By
Rhonda Lee Carver

What happens at a fertility clinic stays at a fertility clinic…
unless there’s an accidental switch-a-roo…

Successful author Melanie Jane decided after a very public divorce that she would prove to the world, especially her critiques, that she didn’t need a man to make her dreams come true. So, she wrote a best seller and used a fertility clinic to get pregnant. An accidental switch-a-roo left Melanie curious…who was the father of her baby?

Coop Dawson was still grieving the loss of his twin brother when some lady showed up at the family ranch and announced that she was pregnant by Cade, impossible since he’d been gone for over a year. Coop didn’t have the patience for scam artists. He told her exactly how he felt then made her hit the road. Yet, after reading a letter from a fertility clinic, he realized she’d been telling the truth. Now he needed to turn things around fast before he lost the chance at knowing Cade’s child.

Sometimes tragedy can bring a family closer…and bring unexpected gifts.

Coop needed to step up for the first time in his life and do the right thing for everyone. He promised his brother in a late-night prayer that he’d take care of the child—but what Coop didn’t realize he was already falling for Melanie and he couldn’t imagine life without her. Will she learn to trust him? Or will he screw up every chance he’d been given?

Melanie Jane wanted a child, she went through the process, picked a donor, and now she’s pregnant. Only the fertility clinic made a mistake, the donor she picked isn’t what she got. Now she’s conflicted not about the pregnancy but how to find out who the donor was. She should know of any possible issues, right. Her friend and editor Steven manages to get the information, but she decides she doesn’t need to know, until she does. A jigsaw puzzle of the information reveals what she wanted to know, including a phone number. When she calls the response is it’s the wrong number, so that’s the end of that right?

Coop Dawson and his family while still reeling from Cade’s death a year ago, are planning a Rodeo in his honor with proceeds going to a charity for kids with leukemia.
He first meets Melanie as she’s waiting for take-out at Corby Q’s. He didn’t get much of a conversation in though, that is until she shows up at his family ranch. The conversation there wasn’t exactly pleasant, with Coop denying that Cade ever donated sperm to a fertility clinic. Unfortunately, he finds out otherwise and owes Melanie an apology which he delivers with an offer to show her around and an invite to dinner.

This is a favorite scene.

The brothers’ friendly joshing had turned into full blown arguing from the other room that spilled into the kitchen.

“Let’s get Melanie’s opinion. She’ll be unbiased,” Channing said.

“She doesn’t care.” Wales met her gaze.

Wiping her hands off on a towel, she stepped around the counter. “First tell me what the argument is about.”

“Would you rather meet Garth Brooks or Blake Shelton?”

“Garth, right?” Channing said.

“Nah, Blake,” Carter crooned.

“Well, I’ve met both. Although not many, there were a few perks to being married to Beau Banks.”

Wales and Channing stared in disbelief, then he said, “You were married to the greatest race car driver of all time?”

“Can we get an autograph?” Carter asked.

“He was a jerk,” Coop piped in.

“Sorry,” Wales and Carter said in unison, looking defeated.

“No, it’s okay. He was a jerk during our marriage and the divorce proceedings sucked, but I learned to let go. We’ll never be friends, but we can get along. I can do you one better than an autograph.” She went to her purse on the table and dug out her phone. She found Beau’s number and clicked ‘talk’. On the second ring he picked up. “It’s Melanie. Yes, I’m good. How is Camilla and the baby? Good. I have some of your biggest fans here with me. They’d like to ask some questions. Have a minute to spare?” She stuck out the phone. “He’s all yours, at least for a few minutes.”

Carter swiped up the phone, put it on speaker, and said, “Hello, sir. It’s an honor.” The brothers moved into the living room as they bombarded Beau with questions.

Coop stayed close by. “That’s very kind of you.”

She shrugged. “There’s nothing more that Beau loves than to be in the spotlight. Honestly though, he owes me at least a hundred more favors that I plan to call in eventually.”

Something changed in his expression. His eyes warmed and his jaw relaxed. Whatever was going on inside of him she felt it too as an invisible rope of satin wrapped her heart. An energy engulfed them, and she leaned in…

“Melanie?”

