Rafe nodded. “He would. Let’s get ’er done.”
An hour later, CJ picked up the to-go box from Kate in the dining hall kitchen. She’d taken to wearing a chef’s hat over her short blond curls. Cute.
She gave him a quick smile. “I’m sure you’ll get it worked out.”
“Have you talked to Rafe already?”
“No. I just assumed there’s an issue to be handled. Does Rafe know what it is?”
“Yes. Tell him I said he’s free to explain. I don’t care who knows. Maybe the Buckskin hive mind will come up with a solution.” He lifted the paper bag. “Thanks for this.” He tipped his hat. “I’m off.”
Chapter Eight
“I’m not surprised CJ’s ready to move to Seattle.” Lucy settled into one of the Adirondack chairs on the guest cabin’s front porch and put a leather satchel containing her pencils and sketchpad next to her. A pound of her favorite coffee sat on the table between the chairs. “He’s very tender-hearted.”
Isabel took the other chair. “You know him better than I do. The way he talked about Apple Grove and the Buckskin back in April, I thought nothing could make him leave. I was sure he’d see the logic of my plan.”
“This isn’t about logic, Iz.”
“Not anymore.” She exhaled and leaned against the slanted back of the chair. “Thanks for coming over.”
“Of course. I didn’t earlier because I thought you two would be getting cozy in the cabin.” She ran her fingers through her frosted hair. “Matt thought so, too, judging from CJ’s excitement about seeing you again.”
“Clearly he was counting on that. And here’s the sad part. His reaction to the pregnancy and his relationship with me is what every woman longs for. He’s all in, doesn’t want to miss a thing, wants to move on to some kind of commitment.” She turned her head to meet Lucy’s gaze. “You should have seen his face when he held Amy this afternoon. I melted.”
“He’ll make a great dad.”
“I know. That’s the hell of it. He won’t be happy with the kind of part-time gig the situation calls for. But I can’t encourage this Seattle plan. It would be a disaster.”
Lucy nodded. “Yep.”
“It’s a damned mess, Luce. I’ve always prided myself on making good choices, but—”
“Are you wishing you hadn’t spent the night with him?”
“No. We had a wonderful time and I’m not sorry about the baby. I had it all worked out. For the first few years, CJ and I would visit back and forth. When the kid’s older, he or she could spend more time at the ranch, maybe whole summers.”
“Nice picture.”
“It could be, but not if the man is Cornelius Jasper Andrews.”
“Excuse me?”
“Whoops. I should have asked him if—”
Lucy grinned. “Cornelius Jasper?”
“Yes, but it might be a secret.”
“I wonder if Matt knows.”
“You’d think he would, right?”
“If he does, he never mentioned it to me.”
“I’ll ask CJ if it’s common knowledge in the Brotherhood. For now, don’t say anything to Matt.”
“I won’t. But guys are funny, aren’t they? As Millie said during one of our girls’ night gab sessions, they divulge info on a need-to-know basis.”
“Which explains why he told me. I needed to know for the birth certificate.”
“Did he say where the name comes from?”
“Yes, but I’d better not—oh, look. Speak of the devil. Why is he—oh, right. Dinner.”
“You’re having dinner with him?”
“No, but he insisted on bringing me a meal from the dining hall. I spaced it. My mom warned me I might have pregnancy brain when the hormones kick in.”
“I’ve heard of that. But if your brain isn’t working right, the rest of you looks great. You’re glowing. My guess is that CJ’s Seattle plan is partly that he wants to be with you.”
“And I’d be fine with that, but he’s a cowboy through-and-through.” As his truck pulled in, eagerness to see him made her twitchy. “Asking him to live in a Seattle apartment would be like coaxing a creature of the forest into a cage.”
“Well, you have six days to hammer out some kind of compromise.” Lucy stood, picked up her leather satchel and the bag of coffee. “Thanks for this. You know how I love it.”
“You’re welcome.” She left her chair, too. “Are you leaving?”
“You know what they say. Three’s a crowd.”
“Hey, you don’t have to go.” With Lucy here, this inconvenient reaction to CJ could be papered over. “He’s just dropping off food. We—”
“Six days isn’t all that long, considering the magnitude of the problem. You two need time to evaluate all the possibilities.”
“No, we don’t. There aren’t that many possibilities and only one that makes sense.” If the agile way he swung down from the cab of his truck made her heart stutter, she did not need to be alone with the guy.
Lucy’s knowing smile was easy to interpret. “You do realize you’re nuts about him.”
“That’s irrelevant, Luce. We aren’t right for each other.”
“Matt believed the same thing about us. Time and circumstances proved him wrong.”
“Hang around for a few minutes. At least until he’s gone.”
“Isabel Marie Ricchetti! I never took you for a coward.”
“I blame the hormones.” She glanced in CJ’s direction. “Don’t leave me alone with him.”
“Iz, if you’re determined not to have sex with the guy, you’ll have to tough that out on your own. I’m not going to be your chaperone.” She turned to face CJ. “Hi, there, cowboy! Izzy says you’re on a mission of mercy, since she’s eating for two, now.”
“That’s why I asked Kate for a double portion, since Izzy’s incubating the next generation.”
