The Cowboy's Troublemaker: The Brothers of Thatcher Ranch, #3

By April Murdock

They joined forces to destroy a relationship, not start one of their own ...

Rodeo cowboy Chase Thatcher knows his mother deserves to have romance in her life. Just not now. Not so soon after his father's death. Plus, the man she met while traveling just seems…shady. So it only makes sense to hire an investigator and dig up whatever dirt he can on the guy. What he never expected to find, however, was the man's fiery and entirely too beautiful daughter. . .

Renata Ricci isn't exactly thrilled with her estranged father's new love affair, either. The last thing she needs is some gold-digger stealing her family's money. She'll put an end to this nonsense if it's the last thing she ever does. If only she could focus and keep her mind off the fiercely loyal and distractingly handsome Chase. . .

It's not long before Chase and Renata realize there's more between them than they ever would've thought possible. But can they overcome the secrets and lies their relationship was built on to find their way to happily ever after? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sweet River Publishing
• Release date: May 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201896119

Book preview

Chapter 1

Chase looked around at everyone dancing and having a good time. He was thankful his brother had found a measure of happiness in his new business and now with his wife, Frankie. Many people had thought they were too young to marry. Anyone who spent any amount of time around Frankie and Logan, the way Chase had, knew the couple belonged together.

Chase allowed his thoughts to wander briefly to his personal life as he moved around the edge of the crowd gathered outside for Frankie and Logan’s reception. There were quite a few girls that he had dated over the years. But none of them had made him feel the way that he knew Logan felt for Frankie.

And while he was nothing like his twin, who used to date multiple women at once, he hadn’t found that special someone who made him want to change his lifestyle. He wondered if that time would ever come, and if so, how far off in the distance it might be.

Leaving the reception, he headed inside to check on his mother. He had last seen her heading for the house over fifteen minutes earlier.

His eyes briefly widened when he arrived in the kitchen and saw his mother in a corner on her phone. With her head ducked and cheeks blushing, a smile lifted her lips.

Preparing to leave the kitchen so that she could have privacy, he stopped when she lifted her head and met his gaze. Cora held one finger up, telling him to wait. She turned her attention back to her phone call, but he could still hear her side of the conversation.

Yes… yes, I am. Thank you. Okay, I’ve got to go now. Sure. I’ll talk to you soon. Aww, me too. She tapped the screen of her phone ending the call.

Chase briefly wondered who was on the other line, but he knew that it wasn’t his business to ask. Besides, he wasn’t a nosy person anyway.

Hey, Chase. Is everything okay? Cora asked, walking toward him with a slight frown etched onto her face.

Yes, ma’am, everything’s fine. I just came to tell you that people are having a mighty fine time out there, Ma. And I know it was hard for you to let the catering company take over, but they’ve done a pretty good job on all the food, Chase said before taking a sip from his half-full glass, and then set it on the counter. Besides, it gave you time to relax before the wedding, and now you can just enjoy the company and Logan and Frankie, he added.

The sound of laughter out there is music to my ears. It means everyone’s enjoying themselves despite all the adversity that rose against Frankie and Logan, Cora Thatcher said, shaking her head.

Yeah, they did have a hard way to go. But I’m thankful you got on board and gave her a chance, he said as he planted a kiss on her cheek.

Chase couldn’t help but tease his mother about her original attitude about Frankie. As close as the two women had become now, he recalled when neither he nor his brothers had been confident that would ever happen. Especially Chance, who thought their mother was determined to run Frankie off. But once she had given Frankie a chance, Cora had begun to adore Frankie like the daughter she never had. It had been wonderful watching the two ladies grow close to one another.

I want my boys to be happy and well taken care of. You all deserve a bit of happiness and love to come your way. And while it doesn’t always happen overnight, it always happens right on time, just when it’s supposed to. I think part of things falling into place for you boys is because I left you alone to grow. With me traveling as I have, you can all focus on your personal lives now. For so long, you’ve all been so worried about me. Wanting me to be happy and trying to be strong for me in the wake of your father’s passing. Who knows, Chase? Maybe this time when I leave again, you just might find love, too.

Chase’s stomach turned and twisted in his belly, and it wasn’t because of hunger. Frowning, he walked away from where his mother stood at the stove and leaned against a counter. It was funny how she was always on the same page that he was, repeating his thoughts from just a moment earlier. He reminded himself to never to be surprised at the inner workings of Cora Thatcher. She knew her boys well.

The other thought that entered his mind was the fact that his mother was leaving for Europe once more. The idea of her traveling the world alone was unsettling, but now even more so, since she had met a man who could only be described as a special friend at this point.

Are you sure you’ve gotta go again, Ma? I thought once you returned home, you’d see how much you missed being here and change your mind, Chase said.

Well, I’ve told you… my life is different now.

I know you do. But you’ve also said some things that I’d like you to clarify. Some things I’m concerned about. I think my brothers would be interested to hear more, too.

Like what, Chase?

This special friend you referenced earlier. I mean, who is this guy? Is that who you were talking with on the phone when I came in? Chase asked.

My, my, someone’s a bit protective, Cora said, clucking her tongue. And nosy.

I just want you to be safe and happy, Ma. After all, you’re a wealthy, beautiful woman traveling the world alone. That’s not the safest thing to do, and I’m sure there are plenty of cunning men out there waiting to take advantage of you, Chase said.

And you don’t believe I can protect myself? Cora angled her head with a smirk playing on her lips.

Chase wanted his mother to take his concerns seriously.

That’s not it. But there are certain things that all of us might fall victim to. That’s how scandals and schemes get started. I just want to make sure you’re okay. I’d like to know more about this special friend, and as I said before, I know all of us want to know what’s going on here, Chase pointed out.

