Truth be told, he’d had a crush on Soledad since forever. He’d often frequented her bakery hoping to catch a glimpse of the beautiful woman as she worked in the back. He was still kicking himself for not taking advantage of the opportunity to speak with her at her sister’s engagement party. His brother Troy had teased him about his bachelor lifestyle, encouraging him to go for it, but Palmer had hesitated, fearful of embarrassing himself. Then, just like that, she’d been gone.
Suddenly, with the nearness of her, he found his emotions on overload. Focusing on Soledad’s protection enabled him to ignore any other feelings that were trying to surface. Instead of considering what all that sentiment might mean, he focused on keeping her out of harm’s way. It was the very least he could do for them both, he thought. If only he could stop himself from wanting to pull her close and kiss her mouth, curious to know how she tasted.
Shaking himself from the reverie he’d fallen into, he reached for the doorknob and stepped inside the home. A bright smile suddenly pulled full and abundant across his face as he took in the view.
Soledad was leading a dance party, twirling the infant around in her arms. She was singing at the top of her lungs, a bad karaoke version of an old Carrie Underwood song sounding through the air. Jack was hopping up and down beside them, an occasional yip thrown in for good measure. The sight of them together seemed to fill his home with joy that he’d only seen on Thanksgiving and Christmas when his sisters had made him host the holiday meal. It was the first time Soledad had looked relaxed since he’d found her hiding in his barn.
She suddenly came to an abrupt stop, spying him standing there watching. She grinned, the wealth of the joy filling her face. Lyra was still laughing excitedly, and this playful Jack was doing more than Palmer had seen Jack do in a very long time.
“Hi,” Soledad said, panting ever so slightly. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Not long. Don’t let me interrupt. You three look like you’re having a grand old time.”
“Jack is an excellent dance partner. Isn’t he, Lyra?” Soledad nuzzled the baby’s cheek.
Lyra yawned in response. Soledad laughed. “That was a yes. He’s just worn her out.”
“That’s Jack.”
“Come join us!”
Palmer eyed her with a raised brow. “I think I’ll pass. I need to run into town to the store. I figured I’d pick up some things for you and the baby. Since we’re not sure how long you’re going to be here.”
“I appreciate that. In fact, I already made you a list.” She gestured toward the counter.
Palmer laughed. “That was slightly presumptuous of you, don’t you think?”
Soledad shrugged. “Slightly, but it was either that or Lyra and I would soon be wearing your underwear.”
“Makes perfect sense to me,” Palmer said with a nod and the faintest of smiles.
He moved to the counter to review her list. It included those things he’d expected: diapers, formula, baby food. As he neared the end of the list, he raised his eyes to hers, a question mark in his stare. Confusion washed over him. “Flour, butter, sugar... What am I missing?”
“I have to bake a cake.”
His brows lifted. “A cake?”
Soledad nodded. “I’ve promised a client a cake, and I need to make good on that promise. My reputation and the reputation of my business is on the line. I’ve worked too hard to build my business to just throw that away.”
“There’s no one who works for you that can bake this cake?”
Soledad shook her head. “I have two young women apprenticing with me, but they’re not ready for something like this just yet. My other employees are front-end staff. They handle the cash register, bag up the goodies and keep the bakery clean. All of them together can keep things running for a week or so, maybe even two, but it’s iffy after that.”
“So, you don’t think it’s going to look strange that the missing woman in a murder and child abduction case suddenly turns up with a cake?”
“I just plan to bake the cake. You’re going to get it delivered.”
Palmer laughed. “Me?”
“Do you have a better plan?”
“Maybe you don’t bake a cake?”
“That’s not an option.”
Exasperation furrowed Palmer’s brow. “Let’s be realistic, Soledad. No one is expecting you to bake a cake after everything that’s happened.”
“No one is going to know I did it. And there’s nothing you can say or do that’s going to stop me. You’re going to make sure it gets there without anyone being able to track it back here to us. I’ll let you figure out the logistics of that.”
“What if I conveniently forget to buy that half of the list?”
Soledad tossed up a dismissive hand. “Fine. I’ll go myself. You stay and watch the baby. If I don’t come back, then I’m going to trust you to keep her safe.”
A wry smile pulled at Palmer’s mouth. His expression was smug. “You are not going to leave that baby. There isn’t anyone who knows you who’d believe that.”
“Fine,” Soledad said defiantly. “I’ll take her with me, then.”
Palmer rolled his eyes. “I’m missing something. You’re really willing to take that risk over some baked goods?”
“I’m willing to do whatever I need to do to keep a promise I made.”
“I don’t understand.” Palmer moved toward her, taking a seat at the counter. He folded his arms across his chest and stared intently. The baby had settled against her shoulder, beginning to doze off. Jack lay with his head against Soledad’s foot. Something about the trio made Palmer’s heart sing, and he felt a wealth of energy pitch through his midsection, the warmth spreading into his limbs.
“Who did you make a promise to?” he asked. His tone was softer, curiosity tinting his words.
“You’re familiar with Randall Bowe and what’s going on with the police department, right?”
