Make-Believe Mom by Elaine Grant

Author:Elaine Grant
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, category, Home On The Ranch, Cowboy Country
ISBN: 9780373714452
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2007-01-01T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

IN NO MOOD TO CARRY ON a conversation, Jon was grateful for the puppy as he drove home through the darkness. Red sat in the backseat between Michele and Wendy, whining and licking their faces as they talked to the dog.

Jon clenched the steering wheel. He didn’t want to lose Kaycee. They’d known each other less than a month, but Jon already knew he needed her in his life now; she obviously needed more time.

At home, he left all the children in the den oohing and aahing over the new canine member of the family. Jon met Rosie and Clint in the kitchen doorway, coming to see what the commotion was about. Apparently they’d been sitting at the bar having a cup of coffee if the two half-empty cups and plate of biscuit crumbs on the island were any indication. Rosie must have already figured out that the way to Clint’s heart was through homemade biscuits. Rosie waylaid Jon, her expression far too serious for his liking.

“You had a call from your father-in-law. He wants you to call him back no matter how late.”

“Great,” Jon mumbled. “Thanks, Rosie, I’ll be in my office.”

Perfect ending to a perfect day. Jon closed the door behind him and grabbed the Glenlivet bottle, poured a double Scotch straight up and drank it down.

He poured another double, sat down behind his desk, stared at the phone. Working up the resolve to deal with whatever Hal threw at him, Jon lifted the receiver and dialed the number.

Hal picked before the second ring. “Hello.”

“Hal. You wanted me to call?”

“Yes. I spoke to your new housekeeper. How long do you think you’ll be able to keep this one?”

“Is that why you called?”

“No. I want to know what the hell you’re trying to pull.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Engaged, Jon? Who are you engaged to? Some slut off the streets there in Little Cowville?”

Jon ground his teeth to keep from snapping back what he wanted to say. “What makes you think I’m engaged?”

“That’s what you told the social worker, isn’t it?”

Jon narrowed his eyes. If the information on who filed charges against him were so confidential, why wasn’t his information equally sacred? Damned social worker. “Kaycee’s a very nice woman, Hal. And we’re n—”

“I don’t care what you think of her. You know how much value I put in your opinion. Don’t you bring another woman into that house with my grandchildren.”

“Be reasonable, will you? Alison’s gone. We have to go on with our lives. Why can’t you understand that?”

“Sure, go on with your life. Too bad my daughter can’t do the same. If you want to remarry, fine. If we can judge by history, you’ll have plenty more children. Give us our grandchildren so they’re not neglected or pushed aside for your new family.”

“No way in hell.”

“Don’t mess with me, Jon. You know I’ll win.”

“So you’re telling me if I don’t marry Kaycee, you won’t harass me any more about my children.”

Hal snorted. “No, I’m just

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