, they crinkled at the corners, and the light sapphire contrasted with his dark hair, making the color pop.

      “Now what?” He followed Emma to the front door.

      “Now you both get some rest. I’ll be back in the morning.”

      “Do I lay him in the portable crib?”

      “Sure.”

      “Do you think he’ll just...sleep?”

      She hoped so.

      “Are you sure you shouldn’t just stay? I could sleep in the barn.”

      Emma laughed. Those were drastic measures to avoid a night with Hudson. And also very much like something she would read in one of her historical romance novels, with the man trying to save the woman’s reputation from being tarnished.

      “No need for that. You’ll be fine.” Her voice was bright. Phony to her own ears. “If you need anything or have a question—big or small—call me. I’ll answer any time of the night.” She kissed Hudson’s forehead, silently praying that things would go well for him and Gage. “I’ll see you two in the morning.”

      Crisp air nipped at her as she hurried to her car. The temperature had dropped dramatically once the sun had slipped behind the mountains. She got in, started the engine but then didn’t budge.

      Would Gage and Hudson be okay? What if the baby screamed all night? Should she be doing something more? Her windpipe shrunk down to straw proportions.

      “God, I need You to handle this. Please.” Emma couldn’t fix this situation for any of them. And Gage had to step into his role as Hudson’s caregiver. Emma would help him as much as she could, but the two of them needed to bond. If they formed an attachment, it would go yards toward Gage keeping Hudson. The kind of healing the man was unknowingly desperate for was currently in his arms in the shape of a wiggly baby boy.

      Emma blasted the heat, then turned her phone up to the highest volume for texts or calls and switched off the other app notifications. If Gage needed her, she didn’t want to miss him.

      While she had her phone in hand, she sent a text to her sister-in-law, Cate. I’m doing the right thing leaving them, right? Guilt over abandoning Gage was piling up.

      Thankfully Cate answered quickly.

      Yes! If you stay, it will just prolong Gage figuring this out on his own. And, unfortunately, he has to. Zeke didn’t name you as the baby’s guardian. (Though had he known you, I have no doubt you’d have been number one on his list.) This is Gage’s situation to handle. Come home.

      Okay. You’re right. Thanks.

      Anytime. And if you happen to bring home a pizza, I won’t complain. Kidding! Because I know you’d do exactly that. I already have heartburn and don’t want to add to it.

      Emma chuckled. Cate was eating for three, and she was doing an excellent job of it. And Luc was as doting as a husband could be. If Emma wasn’t such a romantic, their relationship would be cause for mucho eye rolling. As it was, she was faintly envious of what they had. Luc and Cate had started off rocky, but once they’d figured out they were both still crazy about each other, they’d been solid. Steady.

      Even with unexpected twins on the way.

      The front light on Gage’s house switched off. Was that a good sign? Was Hudson asleep? Why hadn’t Emma thought to

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