Palmer nodded. “It’s all anyone’s talking about. People are even demonstrating downtown in front of the police station. He’s made a complete mockery of the judicial system. It’s going to take a lot for them to recover from the damage he’s caused. But what does all that have to do with this cake?”
“You may have heard about Rachel Montclair?”
His eyes skated back and forth briefly. “I know I’ve heard the name, but...” He shrugged his shoulders.
“Rachel went to school with me and Annie. She worked as a financial adviser for Grave Gulch Fidelity. Two years ago, she was charged with fraud, theft by false pretenses and embezzlement of funds. She was also charged with the attempted murder of the bank’s president. They said she poisoned him when he discovered what she had done. But anyone who knew Rachel knew she didn’t rob that bank or poison that man. But she didn’t have an alibi the night her boss got sick, nor could she explain her signature being on checks and documents that allowed someone to walk off with a million dollars in bank funds.
“She was convicted on evidence that Randall Bowe manipulated and planted. When they started investigating him, her case came back under review and she was completely exonerated. She’s being released from jail tomorrow and I promised to make the cake for her welcome home party. I know I can’t be there, but that cake is the least I can do to help celebrate her vindication.”
Palmer was still staring at her, noting the strand of blue-black hair that had fallen over her brow and the rise of color that suddenly tinted her cheeks. Her loyalty to her friend was endearing, every ounce of her spirit committed to doing right by those she cared for.
He stood, brushing his palms down his denim slacks. “I don’t grocery shop, so we’re going to let technology be our friend.” He pointed to the laptop that rested on a desk in the corner. “I have an account at Holiday Market. Sign in and order whatever you need. I’ll pick it up on my w
ay back. Does that work?”
Soledad nodded. “I can do that.”
“There may be a few items already in the cart. It’s how I keep up with things I need to remember to shop for. Just add them to whatever you need, please. I know I need cornflakes.”
“Cornflakes?”
Palmer shrugged. “I like cornflakes.”
Soledad smiled. “Me, too.”
“Anything else?”
“You don’t have a lot of cookware. I have a business account at the Kitchen Supply House. If I place an order for cake pans, will you pick those up for me, too?”
Palmer gave her a look and shook his head. “Whatever you need,” he said, the slightest smile pulling at his lips. “But it might take me a little longer. I’ll need to make sure no one is following me. Just in case Dr. Stone gets any brilliant ideas.”
“Thank you,” Soledad said, nuzzling the baby softly.
“I’ll set the house alarm when I leave. Lock yourself and the baby in the bedroom. Just in case. And keep that burner phone close. If there’s an emergency, the house alarm will alert me and the authorities. If you need anything, you call me. I’ll leave Jack here, too. He’ll make sure no one enters the house who’s not supposed to be here.”
Soledad eased to his side, her arms still cradled around Lyra. She leaned in as if to whisper something to him, and when he leaned forward, meeting her halfway, she pressed her lips to his cheek in a gentle kiss.
“Thank you,” she said again, her voice a loud whisper. “I don’t know how I’ll ever pay you back for your kindness.”
Startled, words caught deep in his chest, he felt his skin burning hot from her touch. “You don’t owe me anything,” he muttered.
“But I do,” Soledad responded. “You don’t know how much everything you’ve done means to me.”
Palmer smiled. “You shouldn’t have any problems while I’m gone. Just stay inside, please. Away from the windows. I won’t be gone long.” He pointed to the guest bedroom. “Lock the door,” he said as she turned, headed for the back of the house.
He stood watching as she adjusted Lyra against her shoulder and grabbed the laptop. She tossed him one last look as she walked away, the sweetest smile filling her face. Jack followed them and then lay outside the door after Soledad had shut and locked it. Palmer closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He reached for the side of his face and pressed his palm to his cheek, his fingers trembling ever so slightly.
Chapter 6
Soledad and her friend had been traveling on the service road before they’d run into Gavin. Although the route added a few extra miles to any trip, it was the one Palmer had chosen to take to town. He’d driven one last time around the perimeter of the property to double-check that the gates were all locked and secured, and then headed out on his errands.
Rounding the back ridge that bordered the main roadway, he slowed his truck as he approached a police roadblock. Two officers were standing in the middle of the road, checking licenses and asking questions of approaching drivers. Patrol cars were parked on the shoulder. A team of the city’s finest was surveying the crime scene, taking measurements and making notes. Soledad’s Camry was secure atop a flatbed truck. As Palmer pulled to a stop, he recognized both men in blue. The oldest of the duo called out his name. Loudly.
“Palmer Colton. Surprised to see you here.”
“It’s good to see you, too, Officer Linwood. What are you guys doing out here?”
Officer Jay Linwood leaned into Palmer’s window. A member of the Grave Gulch police force for as long as Palmer could remember, he was a rotund man with a balding mane and surly attitude. Rarely was he in a good mood when the two men encountered each other. Palmer was genuinely surprised by his buoyant attitude.
“Murder investigation,” the man answered. “Found a dead woman on the road out here. Looking for the husband and her baby now,” he said unemotionally.