Jerking back, she blinked. “Yes.” Forcing her feet to move, she swiveled to face Candy who gave Melanie a knowing smile.

“How long will you be staying in town?”

Clearing her throat, Melanie pushed back the charge of electricity in her body. “I thought I’d be gone by now, but I don’t have any definite plans.” As if a magnet pulled her gaze to Coop, she swallowed against a sudden constriction. What was happening between them?

“Coop, why don’t you run and get Franny Maw.”

“Okay.” He offered Melanie a tender smile then exited through the back door.

“You should try this,” Candy said as she cut into the fresh out of the oven steaming pan of homemade lasagna. “It’s a secret recipe handed down in the family.”

It certainly did smell amazing. Melanie’s stomach growled in hunger.

Accepting the loaded fork of pasta, she took the entire bite and her eyes widened. The flavors were a combination made in heaven. The sausage. The sweet and tanginess of the sauce. The variety of cheeses all came together to make it delightful. “That’s the best lasagna I’ve ever tasted,” she admitted.

Candy blushed. “Thank you. Feeding a family this size was never easy although they’ll eat anything I put in front of them.” Something akin to worry creased the area around her eyes. “He has a good heart you know.”

Seconds passed as Melanie absorbed the words, realizing exactly what Candy meant. “I didn’t come here to cause problems.”

With a gentle shrug, Candy said, “What I’m thinking isn’t negative. I haven’t seen him like this since Cade passed. He’s more like himself right now and I’m guessing it has something to do with you.” She turned and cupped Melanie’s hands. “Listen, I know a good-hearted woman when I see her. I won’t pressure you, but I’d like to meet the child one day. You didn’t come here for that reason, but we’re a good family. Cade was a fine man. That’s all I needed to say.” She removed her hands and went back to concentrating on finishing the meal.

Feeling the sadness of the other woman, Melanie didn’t know what she could say to bring peace for Candy. After all, Melanie couldn’t imagine losing a child. The heart ache that would follow. She wanted to tell Candy that she could see the baby, but this crossed a line. Why? They were good people. Didn’t every child need a village? The support of family? This entire situation was uncharted for them all. Could she see herself visiting the ranch? Bringing Cade’s child here for visits?

Coop filled her mind. Could it be possible that this attraction between them could grow?

It was too early to know for sure, but she’d never felt so confident about anything before.

“So why didn’t Franny Maw come?” Candy asked later as they filled the chairs around the table.

“She had a date with some friends to play cards,” Coop said.

Platters were passed around and Melanie was surrounded by the brothers who went on and on about their conversation with Beau.

“Have some manners. I’m sure Melanie doesn’t want to hear another word about her ex,” Coop said in a groan.

“Does it bother you?” Channing asked.

“No. Not at all.” She met Coop’s gaze.

He reached around her to grab a piece of French bread from the basket and in the process his arm brushed hers, sending an awakening of goosebumps scattering across her skin. All those secret sensations and emotions were set free and things were taking on a new intensity between them.

She was afraid to look his direction for fear he’d see straight through her.
Carver, Rhonda Lee. All Cowboy and Charm (The Brothers of Dove Grey Series Book 1) (Kindle Locations 1303-1360). Kindle Edition.

While these circumstances are very unusual, the attraction between Cade and Melanie grows exponentially.

A fun read with laughter, tears and sizzle!

5 Contented Purrs for Rhonda!

Rhonda Lee Carver

Rhonda Lee Carver is a published book writer with a collection of print and eBooks under her wing. She is also a freelance editor. Her first book was published with Wild Rose Press in 2010.

She writes everything from contemporary to steamy to paranormal to suspense…you name it, she’s written it. Her specialty is writing men who love to get their hands dirty—hardworking, blue collar, heroes in everyday life.

When Rhonda isn’t crafting edge-of-your-seat, sizzling novels, you’ll find her with her children and husband watching soccer, watching a breathtaking movie, traveling to exotic places (with Bora Bora on her bucket list), doing (or trying) yoga, saving cats and dogs, and finding new ways to keep life interesting.

Rhonda thrives on making her readers happy. She believes life can be a challenge, but reading is a place where fantasy comes to life. Her motto: “Everyone deserves romance—one page at a time.“