“You didn’t kill him, Helena. You loved him.”
Her shoulders shook. “I did.”
“You’ve shown tremendous bravery in wanting a better life for you and Freya. You’re not at fault for what your father has done. You need to see that.”
Silence fell over them and he continued to hold her close until her shoulders stopped quivering and the crying had stopped. She had fallen asleep. She needed to sleep.
A part of him wanted to hunt down this father of hers, and Craven, whoever the hell he was, and make them pay for what they’d done to not only Helena but Freya as well. How could a father do that to his child? No wonder she was fearful and couldn’t trust.
What could he do to help build her trust?
He understood the need to run, but eventually she’d have to stop and then what? Would this Craven monster catch up to her? Force her into an arranged marriage? Not if Hank had any say in the matter. He’d protect her at all costs.
Soft snores drifted from her.
Hank knew he should leave, but he didn’t want to disturb her. He was dog tired. He’d rest here for a few minutes and then he’d leave.
*****
At first Helena thought she was dreaming, but then she realized the moaning was coming from beside her. She and Hank had fallen asleep on the couch, half sitting, and her cheek and hand were pressed against his chest. He was having a bad dream and he was panting. Sweat blanketed his face. He moaned again, mumbling, “Run! Fast! Don’t stop! Go!”
She’d once read that it was dangerous to awaken someone when they were having a nightmare…or was that sleep walking? She had no clue, but he seemed very distressed and she couldn’t leave him in that state.
“Hank.” She shook his arm. “Hank!”
His eyes fluttered and finally they opened, and he jerked up, pushing her off him. She leaned into the cushion, watching him. He blinked and looked straight through her until he came fully awake. “What the hell?”
“You were having a nightmare,” she told him, not making any move to touch him.
He swiped his hand over his damp forehead. “What time is it?” He glanced around the room as if he were still gaining his bearings.
“It’s eight. We slept here on the couch.” Although she’d cried herself to sleep, she honestly had slept peacefully. “Are you okay?”
He nodded. His color was coming back. “Did I…hurt you?”
“No, you didn’t.” She leaned in, placing her hand over his. “I surprised you by waking you. Do you have nightmares often?”
“Occasionally.” He rubbed his eyes. “Sleep…a person doesn’t realize how valuable it is until lost.”
She could see his awkwardness. “Hank, you were here for me so let me be here for you. We both have regrets, guilt and damages from the past. You don’t need to feel embarrassed.”
He picked up a tendril of her hair and wound it around his knuckle. “You amaze me. Most women might fear a man who has nightmares. A man who has PTSD.”
“Then she isn’t the right woman, right?” She moved her fingers to his hair and smoothed his locks. “I’m sorry. I fell asleep and I kept you from going home.”
“Helena, don’t apologize. I’m glad I stayed.” His phone buzzed. “I have someplace to be in an hour. I promised Ma I’d come out to the farm for a family breakfast.”
“Okay. I understand.” She placed her feet on the floor.
“Why don’t you and Freya come along.”
She blinked, shocked by the invitation. “It’s a family breakfast. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
He chuckled. “That goes to show you that you’re still not getting the lay of the land around these parts. Trust me, you’re invited.” He rubbed his jaw as if surveying how much whisker growth he had. “All I need to do is take a quick shower.”
She stood. “If you don’t think they’d mind that we come along.”
“Mind? They’ll be glad. Can you and Freya be ready to leave in twenty minutes?”
“Yes.”
“Great.” He started for the bathroom and looked back at her. “Is my toiletry bag still underneath the sink?”
“I didn’t touch anything that belonged to you.”
He closed the door a few seconds later the water came on followed by his whistling. She grinned on her way to grab clean clothes then woke Freya up.
“Who’s that?” Freya referred to the humming coming from the bathroom.
“Hank stopped by and…” She didn’t want to say they slept together on the couch. “asked if he could take a shower. He has invited us to go to breakfast at his family farm.”
