A Colorado Family Read online

  A NEW ARRIVAL ON THE RANCH...

  Champion bull rider Austin Brannigan has returned home to the family ranch to recover from his injury. Only his world is turned on its head when he finds out he has a three-month-old daughter who has no one in the world but him.

  As a father, Austin is totally out of his depth. But his physical therapist, the beautiful and determined Erin Carlton, is stepping into the role of temporary mom very quickly. It may not be in her job description, and it may mean putting hopes of her own family on hold. What about Austin’s dreams, which mean being out on the circuit? Will baby Lilly help Austin and Erin create a new dream of family?

  Erin brushed her hand over Lilly’s head.

  “This little one needs you.”

  “And I’m going to try to be here for her,” Austin told her. “And I mean that, Erin. I’m not asking you to raise my daughter. I’m asking you to help me until I’m standing firmly on both feet.”

  She nodded, looking down at the baby in his arms. “Let’s do this week to week. Starting first with the doctor’s visit in four days, then see where to go to from there.”

  Austin studied her, suddenly remembering what she’d been talking about. “It seems Lilly interrupted us earlier. Do you mind telling me about this IVF treatment?”

  She glanced away, but he saw the sadness in her green eyes. “I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”

  Dear Reader,

  As promised, here is the fourth story in the Rocky Mountain Twins series. This book is about the arrogant—but he lives up to the hype—bull rider Austin “Ace” Brannigan. When his leg is severely injured, Austin discovers how much his life has to change. But he vows he’s going to get back on the bull and rise back to the top ranking. His bad attitude is short-lived once physical therapist Erin Carlton walks in the door and lets him know who’s in charge.

  Erin has her own rules, and she only takes this job for the extra money. She has her own goals for her future, and none include another self-centered cowboy. She’s survived the death of her military husband but didn’t let it break her, and moved on to Hidden Springs to start over. In that new beginning, she wants to have a baby, without the addition of another man to her life. No matter how good-looking Austin Brannigan is, he isn’t a family man. He wants the excitement of the next town, the next ride.

  Suddenly both their dreams are quickly put on hold when there’s a new arrival at the ranch. Together both play loving parents to three-month-old Lilly Katherine and find they might like being a family after all.

  I hope you enjoy the visit back to Hidden Springs, Colorado.

  A COLORADO

  FAMILY

  Patricia Thayer

  Patricia Thayer was born and raised in Muncie, Indiana, the second in a family of eight children. She attended Ball State University before heading west, where she has called Southern California home for many years. There she’s been a member of the Orange County Chapter of RWA. It’s a sisterhood like no other.

  When not working on a story, she might be found traveling the United States and Europe, taking in the scenery and doing story research while enjoying time with her husband, Steve. Together, they have three grown sons and four grandsons and one granddaughter, whom Patricia calls her own true-life heroes.

  Books by Patricia Thayer

  Harlequin Western Romance

  Count on a Cowboy

  Second Chance Rancher

  Her Colorado Sheriff

  Harlequin Romance

  Little Cowgirl Needs a Mom

  The Lonesome Rancher

  Tall, Dark, Texas Ranger

  Once a Cowboy...

  The Cowboy Comes Home

  Single Dad’s Holiday Wedding

  Her Rocky Mountain Protector

  The Cowboy She Couldn’t Forget

  Proposal at the Lazy S Ranch

  Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.

  Contents

  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

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Epilogue

  Excerpt from In the Rancher’s Arms by Trish Milburn

  Chapter One

  Erin Carlton blinked several times, trying to stay awake as she drove along the Colorado highway. Last night’s graveyard shift at the Mountain View Convalescent Center had been a rough one. During her rounds there had been two emergencies. Luckily, nothing too serious. Yet with Alzheimer’s patients, you had to expect the unexpected, even if it was only to give them reassurance.

  She leaned back in the cargo van’s seat and began to relax her tense muscles as she focused on the majestic Rocky Mountains. A fresh start here in Hidden Springs had been a good idea. She’d made friends, been able to save money, but still she didn’t have enough...yet. That was the reason she was going to this interview.

  She glanced down at the written directions given to her for her appointment, not exactly sure of the location of the ranch.

  If she got this part-time job, the money would be strictly for her special account. If she weren’t so close to reaching her goal amount, she’d be home in bed, sleeping away the cool autumn day. But the money offered for this position was too good to turn down, even if she’d been warned ahead of time about the hard-to-deal-with client. Not that hard work ever stopped her before.

  Erin turned off the main road and saw the sign to the Circle R Ranch, then another sign for Georgia’s Therapy Riding Center. She smiled at the thought of her friends Brooke and Trent Landry, who were involved in the program for special-needs kids. If she knew how to ride a horse, she might help out, too. But this city gal didn’t have any desire to take on a horse.

