Page 92 of Her Boss, Her Rancher: Sunrise On The Ranch

“Yes, and it looks great. I’ll have a party and you can come see. I was going to have a big party soon—you and the rest of the brothers, if Nathan and family are back, Sierra and her family, friends. I’ll have it, but it may be postponed for a time.”

“Are you leaving town?”

“Yes, but that isn’t why. The job is over, and I don’t know how much I’ll see of Sierra.”

Cade tilted his head. “Are you two dating each other?”

“Yes and no,” Blake said. “Yes, we were, but no, we’re not currently. But we’ll see each other some. We have some problems to work out.”

“House problems?”

Blake gazed at his half brother. He felt closer to Cade than anyone else he knew. He had to share his news. “Okay, this isn’t for public announcement, but maybe—oh, hell. She’s pregnant with my baby.”

“Kaboom,” Cade said, his eyes opening wide with a startled expression on his face. “Wow. Congratulations, I think. You don’t sound like a happy dad. I know you didn’t plan to marry this soon, but you said you expected to get hitched sometime. Just move it up.”

“That’s not the problem. The lady said no. We’re opposites in so many ways, and she doesn’t think we can ever truly make it work or fall in love. Her parents have this perfect union of like-minded individuals, and that’s what she wants. Plus, she is Miss Do-Good and wants me to be the same.”

Cade sputtered and tried to bite back a smile. “Sorry. You’re a nice guy, but not out to save the world.”

“No, I’m not, but I’m not an ogre. It’s this deal about my hotels and our dad that gets her.”

“Ah, the light dawns. She doesn’t know our dad. He’s no saint. His people will just dump the hotels and go on to something else, and he may never even know you were behind the loss in revenue.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m starting to realize.”

“If she won’t marry, maybe you’re better off. Look at our dad and all his marriages—all disasters. Sierra’s folks are an exception. You may be fortunate she turned you down. She’s not going to try to keep you from your baby, is she?”

“Oh, no. She would never do that.”

“Well, then. I’d think you’d be a lot happier without a wife. Stop and think about it. With your way with the ladies and your money and success—most women would be screaming for marriage. They would be running to get a preacher before the words were out of your mouth. Be glad, my brother. Besides, she could be right, you know. If the two of you are opposites, why tie your lives more closely together? You can still be a dad, and she’ll still be a mom, and each of you will find love with someone else.”

“Why did I tell you about this?” Blake asked, frowning at Cade.

“To get some sound advice. Seriously, think about what she’s telling you. You may be much better off without her in your life. She’s sharing your child, letting you be dad, and that’s good. An unhappy marriage isn’t great for a kid to grow up watching. I can promise you that because I was caught in one—a little kid doesn’t understand. I’d say you’ve got good advice, so go with it.”

“Well, I’ll think about what you and Sierra are telling me, but I think I came to the wrong person. You’re warped.”

“Yes, because of my father’s lousy marriages. Need I say more? That proves my point.”

“All right, I’ll think about it. I don’t have a choice. She seems to have her mind made up,” he said, looking at Cade and thinking about how cynical and hard he could be about some things in life. Usually he was easygoing, friendly and upbeat, but he had another side, too. Was it because of their dad? Was Sierra right that they could never make a marriage work?

Cade stared intently at him.

“What?” Blake asked. “Did you say something to me? Sorry, my mind wandered.”

“Watch out when you cross the street. If you’re that lost in thought about her, you’ll get run over.”

“I’m not going to get run over, and I’m not lost in thought about Sierra.”

“You were a minute ago. You haven’t fallen in love with her, have you?”

“No, I’m not in love, but that wouldn’t be the end of the world.”

“No, but if you’ve fallen in love, then you won’t be able to cope very well with her rejection. Otherwise, live your life, love your child and don’t look back. A lot of guys would trade with you in a flash.”

“You’re just Mr. Wisdom. I may go to a gypsy fortune-teller for advice next time.”

Cade grinned. “I’m more interesting, and I know you better. You didn’t even hear what I asked you, so maybe you’re in love and you don’t know it.”