A Cowboy to Call Daddy

by Sasha Summers

  Clark arched a brow, sweeping Archer with a head-to-toe inspection. “Guess we’ll see.”

  Archer was so surprised, he laughed. He’d never considered Eden’s monetary situation. If she was set to inherit money, he knew exactly what she’d do. She’d do good things, give generously, not hold on to it or use it for personal advantage.

  “She takes work and family very seriously. And even if she fights with him, she’s a daddy’s girl. What he says, goes,” Clark said.

  “I’m not the one going through Eden’s things or taking things that aren’t mine.” Archer watched Clark’s reaction, wishing he’d had the time to read the letters Clark Caraway had tucked into his briefcase.

  Clark’s face tightened, his gaze bouncing to the chair and couch.

  “You left your coat in her room. And your bag. And the letters.” Archer stepped closer. “Guess Ivy waking up threw a wrench in things.”

  Clark shook his head, staring up at the ceiling. “It’ll hurt her.”

  “Is that what this is about?” he asked. “Protecting her?”

  Clark glared at him, the muscle in his jaw working. “I don’t know what you think you know about me—”

  “I just met you,” Archer interrupted. “Everything I know about you, I’m learning right now.”

  Clark’s smile was hard, his chuckle forced. “Did you put the letters back?” he asked.

  Archer nodded.

  “You have no idea what you’re doing.” Clark stared at him, his anger rolling off of him.

  “The only thing I’m doing right now is going to bed,” he said. He didn’t know what was in the letters or why Clark was so upset, but he’d done what he thought was right. He hoped it was the right call.

  Clark brushed past Archer. “I’m doing a site review on Tuesday before I take Eden and the girls home.”

  Archer didn’t bother to turn around or say a word. Only after he’d heard Clark walk up the stairs and down the hall and close his room door did Archer allow himself to relax.

  He was tired, but there was no way he’d be getting any sleep tonight.

  His mind was spinning. His father. Eden. Her father. Clark. No point lying in bed when his brain wouldn’t shut off.

  That was the good thing about the refuge—always something to do. He’d check on River. Toben said he’d taken care of him, but he knew the horse would be distraught. A lot of them didn’t like storms. Like Fester. He could only hope the fences had held and all the animals were where they were supposed to be.

  “Archer?” Eden whispered. “Is Clark still here? He left these.” She held out Clark’s coat and briefcase.

  He shoved his hands in his pockets and shook his head. Seeing her, hair loose, long white nightie, bare toes, was all too tempting. He knew just how soft she’d feel pressed up against him.

  She smiled. “You always do that.”

  “What?” he asked.

  “Put your hands in your pockets,” she said. “When you want to reach for me.”

  He swallowed. “Is that so?”

  She nodded, dumping Clark’s coat and briefcase on the floor and crossing the room to him. She stood inches away, staring up at him. But something out the window caught her eye.

  “Fireflies,” he said.

  “I haven’t seen them since I was little,” she said, staring out the window. “I used to catch them with my mom. It was hard work.”

  “Keep them as pets?” he asked.

  She shook her head, frowning up at him. “No, we’d catch them. Then let them go. Didn’t want to hurt them.”

  He stared, studying her.

  “You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind, Dr. Boone.”

  He nodded.

  She reached up, smoothing his brow. “I’m a problem solver. A doer. If you want help?”

  He shook his head.

  “No? Then I need a favor. It won’t take long,” she said, her gaze traveling over his face.

  “Okay,” he agreed, his hands itching to touch her.

  She hooked her finger through his belt loop and tugged him toward her door, smiling. “This way.”

  He followed, ready and willing for whatever she had in mind.

  She closed the door behind him, then pushed him forward, toward the bed. “Sit,” she said.

  He sat.

  She lifted his foot, eyeing his boots. “Off.”

  He smiled, tugging his boots off.

  She hopped on the bed beside him. Once his boots were off, she pushed him back on the pillows.

