“No wonder you fell in love with the Buckskin. It’s solid and enduring.”
“I’ve been thinking about that.” He parked in front of the two-story ranch house so Isabel could get the key to the cabin from Henri. Another truck he didn’t recognize was also parked there. “Leaving the Buckskin would be tough, but if my kid’s living in Seattle, I might need to—”
“I wouldn’t ask that of you.” Isabel unlatched her seatbelt.
“I could find some kind of work. I’m sure they have riding stables.”
“CJ, no.” She swiveled in her seat to face him. “You’d never find anything near the city that’s like the Buckskin. Besides, you don’t like cities. You said that two months ago when the subject came up. Moving to Seattle would be too much of a sacrifice.”
“I keep thinking about the Code, though.”
“What code?”
“Did Lucy tell you about the Brotherhood?”
“I heard some reference to it. I assumed it was an affectionate term you guys have for each other.”
“It’s more than that. We formed it after Charley died, to honor him and pledge our loyalty to each other. We came up with a Code—What Would Charley Do? We do our best to live up to it.”
Her gaze warmed. “That’s wonderful. I had no idea.”
“We don’t go around talking about it, but now that you and I are having a baby, the Brotherhood will have your back. You can call on any of us, at any time. That will go for our child, too.”
“Like the knights of old.”
“Yes, ma’am. And I ask myself, would Charley leave a place he loved if it meant he could be a hands-on father to his kid?”
“But these circumstances are diff—”
“The answer is simple, Izzy. Yes, he would. I need to remember that.”
Chapter Six
Isabel’s respect for CJ ramped up several notches. Maybe he’d been spoiled by his mother for the first sixteen years of his life, and maybe he still got cranky if he was denied something he wanted. But when the chips were down, he had the grit to seriously consider making a huge sacrifice to bond with his child.
She appreciated his willingness to do the noble thing. Unfortunately, he’d be miserable in Seattle and miserable people made poor parents. Now wasn’t the time to debate it with him, though.
Reaching over, she squeezed his arm. “We’ll have a week to talk about it.”
He nodded. “Stay put, please.” He unsnapped his seatbelt and opened his door. “I’ll get you down.”
His courtliness made her smile. She could get used to being treated like a queen. But she didn’t dare get hooked on his cowboy ways. Or on him. She rummaged in the carryon at her feet and pulled out the pound of coffee beans she’d brought Henri.
He opened the passenger door. “Coffee?”
“For Henri. Same kind I brought when I came for the wedding. She raved about it.”
“She’ll appreciate that.” He helped her down, his grip sure and strong.
She liked it when he touched her. She liked it way too much.
He released her hand and angled his head toward the truck parked nearby. “I think I know who that belongs to. If I’m right, you’re about to meet Zane McGavin.”
“Why does that name sound familiar?”
“He operates Raptors Rise in Eagles Nest.”
“That’s where I’ve heard it. Lucy told me he wants to open another raptor sanctuary up here. She can’t wait.”
“We’re all stoked about it. Zane was scheduled to come up so he could scout out a location with Henri and Jake, who’ll be managing it. I was planning to go along. Several of us were.”
“Sounds like it’s happening, then.”
“Unless some issue crops up.” He gave her a sheepish smile. “I forgot today was the day Zane would be here.”
“You’ve had a few things on your mind.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He gestured toward the house. “Let’s go see what happened.”
When Isabel walked into the ranch house living room, Henri stood talking to a tall, good-looking cowboy. They were nearly the same height. Slim and silver-haired, Henri had an air of command that had intimidated Isabel at first.
Then Henri had revealed her sentimental side during the wedding. Her reaction to this pregnancy clinched it. Henri was a softie in disguise.
She proved it immediately by turning away from the conversation with a smile of delight. “Isabel! You’re here!”
“And I brought coffee!”
