A Baby In His Stocking (The Buckhorn Ranch Book 4)

by Laura Marie Altom

  He caught her in time to avoid major damage, but not fast enough to save her ankle from twisting.

  Natalie winced, grabbing his T-shirt for support. “Ouch.”

  A roll of paper towels fell from the niche above the cabinets, bouncing off the counter to hit the floor.

  “Out with it. Why on God’s green earth were you up there cleaning?”

  “Your mom’s going to be home soon. I don’t want her thinking I haven’t properly cared for her beautiful house.” She made a motion for the towels, but her ankle wasn’t having it.

  “Sit,” he requested.

  For once in her stubborn life, she did as he asked. A quick inspection showed some swelling and what he guessed was a minor sprain.

  “How is it?” It hadn’t occurred to him, but from her current awkward angle, she couldn’t see her ankle past her belly.

  “You’ll live, but probably need extra rest.”

  “No time.” She pushed up, only to have him urging her back down. “Wyatt, seriously. Josie’s due to be released any day. Dallas in a week. Even though Georgina will no doubt hire round-the-clock nurses to help, she won’t have time to do the basics. Plus, the patients need an ultraclean environment for—”

  “Are you aware you’re rambling and sound loopy?”

  “You’re an ass.”

  He pulled around the chair opposite hers, propped her leg on it. “I’ve been called worse. You’re not nesting, are you? Because I read about it in that pregnant lady book of yours, and if you are—nesting—it’s too early.”

  Eyebrows raised, she asked, “You’ve been reading What to Expect When You’re Expecting?”

  “You don’t have to look so shocked. I figure as long as we’re stuck together, I need to know the score. Just in case.”

  For the longest time she sat staring, then burst out laughing. “And you call me crazy?”

  “Because I care?”

  “Why? You have no stake in this baby. Odds are, just as soon as Dallas and Josie get home, the two of us will go back to seeing each other only on special occasions.” Hands protectively over her belly, her eyes shone with unshed tears.

  How did he begin to explain that the more he was around her, the more he wanted a stake in her baby. He had no rational reasoning. Nothing but a vague sense that when it came to Natalie and her son, he didn’t want to miss a thing. Wyatt wanted to be a friend to her, a mentor to her kid. Only how did he do all that when he had no right?

  Fate had been pretty clear about the fact that he shouldn’t be a father. It didn’t matter that during his time with his nieces, he’d not only enjoyed himself, but had done a good job co-parenting. From the start, he’d known this job would end. As for being a full-time dad, Wyatt knew literally and figuratively he didn’t have it in him. But Lord, how he at least wanted the chance to try.

  Forcing a deep breath, he said, “Cash called last night.”

  “What’d he want?”

  “He told me Wren isn’t working tonight, but her idea of a celebration is to stay home, lounging in front of their TV. Cash wanted to know if we’d like a night off. If so, they’ll watch all of our girls.”

  “All of them?” Eyes wide, she asked, “Even wicked little Bonnie?”

  He laughed. “I know, I was shocked, too. But hell, I figure if they’re dumb enough to offer, we should be smart enough to take them up on it.” Giving her shoulders a light massage, he asked, “Well? What do you think?”

  She nodded.

  WITH HER CHARGES GONE, Natalie took her time getting ready. She lounged forever in her bathroom’s deep tub, then squeezed herself into one of Josie’s sequined maternity gowns. She curled her hair, sweeping a portion up, letting the rest fall in soft curls.

  In the kitchen that morning, Wyatt had been right. She had succumbed to temporary insanity. More than anything in the world, she wanted to spend the last night of the year acting as carefree as Wyatt’s kisses made her feel.

  After all, what was the worst that could happen? She was already pregnant.

  An hour later, Wyatt had transported her to Grange Hall’s annual New Year’s Eve party. She’d been to a half-dozen or more, but never had she seen the old place look more festive. Tiny white lights had been strung from the rafters, and black, white and silver balloons provided sophistication to the homespun buffet comprised of potluck classics.

