The Cowboy's Forever Family by Deb Kastner Read Free Book Online

never—”
    â€œNo. It’s fine.” Laney laid a tender hand on her belly and felt the baby kick. “At least I have a way to honor Brody. His love continues on through this baby, so how could I ever consider Baby Beckett as anything but a blessing?”
    Laney heard a loud thud coming from the waiting room and wondered what Slade was doing that was making so much noise. Probably inadvertently knocking things over with those brawny arms of his like the big boor he was.
    The doctor glanced toward the waiting room and chuckled. “Looks like Baby Beckett is not the only blessing in your life. Slade was pretty insistent you get in to see me sooner rather than later. Thought it was important for you to get the care you need, and if you haven’t yet noticed, he’s pretty persuasive when he needs to be. He’s a good friend to have on your side, that one.”
    Seriously?
Delia must be deluded if she thought Slade could be an actual asset as anyone’s friend, most especially hers. He wasn’t insistent. He was downright pushy. And arrogant. His friendship with Brody had led Brody down a destructive path, one that had virtually destroyed her relationship with her spouse. Even if Brody had lived, Laney wasn’t positive her marriage would have survived despite her prayers and her best efforts. Not with Slade’s influence on her husband. Despite the hastiness of their marriage, Laney had been committed to the relationship. But Brody—
    â€œI guess he’s okay,” she conceded when Delia’s gaze became curious.
Okay for what
was the real question.
    â€œI imagine he’s a little overprotective of you and the baby. He and Brody were very close.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œSince they were kids. Those two were inseparable. He took Brody’s death hard—harder than most. I think it’s good for him to have a positive way to direct his energy, looking after Brody’s baby.”
    Was that what Slade was trying to do? Insinuate himself into her life so he could have an influence on her baby?
    That was
so
not going to happen.
    As if she would ever subject her child to anything more than a bare minimum of time with a womanizing adrenaline junky whose idea of fun was taking crazy risks with his life. Someone with no stability, not to mention his complete lack of understanding when it came to what romantic relationships were all about. He had less sense than the big, shiny belt buckles he wore.
    Not exactly mentor material, and not whom she wanted around her child. She was going to be the best mom she could be to Baby Beckett, and that included avoiding people who clearly wouldn’t be good for the child. Nothing Slade tried, either by being his usual overbearing self or by turning his good looks and charm on her, would change her mind. Thankfully, he had not yet tried the catch-more-flies-with-honey tactic with her, but she knew it to be the key weapon in his arsenal, and she suspected if he couldn’t win one way, he’d try another.
    She’d learned her lesson about falling for easy charm, and she wouldn’t make the same mistake again. She’d once made an impulsive leap into a permanent relationship based on little more than a wink and a grin, but she was no longer that young, foolish woman—and she had a baby to protect.
    Laney heard another thud in the waiting room and Delia excused herself to go investigate. Moments later, Slade appeared in the doorway, his hat clutched in his hand.
    â€œIs everything all right? You’re okay? The kid’s doing well?”
    If he hadn’t sounded so sincere—worried, even—Laney would have rolled her eyes. As it was, she reluctantly answered his question. “I’m fine. We’re fine.”
    To Laney’s surprise, he sagged in relief. As if he really cared.
    â€œDid you think there’d be a problem?”
    He shook his head and then, as if changing his mind, he