“I was so hoping you would.” She took the bag and gave her a hug. “I love this stuff.” She turned to the tall cowboy shaking hands with CJ. “Zane, this is Isabel Ricchetti, a good friend from Seattle. Isabel, this is—”
“Zane McGavin.” He tipped his hat. “At your service, Miss Isabel. I’m glad you and CJ showed up before I left.”
“Me, too. It’s great to meet a member of the famous McGavin clan.”
He grinned. “Don’t know about famous. Numerous is more like it. And increasing.”
“Isabel, you have to see this.” Henri left the coffee on her desk and brought over a framed five-by-seven. “Remember that little guy Hamish from the wedding?”
“How could I forget?” Isabel took the picture, which included two other children besides the baby. “Is that him? I barely recognize the little guy.”
“They grow fast at this age,” Zane said.
“Who are the other two?”
“My son, Rhys, and my niece, Noel. She’s eighteen months and talking a blue streak. Before long she’ll be telling those boys what’s what.”
“Cute kids. I can’t believe Hamish has changed so much. He has way more hair and for sure that’s a smile, not gas.”
“Time goes like lightning,” Zane said. “Seems like only yesterday that Rhys was born. On July second, he’ll be a year old.” He flashed a proud-dad smile. “He took his first steps last week.”
“Hey, that’s major,” CJ said. “Were you there?”
“Sure was. Wouldn’t have missed it. Mandy and I knew it would be any day, so we cut back on work a bit so we could coax him along. He didn’t need much encouragement. He was ready.”
“Cool.” CJ moved closer to Isabel and studied the five-by-seven. “Rhys is six months younger than Noel, but he’s bigger.” He smiled at Zane. “Chip off the old block, huh?”
“Guess so.”
CJ focused on the picture again. “Can’t believe the change in Hamish. Must be something, watching them grow.”
“Very exciting. Worth every sleepless night and postponed project. We’d like to give Rhys a sister or brother. We’ll see how that goes.”
“I have a younger sister.” Isabel handed the picture back to Henri. “We’re close in age, which is nice. I can’t imagine what life would be like without her.” Would her baby have any siblings? Not full-blooded ones, for sure, and a big age gap was likely, too.
“My wife Mandy is an only,” Zane said. “Although she had me and my brothers next door, she still would have liked a sister or brother.”
“I’m an only, too,” CJ said. “I used to wish for the same thing.” He shrugged and slid a glance at Isabel. “Not always in the cards.” He held her gaze for a beat before turning back to Zane. “So what happened today? Did you guys find a good location for the visitor center?”
“We sure did.” Zane’s phone chimed. “Excuse me a minute.” He glanced at the screen. “I’ll let Henri tell you about it. If I don’t get a move on, I’ll screw up date night.” He tucked his phone away. “Nice meeting you, Isabel. Henri, we have more to iron out, but I love the plan so far. You will, too, CJ.” He tipped his hat to the women and clapped CJ on the shoulder before hurrying out the door.
CJ faced Henri, his expression eager. “So? Are we ready to break ground?”
“We are.” Henri’s eyes glowed with excitement. “Isabel, I don’t know if Lucy—”
“She did. She’s thrilled about it.”
“
For good reason. It’s an awesome concept. And now we know where it’ll be. As the one who’ll manage the day-to-day operation, Jake got final say, but he agreed it was perfect.”
“If it’s the clearing I’m thinking of,” CJ said, “it’s close to the cabin he and Millie are building.”
“That’s the one.”
“I’m not surprised they got together.” Isabel smiled. “Sparks were flying during the wedding weekend.”
Henri laughed. “That pretty much describes their relationship in all its facets. They’re watching how-to videos as they work together on the cabin. It’s been…interesting.” She exchanged a glance with CJ. “I still can’t believe they’ve moved in already. They might as well be camping out.”
“Matt and Lucy are in the same boat with theirs. They’re still cooking on a camp stove.”
“I know.” Henri sighed. “Impatient kids. I told both couples they could stay in a guest cabin until their places were more livable, but…” She shrugged and glanced at Isabel. “Enough chit-chat. I’ll bet you’re ready to put your feet up.”
