The Rancher And The Runaway Bride: Part 3 by Susan Mallery Read Free Book Online Page A

me to
     move back with her.”
    Thoughts of either made his blood run cold. In his head he knew Randi wasn’t coming
     back to the ranch with him, but in his heart, that was all he wanted. Nothing was
     easy.
    Randi took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I guess it’s time for me to finish
     growing up. If you can handle a little more trauma, I’d like you to come meet my brother,
     Noah. He got married to Amanda, his old girlfriend, while I was gone. One Howell runs
     out on her wedding, another gets married with almost no warning at all. What a family.
     You gotta love us, right?”
    He smiled. “Absolutely.”
    * * *
    “I see you finally decided to use some of the money they pay you,” Randi said, linking
     arms with her brother and glancing around at his beautifully furnished living room.
     “I thought you were going to be trapped in that bachelor apartment forever.”
    Amanda, an ER doctor at the same hospital as Noah, laughed. “I think we would have
     been perfectly happy there, since we’re both constantly at the hospital, but Noah
     insisted. As soon as we were married.” She met her husband’s gaze and they shared
     a moment of silent communication.
    “I’m glad Noah and Amanda have this house,” Melissa Howell said from her seat by the
     fireplace. “It’s important for someone in Noah’s position to have the right kind of
     residence.”
    Brady leaned against the window frame and watched Randi roll her eyes at her mother’s
     comment. They’d finished dinner a few minutes before and had moved into the living
     room for more conversation.
    He’d caught Randi’s worried gaze a few times during the meal. She was obviously concerned
     because he was so quiet. When they were alone, he would reassure her that he was fine.
     This was her family, and she needed time to catch up with them. While he appreciated
     her bringing him along, he couldn’t help feeling like the odd man out.
    Melissa Howell smoothed her silk skirt and turned toward him. “Mr. Jones, you own
     a ranch? Is that what my daughter told me?”
    “No, you don’t, Mother,” Randi said, leaving her brother’s side and approaching Brady.
     “You’re not going to grill him. Brady Jones hired me when I had no references and
     no way to prove myself. He’s been a terrific friend to me, and I refuse to let you
     ask about his family name and net worth.”
    Melissa, all sleek hair, perfect makeup and expensive jewelry, made a slight expression
     of distaste. “Randi, I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
    “I’m sure I do.”
    “Brady doesn’t look like he needs defending,” Noah said.
    “Your brother’s right,” Brady told her as she reached him and took his hand. “I can
     take care of myself.”
    Randi’s blue eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled. “Maybe, but you’ve been taking
     care of me for the past couple of months, so it’s only fair that I return the favor.”
     She leaned forward and whispered, “Besides, my mother can be very determined. After
     all, she talked me into marrying Hal.”
    “What are you telling him?” Melissa asked. “Stories, I’m sure. My youngest has always
     had the most peculiar notions.”
    Amanda broke in with a statement about ordering a bedspread. There were so many fabric
     swatches to choose from. Momentarily distracted, Melissa gave her daughter-in-law
     her full attention as they discussed the merits of the various offerings.
    Randi gave her brother a thumbs-up signal. “He made a great choice,” she murmured
     to Brady, leading him to a settee as far from her mother as possible. “Amanda handles
     Mom like a pro. With her around, the situation might be bearable.”
    Brady settled next to her on the small sofa. In the soft light her skin was luminous.
     She wore her hair pulled back from her face and twisted into order at the base of
     her neck. Protesting the entire time, she’d finally agreed to visit her mother’s house
     long enough