“A prime slot, indeed.” Interest echoed in his voice.
She had him right where she wanted him. “Now, I also have other slots that cost less, but I know Go Big Or Go Home is your motto, so I saved my prime opportunity for you.” The price she named was exorbitant, higher than the other slots.
“For a prime slot, that sounds reasonable. Count me in.”
“Perfect.” She wrote Townsend Gas & Oil on her chart. “I’ll send you an email with the invoice. We’ve got time, but as soon as you send me your graphics, I’ll get my designer on it. Thank you very much, Mr. Townsend.” She shot Rance a satisfied grin. “It’s my honor to be part of your advertising team. We’ll speak soon.” She ended the call. “And that’s how it’s done.”
“My hat’s off to you. Literally.” He took his Stetson off, set it on the table and raked his fingers through his hair. “You didn’t even ask him if he wanted it.”
“Marketing 101. Convince them they have to have it.”
“Mommy, Daddy, are you finished yet?” Jayda scampered into the office.
And Larae’s heart went soft.
“Time to call it a day.” Larae checked her watch and turned her chair around. Rance’s folks had agreed to take Jayda to school and pick her up, then spend a little time with her before bringing her home. It was tempting to take them up on their offer of doing the same every day since she and Rance had gotten so much accomplished today. Except she’d missed Jayda.
“Let’s go on a picnic.” Jayda plopped in her lap.
“That sounds perfect.” At least, it would be if they were really a family.
“I’m in.” Rance retrieved his Stetson.
“I’ll see what I can find to pack our basket.” Larae gave Jayda a hug.
“Miss Stella already did it. It was her idea. She says you and Daddy work too much and we need some family time.”
So now Stella was conspiring against her. “I’m not sure about that. But let me go change into some shorts, and we’ll go.”
“Hurry, Mommy.”
“I will.”
What she wouldn’t give to have a real family for her little girl.
* * *
Rance unpacked the veritable feast from the picnic basket packed to the brim. “I’m liking Miss Stella more and more all the time.”
“Have you ever met Miss Stella, Daddy?”
“A long time ago. I worked for your grandpa for a while here at the ranch. That’s how I met your mama.” But all he could really think about was how cute Larae looked in her pink top and white shorts, with shimmery toes that matched her shirt. Tiny and determined. A force to be reckoned with. Especially where his heart was concerned.
“I didn’t know that, Daddy. Miss Stella is awesome. She cooks for everybody and watches me when Mommy’s working and helps Mommy keep the house clean.”
“I think I might need a Miss Stella at my place.”
“She is awesome.” Larae gazed off in the distance. “After my mom died, Stella became my stand-in mom. I can’t believe I stayed away from this place—from these people—for so long.”
“Why did you, Mommy?”
Larae’s cheeks went crimson.
“Your mommy had a really good job in Dallas, and she had you to take care of.” He was getting good at covering for Larae, for Jayda’s peace of mind.
But no matter how cute Larae was or the number she did on his heart, she still thought he was a jerk and he still didn’t have enough money to even think about pursuing her.
“Maybe if we’d come back here sooner, I would have met you quicker, Daddy.”
Longing for those lost years made his eyes burn. “Probably not. I traveled the rodeo circuit most of the years y’all lived in Dallas and only moved back here a few months ago.” If only he and Larae had bumped into each other at the rodeo during those years.
“So you moved home and then Mommy did. It’s like God arranged it so we could know about each other.”
His heart squeezed. “You’re probably right, Baby Girl.”
A snort sounded from behind them. In unison, they turned, searching for the source of the noise.
A massive black bull with his head lowered. Rance’s blood went cold.
“Is he about to—” Larae’s voice quivered.
“Yes. The fence on our right is closest. I’ll carry Jayda.”
“I can get her.”
“This is no time to argue,” he hissed. “I’ve got her. Run.” He snatched Jayda up as the bull pawed the ground.
Larae ran ahead. Thundering hooves sounded behind them. Jayda screamed.
“It’s okay. I’ve got you.” He caught up with Larae, even carrying his extra load. He could easily outrun her, make certain Jayda was safe. But what about the woman he’d loved since high school? He caught her hand and dragged her along. “Hurry, Larae.”
They made it to the rail fence and clambered over. The bull was only yards away, still coming fast and hard.
He spotted a large live oak with lots of massive low limbs. “Get behind that tree in case he comes through. We’ll climb it if we have to.”
They scurried behind the tree and watched with bated breath. The bull turned just before slamming into the fence, roared back the way he’d come, then slowed and came to a stop. He pawed, shook his head and started grazing.
“It’s okay, Baby Girl.” He patted Jayda’s back. With her face pressed into his neck, she shuddered. “Daddy’s got you, we’re safe.”
“Give her to me.” Larae grabbed for her.
But Jayda stayed balled up against him. “Let’s get her home, then I’ll tend to the bull.”
“That’s your bull?”
“Yes.”
“What are you thinking keeping a bull like that?”
“He’s a rodeo bull, Larae. They’re mean. It’s part of the sport.”
“But Jayda lives here.”
