Even catching his father mid-kiss didn’t rattle Archer. Hell, his father had a right to be kissing Clara. He should have someone to kiss every day, to smile with, talk to and laugh with.
“Oh.” Clara jumped up, blushing.
Their father was grinning ear to ear. “If I’d known this was the way to get kisses from a beautiful woman and all my kids in one place at the same time, I’d have nose-dived off a horse years ago.”
“Daddy.” Renata laughed, moving to the other side of the bed to drop a kiss on his cheek. “No more diving. We’ll be better about getting together.”
“I’ll take that as a promise.” He patted Renata’s hand.
Archer stood at the foot of the bed, trying not to get hung up on the IVs, the beeping heart monitor or thick white bandage wrapped around his father’s head. “You hurting?” he asked, sitting on the end of the bed. He patted his father’s foot, resting his hand there, the slight contact enough to ease Archer’s lingering worry.
“My back, a little,” he said. “My head.” He smiled. “Guess that goes without saying.”
“What happened?” Hunter asked.
“Don’t know. Can’t remember much.”
Archer sat, content to watch his father and siblings. The quick banter and gentle teasing. His father might be bruised and bandaged, but he looked happy. Patting Clara’s hand on his shoulder, laughing at Fisher’s story—Fisher always had stories—Ryder’s quick comebacks, and Renata and Hunter taking turns shushing them all and telling them to behave.
“I’m only going to say one thing.” His father drew in a deep breath. “We need to be better about making time for this family. All of us, so these babies know their roots and they’re loved. You hear me?”
They all mumbled agreement, a long awkward silence stretching out before Hunter asked, “You like Archer’s gal?”
“You missed it.” Ryder paused, holding up his hands. “Archer was holding a baby. A baby.”
Archer sighed, running a hand over his face.
“She’s a very cute baby,” Renata said.
“She is that,” Clara agreed, smiling at him. “So is her momma.”
Archer grinned.
“She here?” his father asked.
Archer nodded.
“She was worried about him.” Fisher nodded in Archer’s direction. “I’m sure she was worried about you, too, Dad.”
The others laughed.
“I’m fine with her worrying about him. He needs someone to worry over him.” His father smiled.
“Okay, that’s a wrap.” Dr. McBride came in. “It’s late. You need rest. And there’s far too many children up past their bedtime in my waiting room.”
“Come on now, Rupert,” their father argued. “You can’t tell a man his grandkids are here and not let him see them. Bad for a man’s heart.”
Rupert McBride shook his head. “You can see them tomorrow. If you behave tonight.”
His father frowned. “Now hold on—”
“Dad,” Archer interrupted. “Getting worked up isn’t going to change his mind.”
His father frowned at him, then Dr. McBride. “Fine.”
The five of them hugged and kissed their father before leaving the room.
“She’s not going anywhere,” Archer heard his father arguing with Dr. McBride.
He smiled, returning to the waiting room. Eden sat, rocking Lily, talking with his brother’s wives. It was a cozy picture, one that struck him as right. He wanted her to fit with his family, to find friendship and love here. And his brother’s wives were good women—as far as women went.
She saw him and smiled. “How is he?”
He nodded. “Good. Don’t think you’ll be getting Clara back tonight.”
She laughed.
“We have to come back tomorrow,” Hunter said. “He wants all of his grandkids under one roof.”
“We need to work on that.” Renata shook her head. “We live in the same town, a small town at that. How hard would it be to get together once a month?”
The idea of regular family gatherings didn’t appeal to Archer. But if it would make his father happy, he’d do it. Nothing had prepared him for the terror he’d felt driving through the rain. He couldn’t find him. And every minute was one more minute his father was missing, hurt, bleeding... Seeing him in the mud, still and pale... He shivered at the memory. He’d slammed the truck into Park and dropped to his knees in the mud, frantic until he’d found a pulse.
