The Rancher and the Redhead by Suzannah Davis Read Free Book Online Page B

respect—was unthinkable. And a part of him yearned for the connection and continuity of a family just as fiercely as Roni did.
    Hell, she knew what she was getting into. Knew him for the lunkheaded cowpuncher and struggling rancher he was, knew small-town life and all that came with it. She’d taken her knocks, too, and wouldn’t expect rainbows and miracles every minute, nor would she light out at the first hint of rough going.
    It might look a bit crazy to the outside world, but it was a logical plan that solved their present situation without a lot of sentimental fuss, which suited Sam right down to his boots. They could forge an honorable life together, for Jessie and for themselves. All it took was a little courage.
    â€œWell,” he drawled, “that’s not the greatest sales pitch I ever heard, but I suppose I can live with it.”
    Her eyes widened. “You mean it?”
    â€œI can’t believe I’m saying this, but yes, ma’am, thank you kindly. I accept your proposal.” His words went a trifle ragged with an admission straight from his own heart. “Hell, Curly, I’m damned tired of being alone, too.”
    â€œOh, Sam!” She threw herself against his broad chest. Sam closed his arms around her, enjoying the warmth of her closeness.
    â€œAnd you’ll tell the Newtons that Jessie is ours?” she asked, her voice tremulous.
    â€œYes. Ours.” The very words made his throat tighten.
    Roni relaxed against him and stood quietly in the circle of his arms, her cheek pressed over his heart. “We’ll just take it day by day, okay?”
    â€œSure. After all, what we’re doing is nobody’s business but our own. Let the world draw its own conclusions.”
    â€œAgreed. You won’t be sorry, I promise.”
    He gave a mock groan. “Oh, I’m sure I will be, trying to keep up with two women in my life. And I know you’ll have your own share of regrets—”
    â€œOh, no.”
    â€œâ€”but we’ll make it together, God willing.”
    â€œYes,” she breathed, “God willing.”
    â€œNow are you scared?”
    Roni toyed with the pearl snap on his shirt, and he felt her tremble. “Maybe just a little.” Raising her head, she looked up into his face with a smile so brilliant, it took his breath. “But I’m more than content with what I’m getting out of this bargain. Know why?”
    Dazzled, his answer was monosyllabic. “Uh—”
    â€œBecause I’m getting a husband who cooks, that’s why. Now, Mr. Preston, about those steaks...”
    * * *
    â€œNo, indeed, you are most certainly not getting married in the judge’s chambers. That’s barbaric!”
    â€œBut, Mother—”
    â€œPut Sam on the line.”
    Helplessly, Roni held out the receiver of the kitchen phone. “She wants to talk to you.”
    â€œUh-oh.” Sam traded the wrench he’d used to assemble Jessie’s baby bed for the phone, his blue eyes sparkling. The dishes from their steak supper lay soaking in the sink, and Jessie still slept, unaware that she was in the process of acquiring parents. “I guess I’m in big trouble, huh?”
    â€œBe serious, Sam,” Roni pleaded. “She’s talking about a real wedding.”
    Cupping a hand over the receiver, he cocked one sandy eyebrow. “Well, that’s what it’s going to be, isn’t it?”
    Exasperated, she blew a dark curl off her forehead. “You know what I mean—a church, ushers, a cake with a fountain, for gosh sakes. Tell her we insist on a quiet ceremony. This Saturday. In Judge Holt’s chambers as we planned.”
    Nodding, Sam raised the receiver to his mouth. “Hello, Miss Carolyn. Yes, well, thank you, I think so. I—yes, ma’am.”
    Roni chewed her lip anxiously, but a dozen or more “Yes, ma’am’s” was the limit to