Of The Cowboy's Own Accord (Double Dutch Ranch; Love At First Sight #3)

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  Three days later at the VA Center they had talked about the prosthesis for his index finger. He weighed the options after talking to the specialists and occupational therapist, now knowing he’d have to give it a try. It’s what he wanted. Needed. He’d always be without the other one, but he was offered the opportunity to somewhat fix his index finger, so he’d try it as soon as the VA approved.

  “Wasn’t the ultrasound amazing?”

  He swallowed a couple times then reached for his water bottle to take a long drink before answering. Earlier, pride had overwhelmed him as he observed his boy child move his arms and legs, to witness his heart beating for the first time. To see proof that he was a boy, indeed. “Mind-blowing.”

  They were quiet for a moment on the way home, then she spoke, “Honey? I want to name our boy William…after your dad but to call him Will not Billy. His middle name after Sarah’s middle name. What do you think?”

  “Your sister?” This might take some compromise. To have his son named after his dad made him proud. Hear that, Dad? Nothing like adding fuel to the fire in his gut right now. Dane removed his hat, and dabbed at the sweat on his face with the back of his hand. “William it is. Thank you, but, a girl’s middle name? Uh uh.”

  “Don’t be alarmed.” She touched his arm. “Sarah has a unisex middle name—Saxon. Do you like it for little Will?”

  “Let’s not call him little Will.” Dane repeated the name over in his mind, knowing someone in his family would be calling him little Will. “William Saxon Carlson.” He liked the sound of it a lot. Will. “William Saxon Carlson, get that stall mucked out, boy.” He bounced his hand against the steering wheel. “It works. I like it, but it needs to grow on me a bit longer, maybe. It’s nice, honey.”

  With a huff, she blurted out, “Whatever you say, but I can’t believe you’re already giving our son tyrannical orders when he isn’t even here yet.”

  “He’s here.” Dane gave her shoulder a friendly shove before pointing at her abdomen. “What will you do when I tell you to muck out the stalls with your little short, shorts and barn boots on? It is part of a ranching wife’s job you know. When we get our rescues, they’ll be a lot of stalls. I’ll teach you how.”

  Wearing a smug grin, she teased, “It is, is it? That’s okay. I already know what I’ll tell you when you start dishing out orders, Sergeant.” She spider walked her fingers over his arm. “Choose your words carefully, cowboy. I’ll help you clean out the stall if you ask me nicely.”

  He held his hand out to her for a shake. “Deal, ma’am.” Does she always have to be so bossy…? Did he? In some weird way, he loved that about her. He’d deal with bossiness—accept her as who he fell in love with. The soft, innocence in her soul would be better.

  Grasping his hand in a firm shake, her face glowed. “Deal.”

  The sparkle in her eyes matched the twinkle in the diamond stud. Yeah, baby, that’s the side I like to see…

  Chapter 18

  By time the bedroom furniture had been nearly set up in Dane’s room, three days later than anticipated, Gracelyn had a call from her boss at work, insisting she get her check tonight. As if the day hadn’t been long enough, Dane encouraged her to go while he finished putting the bedroom back together. Now, she wanted nothing more than to kick her shoes off to put her feet up for the night. To settle in at her new home with a new husband, but she went anyway.

  When she strolled into the restaurant, Tammy motioned for her to go back to the banquet area where the boss waited. A big gasp escaped as she entered. Gifts and a cake sat on two tables. The staff waited there, immediately clapping when she stepped into the room. Totally shocked, she clenched her hands beneath her chin. “Holy heck. What have you guys done?”

  Tammy wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “A little party is all. You earned it, my friend.”

  The surrounding tables glittered with candlelight, and the room took on a serene and romantic atmosphere. “If you had told me, Dane could’ve come too.” She wrapped her arm around Tammy’s waist to give her a friendly squeeze. “Thank you so much, everyone, for being here. I don’t know how to say thank you.”

