by Cindy Kirk
“That was how it was initially planned, but we all thought a buffet would be better.” Mary Karen paused to disentangle several long blond strands of hair from her daughter’s chubby fingers. “Look at the selection. Everyone should be able to find something they like.”
Mary Karen widened her smile to include Cole and explained that after choosing from a wide array of gourmet foods, the adults could take their plates to any number of tables scattered throughout the main level of the house. A “children’s table” had been stationed in the kitchen. Lexi and Nick had hired a couple of high school girls to supervise the children, leaving the parents free to mingle.
Her sister-in-law then turned her attention to Charlie. Meg hadn’t been sure how the boy would react to leaving her side. Once again he surprised her. When Mary Karen asked if he’d like to sit at a table with her three boys and have some “creamy cola spider,” Charlie immediately put his hand in hers and waved a cheery goodbye to Meg and Cole.
“Makes me feel important.” Cole chuckled and rested a hand against the small of Meg’s back.
“It only gets worse,” Meg said in a light tone, doing her best to ignore the heat radiating from his touch. The fact that the tantalizing scent of his spicy cologne surrounded her only made it that much more difficult to focus.
“Wait until he’s a teenager,” she finally managed to stammer. “I guarantee there will be times when he won’t even want to be seen with you because he’s afraid you’ll do or say something to embarrass him.”
“Sounds like you speak from experience.” Cole slanted a sideways glance. “But you’re not that much older than your youngest sibling. I can’t imagine any of them not wanting to show off their beautiful older sister.”
Meg met his gaze, knowing he had to be teasing. After all, he had to remember how gawky and awkward she’d been back then. The look of admiration in his eyes took her by surprise.
“Trust me,” she said when she finally found her voice. “To a sixteen-year-old brother, a twenty-two-year-old sister is ancient. Zac was absolutely mortified each time I was called to his school because of something he’d done.”
“Zac?” Cole cocked his head. “He’s the youngest.”
“That’s right,” Meg said, surprised he remembered. It wasn’t like he’d ever been over to the house or formally introduced to her family. The realization gave her a momentary twinge. “Zac and Ian are actually twins. Although they’re identical in looks, on the inside they’re as different as night and day.”
Cole took two Candy Cane Swirl martinis from a passing waiter and handed one to Meg. “How so?”
“Ian always knew he wanted to be a mechanical engineer and he made that happen.” Meg took a sip of the drink and realized the tension that had once existed between her and Cole had disappeared. They were having a very nice conversation and she was enjoying it. “He never gave Travis or me a moment’s worry. Zac, on the other hand, well, let’s just say trouble could have been that boy’s middle name.”
“Yet—” Cole cupped her elbow in a possessive gesture as they strolled around the room “—I sense a particular fondness for this bad-boy brother of yours.”
Cole, Margaret realized, was very perceptive.
“I think all my siblings would agree there’s something special about him.” Meg took another sip of her martini, savoring the delicious blend of peppermint schnapps and vodka. “He’s creative and talented. And despite his sometimes cocky exterior, Zac has a good heart.”
“Where does he live?”
“Actually, that’s a rather interesting sto—”
“I was hoping I’d run into the two of you tonight,” Ryan interrupted, a pretty dark-haired woman at his side. “I have someone I’d like you to meet.”
For the party, Meg had chosen a nubby wool skirt with a green cashmere sweater. With snow on the ground and more predicted over the course of the evening, she’d forgone pumps for heeled boots. When she’d glanced in the mirror before leaving home she thought she looked stylish, even pretty. Cole’s eyes had widened when he’d seen her. A low wolf whistle had even escaped his lips.
Yet, standing next to this slender beauty in her jersey dress the color of silver haze and stilettos that showed off long, shapely legs, Meg realized how Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters must have felt.
She listened as Ryan introduced his companion as Dr. Kate McNeal, a local pediatrician. Kate’s hair hung to her shoulders in a sleek bob, jet-black and silky. Long dark lashes framed hazel eyes. Tall and lean, she had a fashion sense that made her look more like a model than a children’s doctor.