Palmer nodded. Before he could respond, his name was being called a second time. He shook his head, instantly recognizing his sister’s voice. Grace was new to the Grave Gulch Police Department and determined to prove her merit.
“You know this rookie?” Linwood questioned sarcastically, eyeing the two of them.
“Since she was in diapers,” Palmer answered.
Grace Colton sent her eyes skyward as she came to stand beside the other officer. Linwood winked his eye at her, gave Palmer a nod and moved to the car that had pulled up behind him.
“Where are you headed, big brother?” Grace asked.
“I need to get some errands done. How’s it going?”
Grace shook her head. “This one’s bad and there’s a baby missing. But Melissa has put a gag order on all of us, pending notification to the family.”
“I understand.”
“Are you coming to dinner this weekend? Mom wants all of us there for Dad’s birthday.”
Palmer winced. “Is that this weekend?”
“You better show up, Palmer.”
“I’ll be there,” he said with a wry laugh. “How could I miss it? Mom calls to remind me every day.”
“Be nice,” Grace said. She tapped his forearm as she changed the subject. “You didn’t see or hear anything last night, by chance?”
“What would I have heard?” Palmer asked, the little white lie rolling off his tongue. “The house is a few miles from here and it was storming most of the night.”
“I told Melissa we should talk to you. The victim was practically shot at your back door.”
“You’d be wasting Melissa’s time, and mine.”
“You don’t know that. You might know something and not even realize it. Are you sure you haven’t seen any strangers out here?”
Palmer shook his head, dismissing her question. “I need to run,” he said. “I’ll see you this weekend.”
“Stay safe,” Grace said.
Palmer grinned. “Love you, too, little sister.” He shifted his truck into gear and pulled off down the road.
* * *
An hour later, Palmer stood in the children’s section of a department store, feeling like a deer caught in headlights. Mustering up the courage to come inside had taken longer than necessary, with him worrying about who he might run into and what he would tell them if they asked. He had thought the chore would be easy, but buying clothes for Lyra was proving to be a challenge he hadn’t anticipated. He had a fistful of baby onesies in his left hand and garments on hangers in his right. Everything was pink, pink and pink, and he couldn’t help but wonder at what age they started making girls’ clothes in some other color. He tossed the whole lot into the cart he pushed.
Minutes later, with the help of a sales associate named Berta, he’d added a crib, a change table, bottles, diapers and enough clothes to outfit half the babies in the state.
“Your baby is one lucky little girl!” Berta exclaimed. “You’re going to spoil her with all these gifts. I can just imagine what her mother will say.”
“I don’t...” Palmer started to object, ready to balk at the idea of being anyone’s father. But Berta didn’t give him a chance to get in a word, suggesting a half dozen other items to add to the stash in his shopping cart.
“Every little girl needs hair bows,” she declared, holding up an assortment of ribbons and headbands.
“Fine,” Palmer said, feeling his brow crease with anxiety. “I’ll take them. That’s fine.”
Berta clapped her hands excitedly as if she were earning a commission on the sale. Palmer gave her a smile and a wave, then made an about-face. He paused to check out a display of limited-edition teddy bears when he heard his name being called yet again. He winced, feeling like he’d been caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and turned to face his brother.
Troy Colton was grinning broadly as he walked in Palmer’s direction. “I thought that was you. Wha
t are you doing here?”
The two men shook hands and bumped shoulders in a one-armed embrace.
“Just picking up some things for a friend,” Palmer quipped, trying to quickly formulate a lie to explain himself.
Troy scanned his cart, amusement dancing across his face. “That must be some friend. Something you need to tell me, little brother?”
Palmer shrugged dismissively. “It’s just a few gifts for one of the farmhands. His wife just had a baby and I’m helping them out.”
“That’s very generous of you.”
“What are you doing here?” Palmer asked, slightly desperate to shift the attention off himself.
“I thought I’d pick up a little gift for Evangeline. To celebrate her new job goals.”
“New job? She won’t be working for the district attorney’s office anymore?”
Troy shook his head. “No. She’s decided to go into social work. She wants to help.”
“I wish her well. She’ll do a great job wherever she lands.”
“I think so, too. And I also thought she’d look superb in this,” he said, holding up a silk teddy he’d selected from the lingerie department.
Palmer chuckled. “So, exactly who are you buying a present for? Evangeline or you?”
“Trust me, I plan to enjoy it, too.”
“I just bet you will.” Palmer shook his head, his expression smug. He changed the subject. “You don’t have to work today?”
Troy took a deep inhalation of air, filling his lungs and holding it briefly. “It’s my lunch break. I needed some time to clear my head. There’s a lot going on.”
“I saw Grace on the way here. She said she’s working a murder investigation?”
“It’s more complicated than that. You haven’t heard, have you?”
Palmer’s gaze narrowed. “Heard what?”
There was a moment of hesitation as Troy tossed a look over his shoulder. “It’s about Soledad de la Vega.”
Rescued by the Colton Cowboy Page 7