by June Faver
Chapter 22
Big Jim was standing on the top step, waving goodbye to Tyler and Leah. He had made sure the baby and Gracie were properly secured in the back seat and then promised to have meat ready for the barbecue grill Sunday after church.
“I’ll bring potato salad,” Leah had said.
Big Jim stood gazing after them when his nephew Cade came out, his arm around the pretty woman he had brought with him to dance and hang out with the family.
“So glad you brought this lovely little lady to have a good time with the family, Cade. I’m sure I’ll see you two at church tomorrow, won’t I?”
Smiling, Cade turned to Jennifer. “Are we going to church tomorrow?”
“I think that would be lovely,” she said.
“Late service, of course,” Big Jim said.
“Of course.” Cade stepped down onto the hard-packed dirt of the parking area.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Big Jim,” Jenn said.
Big Jim’s craggy face split into a wide grin. “It’s already tomorrow, young lady.” He watched as they found their way to Cade’s truck, one of only about a dozen remaining in front of Eagles Hall.
Big Jim turned around, gave a quick wave to the woman still sitting behind the table at the door. Don’t let anyone in without paying. Good job.
He reached in his pocket to retrieve his keys and hit the remote. The big silver double dually came to life with a chirp. Lights on and ready to roll by the time he reached for the door.
“Mr. Garrett.”
Big Jim spun around, his hands fisted.
It was Pell… Edgar Wayne Pell, standing with his hands slightly raised and open.
“What do you want, Pell?”
“Easy, man. I was having a few drinks inside and I saw you were leaving. Thought I would say hello.”
Big Jim’s heart was pounding and he was on high alert. He had never particularly liked Pell, especially now that he had been ambushed by the weirdo. Big Jim had a rifle and a shotgun in the rack that spanned his rear window, but he could hardly reach for one when Pell was standing there with his hands raised.
Big Jim cleared his throat and spat into the dirt. “Well, hello then. I got to be gettin’ home now. We can talk some other time.”
“Okay, I just wanted to know if you have any idea what that nephew of yours plans to do with the airstrip. I told Breckenridge Ryan that I am interested in buying it.”
Big Jim reached for the door handle and hoisted himself up into his vehicle. “No idea. You might want to talk to Ryan. I’m sure he has a handle on it.”
Pell raised a hand in farewell. “Sure. I’ll give him a call on Monday.”
Big Jim closed the door and watched as Pell made his way to his own truck. It was not a top-of-the-line truck and not new; Big Jim wondered where Pell thought he would get the money to buy the airstrip. He revved the powerful motor of his own vehicle and shifted into gear. All the way home, he visualized Pell’s reddened face as it had appeared in the headlights. Scary dude, as his sons would say.
* * *
Cade drove through the heart of town, all the way to the house Jennifer had inherited. The house where his niece and nephew lay sleeping…where Ollie Sue Enloe was probably passed out on the sofa. He heaved a sigh. So much for spending the night with Jennifer…who loved him.
But he would pick her up for church the next morning and maybe get to spend the day with her. Maybe take her to his uncle’s ranch for barbecue.
He liked the way she rested her hand on his thigh when they were traveling along. He liked everything about her. At the moment, he ached to hold her naked body against his.
He shook his head. Cool down, lover boy. He realized that Jennifer’s head had dropped onto his shoulder, and she was breathing rhythmically through her slightly open lips.
Nice. He felt a surge of connection to this woman. He wanted to protect her, to watch over her while she slept. Most of all, he wanted to remain in her life.
The moon was bright, almost full, and it seemed to be following the truck, lighting the way. He drove through the familiar streets of Langston, his hometown, pleasantly tired after spending a great evening dancing with the woman he loved.
And she loves me right back.
He pulled up in front of her house as quietly as possible and turned off the motor.
Jennifer stirred and straightened. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to conk out on you.” She stifled a yawn.
“It’s okay. You even look pretty while you’re sleeping.” He swung out of the truck and went around to open the passenger side door. “Let me help you down.” He held out his arms to her and scooped her off the seat.
She let out a little whoop and then a giggle. “You always surprise me with your strength.” She circled his neck with her arms and rested her head against his shoulder.
He wished he could stand there all night with most everything he held dear wrapped in his arms. He kissed her forehead and carried her up the front steps.
Ollie had been watching and threw the door open. “What did you do to her?” she demanded.
Jennifer raised her head. “I’m all right, Ollie. Just falling asleep.”
Ollie placed one hand over her heart and fanned herself with the other one. “Whoo! I saw this big fellah carryin’ you up the walk and I thought he’d got you drunk.”
“No way.” She let out a little giggle. “How did the kids behave for you?” Jennifer asked.
“Aw, they were little angels. They’re fast asleep.” She turned to Cade. “It’s a good thing you didn’t do anything bad, Cade Garrett.” She gathered her purse and keys. “I’ll just be going back to the inn now. Good night.”
“Night, Ollie, and thanks again.” Jennifer stumbled a little as she headed back to her bedroom.
“Miss Enloe, I’m going to follow you home. It’s really late, and a lotta drunks are out on the road now.”