Hunter had already called Caleb Brewer, a friend with a helicopter. It might normally be used for counting and tracking the white-tailed deer and exotics that lived on the ranch, but it had doubled as an ambulance. Archer had used plywood, a saddle pad and tie-downs to secure his father’s neck before they moved him into the helicopter. Seeing his father gray and lifeless... He shook his head. “I can do once a month.”
His brothers nodded.
“When he gets released,” Renata said. “At the Lodge?”
Archer glanced at Eden. He wanted her to be there, a part of this—his family. Maybe she wouldn’t go if he told her how he felt. Hell, telling her to stay and offering her a job wasn’t the same thing as asking her to stay—with him.
“You ready to go?” he asked.
“I’ve got my van,” she said, standing.
He shook his head. “I’d like to take you. We’ll get the van later.”
“Thank you.” Her smile was a thing of beauty. “Now?”
He didn’t realize his family was watching him. Until he tore his gaze from Eden’s. Every single one of them was staring. Even the kids. He sighed. “Now’s good.”
“It was nice to meet you all. I’m so glad he’s going to be okay.” Eden gave smiles, hugs and handshakes to the whole damn room before he managed to get her to himself.
It was only as he was moving Lily’s car seat into his truck that he realized someone was missing. “Where’s Ivy?” he asked.
“She’s with Clark.” Eden clipped Lily into her seat.
“Clark?” Archer started the truck, frowning. Who the hell was Clark?
She glanced at him, suddenly nervous. “My ex-husband arrived. He volunteered. Ivy was sleeping, so I figured he could handle it.”
The son of a bitch was here. Talk about exercising self-control. He glanced at her, hearing more than she said. “Not too hands-on?” He pulled the truck onto the highway and headed toward the ranch.
She shook her head. “He loves them, but they’re not a...priority. If that makes sense. I’m not sure it does.”
“You’re amicable?” he asked. He couldn’t imagine how that worked. But then, he couldn’t imagine letting Eden go.
“We try. He’s not really a bad guy. Just not family material.” She paused, stroking Lily’s brow. “He wanted...more.”
He watched the sweep of her finger, the way Lily’s brow relaxed, and smiled. More? Than his wife? His daughters? “Sounds like his priorities are out of whack,” he mumbled, taking her hand in his.
They settled into a comfortable silence. It was easier to breathe now, knowing his father was in good hands. And having Eden with him. Everything was better with her.
She squeezed his hand. “Your father is going to be okay, isn’t he?”
“The CT scan tomorrow will tell us more. But hopefully, it’ll be a matter of resting.” He turned his hand over, threading his fingers with hers. “I think we’re all willing to take turns making sure that happens.”
“Clara, too,” she added.
“You’re okay with that?” he asked, curious.
“She deserves happiness. I think your father makes her happy.” She ran her thumb across the back of his hand. “What about you? Are you okay with the two of them?”
“It’s good.” Never in a million years had he imagined his father letting
another woman into his heart. But Archer had never been in love or shared a connection. Losing that, being alone, would be hard. If his father had found someone to love, who loved him, he had no business interfering.
“You’re a good son, Archer Boone.” He liked hearing her say that. And felt no small amount of pride at her words.
He parked the truck and carried Lily’s car seat inside.
“See, she’s home.” A man was holding Ivy. Ivy, who was crying. “She’s home.”
“Momma, where did you go?” Ivy wailed, tears streaming down her red-cheeked face. “I can’t find Mr. Snuggles. And you were g-gone.”
Archer frowned.
Eden crossed the room. “I’m so sorry, Ivy. You were asleep and Daddy wanted to stay with you. Mr. Teddy had a big fall and I went with Archer to see him in the hospital.”
Ivy was still sniffing, her breath coming in little puffs of air. “I-is h-he okay?” she asked.
“He’s gonna be fine, Ivy, don’t you worry,” Archer said.
Ivy nodded, still sniffing. “I couldn’t find you,” she said, burying her face in her mother’s neck.
