A Cowboy to Call Daddy

by Sasha Summers

  Eden challenged that. She made him think that maybe giving in to his heart wouldn’t be such a bad thing.

  But giving in, loving her, was too big a risk. When she’d said she couldn’t stay, he’d thought she’d meant in Stonewall Crossing. And it had hurt. It had been eye-opening. None of what was happening made sense. It wasn’t practical or rational. And, damn it, what sort of father would he be to her girls? He shook his head, rubbing his hands on the work rag before tossing it into the toolbox.

  The sky rumbled, drawing his gaze upward. The clouds flickered with lightning, thunder bouncing off the hills. Good damn thing, too; they needed rain. The tanks were getting low and the sun was getting hotter. A good soaking would bring welcome relief all around.

  A dust trail kicked up, headed straight for him. His father’s truck.

  He sighed, wiped his hands again and dropped the wrench into the toolbox.

  “Archer.” His father climbed down from the ranch truck. “I know you’re not wanting to be found, but Eden was looking for you.”

  Archer took a deep breath, fighting the instinct to drop everything and go to her.

  “Figured you’d want to know. Since you won’t answer your damn phone.”

  “What’s wrong?” he asked, his gut tightening.

  Teddy shrugged. “Can’t say for sure, but she’s pretty upset. She went to the refuge, fired up to finish that paperwork.”

  Finish that paperwork. A coldness seeped across his skin. She couldn’t leave. He might have been an ass last night, panicking about what he could offer her and the girls. He needed to sort through that, talk to her. But she couldn’t leave. “She’s at the refuge?” Archer asked, eyeing the clouds overhead.

  “Told Clara she’d be late and headed out,” his father said, peering under the hood. “Giving you trouble?”

  Archer nodded. If Eden was upset, then there was a reason. “Dad—”

  “Take the truck. I’ll ride River back.” He offered the keys without looking his way. “Might see if I can get this started before the storm hits, though.”

  “Thanks. Don’t wait too long.” Archer headed to the truck, smiling at the sight of his father fiddling under the hood. He put the truck in Reverse, cut across the field and headed toward the refuge.

  The closer he got, the more clear things became. It wasn’t about needing her help with funding anymore. If he had to dust off his suit and start schmoozing other foundations, he would. He’d figure things out; he always did. Losing Monroe was a shame, but nothing life-altering. But Eden. Well, now that he’d found her, he couldn’t comprehend losing her.

  By the time he was parking, the rain had started. A quick look told him Deacon and the men had things under control, so he headed inside and shook the rain from his hat before hanging it on the hat rack on the wall.

  The lights flickered, followed by the sound of Eden’s muttered, “Shit,” at the end of the hall.

  He smiled, heading that way.

  She was feeding things into the scanner, tidy stacks of clipped receipts and invoices arranged on her table. But the power surge must have shorted the scanner because she was tapping it with barely suppressed anger. “Work,” she snapped. “Come on.”

  Her hair fell around her shoulders; her white T-shirt and fitted black pants reminded him of just how heavenly her body felt. Soft and warm and sweet. She’d be one hell of a distraction if Toben saw her now. She turned the machine on and off, then bent to check the plug. Archer adjusted his pants, his jeans increasingly uncomfortable.

  He cleared his throat. “Might need to check the breaker.”

  She jumped up, knocking her head on the shelf mounted to the wall.

  “Eden.” He crossed the room, taking her hand and edging her under the light. He tilted her head, lifting the hair at her temple. “Bumped it good.” His hand strayed to her cheek, distracted by her silky skin against his palm. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “I’m fine,” she murmured, leaning away from his touch. He saw the hurt in her eyes, before she turned away.

  “This can wait,” he said.

  The lights flickered again.

  “No, Archer, it can’t.” She stared at him, her expression shuttered—cold. She shook her head, flipping the power button on the scanner. She tapped the machine again, then flopped into her chair and rubbed her head. “That really hurt.”

  “You should ice it,” he said.

  “I’m fine,” she argued, rubbing her temple.

