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

downstairs and into the large paneled family room.
    â€œI’m exhausted.” Laurel sank into her dad’s favorite chair. “I can’t keep up with all that child’s energy.”
    Brooke slowly sank down on the camel-colored sofa, then worked to get comfortable with her oversize stomach. “You wouldn’t be so tired if the child didn’t cling to you every minute.”
    Laurel studied her sister. They looked alike, with their eye and hair color, but they weren’t identical. And now her sister was twenty pounds heavier with baby.
    â€œIt’s because she only lost her mother less than a year ago. Besides, she didn’t bother me.”
    â€œThat’s sad about her mother.” Brooke’s gaze met hers. “You know, you’re quickly becoming her replacement.”
    â€œI’m her friend,” Laurel clarified, realizing she was getting attached to the child, too.
    â€œThen you better set boundaries because that little girl is looking for a mommy.”
    Laurel sighed. “I think she just wants a family.”
    â€œDon’t we all,” Brooke said.
    Laurel hated that her newfound sister had such a rough upbringing in Las Vegas but was happy Brooke came here in search of her father and her twin. She also found the love of her life, Trent Landry.
    Brooke’s voice brought her back to reality. “And Addy’s daddy is pretty handsome, too.”
    â€œWait, aren’t you married to a handsome, sexy rancher?”
    â€œYes, and Trent knows I’ll love him to the end of time.”
    Suddenly Brooke’s husband-in-question walked into the room. “Did I hear my name?” A big grin appeared across his handsome face as he looked at his wife.
    Ex-army, Trent had warm brown eyes and still wore his dark hair short. When he folded his massive arms across his chest, he intimidated a lot of people. Laurel had known him most of her life, and he was like a big brother to her. She couldn’t be happier that the two found each other.
    Brooke smiled at him. “I was just telling Laurel that I only have eyes for you.”
    He walked across the room and dropped a heated kiss on his wife’s mouth. The love these two shared for each other was obvious. She couldn’t help but be a little envious of her twin, if it wasn’t for the fact Brooke had never had love until she came here.
    â€œWill you be okay if I go into town and look at some outfitter equipment? We have that fishing party coming in a few weeks.”
    Laurel was happy the new rental cabins her father and Trent had partnered in were doing well. Their occupancy had been high since they opened last fall. That helped with some of the sting of Jack’s betrayal.
    Brooke nodded. “I’ll be fine here with Diane and Laurel. Then we’re going to see Coralee when Addy wakes up from her nap.”
    â€œEnjoy your day.” Trent kissed her again, stroked her belly before he gave Laurel a loving pat on the head, then he left.
    Brooke’s eyes had a dreamy look.
    Laurel laughed. “Yeah, like you’d look at another man.”
    Brooke brought her attention back to her sister. “I can still see that Kase Rawlins is a good-looking guy.”
    â€œYes, he is. And I was crazy about him in high school, but he left me and became a successful lawyer at a prestigious law firm, then he married the boss’s beautiful daughter. The perfect life. He didn’t give a second thought to the horse-loving tomboy back home.”
    Brooke raised a hand. “Wait a minute.” She hated seeing the pain in her sister’s eyes. She doubted that Kase Rawlins thought of Laurel as a tomboy. “You’re beautiful, Laurel.”
    Laurel glanced down at herself. “Yeah, right. I wear dusty jeans and scuffed boots.” She raised her foot. “I rarely take time to wear makeup.” She tugged on her braid. “And this wild hair is...”
    No matter if