LITMIR.BIZ

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belonged here. This was where he felt at home. And with the Kirby Ranch he would be able to fulfill his dream of his own place. Now he just had to convince one stubborn city woman to sell.

      Chapter Four

      An hour later, after a leisurely shower, Joy felt much better. A little makeup helped hide the dark shadows under her eyes, but nothing could help her get into her pre-maternity clothes. She ended up putting on a loose gauzy skirt and an oversized blouse. She fed Katie again, then came downstairs to have some decaffeinated tea with Ella.

      “You’re going to like it here in San Angelo,” the Circle B housekeeper said. “It’s a nice area, and for the most part, good people. And don’t hesitate to ask for help. At least until you get back on your feet. There’s plenty of women around here who would love to get their hands on that precious baby upstairs.”

      Joy smiled. “Everyone has been so good to us.” Her thoughts went to Chance Randell, wishing she hadn’t been so rude to him. How could she have practically thrown him out? But his motives weren’t completely generous. He wanted her ranch.

      “Well, a woman alone has to be careful,” Ella said, then took another sip of her tea.

      “I thought you said I was safe here. Aunt Lillian lived alone here, and she was never bothered. Was she?”

      Ella smiled. “Naw, but your Aunt Lil was an expert with a shotgun. And everyone around here knew it.”

      Joy shook her head. “I’ve never fired a gun. I don’t much care for them.”

      “Well, you should learn, even if it’s just to run off coyotes.”

      Joy’s heart began to race. Coyotes! She was alone here and…with a baby. She remembered how pitch black it had been outside her window last night. Luckily, her aunt had installed security lights on the property, and Joy could see all the way to the barn.

      “It’s okay, Joy. Just stay in touch with your neighbors. We depend on each other a lot. And I suggest you get a dog. In fact, Betty Campbell’s son’s dog had a litter of pups over a month ago. They should be ready for homes.”

      “A dog?” She’d always wanted a dog when she was growing up, but her mother wouldn’t let her have one because they’d lived in a apartment. Joy’s interest was definitely piqued. “What kind of dog?” she asked.

      “I hear they’re a Labrador mix. Great dogs. Good around kids.”

      “You think I could buy one?”

      Ella nodded. “And I bet it’s at a price you can’t pass up, too.”

      Joy didn’t want Ella to know how uneasy she really felt. She was out of her element here. How could she handle everything: a baby, a dog, a ranch? And what if the Spencers found…?

      No, she wasn’t going to get discouraged. She pushed away the negative thoughts. The Spencers weren’t going to find her. They hadn’t any idea where she’d gone. Joy had been careful not to leave a trail. Only her friend Terri knew of her plans.

      “I’ll have Chance pick one out if you’re interested,” Ella said.

      “What?” Joy asked, embarrassed she hadn’t been listening.

      “The puppy. Chance will make sure you get a good one.”

      “Oh, no, I don’t want to put him to any trouble.” She didn’t need the man to do her any more favors.

      Ella shook her head. “It’s no problem. Chance deals with the Campbells all the time. He bred two of their mares.”

      Joy was surprised. “I thought he was in the cattle business.”

      “He is,” Ella said. “But he’s also been breeding and training quarter horses for several years now.” The housekeeper cocked her head. “I guess it’s no secret Chance hoped to buy this place.”

      Joy wasn’t sure that she wanted to get into this. “I’m sorry…”

      The older woman’s hand covered Joy’s. “It’s okay, Joy. You and your baby have every right to be here. I know Chance is disappointed, but maybe something else will come up for him. He can take it. He’s tough. He’s had to be over the years to survive.”

      Joy didn’t miss the flash of pain in Ella’s eyes when she spoke of Chance. There was more to learn about that brooding cowboy. And it frightened her to realize how much she wanted to know about him.

      Chance glanced from the road to the box on the truck seat. The chocolate and blond lab puppies were whining and scampering up the side, trying to escape their temporary home.

      He reached over and stroked the animals. “Hang on, you guys. I’ll get you a new home soon.”

      Yeah, thanks to Ella, he’d been elected deliveryman today. Did she think he had nothing else to do than run errands for Joy Spencer? Chance wiped his hand over his face and released a long sigh. What was wrong with him? He’d done the same for neighbors before.

      He knew the truth was he was still ticked off because she had practically chased him away three days ago. Okay, he’d gotten the message loud and clear. She didn’t want him around. So, what? He wasn’t crazy about the idea of her being his neighbor, either.

      He gripped the steering wheel tighter and blew out a long breath. “Stop beating a dead horse,” he mumbled, hating the circumstances. “She’s here. So get used to it.”

      He may have to live with it, but he didn’t have to hang around. As soon as he dropped off the dog, he was out of there. He pulled off the highway and drove down the gravel road about another quarter mile until he came to the Kirby place. He pulled up next to the house and climbed out. Carrying the box, he walked to the back door and knocked.

      Just give her the box and leave, he told himself. She wanted her privacy. Let her run the ranch. Let her see how hard things were, and maybe then she’d be more willing to sell. He’d give her two months.

      Finally the door opened and Joy appeared. She was dressed in a pink blouse and some kind of black stretch pants. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail, and she was holding her crying daughter against her shoulder. Maybe screaming was a better description. Chance’s attention went to Joy and stopped at the panic in her once-bright eyes.

      “What’s wrong?” He felt his own panic build. He came inside and set the box down in the mudroom.

      “I don’t know. Katie’s been fussing since her two o’clock feeding. I’ve fed her and changed her, but she hasn’t slept.” Joy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t know what to do.”

      Not stopping to ask permission, Chance took the baby from Joy. He managed to brace the squirming bundle against his shoulder and began talking to the infant. “What’s wrong, little darlin’? You have a rough night?”

      As if little Katie understood him, her cries softened and he continued to walk around the room, patting her back. After a few minutes she emitted a very unladylike burp. Katie sobbed softly for a moment longer, then there was silence.

      Joy felt the tears build in her eyes as she looked at the big cowboy holding her daughter. Why couldn’t Katie have done that for her? Joy had been carrying her all night, worrying that she’d eaten something that didn’t agree with her daughter.

      Awkwardly, Chance put the sleeping baby in the carrier on the table, then he turned to Joy. “Hope she’ll sleep for a while.”

      “Thank you.”

      “No problem.” Suddenly the tenderness was gone as the familiar stony gaze appeared in his gray eyes. “What about you? When was the last time you ate?”

      What was it about this man wanting to feed her? “Last night. And some toast this morning.” She was capable of feeding herself.

      Suddenly they were aware of a different whimpering

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