The Cowboy's Homecoming by Donna Alward

Author:Donna Alward
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Contemporary Fiction, Harlequin American Romance, Series, Contemporary, Holidays, Romance, Literary, Western, Literary Fiction, Westerns, Literature & Fiction
Publisher: Harlequin American Romance
Published: 2015-05-02T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Kailey knew it was just a trip to the hospital, but she didn’t want to show up in jeans and a T-shirt. At three she called it quits and left the barn in favor of a shower. Now, wearing a sundress and sandals, she put the last twists on the single French braid and wrapped the elastic around the end. For some reason her hair braided easier when it was damp, and she checked the mirror briefly, satisfied with the neat plait. Her freckles were starting to stand out thanks to days in the sun, and a swish of mascara made her eyes seem bigger and a swipe of lipstick highlighted her lips. She hoped it looked like she was trying—but not trying too hard.

Her mom had made cheese biscuits and had packed a half dozen in a zipped plastic bag in case Carrie was getting nasty hospital food. Kailey wasn’t the crochet type, so the blue gift bag in her hand held store-bought clothes. Her favorite was the Onesie that said Handsome Cowboy across the front with the picture of a mustache beneath it. She knew Duke would get a kick out of it. There was also a pair of the tiniest jeans she’d ever seen, paired with a soft red-and-blue plaid shirt.

This little guy was going to be a rancher all the way.

“Rylan’s here!” her mother called.

“Thanks, Mom.” Kailey made her way toward the front room. She rather hoped to get out before her mom had the opportunity to say anything, but no such luck. Her mother met her in the entry, holding out Kailey’s purse.

“Don’t forget this. And have fun.”

“I’m visiting a hospital, Mom.”

“With Rylan Duggan. He’s very handsome, you know.”

“Yes, I know.” She took the purse.

“And you look very pretty, honey.”

Kailey smoothed her hand over the skirt of the dress. “Is it too much? I didn’t want to look like I’d gone right from the barn or smell up the hospital.”

“No, it’s not too much. Give Carrie and Duke our love. And take a few pictures with that phone of yours.”

“I will.” On impulse she leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek before opening the door and stepping out onto the porch.

Rylan had shut off the truck and was walking across the yard, but he stopped when he saw her. A low whistle sounded from his lips. “Shee-oot,” he said, grinning at her. “You dressed up and everything.”

She scowled. “I do own clothing other than jeans and shirts.”

“Yes, you most certainly do, Miss Brandt.” He backtracked to the truck and opened the passenger-side door. She hoped she wasn’t blushing as she climbed into the cab and he shut the door behind her.

On the seat beside her was a tote bag and a teddy bear with a blue gingham ribbon around its neck. “You went shopping?” she asked as Rylan got in and started the truck by reaching around the steering wheel with his left hand.

“Just a stop at the store in town. Lacey went to visit before lunch and said that Carrie had put in a request for some clothes.

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