by Jill Kemerer
“What about Amelia?” Would she be as strong as her brothers?
“She’s been trying.” Nicole moved to sit on the couch since the babies were occupied. She continued to keep a watchful eye on them. “How did you end up with the ranch?”
“My uncle Gus. I moved out here at eighteen. He taught me the ins and outs of ranching, and between him and Aunt Gretchen, I was pretty blessed.”
“Remind me again—was Gretchen his wife?”
“No, his sister. My dad is their younger brother.” From the corner of his eye, he noticed Amelia pushing herself up on her arms. He held his breath a moment, but she dropped back to her original position.
“Gus never married?”
“No. No kids, either. I inherited the ranch from him. And now I find myself in a similar situation.”
“What do you mean?” She pulled her knee to her chest, cocking her head to the side. “No wife or kids?”
“No heir.” He opened his hands. “Makes estate planning difficult.”
“Are you worried about dying?” She half-heartedly chuckled. “You’re not ill or anything, are you?”
“No, of course not. I’m just getting older and want to be prepared.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “Have you talked to Mason Fanning? I know he struggled after his first wife died. He might have some advice.”
“I didn’t think of him.” Judd highly doubted Mason had worried about who to leave his ranch to, since he’d had a son before his wife died, but he might as well talk to Mason. It wasn’t as if he had anything to lose at this point.
Amelia pushed herself up again. “I think she wants to prove something to her brothers.” He pointed to the girl. She tipped to the side. He caught Nicole’s gaze and they both turned to watch as Amelia toppled onto her back.
“Two in one day!” Nicole went to Amelia and proceeded to kiss her again and again.
The oven timer went off.
“You stay there.” Judd rose. “It’s way past supper time. I’m not much of a cook, but I can make grilled cheese sandwiches for us.”
“I know I should object, but grilled cheese sounds amazing.” She held Amelia high in the air, and the baby let out a hearty laugh.
“Relax. I’ll take care of everything.”
It was a day of firsts for the babies. And for him. For the first time in his life, he wanted to stay right here and keep talking to a woman. Not just any woman. This woman.
And it didn’t scare him.
But maybe it should.
* * *
What a day of contrasts. Nicole pulled a soft throw over her legs. She’d put the babies to bed, changed into her pajamas and turned on the cooking channel. Judd had left over an hour ago, promising he’d drive her and the triplets to church in the morning. Having an extra pair of hands for the process of getting to and from church would be welcome.
Earlier, Judd’s presence had kept her from lingering in the dark places the Christmas music had taken her to. He’d helped with the babies as well. If he hadn’t been here, there was no way she’d have been able to bake the walls.
From low to high. Sadness to sheer happiness. Yes, she’d come close to falling apart at memories of Aaron’s death, but leaning on Judd, baking and watching her babies roll over had brought her joy.
Now she was going to lose herself in a holiday cooking competition and not think about Aaron or Christmas or the cowboy who was so patient with her babies and with her.
Nicole’s cell phone rang. Maybe it was Judd. She shot to a seated position and grabbed her phone. A flush of anticipation spread through her. The anticipation vanished when she saw her mother-in-law’s name on the screen. “Hello?”
“I hope this is a good time,” Sherry said.
“Perfect timing. The babies are asleep.”
“Oh, good.” Sherry sounded relieved. “How are you holding up?”
Nicole always felt awkward when Aaron’s mom asked that question, and she asked it every time she called. “Pretty good. I’m getting close to being unpacked.”
“I’m glad. It sounds as if your friends came through for you with all their help. Lance and I are thankful.”
“I am, too.” Her mother-in-law had always been thoughtful.
“The holiday season hasn’t been easy for us, and we figured it’s been probably ten times worse for you. It’s hard to believe Aaron’s gone. It’s even harder to believe it’s been a year already.”
“Almost.” Nicole thought of all the Sunday dinners she’d eaten with the Taylors here in Rendezvous before they all moved away. But she and Aaron hadn’t lived near any family in over five years, and she wasn’t as close to them anymore. “The babies help keep my mind off things.”
