Page 27 of A Baby for the Billionaire Cowboy

“Take as long as you need,” Ava said. “I have to grab the coffee cake, and Xander needs to get the kittens settled.”

TC’s ranch was close enough that the family sometimes rode horses over or even walked, but Daisy wasn’t about to attempt either of those activities. They took the truck, which meant Daisy had to haul herself up into it with Xander posed like a football receiver behind her, ready to catch if she toppled back out. It was still better than trying to squeeze into her little car.

Less than five minutes later, she had to get herself back out again. Xander stood in the open truck doorway and offered his hands. She grabbed both his hands and made it to the ground. She’d probably be better off grabbing the doorframe and door, but that wouldn’t give her a chance to touch Xander. “Thanks.” She smiled up at him.

“Any time.” For a moment it seemed like he might say more. Then he backed away.

TC’s fiancé, Hallie, led Daisy to the nursery barn. Soon the two of them were surrounded by a crowd of fluffy feather dusters on long legs. Daisy had been invited to TC’s ranch quite a few times in the weeks she’d been living with the Tomlinsons, but between being busy with work, and tired, and needing to spend some time with Auntie Rhonda, and simply not having the energy for crowds or new people, she’d only visited twice before. She’d seen the ostriches as rowdy teenagers and as eggs in incubators, but she hadn’t seen them at this age.

They talked about Daisy’s pregnancy, the new kittens, and the much larger cats and other beasts at the wild animal rescue Hallie and her aunt ran.

“How are you enjoying ranch life?” Hallie asked.

“Well, it’s not like I’ve been riding the fences or wrangling cattle. I’m mostly in the office or at the house. The Tomlinsons are great, though, and I like having animals around. You’re pretty new to ranch life too, right?”

Hallie grinned as she nodded. “As far as I’m concerned, the more animals the merrier. And I love being able to actually handle the livestock. That’s somewhat limited with mountain lions and bears.”

“I should hope so!” Daisy couldn’t imagine it. So far the Tomlinson brothers had chosen women who were smart and tough. They were all a few years older than Daisy and seemed confident and settled. Daisy felt a little intimidated by all of them. Maybe more than a little, in some cases.

Carly and Mallory joined them. “The guys are deep in conversation about bison and cattle,” Mallory said. “At least I assume they’re still talking about that. They lost me after the first minute. We’re planning to play cornhole later.” She pointed at Hallie. “Time for a rematch.”

“Sure.” Hallie turned to Daisy and said in a stage whisper, “TC and I always win, even though my aim is terrible.”

“That’s because Mallory and Cody spend more time messing each other up than focusing on the game,” Carly said.

“Everyone should have a hobby. Let’s get some beer. And sweet tea for the pregnant lady.” Mallory eyed Daisy’s belly. “Are you sure you’re not supposed to be home in bed? You look ready to pop.”

“Forgive my cousin,” Hallie said. “She’s a high school teacher, so she has the manners of a teenager. Or maybe a hung-over badger.”

Daisy liked Mallory’s outrageous comments because they made Daisy feel like she could say anything and wouldn’t shock them. She wondered if Mallory did it on purpose.

“I have two weeks left.” Daisy rubbed her belly where the baby was apparently practicing to be a future soccer star. “Although I have to admit I’m at the point where I’d be happy to be early.”

“Then you’ll just have to deal with a fussy baby outside the womb,” Mallory said.

“Mallory’s maternal instinct is atrocious,” Hallie said.

“It is not!” Mallory looked offended. “It’s completely missing.”

Hallie rolled her eyes. “She’s good with teenagers though. It’s her one redeeming quality.”

They got drinks and joined the guys, laughing and talking. Daisy wished she’d remembered her big floppy hat. It was early November, but still in the seventies, which was plenty warm for Daisy while she was carrying around an extra thirty pounds.

Xander moved next to Daisy. “Do you want to see the baby llama?”

Her squeal probably got the attention of every dog in a five-mile radius. “You know I do.”

He led the way, and they gazed at a fluffy beige llama frolicking—there was no other word for it—around the pen, while its much larger and sterner looking mother placidly chewed, her lower jaw sliding side to side.

Daisy gave a happy sigh. “I’d want to see ostrich and llama babies anyway, but it’s especially comforting now to be reminded that every species gives birth and mostly they do it without help from doctors or hospitals, or even the fathers.” She narrowed her gaze at Xander. “And while I’m sure you have many stories to contradict that, I don’t need to hear them.”

His mouth opened and closed a couple of times. Finally he said, “I’m sure you’ll be fine. And we’ll be here for you if—whatever happens.”

“An acceptable answer.” She tucked her arm through his for the pleasure of touching him. He’d probably assume she needed support and wouldn’t guess at the real reason.

They walked along the fence, looking at the other llamas. Xander paused to study one. “That doesn’t look good.” He made a clucking sound. A couple of llamas looked at him. Xander kept his gaze on a chocolate-colored one as if transmitting his message telepathically. Eventually the llama got curious enough to come closer and stick its head over the fence. Xander guided it along the fence a few feet so the llama turned sideways, giving Xander access to its long neck. It had a lump the size of a fist above its shoulder. Xander touched it gently. “That looks like an abscess. It needs to be punctured and drained.”

“Oh, poor thing.” Daisy reached toward the llama’s head to pet it just as Xander prodded the lump more vigorously.

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