The woman seemed pleasant enough, although her hand appeared to linger a heartbeat too long when she shook Cole’s hand.
“I was sorry to hear about Joy and Ty,” Kate said. “They were nice people and such good parents. How is Charlie coping?”
Something clicked in Meg’s head. “You’re Charlie’s pediatrician. I remember Joy mentioning your name.”
“Guilty as charged,” Kate said with an easy smile. “I’d love to continue seeing him. Unless you have someone else in mind?”
Meg opened her mouth to say that she and Cole hadn’t gotten around to discussing the matter yet, but Cole spoke first.
“I think it’ll be best to keep things as consistent as possible for him,” he said. “You’ll definitely be seeing him again.”
A flicker of irritation swept up Meg’s spine. Not that she disagreed with Cole or thought that they should change doctors. That wasn’t the point. This was a decision they should have made together. Yet once again he’d made a unilateral decision, leaving her out of the equation.
“How long have you been practicing in Jackson Hole?” Meg kept her tone even and forced a smile, determined not to let her irritation show. After all, none of this was Dr. McNeal’s fault. But once she and Cole were alone, they’d discuss again what coparenting meant.
“I’ve been here about a year and a half.” A tiny smile hovered at the corner of Kate’s lips. “Your brother was one of my first friends when I moved here.”
Meg wondered what her sister-in-law thought of Travis’s “friend.” She couldn’t wait to ask Mary Karen.
“Ryan was so sweet to ask me to come with him today. He—” Kate paused. Her gaze narrowed on someone or something behind Meg.
“Looks like Joel Dennes and his daughter, Chloe, have arrived,” Ryan said. “Weren’t you asking me if he’d be here, Kate? Well, there he is.”
Meg and Cole turned as one. A dark-haired man stood chatting with Lexi and Nick. A gangly girl, who looked to be around eight or nine years old, stood at his side, shifting from one foot to the other.
The man was tall, well over six feet, with a muscular body, unruly chestnut hair and rugged features. Like most of the guys at the party, he was dressed in casual pants, a dress shirt and blazer.
His daughter wore a red velvet dress and black patent-leather shoes. Even at this young age, she showed promise of great beauty. Her hair was darker than her father’s and straight, the shiny strands hanging past her shoulders. From what Meg could see, her features were delicate, her frame willowy.
“I don’t think I’ve met them yet,” Meg said.
A thoughtful look crossed Cole’s face. “I don’t remember him from school.”
“Joel didn’t grow up around here,” Ryan informed them. “He expanded his business and relocated here a couple of years ago.”
“If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to pop over and say hello.” Kate’s eyes glittered and there was a slight quiver to her voice.
Meg exchanged a look with Cole.
“I’ll go with you,” Ryan said, placing his drink on a nearby side table.
“Nonono.” Kate lifted a hand and shook her head. “Stay and talk with your friends. I won’t be long.”
Giving Meg and Cole a distracted smile, she hurried off, tossing an “it was nice to meet you both” over her shoulder.
For a second an awkward silence descended over
the threesome left behind.
“She’s a beautiful woman,” Cole said finally.
Meg felt a twinge of jealousy. Yes, she simply must remember to ask her sister-in-law about Kate McNeal.
“Kate is smart, pretty and a lot of fun,” Ryan murmured, picking up the cocktail glass he’d just discarded and finishing off the drink. “She’s the whole package.”
“Have you been dating long?” Meg asked, not sure if she should ask the questions hovering on the tip of her tongue or change the subject. Curiosity won out.
“A couple months off and on,” Ryan said, his eyes hooded. “Not exclusively. Kate doesn’t seem interested in commitment.”
When they moved off to the side to get out of the walkway, it conveniently gave them a better view of Kate and the father and daughter she’d hurried off to greet. The pretty doctor’s face was animated and flushed, while the man’s held only polite interest.
“Joel Dennes.” Meg rolled the name around on her tongue. “The name is familiar. Isn’t he the contractor who built my brother’s new home?”
