by Francis Ray
“She said a friend would take her,” answered Felicia. “The sweet thing didn’t want me getting up so early since she knew I had a sailing date at nine thirty. Apparently he’s an early riser.”
“He?”
Now he was sure she was glaring at him. The cup clinked in the saucer. “The man who’s taking her to the airport. And don’t get that look on your face. You’re just like your father. Women do have platonic male friends.”
No way was he stepping into that one. “When is she coming back?”
“Her plane gets in tomorrow night around five. She didn’t want to be too tired for work. I do hope she has a good time.” Felicia looked worried. “She didn’t say anything, but I could tell she was a little anxious about seeing her family.” The thoughtful expression changed to one of pleasure.
“The only time she perked up in the last few days was when we were trying to stuff those piñatas full of candy to send to the twins.” Felicia smiled at the memory. “She put a note on the outside of the box not to open until she arrived. I think she’s planning to get a crack at them herself.”
“A woman in her condition shouldn’t be doing anything like that,” he almost shouted.
“Daniel, there is such a thing as too much knowledge.” She patted his hand as if he were a small boy trying to get away with something and had been caught. “Perhaps you shouldn’t read any more of those books on pregnancy.”
Black eyes narrowed. “How do you know what I’ve been reading?”
“I snooped of course,” she answered without the least bit of remorse. “The surest way to get a mother’s curiosity up is to try to hide something from her. Try to remember that in the years to come.” With one final pat, she placed her napkin on the table and stood.
“I think you’ll like Will. He’s going to make a donation to the Children’s Wish Ball I’m chairing. He’s not as tall as I’d like, but he’s quite charming and a good sailor I hear.” She sighed. “You can’t have everything.”
“You can, if you try,” Daniel said.
She shook her head. Sadness once again shimmered in her eyes. “No. No, you can’t. I tried. Don’t make my same mistakes.”
* * *
Everything was going to be all right. No one suspected anything. Not even a twinge of nausea had hit Madelyn. If she felt guilty about not telling her family, she’d have to live with it. The twins’ third birthday party was not the time to broadcast her pregnancy.
Besides, there hadn’t been a moment’s peace since she had arrived at Kane’s ranch house. Matt and Shannon were already there. Her parents drove up just behind her. She had been so happy to see them all. Breakfast was a loud affair, with everyone talking and catching up. Then they had all started trying to get ready for the party at two.
Everyone was given specific duties. They barely finished everything before the first guest arrived. Since then there hadn’t been a quiet moment. The party was a roaring success.
Madelyn looked at the forty-odd children racing around the yard, trying to decide what they wanted to do next, and smiled. Unconsciously she placed her hand on her flat abdomen.
“You wonder how they get that much energy, don’t you?”
She glanced around into the smiling face of Stewart Yates. Medium height and with nice shoulders and a kind face, Stewart had recently come to work for Kane at the ranch. His five-year-old niece was presently enjoying her third pony ride.
“I certainly do,” Madelyn said, returning her attention to her job of watching the three children inside the recently constructed petting area. Only the children weren’t doing as much petting as they were hugging the animals. The two goats didn’t seem to mind.
“It’s good having you back home again,” Stewart said.
She smiled at him. “This isn’t exactly my home, but it is good being with the family.”
Calloused hands settled beside hers on top of the wooden rail. “Any chance of you moving back here?”
“No, I like my job in Houston. Excuse me.” Opening the gate, she let the children out and three more in.
“Do you have any plans for tonight?” Stewart asked as soon as she returned.
“Plans?”
He looked uncomfortable. “I thought maybe you’d like to go out to a movie.”
“She wouldn’t.”
Madelyn whirled to see Daniel standing a few feet away. Dressed in jeans and a white shirt and his signature black Stetson, he looked wholly dangerous and too tempting for words. He was also angry. She glanced around to see if any of her family might have heard him.
“I don’t seem to remember asking you,” Stewart said.