“I admit I’m a little tired.”
“Then let me fetch your key.” She walked over to the antique desk that was clearly action central for the Buckskin. Positioning the framed picture in a place of honor, she plucked a key out of a drawer and brought it over. “Millie set up your cabin today, but if you need anything she didn’t think of, please let us know.”
“I can’t imagine what that would be. And thank you for your generosity. Despite what you said in your email, I feel that I should pay for—”
“Let me do this, Isabel. You can repay me by bringing the baby for a visit now and then. And sending lots of pictures in between times.”
“Of course I will.”
“Then we’ll be even. CJ will see that you get settled, but we’re all here for you.”
Her throat tightened. “Thank you. I didn’t realize how close-knit everyone was.”
“CJ told you about the Brotherhood?”
“He did.”
“You can count on those men, Isabel. And on me.”
She nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat. Her emotions weren’t under the best of control these days. Much more of this talk and she’d dissolve into a weepy mess. She turned to CJ. “It’s been a long day. We’d better go.”
“Right. Let’s do it.” He glanced at Henri. “I’m happy about that raptor center.”
“Me, too. We’ll talk more about it tomorrow.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He put on his hat and touched two fingers to the brim before escorting Isabel out the door and handing her into his truck.
After he closed the door and rounded the truck to climb behind the wheel, he turned toward her. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Just a little weary. Didn’t sleep much last night.”
“Me, either.” He buckled up and started the engine. “Dinner will be served in the dining hall in an hour or so, but if you’re not up to going, I could bring you something from the buffet.”
“That’s a lovely idea, but I don’t trust either of us in that situation.”
“Okay, then I’ll leave it by your door.”
“You don’t need to—”
“Yes, ma’am, I do. I feel a strong urge to do something for you. Two months ago, that would have involved giving you multiple orgasms, but since that’s not an option, I’ll at least bring you dinner.”
Chapter Seven
After reluctantly leaving Isabel at her cabin, CJ texted Kate, the dining hall cook, to alert her he’d be picking up a dinner from the buffet for Isabel. He’d need a couple of to-go boxes.
She texted right back. Just one dinner?
Just one. I’ll be eating in the bunkhouse. And sleeping there, too.
Is there a problem?
He looked at the question and laughed. Don’t get me started.
Kate sent back a sad face emoji.
Yeah, that just about summed it up. He and Izzy had been on the same page two months ago and now they weren’t even reading the same book.
Normally he’d be on duty helping Garrett, the new hire, with making dinner for the wranglers, but he’d asked to be excused. He’d expected to be sharing a meal with Izzy.
He could show up and announce that he was available to help fix dinner, after all, but if he went to the barn instead, Rafe and Jake would be there feeding the horses. He could speak freely with them. Garrett was an okay guy, but he’d only been on board two months. He wasn’t a part of the Brotherhood, at least not yet.
CJ parked beside the old hip-roofed barn. He’d loved it on sight when Charley had brought him here ten years ago. Might be his favorite structure on the ranch property.
After helping replace the fuel pump, Charley had led him out to the ranch and introduced him to Henri. She hadn’t blinked an eye when Charley had announced they had a new wrangler. They’d had complete trust in each other’s decisions.
Maybe that had always been true and maybe the trust had developed over time. CJ had never asked. Until now, the dynamics of a good marriage hadn’t mattered to him.
After the meeting with Henri, Charley had brought him to the barn and tested him on his knowledge. Then he’d explained his belief in treating horses as equal partners. It was the first of many lessons, some hard, some easy.
Missing Charley was less painful after four years without the guy. CJ would give anything for a heart-to-heart now, but at least he had the Brotherhood. Climbing down from the truck, he walked through the open double doors.
Jake came toward him pushing a wheelbarrow loaded with hay flakes. He paused. “What’re you doing here?”
“Slight change of plans. Let me get some gloves and I’ll help you.” He ducked into the tack room and grabbed a pair.