“That’s him.” Ryan took another drink from a passing waiter. “He also built this one.”
“Sounds like he’s doing well for himself,” Meg said.
“He’s doing pretty well for himself tonight, that’s for sure.” Cole gestured with his head toward Kate and her new BFFs. The pretty doctor’s hand now rested on Joel’s forearm. “Better watch out, Ry, or your date may end up going home with another man.”
While they watched, Kate slipped her arm through Joel’s and practically dragged him with her to the buffet table. Chloe disappeared into the kitchen with Lexi.
“I think his daughter may be one of Kate’s patients.” Ryan’s eyes never left his “date.” “She’s probably trying to make sure the girl and her dad feel comfortable. I don’t think they know many people here.”
“Whatever you say.” Cole’s expression turned serious. “Just keep your eyes wide open, my friend. Trust me. There’s nothing worse than finding out you’ve been played for the fool because you ignored the signs that were there all along.”
Something in Cole’s tone told Meg that he’d been down that path himself. She wondered when he’d gotten hurt. Had it been in college? Or perhaps once he started his own business?
“Kate and I are just friends,” Ryan snapped. “She can see whoever she wants.”
“I didn’t mean—” Cole began.
“Drop it, Lassiter,” Ryan said through gritted teeth.
“I don’t know about you two, but I’m hungry. Why don’t we check out the food?” Meg tried to keep her tone matter-of-fact. “We can snag one of the round tables and save a place for Kate. And for Joel, too, if he’d like to join us.”
Ryan paused for a moment then shrugged. “Okay by me.”
When he turned and headed for the buffet table, Meg exchanged a worried glance with Cole.
He simply smiled and gestured for her to follow Ryan to the buffet table. Along the way Cole and Meg paused to speak with David Wahl and his wife, July.
David had been Travis’s best friend since they’d been little boys and Meg regarded him as a brother.
“Charlie was telling some interesting stories in the kitchen.” David’s eyes held an impish gleam.
His wife elbowed him in the side.
“Ah, July.” David leaned over and kissed the top of his wife’s striking red hair. “It’s not as if Trav won’t give her a hard time. At least this way Margaret will be prepared.”
Meg kept a smile on her lips even as her heart sank to the tip of her boots. If David thought Travis would be upset, this must be big. “What did Charlie say?”
“Nothing important.” July’s hand fluttered in a dismissive wave. “Something about you and Cole kissing just like his mom and dad used to kiss.”
Though she didn’t glance in his direction, Meg could feel Cole’s eyes on her.
“Who was all in the kitchen when he made this declaration?” she asked, grateful her voice came out casual and offhand.
Though Meg wasn’t ashamed of kissing Cole, she really hadn’t wanted others knowing they were anything more than friends until she knew where she really stood with him.
“Just my troublemaking hubby and me.” July shot David a wink. “And Travis and Mary Karen, of course.”
Of course.
Meg stifled a sigh. Charlie might as well have put it up on a billboard. Then, she stopped herself. It was a kiss, for God’s sake. Who cared? Besides, Travis better think twice about razzing her about something so mundane. After all, when he’d been single, it wasn’t as if he’d spent his spare time in church praying.
“Of course, that wasn’t the interesting part.” David picked up two dinner plates, handing one to his wife. He shook his head and chuckled. “You should have seen your brother’s face when Charlie mentioned Cole was lying on top of you at the time…keeping you warm.”
“He said what?” Meg’s voice rose then broke.
A sympathetic look crossed July’s face. “I’m not looking forward to the day when our Adam turns into a little tell-all machine.”
For a second Meg was struck dumb. She could hardly deny she’d kissed Cole. Or that he’d been on top of her. But nothing more had happened. At least not that time. Besides, they were both consenting adults.
She shifted her gaze to Cole and found him staring. Though he didn’t appear particularly disturbed by Charlie making their little escapade on the bed public, there was a strange watchful look in his eyes.
Thankfully she was spared the need to answer when Lexi appeared. Once again Meg was struck by how stunning their hostess looked in her black dress and pearls.