Madelyn swung her head back around. Stewart must have a death wish. Daniel looked ready to explode. “Stewart, do you think you could get me a diet soft drink?”
He didn’t budge. “Maybe he’d like to get it?”
A smile crossed Daniel’s face. “Good idea.” In two strides he was beside Madelyn, taking her arm and leading her away. “Watch the children, would you?”
“Daniel, please,” she cried, glancing over her shoulder at Stewart, who was caught between watching the children and coming after them. “That wasn’t nice.”
“I never said I was nice.”
She swallowed. His hand on her bare arm felt too good. If he didn’t touch her, she stood a better chance of remaining detached around him. That’s the only thing that saved her when he came to her apartment the other day. “I’m assigned to be at the petting area.”
“How long have you been on your feet?” He stopped. His gaze swept her. “It’s hot out here.”
Under his scrutiny, Madelyn’s skin prickled in the white, loose-fitting sundress. The man had the most sinful eyes to go along with the rest of him. “I’m fine, but I can’t abandon the children.”
“That guy was trying to pick you up.”
“And…”
“And,” he shouted. “Have you forgotten you’re—”
“Daniel!” she interrupted, looking around wildly. This time several people were watching them, including her two brothers and sisters-in-law. “I hope you’re satisfied,” she cried, and rushed back toward the petting area.
Hell, he was anything but satisfied. He had never been less satisfied in his life. He hadn’t been satisfied since she ran dripping wet into him.
He scowled at her. She was wearing the same innocent-looking dress that had caused him so much trouble in San Antonio.
His gaze lifted to the immense blue Texas sky. Not a rain cloud in sight. His scowl deepened on seeing the other man move closer to Madelyn. He’d put a stop to that.
“Hello, Daniel,” Kane greeted, extending his hand. “This is quite a surprise.”
“Hello, Kane.” Warmly Daniel shook his friend’s hand. “I hope I’m not intruding. I was in the neighborhood, so I decided to stop by,” Daniel said, almost wincing at his flimsy excuse for being there.
“Glad you did. I’d like you to meet my parents, and Shannon is going to wave her arm off if you don’t go say hello.” Taking Daniel’s arm, Kane led him toward his parents.
Daniel threw one glance over his shoulder, glad to see the cowboy wasn’t crowding Madelyn any longer, then turned back to Kane. “Matt might not like that,” he said, remembering Matt as the jealous type. It didn’t seem fair that Daniel was suffering the misery of the damned all by himself.
“I don’t think you have to worry about that.”
Daniel simply smiled.
Thirty minutes later Daniel wasn’t smiling. He conceded he’d have to suffer by himself. Matt didn’t appear the least bit jealous. He was a changed man—not for the better, either.
He didn’t seem to be able to keep his hands or his lips off his wife. Kane was just as bad. They were letting themselves in for a lot of heartache, but Daniel wasn’t going to tell them that.
Daniel glanced over to where Madelyn stood. The man had moved in again, and this time she’d stayed. Just wait until he got her alone!
/> * * *
“I think we have a problem.”
“You noticed too, huh?”
“You’d have to be blind not to.”
“I can’t believe he thought you’d swallow the story that he happened to be in the area and decided to visit.”
“He did tell it looking me straight in the eye. You have to give him points for that.”
“He’s been in the business world too long.”
“Falcon is more than his name. It stands for what he is … bird of prey, merciless and ruthless when it comes to going after what he wants.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of. He won’t scare off as easily as the others.”
“Don’t I know it.”
“It might be fun to break his nose after all.”
Kane glanced at his brother, Matt, and laughed. “You know he was never romantically interested in Shannon.”
“I know, but at the time he gave me some rough moments.” Matt pressed his knuckles into his palm. “Maybe Madelyn won’t think he’s so handsome after I finish.”
“Or maybe she’ll be as softhearted as Shannon and rush to patch him up.”
Matt grunted. “What do you think we should do?”
