The Ranchers New Family
Rachel Perez needs a handyman to spruce up her in-home day care. So when she wins ex-soldier Seth Howell in a bachelor auction, shes glad he can swing a hammer. But when freewheeling Seth suddenly inherits a two-year-old and a sprawling ranch, hes got to grow up fast. Seth admires Rachels kindness and easy way with kids, so he seeks her help in finding his footing as a father. And single mom Rachel sees how determined Seth is to do right by little Caden. Between his toddler and her teenager, theyve got plenty of responsibilities. Finding time for love seems out of the questionbut soon theyre forging a new family...together.
Im all Cadens got.
Youve got your family to support you.
Yes, but Panic reared and bucked in Seths chest. Luke and Tracy left me the Hollister ranch, as well. Its Cadens legacy. But I dont know the first thing about running a cattle business. I cant do this. I cant be Cadens daddy. I dont know how.
Stand up, Rachel said, moving to his side. Her voice was strong and determined. Now, take the baby in your arms.
Seth swallowed hard but tucked a sleeping Caden against his shoulder. The boy seemed to curve right into Seth. The gentle rhythm of the childs breath against his neck somehow soothed Seth.
What are you feeling? Rachel asked gently.
How did he feel?
Nervous. Overwhelmed. Panicked. Devastated. And yet, there was something more hovering just below the surface.
He was responsible for this little human being. And even though it meant his entire life had just been turned upside down and backward, there was something somehow...right about holding Caden in his arms.
Award-winning author DEB KASTNER writes stories of faith, family and community in a small-town Western setting. Debs books contain sigh-worthy heroes and strong heroines facing obstacles that draw them closer to each other and the Lord. She lives in Colorado with her husband and is blessed with three daughters and two grandchildren. She enjoys spoiling her grandkids, movies, music (The Texas Tenors!), singing in the church choir and exploring Colorado on horseback.
The Cowboys Baby Blessing
Deb Kastner
www.millsandboon.co.uk
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
Psalms 145:18
To my forever sweetheart, Joe.
Weve been through a lot, you and I,
and I wouldnt trade any of it for the world.
Every day with you is a great joy,
and Im so blessed by our thirty years together.
Heres to thirty more.
Contents
Cover
Back Cover Text
Introduction
About the Author
Title Page
Bible Verse
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Dear Reader
Extract
Copyright
Chapter One
Rachel Perez was looking for a man, not a monkey.
And she was most definitely not looking for a date, unlike many of the other single ladies scattered across the lawn at the First Annual Bachelors and Baskets Auction in Serendipity, Texas. What better way to nab themselves a bachelor for romantic reasons than a bachelor auction?
But that was so not Rachel.
No, not even close.
Rachel was in the market for a guy who was handy at fixing thingsand she needed him, like, yesterday. She needed someone to tear down the well-used play set in her backyard and replace it with something new and to government specifications. The recertification status of the day care she ran out of her home depended on picking the right man for the job.
That was why she was glad that her town had chosen this particular type of bachelor auction to raise funds to build a senior center for the townan auction that wasnt actually about getting dates with bachelors at all.
The Bachelors and Baskets Auction had started out with the idea of hosting only true bachelors, but because the auction was for such an important cause, married men had jumped on the bandwagon, as well. Every man had his own unique skill set to offer to the crowd.
Making the auction a full-town event had also opened the bidding to a wider range of individuals. Single and married women alike were encouraged to bid on the men of their choice to help them with whatever projects needed doing around their homes and ranches.
Rachel suspected there would be a lot of husbands washing dishes and folding many loads of laundry before this day was done.
And determined not to be outdone by the men, the ladies in Serendipity had soon added their own contributions to the auctionloaded picnic baskets as a prize for the fellows they won. Virtually everyone in town was involved at some level. That was just the way the folks in Serendipity weregenerous to a fault and ready with any excuse to get together and have a celebration. And willing to buckle down and put in good work, too, when it was needed. Surely thered be someone perfect for the job of fixing up her outdoor play area for the kids in her care.
She intended to be picky about her choice. Someone older with lots of experience.
Even so, she had to admit she was amused by former army corporal Seth Howells grand entrance. He might be too young and flighty to fulfill her requirements, but he was admittedly fun to watch.