Montana Cowboy's Baby

Isabelle looked from Kate to Conner and back again. “You’re going to stay here as well?” she asked Kate.

“For a few more hours only.”

“Then what happens to Ellie?”

This was Conner’s opening. “I hoped you would agree to help.”

“Me?” She drew back. “But I know nothing about babies. Not even how to feed them.”

“Kate would show you, wouldn’t you?”

Kate nodded, though she didn’t appear overjoyed about it. Dare he believe it meant she was reconsidering her decision? Conner hoped she would look at him. If she did, could he communicate his wish that she could be a more permanent part of Ellie’s care?

Now hold on one minute, he warned himself. It was premature to be making future plans for the baby. Nothing could be decided about her until Jesse found Thelma. Besides, he knew Kate’s plans and they didn’t include a baby.

Isabelle had turned to Kate. “Do you really think I could learn to look after her?”

Kate chuckled. “If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times or more. You can do just about anything you set your mind to.”

Isabelle laughed softly. “You’ve certainly said it a number of times. But that doesn’t mean you’re always right.”

Kate smiled serenely. “But I am this time.”

Isabelle looked at Ellie, who watched Conner as if trying to understand how this conversation would affect her.

“She is very sweet. Yes, I’ll check with Dawson, and if he has no objections, I will help with the baby.” She grinned as if pleased with her decision.

“Good.” Conner was pleased, too.

“There you go. Things have a way of working out, don’t they?” Kate’s words, no doubt meant to sound encouraging, carried a note of regret. At least that was what Conner allowed himself to believe.