Freya popped up out of the covers and bounced on the mattress. “Will Livvy be there?”
“Yes, I think.”
“I want to go.” She jumped.
“Don’t jump on the bed. I laid out your clothes. Go ahead and get dressed while I finish up. Okay.”
Freya happily did as Helena asked.
By the time Hank came out of the bathroom with a cloud of steam in his wake, Helena breathed in the fresh scent of his soap. His hair was damp and although he wore the same clothes from last night, he still looked sharp and easy on the eyes.
Thankfully, Freya didn’t ask questions about why he was there, or taking a shower, and seemed happy in the idea that she would be seeing Livvy soon. Although there was a wide age gap, the girls had gotten along like sisters.
“My turn,” Helena said as she passed Hank in the hallway, their gazes meeting for a heartbeat and their arms brushing. She’d opened up to him and instead of feeling like she’d made a mistake, she felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
Sixteen
Hank hadn’t doubted for a minute that his family would be anything but happy that he’d brought Helena and Freya along with him. The second she’d stepped through the front door she was swept into the kitchen by his ma and Mindy, and Freya had grabbed Livvy’s hand and dragged her outside to swing on the tire swing.
He joined his brothers on the porch.
As Creed and Boone discussed the horses, Hank stared into the window into the kitchen. Helena was standing at the counter slicing watermelon and she looked completely engrossed in her task. He knew bringing her here would gain him some teasing from his brothers, but he didn’t care. Not even in the slightest. He figured she needed to be around family as much as he wanted her to be here with him.
When he’d woke up with the knowledge that he’d had a nightmare, he’d expected her to fear him, or look at him differently but instead she comforted him—supported him.
Damn, she amazed him.
The woman had snuck in and teased his heart. She was a goddess—all curves and softness. Smelling like a field of wildflowers after a downpour. From his viewpoint he followed the gentle curves and sways of her body as she placed watermelon spears on a platter. An image erupted in his mind of them preparing a meal together. He’d like that…
Her jeans fit her body nicely. He couldn’t deny he’d caught the way the material fit her perfectly round bottom. Since she’d arrived, she’d gained some weight in all the right areas and the jeans that once were loose were now hugging her hips and shapely thighs.
The red plaid shirt was tied at her waist, showing a couple inches of stomach and a button was left undone to tease him with a sneak peek of ample cleavage.
Her tongue flicked in and out as if she concentrated on the task of using the knife which brought a few naughty thoughts to mind.
She set the knife down and either Mindy or his ma must have said something funny because she bent her head back and laughed, he could hear the rich tune through the screen door, and he liked the sound. In fact, he felt a twinge of jealousy that he hadn’t made her laugh like that first and then the feeling was exchanged for joy. He felt his lips curve into a smile.
She jiggled slightly with that emotion and he watched her breasts bounce. What he wouldn’t give to touch her, feel the weight of her breasts in his palms, hear her moan
in pleasure from his touch. An aching tingling shot through his balls and he shifted, hoping to ease some pressure behind his zipper.
He’d never met a woman who had him in knots quicker.
But it wasn’t her beauty on the outside that had him awestruck.
Nope, although he did like to look.
Her eyes could make him a puddle of hope quicker than anything. He imagined if he stared into them too long, he’d lose himself, unless he was already.
And there was something else he admired. She was a survivor. She’d made a hard decision to change her story and he respected that. For that reason, her secret would be safe with him and he’d protect her at all costs.
That filled his chest with worry.
She turned slightly and bent into a cabinet to grab something. She faced the window. She had a sweet face scattered with freckles from being outside in the sun since she’d arrived. Her eyes and hair color complimented each other. Her hair was even healthier. It hung in soft waves over her shoulders. Damn, he wanted to entangle his fingers in it.
But he didn’t want to take advantage.
Not only was she a single mother, but she’d revealed her deepest secrets to him last night.
He couldn’t deny that his feelings for her had grown into something he couldn’t control.
“Hank?”