  “We forgot to bring a dish,” she said, wishing her ankle wasn’t throbbing. It didn’t help that the heels she’d borrowed from Josie were a half-size too small. What did help was holding on to Wyatt’s strong arm.

  “The case of champagne out in the truck is our dish. I wanted to get you settled before bringing it in.”

  “I can’t drink champagne.” Which was sad, because she loved it.

  “That’s why I also grabbed a case of sparkling cider for teetotalers like you.” He guided her to the nearest black-clothed table. “Be all right here until I get back?”

  “Fine.”

  Upon his return, in between servings of hash-brown casserole and beef stew, laughing with old friends and explaining too many times that not only were they not a couple, but Wyatt wasn’t her baby’s father, Natalie was tired, but almost glad for the few awkward turns the night had taken. Had it been too perfect, she might’ve let down her guard, daring to hope for more from Wyatt than this one, special evening.

  “I’ve wanted to dance with you for hours,” he said, holding her in his arms beneath a shimmering disco ball. Swaying to a slow song, she forgot her ankle hurt and remembered the sensation of falling in love. Only she wasn’t fooling herself by believing for a second that’s what was happening. She and Wyatt had shared a lot, but love would never be theirs. “I think I already told you, but in case I haven’t, you look amazing.”

  “Thank you.” Smiling up at him, she said, “You’re looking awfully spiffy in your suit.”

  “I want to kiss you.”

  Then why don’t you? Mouth dry, she forgot to breathe.

  “But after we’ve told all these fine folks how we’re just friends, I suppose we should behave.”

  Aren’t you the one always urging me to be bad? “You’re right.”

  “But when the clock strikes twelve…well,” he chuckled. “It wouldn’t be right ringing in the new year without a proper kiss.”

  “I agree.”

  Once the countdown started, they gravitated closer and closer. The crowd vanished. All Natalie remembered was her hunger for this man’s lips to graze hers.

  Three…

  Closer.

  Two…

  Closer.

  By mutual unspoken agreement, they skipped one and went straight to their own personal celebration.

  Chapter Twelve

  “You passed the house.”

  “I know,” Wyatt said, turning onto his own drive. “I miss my own home. I want to be there with you.”

  Instead of speaking, she reached for his hand.

  Easing his fingers between hers, he knew the night would be unforgettable. He hoped in a good way.

  His glass house reflected the dark forest. He’d chosen the tinted material for its reflective quality. In subtle ways, it was a lot like him. He enjoyed looking out, but preferred no one looking in. For if his personal life was inspected too closely, it would be all too possible to see his flaws.

  Barely an hour into the month, January was proving brutal.

  Wyatt hustled Natalie inside, pointing her toward the restroom while he turned up the central heat and made a fire.

  “This place is breathtaking,” she said. Having taken off her heels, she’d startled him. “See many deer or other animals?”

  “All the time. Raccoon. Coyote. Opossum.” He added another log to the fire. “Before he was married, Cash stayed out here once and told me he saw a bear, but you know Cash and his love for a good tall tale.”

  “Cash?” Grinning, Natalie stood next to Wyatt in front of the fire. “Can’t imagine him spinning a yarn.”

&
nbsp; “Want tea? Might not be your favorite flavor, but I’m sure I can scrounge up—”

  Placing her fingers over his lips, she said, “Enough small talk. You and I are both adults and no matter how much we’d like to pretend we don’t know where this night is going, we do.”

  Hands low on her hips, he asked, “What about everything you said last night? You know I have nothing long-term to offer.”

  “And you know I’m determined to raise my baby on my own.” Arching her head back, she pulled pins from her long hair, sending it in a wild tumble.

  “I’m trying not to be that guy, Nat. I don’t want to use a pregnant woman for sex.”

  Lips pressed tight, she shook her head. “You’re telling me now’s the time you decide to grow a conscience?”

  “I don’t want to per se, but should.”

  Raspy, as if not sure where to find her next breath, she asked, “Where’s that leave us? Other than in your amazing house. Not a kid in sight—unless you count my baby bump.” Natalie’s voice was barely audible above the crackling fire. He’d been around the block more than a few times and usually picked up on a woman’s hint to take things to an intimate level. But Natalie wasn’t just any woman. He’d grown to care for her. Deeply. If they did make love, would he wake regretting it?

