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ALEX SLAMMED THE BARN door shut against the whipping wind blowing in from the North. A storm was coming—the third one in less than a week. October historically offered good rain to the ranchers in the Texas Trans-Pecos region, but having storms this close together seldom happened.
Horses bucked and kicked and raced through the pasture, enjoying the extra zing in the air from the approaching cobalt clouds bristling with lightning.
He'd hurried through his chores, glad that he’d fed a few days before at the new pastures he'd bought since his marriage to Hannah. They were farther away from the main ranch than he liked, given Hannah's fragile condition. He grinned. He wouldn't get away with calling her fragile to her face. His wife was one tough cowgirl and a better rancher than he was. It drove her crazy that she needed to take it easy. She'd endured intense Braxton-Hicks contractions for the past six weeks, and her doctor had given her strict instructions that she quit ranch work until she delivered their baby. Terrified of losing her precious son, she'd immediately begun to spend her days at the house, and even agreed to nap during the day.
Bent into the wind that swept across the flat desert land, he headed for his truck, glad they'd laid in groceries yesterday. They could ride the storm out in peace tonight. Heat spread through him as he anticipated entering the ranch house. It felt as much a home to him as his mãe's house had in Brazil. His mother raised him, her only child, alone, and they'd been very close. Her death when he had just become a man, had devastated him. It was one reason he'd had no qualms about leaving the country and joining the PBR, the Professional Bull Riders association here in the United States.
Hannah must have been watching for him because she smiled and waved through the family room window as he pulled into the driveway. His heart beat harder, as it always did when he saw his beautiful lover. Marrying Hannah had been the most wonderful day of his life. The wedding was amazing, but when she'd told him they were having a bebê, he was overcome with joy. Their honeymoon in Bora Bora, funded by part of Alex's previous PBR Final's winnings, had been a non-stop celebration.
Hannah's profile turned and moved toward the front door. He laughed softly. Her belly was massive and the doctor had told them at her last visit that their baby boy would be quite big. With giant steps he strode to the door, needing to feel his arms around his sweet wife.
The glass door swung wide and Hanna yelled above the sound of the oncoming storm, "I thought you'd never come home." She raised her arms, releasing the door to the wind. "Where's my kiss, you bull ridin' cowboy!"
He laughed, and drew her close—at least as close as a baby-boy belly would let him—and kissed her hard on the lips, the way she liked it at the end of the day. He stepped inside and pulled the doors firmly shut. Rubbing her tummy, he asked, "How's momma feeling today?" and led her to the couch, settling in beside her. As he slipped his arm around her shoulders, he nuzzled her neck and made her squeak.
Hannah grinned. "You're too full of spit and vinegar to have worked very hard. Tell me about your day."
"Don't change the subject. I asked about yours first."
She scowled. "The nursery's all done, the house is clean, and I don't like cooking except for making sure you eat good. Dammit, honey, I'm bored as hell! I wonder if letting Chloe stay with Todd and Becky so I could keep off my feet these last few days was the best idea. I miss her, and I worry about how hard you're working out there all alone. It's driving me crazy."
He swept her long red curls back from her face. "Look, you hard-headed cowgirl, I'll tie you in bed if I have to so you’ll rest. No more blood spots. No more trouble. Just a big fat bebê when he's ready to leave his beautiful mãe."
Hannah sighed and rubbed her swollen tummy. "You're right, I know. But I've never had to sit still like this. I wish I liked girly things like knitting or quilting but I've never had time for that stuff. My life has always been spent out on the ranch."
He grinned "Is dinner ready?"
"Well, hell, yeah. I have to feed my hungry man."
"Let's eat, and then I'm giving you a shower."
She smiled. "My man loves me."
Alex pulled her to her feet. "What did you cook?"
"BBQ beef ribs cooked covered and on low in the oven 'til the meat falls off the bone. Southern fried potatoes and some corn."
He patted her bottom as they entered the kitchen. "Meu deus! This smells amazing!"
"God had nothing to do with it. Just these hard-working rancher's hands."
He squeezed her waist. "You sit. I'll put the food on the table."
After they'd filled their plates, Alex clasped Hannah's hand. "I'll pray tonight."
She nodded, smiling her sweet smile that he loved.
Bowing his head, he began. "God, I thank you for my beautiful, smart wife and for making her agree to marry this broken-down bull rider."
Hannah laughed softly.
"God, you blessed her with the bebê she wanted so bad, and I thank you. I promise I'll take care of her and the child You're giving us. I'll be a good and faithful husband, and I'll love my bebê forever. One more thing. Please make this stubborn woman rest. She won't listen to me, her Lord and Master of the Universe."
Hannah burst out laughing.
Alex continued soberly. "Thank You for Your blessings, God. Amen." Crossing himself, he raised his fork and, without cracking a smile, shoved a bite of potatoes in his mouth.
Hanna grinned and took a bite herself. After she swallowed, she said, "That was quite a prayer, my Lord."
Grinning, Alex said, "You forgot Master of the Universe. I may need to punish you."
With a quiet laugh, she took another mouthful. "Hmm, punishment for a pregnant lady. What would that look like?"
He narrowed his eyes. "I'm sure I can come up with something."
She smiled seductively and caressed his arm. "So, let's see. I have a shower at your hands followed by suitable, ah, punishment?"
He laughed and clasped her head full of soft curls, pulling her in for a kiss. "You're being very naughty for a woman in your condition. I may have to spank you." The glint in her eyes told him she’d have something to say about that. He grinned. Tonight, would be fun.