Ollie drew herself up to her full height, which wasn’t very tall at all. “I’m perfectly capable of driving myself back to the inn without you riding herd on me.”
Cade took a step back and gestured for her to precede him out the door. “Yes, ma’am.” She sailed past him, and he twisted the lock in the door before closing it behind himself.
However, when Ollie Enloe started her car and headed out, Cade followed at a respectful distance.
The evening had not ended the way he’d hoped, but at least he knew he was doing the right thing. When he saw that Ollie had parked in front of the inn and was unlocking the front door, he turned toward the highway and found that same bright moon lighting his way back to his ranch.
* * *
The sound of a small voice raised in a loud wail brought Jenn fully awake. She sat up straight in bed, still clad in panties and her new Western shirt, half-unbuttoned. At least she had gotten out of the boots and jeans. They had been tossed on the floor beside the bed, but she managed to step over them and grab her robe on the way to the children’s room. “I’m coming. Hold on.”
Their door was open and both children were awake, and Lissy was standing up in her crib, red-faced and blubbering snot. Leo lay in his low bed with his fingers in his ears.
“Lissy won’t be quiet,” he said.
“It’s okay. I’m here.” She reached for Lissy and changed her diaper. She tried comforting the child, but Lissy continued to sniffle and frown. “How about some breakfast?”
“I want Fwoot Loops,” Leo announced.
“Fwoot Loops,” Lissy echoed.
“Okay, I can do that.” She got the children secured in their seating and poured the cereal into two plastic bowls and milk into sippy cups. They both preferred their cereal dry and milk as an accompaniment. “Here you go. Enjoy.”
Jennifer looked at the time and felt panic nipping at her heels. She didn’t have time for a shower and couldn
’t leave the children, so she gave herself a quick once-over at the kitchen sink and dabbed on a little makeup while the kids were eating cereal with their fingers.
Cade gave her a call when he was on his way to pick her up.
The panic quit nipping at her heels and climbed up her spine to strangle her. She was mostly dressed, but the children were covered in sticky stuff and both needed a bath desperately.
She managed to wash both children off and get them mostly dressed. Leo was running barefoot through the house, waving his shoes and socks, when the doorbell sounded. Jenn captured Lissy by one arm and threw the door open. “Come in. I’m sorry but I’m running late.”
Cade scooped Leo up and sat down on the sofa to help him with his socks and shoes.
Leo lay on his back kicking his feet in the air.
“Well, Leo sure is wound up.”
“Yeah…tell me about it.” Jenn had dressed Lissy, but she was also wound up and vigorously resisting being picked up.
Cade stood and took Lissy, giving her a toss in the air before holding her close. Lissy was giggling when he headed for the door. “I’m going to put her in her car seat. Bring Leo out and I’ll get him fixed up too.”
Jenn heaved a sigh, watching him calmly take charge as he walked out the door. “C’mon, Leo. Let’s get this show on the road.”
Leo was doing his pony imitation and let out a whinny. He then galloped after Cade.
Jenn grabbed her purse and keys, locked the front door, and chased Leo all the way to the truck.
“Whoa, horsey,” Cade said. “Let me get you in the corral.”
Leo whinnied again and stomped one of his feet as a horse would, but Cade gathered him and managed to fasten him in the car seat.
“All saddled up,” Cade announced. “Just one more pony to get in the corral.” Then he opened the passenger door to lift her onto the seat.
Since she was dressed for church, she was glad to have his assistance. She smoothed her dress and fastened her seat belt as he started the truck and got underway.
At the church, he helped her alight and released Leo, who was still in full horse mode, prancing and tossing his head. Jenn grabbed his hand and tried to get him to walk into the church quietly, while Cade brought Lissy.
People were finding their seats, but Jenn and Cade dropped the children off at two different nursery rooms.
Jenn felt a bit guilty for feeling such relief to have pawned off the hyper youngsters on the nice church ladies, but maybe they were old pros at handling wild kids.
When they were returning to the sanctuary, Cade took her hand. As an outsider, having Cade’s hand wrapped around hers was quite comforting, and it was especially heartening since they had both declared their love to each other. He seemed to be proclaiming to the locals that they were an item.
Leah Garrett was just taking a seat when she spotted Jenn and waved them over.
Jenn felt very gratified to be warmly welcomed by the Garretts. Cade kept his hand at her waist as she was hugged and greeted by Leah and Tyler, and then Big Jim and the others.
Leah insisted that Jenn sit beside her, with Cade on the aisle. The entire length of the pew was taken up with members of this wonderful, warm Garrett family…and one LaChance.
The choir members climbed into their tier of chairs, but they remained standing, leafing through pages of the hymnals. The choir master held up his hands to gain their attention, and the organist played a couple of chords before the choir began belting out a heartfelt rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”
The churchgoers immediately took their seats and groped for the church bulletins and hymnals.
Cade began singing in a remarkably clear bass voice. Jenn, who was not very confident about her singing ability, just mouthed the words.
The preacher took his place and delivered a sermon that Jenn could relate to. She thought that she could apply the lesson to her life and hoped she was getting the hang of being a churchgoer again. Something she had not been since she went with Jason and her parents, years ago. Now it seemed normal for her to expect to attend church services every Sunday and even more important since Cade and the Garretts were a part of her life.