From their vantage point from the side of the house, they watched Daniel watch Madelyn and Madelyn watch Daniel. “You have to give it to Stewart. He’s pretending pretty good he doesn’t know what’s going on,” Kane said. “I think he knows he’s out of the running, but is just rubbing it in on Daniel.”
“Yeah,” Matt said. “At least baby sis and Daniel both look kind of tense. I don’t think things have gone too far. Daniel still has that restless, edgy look about him.”
“He better keep it until he puts a ring on her finger,” Kane growled.
Matt agreed with Kane in principle, and knew Kane had waited until well after the wedding to claim his own bride. Matt hadn’t been so gallant or patient. He didn’t know if his big brother knew he’d jumped the gun or not, and he sure wasn’t telling.
His gaze trained on Daniel again. He wore that same look of denial and desperation Matt knew so well. He had stared at it every morning while shaving. He’d fought his feelings for Shannon for all he was worth. Yet they had been too strong to deny. When they had finally exploded, nothing had been able to hold them back.
“Damn,” Matt muttered. “We better have a talk with him.”
In unison the men moved toward Daniel. “I’d like to show you something,” Kane said.
Without waiting for him to answer, Kane grabbed one arm and Matt the other. Daniel lifted a dark brow, the corner of his mouth tilted. “I wasn’t flirting with Shannon or Victoria.”
“Wouldn’t do you any good if you had,” Matt answered.
“Then what is this about?”
“We’ll talk in the barn,” Kane said.
“Smile at Madelyn, Daniel. She looks upset. Any reason for her to look upset?” Matt asked mildly.
“Why are you asking me?” Daniel said as the three men stepped into the dimness of the barn.
Releasing his arm, Kane faced him. “Because since you’ve gotten here, you’ve spent your time between sending killer glances at Stewart and annoyed ones at Madelyn.”
Daniel crossed his arms. “Then it seems to me you should be having this conversation with Stewart, since he’s been with her since I arrived.”
“So far he’s the only one doing the looking.” Kane thought the look on Daniel’s face was much too smug. “But if that should change, he’ll be standing where you are in a heartbeat.”
Daniel’s mouth thinned. Kane and Matt shared a look. It wouldn’t hurt to let him know he might not have the inside track.
“I wasn’t aware that my actions were being monitored so closely,” Daniel finally said.
“Come on, Daniel. You’re not talking to two fools. I’ve seldom seen you look at a woman more than twice. Yet you can’t take your eyes off our sister.”
He eyed a saddle on the rail. “She’s an attractive woman.”
Matt threw up his hands. “So are Victoria and Shannon, but you haven’t done more than speak to either of them. And don’t say it’s because they’re married, because two attractive women who aren’t have been giving you the eye all afternoon, and you’ve ignored them, too. What’s up between you and Madelyn?”
Unfolding his arms, Daniel faced Matt. “Whether something is up or not, it’s between the two of us.”
“What if I beat the crap out of you until I get the answer I want?” Matt challenged.
“You can try.”
“He can try, but I’ll succeed,” Kane said, moving his huge body in front of Daniel, towering over him by a good two inches. “I want to know why you didn’t mention something was going on between you and Madelyn when we talked. I want answers—and I want them now.”
“If there is anything between us, it’s none of your business,” Daniel said. “But if you upset her, you’ll have me to answer to.”
“Is that a fact?” Kane snarled.
“Count on it,” Daniel answered, not backing down an inch.
Kane suddenly burst out laughing and slapped Daniel on the back. He laughed harder at the bewildered look on the other man’s face. “We’ve been waiting for a man we can’t intimidate for our little sister.” The laughter stopped and he pinned Daniel with dark, dangerous eyes. “But hear me, Daniel. I don’t care about the new moral code. Madelyn is my sister. You step out of bounds, hurt her in any way, and I’m coming after you.”
“And when he’s finished, I’m next,” Matt said.
“I never thought differently,” Daniel said.
“Good. Now let’s go join the party. It’s time to bust the piñatas.”