  She drove through the ranch’s main gate and followed the long row of white-slatted fence. There were several horses grazing in the green pasture. She passed the large red barn and several outbuildings that had recently been painted a glossy white.

  She parked in the driveway of the large two-story gray-and-white house where two men were standing on the wraparound porch. She recognized Trent right away, and next to him was his stepbrother, Hidden Springs’ new sheriff, Cullen Brannigan. She’d met him a few times when he’d been called out to the center. His new wife, Shelby, had brought the residents some desserts from her new bakery.

  Erin parked next to the house and climbed out of the van. Trent came down to greet her. “Good morning, Erin.” He hugged her.

  “Morning to you, too. Sorry I’m late. My shift ran over.”

  Trent was a good-looking man, ex-military, and still kept in shape. A few years ago, he took over his father’s ranch and began raising cattle. And he found Erin’s friend Brooke and had the good sense to marry her.

  “You’re not late,” Trent said. “I told you if nothing else, this job would be flexible. You can work around your hours.” He glanced at the man with him. “Sorry, Erin. Have you met Cullen Brannigan?”

  “Yes. Nice to see you, Sheriff.”

  He smiled. “Same here, Erin.”

  Coming from Las Vegas, she’
d met her share of phonies. From what she heard around town, these two men were as real as they came.

  “Well, I appreciate you coming out and talking with us.” Cullen blew out a breath. “Although I have to warn you, this patient isn’t the most congenial person right now. And he needs to keep his rehab a secret. No one is to know he’s here.”

  She tried not to show her concern. Who was this guy, an undercover cop? “I wouldn’t tell anyone. Who is this person?”

  Cullen exchanged a glance with Trent. “He’s my twin brother, Austin. He’s a champion bull rider who was badly injured about three months ago. His leg was damaged pretty badly, and he’s had to have several surgeries. He’s finally out of the hospital and is ready to rehab.”

  They didn’t want her for a nursing job? “Do you need me to recommend a therapist?”

  “No, Erin. We hope between your nursing and your experience with physical therapy, you might be able to help Austin. Brooke told me how you worked with your husband through his intense rehab.”

  Erin felt the familiar tightness in her chest. The pain of losing Jared had faded some in the past eighteen months, but she’d always regret not being able to do more to help him. But her husband had to deal with more than a physical disability.

  She glanced away, then said, “If his doctor is okay with me working with him, then I’m willing. When would you want me to start?”

  Trent and Cullen exchanged a glance. What weren’t they telling her?

  “The doctor isn’t the problem, but the patient might be,” Trent said. “Austin hasn’t been the easiest person to get along with. He’s run off three other caregivers. So I’ll understand if you want to leave right now.”

  “Bad attitude is understandable. Therapy is a lot of hard work, and most times painful. But if he wants to regain the use of his leg, he’ll need therapy. Which rehab center is he in?”

  Another look went between the brothers, and then Trent spoke up. “He’s not in a rehab center. He’s staying here at the ranch.”

  Cullen raised a hand. “He had all the equipment he needs delivered here. If you decide not to take this case, the fewer people who know the better.”

  “Of course. I never discuss my patients.”

  “You can’t even mention that you know he’s here in town. If the media get wind of his location, they’ll be camped out all over the place.”

  She sighed. At the very least, she was fascinated just to meet this person. “When do I get to meet this man?”

  “How about now?” Trent escorted her to a golf cart. “Austin has moved into the old foreman’s house.” She sat in the front seat, Cullen drove, and Trent climbed in the back.

  The cart bounced along the gravel road that led to a smaller gray-and-white house. Cullen got out and escorted her up to the small porch. “Just remember my brother isn’t at his best. So don’t take anything he says personally.”

  She straightened. “Lead me to the tyrant.”

  “Don’t say we didn’t warn you.” Trent opened the door, then called out, “Hey, brother. Someone is here to see you.”

  She followed the two men inside to the living room, where a dark leather sofa and a chair were grouped around a fireplace. Over the mantel hung a large flat-screen television. A dark brown rug covered hardwood floors.

  “What a cozy room.”

  “Thanks. We’ve been working on the place ever since we knew Austin needed a place to recuperate.” He started down the hall and called out again. “Austin...”

  A string of curse words came from the back of the house, along with a crashing sound. All three of them ran down the hall.

  Trent swung open the bedroom door, Erin close behind. She saw a man with scraggly, sandy-brown hair lying on the large bed, but his water pitcher was on the floor. The man caused her to do a double take.

  Austin Brannigan was gorgeous. Rugged good looks, with a two-day growth of beard shadowing his strong jaw. His chest was bare, with a sprinkling of dark hair covering his well-defined muscles. Her gaze moved to a sheet that barely covered his waist and anything south of that. His left foot and calf were enclosed by a long removable cast, but still she got a glimpse of an angry scar peeking out the top.

  “Like what you see, darlin’?”