Jenn was feeling something she had not felt in a long time—happy…secure.
This frightened her. When she had felt happy in the past, it was just before the rug had been pulled out from under her and she had crashed. Was it possible to be too happy?
* * *
Cade was feeling quite satisfied with himself. He and Jennifer made a handsome couple, or so he had been told. She sure did feel right, as though their relationship was meant to be.
Now, he had Jennifer in the passenger seat and both kids strapped in behind them. Apparently, the burst of energy both children had experienced had worn off, because Lissy’s head was lolled back against the child seat and her eyes were closed, while Leo had slumped down in his seat and his eyes seemed to have glazed over. Cade was certain they would wake up with renewed energy.
Cade turned onto the highway, headed to his uncle’s ranch. The promise of Big Jim’s barbecue was an invitation he couldn’t pass up. Fortunately, Jennifer was agreeable.
Most of all, he wanted the children to be thoroughly entrenched in the Garrett family with all the accompanying values and traditions. It was good to be a Garrett.
Jennifer stifled a big yawn.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Just sleepy. I usually get a little more sleep.” She shrugged. “And the kids were a handful this morning. I was really rushed.”
“Sorry,” he said. “You could have called me. I could have given you a pass on the church thing.”
“No, it’s a good habit to get into, and I’m always glad I went.”
He reached to take her hand. “Just think about the feast we’re going to score at Uncle Jim’s. Everyone always makes sure the table is overflowing with goodies.”
“Tell me about it. I’m going to have to buy bigger clothes if I keep eating with the Garretts.”
He kissed her hand. “More to love.”
“Hah!”
Cade slowed down to turn in at the Garrett ranch, bumping over the cattle guard and through the big horseshoe-shaped entrance. There were pecan trees bordering the drive. Trees that yielded a bumper crop of pecans for pies and other delights.
Both sides of the drive were lined with good pastureland. Black Angus grazed on one side, but Cade knew that his uncle’s passion was his family. Like the well-bred animals he raised, his three sons were his pride and joy. Now he had grandchildren too, so he was in his element with the young ones.
Cade and the other cousins had been welcomed into Big Jim’s everyday family events, so he had grown up having the run of the ranch property.
Now, he felt as though he was bringing his own family to blend his past with his present and, hopefully, his future.
“This is such a pretty place,” she said. “And those big black cows have such pretty eyes.”
He smiled at that. “Yes, they do. I have some Black Angus, Herefords, and a few pet Longhorns, but most of my herd is Charolais and Brangus. That’s a blend of Brahma and Angus. Very hardy beef cattle.”
“When I look in their eyes, I think I could become a vegetarian.”
Cade glanced at her earnest expression. “My job as a rancher is to ensure that there is beef on the tables of families across the United States. I’m a farmer, and it’s my job to feed people.” He pulled up close to the Garrett ranch house. Quite a few other trucks were parked nearby. He told her there was a truck for Big Jim and each of his sons.
“We’re here,” he announced.
Leo rubbed his face fiercely, but Lissy slept soundly, her mouth still open.
Cade feared the children would not be at their best but released them from their car seats. He carried Lissy, who
drooled on his shoulder, and Jennifer led Leo by the hand, but he appeared to be sleepwalking.
“Y’all come right in.” It was Misty who held the door open for them. “Aw, look at these little angels.”
“Sleepy little angels,” Jennifer said. “Maybe we should just take them home?” She looked at Cade doubtfully.
“Oh, no,” Misty said. “Come on back and let them get a little rest.” She led them to the bedroom wing and knocked softly on one of the doors.
“Come in.” It was Leah, who was gently rocking her new son in a bentwood rocking chair. She had a receiving blanket thrown over her shoulder to cover the baby.
Leo was rubbing his face again, so Jennifer took off his shoes and let him climb onto the bed, which he accomplished with his eyes closed.
Jennifer gestured to Cade to place Lissy beside Leo. When he had done that, she slipped Lissy’s shoes off. “Why don’t you go check in with your uncle? I’m going to stay here with Leah while the kids get a little nap.” She waved him off with a smile.
Not sure why he was being dismissed, Cade gave her a little two-finger salute and backed out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Chapter 23
“Thanks for getting rid of Cade,” Leah said.
“Men just don’t have a clue.” Jenn shook her head.
Leah slipped the baby’s blanket down off her shoulder to reveal the infant suckling at her breast. “I’ve got the rest of the Garrett men trained not to bother me when I bring the baby in here.” She gave a little laugh, patting the baby’s back.
“Well, it’s a beautiful thing to be able to nurse your baby.”
“I’m pretty sure you’ll have the chance when you have children of your own.”
Jenn shook her head. “These two are my own, and I don’t think I would be able to handle another one. I only have two hands.” She gave a little giggle. “I honestly don’t see how the moms with big families ever get their kids across the street safely.”
“I’m sure they have their tricks.” Leah nodded to where the two children slept. “You’re doing a great job with Leo and Lissy. They seem to be thriving in your care.”