Missing the conversation between his brothers, he swiveled on his boots and hoped his body didn’t show any sign of his wandering thoughts.
“Well?” Boone cocked a brow.
“Well what?”
“Have things heated up between you and Helena?” Creed asked, showing a wide, toothy smile.
Strolling over to sit down on the available rocker, he eased into the wood and stretched his legs, hooking his ankles. “She’s a friend.” He didn’t want to get into too much detail.
Boone snorted. “Yeah, right.”
“Don’t go putting more into this. I’m helping her and Freya.” He averted his gaze toward the outbuildings, hoping they didn’t see the flicking of his brow.
“You don’t have to lie to us, bro.” Creed scratched his temple.
“I’m not lying. It’s complicated.”
With a casual shrug, Creed lifted his leg over his knee. “We figured as much. Do we need to be aware of anything?”
Hank wanted to tell them what Helena had revealed to him, but he didn’t want to betray her trust. “Nope.”
“Hank, Helena is a great catch,” Boone said.
Rubbing a kink out of his shoulder, Hank nodded. “Boys, this is when I’m going to tell you to mind your own business.”
His brothers laughed. “Yeah, you like her,” Creed teased. “But I’ll stay out of it. I’m glad we could do this, get together like this. I’ve missed you boys. Aren’t we supposed to have more time when we’re older?” As tough as they were, on occasion they showed a glimpse of a softer side.
“You’d think.” Hank laughed.
“I think we should do this every week. Did you see how happy Ma is?” Boone said.
“I don’t think we’re the only cause of her happiness,” Creed said.
“What are you saying?” Hank rocked his chair.
“Have you noticed that she and Rusty are spending more and more time together? Seeing them together you’d think they were teens again.” Creed pushed up from the rocker and went to lean against the porch beam. “I ain’t sayin’ I’m against their relationship, but it’s a bit odd for my ma to be dating my father-in-law.”
“Rusty’s a good man. He’ll treat her like a queen,” Hank said then looked over at Boone. “You seem awfully quiet.”
“I think we all want what’s best for her.” Boone tugged the neckline of his T-shirt.
“Speak of the devil,” Hank said, pointing to the cloud of dust rolling up the lane. “Looks like Rusty’s truck.”
“Damn. She didn’t tell us she was inviting him,” Boone said.
“We should have guessed.” Hank narrowed his gaze. “You did say they’ve been spending a lot of time together.”
“Be cool, bros. That’s Mindy’s dad,” Creed said.
“I’m cool,” Hank chuckled.
All three brothers stood on the top step to the porch as Rusty Sage exited the driver’s side. The man still looked fit from years of working Sage Ranch. Hank liked Rusty fine, had always gotten along with him, but he wasn’t sure he liked him being with his ma. The brothers tended to be overprotective, but they wanted her to be happy, and just as they’d talked about, she seemed happier than ever.
When Rusty strolled up to the porch, he swiped off his Stetson and greeted each of them with a handshake. “How are you fellows doing?”
“Good.” They answered in unison.
He pressed his hat against his chest. His bushy white brows scrunched and his forehead beaded with sweat. “Your ma told me you boys would all be here today, so I thought it’d be the time to say what I need to say.”
The brothers exchanged a look.
Rusty continued, “As you fellows know, your ma and I have been spending a lot of time together and we’re planning a trip to Florida soon.” He shifted on his worn boots that were as resilient and weathered as Rusty himself. His skin was leathered from working outdoors and his hair completely silver. “Well, I’m just going to tell you what I came to say. I love Abby, I have for a long time. I want to ask her to be my wife. You boys mean a lot to her so I’m asking for your permission.”
The only sound came from a bird chirping in a nearby tree.
Creed who’d always been the most outspoken didn’t even make a sound.
Hank welcomed Rusty onto the porch and extended his hand. “All that I have to say is that you treat her with kindness and keep her happy. If not, you’ll have three cowboys who you’ll have to answer to.”