  “If it hurts—”

  She held up her hand, her attention shifting to the items covering her desk. “Everything’s done. I just need to scan it and upload it all. There’s no arguing you’ve been fiscally responsible. I’ve collected character statements from people at the state Agriculture Department, the Healing Horseshoe Therapy Ranch, the vet hospital... Anyone you’ve worked with the last year.” She glanced at him. “You’re not asking for too much, Archer...”

  “Eden, breathe,” he said, stepping closer, but she shook her head. She pressed her hand to her temple again, wincing, and he headed for the freezer. He returned, carrying an ice pack. She glared at him, but he didn’t budge. She took it, wincing when she pressed the cold to her temple.

  “Careful,” he said, hating to see her in pain.

  She looked at him, her chin wobbling. “I’m so sorry.”

  “You’ve nothing to be sorry for,” he said, wanting to touch her, to hold her. She’d already shrugged out of his hold once, she didn’t want his touch or his comfort.

  “I do. I’ve put an even bigger target on the refuge. My...rebelliousness will hurt you.” She shook her head, her gaze meeting his. “I messed things up and I’m sorry.”

  All he could do was stare at her. And the longer he stared, the more confused he became. How had she put a target on his back? What had she messed up? The paperwork? Right now, he didn’t give a shit about the paperwork.

  She stood, wiggling the cord on the back of the scanner. “If this would just work—”

  His hand closed over hers. “Eden.”

  She froze.

  “I don’t know what’s got you riled up, but I know it’s going to be okay. The refuge will survive without the Monroe funding, don’t you worry. We’ll figure it out.” He placed her hand on his chest. “You...” He shook his head. “You’re what matters to me. You’re brave—fearless, even. And you make me feel... Feel.”

  She blinked.

  “I started this week worrying about money and the refuge, the horses, life. And now all I can think about is keeping you here.” He swallowed. “Even though I know there’s no way in hell it makes any sense.” He blew out a deep breath.

  Her hand tightened on his shirt, gripping the fabric. “It doesn’t. We’re...”

  “Complicated,” he said, nodding.

  “I n-need to tell you something that will make everything even more complicated.” Her voice wavered as her hand slid from his chest. “And you don’t do complicated.”

  “I think I’d do just about anything for you, Eden.” His voice was rough, revealing how hard this was. It would be easier if he could tell her, if he could manage to say the words. Instead he kissed her, softly. His hands were gentle, cradling her against him, asking for permission.

  “Archer?” Renata’s voice rang out. “Archer?” And she was upset.

  “In here,” he called back, heading down the hall.

  “Archer, where’s Dad?” Her eyes were huge, brimming with tears. “River just tore into the yard, but the saddle’s empty.”

  He fought back the panic, the crushing fear that gripped him. “He was in the north field. I’ll go.”

  He ran into the rain, ignoring the blinding flash of lightning as he climbed into the truck and slid out of the yard.

  Chapter Twelve

  Eden paced the floor, bounci
ng Lily. It was after ten and she hadn’t heard a thing. She’d sent Clara to the hospital, knowing that’s where she needed to be.

  Lily hiccuped, still sniffling.

  “She’s having a hard time,” Clark said.

  Eden nodded. Her tension wasn’t helping Lily’s fragile state, she knew that. But Archer’s face, the fear in his eyes, had haunted her mind since he’d left the refuge.

  “Ivy didn’t do this.” He paused, looking at her. “She didn’t, right? I mean, I don’t remember this.”

  Eden shook her head. “No, Ivy didn’t cry much.”

  “Didn’t think so.” He seemed relieved. “What can I do?” he asked.

  She shook her head.

  “Do you need to go to the hospital?”

  “I don’t know,” she whispered. “I don’t want to intrude.”

  “But you want to be there?” he asked.

  She nodded.

  “You like this Archer guy, don’t you?” he asked. “His family?”