“Lexi,” Meg said immediately, seizing the opportunity to change the subject. “This is a lovely party.”
“Yes, it is,” Cole echoed. “Thanks for the invitation.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.” Lexi brushed back a strand of hair, her large diamond ring glittering in the candlelight. “Unfortunately, I’m afraid your evening with us is about to be cut short.”
“You’re kicking us out?” Meg said with a laugh.
“I wish you could stay.” Lexi sighed. “You barely arrived and I was hoping for a chance to get better acquainted with both of you.”
For the first time Meg noticed the lines of worry edging the social worker’s eyes.
“Is there a problem?” Cole stepped closer to Meg’s side.
“I’m afraid your boy, Charlie, is a bit under the weather.” Lexi spoke quickly as if wanting to make sure she relayed all the facts before they began asking questions. “Travis thought he looked flushed, so we checked his temp. He’s running a fever and his throat is bright red. Now he’s saying his tummy hurts.”
“Oh, my goodness.” Panic rose up inside Meg, but she pushed it down, telling herself there was no need to worry. After all, he’d been fine an hour ago. “He was laughing and joking around all afternoon. No complaints at all.”
Meg turned to Cole, seeking confirmation.
He nodded then focused on Lexi. “I hope you know we’d never have brought him tonight if we’d known he was sick.”
“No worries.” Lexi’s understanding smile widened to include Meg. “Almost everyone here has kids. We know how quickly illnesses pop up.”
Apparently having overheard the discussion, David returned to join the group, a partially filled salad plate in one hand. “There’s a nasty virus going around. Fever, headache, sore throat and gastrointestinal issues. It’s been hanging on a good seventy-two hours. Very contagious.”
“Does he need medical attention?” Cole asked.
“Well, it sounds as if Uncle Travis has already checked him out.” David’s lips tipped up in a wry smile. “But then again he is only an obstetrician.”
Meg couldn’t even manage a smile at the joke.
“Where is Charlie now?” Cole’s tone might give nothing away, but Meg knew he was as worried as she.
“Rache
l took him upstairs to rest in the spare bedroom while I came to get you.” Lexi smiled reassuringly. “She’s a nurse so he’s in good hands.”
Meg shifted her gaze to Cole. “How about I run upstairs and get him and we’ll meet you in the foyer?”
By the look in his eyes and his hesitation, Meg knew he wanted desperately to head upstairs to check on Charlie himself. But while Cole was able to negotiate stairs, it was still a slow process. They both knew she could reach the boy in half the time. Which meant they could be on the road more quickly and Charlie could be home in his own bed that much sooner.
He thought for a second then nodded. “I’ll get the coats and meet you at the front door.”
Meg turned toward Lexi.
“Could you please take me to my—” she paused “—to Charlie?”
Meg had almost said “to my son.” Though it had been only several weeks that she’d been fulfilling the mother role, she realized that’s how she thought of Charlie now.
Her boy.
Her son.
Like countless mothers before her, she would willingly go to the ends of the earth to protect him.
From anything.
Or anyone.
Chapter Thirteen
Cole had just taken a sip of apple cider when he heard Meg’s footsteps on the stairs.
He twisted his body and glanced over the top of the sofa. “How is he?”
“Asleep,” she said with a weary smile, her arms filled with laundry. “Let me put his clothes in the washer and then I’ll join you.”
Cole had sat in the back of the SUV on the way home, talking to his son and trying to distract him. Thankfully Lexi and Nick’s home was just down the road, so the trip went quickly.
With Kate’s approval, Rachel had given Charlie some acetaminophen for his headache and fever before they’d left.
Cole had thought Charlie was feeling better until the boy stepped into the kitchen and upchucked everything he’d eaten all over himself, the countertop and the floor.
When Charlie began crying and apologizing, all at the same time, Cole’s heart had overflowed with love. Even as he’d reassured his son “no harm, no foul,” he wished Charlie would quit worrying that he and Meg would leave him.