  They lifted their glasses. Andi, her other friend at the restaurant, brought her a filled champagne glass. “Don’t worry, I poured sparkling juice.” Gracelyn reached for the glass but Andi held on to it for a minute longer. Dane wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. She screeched, not expecting him to be there with Judy at his side. “Dane? Judy.” She hugged them both. “I’m shocked.”

  Tammy winked at her. “Your husband already missed so much, honey. He had to be here. We’re giving you a little wedding and baby celebration at the same time.”

  “Sorry I didn’t come with you, but this was the plan. I had your back all the way here. Besides, you might need a truck to get this stuff home.” Dane kissed her on the cheek. “Enjoy yourself.”

  Tammy escorted them to a round table beside the three-tiered cake with a topper of a pregnant bride with her groom. “We’ll miss you around here.” She leaned in close. “But, I’m happy for you, Grace. Your dreams have come true.”

  Her dreams had come true even though she didn’t know it was her dream eight and a half months ago. “Thank you, Tammy. The cake is so appropriate.” Gracelyn willed herself not to cry because she had done enough of that in the past months. She vowed to end her season of tears. No more blubbering.

  When Tammy left, Gracelyn smiled at Judy. She observed Dane’s peaceful persona, his arm loosely hooked over the back of the chair, his weightless gaze. A look of pride as he nodded to others in greeting. “Where will I put all this stuff? I’m so…so surprised.”

  “No problem,” Dane said. “Most of my junk got moved into Tristan’s old room. There’s plenty of room for a crib now, plus…” With a sweep of his hand, he motioned to the gift table. “All of this.”

  “You’re the best. Thanks for everything you’ve done.” She gave Dane a kiss. “I’m officially moving in at the Double Dutch and excited.”

  “Really, you could have the baby anytime. Your packing days are numbered. We’ll get to the rest when we come back next week.” Dane held his glass up to her. “Yes, sweetheart, it’s official.”

  She glanced at Judy. “I’m looking forward to my first real night in your home.” She loved her own family, but they were nothing like this…so family oriented as if one lived for the other.

  Judy gave a caring smile. “We’re happy to have you, dear, and from this point on, it’s your home, too, until your new one…ahem, the office house gets all done.”

  “Office house is cute, but before long it won’t look like an office any longer.” She struggled with the vow to herself, but she was determined to keep tears at bay. “You’ve all made me happy.”

  Tammy stood in front of the cake and held up a glass of champagne. “Grace. Dane. Congratulations to both of you. I won’t make you get up here to cut the cake because I hear they’ll be a big party at the ranch later on. Right now, we all want you to enjoy this little dessert and camaraderie. Cheers.”

  Gracelyn tapped her glass against Dane’s and Judy’s then stood to clink Tammy’s. Before sitting down, she held it up to the others, thanking everyone again. She took a seat sideways on the chair with her back to Dane, about to lean into him.

  He placed a kiss on her neck and held out a napkin. “Are you about to cry, darlin’?”

  Smiling over her shoulder, she shook her head. “Nope, not this time. I’ve got it together.” She leaned back into him. The subtle fragrance of his cologne floated around her. A smell of mint and fragrant firewood. “But thank you for being so considerate.” Her comfortable position had been interrupted when she had to go to the bathroom—a common occurrence nowadays. Scooting off her chair, she gave him a wink. “I’ll be right back.”

  ***

  Dane observed her sweet smile when she shifted around to speak to him. His gaze followed her. This little statement from her friends made her content; therefore, mak
ing him feel the same way. Her moving in a few days earlier than planned was all worth it to see her relax with one less thing to worry about.

  Later, after the cake had been served, one of the young hosts came up with a pitcher of water. “Grace, would you like a refill?”

  Dane froze with a drink of wine still in his mouth, but he forced it down and set his glass down, his gaze never leaving the young guy. The voice. The kid didn’t make eye contact with him. Damn, he’s barely old enough to serve liquor. “I’ll have a refill, please,” Dane said as calmly as he could while trying to get him to speak again. “Have you worked here long? Maybe I’ve seen you here before?”

  “Probably not,” was all he said.

  Dane shifted in his chair. “What’s your name? I’ll make sure to put in a good word for you to the manager for doing a good job.” That sounds so cheesy. Say something else you sonofabitch.