* * *
Madelyn was so nervous she had to force herself to keep from wringing her hands. Seeing Daniel and her brothers come out of the barn didn’t help. The only two smiling were Matt and Kane. Since Daniel wasn’t bruised, she was sure he hadn’t told them about her pregnancy. But that left a lot to discuss.
“Time to break the piñatas,” Kane yelled, motioning all the children to follow him.
Relief swept through Madelyn as she opened the gate and followed the children. She had to know what they had been talking about.
“I don’t have a chance, do I?”
Madelyn turned back to Stewart. Maybe if she had met an uncomplicated man like Stewart, she wouldn’t be going through all of the emotional gymnastics Daniel was putting her through.
“That’s all right. You don’t have to say it,” the ranch hand said. “I can see it in your eyes.”
“Is it that obvious?” Madelyn asked anxiously.
“Probably just to me, since I wish you would have looked at me that way. But at least I know he’s not having an easy time, either, and he’s rich.”
“Money has nothing to do with anything.”
“I know. That’s why he’s one lucky son of a gun.”
She smiled tremulously. “I don’t think he would agree with you.”
“Some men go down hard—others easy.”
“I’ll try to remember that.”
“I guess I better see if they need any help,” he said.
“I hope you find the woman you’re looking for soon. I’d say she’s the lucky one.”
His gaze flickered behind her, then he stepped closer. “I bet your lips taste sweeter than vine-ripe strawberries.”
Madelyn’s mouth gaped.
“I believe Kane wants you,” growled Daniel.
Comprehension snapped Madelyn’s mouth shut.
Daniel. Stewart had seen him and given him a little prod—only prodding Daniel wasn’t recommended for a person’s health.
“If there is dancing later on, save me a dance.” Tipping the brim of his tanned straw hat, Stewart strutted away.
Daniel turned those lethal black eyes on her. “I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself this afternoon.”
“I might have, if you hadn’t shown up. Daniel, what ar
e you doing here? Why did they take you to the barn?” she asked in a frantic rush.
“I came in case you decided to tell your family and needed some moral support,” he said tightly. “Obviously you didn’t need my help with Stewart hovering all over you.”
“Daniel, you can be such a pain in the butt,” she snapped and walked off. Unrelenting fingers caught her a few steps away.
“Slow down before you hurt yourself,” he admonished. “Mother told me you’re thinking about hitting that piñata. Forget it.”
She stopped. “What?”
“You’ll have to be blindfolded, and I won’t have you swinging with a stick and possibly hurting yourself.”
“You won’t, huh?” Madelyn said, her hands on her hips.
Daniel gave her glare for glare. “No, I won’t.”
He was magnificent when he was angry, and this time his anger and concern were for her and the baby. You’re getting there, Daniel. Just keep coming. “Since I want some of that candy, I guess you’d better take my place.”
Daniel had taken her place after all the children had had several chances. Much to his surprise, he had enjoyed the encouragement of the children and the teasing from Matt about his pitiful swing. Finally he had landed a solid hit and broken the piñata. Kane had gotten the other one.
Instead of joining in the mad scramble for candy along with the children, Madelyn had stood back smiling until she saw the boys were stuffing candy into their pockets, while the girls had only their hands.
Hitching up the hem of her dress into a makeshift pouch, she waded into the melee, showing the girls how to get more goodies. She was grinning from ear to ear and having the time of her life.
Her parents shook their heads indulgently at her. Her sisters-in-law cheered her on. Her brothers watched Daniel, and Daniel divided his time between sending lethal glances at her and Stewart.
Madelyn happened to glance up and look straight into Daniel’s hard black eyes. The fun went out of her. He was more than angry about the candy—he simply didn’t trust her.
That hurt. It hurt more to see him abruptly turn to say goodbye to her family, then walk away.
Hungrily her gaze followed.
No matter how much she told herself it shouldn’t matter—to forget him—it did matter, and regardless of how hard she tried, forgetting him was impossible.