Read Online Second Chance Rancher by Patricia Thayer - Free Book Online

“Kase and I would appreciate that. Thank you, Rory. You’re a good neighbor.”
    Rory gave a curt nod. “Don’t mention it. I know you’d do the same for me.”
    Suddenly Addy looked worried. “What about me? Daddy, you said I can’t go to the hospital ’cause I’m too little.”
    â€œI completely forgot about a sitter.” He looked at Laurel. “Could you recommend someone?”
    â€œYeah, how about if she stays with me?” she said.
    Addy’s blue eyes sparkled. “Yeah, Daddy, that’s a good idea. I can stay with Laurel.”
    Everyone around the table seemed to be fighting a smile. He realized his daughter had set him up. “But Laurel has her horses to train.”
    The child thought a minute, then said, “Maybe I can stay with Mimi and bake cookies.” She turned to Diane and gave her a sweet smile. “Can we bake cookies again?”
    Kase was embarrassed. “Addy, what did I say about asking?”
    â€œI said maybe ,” Addy clarified.
    The room broke into laughter. “She’s got you there, son,” Rory said.
    â€œThere’s no maybe about it,” Diane told her. “Addy, you are welcome here anytime. Friday is a perfect day because I planned to be inside and baking all day. In fact, Brooke is coming by.”
    Addy turned back to her father. “Please, Daddy? I’ll be good for Mimi. And I won’t be sad thinking about Papa in the hospital.”
    Kase realized he wouldn’t have to worry about his daughter’s care. “Diane and Laurel, thank you. I’d appreciate it if you would watch Addy.”
    His daughter cheered.
    Laurel stepped in and suggested, “You should bring her by Thursday night.”
    â€œA sleepover? I never had a sleepover.” Addy looked at Laurel. “Can I bring my baby dolls, too?”
    Laurel went to the child and hugged her. “Of course. I’d love to play with you. We can sleep in my old bedroom upstairs.”
    Laurel’s gaze met his. He never stood much of a chance saying no to his daughter, and with this beautiful twosome it was impossible.
    * * *
    A N HOUR LATER , they’d cleaned up the kitchen and convinced Addy to finish the puzzle when she came for the sleepover. It was well past the girl’s bedtime. Laurel watched as Kase held the sleepy child in his arms. Her heart squeezed at the tender scene. Kase made eye contact with her, then quickly glanced away and headed out the back door.
    She was a goner, and sinking further by the second. The more time she spent with this child, she began to think about things she didn’t need to think about. Such as starting something with Kase.
    Laurel followed the group out the back door. Her mother walked with her. “Isn’t she just precious?”
    â€œYes, she is,” Laurel agreed. “You were so good with her today.”
    â€œI loved every minute of it.” Her mother smiled brightly. “Besides, it’s good practice for when Brooke has her baby.”
    Laurel hated that she envied her sister so much. Brooke had everything she ached for—a loving husband and child on the way. She walked outside past Gus and her father saying their goodbyes and to the truck where Kase was fastening Addy into her safety seat.
    Once finished, he turned to her. “I can’t thank you enough for watching her today.”
    â€œNot a problem, Kase. I enjoy spending time with Addy.” Maybe too much , she thought.
    â€œStill, it’s not easy to take on a four-year-old. Believe me, I know. It’s a learning experience every day.”
    â€œWe’ll learn together.” Her face flamed with embarrassment. “I mean, I need to learn anyway because Brooke’s having a baby.”
    Kase grinned, loving her openness. “I know.”
    When his cell phone rang, he pulled it from his pocket. Seeing the name on the caller ID, he froze. It was his