  “Ah, Carl, my name’s Carl.”

  His hands curled into fists. “What’s your last name, dude?” he asked, studying his face yet the kid still didn’t look at him full on, but Dane wasn’t about to give up on his interrogation.

  Carl filled glasses for those at the table until he got back to Dane. “Last name’s Burke. I’ve worked here about a year.”

  Gracelyn turned around, but Dane ignored her query. The kid didn’t have much to say. “Hey, have you ever worked on a ranch? Maybe you’d be interested in another job on the side. I could use some extra help around the Double Dutch now that I’m home.”

  His wife took his hand. “Honey, he’s working—”

  “I’m asking him a question.” He squeezed her fingers and shot her a quick glance. “But, Carl, back to my question. You interested in a part or full time ranching job?”

  “I have a job here, this is where I work. Don’t need nothing else.” He turned to walk away his left hand going to his back to untie his apron.

  “I’ll be right back. I need a cigarette.” Dane kissed her on the forehead then rushed out the front door before she had a chance to say anything. Outside, he took off toward the employee entrance around the building. Carl burst out the back door running head on into Dane. Dane gripped his arms. “You’re the sonofabitch who answered, or had the phone given to you when I called. Why? Why wouldn’t you give me information about Gracelyn—tell her when I called?”

  Carl attempted to shove him away. “Leave me alone. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Like hell you don’t.” Dane’s heart raced causing his breathing to deepen—adrenalin to pump. This kid surely wasn’t what he expected. “You’re not going anywhere. You might as well start talking or nobody’s ever going to find your body. Your mama will be wondering what the hell happened to you. Is that what you want to put her through?”

  Carl tried to wriggle out of Dane’s clutches. “You think you’re such a badass soldier? Get your hands off me. There’s camera’s out here. Your ass will go to jail.”

  “You’re not as innocent as you want people to believe, are you? Funny you say that. I didn’t see any camera’s anywhere.” Dane backed him up against the building. “Start talking because I have no remorse about doing you harm…and you know I won’t hesitate. Why were you keeping me from talking to Gracelyn when I called? How are you connected in this…with Smith Jamison?”

  He squirmed while still trying to get loose. “I don’t know anything.”

  “Liar.” Dane slammed him against the wall and held him there with his hand against his chest while the kid caught his breath. “That’s not the answer I wanted. Start. Talking.” This time he slammed his body into the building, twice, and his forearm pressed into Carl’s throat to hold him. “I’m not standing here all night.” Nothing but silence. Dane took a hold of his arm ready to drag him to his truck if he had to. “You’re coming with—”

  “No wait. Money, it was only for money. A lot of it. Nothing against her—I like Grace. He paid me not to tell you anything if you called. I’m the host most of the time so I answer the phones… I told the others if someone called for Grace that I’d take the call if I was working. Bosses orders not to give out information. It was all about money. Your loss you only called when I was here.”

  One more slam against the building didn’t hurt Dane at all. Why the hell would the others listen to him? “Bosses orders? What do you know about Jamison? Why’s he doing this to her?” He hoped his wife didn’t come outside looking for him because he didn’t want her to see him hurt this kid, although she might have something to say to him herself.

  Carl shrugged. “I told them the order came from the boss. We do have rules though.”

  “What do you know about Jamison?”

  “Nothing much. I met him at the bar a few times after work and he rattled on about an issue with his s-son.” The kid stammered, still trying to break free. “He has a thing about h-her dad—something her dad did. That’s all I know. A grudge or something. It slipped out one night he had too much to drink. He hates her dad.”

  “Do you know his real name? How does he pay you?” He grabbed a hold of Carl’s shirt and pulled him closer when he hesitated. “Talk.”

  “He pays with cash, but now that you’re home that all stopped.”

  “Sonofabitch. You need money? I’ll pay if you can get me information. I want to know who he is. Don’t you understand that he’s threatened her? What did Gracelyn ever do to make you betray her like this? You’re an accomplice now. I see prison in your future.”

