The Cowboy Next Door & Jenna's Cowboy Hero: The Cowboy Next Door / Jenna's Cowboy Hero

The door opened. Lacey turned, meeting Jay’s gaze first, and then her attention fell on the woman walking through the door. And Rachel.

Lacey choked a little, dropping a magazine back into the rack and hurrying to the woman that held her baby niece. Only a few days, but it had seemed like forever.

“She’s a little bit sick.” The lady handed Rachel over. “I’m Gwenda Price.”

“Thank you, Ms. Price. Thank you so much.” Lacey lifted Rachel and held her against her shoulder, feeling the baby’s warm, feverish skin. “Is she okay?”

“She probably needs to see a doctor. Her temp is a little high and she’s stuffy.”

“Okay.” Lacey looked up, her gaze locking with Jay’s, as it hit home. “I get to take her?”

“We need to fill out some paperwork, and we’ll have one of the case workers in your area do a home study.”

“What about my sister?” Lacey shifted the baby, who slept through all of the movement.

“I can’t answer that question.” Ms. Price smiled a little smile. “I’m just here to deliver the baby.”

Lacey turned to Jay. He had moved to the window and was speaking in quiet tones to the lady behind the glass. His words didn’t carry. Lacey walked a little closer and he turned away from the window, shaking his head.

“Corry doesn’t want to see you.” He slipped an arm around her waist and she didn’t pull away. The comfort of his touch was unexpected. Her need for it, more unexpected. Rachel was cuddled close, smelling clean and powdery, and Jay was strong, his arms hard muscle and able to hold them both.

“What do I do?”

“I think you should concentrate on your niece.” He touched Rachel’s cheek. “Take her home and do your best for her. Give her a chance. Corry might come around, if she gets lonely enough.”

“I can’t do this.” Lacey bit down on her lip, her eyes getting misty as she stared at the tiny little girl, now dependent on her for everything. Everything.