“Let me remind you the incubator is right here.” Isabel crossed her arms over her chest. “And she’d like a more flattering description of her condition, please.”
Lucy grinned. “What would you prefer? Me, I’ve always liked broody. But enceinte is classier, so if you’d rather—”
“Your time will come, Luce, and I’ll be ready.”
“Ah, Izzy, I tease because I have a touch of envy. Matt and I aren’t ready to have a baby yet, but I look forward to the day.”
“Hey, I can save baby stuff for you.”
“That would be awesome.” She gave Isabel a hug. “Want to do something tomorrow while CJ is tied up with ranch chores? I sketch in the morning, but I can block out a couple of hours in the afternoon.”
“That would work for me. I’ve scheduled a video chat with Naomi in the morning to check on things at the shop. Do you think I could get an afternoon hair appointment at Tres Beau? I love your cut. I’d like something similar.”
“I could use a trim, myself. That would be fun. I’ll check in the morning and see what Josette and Eva have available.” She started down the porch steps. “See you guys later.”
“Need a lift back to your cabin?” CJ paused on his way to the porch. “I’m just the dinner delivery guy. I’m not staying.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I love trekking around the ranch.” She held up her satchel. “That’s why I brought this, in case I get inspired on my way home.”
He smiled. “Okay, then. Henri told me about the raptor center. Great news.”
“Isn’t it? Can’t wait. See you guys!” Lifting the bag of coffee, she called out another thank you and set off for her half-finished cabin.
And she was lucky enough to share that cabin with the love of her life. Now Isabel was the one dealing with envy. She turned to face CJ. “I forgot you were coming.”
“You did? But that was only—”
“A little more than an hour ago. I know. I’ve been told the hormone dump that happens during pregnancy alters a woman’s brain chemistry and I might not always think clearly.”
He gazed at her. “That must be tough for you. You’re always so ahead of the game.”
“Tell me about it. I’m navigating this very tricky situation and I might not have all my marbles, at least not until it’s too late and I’ve made some really dumb decisions.”
“If I can help in any way, just say the word.”
“I don’t expect you to be my keeper. That’s an unfair burden. But if you see me heading for a cliff, feel free to intervene.”
“Will do.” He handed her the bag of food. “So you want to get your hair cut as short as Lucy’s?”
“At least that short. Summer’s coming and I’ll be carrying baby weight. I don’t need to be taking the extra time and effort to wash and dry all this.” She lifted a strand of her hair away from her shoulder.
He nodded. “I get that.”
“But you’re not happy about the idea.”
“Your hair is beautiful. Shiny and soft. That’s one of the things I remember from that night, how it felt on my…” He swallowed. “Guess that’s not an appropriate thing to say.”
“Guess not.” One subtle reference to their lovemaking and she was on fire. Backing away was the wise thing to do. Her feet weren’t cooperating. They moved her a step closer.
His gray eyes turned thundercloud dark. Lifting his hand, he cupped her cheek. “I have the feeling you don’t want me to go.”
“I don’t.” Taking a shaky breath, she moved out of reach. “But it’s for the best.”
He shoved both hands in the pockets of his jeans. His chest heaved as his hot gaze met hers. “This isn’t going to work, Izzy. It’s obvious you want me as much as I want you. I can’t see us accomplishing much when we’re both craving something you claim we can’t have.”
“I underestimated the strength of our chemistry.”
“No kidding.”
“And my overactive hormones aren’t helping. I didn’t consider that, either.”
“Well, now you know. I must be picking up on your hormonal overload because the minute I come within ten feet, I want to kiss the living daylights out of you. And damned if you don’t look like that would suit you just fine.”
“Let me think about this.”
“What good is that going to do? It won’t change anything. I say let’s end this torture. Let me take you to bed.”
“No. I promised myself that—”
“Okay.” He backed away. “I’m leaving, but this isn’t over. We have a bunch of hurdles, but we can’t deal with them until we deal with this.” Turning, he walked back around his truck, climbed in and shut the door with a little more force than was necessary.
She was shaking so badly she had to clutch the bag in both hands to keep from dropping it. Heart pounding, she hurried inside as he gunned the truck and pulled out. He was right, damn it. But his solution wasn’t a solution at all. It would only make things worse.
Chapter Nine
CJ slept with his phone under his pillow, but Izzy didn’t call. First thing in the morning he texted her. Thought I’d round up the gang for a night at the Choosy Moose. Want to go with us?
He used us instead of me on purpose. Didn’t want it to look like a date or a subtle way to wear her down. Even if it was both. In April, their attraction had blossomed on the dance floor at the Moose. Evidently he’d have to engage in some courting behavior if he wanted to turn this situation around.
Charley had taught him to listen carefully to what people said about themselves. Izzy had told him she was old-fashioned, which was why she didn’t want to know the sex of their baby.
But the arrangement she’d suggested, long-distance parenting on his part, was a modern wrinkle. What if she secretly longed for him to be a true partner in the process, a full-time dad and a devoted husband? If so, he could tap into that.
