The Rancher's Second Chance Read Online Free PDF

this call,” he said, rising. The client calling was the person who could facilitate making one of Sarah’s visions a reality. And the thought of that, of Sarah, of their shared dreams, reminded him of his other life. Everyone thought he needed another woman in his life and they were wrong. He had moved on with his life; he wasn’t depressed. He was living just fine. There was nothing wrong with being alone.
    He ignored the feeling of pleasure that ran through him when he heard Melanie’s laughter ring through the kitchen again as he walked out. His friend was intent on charming her. He should just let him. Cole was more than content expanding the family business and fulfilling one of Sarah’s dreams. This deal he’d been working on for the last six months could actually be happening. By the time his sister’s wedding arrived, he could be the sole beef supplier to Anderson Food Group.
    Chapter Three
    An hour later, Cole was feeling pretty damn good. He received word from Adam that Cori’s surgery had been a success; she was conscious and now recovering. He’d also just scheduled a meeting with Anderson Food Group for next week. The day couldn’t get any better than this. His little sister was going to be okay, and he was on his way to fulfilling one of Sarah’s dreams of having their product be highly accessible to the general public. Sarah believed in their product and wanted their distribution to grow.
    He strode out of the barn, leaving behind the sounds of the cowboys talking, hay rustling, and all the other noises that were as familiar to him as the ranch around him. He slapped his leather gloves against his thigh as he walked on the gravel path toward the main ranch house, away from the small log house that served as his office. It had taken some getting used to after his parents died; he’d always associated that office with his father. But Sarah had been by his side and they had taken over the dream. The Tall Pines Ranch had a reputation as one of the finest, organic, grass-fed beef providers in the country. But he knew he couldn’t take that for granted. He needed to be open to new business opportunities, which was why this deal with Anderson Food Group was so important—it guaranteed business, exposure, and accomplishing Sarah’s vision for the ranch.
    The air was cold, dense with impending snow. He slowed for a second, his footstep faltering at the sight of Melanie’s Volkswagen still parked in the drive. Melanie. He wasn’t going to analyze the tightening in his chest. Or the fact that he was relieved that she was still here. Or that he took the porch steps two at a time.
    After dropping his coat and gloves on the bench in the foyer, he strode down the hall toward the dining room. Soft, feminine laughter propelled him faster. He had a feeling he’d find Gage here.
    Cole stopped beside Gage in the door frame of the dining room and scowled as his friend stood there, taking a nice long look at Melanie. She was standing on the dining room table trying to attach some weird floral things around the chandelier. She was also unknowingly providing them with a delectable view of her very cute bottom in tight jeans.
    His friend turned to look at him. “So, how did it go?”
    Cole forced himself to concentrate on the news he had and not the gorgeous woman across the room. Gage was the only person he’d told about the possible business deal with Anderson Food Group, and he knew exactly why this was so important to him. “We have a meeting scheduled for next week, but so far everything is pointing to this going forward. Apparently, the owner wants me to meet with his future son-in-law who will be taking over the company when he retires in a few years. He kept stressing they were a family business, just like us, despite their size.”
    Gage was nodding. “That’s great, man. I hope this works out for you.”
    “It has, too,” Cole said.
    Gage looked uncomfortable for a minute. “You know, if it