Pregnant with the Rancher's Baby: Reclaimed by the Rancher

“No, I took some vacation time to stay with Nate until Thanksgiving,” she admitted. Explaining his requests, she added, “Given our past history, I’m still not sure I’m doing the right thing.”

“I can understand your reservations,” Bria said, her tone sympathetic. “He’s been extremely inconsiderate in the past and you have every right not to trust him. But I don’t think you have to worry. Deep down Nate really is a good guy and he’ll be great with the baby.” Grinning, Bria added, “However, when it comes to your relationship with him, you’re in charge now. Don’t hesitate to make him grovel a few times. He definitely deserves it.”

“Bria’s right,” Summer agreed. “He does deserve a hard time. But I’ve never known any of the six brothers to go back on their word. If Nate says he wants to marry you and make a life for the baby, I can guarantee he means it.”

Jessie had no doubt that Nate would be a good father. He was great with his niece and nephews, and she was confident that he would love their baby. But it was the way he felt about her that kept her awake at night. Had she set herself up for another fall?

He had a track record when it came to their relationship and it wasn’t a good one. And even though she had agreed to let him show her how it could be between them, she didn’t hold out a lot of hope that he wouldn’t lose interest in her as he’d done before.

That was why while staying out of his bed might be extremely difficult for her, it was for the best. If they made love, she knew she’d fall for him all over again and that’s something she just couldn’t allow herself to do. It was her job to protect the baby, but she also needed to protect her heart as well. Unfortunately, when it came to Nate, she didn’t seem to have a lot of choice in the matter. From the moment they met, he had been her biggest weakness and it appeared that he always would be.

“Jaron’s competing today as well as Nate,” Bria commented when the announcer acknowledged the cowboys competing in the day’s events who had already qualified for the National Finals in Las Vegas.

“Is Mariah going to be here to watch him?” Jessie asked.

Bria shook her head. “He’s never asked her and she wouldn’t even if he did. She refuses to watch Jaron ride—especially the bulls. She’s afraid he might be injured and she can’t stand the thought of seeing that happen.”

“I can understand how she feels,” Jessie admitted. “I’m nervous about watching Nate climb on the back of any animal with nothing more on its mind than throwing him off so it can stomp on him.”

Summer sighed. “I know what you mean. Even though he doesn’t ride and I’ve seen him save cowboys from being injured more times than I can count, I still hold my breath whenever Ryder jumps in front of a bull to distract it.”

“How much longer is Ryder going to work as a bullfighter?” Bria asked. “I know he’s cut back a lot since Katie was born and only works the rodeos Nate and Jaron compete in.”

“He says he’ll give it up completely once they stop riding.” Summer gave Jessie a reassuring smile. “Even though it makes me nervous, my husband really is one of the best at what he does. He’ll move heaven and earth if he has to in order to make sure Nate and Jaron don’t get hurt. And if that means risking his own safety, that’s what he’ll do.”

Bria nodded. “Sam told me that all of the bull riders breathe a little easier when they know Ryder is working the event.”

Nate had told her several times that his brother Ryder was one of the bravest men he’d ever known and had a protective streak a mile wide when it came to those he loved. Knowing that he was in charge of keeping the men safe did make her feel a little more relaxed about the bull riding. But as a nurse, Jessie had seen some of the damage those animals could do to the human body and the thought of something like that happening to Nate or any of the brothers scared her as little else could.

When the rodeo began Jessie did her best to relax and enjoy the timed events. She couldn’t believe how fast some of the cowboys were at roping and tying a calf or how quickly cowgirls could race their horses around barrels without falling off.

“The bareback event is next,” Bria said, glancing at the program. “Nate and Jaron will both be riding in this one.”

“The horses aren’t as dangerous as the bulls are they?” Jessie asked, hoping that was the case.

Bria shook her head. “If a cowboy is thrown before the eight-second horn goes off, the horse doesn’t turn back and try to hurt him.”