Free Daddy Wore Spurs (Mills & Boon Cherish) (Men of the West, Book 32) by Stella Bagwell

we’ll try our best to get the foals delivered safely.”
    “Is he a vet?”
    Her short laugh was like a mocking snort. “He’s a mechanic by trade. He kept Dad’s tractors and trucks running. All he knows is to pour out feed, toss hay and make sure the water troughs are full. But he’ll do whatever he can to help.”
    He sighed and stroked his fingers against his jawline as though she’d just thrown him a heavy problem, one that he had no idea how to deal with. Mariah could’ve told him that she’d been feeling that same heavy burden for months now.
    Frowning, she asked, “What’s wrong? None of this is your problem. So you needn’t concern yourself.”
    “I’m sorry if it seems like I’m intruding—”
    “You are intruding,” she interrupted.
    “But I’m concerned about the mares.”
    For as long as Mariah could remember, it had always been horses first in the Montgomery family. Many times she’d longed to have her father’s undivided attention, even for only one day. Now she was seeing the very same thing with this man.
    “So am I. But I’m doing the best I can.” She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Harry was safe before she continued walking.
    Three long strides and he was back at her side. “I’m only trying to help, Mariah.”
    She heaved out a heavy breath. “Then find me a buyer. Quick.”
    “For the horses? Or the ranch?” he questioned.
    “Both.”
    “Tell me, Mariah, what if someone came along right this minute and bought you out?” he asked. “Do you have a plan?”
    Did he really care or was he just being nosy? she wondered.
    “My plan is to be happy,” she said. “No matter where I go. Or what I do.”
    His lips took on a sardonic twist. “Really? I’m not sure you know how.”
    * * *
    Later that evening, Mariah cooked a quick meal of salad and spaghetti. Afterward, Finn helped her clean the kitchen and then excused himself to his bedroom to make a phone call.
    While Finn was occupied, Mariah gave Harry a bath, then carried him to the nursery where she dressed him in blue pajamas printed with cats and dogs.
    “Okay, little guy. Let Mommy brush your red curls and then you’ll be all ready for a visit from the sandman.” While she hummed a lullaby beneath her breath, she pushed the baby brush through Harry’s fine hair until a red curly strip stood up in the middle of his head. “Wow! What a handsome guy you are now!”
    Harry cooed and gave her a toothless grin. Laughing at his precious face, Mariah bent her head and pressed kisses to his fat cheeks, which in turn made the baby giggle loudly.
    Behind them, Finn knocked lightly on the door facing. “Am I interrupting?” he asked.
    He’d interrupted everything, Mariah thought. Especially her peace of mind. For weeks now, she’d been convinced that selling the ranch and starting a new life elsewhere was exactly what she needed and wanted. Now, he had her questioning her own feelings and wondering if she was about to make a giant mistake.
    “No. I’m only getting Harry ready for bed. He usually falls asleep around this time in the evenings. Was there something you needed? If your room isn’t comfortable, there’s another guest room just down the hall.”
    “As long as I have a place to lay my head, I’m happy,” he told her. “This time of the year I spend most nights sleeping on a cot in the foaling barn, anyway. Thankfully, most of the Horn mares have already delivered, and breeding next year’s foals has started.”
    “Sounds like you have lots of babies coming at once. You must be a busy man in the spring.”
    “It’s hectic. One of these mornings I expect to look in the bathroom mirror and see that my hair has turned white. But I love this time of year. New babies—new beginnings. It’s exciting.”
    He walked over to where she had Harry lying atop the small dressing table, and as he stood beside her, she was suddenly remembering the few moments she’d stood with her cheek pressed to his chest.