  “Nothing. You don’t understand. I needed the money. I got…issues…with people, the wrong people.” The kid struggled to free himself. “I didn’t know he’d do anything to her. He wanted her for himself. So what if he did—none of my business. Let me go. I don’t want anything else to do with this.”

  “A little late to think about that. So you turned your head for money.” Dane shoved him back against the door and released him. “Dumb ass, he’s been stalking her. He followed us to Las Vegas, broke into our hotel room. You could’ve gotten her killed.”

  “I didn’t mean any harm.” The kid ran to his car, got in and drove away, spinning his tires and kicking up stones all the way through the parking lot.

  He won’t be back. Let the sheriff take care of him now. Dane took a deep breath and straightened his shirt, calming himself before going back around the building. There had to be more to this. But, it didn’t seem to be about Gracelyn at all. She was his pawn. That didn’t make it right or change anything.

  He’d have a talk with her father. Dane made his way through the front parking lot to stand beside his truck. He removed a cigarette from his shirt pocket, lit it, taking in a big inhale as he peered at the starry sky. The story had just begun… Taking out his phone, he sent her a text: Be right in, baby.

  He called Doug, asking him right away about any issues he might have had, legal, illegal or otherwise—something that could’ve turned a father against him. Dane explained what he had learned, but Doug didn’t have much to say. Sure, he took a chance asking a commissioned officer these questions, but in this case, he asked as a concerned son-in-law. They had to find out who Smith Jamison was, and what the hell he really wanted. The past few months he had every opportunity to do whatever he planned on doing to her, so why had he waited?

  When he hung up he called one of his buddies in special ops to dig up some information about Lieutenant Colonel Clark, and they’d talk face to face when he flew back to Ft. Benning. They’d both be in deep shit if word got out they investigated a retired Lieutenant Colonel. There goes my honorable discharge and retirement. Gracelyn wouldn’t be too pleased either to know he inquired about her dad. This had turned out to be one hell of a mess. Before saying anything to her, he’d wait to see what came up.

  Dane seethed inside, and smoked that cigarette as far down as he could then lit another one. Jamison took on more than he bargained for. Pacing around his truck, he couldn’t go inside like this. Not until he could conduct himself in a calm demeanor because s
he’d see right through him.

  ***

  They carried the gifts to the truck when the party ended. “I know you’re tired, sweetheart,” Dane said. “Let my mom drive your car back. You ride home with me.”

  She slid some smaller items onto the backseat of his truck. When Judy went back inside, Gracelyn grabbed his arm, sparks flaring from her eyes. “What was that about with Carl earlier? Why would you offer him a job at the ranch?”

  Dane removed her fingers from his arm. “It was small talk. Let’s get the rest of the gifts.” His hands went to her shoulders to head her toward the door. “This was great of your girlfriends to do this for us. The bonus from your boss was nice, too.”

  Gracelyn jerked away. “Carl’s the one, isn’t he?”

  Sometimes she’s too smart for her own good. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Lying to her didn’t make him feel good, and he grasped her hand. “Come on, we need to get this done.”

  “Stop. This involves me. Don’t shut me out.” She squared her shoulders and defiantly crossed her arms over her midriff. “Why would he?” She hesitated. “Wait, my phone number, too? He gave my phone number to Smith? He went through my locker, my purse? Now I want to slap his damn face.” Her shoulders rolled to relax. “You disappeared, obviously to talk to him. What’s this about?”

  Dane removed a cigarette from the pack, put it between his lips to light it, but stuck it back in the pack. He kicked a clump of dried grass so he didn’t have to look at her. “We won’t talk about this right now.” It’d take a moment to decide what to say. This wasn’t what he wanted to talk about yet—not without solid facts. “Trust me is all I’m asking. We’ll talk when I have more to tell you.”

  Gracelyn pierced him with a pained stare while her hands wrung. “Should I be more worried than I am? You’re making me scared right now.”

  This time he didn’t lie. “I don’t know. I’ll die before I let something happen to you. Are you ready to go back inside for the rest? We still need to square the room away at home.”