  Worse, would she?

  “Your son is very real.” Tugging her to him, it took his every ounce of willpower not to unzip her dress. “If we do what I’m pretty sure you’re suggesting, will we still be friends in the morning?”

  “Since when do you care?” Natalie gave him a mighty shove, but he held firm.

  “I’ve always cared. I have too much respect for you to use you.”

  “What if I’m using you?”

  That threw him off balance. Now he was the one releasing her and backing away. “The Nat I know would never say something so crass.”

  “For the record, as soon as my baby’s born, I’ll never be the same. Christmas night, you wanted to take it further, but I said no. Why is it now a problem for me to want physical pleasure?”

  Hands to his forehead, Wyatt said, “Nat, it’s not a problem. We’re consenting adults. The thing is, just last night you were adamant we not make love, now you’re—”

  “Don’t you ever shut up?” Bridging the gap between them, she tossed her arms around his neck, kissing him with passion he didn’t even try to deny.

  Her lips still pressed to his, she removed his suit coat and loosened his tie.

  All night she’d tortured him with her dress. Josie wasn’t nearly as blessed as Natalie in the boob department. Squeezed into the figure-skimming gown, Natalie’s breasts had heaved and teased. Now, Wyatt didn’t waste a second ditching the garment. But then she presented him with another dilemma—a black lace bra and thong that in dancing firelight proved the most erotic thing he’d ever seen.

  “You’re stunning,” he managed before nuzzling her cleavage, moving down to her huge belly. He’d never been with a pregnant woman, and Natalie was proving a major turn-on. It no longer mattered another man was her baby’s father. Wyatt blocked the fact from his mind, preferring to picture himself in that role. And why shouldn’t he?

  He dropped his pants and boxers, freed her breasts and helped her step clear of her thong. He sat on the sofa, aching with need. She sat astride him, easily taking him in, setting a rhythm seemingly calculated to cause him the most pleasure. Leaning forward, bracing herself on his shoulders, she covered his mouth with hers. Their tongues mimicked motions old as time. All too soon, he tensed before succumbing to a white-hot thrill. Natalie visibly trembled. Her internal quivers thrilled him anew.

  Smiling, still breathing heavy, she asked, “Does this place have a tub?”

  “Depends,” he teased, “do I get to join you?”

  “YOU BEING SUCH A take-charge woman is a turn-on.”

  Natalie splashed Wyatt with warm water. “In my current condition, unless we really wanted to get kinky, there wasn’t much choice.”

  “Hmm…” His expression brightened. “Talk like that gives a man ideas.”

  Yawning, she said. “Too bad for you it’s going to take days for me to regain the energy we just burned.”

  “I’ve got time.” His flirty grin renewed her craving for more grown-up fun, but also saddened her to think they’d never be intimate again.

  She’d allowed herself this one night, but no more. Any further close contact and Natalie might never let him go. Trouble was, he never wanted to be caught.

  “YOU BOTH LOOK GREAT.” A week later, Natalie jiggled Esther while the private nurse Georgina had hired took Josie’s and then Dallas’s vital signs.

  “Thanks.” Josie held out her hand for Natalie to hold. “How can I ever show you enough appreciation for all you’ve done?”

  “Nothing but your full recovery is needed,” Natalie said, voice hoarse with gratitude that her friends were finally well enough to return home. Truth be told, as much as Natalie had enjoyed her time playing house with Wyatt and the girls, Natalie should be thanking Josie.

  The couples’ king-size bed had been replaced with two rented hospital beds and a new shelf loaded with medical supplies had been set in place of Josie’s giant weeping fig. Aside from those changes, the elegant room with its thick carpet and burgundy floral bedding and draperies remained the same. Even cheery sunlight warmed the dangerously cold day.

  “Give me that baby,” Dallas barked. Still wearing a cast and struggling with headaches, his grumpy-meter spiked off the charts.

  “Yes, sir.” Natalie gingerly handed him his daughter.

