Barb Han - Texas-Sized Trouble

A Texas reunion turns old rivals into soon-to-be parents

For as long as the O’Briens have run their ranch, their rivals have been the McCabes. So when Ryder O’Brien returns home to his brothers, only one thing can screw things up: getting involved with Faith McCabe. There’s no temptation greater in Texas, and Ryder is about to pay the price for their forbidden fling.

Because just as their passion ignites, Faith up and leaves…only to return five months later, seeking Ryder’s help finding her missing brother—and pregnant with Ryder’s baby. Ryder O’Brien may have held grudges longer than he ought to, but he always does right by his kin. Especially when the woman about to change his life is in danger.

Cattlemen Crime Club

Ryder took a step toward Faith to really look into her eyes.

“You’re pregnant?” he asked, knowing full well that he’d be able to tell if she faltered. She’d never been able to meet his eyes and flat-out lie. Or at least that’s what he’d believed. How much did he really get to know her in the few months they’d spent together? She’d already shocked him once by walking out. And now she’d thrown him the last news he’d expected to hear from her.

“Yes,” she said, plain as day.

“And the child is mine?”

“Yes,” she said with that same certainty.

She wasn’t lying.

“If that’s true—and I need a little time to process that fact—why are you telling me now?”

“Like I said, I need your help and I’ll do whatever it takes to get it,” she said, her gaze a study in determination.

“You know this qualifies as blackmail.”

“Does that mean you’ll help me?” The first spark of hope lit her face.

Texas-Sized Trouble

Barb Han

www.millsandboon.co.uk

USA TODAY bestselling author BARB HAN lives in north Texas with her very own hero-worthy husband, three beautiful children, a spunky golden retriever/standard poodle mix and too many books in her to-read pile. In her downtime, she plays video games and spends much of her time on or around a basketball court. She loves interacting with readers and is grateful for their support. You can reach her at www.barbhan.com.

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CAST OF CHARACTERS Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Title Page About the Author CAST OF CHARACTERS Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Extract Extract Copyright

Faith McCabe—A forbidden romance leads to pregnancy, and there’s no way her family would ever accept an O’Brien child. When her half brother turns up missing, she has nowhere to turn but to the man she walked away from, who happens to be her baby’s father. Can she deny her heart in order to protect the man and unborn child she loves?

Ryder O’Brien—This elder twin likes life on the edge. He’s competitive and enjoys having a good time, but after tragically losing his parents, he found more than comfort in a forbidden romance. He’ll set aside his anger to help the woman he can’t seem to forget, but can he risk his heart one more time?

Nicholas Bowden—The half brother Faith is risking her life to find.

Hollister McCabe—How much does he really know about the kidnapping?

Karen McCabe—This wife has endured far too much living with Hollister McCabe. Has she finally snapped?

Celeste Bowden—Nicholas’s mother doesn’t have warm feelings for Hollister McCabe. He got her pregnant fifteen years ago and turned his back on her and the baby. Would she go to any lengths to blackmail him?

The Hattie brothers—Are they behind the kidnapping or just pawns in a twisted game?

Hannah—Is she the mastermind behind the kidnapping or an innocent victim?

Tommy Johnson—The sheriff who grew up at the O’Brien ranch and considers them family.

Many thanks to Allison Lyons and Jill Marsal, the best editor and agent I could hope to have the privilege with which to work.

Brandon and Tori, the two of you make everyday life a joyful adventure. I love you both!

Babe, you are forever the love of my life. Can you believe one of our babies turns eighteen this month?

Jacob, aka Jakey Bear, February used to be a cold, short month until you were born, filling our world with sunshine and warmth. Eighteen years have gone by in a flash, and our journey has been a lot like Texas weather: exciting, full of sunshine and always an adventure! College is close, a job will follow, and no matter how far away you venture, home will always be your soft place to land. We love you!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A Texas reunion turns old rivals into soon-to-be parents For as long as the O’Briens have run their ranch, their rivals have been the McCabes. So when Ryder O’Brien returns home to his brothers, only one thing can screw things up: getting involved with Faith McCabe. There’s no temptation greater in Texas, and Ryder is about to pay the price for their forbidden fling. Because just as their passion ignites, Faith up and leaves…only to return five months later, seeking Ryder’s help finding her missing brother—and pregnant with Ryder’s baby. Ryder O’Brien may have held grudges longer than he ought to, but he always does right by his kin. Especially when the woman about to change his life is in danger. Cattlemen Crime Club

Introduction Ryder took a step toward Faith to really look into her eyes. “You’re pregnant?” he asked, knowing full well that he’d be able to tell if she faltered. She’d never been able to meet his eyes and flat-out lie. Or at least that’s what he’d believed. How much did he really get to know her in the few months they’d spent together? She’d already shocked him once by walking out. And now she’d thrown him the last news he’d expected to hear from her. “Yes,” she said, plain as day. “And the child is mine?” “Yes,” she said with that same certainty. She wasn’t lying. “If that’s true—and I need a little time to process that fact—why are you telling me now?” “Like I said, I need your help and I’ll do whatever it takes to get it,” she said, her gaze a study in determination. “You know this qualifies as blackmail.” “Does that mean you’ll help me?” The first spark of hope lit her face.

Title Page Texas-Sized Trouble Barb Han www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author USA TODAY bestselling author BARB HAN lives in north Texas with her very own hero-worthy husband, three beautiful children, a spunky golden retriever/standard poodle mix and too many books in her to-read pile. In her downtime, she plays video games and spends much of her time on or around a basketball court. She loves interacting with readers and is grateful for their support. You can reach her at www.barbhan.com .

CAST OF CHARACTERS CAST OF CHARACTERS Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Title Page About the Author CAST OF CHARACTERS Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Extract Extract Copyright Faith McCabe—A forbidden romance leads to pregnancy, and there’s no way her family would ever accept an O’Brien child.