  “Eden—”

  “Hush,” she whispered, snuggling tightly against his side. “I need this, please.”

  His arms wrapped around her, tugging her close against his side. He closed his eyes, soaking up her scent, the slight weight of her arm and hand on his chest, the silk of her hair as he ran his fingers through the long locks. He felt the moment she drifted off to sleep, the way she went pliant and her breath grew slow and steady. He waited, wanting to hold her all night, but knowing he had no right.

  When she rolled over, he slipped from the bed. He tugged on his boots, taking a long look at the woman he loved before he headed to the refuge.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Eden bounced Lily, wincing as her daughter’s shrieks grew louder and louder. She glanced at Clark. “Maybe you should take Ivy,” she suggested.

  But Ivy’s eyes filled up with tears. “Momma, you have to see the parade. Hush, Lily.”

  Eden took Ivy’s hand in hers. “Your daddy can take you.”

  “Come on, Ivy, we’ll have fun,” Clark offered. “I can put you up on my shoulders so you can see the horses better.”

  Ivy frowned, Clark’s offer making her rethink her tantrum. “But...but...”

  “We’ll be right here,” Eden said, pointing at the park. “I bet if I stand on the bench, I’ll see the parade. But Lily won’t hurt everyone’s ears with her crying.” She tried to tease.

  “Stop fussing, Lily,” Ivy said. “Please.”

  Lily sniffed, her feet kicking, then burst into tears.

  “That’s not nice, Lily,” Ivy scolded. “Momma likes horses, too.”

  “It’s okay,” Eden said. “After the parade, we’ll go see Dr. Archer’s horses, okay?”

  Ivy nodded. “Okay, Momma.”

  “Ready?” Clark asked, taking Ivy’s hand.

  “Yep,” Ivy said, skipping. “Hurry.”

  Eden sat on the bench and put Lily in her lap. “What’s up, little bug?” she asked, kissing the baby’s forehead. “Those gums bothering you?” She offered her the teething ring she’d packed in the ice chest. It was cold, soothing, and Lily started gnawing it with a vengeance.

  “Better?” Eden asked.

  She sat back, watching the crowds gather on the sidewalk. It was going to be a scorcher. She didn’t miss being packed shoulder to shoulder in this heat. The sounds of sirens started, making Lily jump. “It’s parade time,” Eden said, grinning down at her daughter.

  Lily returned to gumming her teething ring while Eden watched the people of Stonewall Crossing. Nice people. People who said hello and waved. Like the Boones. Sure, they were curious—she was an outsider. But she didn’t feel like an intruder.

  Yes, the town was small. But did she need shopping malls or a movie megaplex, massive gyms or supersized grocery stores? Not at all. She needed a home. A place to start over as Eden, not a Monroe. A place she’d want her girls to grow up.

  Stonewall Crossing had a lot to offer her.

  “Eden.” Renata waved. “You’re missing the parade.” She wore a full getup. Pink plaid shirt, chaps, jeans, boots and a hat with a long feather.

  Eden smiled. “I was afraid Lily would deafen the crowd. She’s teething. Why aren’t you riding?”

  “We’re bringing up the rear,
” she said. “I’m late. Just left Dad.”

  “How is he?”

  “Good. Growling like a bear to get out.” She paused. “Wanna walk with me?” Renata asked. “Since she’s calm?”

  “Sure.” Eden shifted the diaper bag and snapped Lily into the front pack, holding the teething ring close so Lily would stay happy.

  “Still planning on leaving soon?” Renata said, leading her through the crowded sidewalk.

  “I don’t know,” she answered honestly. “I was just thinking about that.”

  “You realize you’re his first...girlfriend. Ever. He took our mom’s death really hard and I think, and you know I’ll tell you what I’m thinking, he doesn’t want to go through that again—loss, I mean. So he’s made a point of avoiding people and relationships...and feeling his whole life. Until you and your girls.” Renata kept walking, but Eden had come to a stop.

  How was that possible? Besides the fact that he was brilliant and well-respected, he was smoking hot. Women would notice him.

