Cathy McDavid - The Texan's Surprise Son

“May I speak to you a moment?” Her glance darted briefly to his brothers. “Privately.”

“We were just heading home,” Jacob said.

“This is important.”

“It seems you know my name.” He gave her a careful smile once they were alone. “Mind telling me yours?”

“Mariana Snow.”

Jacob felt as if he’d taken a blow from behind. “I’m sorry about your sister. I heard what happened.”

Leah Snow. That explained why he’d found this woman familiar. Three years ago he’d dated her sister, though describing their one long weekend together as dating was a stretch. He hadn’t seen her since.

Still, the rodeo world was a small one, and he’d learned of Leah’s unexpected passing after a short and intense battle with breast cancer.

“Thank you for your condolences,” Mariana said tightly. “It’s been a difficult three months.”

“I didn’t know Leah had a sister. She never mentioned you.”

“I’m not surprised.” Mariana reached into her purse.

“Leah didn’t tell you a lot of things.” She extracted a snapshot and handed it to Jacob.

He took the photo, his gaze drawn to the laughing face of a young boy. “I don’t understand. Who is this?”

“That’s Cody Snow. Your son.

The Texan’s Surprise Son

Cathy McDavid

www.millsandboon.co.uk

For the past eighteen years CATHY McDAVIDhas been juggling a family, a job and writing, and doing pretty well at it, except for the housecleaning part. “Mostly” retired from the corporate business world, she writes full-time from her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, near the breathtaking McDowell Mountains. Her twins have “mostly” left home, returning every now and then to raid her refrigerators. On weekends, she heads to her cabin in the mountains, always taking her laptop with her. You can visit her website at www.cathymcdavid.com.

To my son, Clay.

I couldn’t be more proud or more impressed

by the strides you’ve made in recent months.

This journey you’re on is a difficult one,

but I’m with you every step of the way.

Love always,

Mom

Contents

Cover

Excerpt “May I speak to you a moment?” Her glance darted briefly to his brothers. “Privately.” “We were just heading home,” Jacob said. “This is important.” “It seems you know my name.” He gave her a careful smile once they were alone. “Mind telling me yours?” “Mariana Snow.” Jacob felt as if he’d taken a blow from behind. “I’m sorry about your sister. I heard what happened.” Leah Snow. That explained why he’d found this woman familiar. Three years ago he’d dated her sister, though describing their one long weekend together as dating was a stretch. He hadn’t seen her since. Still, the rodeo world was a small one, and he’d learned of Leah’s unexpected passing after a short and intense battle with breast cancer. “Thank you for your condolences,” Mariana said tightly. “It’s been a difficult three months.” “I didn’t know Leah had a sister. She never mentioned you.” “I’m not surprised.” Mariana reached into her purse. “Leah didn’t tell you a lot of things.” She extracted a snapshot and handed it to Jacob. He took the photo, his gaze drawn to the laughing face of a young boy. “I don’t understand. Who is this?” “That’s Cody Snow. Your son.

Title Page The Texan’s Surprise Son Cathy McDavid www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author For the past eighteen years CATHY McDAVID has been juggling a family, a job and writing, and doing pretty well at it, except for the housecleaning part. “Mostly” retired from the corporate business world, she writes full-time from her home in Scottsdale, Arizona, near the breathtaking McDowell Mountains. Her twins have “mostly” left home, returning every now and then to raid her refrigerators. On weekends, she heads to her cabin in the mountains, always taking her laptop with her. You can visit her website at www.cathymcdavid.com .

Dedication To my son, Clay. I couldn’t be more proud or more impressed by the strides you’ve made in recent months. This journey you’re on is a difficult one, but I’m with you every step of the way. Love always, Mom

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

Chapter Sixteen

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Only a fool would venture near eighteen hundred pounds of bucking bull crammed into a metal chute the size of a closet. Jacob Burke Baron not only went near the bull, he intended to ride the son of a gun. All the way to a win.

Eight seconds and a score better than eighty-three were all that stood between him and a gold buckle—first prize at the Louisiana State Fair Rodeo. He could do it and come one step closer to earning a championship title at the National Finals Rodeo in mid-December.

Also at stake today, beating his younger brother Daniel. After three rounds of bull riding over a long, tiring weekend, Daniel currently held the number one spot. Stealing that from him would be icing on a very tasty cake.

“Steady,” Daniel said in a low, calming voice that might have been meant for the bull or Jacob. Hard to tell.

His brother straddled the side of the chute, acting as spotter for Jacob, who levered himself above the bull’s back, waiting for the exact right moment. When Daniel had taken his run earlier, Jacob spotted him. They might be fierce competitors, but they were also brothers. Close ones. The good and bad circumstances of their lives had created a bond nothing and no one could sever.

Gripping the sides of the chute, Jacob lowered himself one slow inch at a time. The bull, a heavily muscled brute named Gumption, sensed what was coming and kicked the chute wall with a hind leg. The loud bang reverberated in Jacob’s ears.

He ignored it. Once in the zone, nothing short of an earthquake would distract him.

Glancing down, he studied the bull and made mental notes. Which way was Gumption looking? Did he paw the ground with his right or left foot? How fast was his breathing?

Jacob had watched the bull perform with other riders during the first two days of the rodeo. Because of his diligence, he knew Gumption charged straight ahead when released. Jacob would incorporate that important detail into his strategy.

Bull riding, rodeoing in general, was a physical sport. No question of that. But there was also a mental aspect, and it could make the difference between a competitor’s leaving with a win or nothing more than a round of sympathetic applause from the audience.

With painstaking care, Jacob settled himself in position on Gumption’s back and grabbed the flat braided rope with his right hand. Only a rope. With a cowbell attached for weight. There were no saddles or bridles in bull riding. Letting the rope drop on the off side, he waited for Daniel to reach down and grab it. In addition to spotting, Daniel would “pull the rope” for Jacob, enabling his grip to be as tight as possible. It was a job for only the most trusted.

Gumption’s hide twitched as he grew accustomed to this new and unpleasant arrangement. Jacob maneuvered his hand inside the glove until he was satisfied. With his free hand, he pressed his cowboy hat more firmly onto his head.

“Watch him,” Daniel warned. “He’ll jump once before he starts bucking.