Baby, Oh Baby!
I wish I had a baby…When Rachel Manning spoke her secret wish aloud, she never expected to become an instant mother. She didn't even have a boyfriend! Yet here she was, temporary parent for the sweetest month-old infant. Until the baby's take-charge uncle–a heartbreaker in Stetson and jeans–showed up at her door.As Emma's legal guardian, Jake Fletcher had every right to be here. But soon he and Rachel were sharing more than late-night feedings. The down-to-earth rancher didn't believe in happy endings, but this woman was weaving a sensual spell that–man, oh man–just might grant him his most thrilling wish….
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“You’ve got me under some kind of spell,” Jake said
“Right back at you,” Rachel told him. “I’ll see your spell and raise you an incantation or two.”
He grinned. “That’s what I like about you. You give as good as you get.”
She blinked up at him. “Did you just admit you like me?”
“I already admitted we’re friends, but it was probably part of that whole spell thing you’ve got going.”
“I see.” She slid her hands from his neck, down over the muscular contours of his chest. “Far be it for me to wear out my welcome. I’ll just take my spell and go home—”
“The hell you will,” he said, tightening his hold.
A sound came from the monitor in her pocket. A little cough and a sneeze.
“Omigosh. Emma.”
To Angie Ray and Marianne Donley—my gratitude for all the nitpicking. Here’s to the power of three.
TERESA SOUTHWICK
lives in Southern California with her hero husband, who is more than happy to share with her the male point of view. An avid fan of romance novels, she is delighted to be living out her dream of writing for Silhouette Books.
The fortune-teller said…
The baby you ask for comes with a price.
The promise you make could cost you twice.
If the three born on February twenty-ninth rub the magic from the lamp and make a wish—on that day that comes only once every four years—each shall receive her most coveted desire.
But there is peril.
Each of the three must see beyond the evident. Look into the soul of the one her heart has chosen. Only then will she find the truth that is hers alone.
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Prologue
New Orleans—February 29, 2004
“What are the odds of being born on February 29?” Rachel Manning looked at Ashley Gallagher and Jordan Bishop, her two best friends in the world and fellow leap year birthday celebrators.
“If you’re the three of us, the chances are one hundred percent,” Ashley answered.
Jordan tapped her chin thoughtfully. “When you think about it, the odds of three women remaining friends from the newborn nursery to the present are probably astronomical. We’re legendary, like the Three Musketeers.”
“Pop quiz,” Ashley said. “What was your best birthday?”
“You’re such a college girl,” Jordan teased. “Although we’re twenty-four today, technically we’ve only had six birthdays, so the question doesn’t put a strain on the memory banks.”
“This is the best birthday,” Ashley said. “How cool is it to be here in New Orleans?”
“I second that.” Rachel glanced uneasily over her shoulder. “It’s getting late. We should probably head back. I’d like to make a toast to us at a cozy hotel bar.”
“Aw, Mom, don’t be a party pooper,” Ashley teased. “This is my last carefree night. Tomorrow it’s back to work and classes. For the next two and a half months I have to gird my loins, or whatever you call it, to get ready for finals and graduation.”
“Hallelujah.” Jordan grinned.
“Better late than never,” Ashley defended herself. “I want to squeeze every last ounce of fun out of tonight. By my calculations, we only have about fifteen minutes left until our birthday is over. And we won’t have another official one for four more years.” Jordan linked her arms through theirs, urging them forward. “Let’s see what kind of trouble we can get into before we get that birthday drink.”
That was when Rachel heard someone yelling. Just ahead she saw a woman standing on the sidewalk outside a shop. She was agitated and pointing. “Stop him! Thief! Help!”
Rachel’s heart thumped hard against her ribs. Oh, where was that safe hotel bar when you really needed it? People on the sidewalk parted and she saw a slight figure in a black ski cap and dark clothes running straight toward them.
Jordan tugged on their arms, urging them out of the way, which was just fine with Rachel. But if he had a knife or a gun….
Then the thief was directly in front of them and Rachel saw Jordan’s foot slide out. As he went down, something fell from his hand and clattered on the walkway at their feet. Jordan bent and grabbed it. Half a second later the guy was up, shooting them a furious look. Rachel braced herself for his attack. But when a siren sounded, he took off around the corner.
“Jordan,” Ashley said, her voice breathless, “When you decide to find trouble, you don’t waste any time.”
“Everyone okay?” Rachel asked. She looked at one then the other of her friends.
“Yeah,” Ashley said. “Shouldn’t we do something? Call the police? Chase him?”
“He’s long gone.” Jordan was turning the tarnished brass she’d picked up from side to side. “The only thing we can do is return this. It looks like a lamp, straight out of Aladdin.”
Rachel shook her head. “That’s your adventurous streak talking. It looks like a glorified gravy boat to me. But obviously that woman wants it back.”
Together, they walked toward the waiting woman. She looked like a Gypsy, dressed all in black with a matching bandanna tied pirate style over her dark brown hair.
