Thunderbolt over Texas Read Online Free PDF Page A

doing?
    â€œIt’s not just you anymore,” Cole said to Kyle. “You have a family—”
    Sydney pinched him. It actually hurt.
    He swung his gaze back to her, but caught Katie’s expression on the way.
    He stopped.
    He stared at his sister-in-law’s white lips. “Katie?”
    Kyle pulled back his chair as Katie started to tremble.
    Katie stood and Kyle rose with her.
    â€œWhat?” Cole jumped up. “What’s wrong?”
    Katie gave a little shake of her head and waved away their concern. “I’m fine.”
    â€œYou’re not fine,” said Cole.
    She placed her hand on Kyle’s arm. “I’m really okay. I’m just going to get a glass of water.”
    Kyle put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a little squeeze. “You sure?” he whispered.
    She nodded. “Really. The less fuss, the better. I’ll be right back.”
    Kyle watched her disappear into the kitchen.
    Cole raked a hand through his hair, trying to sift through the turn of events. “I’m sorry,” he said. “What the heck…”
    â€œCan I help?” Sydney asked Kyle.
    Kyle closed his eyed and dropped back into his chair. He shook his head. “It’s the talk of kids.”
    Cole slowly sat, opening his mouth to ask for an explanation, but Sydney’s fingers closed on his thigh again.
    He felt like a bull in a china shop. What was he missing here?
    â€œShe hoped to be pregnant by now,” said Kyle.
    Cole went cold.
    Sydney tossed her napkin onto the table. “I am going to make sure she’s okay.”
    Both men rose with her.
    After Sydney disappeared, Kyle moved restlessly to the rail, taking a long, steady swig of his wine.
    Cole followed, not sure of what to say. He and Kyle didn’t exactly have heart-to-heart talks about their sex lives, never mind their sperm counts. Was this a medical problem? Did they need to see a doctor?
    â€œAre you…” he began. “Uh, do you…”
    â€œThe doctor thinks it’s stress,” said Kyle. “But we don’t know anything for sure, and Katie’s worried she’ll never have kids.”
    Cole could have kicked himself. “And I was a big help.”
    Kyle snorted out a dry chuckle as he gazed out over the Blue Hills. “Next time, watch my expression and grab a clue.”
    â€œNext time I’ll pay attention when Sydney mangles my thigh.” Cole regretted his bull-headed stupidity. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
    â€œGet married and have some babies so Katie doesn’t have this whole dynasty thing on her shoulders.”
    â€œThat would be a trick.”
    â€œHey, you’ve got a bona fide offer in my kitchen.”
    â€œWe could have a bona fide con artist in your kitchen.Besides, Sydney doesn’t want babies, she wants the Thunderbolt. I’m pretty sure this is a platonic offer.”
    Kyle turned to face Cole. He braced his elbow on the rail and a speculative gleam rose in his eyes.
    â€œWhat?” asked Cole, dragging the word out slowly, trepidation rising.
    â€œYou wouldn’t really have to have babies with Sydney,” said Kyle. “You’d just have to let Katie think you’ll have babies with Sydney.”
    â€œThat’s insane.” And even if it wasn’t, Katie knew why Sydney was here. There’s no way they’d ever convince her they were having babies together.
    â€œNo.” Kyle shook his head. “It’s brilliant. You pretend to fall in love with her, pretend to marry her for real. She gets the brooch and Katie relaxes enough to get pregnant.”
    â€œAnd I get a wife I don’t know, who doesn’t love me, won’t sleep with me but takes my jewelry?”
    Kyle took another swig of his wine. “I’m sure you’re not the first guy that’s happened to.”
    Cole snorted.
    Kyle clapped him on the shoulder. “You get the