  “Hello, gorgeous.” Cradling the infant to his chest, he kissed the downy top of her head. “I was beginning to wonder if I’d ever hold you again.”

  “I never lost hope,” Natalie said. How amazing would it be to have a man so much in love with her son?

  Josie asked, “How long until the twins get home from school?”

  Consulting her watch, Natalie said, “A couple hours. Mabel’s probably about done with her nap. Want me to get her?”

  Josie turned down her offer. “She’s always cranky when she has to wake before she’s ready.”

  “True,” Natalie said with an understanding laugh. It was a strange sensation, knowing her friends’ children so well.

  “I’ll bet you’re ready to get home,” Dallas said.

  “I suppose.” Seated in a lounge chair, Natalie wasn’t sure what to do with her hands. She’d spent so much time chasing after the girls that now that her help was no longer needed, she felt a little lost. The home she’d once found perfect would now seem shabby and cramped.

  “With Georgina and the nurse here,” Josie said, “please don’t feel obligated to stay. I’m sure you’re itching to get back to school. I know I am.”

  Was it wrong Natalie hadn’t thought about returning to her once-fulfilling job?

  Dallas said, “I can only imagine the mess Wyatt’s made of my ranch. Sooner I get out on the range, the better.”

  “He’s done great.” Natalie recalled the afternoon after Wyatt had inspected for damage after the snow. Finding the dead cattle had been hard on him. “You owe him a big thank-you for working so hard to keep everything running just the way you like. Not only that, but he’s helped me in caring for the girls.”

  “That was quite a speech,” Josie noted. “Anything you want to tell me?”

  Praying her superheated cheeks didn’t give her away, Natalie snapped, “No. Wyatt and I are friends. Nothing more.”

  “They totally did the deed.” Using his free hand, Dallas bunched the pillows beneath his head.

  “You’re horrible,” Josie said to her husband. “Remind me why I married you?”

  Over Esther’s head, he blew her a kiss. “Because together, we make gorgeous babies.”

  “That’s right,” Josie said. “Looking at that angelic face, how could I forget?”

  Five minutes of Dallas and Josie’s lovey-dovey banter proved Natalie’s limi
t.

  In her room, she packed her few belongings, being extra careful not to crush the precious pictures drawn for her by Mabel, Betsy and Bonnie. Her favorite was a no-brainer—the one Betsy had given her, featuring all four girls and their temporary mommy and daddy. The one she’d proudly proclaimed was a representation of their family.

  The family now officially disbanded.

  Where was Wyatt? Josie and Georgina had tried calling his cell, but he hadn’t answered. Not surprising considering some of the remote areas of the ranch he might’ve gone to. Would he care she was gone?

  Knowing she wasn’t strong enough to deal with her shattered emotions should he not, she hugged her friends and both their daughters. She found Georgina in the kitchen and hugged her, too.

  At that point, self-preservation kicked in. Without making another stop, she all but ran to her car.

  LOWERING THE BRIM OF HIS cowboy hat, Wyatt shaded his eyes from the sun. Astride his favorite paint, Oreo, Wyatt caught a flash of chrome. Where was Natalie headed this time of day?

  A glance at his watch had him wondering if there was something wrong with one of the twins.

  He kicked Oreo into a gallop, making it from the high pasture to the house in record time. If something was wrong, Natalie would have at least left him a note.

  After reining his horse to the hitching post near the back door, he headed inside. Damn if his pulse wasn’t racing from apprehension. If the twins were all right, what if something had happened to Esther or Mabel? Worse yet, Natalie’s unborn son?

  Wyatt was midway through searching the kitchen when laughter floated from upstairs.

  Tackling the back stairs two at a time, he jogged the hall only to get a shock. Settled pretty as you please in the master bedroom were Dallas and Josie. Josie held Esther while Dallas worked the TV remote. Mabel sat on Georgina’s lap. A uniformed nurse stood in a slant of sun, writing on what looked to be a chart.

  All Wyatt could think to say was, “Where’s Nat? She okay?”

  “Nice to see you, too,” Dallas said in his customary gruff tone.