  “Coming?” Renata called back.

  Eden hurried to catch up, still processing Renata’s words as they rounded another corner and cut through an alley. She watched a fire truck going down the main street, followed by a large tractor pulling a trailer, but Renata’s words still echoed.

  When Eden finally spied the Boone Ranch Refuge truck, she was surprised to see Ivy and Clark.

  “Who is that?” Renata asked, an appreciative purr to her voice.

  “That’s Clark, the girls’ father.”

  “Oh.” And just like that the tone changed, interest gone.

  Eden liked Renata. “What are you two doing here?” Eden asked, grinning at Ivy.

  “Dr. Archer said I could ride with him,” Ivy said, hopping up and down in pure excitement.

  She glanced at Clark. “You’re okay with that?”

  Clark shrugged. “I want her happy.”

  “Well, I think it’s safe to say you’ve accomplished that.” Her daughter nodded.

  He tickled Lily’s feet. “Feeling better, Lily-pad?”

  “Clark, this is Renata Boone.” She saw Clark’s eyes widen. He liked what he saw. A lot. He should—Renata was a gorgeous woman. Who deserved way better.

  Renata nodded, pulling herself into the saddle.

  “Momma said yes,” Ivy called out.

  Eden turned to see Archer striding toward them. If someone had told her she’d be weak-kneed over a cowboy, she’d have laughed. But seeing Archer, starched, hugged in denim and leather, his tan cowboy hat casting a shadow over his face, made her insides melt.

  “Morning,” she said, unable to stop her smile.

  “Morning,” he said, smiling right back.

  “Lily’s not crying,” Ivy announced.

  “Because your momma knows how to make everything better,” Archer said, his eyes never leaving her face.

  “Yup,” Ivy agreed. “She’s pretty, too.”

  “She is,” Archer agreed.

  She was blushing and she didn’t care.

  “Your mother is beautiful, like you,” Clark said, picking up Ivy. “Inside and out.”

  Archer nodded.

  “We gonna ride the horse now?” Ivy asked.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Archer climbed up and turned, reaching for Ivy. “Remember what I said?”

  “Gentle? Whispers?” Ivy nodded, holding her arms out.

  “Right.” Archer sat her on River, his arms anchoring her in place. “Think you can wave at all the people?”

  “I think so,” Ivy said.

  “We’ll be waving,” Eden said.

  Archer touched the brim of his hat, shooting her a lethal smile, before guiding River toward the street with the rest of the riders.

  “The sister single?” Clark asked.

  “She has four brothers, Clark. All of whom would have no problem kicking your ass,” Eden said with a laugh, astounded at his cluelessness. She headed back toward the road, excited to see Ivy and Archer in the parade.

  * * *

  IVY WAS GOOD as gold. She smiled, giggled, held on to his arm and waved at the crowd with all her might. She probably had half of Stonewall Crossing won over; he knew he was. She chattered away, asking the name of everything and what it was for. And since Archer appreciated an inquisitive brain, he answered her.

  By the time the parade was over, her questions had faded and she’d shifted, leaning into him with her head against his stomach.

  “Look at you, all sweet and fatherly, holding a sleeping beauty,” Renata said. “Pretty little thing. Like her mom.”

  Archer didn’t disagree.

  “Speaking of her mother.” Renata nudged Blue closer. “You realize you’re running out of time.”

  “And you realize I’ve known her for a week?” he bit back.

  “You don’t love her?” Renata asked. “And her kids?”

  “I do,” he answered, surprising both of them into silence.

  Renata stared at him, her blue eyes round.

  “Knock it off,” he muttered.

  She shook her head. “I’m in shock.”

  “Stop it.” He sighed.

  “I can’t.” She grinned. “You know what you need to do, right?”

  He waited, shooting her a cautious look.

  “You need to take her on a date, just the two of you. Lay it all out there, tell her how you feel.”

  “She can’t just leave Lily and Ivy in a stall for the evening,” he argued.