Yeah? Well, as soon as we have an opportunity, I’ll get all of you boys together, and we can talk about it. I don’t mind sharing information with y’all. Especially if that will put your hearts and minds to ease, Cora said, patting his cheek affectionately.

Thanks, Ma.

And I’m—

Hey, Ma, your presence is needed out back! Chance shouted, barging into the kitchen.

Is there a particular reason that I’m needed, Chance, or is it something that can wait for a moment? Cora asked, turning to her oldest twin with a loving and patient smile.

Chase smirked, thinking about how well his mother knew her sons. Chance was always up to one shenanigan or another, and Cora was still ready to catch him at it.

Well, I just wanted to have a dance with my ma before the night ended. Don’t think I’ve danced with the pretty lady, all night long, Chance said, snatching a cookie from the cookie jar just beyond his mother.

Stop that! I baked those for your brother and Frankie! Cora said, smacking his hand with hers.

I’m hungry, Ma, Chance pouted.

You’re always hungry. What’s new? Chase teased his twin.

Chance shrugged.

Well, there’s all kinds of food out there at the reception, including the wedding cake. I’m sure you’ve had your fill, and if you haven’t, you can always get more.

Ma, it doesn’t taste as good as what you make, Chance argued.

Cora tossed a side glance and smirk at Chase, who shrugged.

But as for that dance, you little charmer, I’ll be out there shortly, Cora said, directing her attention back to Chance.

All right, well, I’m just going to head back to the reception, Chance said.

Before he turned to leave, Cora and Chase exchanged glances.

Ma, he whispered, nodding his head.

He thought this was the perfect opportunity for her to have a conversation with him and his brothers.

Uh, Chance, could you grab your brothers while you’re out there, and all three of you come back in here for a minute? Cora asked.

Sure, Chance replied, heading out the door.

Ma, you aren’t about to tell us something crazy, are you? Chase asked after Chance departed from the kitchen.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, son.

I don’t know, like, maybe you’re about to marry this fella or something. I mean, after all, you haven’t known him long. You’ve been traveling for a while but not quite long enough to consider marrying a stranger. Especially one that we’ve never met, Chase said.

Now, why would you think that, Chase Thatcher?

Well, partially because you’ve been acting kinda strange. And then because of the comment you made earlier this evening, right after the ceremony, when the reception first started. You’re the one who said you had someone special in your life over in Italy, remember? When Frankie’s Uncle Elmer was giving you the eye.

I know what I said, she fussed.

Well, I know you didn’t want to take too much attention off Logan and Frankie’s special day, but I’m glad that you’re open to discussing this issue, Ma.

There’s no issue to discuss, Chase. You make it sound like there’s a problem at hand. I was simply going to have a brief chat with you boys before the night is over, is all, Cora said, busying herself with rearranging little glass figurines on the counter.

Who is this guy? What’re his intentions toward you? How long have you known him? What are your plans for the future, and do they include him? Do you plan to return here or stay in Italy? There are a lot of questions that we have, and I think we all deserve some sort of explanation, Ma, Chase balked.

Cora sighed and turned back around to face Chase. I don’t owe you boys anything. I’m a grown woman, and I’m living my life now, Chase. I’ve raised four grown men, and I’m not some child that you need to watch over or protect. I’m grateful that you’re concerned about my welfare, but don’t go getting too big for your britches. After all, I don’t question you boys on how you live your lives.

I beg to differ, Ma. You came in here guns-a-blazing about Frankie, Chase countered.

Cora nodded her head in concession.

You have a point. But that’s only because Logan was my baby. And he’s always needed looking out for. I just wanted to make sure that you all hadn’t gotten so tied up in your lives that you forgot about him. I had no idea what her intentions might be, and I didn’t want anyone taking advantage of Logan. I tell you what. When the boys come in here, I will sit down with you four and answer your questions as much as I possibly can. I can’t promise that you’ll like my answers, but I’ll do my best to put your minds at ease and offer comfort the best way I know how. How’s that sound? Cora asked.

That’s fair, Ma, Chase said, pushing his body off the counter and taking a seat at the table while he waited for his brothers to return.

All types of doubt and worry riddled Chase’s mind. He wasn’t sure there was anything Cora could say to put his mind at ease where this stranger was concerned.

His head filled with thoughts of his father and how much he had loved his mother. He thought about how his mother had taken great care of their father and loved him unconditionally. No matter what their father did, she would never hold it against him.

Chase couldn’t help but wonder if anyone was capable of loving his mother the way that his father had. He doubted if anyone was capable of taking good care of her the way that he had. She was an extraordinary woman who had sacrificed her dreams for the sake of her family. And with their father’s passing, she decided to pursue those dreams. However, he worried that some foreign stranger might woo Cora, with all her simple ways, and take advantage of her.

Boys, I would like to talk to you all, Cora said once Chance, Logan, and Garrett had gathered in the kitchen around the table.

Where’s Frankie, honey? Cora asked Logan.

Oh, she’s out there tending to our wedding guests. I told her you wanted to see me for a minute, Logan explained.

Is everything okay, Ma? Garrett asked, looking around the table at the rest of them.

Yes, everything’s okay. It’s just that Chase has a lot of questions about my future and my wellbeing overseas.

You’re not planning to return, are you, Ma? Garrett asked, turning to glance at Chase.

Cora nodded. Yes, I am. Why wouldn’t I?

Because Logan just got married. I think he and Frankie will need your support as they’re starting their new family. If not Logan, then even more so Frankie. She needs guidance on becoming a wife. She surely can’t rely on her mother, Garrett added.

And possibly a new baby, Chance piped up.

Slow down, Chance, you’re probably moving too fast, Garrett added.

"Oh, they’ll be just fine. Logan, you and Frankie