“Yes, she does. And I kept her safe. I’ll see to it that none of my stock gets out again. If I have to build a concrete wall, I will.”
“I watched it the whole time.” Jayda sniffled. “From over your shoulder, Daddy. It wanted to get us. To get all of us.”
“I know, Pumpkin.” Larae hugged Jayda’s back. “It’s okay. We’re all safe. Daddy kept us safe.”
“Mommy, I was so scared.”
“I know, but we’re okay.”
Jayda pushed away from him, reaching for Larae.
“Take her home. I’ll take care of the bull.”
“No, Daddy. It’ll get you.”
“It won’t, Baby Girl. I’m not going back in the field with it. I’ll go over to my place and put feed in its pen. It’ll come, and I’ll stay safe. I promise.”
“Okay.” Jayda buried her face in Larae’s hair.
Why did he feel like the worst dad in the world?
Chapter Fourteen
Jayda’s breaths evened out in rhythmic slumber against Larae’s shoulder. The doorbell rang just as she’d gotten comfortable in the twin bed. Probably Rance. What had taken him so long? Didn’t he ever stop to think how late it was, that Jayda was probably asleep? If she ignored him, he’d just keep ringing and wake Jayda.
She kept an eye on Jayda, sat up without jiggling the bed, then eased off the mattress. Slipping into her robe, she tiptoed out of the room and scurried down the stairs.
The bell rang again just before she got to it. She undid the lock and flung the door open.
“Jayda’s asleep,” she snapped. “If you didn’t wake her up, that is.”
“Sorry, I just wanted to see about her.”
“It took her forever to go to sleep, and the only reason she did was because I promised to stay in her room all night. And now I’ve broken my promise because of you. So go home and let me go back to her. Besides, if you were really that
worried, what took you so long?”
“For your information, the bull didn’t want to go back into his pen. Not even for food. I repaired the board that let him out, then reinforced the rest of the pens so it won’t happen again. I finally got him back in just a few minutes ago.”
“You can go now.”
“Mommy!” Jayda’s wail coursed adrenaline through Larae.
She bolted for the stairs. “It’s okay, sweetie. I’m coming.”
“Mommy!” Jayda was curled in a ball, holding Punk the pink dog.
“It’s okay, sweetie. I’m right here.” Larae gathered her up in her arms.
“I had a dream.” She hiccuped a sob. “About the bull. And you weren’t here.” She pulled away to look up at Larae with tears rolling down her cheeks.
“I’m sorry, Baby Girl. Your mama only left to let me in.”
“Daddy.” Jayda reached for him.
He settled on the bed and pulled the trembling little body into his chest. Completely out of place in the pink-and-purple room decorated with princesses and crowns.
“I dreamed the bull got you after we left.”
“I’m fine. I got it back in its pen and reinforced all the wood, so it won’t get out again. In fact, I’m calling a guy tomorrow about steel pens instead of wood so none of my bulls will ever get out again.”
“Is there gonna be bulls at our rodeo, Mommy?”
“Yes.” Larae winced. “But that’s why the arena guys were here. They made sure the railing was strong enough to hold them. And we’ll have steel pens, so there won’t be anything to worry about.”
“I don’t know if I want a rodeo anymore.”
“I thought you loved rodeos, Pumpkin. You always wanted to come to work with me.”
“They always kind of scared me. I just liked being with you.”
Larae’s eyes felt scalded. How could she not have realized that? “Well, when we get our rodeo, if you want to skip the bulls, you can.”
“I never wanna see another one. Ever.”
“You don’t have to.” Rance patted her back. “Why don’t you try to go back to sleep? It’s late.”
“I can’t.” Her arms tightened around his neck.
“Yes, you can. It was just a nightmare. We’re all safe. And now that you know I’m all right, you’ll be able to sleep.”
“Will you stay here in my room, too, Daddy?”
Larae’s eyes went wide, begging him not to agree.
“There’s nowhere for me to sleep.”
“You can sleep in the recliner. Mommy says it’s really comfy.”
“Daddy has to go, Pumpkin.”
“I can’t sleep if we’re not all here. I’ll have another dream about the bull.” She pulled away and looked up at him with tear-filled eyes. “I just know it.”
Larae watched him cave.
“You know, I saw a comfy-looking couch downstairs.”
Larae shook her head at him, giving him her best evil eye.
“I want you closer, Daddy. You can sleep in the guest room right across the hall. With the door open.”
“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my Baby Girl happy.”
Whether Larae liked it or not. She’d been in complete control where Jayda was concerned up until recently. He obviously thought it was his turn now.
* * *
Unable to sleep with Rance lurking so near, Larae had stayed awake half the night, long after soft snores echoed from across the hall. Afraid to move and wake Jayda, she’d never gotten comfortable.
When she awoke, her hip was cramped from staying in the same position all night. Jayda was still asleep beside her. At least the poor baby hadn’t had any more nightmares about bulls or anything else. Larae listened for Rance’s snoring and didn’t hear it. Was he already downstairs? Or gone?
Sunlight streamed through the curtains. She longed to look at her watch to see what time it was. At least it was Saturday and Jayda didn’t have school.
