The Texan's Surprise Son

The Texan's Surprise Son
Cathy McDavid

TAKEN BY SURPRISEBull rider Jacob Baron is shocked to discover he’s a father. Despite the lack of strong role models in his own life, he’s determined to do right by his son… even if Cody’s attractive aunt, Mariana Snow, seems to question his parenting skills at every turn.Jacob is the perfect dad. He also has gorgeous eyes and a mouth that can only be described as sexy. But Mariana’s own father was a rodeo star. She knows their charms can’t be trusted. She’s only hanging around for Cody’s sake, that’s all. At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself…

“May I speak to you a moment?” Her glance darted briefly to his brothers. “Privately.”

“We were just heading home,” Jacob said.

“This is important.”

“It seems you know my name.” He gave her a careful smile once they were alone. “Mind telling me yours?”

“Mariana Snow.”

Jacob felt as if he’d taken a blow from behind. “I’m sorry about your sister. I heard what happened.”

Leah Snow. That explained why he’d found this woman familiar. Three years ago he’d dated her sister, though describing their one long weekend together as dating was a stretch. He hadn’t seen her since.

Still, the rodeo world was a small one, and he’d learned of Leah’s unexpected passing after a short and intense battle with breast cancer.

“Thank you for your condolences,” Mariana said tightly. “It’s been a difficult three months.”

“I didn’t know Leah had a sister. She never mentioned you.”

“I’m not surprised.” Mariana reached into her purse.

“Leah didn’t tell you a lot of things.” She extracted a snapshot and handed it to Jacob.

He took the photo, his gaze drawn to the laughing face of a young boy. “I don’t understand. Who is this?”

“That’s Cody Snow. Your son.

The Texan’s Surprise Son

Cathy McDavid

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

For the past eighteen years CATHY McDAVID has been juggling a family, a job and writing, and doing pretty well at it, except for the housecleaning part. “Mostly” retired from the corporate business world, she writes full-time from her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, near the breathtaking McDowell Mountains. Her twins have “mostly” left home, returning every now and then to raid her refrigerators. On weekends, she heads to her cabin in the mountains, always taking her laptop with her. You can visit her website at www.cathymcdavid.com (http://www.cathymcdavid.com).

To my son, Clay.

I couldn’t be more proud or more impressed

by the strides you’ve made in recent months.

This journey you’re on is a difficult one,

but I’m with you every step of the way.

Love always,

Mom

Contents

Cover (#u54ad5684-29ad-5d57-8607-f4af63d00778)

Excerpt (#uc54e8b90-df3a-52c4-ac4c-33d4b9bebdbc)

Title Page (#u2687d0d9-6302-51b3-be80-2faba7ba7fd9)

About the Author (#u08fe800a-1458-5d00-9949-edb46c1b64e6)

Dedication (#u7f950f78-bd99-5e49-8d4a-cbc4a610f7d9)

Chapter One (#uc3eaf0cb-ad97-5fab-ac6a-5cb7cf5286e5)

Chapter Two (#u90ef3f2a-b03f-5189-8f87-783eee3d1d44)

Chapter Three (#uf1a2a051-8dd9-5255-ad82-4ea78afcde5d)

Chapter Four (#u11771768-1b23-5b5b-905c-9169c1bc7e12)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)