  “I can watch them. And if Dad knows what’s going on, I’m sure he’ll let Clara out of his room for a few hours.” Renata smiled. “Since she got here, you seem...happy.”

  He was happy.

  “You don’t want to lose that.”

  No, he didn’t. Her leaving scared the shit out of him. If she left, she might not come back. What the hell would he do then? But just because he was acting irrationally didn’t mean she was. “I think it might take more than one date to convince her they belong here with me.”

  Renata smiled. “Well, you won’t know until you talk to her.”

  He couldn’t argue with that. But talking to her scared him almost as much as her leaving. He didn’t say much as they rode to the trailers and trucks waiting to haul the horses back to the ranch. No Eden, so he turned River and headed out onto the streets.

  He stopped now and then, letting tourists and kids alike pet River’s neck. The horse stood, tolerating the affection until Archer set off again.

  He saw Eden amid the crowd, Lily sleeping in the sling, shielding her eyes as she looked for him. She waved when she saw him, her smile bright and sweet.

  He urged River on, riding down the middle of the road. “I think I have something of yours,” he said, glancing at Ivy.

  Eden laughed. “She’s worn out. You made today unforgettable, Archer.”

  He smiled. “I hope so. Looks like Lily’s down for the count, too?”

  “Nap time,” Eden agreed. “Clark went to cool the van down.”

  He nodded, then cleared his throat. “You free for dinner tonight? Renata said she’d watch the girls. I was hoping I could have you to myself.”

  “The girls are a handful—you know that.”

  “She has nephews. Lots of nephews. I think she can handle your girls,” he said.

  Eden nodded. “Okay.”

  Damn if he didn’t want to smile like an idiot. Instead he asked, “Where are you parked?”

  “The lot by the creek,” she said, pointing.

  He nodded, keeping River at a slow walk.

  “Why is it called Weeping Woman Creek?” she asked. “Kind of sad.”

  “It’s a sad story,” he said.

  “Tell me. I love history, learning about a place’s origin.”

  “Set
tlers would stop here for water. Some thought to stay, set up camp along the creek, close to water. They were working on houses, tiny cabins, but it was a start. They were still sleeping in their wagons when a flash flood hit. The men and women tried to save the horses and livestock. But the water rose and the current swept the wagons away. None of the children made it.”

  Eden stared up at him. “That’s really really horrible, Archer.”

  He nodded. “I think it was meant as a warning to those passing by. Creek still gets dangerous when it rains. Banks are too steep.” He saw the look on her face, her grief. “I’m sorry, Eden. I should have made something up.”

  She smiled up at him. “No, you couldn’t. It’s nice to know I’m always going to hear the truth from you. Even if it’s sad.” She chewed on her bottom lip then, her eyes shifting from him—almost nervous.

  He smiled. The truth. He may not be outright lying, but he wasn’t telling her something. Something big. Something she needed to know. And tonight, when it was just them, he’d find a way to tell her he loved her.

  Clark appeared and said, “Need an escort?”

  Archer scooped Ivy up, savoring her slight weight in his arms before delivering her safely to Clark. The man might be their father, but Archer didn’t like him. He couldn’t.

  “Thanks again,” Eden said, resting her hand on his thigh.

  His hand covered hers as he looked down at her. “I’ll see you around six?”

  “Yes.” She sighed, pulling her hand from his and loading Lily into the van.

  He rode back to the truck, loaded River into the trailer and took Renata’s truck to the hospital.

  He was dusty and dirty, but he needed his father’s advice.

  “You look like you’ve got a storm cloud following you around,” his father said as he stepped inside the hospital room.

  “I guess I do.” He looked at Clara, then sat in the chair at his father’s bedside. “How are you?”

  “Fine,” Teddy said. “Itching to get home.”

  Archer glanced at Clara.

  “Tomorrow morning,” she said.

  “That’s good. So nothing on the CT?”

  “A thick skull.” Clara patted his father’s shoulder.