  Her attention darted back to his face, and those gray eyes zeroed in on her. She fought her reaction and lost. “Yeah, I do.” She walked closer to the bed, channeling her years of nursing training. Show him who’s in charge. “All except the attitude. So if you ditch that we might be able to work together.”

  Austin Brannigan tensed, but caught his brothers’ smiles. He wasn’t in the mood to be amused. His leg ached like the devil, and he hadn’t been able to do the simplest tasks. “I take it you’re the new recruit.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I’ll wait and see how the interview goes.”

  He stiffened. “I guess you’re forgetting who’s hiring you.”

  The pretty redhead strolled around the room as if she had a right to. Then she flashed those big emerald green eyes at him, and he felt a jolt of awareness deep in his gut. Damn.

  She moved closer to the bed. “And I guess you forgot how bad you need me.”

  He might like this. He’d been without a woman far too long. “Oh, darlin’, you have no idea.” He caught the frown from Trent and Cullen, but ignored it.

  The new nurse put her fists on her hips as her gaze moved over his body, stopping at the sheet. “Oh, I think I do.” Quickly, her gaze returned to his face. “Okay, Mr. Brannigan. We can do this a few different ways, easy or hard. We work together as a unit and I’ll help with your recovery, or we fight, which I guarantee will make it more difficult, or you can just tell me to leave. What will it be?”

  He was used to being in charge. People did what he wanted, not the other way around. But he had a feeling this woman knew what she was doing. He glanced again at his brothers in the doorway. “Do you mind leaving us alone?”

  Trent looked at the woman. “Erin, it’s up to you.”

  “I’m fine.” She looked back at Austin. “I have a black belt in karate.”

  That brought a smile to Cullen’s and Trent’s faces. “Good luck... Austin.” The door closed, shutting them in silence.

  The woman spoke first. “My name is Erin Carlton, Mr. Brannigan. I’m a registered nurse and I’ve had some training in physical therapy, but I’m not certified. I know your sister-in-law, Brooke, from a time when we both lived in Las Vegas. I understand you’re someone famous and you don’t want anyone to know you’re here during your rehab. Just so you know, I’d never reveal a patient’s confidentiality.”

  He began to relax. “It’s Austin.”

  She nodded. “Would you mind telling me what happened?”

  Yeah, he did, but he began the story anyway. “My brothers might have told you some already. I was competing in the short round at the Frontier Days Rodeo last July and leading in points.” Damn, he’d played the accident over and over in his head and never could understand how everything went so wrong. “I was thrown and got caught up in my rigging on my way down, and a two-thousand-pound bull named Sidewinder had his way with me.”

  He rubbed his thigh absently, trying not to relive the nightmare. “The doctor put my leg back together with the aid of a titanium rod. Now all I want to do is rebuild the strength in my leg and get back on the circuit.”

  Erin didn’t react to his announcement. “Have you had any therapy?”

  “Some, but I just got here this week.” He nodded to the door. “There’s a boatload of equipment in the bedroom across the hall. Dr. Michael Kentrell did the surgery. You should talk to him.”

  She nodded. “I plan to, if I take your case.”

  He frowned. “And I haven’t decided you’re the person for this job, either. What’s your experience?”
r />   “I told you, I’m a nurse and I presently work with Alzheimer’s patients.” Her gaze met his. “I do some therapy with my patients at the Mountain View Convalescent Center, but my most intense sessions were with my husband. He was wounded during his deployment in Afghanistan. I worked nearly a year on his therapy.”

  She was married. He glanced down at his ringless finger. “What were his injuries?”

  She straightened. “Jared caught shrapnel in his calf and thigh, tore his muscles to shreds. He also had head trauma.”

  “Was he able to walk again?”

  She shrugged. “Some, but he never gained total strength in his leg.”

  Austin wasn’t sure what to say next, seeing the pain in Erin Carlton’s eyes. Those pretty green eyes.

  Did he want this distracting woman around all the time? Having her close, touching him, causing him to react? So far she was also the only person who’d dared to stand up to him. He doubted she’d be easy on him.

  “If you work for me, how soon could you start?”

  She blinked at the question, then recovered and said, “That all depends. I need to talk with your physician.”

  He nodded toward the dresser. “There’s my medical file and instructions for my therapy.”

  She picked it up and began to read it.

  * * *

  “I WAS HOPING that you could work every day. My goal is to get well enough to get back on the circuit. So I’ll need someone who’s dedicated to work with me. I’ve lost my top ranking for this year, but I plan to be back on the circuit as soon as possible.” Most importantly, before he lost any product endorsements.

  She looked up from her reading. “Firstly, I’ll be working with you. And secondly, I have a full-time job at the center.”

  “That isn’t going to work for me. I need you full-time with me.”

  She straightened. “There are only so many hours in a day, Mr. Brannigan.”

  “It’s Austin.”

  “Austin. Like I said, I can’t be in both places, and I can’t function on no sleep.”