Read Something Unexpected for Free Online Page B

Fletcher’s case, the ranch that had been in his mother’s family for generations; in Dean’s case, the building in which he now stood.
    Ironically, Fletcher had been the one who had seethed over the will, refusing at first to abide by its dictates. Dean, on the other hand, had quickly reconciled himself to a marriage of convenience. Why not? He’d never been impetuous, was not prone to infatuation and seriously doubted his capacity to fall head-over-heels in love. He’d been involved in a few longer relationships; no one had ever broken his heart.
    He had an excellent career, a good life. He was only deficient when it came to love, but at least he knew it. Therefore, a marriage of minds and shared values, a relationship entered into because both parties considered it mutually beneficial, would be less a hardship than attempting to fulfill some woman’s dream of true love. He disliked hurting people.
    Mentally, at least, he’d accepted his late father’s mandate, relieved to know he would secure title to the building in which he both lived and made his living. He had plans for the block-long set of storefronts, plans that would benefit both the immediate community and beyond.
    So when Amanda, his former fiancée, had shown up with several clearheaded reasons why they should rekindle their engagement, he’d told her about the will. The unromantic marriage directive hadn’t fazed her a bit. And he had told himself he had no right to be disappointed by that fact.
    A slow creak announced the opening of the bathroom door, and Dean’s pulse zoomed. He cast around for something to do so he wouldn’t look as if he’d been standing idle, waitingfor Rosie, then recognized the absurdity of the thought and remained where he was.
    He’d rebroken his engagement to Amanda shortly after seeing Rosie in the market. Without divulging the details, he’d told Amanda that the woman from the market was someone he’d “dated” and was not yet over. She’d questioned him, argued, pointed out that he had to be married in just a couple of months or default on the will, but not once had she tried to hang on to their relationship by saying she loved him. Ending their engagement—again—hadn’t been nearly as difficult as it should have been.
    It seemed to take an aeon for Rosie to emerge from the bathroom, an aeon during which Dean once again wondered what he was hoping for tonight.
    Rosie’s desire for a negative result on the test was clear and fervent; how could he hope for anything different?
    She entered the hallway, adjusting the strap of her purse securely on her shoulder as she headed toward the living room. Dean’s heart pounded like the hooves of a thousand horses.
    In her left hand, she carried the test stick like a spoon with an egg on it, moving so cautiously it appeared she was afraid the slightest jostle might tamper with the results.
    As she approached, Dean offered a supportive nod.
    Rosie looked exhausted, as if she needed a stiff drink or a long vacation. Dark shadows rimmed her eyes, marring the silky skin he remembered so well. He wished he had the right to take her in his arms as he had that night.
    Whatever had happened to change her mind about him, his attraction to her had not lessened. He didn’t expect it to now. Silently, he vowed to see her smile genuinely at least once before she left tonight. In the meantime, he read the stick she handed him. His breath caught and held.
    Instantly, his world calmed as he read the results. The thundering hooves slowed and then grew still in his chest. Everytense muscle released. For the first time in a damned long while, he knew exactly what he wanted, and it was exactly what he was getting.
    One thin pink line.
    Congratulations, Dean Kingsley. You’re going to be a father.

Chapter Four
    â€œY ou have got to be kidding me.” Fletcher Kingsley gaped at his older brother. “You