“It helps us, too, being involved with the grandchildren. They bring so much life back to the house.”
Sherry and Lance spent a lot of time with their other grandchildren on account of living within two miles of both Aaron’s sisters.
“How are the kiddos doing? Is Jaycee recovered?” Aaron’s sisters, Jaycee and Alyssa, were older than her and had each other, so Nicole had never been very close to them. She liked them both just the same.
“It’s still touch and go. The doctor said she might need surgery. Her knee isn’t healing on its own.”
“Tell her I’m sorry she’s going through this. It can’t be easy with the baby and a toddler.”
“I will.” Sherry hesitated. “You know, you and the triplets have been on our minds and in our prayers a lot lately. We were surprised—shocked, really—when you told us your mom moved to Florida on such short notice. We’re concerned about you.”
“I know—it was a shock to me, too. But I’m holding up well. Some of the ladies from church take turns coming in weekday mornings to help me out. They’ve been such a blessing. And my friends babysit for me when I need to get groceries.”
“We’re glad you have help.” Her voice sounded strained. “Lance and I would like to come visit you and the triplets for a few days before Christmas. We’ll book a room at the inn in town. Would that be all right with you?”
“Of course.” She hoped they wouldn’t judge her parenting skills. Not that they would. They’d never been the overly judgy type. She was just being sensitive. Triplets were more than a handful, and she was doing the best she could. “Do you have dates in mind?”
“We’ll fly in on Friday, December 18 and leave that Sunday. We plan on catching up with some of our friends while we’re in town, too.”
“I’m looking forward to it. You won’t believe how much the babies have grown.” The last time they’d visited had been a month after the children were born. Nicole’s energy had been nonexistent and she’d barely been able to keep up with round-the-clock feedings and no sleep. What a difference a few months made.
“They are the most adorable little ones. Thank you for sending us pictures so often. We appreciate it.”
“I love showing them off. By the way, Henry rolled over for the first time today. And Amelia followed...” They chitchatted about the triplets and life in general for a while.
After hanging up, Nicole set the phone on the end table and lay back on the couch, pulling the throw up to her chin.
For the past year her life had moved in a new direction. She’d been raising the babies as best as she knew how. In some ways, Sherry and Lance coming to visit felt like her old life and new life were colliding.
Maybe the problem was that she’d defined herself by Aaron most of her life. And now that he was gone? Well, the past months had been liberating in a sense. She’d been able to accept her new role as a single mom. She no longer spent her days mourning for her husband.
Would her in-laws be offended? Think less of her?
How did one navigate extended family in a time like this?
She wasn’t sure, but the nagging sensation insid
e her chest told her to tread carefully.
Chapter Six
People were talking about him and Nicole.
Judd might not have a way with words, but he had a knack for sizing up the unspoken things so easy to miss. For the fifteenth time since the church service began, he squirmed in the back pew of the church.
He’d driven Nicole and the babies in her minivan this morning. The ride had been uneventful. She told him her in-laws were coming in a few weeks and that her friends were stopping by this afternoon. He shared with her the long list of things he needed to check on the ranch before the snow started coming down tonight.
Judd was used to sitting toward the front of the church on the right-hand side with Aunt Gretchen. When he’d helped carry the babies in, Nicole told him she always sat in the back. Not wanting to leave her alone, he’d stayed by her side, but then Gabby, Dylan and little Phoebe had joined them, and at that point Judd felt out of place. He’d considered excusing himself to sit with Aunt Gretchen, but Stu Miller had slid in next to her.
It had unsettled him, seeing Stu in his spot.
That was when Judd began noticing the discreet glances of the congregation. They sneaked peeks at him sitting with Nicole. Never mind there was a baby carrier separating them. He could tell Rendezvous would be abuzz with speculation in no time flat.
A worship song played—one of the new contemporary ones he actually liked—and he sang along, keeping an eye on Henry, who was staring up at him from the car seat to his left. To his right was Eli’s car seat. Nicole sat between Eli’s and Amelia’s. Gabby had taken Amelia out of the carrier and was holding her, while Dylan held her one-year-old, Phoebe.
