A Mother For The Tycoon's Child

He checked his watch. “Do we have time to stop by the Realtor’s office?”

Morgan’s heart rate picked up. “Does that mean you’re seriously considering the investment?”

He studied her closely. “If I wasn’t serious, I wouldn’t be here.”

Two hours later, they were headed out to the ranch. Morgan couldn’t stop thinking about Justin’s words. Was it really possible that this deal would come together?

She turned her car off the road toward the ranch, then glanced at the man beside her. “The Silver R Ranch has been owned by the Rawlins family for three generations. Holt just recently took over the cattle operation this past year.” She smiled. “He’s done very well for a New York financial adviser.”

“And he’s married to your younger sister, Leah.”

She gave him a sideways glance. “I take it my mother has been filling you in on the latest news.”

He was busy taking in the scenery. “Among other things. She was very kind to offer to watch Lauren today.” He drew a breath. “It’s beautiful out here. Not a bad backyard.”

“I don’t think watching your daughter is a hardship.” Morgan’s gaze went to the vast mountain range she’d taken for granted. The different brown hues of rock blended in with the tall green pines, today all trimmed with a dusting of snow.

“This is nice, but a small town has its downside, too,” Morgan said, wanting him to know everything up-front about small-town living. “We have a limited choice of restaurants, no movie theaters close by and everyone knows your business.”

“If I do decide to move here and take on this project,” he said, “the hotel will have great restaurants, and there’s always cable TV. And with a five-year-old, my social life isn’t exactly hopping.” His face grew serious. “And when you and yours have been splashed all over the media, going out has less appeal. I don’t care for myself, but my concern is Lauren. She deserves a chance at a normal life.”

Morgan’s chest tightened. He was a good dad. If she could ever consider allowing a man in her life, she could easily fall for this one…A sudden sadness swept over her. She would never be able to have a normal relationship.

No man would want someone with so many emotional scars.

“Morgan…” Justin’s voice broke into her thoughts.

“Sorry, I guess I was daydreaming.”

“Easy to do here. I feel like I’m playing hooky myself.”

“That’s how we want everyone to feel when they come to Destiny.”

Morgan parked at the back door of the two-story ranch house. It had been recently painted white with dark green trim. The once manicured lawn had the-coming-of-winter golden hue. From the shiny red barn, to the newly strung fencing, Holt had worked hard restoring the place.

“Impressive,” Justin said.

“Holt has spent the past year making improvements.”

Morgan opened the car door and stepped into the chilly air. She raised her eyes toward the gray sky, and saw threatening clouds overhead. Snow was forecast for later tonight. She hoped it would hold off until they finished the tour. She pulled her coat closer around her body as Justin came to her side. Together they walked up the steps as the back door swung open and Leah appeared.

Her baby sister was petite and cute as could be. Even pregnancy didn’t take away from her appeal.

“Welcome,” she said as she stepped aside and allowed them inside where it was warm. They passed through a mudroom into a big kitchen with natural wood cabinets and dark granite tops. The original hardwood floors had been refinished and polished to a honey color.

“Leah, this is Justin Hilliard. Justin, my sister Leah.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. Hilliard.”

Smiling, Justin took Leah’s small hand in his. The Keenan girls were all different and all beauties. The baby sister was blond and adorable. He just happened to prefer the willowy redheaded sister.

“Please call me Justin,” he said. “And thank you for letting me have a look around.”

“We’re excited to have you. I just wish you had a warmer day.” Leah turned back to her sister. “I tried to reach you before you left town. There’s a slight problem.”

“Is it the baby?” Morgan asked anxiously.

“No, the baby’s fine. But it’s about another baby ready to be delivered. A foal. Shady Lady’s in labor and having a rough time. Holt’s been with her since early this morning.”

Just then the door opened and a young boy rushed in. “Hey, Mom, Dad’s going to call the vet. Hi, Aunt Morgan.”

The thin blond-haired boy looked about eight or nine. He hugged Morgan.

“Hi, Corey,” she said. “How’s my favorite nephew?”

He grinned. “I’m fine. I got to help Dad with Lady.”

“That’s great. Corey, I’d like you to meet Mr. Hilliard. Justin this is my nephew, Corey Rawlins.”

“Nice to meet you, sir.” Corey nodded and stuck out his hand.

The boy had a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you, too, Corey.”

A tall sandy-haired man, dressed in the usual rancher’s clothing, jeans, boots and cowboy hat, walked in.

“Man, it’s cold out there.” He stripped off his sheepskin-lined jacket, hung it on the peg along with his hat and came across the room. “Hi, I’m Holt Rawlins, you must be Justin Hilliard.”

“That’s me,” he said. “I hear from your wife that you’re having a little trouble.”

Holt went to his wife’s side. “Yeah, my prize mare is having a rough time giving birth. I just came up to call the vet and tell Morgan I can’t leave right now.”

Morgan looked disappointed but hurried to reassure him. “Not a problem, Holt. If you’ll loan us the Jeep, we can go on our own.”

“Sure.” Holt frowned. “Just don’t wait too long. There’s a storm moving in later this afternoon. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to call the vet,” he said and walked off down the hall.

Justin looked at Morgan. “I guess if we’re going, we better leave soon.”

“Sure,” Morgan said, and turned to her sister. “Sorry to run off.”

“I’d go with you,” Leah began as she rubbed her slightly rounded stomach, “but I don’t think baby would appreciate a lot of jostling around.” She picked a nylon basket up off the counter. “At least I can send something with you. It’s just coffee and some snacks.”

Justin took the basket. “Thank you, Leah, that was thoughtful.” He raised an eyebrow. “We better get going, Morgan.”

“Thanks, Leah.”

“I just want to help with the project.” She smiled at Justin. “You’re going to fall in love with the site.”

Holt returned and slipped on his coat. “Vet’s on his way. I’ll walk you down to the barn.”