The Rancher's Seduction by CATHERINE MANN

Author:CATHERINE MANN
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-09-14T19:37:01+00:00

Seven

Tally had dreamed of a Christmas outing like this, the joy of sharing the simplicity of holiday shopping with someone. And the fact that the someone happened to be hot as hell in his Stetson and boots, the thick suede jacket calling to her fingers to touch, only added to the fun.

She inhaled deeply, and the scents of pine and snow filled her lungs. A sharp breath braced her, seemed to enliven her senses and anchor her to this moment. This surreal experience unfolded in the bustle of shopping. The market square hummed with holiday mayhem, couples and families milling about. An outdoor ice-skating rink was packed with people enjoying the clear weather. Under an awning, carolers in medieval costumes sang “Greensleeves.”

She and Marshall had made a dent in their list in an indoor shopping mall, and now were finishing up with specialty shops. She enjoyed being outside, especially with her job calling for so much time indoors. The clean, fresh air sang through her senses.

In her gloved hand, she played with the shopping agenda—and that list of his relatives was long, so long. He’d given her some general notes for each person, helpful in choosing gifts but also in getting to know his huge family.

His sister Delaney was an ecological activist who appreciated earth-friendly “green” gifts. Many of his family had dogs as well, so pet gifts were a hit. Broderick and Glenna had a husky. His stepbrother’s wife had a service dog to alert to her issues with diabetes. And his sister Naomi and her husband, Royce, had a Saint Bernard named Tessie in honor of Royce’s favorite scientist, Tesla.

Buying for his father and stepmother would be a challenge, as Marshall was reticent on the subject of his father’s remarriage.

He opened the door to the Little Caribou, a children’s boutique store. Warm air flooded her cheeks, contrasting with the brisk December chill. She glanced down at her list. They needed to pick up a few items for Naomi’s twin baby girls and Broderick’s daughter. Tally wandered around the store while Marshall shopped.

An old ache in her chest, in her heart, flooded her. A life of what could have been with her baby, now nearly ten years old, enjoying Christmas. Tears pushed at the corners of her eyes, making her vision blurred. She pushed her lips together, trying to keep her emotions in check and at bay.

And Marshall’s family didn’t even have the comfort of knowing their lost loved ones were alive. What had she been thinking in coming here? Would learning about her father hurt them more or give them some kind of peace through answers?

She didn’t know what to do.

He paused just inside the doorway, which was decorated with a wreath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you think of the sick babies in the hospital.”

She felt guilty for not thinking of little Stella Rae, clinging to life in the NICU. She reached for a Baby’s First Christmas ornament to hang by Stella Rae’s bassinet. Tally cradled the little polar bear decoration in her palm, wishing she could somehow do more.

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