The Rancher's Bargain Read online

  Now he looked insulted. “That’s the world’s finest Sumatra blend. I have a supply flown in every two months.”

  “Yes, and it’s awful. It tastes like the finest Sumatran dirt.”

  “I don’t think I care for this new blunt honesty policy.”

  Sadie grinned. She’d surprised him, something that was nearly impossible to do because Ethan Hart was always thinking two or three steps ahead of everyone else in the world. “Well, I think I like it.”

  “I could just fire you and be done with it,” he warned.

  “Oh, we both know you won’t do that. You don’t like change, remember?” She shook her head. If nothing else, she was completely confident in saying, “Never going to happen.”

  When a knock at the door sounded, they both turned and Ethan ordered, “Come in.”

  She was going to miss that bark of command.

  “Mr. Hart? Ethan Hart?” A woman walked into the room carrying a baby that looked about six months old.

  Instantly, Sadie’s heart melted. The tiny girl was beautiful, with big brown eyes and wispy, black hair. She was chewing on her fist as the woman holding her crossed the room.

  “Yes, I’m Ethan Hart. And you are?” The icy king-of-the-universe tone was back in his voice.

  “Melissa Gable.” She swung a black diaper bag off her shoulder and dropped it onto the visitor’s chair. Digging into it one-handed, she came up with a manila envelope and handed it to Ethan. “I’m from Child Services. I’m here to deliver Emma Baker to you.”

  “Who’s Emma Baker?” he asked warily.

  “She is.” And Ms. Gable handed the baby to Ethan.

  Copyright © 2018 by Maureen Child

  Special thanks and acknowledgment are given to Joanne Rock for her contribution to the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Bachelor Auction miniseries.

  ISBN-13: 9781488046285

  The Rancher’s Bargain

  Copyright © 2018 by Harlequin Books S.A.

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