Eden sat, holding Ivy close. “Did the storm wake you?”
“Uh-huh,” Ivy said, relaxing against Eden.
“I’ll put Lily to bed,” Archer said, heading into the suite. He sat Lily’s car seat on the dresser and unbuckled the clip, lifting her little body close. She stretched before curling into herself with a sigh. He smiled, placed her into the crib and covered her with one of the blankets.
He stared down at the baby, hoping Lily would stay asleep for her mother. Ivy’s tears had subsided, but the sharp tones of Eden’s and Clark’s voices let him know things were far from peaceful. As much as he’d like to pull Eden into his arms and have a long night’s sleep, he knew that couldn’t happen. He wasn’t raised that way. Before he took Eden Caraway back to his bed, she’d know what he wanted. And it wasn’t sex. Well, not just sex. He loved her. Now he just had to find the courage to tell her. And if need be, beg her to stay.
Chapter Thirteen
It was hard to ignore Clark pacing in front of the windows that lined the back of the Lodge. His expression was tense, his movements agitated. And while Ivy was already drifting into an easy sleep, Clark kept glancing her way. He was truly upset.
“It’s not your fault, Clark,” she offered, touched that Ivy’s tantrum had affected him so. “She’s a bear when she’s woken up.”
“What?” He paused, looking at her. “Oh. I... I’m so out of practice.”
She couldn’t argue with him about that. But he was the one who broke their plans, not her.
“His father going to be okay?” Clark asked.
She nodded. “Hopefully.”
He sat opposite her, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “What are you doing, Eden? Do you know how upset your dad is?”
“I’m tired of living my life around his moods, Clark. Contrary to popular belief, I have marketable skills. I can get a job somewhere else.”
“In Texas?” Clark shook his head. “Your dad’s got a pretty long reach.” He paused. “But I’m not just talking about you here, Eden. I work for him, too.”
She stopped rocking Ivy. “He won’t fire you, Clark. He loves you. He made that perfectly clear during the divorce.”
Clark stood, pacing again. “What about the Boones? You think they’ll find donations rolling in if your dad’s blacklisted them?”
She stood. “So the plan was to come here and back me into a corner? Make sure I knew that rebelling would lead to dire consequences for everyone?”
Clark shifted on his feet, his hands on his hips. “You think I like being in this situation? We might be divorced but, for crying out loud, I still care about you. I love Ivy and Lily. If I had another solution, I’d share it.”
She stared at him, a sinking feeling in her stomach. “What does he have on you?”
Clark’s expression shifted, as if her words insulted him deeply.
“Knock it off, Clark. Tell me the truth,” she whispered, fearful of waking Ivy.
He deflated. “I never could get anything past you.”
She waited.
“I might have been caught taking Mrs. Bryant to a hotel room after the Spirit of Giving Ball,” he mumbled, avoiding her eyes.
“Mrs. Bryant as in the wife of the chairman of the board?” She shook her head. “And...”
“You come back with me or we both lose our jobs and I will undoubtedly get blacklisted, if not my ass kicked.” Clark shrugged.
She shook her head. “Your inability to keep your penis in your pants stopped being my problem the day our divorce was final.”
Clark had the decency to look chagrined. “Eden, I’m asking for your help.”
“No, you’re not. Asking for help would be helping you find a new job. Someplace far away.” She kissed Ivy’s head.
“Eden—”
“Clark, go to bed. It’s been a long day, and honestly, I need time to think,” she murmured, breathing Ivy’s scent deep.
Clark hesitated, his gaze bouncing between her and Ivy.
“What?” she asked.
He opened his mouth, then closed it. “Nothing. I’ll see you in the morning. Ivy was telling me there’s a big Labor Day parade?”
She stared at him. “I’m not feeling very celebratory at the moment.”
“So he’s staying?” Clark asked, pointing at her bedroom.