“Did I see CJ come through the door?” Rafe called from the back of the barn.
“It’s either CJ or his doppelganger!” Jake hollered back.
“Hey, CJ, did you have a fight with Isabel?”
“No fight!” He put on the gloves as he walked out of the tack room.
Rafe abandoned his wheelbarrow and headed down the aisle. At six-six, he could walk it quicker than any of them. “I need the story on this deal, bro.”
“Izzy wants us to co-parent this baby as friends, not lovers. That way we can each find someone else more suited to us.”
Rafe frowned. “Did she? Is that what—”
“Not yet, but she thinks that’s the way this should go. Getting frisky during this trip would be contrary to the plan so she’s called a halt to those activities.”
“Well, damn.” Jake heaved a sigh. “Are you on board with this idea?”
“Doesn’t matter. She gets to make the call. But for the record, no, I’m not. The more I think about this baby, the more I want to be involved in my kid’s life.”
“And hers?” Rafe met his gaze.
“Yes, which means I may have to relocate.”
“To Seattle?” Jake’s horrified expression brought a snort of laughter from Rafe.
“You say that like he’s heading off to the dark side of the moon.”
“Might as well be. It’s a big city. Coastal. From what I hear, all the guest ranches are in Eastern Washington.”
Rafe nudged back his hat. “I think that’s true. When we went down to Eagles Nest for Seth and Zoe’s wedding in January, I talked with Kendra McGavin’s husband. I think he’s from Spokane. That’s where you find ranches.”
“So I’ll hire on at a riding stable. I’ll bet they have some of those.”
“I’ll guess a lot of ’em ride English.” Rafe peered at him. “You okay with that?”
“Riding is riding.”
“Not in my opinion,” Jake said. “Those tiny saddles don’t feel right. My boys don’t care for them at all. No good resting spot. No wonder the hunter-jumper dudes are posting all the damn time. But that’s not the worst of it. Didn’t Isabel say she lives in an apartment near her coffee shop
?”
“She does. She can walk to the shop.”
“In downtown Seattle.” Jake eyed him. “You won’t sleep a wink with all that traffic.”
Rafe laughed. “I don’t think sleep is what he’s after, Jake, old man. Are you telling me the thrill has worn off now that you’re with Millie every night?”
“No. But after we have fun, the only thing we hear outside the cabin is an owl hooting or a coyote yipping. That’s all I care to hear. I’d go nuts with cars honking and sirens wailing and brakes screeching.”
“I’ll wear earplugs.”
“Hmm.” Jake studied him. “You seem to be semi-convinced this is the route to take, and yet you’re here and not with Isabel. Could it be she’s not excited about your proposed move to Seattle?”
“She says I’ll be miserable.”
“Smart lady.”
“I’ll be miserable either way, so I might as well be with her and my kid.”
Jake rolled his eyes. “I’m sure she can’t wait to get your grumpy self in residence. What a treat to have an unhappy guy hanging around all the time.”
“I wouldn’t be grumpy, damn it.”
“Oh, well, then.” Rafe glanced at Jake and grinned. “Nothing to worry about.”
“Hey. I’m better than I used to be.”
“I’ll give you that,” Jake said. “You were a spoiled brat when you first arrived. Now you hardly ever get that look on your face.”
“Yeah.” Rafe chuckled. “Like someone just snatched your all-day sucker.”
“I’ll have you know that Lucy told Isabel I was sweet.”
“You are, and you were even back then, if you got your way. Lucy doesn’t know you like we do.”
He sighed. “I get the idea you think going to Seattle would be a mistake.”
“Huge mistake.” Jake’s expression softened. “Look, your heart’s in the right place, but you don’t even enjoy going into Great Falls. You won’t be much of an asset to Isabel or your kid if your jaw is clenched twenty-four-seven. And I think it would be.”
“You could be right. Listen, we’re making the horses wait for their dinner. Charley would tell us to feed first, jawbone later.”
Baby-Daddy Cowboy Page 4