Free The Drifter by Vicki Lewis Thompson

the time, just as they boasted about her brother, Jason, who was with the diplomatic corps in Spain. They’d boasted a little less about Bartholomew, but as her father had said, “At least you didn’t link up with some bum just so you could be a mother.”
    Remembering that statement and her father’s years of sacrifice out of “obligation,” Amanda had resisted the urge to throw herself into Chase’s arms again. Barely.
    Lowering Bartholomew into the cradle, she sat on the edge of the bed and used her toe to rock him gently to sleep. Chloe settled down at the foot of the cradle and put her head on her paws.
    When at last Bartholomew’s eyes drifted closed, Amanda lay back on the bed. Chase had been right about having Chloe there. Amanda was able to relax, knowing the dog was on duty. But she couldn’t sleep. Not when all she could think about was the way Chase had looked at her before he left, his smoky green eyes heavy with passion.

5
    C HASE OPENED the back gate leading into the patio and stormed through, not sure where he was headed. He almost ran into Eb Whitlock, who was carrying a potted rosebush in each hand. Eb’s ranch, the Rocking W, bordered the True Love on the north, and Freddy had asked him to give her away during the wedding ceremony.
    â€œHey, cowboy!” Eb said in his typical boisterous bellow. “Somebody set your tail on fire?”
    Chase wasn’t in the mood for Eb Whitlock’s corny brand of humor. The rancher usually laughed at his own jokes, and when he displayed his choppers, Chase was reminded of the grille work on his Peterbilt. “Didn’t mean to run you down, Eb,” he said. “I guess we’re all rushing around these days, with the wedding coming up.”
    â€œExactly. That’s why I’m here with these.” Eb plopped a container on either side of him, took off his hat and reached for a bandanna in his hip pocket. “Saw them in a nursery in town and couldn’t resist.” He mopped his forehead and smoothed the sides of his white hair before replacing the bandanna and repositioning his hat. “I have six more out in the truck. Thought they’d look good for the reception. Belinda said to find a place for them out here around the pool.” He walked over by the waterfall. “Maybe one here. What do you think?”
    Chase had to admit the roses were a nice thought, although it was typical of Eb to act on his own, without consulting anyone, when he wanted to do something generous. More than once, Chase had heard Ry mutter that he wished Eb would mind his own damn business.
    â€œI don’t know the first thing about flower arranging,” Chase said, starting to edge away.
    â€œMe neither. I’m just an old cowpoke trying to do a good deed.” Eb walked around behind the waterfall. “I’ll just put one on the other side, here.”
    â€œWell, I’d better be going.” Chase eased toward the house, determined to escape while he had the chance.
    â€œSay,” Eb called out from behind the waterfall, “how’s that little gal of yours, the one that was coming in from New York?”
    Chase definitely didn’t want to discuss Amanda—or the baby—with Eb. “Well, she—”
    â€œChase!” Leigh called, bursting from the main room of the house. “What’s this I hear about Amanda’s... baby. Oh, hi, Eb. I didn’t see you out here.”
    Thanks, Leigh. But he couldn’t be angry with her. Not Leigh. When he’d first arrived at the True Love, he’d been attracted by her looks—dark blond hair and a face that reminded him of the Mona Lisa. To his surprise, he and Leigh had become friends instead of lovers. He trusted her, which made their relationship very special indeed.
    â€œA baby?” Eb set the second potted bush on the other side of the waterfall and walked toward them with a grin big enough to eat