Bitter Wild Read online

  Casey was as big as a house these days and frequently compared herself to a beached whale. Jack happened to think she was as beautiful as ever. He’d never dreamed he could love anyone as much as he loved her. He’d practically blubbered like a baby the day they got married. It wasn’t a fancy ceremony. She wore a simple off white dress and a wreath of flowers in her hair. Jack hadn’t even worn a tux. He’d felt his heart aching for her as she lit a candle for Andy, acknowledging her first love in front of most of the local community, including his parents. And then she and Jack had said their vows and sealed their union with a kiss that was greeted with so many cheers and shouts that Jack half expected the windows of the church to crack. The reception had been a community barbecue and Jack hadn’t ever enjoyed himself more. Well, not until later that night when he took Casey to bed. But then the two events could hardly be compared.

  In the months since, Jack had realized he’d been right to come to Casey. He was happy with her on the ranch. He didn’t miss the city one bit. He’d grown accustomed to the silence of the nights and the howl of wolves in the distance. This was home for him now and it always would be. He nodded to John as he led the horse over to the fence where Jack stood.

  “You’re right. He’s going to make a spectacular cow pony.”

  John gave the horse’s neck a pat. “Yeah, I think he might have what it takes to compete nationally. I think I might give him a few runs out of a chute and see what he’s got. The instincts are all there. I just need to see what kind of speed he has.”

  Jack glanced down when he felt something nudge his leg. Chance was at his side and it was obvious he was agitated about something. He nudged Jack’s leg again, then turned and ran for the house. Jack frowned after the dog. John voiced the question in Jack’s head.

  “What gotten into him?”

  The horse at John’s side got a little antsy, drawing both men’s attention once more. John had just gotten the animal settled down when they heard Casey call out from the back door of the house.

  “It’s time!”

  Jack turned around to focus on her as John spoke. “Time for what?”

  Jack’s gaze focused on Chance, who was dancing around Casey’s feet. The answer to John’s question hit him like a two-by-four to the forehead.

  “Holy crap, she means it’s TIME!”

  He ran for the house, reaching Casey in a matter of seconds. He wrapped his arm around her waist. “Are you okay? Did your water break? What about the contractions? How far apart are they?”

  He didn’t even give her a chance to answer as he yelled for John to get the truck.

  “Okay, honey, can you walk, or do you need me to carry you?”

  Casey laughed at his anxiety. “Relax, Jack. It’s labor, not heart failure. Yes, my water broke and yes, I’m okay. The contractions are still several minutes apart, but considering how long the drive to the hospital is, I think we ought to start heading that way. And I can walk just fine on my own, though I would appreciate it if you’d get the bag I packed. It’s in the hall closet.”

  Jack didn’t want to leave her. He insisted on getting her situated in the SUV before going inside to get the bag. John was already in the back seat with Chance at his side when Jack came running back out of the house. He tossed the bag through the open window at John and raced around to the driver’s side. In seconds he was tearing down the drive, lights and siren blaring. Casey did her best to keep both men calm while managing her contractions with the techniques she’d learned in the classes she and Jack had attended. They reached the hospital in what Casey was sure had to be record time and eight hours later Amelia Marie Hall entered the world, announcing her arrival with a hearty howl that Chance immediately echoed.

  Contents

  Thank you for reading my book. I hope you found it enjoyable.

  Sincerely,

  Jennie Leigh