After the song ended, the pastor read from the Bible, but Judd didn’t hear a word. Henry looked like he was getting antsy. Should he take him out? Nicole was too far away to do it. He couldn’t exactly ask her with Eli between them. Henry grunted, then squawked, and his little face grew red.
Judd unstrapped him and lifted him out of the car seat. The boy’s lips jutted out, but he didn’t make a peep. In fact, his normal color returned. Then he smiled at Judd.
His heart was doing funny things, like when his favorite horse, Candy, pranced during a gentle snow with the big flakes coming down. Watching the baby smile gave him the same happy feeling.
“Thank you,” Nicole whispered. Her green eyes shimmered with appreciation, and he nodded to her, ignoring the way his pulse reacted. The baby liked him, and Nicole needed help, and...now he was glad he was the one sitting back here helping her.
He settled Henry on his lap for the rest of the service. The child let out a sigh of contentment and sank into his arms. At some point, Nicole took Eli out and held him. He let out a few noises during the sermon, but she held him to her shoulder and patted his back to soothe him.
When church ended, Judd strapped Henry back in his seat and helped Nicole get all the car seats locked onto the stroller frame. He followed her to the large entryway and wasn’t surprised when several older women, along with Nicole’s girlfriends, surrounded her. He hung back.
“It’s awfully nice of you to help her out.” Lois Dern, his aunt’s best friend, came up and gave him a hug. He was used to her hugs and had to bend down to return it. She had short white hair and always told it like it was but with a grin.
“Thanks, Lois, but I’m not doing much.”
Her eyes twinkled as if to say you don’t fool me. “I had to get up during the sermon, and I saw you holding the baby. He looked good in your arms. You’ve got the touch.”
“Just habit. I’m used to dealing with calves.”
“Calves are not the same as babies.” She rolled her eyes and waved him off. “Is there a romantic bone in your body?”
Romance? The hair on the back of his neck rose. Why would he need a romantic bone in his body? He was just helping out a friend.
“I’m afraid there isn’t, Lois.” He shrugged. “Nicole needed a ride and an extra set of hands with the babies. That’s it.”
“If you say so.”
“It’s thoughtful of you and Aunt Gretch and the other ladies to be helping her out during the week.” Movement by the coatracks caught his eye. Stu was helping his aunt get her coat on.
“I’m in all my glory. I can’t get enough of those babies. It’s been too long since I held an infant. And Nicole is a good little mama, let me tell you. They’ll be raised right. The only thing missing is for them to have a daddy.”
He tried not to react to her comment. Was she hinting that he should be their daddy? He ran a finger under his collar.
“Don’t get all scared. I was just making an observation.”
Aunt Gretchen and Stu came over and joined them. They discussed the upcoming bake sale for Christmas Fest. Judd looked around for Nicole. She was talking to Gabby, Eden and Brittany.
“I have a wonderful idea.” Lois clapped her hands, turning to Aunt Gretchen. “Why don’t we babysit the triplets Saturday afternoon after our shift at the church bake sale? Then Judd can take Nicole to Christmas Fest.”
“Oh, yes, lovely idea.” Aunt Gretchen’s entire face lit up with hope. “We’ll be done by one, and you can get Nicole out and about, poor thing.” She made a clucking sound. “But, Lois, do you think we can handle all three babies by ourselves?”
“I’ll help out, too, ladies.” With his hands in his pockets, Stu rocked back on his heels. His ever-present toothpick was nowhere to be seen. Judd peered closely, making sure he hadn’t missed it. He rarely saw Stu without one.
“You?” Lois sounded incredulous. “I didn’t know you had it in you, Stu. You’re up for helping with tiny babies?”
“Sure, why not? I like kids. Never had any myself, but I bounced a babe on my knee a time or two.” Stu sent a furtive sideways glance Aunt Gretchen’s way.
