Free Her Cowboy Hero (The Colorado Cades) by Tanya Michaels Page A

beneath the carport.
    “Even though I’m barely to my second trimester, I look about five months along,” Arden was saying. “Apparently, when you have back-to-back babies, you start showing a lot sooner with the second one.”
    He heard a bark, then Scarlett raced toward him at a dead run. When she reached him, she sat in the grass, tail thumping, and cocked her head in canine hello. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth, drawing attention to her crooked underbite. She looked so ecstatic to see him she was damn near cute. He scratched behind the dog’s ears, not surprised when Arden worked the conversation around to asking when she’d see him again.
    “The wedding’s at the end of next month,” he pointed out. “That’s not long.”
    “I have a great idea,” she said as if he hadn’t spoken. “Elisabeth’s family is throwing a couples’ shower for Elisabeth and Justin in two weeks. Nobody expects you to come to Cielo Peak for that, but what if Hope and I drive down to see you? We can go shopping for gifts together.”
    “Or I can mail them a card and a check.”
    She huffed in exasperation. “I know shopping’s not your favorite thing in the world, but man up. Justin’s worth a little effort. Besides, are you saying you wouldn’t welcome a visit from your favorite sister? I’m pregnant,” she reminded him. “You should humor me. I’m emotionally fragile.”
    He bit back a laugh. His little sister was about as fragile and delicate as a charging bull. “Admit it, the shopping’s a ruse. You just want to harass me in person and meddle in my life.”
    “Says the man who once threatened to break Garrett’s kneecaps if he hurt me,” she said wryly.
    That wasn’t meddling; that was being a brother. “As long as he keeps you happy, he’s in no danger from me.”
    “I’ve never been happier,” she said softly. “I can’t even imagine how that would be possible.”
    He could hear the truth of it in her voice, and it made him smile. “I’m glad. You deserve it. Look, I have to go, but Elisabeth and Justin have one of those wish lists, right?”
    “A registry? Yeah.”
    “Email me the information, and I promise I’ll send them something more personal than a check.”
    “All right. But start answering your phone more, or I will program my GPS for Bingham Pass.”
    He tried to appease her without actually making any promises he might not keep, then they said their goodbyes.
    Now officially late, Colin took the newly reinforced porch steps two at a time, Scarlett at his heels. He let himself in, calling “Knock, knock” as he approached. The buttery smell of pancakes beckoned.
    He walked into the kitchen, where Evan, Annette and her husband sat at the table. Hannah stood at the island, slicing squares of hash brown casserole.
    Her welcoming smile brought out her dimples. “You made it.” She did a double take, her hazel eyes avid. “And you shaved. You look... I’ve never seen you clean-shaven.” Her gaze slid over him, warm and sweet.
    Colin swallowed. “It seemed like time.” Acutely aware of their audience, he turned back to the table, ignoring Annette’s raised eyebrows and extending a hand to the man who sat at her side. “Colin Cade, nice to meet you.”
    “Todd Reed.” The man had a good grip.
    Hannah had mentioned Annette’s husband was an accountant. From the guy’s stout build, buzz-cut auburn hair and skin that looked ruddy from time in the sun, Colin wouldn’t have necessarily pegged him as having a desk job. But Todd’s clear gray eyes radiated sharp intelligence.
    Colin turned from greeting the Reeds and bumped fists with the little boy. “Mornin’, Super-Ev.”
    He grinned, his face sticky with syrup. “Mr. Colin, are we going to start building my house today?”
    “Not yet. But I did sketch some ideas last night. We can look at them later.”
    Colin poured himself some coffee and refilled everyone else’s mugs. As he and Hannah sat at the table, he apologized