  She patted Lily, avoiding eye contact with her ex-husband. They’d always been friends. He was a nice guy, charming and easygoing—on the surface. But Clark was also an opportunist. His top priority was taking care of himself, even at others’ expense. If he learned something interesting, he’d file it away until it could be useful. That, and his cheating, had made it impossible to sustain a trusting relationship. And yes, he’d heard her earlier conversation with Clara—as veiled as it was—but she didn’t feel like baring her soul to him. Especially when she had yet to tell Archer just how much she loved him. Or who she really was.

  She ached for him. And now, hurt for him.

  “I can take care of the girls,” he offered.

  She shot him a look.

  “Okay, take Lily. I can handle Ivy.”

  She shook her head, smiling. “She’s asleep.”

  “Yeah, I got this.” He grinned.

  She hesitated. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m her dad, Eden. I might not be the best dad, or anywhere in the top hundred, but I do love her.” He rubbed his hand over Lily’s head. “Both of them.”

  She nodded. “Okay. I’ll take my phone.”

  “I’ll crash on your bed?” he asked. “Since Ivy’s already sleeping—I’d hate to disturb her.”

  She nodded, packing supplies into Lily’s diaper bag before buckling her into her seat. She fussed, but there wasn’t much Eden could do. She loaded Lily’s seat in the car and drove carefully, the storm still raging.

  She wasn’t family, and she didn’t want to intrude, but she needed to make sure Archer was okay. That Clara was okay.

  And Teddy.

  It had taken thirty minutes to find him. Toben had stopped by long enough to let her know Teddy had been found and a neighbor was using his helicopter to take him to the hospital. They assumed River had gotten spooked by the storm and thrown Teddy. He’d been found, unconscious, in a field. And until the patriarch was talking, it was the only thing they’d come up with.

  She drove through the rain, using her GPS to guide the way. After she’d parked, she held Lily close and ran through the downpour.

  She stood inside the lobby, adjusting Lily under the blanket she’d covered her with, and glanced around. It was a small hospital. But then, Stonewall Crossing was a small town. She approached the desk but hesitated, knowing she wasn’t family and she’d probably get turned away.

  “Eden?” It was Toben, carrying a tray of coffee cups. Deacon followed, equally coffee-cup-laden.

  “Hi,” she said. “I...I wanted to see if I could do anything.”

  “About time you got here,” Deacon grumbled. “Follow me.”

  She frowned at Deacon but followed him through two swinging doors and down a blindingly white hallway to the waiting room packed wall-to-wall. Faces, some familiar, others not, regarded her with mild curiosity or disinterest. They didn’t care who she was; they all wanted to know one thing: Was Teddy okay? The level of love and concern in that small room was palpable.

  “He’s in the hall,” Deacon said.

  Eden headed in the direction Deacon pointed, turning the corner to find him. Archer. He leaned against the wall, hands shoved in his pockets, head back and eyes closed. Totally still, shutting out the world—wanting to be alone.

  Lily hiccuped. Again. And again.

  Archer’s eyes opened, a small smile forming on his lips as he looked her way. He straightened, pulling his hands from his pockets and flexing them. It was the look on his face—defeat, fear and sadness—that made her go to him.

  She didn’t hesitate, but slid her free arm around his waist and pressed against him—as much as possible with Lily between them. His arms wrapped about her, supporting Lily’s weight while keeping her close. His sigh was deep and slow, but his hand gripped the back of her shirt, pulling her closer.

  “What can I do?” she murmured against his chest. “Do you know anything?”

  “He was unconscious when I found him. Don’t know if he was thrown or fell...” His words were muffled against the top of her head. “Good damn thing it had been raining. Mud made his landing a little softer.”

  Lily peeked up from under her blanket then, shooting Archer a sleepy grin. Her little fingers reached up to stroke his chin.

  Eden looked up to see him smile at Lily with love. He shifted, cradling Lily across his chest and tucking her blanket around her. “Bedtime, little bug,” he said, using Eden’s pet name. “Sleep now.” His voice was low and soft.

  Lily burrowed in, yawned, smiled another sleepy smile at Archer and shut her eyes.

  Eden’s heart was so full of love. And being near him only reminded her of how important he was to her.