Right. Archer was in her bedroom with Lily. Chances are he’d heard their entire horrible conversation. The perfect way to end her evening.
“You barely know the guy—”
“Are you kidding me?” She headed toward her bedroom. But there was a ring of truth to Clark’s words. She’d known Archer only a week. A week and he was putting her children to bed and treating them like they were his own. That wasn’t normal, was it? She should have her guard up, be cautious. Instead of aching for his touch and the comfort of his arms.
“Come on, Eden, you’d freak if I did this,” he chided.
“Did what? He’s taking care of Lily so I can deal with Ivy. You should be thankful he was here or you’d have to actually engage with your children.”
Archer chose that moment to stroll out of her room. His expression was neutral—guarded. “She’s sleeping,” he said, acting like he hadn’t intentionally walked in on their fight. “Guess I’ll turn in.”
She knew there was no way he could stay, but she’d hoped they’d have time to hold each other. After Clark’s verbal minefield, the thought was doubly appealing. But Archer’s day had been long and stressful. In his gorgeous blue eyes, she saw the tension. She crossed to him. “I know tonight’s been... stressful.”
He stared down at her, making it easy to pretend there was no one else in the room. “Dad was lucky. We all are.” His gaze fell to Ivy, sound asleep in Eden’s arms. “She needed her momma.”
Eden nodded, smiling. “Nice to be needed. But I should put her to bed.”
His jaw locked, a slight crease forming between his brows before his gaze shifted to Clark. “I’m staying in Dad’s room here if you need anything. Get some sleep.”
She nodded, wanting to hug him, to burrow closer. “You, too.”
He ran a hand over Ivy’s head, hesitating only briefly before cupping her cheek. “Night, Eden.”
She smiled up at him. “Night.” She shifted Ivy and headed to her room, shutting the door behind her. She tucked Ivy in, stroking her soft curls and planting a kiss on her silky cheek. She didn’t know what the hell she was going to do, but she’d find a way to make it right.
Somehow.
For all of them.
She tossed her clothes aside, the simple act of brushing her teeth wearing her out. She took a quick shower, smoothed on some moisturizer and headed to
bed. But Clark’s coat and briefcase were there. And the box of her mother’s letters was sitting on the floor by the nightstand. Not stored underneath the bed, where she’d left it earlier.
* * *
“CLARK CARAWAY,” HE SAID, offering Archer his hand.
“Archer Boone.” Archer shook his hand, trying not to smile at the intentional pressure the man used. If the man needed to feel strong, he could squeeze Archer’s hand all he wanted. Archer knew the truth. Clark wasn’t strong. Hell, as far as Archer was concerned, Clark wasn’t much of a man.
“I appreciate you helping Eden with the girls,” Clark said.
Archer waited.
“She’s got a lot on her plate. Always going,” Clark continued.
That much was true. But he still wasn’t sure what this man was looking for. As far as Archer could tell, Clark Caraway was one of those men who used his looks and charm to make things easy. His brother Ryder could have been like that, but he’d been too hotheaded for anything to be easy. But that wasn’t the only difference between Ryder and Clark. Ryder would never try to put his problems onto someone else. No one should. No man should.
“She’s an amazing woman and mother,” Archer said. Not daring to add, “and you’re a stupid son of a bitch for letting her go”—even though he was really tempted.
Clark’s smile dimmed, the tic of his jaw muscle revealing he wasn’t all smiles, after all. “She is. But she’s not as tough as she acts. She’s lonely, that’s obvious. And one of the reasons her father sent me after her.”
Archer bit his tongue. He had no idea where this was going, but he was more than a little curious.
“She’s been pretty sheltered her whole life. Her parents, even me. Something about Eden makes you want to protect her.” He paused.
“Protect her from what?”
“Opportunists. She’s one of two heirs to a huge fortune.” He sighed.
Which was news to him. “You’re not giving her much credit.” Archer crossed his arms over his chest. “Eden’s too smart for that.”
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