Maybe he was old-fashioned, too. He and Izzy had accidentally created a family and he wanted to keep that family together. And why not? He lusted after the mother of his child. Evidently she had similar feelings for him. They’d created fertile ground for developing deeper feelings, good for them and good for the baby.
But she’d convinced herself that living six-hundred miles apart was the way to go. He had to change her mind. First step, get her back in his arms while a country song helped create some down-home magic.
She was susceptible to that. So was he. If they could fall in love a little bit during her stay, she might begin to question the wisdom of living separate lives.
His phone pinged with her reply. That sounds nice. What time?
It’ll be after dinner. I’ll check with everyone and let you know. See you then.
She sent him a thumbs-up emoji. Not the most romantic of gestures, but he’d take it. Now to rally the troops.
He’d start with Matt, who shared morning barn duty with him. Matt was a good place to begin, since he’d logged in more years at the ranch than any member of the Brotherhood except Seth, who’d moved to Eagles Nest. Matt had taken over Seth’s leadership position.
But the subject was too important to broach during the feeding routine. He wanted Matt’s full attention. He’d make use of the lull between feeding and turnout.
After leaning his wheelbarrow against the back wall of the barn, he waited for Matt to do the same. “Need to discuss something with you, bro.”
Matt pulled off his work gloves. “Bet I can guess what’s on your mind. Lucy gave me some details last night.”
“Good. Saves time.” He tucked his gloves in his back pocket. “Bottom line, I need to change Izzy’s mind about this plan of hers.”
“Are you serious about a move to Seattle?”
“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep our little family together.”
Matt glanced at him. “Have you told Isabel that?”
“Not yet. But I don’t see any other way to make sure I’m a big part of that kid’s life.”
“And Isabel’s?”
“That, too. I think we could make it as a couple.”
“Under different circumstances, I agree you two would have a shot. But like everybody else has said, I can’t see you adapting well to city life.”
“I will if the alternative is watching Izzy marry some dude in Seattle who’ll spend more time with my kid than I will.”
Matt sighed. “Yeah, that would suck.”
“She’ll want to have another kid with him, too.”
“How do you know?”
“Zane was up at the house talking to Henri yesterday when Izzy and I arrived. He mentioned that he and Mandy were trying for kid number two and Izzy agreed that having a sibling is the way to go.”
“Lucy said that Isabel envisions you marrying someone local and having the family you want in the rural atmosphere you love. It’s a generous attitude on her part. And I see her point.”
“Oh, I see it, too. That was the plan when she left. But the baby changed my thinking. Then I saw her walking toward me in the terminal yesterday. I want her as much as I ever did. More.”
Matt nodded. “Lucy thinks Isabel’s still hung up on you. And she wants you to be happy.”
“I want that for her, too. I’m arrogant enough to believe she’ll be happy with me.”
“Okay, then.”
“I just have to convince her we belong together.”
“How are you planning to go about it?”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
“Sounds like you’re considering a Brotherhood campaign.”
“I am.”
Matt paused and adjusted the fit of his hat. “If we succeed in changing Isabel’s mind, we’ll lose you.”
“Not completely. I won’t live here anymore, but I’ll come back for visits as often as I can.”
“Yeah, well…” Sadness filled his gaze. “The thing is I’m kinda used to your ugly mug, Cornelius.”
He smiled. “Start using that name and I’ll be obliged to rearrange yours.”
“You tried that once. And I won, as I recall.”
“But you’re a married man, now. Everybody knows married men get soft. I could take you, no problem.”
Matt laughed. “In your dreams, cowboy.” He sighed again and scuffed his boot against a piece of straw stuck to the barn’s wooden floor. Then he glanced up. “This is what you really want?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Let’s move these ponies out to the pasture. We can continue this discussion while we’re mucking out stalls. I think better when I’m shoveling.”
“Me, too.”
“Why can’t Isabel just move here?” Nick climbed into the cramped backseat of CJ’s truck.
“Because of her coffee shop.” CJ waited for Garrett to swing up into the passenger seat before starting the engine.
“Couldn’t she sell it?”
“That would be like cutting off her right arm, bro. She made a go of that business despite fierce competition from the big dogs.”
“Big dogs is right.” Garrett laid his hat on his lap. “Seattle’s home to some famous coffee companies. I’m impressed she carved out a place for herself.”
“So am I,” Nick said. “She’s thriving in that city. I just can’t picture you thriving there, CJ. While I was lifting weights today I watched a video of the place on my phone. It looked nice, just not right for you. It’s all seafood, ferries and jazz festivals. I didn’t see anybody wearing a Stetson. Lots of umbrellas, though.”
“It’s right for me if Izzy and my kid are there.”
“Makes sense.” Garrett glanced at him. “I’d do the same in your shoes. And I’d work hard to adapt.”
“You might be able to at this point, Garrett,” Nick said, “but wait until you’ve lived here for as many years as CJ and I have. The Buckskin gets in your blood. I’m afraid he’ll move there, marry Isabel and realize too late that he’s in the wrong place.”
“I’ll take that chance.”
Nick let out a breath. “Then you have my support, bro. Like Matt said, we’ll do our part to facilitate this romance.”
“Speaking of that, are all the Babes coming to the Moose?”
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