“I promise that I’ll treat her like she deserves.” His pale grey eyes filled with dampness.
Creed stepped forward and hugged his father-in-law. “We’re already family, but welcome to the family a second time—that is if she accepts.”
“Thank you, son,” Rusty said.
Boone hesitated. All eyes turned to him, waiting for his reaction. He took a short step to stand before Rusty. “If she wants to marry you then it’s my job to support her.”
“Boone, I love your ma with all my heart. You have my word that I’ll always do my best to make her happy, and if I fail then you boys will have every right to kick my ass.” Rusty looked to each of them.
“Time to eat,” Abby called from inside.
They all turned and jammed into the front door, shoulders knocking, elbows brushing. Hank took a step back and cleared his throat, motioning for them to go first.
They filed in one by one with Rusty leading the way, his hat still nervously pressed against his chest.
When Abby saw him her eyes lit, and a smile surfaced. She ran her palm down her tight silver curls and blushed three shades of pink. Hank felt his lips crease at the exchange. He couldn’t recall seeing his ma beam. Rusty looked a bit red faced himself. “I didn’t know you were coming, Rusty.”
“I didn’t either.” Mindy stepped forward and gave her father a kiss on the cheek.
“I hope it’s okay that I just stopped by,” Rusty said, shifting from one boot to the other.
“Of course. More the merrier.” Abby waved him in. “I thought you were at the cattle auction.”
He cleared his throat and hooked his hat on the coat rack next to the door. “I changed my mind. I don’t think we’ve met.” Rusty’s gaze landed on Helena.
“Daddy, this is Helena. And this here is her daughter, Freya. They’re friends of Hank,” Mindy said. “Well, make that friends of all ours.”
Hank watched Helena as she greeted Rusty. Her cheeks were a bit pink from where she’d been working in the kitchen. Her gaze swept over to meet Hank and he smiled. He felt a bit of pride that she seemed right at home here amongst his family. Even Freya appeared at ease. After Helena had confessed h
er past, he’d felt a sense of need to make them feel safe.
“How about we all sit down at the table?” Abby shooed them in to sit at the farmhouse table as she grabbed a large platter of pancakes. Mindy and Helena jumped in and helped carry bowls and plates too.
Hank stood back. He’d usually take the seat closest to the door, but instead he waited and watched where Helena was sitting. Everyone crowded in to grab a seat and when Boone started to sit down next to Helena, Hank moved in and gave him a hard shove which rewarded him with a disgruntled eye from his brother.
“What the hell, Hank?” Boone shook his head and rounded the table to take the last available chair. Hank didn’t pay attention to the stink eye he still received from Boone but instead pulled out Helena’s chair then took the one next to her.
“Stop right there.” Abby directed her creased brow at Boone who had the gravy spoon hovering over his plate.
“What?” Boone realized all eyes were now on him. “Sorry, Ma.” He dropped the spoon bowed his head for prayer.
“Rusty, will you do the honors?” Abby asked.
His brows lifted in surprise. “Sure.” With him leading the prayer and all heads bowed, Hank sneaked a peek at Helena who had her eyes closed. They were sitting so close that if she moved even the slightest their thighs brushed and he didn’t mind. That’s exactly why he chose to sit next to her. If anyone was going to get to touch her it sure as hell wasn’t going to be Boone.
“Amen,” the word sounded around the table, then everyone dug in.
Hank picked up the basket of biscuits, grabbed two and handed it over to Helena. Then he spooned out some sausage gravy and passed it to his right.
“Yuck. I don’t eat sausage gravy,” Livvy said. She sat to his left, eyeing his plate like he’d dished out opossum innards.
“Since when?” he asked.
“Since I found out how inhumane they treat animals.” The teen wrinkled her nose in disgust.
“Girl, you live on a farm,” Hank told her. “You were eating steak before you could walk.”
She pinched off a piece of biscuit and popped it into her mouth. “Never again.”
Cowboy Hank (Cooper's Hawke Landing Book 3) Page 14