“Well, these babies aren’t old enough to be bounced, Stuart.” His aunt’s eyes grew round in seriousness. “We have to be very careful with them or they could get... Oh, what’s that thing where shaking can hurt them, Lois?”
“Shaken baby syndrome, and I don’t think Stu is in any danger of bouncing them like that, anyhow. I’ll see if Frank wants to join us. He’s always had a soft spot for children.” Lois pointed to Stu. “Meet us at Nicole’s at 1:30 sharp on Saturday.”
“Wait, wait.” Judd held up his hands. “Doesn’t Nicole have some say in this?”
He had to admit the thought of taking Nicole to Christmas Fest and ice-skating, buying hot chocolates, walking around the decorated town appealed to him a lot, but...
“Don’t I have some say in what?” Nicole’s smile spread from ear to ear, and the slight flush of her cheeks made her glow. She pushed the stroller next to him, and he forced his gaze from her face to check on the babies, who all appeared to be fine.
“Oh, good! Gretchen and I and Stu here want to babysit next Saturday afternoon so you can go to Christmas Fest. Judd will take you.”
“I forgot about Christmas Fest.” Nicole looked upward, a dreamy look in her eyes. “Do they still have the outdoor skating rink?”
“Yes, if the weather cooperates.” Aunt Gretchen nodded.
“And the reindeer? What about the crafts booths and the bake sale? I always loved going to it when I was a kid.”
“All of that and more, honey.” Lois skirted Stu and Gretchen to put her arm around Nicole. “We’re manning the bake sale booth in the morning, but we’ll come over right after. Then Judd will take you to the festival.”
He opened his mouth to decline. People were already starting to talk. It wouldn’t be appropriate for him to take her around town without the babies. What if everyone assumed it was a date?
His neck felt scratchy. Was he getting hives?
“You really wouldn’t mind?” Nicole sounded so grateful. He turned his attention back to her, but she was talking to his aunt and Lois.
> “Of course not. We’re enjoying your babies. It’s a treat for us to hold and feed and play with them.” Aunt Gretchen patted her arm. “You’ll see. Someday they’ll be grown and you’ll miss those babies in your arms.”
“Well, I’d love that.” She rested her chin on the tips of her steepled fingers. “I’ll bake cupcakes for the bake sale, too.”
“Don’t knock yourself out,” Lois said. “We know you’ve got your hands full.”
“I love to bake. It’s...” She averted her gaze momentarily. “Therapeutic.”
Lois and Aunt Gretchen exchanged glances.
“Then we’d appreciate any baked goods you’d like to donate.” Lois put her arm around Nicole’s shoulders.
“Be ready at 1:30, Judd,” Aunt Gretchen said.
“Oh...” Nicole bit her bottom lip. “I didn’t even ask you what you wanted, Judd. You don’t have to take me.”
“He wants to take you.” Aunt Gretchen patted Nicole’s arm. “Don’t you, Judd?”
He did.
And he shouldn’t.
Yes, he’d enjoy spending the afternoon with Nicole. He usually avoided Christmas Fest, but it actually sounded like a good time. However, he didn’t want her to have to deal with town gossip—especially not when it involved him.
He glanced at Nicole, and the hope on her face overrode his reluctance. “I’ll take you.”
“See?” Aunt Gretchen said. Lois, Aunt Gretchen and even Stu beamed.
An afternoon alone with Nicole at a heavily populated town event was not going to stop people’s tongues from wagging. The last thing he wanted was for people to assume they were dating. They’d think he was too old for her—and they’d be right—or that something was going on at the ranch that shouldn’t be. She didn’t need any more troubles in her life. He had a feeling this Christmas was going to be hard enough on her as it was.
* * *
“You seem happier lately.” Eden followed Nicole into her kitchen that afternoon. Gabby, Brittany and Mason had stopped by the cabin with a few Christmas decorations, and they’d strung garland and multicolored lights across the fireplace mantel for her. Then they’d added several snowmen and candles. It was night and day from the decorations Aaron had bought, and Nicole was glad. The room felt cozy. She’d gotten a little choked up at their thoughtfulness, but their banter had lightened the mood.