It was tempting to clear her calendar, but she needed to set up and organize the concession stand today. Jayda could help her. Maybe being inside the structure would make her feel secure.
Jayda’s eyes popped open. “Mommy.”
“Hey, sweetie.”
“Thanks for staying with me all night.” She snuggled close.
“Anytime.” It hadn’t been the first time and probably wouldn’t be the last. But they’d never had a third wheel before.
Jayda’s eyes widened. “Is Daddy still here?”
“I sure am, Baby Girl.” Rance’s voice came from the guest room.
The warm bundle pulled away, sat up and headed to the door. Larae wanted to shout at him to get out.
Rance scooped Jayda up and swung her around. Larae sat up, then stood and tried to smooth the wrinkles out of her modest pink top and capris pajamas with crowns, high heels and princesses dotting the fabric.
“How about I fix breakfast for you?”
“Pancakes?” Jayda perked up a little.
“Definitely.”
And she was stuck with him.
“Why don’t you change?” He scanned Larae’s pajamas, and his grin widened. “I’ll take Jayda down with me.”
“What? Have you never seen adult princess pajamas?”
“I have a matching pair.” Jayda pulled out of his arms and twirled for him to see. “Maybe we can get you some prince pajamas, Daddy.”
“I’d wear them for you, Baby Girl.” He chuckled.
“I know, Daddy.”
He headed downstairs with Larae’s heart in his arms. She blew out a big breath and dug through her closet.
Twenty minutes later, dressed and wearing light makeup, she entered the kitchen.
Jayda was already eating her pancakes with Stella sitting across from her.
What would Stella think? Larae’s face heated. With Rance’s wrinkled clothes, it was obvious he’d been here all night.
“Morning, Stella.”
“Morning. I can’t remember the last time anyone cooked me breakfast. I’m liking this man of yours.”
“He’s not my man.” Her cheeks scalded. “He slept in the guest room. Only because Jayda had a nightmare.”
“Relax. Rance already explained. But I assumed you two were working on getting back together?”
“I wish.” Jayda’s voice turned wistful.
“Well, we’re not. Daddy is only here for you, Jayda.”
“Right.” Rance shot Jayda a wink.
“Are you finished eating, Pumpkin?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Why don’t you get dressed?”
Jayda slipped out of her chair. “Are we still working on the concession stand today?”
“We are. Maybe we can take care of the concession stuff quickly and go fishing or do something else fun.” Larae gave her a hug.
“I’ll run home and take a shower, then be back to help.” Rance ushered Jayda toward the stairs. “Larae, there’s a pan staying warm for you in the oven.”
Stella hopped up and used a hot pad to get the dish, then set it on the table in front of Larae.
Eggs, bacon and pancakes. Still warm. “I could have gotten it. Finish your breakfast.”
“He’s a good guy, you know.” Stella forked a bite of pancake.
“He has his moments.”
“You could have told me you were pregnant when you left. I wish you had.”
“I was embarrassed. And I didn’t want Rance to know.”
“Why?”
“He—” She chose her words carefully. “He’d proven I couldn’t depend on him, so I thought it would be better to just leave with no one the wiser.”
“I can’t believe Lexie never told me. In all these years. Or your father, for that matter.”
“I swore them both to secrecy.”
“Well, whatever happened between you and Rance back then, you were both kids. You’re adults now. You’re both responsible, and y’all love that little girl. I hope you’ll do what’s best for her. I think y’all would make a beautiful family.”
“Stella.” Larae set down her glass. “I won’t marry him just to make Jayda happy. There’s so much baggage. He probably resents me for not telling him. I still don’t know if I can trust him for the long haul. And his stupid bull got out and tried to pulverize us yesterday. Jayda’s traumatized and couldn’t sleep alone.”
“Bulls get out, Larae. Your bulls have gotten out. This is Texas. It happens. That doesn’t make Rance irresponsible.” Stella pointed a fork at her. “Now, you know I try to stay out of your business. But he slept in the guest room to make Jayda feel secure. That’s a good daddy. And a good daddy makes a good husband. So in my book, that makes him a keeper.”
“I forgot my keys.” Rance stepped in the kitchen.
And heat promptly crept over Larae’s face. Had he heard anything?
“What?” He splayed his hands.
Maybe not. Or he could be playing innocent.
“Just girl talk.” Stella set her plate in the sink. “You weren’t eavesdropping now, were you?”
“I wasn’t dropping no eaves,” he paraphrased from Lord of the Rings as he nabbed his keys from the counter. “I actually walked all the way home before I realized I’d left my keys here.”
Maybe he hadn’t heard anything.
“Let’s try this again,” he said, and walked out.
Stella gave Larae a shrug as Jayda skipped back into the room.
“I’m ready, Mommy.”
“Then let’s get to it.”
Outside, the crew was installing the bleachers, while Jayda helped Larae organize the concession stand. The stand had come equipped with a small cold buffet for lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions lining the space beside the grill on the back wall, with a refrigerator and storage for buns, condiments and nachos to the side.
Hill Country Redemption Page 11