The Cowboy's Baby Bond Read Online Free Page B

sisters to join her in Granite Creek.
    Maisie patted her hand. “I’m glad you’re getting a chance to start over. I firmly believe in new beginnings.” She then gave a report of her day—how the garden progressed, the birds she’d enjoyed. “And best of all, having Willow and Adam here for a visit.” She smiled warmly at the young woman.
    Johnny saw the wariness in Willow’s eyes before it shifted suddenly to thankfulness. “I’m grateful you were nearby and could help,” she said.
    The meal ended and the men went outdoors again, as much to escape the heat of the house as to finish their work.
    Johnny went to the wagon, not surprised when Levi followed.
    â€œNever thought you to be the kind of guy to hold a baby that wasn’t your own.” His brother paused. “Hadn’t even pictured you holding your own. Kind of figured you to be the sort to leave that all to the missus. ’Course, you’d have to get married first.”
    â€œAnd you know I don’t intend to do that.” He contemplated the repair on the wagon, planning to get blocks to hold it while he removed the wheel.
    â€œLike Ma says, it’s good to start over.”
    Johnny straightened and faced his brother. “You saying that for your sake or mine?”
    Levi’s teasing grin vanished in a flash of pain.
    Johnny wished he could pull the words back. He had no desire to bring up hurtful memories for his brother. “I’m sorry. Forget I said that. In case you’ve forgotten, I am planning to start over. Me and Thad.”
    Levi snorted. “I doubt that’s what Ma meant.”
    Johnny shrugged. “Not all of us can find what Tanner found.”
    â€œYou mean a woman like Susanne or a ready-made family?”
    â€œYup.” Let Levi interpret that any way he liked.
    â€œI saw the look on your face when you held that baby. Seems a ready-made family might be to your liking.”
    â€œI played second fiddle, second best to the father of a child with Trudy. Sure as guns don’t plan to do that again.” Johnny marched away to find blocking material.
    He’d fix the wagon and send Willow and Adam on their way just as soon as the boy was deemed fit to travel. Then he’d go to the cabin and prepare it to live in.
    That was his plan and he meant to stick to it. Not even the downy head of a little boy would change his mind.
    * * *
    Willow stared at the door after the men left. Were they what they appeared to be? Big Sam, a man of considerable size, smiled so tenderly at his wife and bestowed looks of approval at his sons...and the two grown sons were so polite.
    She swallowed hard, trying unsuccessfully to ease the lump in her throat that made it almost impossible to breathe. Her own father had been like that. He’d said he loved having three daughters and she’d never seen any hint that he didn’t mean it. She’d known nothing but affection and approval from him.
    She shook off the ache that had become part of her every breath since her parents’ deaths. In a day she would be reunited with her sisters, and together they’d again create the Hendricks family.
    â€œI regret that I kept Johnny from his plans,” she said by way of apology.
    â€œHe has a cabin to repair.”
    â€œIs he getting married?”
    â€œNo.” Maisie paused. “He and his best friend, Thad, have plans.” She rolled her head a little. “They need a new beginning.”
    It sounded rather mysterious but it was none of her business. “I’ll help clean up,” she told Maisie. But when she put Adam down, he threw himself on his back and cried. “I’m sorry. He’s not usually like this.” Normally he liked the freedom of scooting around on the floor, exploring every corner.
    â€œHe’s miserable. And the house is hot. Take him outside and let him rest in the shade. I don’t mind doing this on my