Rocky Mountain Brides: Raising the Rancher's Family

She just stared at him, then parted her lips as he dipped his head toward hers. When his mouth closed over hers, she whimpered and placed her arms around his neck and let her lips part so he could deepen the kiss. He did. He tasted her and it was intoxicating. He wanted more. Much more. His arms wrapped around her and pulled her against his aching body. He was drowning in her, and never wanted to come up for air.

Finally his common sense prevailed, and he broke off the kiss. He gasped for a breath and stepped back. Was he crazy?

“Go back to the house, Leah,” he demanded as he turned away.

Leah stood there frozen to the spot. She’d been crazy to let Holt kiss her. Crazy to get involved with this man. She had to stay focused on a more important problem. “Holt.”

“I said leave, Leah.”

“You can’t keep ignoring Corey.”

He turned around and nodded in agreement. “I’m not that big a bastard. I know I shouldn’t ignore him. It’s just that some of us aren’t the best role models.”

“It’s not as hard as you think, Holt. Just give him some of your time, a little attention. The boy hangs on to your every word. I’ve already seen him emulate your mannerisms.”

“I don’t want him to,” he told her. “His stay isn’t meant to be permanent. Corey will be leaving.”

“Well, while he’s here, he’s chosen you to be his hero.”

The following evening, Holt drove into town and parked the truck in front of the Keenan Inn. Leah’s parents had invited all of them to dinner. It was great for Corey and Leah, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to socialize, to play out their situation in public. And he’d learned that Tim Keenan had been a good friend of John Rawlins.

“Wow! Your house is so big,” Corey said from the back seat of the truck.

“Remember I told you that we only live on the third floor. The rest of the house is for guests,” Leah explained. “Come on, Mom and Dad are waiting.”

Corey eagerly climbed out of the truck’s back door. He was wearing the new clothes that Leah had bought him. His hair, although still long, was neatly combed off his forehead. For all his excitement, the boy moved behind Leah when her parents come out on the porch.

Holt knew the feeling. He found himself putting his hand on the boy’s shoulder as Leah hurried up the steps to embrace her family.

“It’s okay, Corey. The Keenans are nice people.”

The boy still looked frightened. “What if they don’t like me?”

Holt couldn’t help but smile as he pulled off his Stetson. It was funny how quickly boots and cowboy hats had become his uniform. “Just be polite and remember what we talked about.”

“I know, mind your manners.”

It was Mrs. Keenan who came down the steps and smiled at the boy. “My, what a handsome, young man. You must be Corey.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Keenan.” With a nudge from Holt, he reached out his hand.

She shook it. “It’s nice to meet you, Corey. And all the kids call me Mrs. K.” She raised her gaze to Holt. “You must be Holt Rawlins. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He shook her hand as Leah’s father showed up.

“Hello, Holt. It’s nice to see you again.” The older man smiled.

“Thank you for inviting us, Mr. Keenan,” Holt said.

“It’s Tim and Claire. And lately, it’s the only way we can see our daughter,” Tim joked. “But what she’s doing is more important. Right, lad?”

The boy nodded. “Nice to meet you, Mr. K.”

A younger woman arrived on the porch. She was a good four inches taller than Leah and had long auburn hair. Holt recognized her as Destiny’s mayor. “Corey and Holt, this is our oldest daughter, Morgan,” Mrs. Keenan said.

“You’re the mayor,” Corey said.

The pretty woman smiled. “Yes, I am. You can call me Morgan.”

“And it’s great to have two more guys to even the odds at the dinner table,” Tim said. “Maybe we can talk sports for a change. How do you feel about the Denver Broncos?”

Holt had been a New York Giant fan all his life. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming season,” he told his host as they went into the house.

As they walked through the house into the warm, aromatic kitchen, Tim Keenan said, “You both are in for a treat. My Claire is the best cook around.”

Holt smiled. “I’ve been looking forward to sampling it all day.”

Leah watched as Corey stayed close to Holt. Seeing his protective hand on the boy’s shoulder something tightened around her heart. Since her trip out to the pasture, Holt had spent more time with the boy. At first it was awkward, but the two were making strides. At least they’d fared better than she at trying to forget Holt’s kiss.

“Everything is ready,” her mother called. “Holt, Corey and Leah, sit over there.” The big table was set for six. A large pot roast, bowls of vegetables and a basket of homemade rolls were placed in the center.

When they were all seated, the blessing was said and food passed out. The conversation was lively while eating the scrumptious supper. By the time they’d finished dessert, everyone was relaxed. Her father took Corey up to the attic to search for some toys and games to take back to the ranch.

They were finishing coffee when Morgan directed her attention to Holt. “From what I hear, you’ve settled into ranch life.”

“I have to admit it’s a lot of work, but yes, thanks to Zach Shaw, I’m getting the hang of ranching.” He smiled. “Of course, I might change my mind after the roundup next week.”

Morgan turned to her sister. “Didn’t you help John with the roundup a few times?”

Leah glanced at Holt. “A long time ago. I was just a kid.”

“Don’t let her fool you, Holt. She was quite the cowgirl back then.”

Holt studied Leah. “Oh, really. You never stop amazing me.”

“Well, don’t expect much. I pretty much followed John’s and Zach’s lead.” She glared at her sister.

“Do you have other men to help out, Holt?” her mother asked.

“Zach has lined up some of the neighbors, Jim Bakersfield and Bart Young.”

“Good, men,” Claire said. “It’s nice that you’re going to meet some of the townspeople…since you’re going to be living here.”

The mayor raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t it mighty peculiar you being a New Yorker that you’ve decided you want to live here?”

“I was born here,” he said. “It wasn’t my choice to leave.” He glanced around the room. “I’m sure everyone in town knows about my parents’ marriage. At the moment, I’m where I want to be—here in Colorado.”

Morgan smiled. “And we’re glad to have you.”