  “Your shirt is wet,” he murmured, sliding his fingers through her hair. “And your hair.”

  “It’s raining,” she said, unable to look away from the blueness of his gaze.

  He frowned.

  “I wanted to be here.” She paused, searching his gaze. “I needed to.”

  He leaned forward until his forehead rested against hers. “Needed.”

  She nodded.

  He nodded, too.

  “You don’t want to sit? Some coffee? Something?” she asked. “She gets heavy after a while.”

  Archer glanced at Lily, smiling. “She’s fine.”

  “Archer.” Toben waved him forward. “The doctor.”

  Eden followed. Archer reached back a hand for her, and Eden held tight. All she could do was hope and pray Teddy would be all right. He was fit and strong and, according to Archer, stubborn...all things working in his favor.

  “Everyone here now?” the doctor asked. At Archer’s nod, he continued, “I’m Dr. McBride. I think most of you know me. And I know your father, so let’s cut to the chase. He took a hard fall, knocked his head. We’ve already run a preliminary CT to check for any subdural bleeds. So far, he looks good. A concussion, to be sure, but we’ll know more shortly. He’s started to come around, and he’s disoriented and crotchety.”

  That made the waiting room relax; a few people laughed.

  “That’s a good sign,” Fisher, the Boone brother she’d met, said.

  Dr. McBride nodded. “It is indeed. I plan on making him a whole lot more crotchety through the night. We’ll do another CT in about twelve hours. Make sure it’s clear.”

  “What are you looking for?” a young woman asked, someone Eden didn’t know.

  “Any injury to the brain, swelling, that sort of thing.” He held his hands up. “Let’s not worry about that unless we have to.”

  “When can he go home?” Renata asked.

  Dr. McBride shook his head. “Not for at least twenty-four hours, Renata. With that hard a knock to the head, I’d feel better having him closely monitored for a solid two days. Just to be sure.”

  Eden sq
ueezed his hand.

  “Nothing else?” Archer asked.

  “So far, no.” Dr. McBride shook his head. “That’s all I can tell you right now, Archer. You all let him know you love him, remind him he’s here for a reason—and he needs to listen to his doctor, won’t you?”

  Renata nodded, patting the man on the shoulder. “Thank you.”

  Lily wriggled, prompting Archer to bounce her without thought. “Can we see him?” he asked.

  “For a minute,” Dr. McBride said. “I mean a minute, too. Just the kids, or it’ll take an hour to get everyone out of here.”

  Archer nodded.

  She hurt for him, knowing how badly he wanted to see his father. And how hard it was for him to keep up the cool, distant facade everyone seemed to expect from him.

  “Here.” She moved in close, shifting Lily into her arms. “Give him a kiss from me,” she said.

  He nodded, smiling down at her. “Can do.”

  She stepped back, patting Lily to keep her sleeping. But Archer stayed at her side, waiting for his siblings to join him.

  “We haven’t met. I’m Hunter. The oldest,” he said, smiling. “The giant one is Fisher. You know Archer and Renata. And this is Ryder, the baby. You must be Eden.”

  She nodded. “I’m sorry we’re meeting under such circumstances.”

  “Dad’s tough,” Ryder stated. “He’s probably looking for some sympathy from his new girlfriend.”

  The siblings smiled.

  “Where is Clara?” she asked.

  “Dad woke up and wanted her,” Renata said, shrugging. “He gets what he wants.”

  Eden smiled.

  “Be back,” Archer said.

  “I’ll wait.” She kept patting Lily’s back, trying not to react to the head-to-toe inspection by each and every member of the Boone family.

  * * *

  “WHO KNEW YOU had it in you?” Ryder said, clapping Archer on the shoulder.

  Archer scowled at his little brother.

  “We’re happy for you,” Hunter exclaimed, smacking Ryder on the back of the head.

  Archer ignored their teasing and followed the nurse. For once, he didn’t mind the picking. They were all so relieved their father was okay. Because if there was one thing they all agreed on, it was how much they loved their father. He was their rock, their cornerstone, a constant in their daily lives.