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

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  Gracelyn reached over to pat Boston. “Good dog.” She made eye contact with Dane.

  When he peered into her eyes, he nearly lost it now that it all came to the surface of what happened. Adrenalin drove him earlier while his mind focused on one thing. Now his mind was clear to face the reality. He missed his military job, but when he smoothed his finger over his son’s cheek and got lost in her eyes, everything was all right. “I love you, Gracelyn.” His gaze lowered to the baby. “My little guy, too.”

  His heart thudded as if it had fallen out of the helicopter and hit the ground. As much as he tried, he couldn’t hold back the flood of emotion. Warmth encompassed his body at the kind of love he had for these two. Dane brushed his face against his shoulder to catch the damn weak tears trying to fall from his eyes. He hated that.

  Gracelyn touched his face. “It’s true—you can’t deny it—you’re my hero. I was so scared. You can’t take the Army out of you. Thank God.”

  “Today I did my job of being your husband.” Dane closed his eyes, saying a silent prayer of thanks as they touched down.

  Chapter 22

  Once Gracelyn and Will were taken into the emergency room to be examined, then admitted and taken to a room, Dane called her parents. Her mother wanted to end their vacation to come home, but he told her that wasn’t necessary, yet made it clear the choice was hers, and ended with a promise to connect via their webcams so they could see Will in person.

  After the call, he made his way back. For this minute he put what happened out of his mind. Trevor Houston might’ve sat in the same hospital with this throat bleeding, instead of the morgue, and waited for his trip to jail if he wasn’t already there. That was good enough for him right now, but he wanted to find that hospital room and pull the trigger.

  Gracelyn and Will slept when he entered her room. He took a seat beside the bed. When Will fussed, he picked him up and took a seat with his baby boy in his arms. Dane brushed his son’s hair from his forehead. Where he was so sure it was dark upon birth, once cleaned up, it was obvious his hair was light, which brought a smile to his soul.

  Dane studied his infant’s face and the many involuntary expressions made. Will fell into slumber. It seemed as though yesterday he was a soldier in the Middle East and today he was in Canyon Junction holding his child, like he went through a time-warp.

  A glimpse of a familiar looking guy walked past the door, but he came back and peeked in the room. A huge smile appeared on the guy’s face. He came through the door and saluted Dane.

  “What the hell? No way.” Dane laid Will in his bed and met him half way to the door. They hugged each other. “Have I totally lost it or are you standing here, Corporal?”

  “It’s me, Sergeant Carlson. I had a leave—my dad passed away. I drove my aunt back here to Phoenix from New Mexico. Might as well visit you and a friend since I’m this close. To tell you thanks in person for saving my life.”

  “Damn, I’m sorry about your dad. Been through that.” He glanced back at the bed. Gracelyn’s eyes were open. “Honey, look who’s here. It’s Corporal Cooper Hanson.” He brought Cooper to the bed. “This is my wife, Gracelyn.”

  “It’s sergeant now, Dane. Wow, she’s as pretty as her pictures.” He stuck his hand out. “Nice to meet you, ma’am. Congratulations.”

  Gracelyn raised the head of her bed and ran her fingers over her hair. “Very nice to meet you.” She clamped her hands around his. “I’ll be forever indebted to you for keeping my husband alive.” Her lips pressed together but she didn’t cry.

  “Aw, I believe it was the other way around, too.” Cooper put his arm around Dane’s shoulder. “Without him, I would’ve died there under the rubble.”

  Dane patted his back. “Congrats on the promotion. But, both of you stop. We saved each other. That’s what we do. What is meant to be, is going to be.” Dane said to Gracelyn, “You rest. We’ll grab a coffee and I’ll find out if this guy’s taking our dog back with him.”

  “No, I’ll tell you right now,” said Cooper. “I’m not taking Boston back.”

  “Thank you,” said Gracelyn. She peered into the baby’s bed at her son wrapped in blue then at Dane. “Will’s so cute when he’s sleeping. Look at how adorable.” She laid her hand over her abdomen. “I feel empty inside.”

  Dane chuckled and handed Gracelyn her phone. “Keep looking in the baby bed, and you won’t feel empty. He’s a handsome lad. Text if you need me. I won’t be long.” Dane nodded to the baby’s bed, and said to Cooper, “That’s my son. He’s only hours old.” He gulped. “I delivered him myself. Come on, I’ll tell you all about it.” At the door Dane stopped to give her a wink.

  Before they left, she called after them, “Sergeant Hanson? Come visit us before you leave.”

  The young man stood straight and tall at six foot two inches, and he nodded to her. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Let’s get that coffee. Coop, I can’t believe you’re here. How the hell did you find out where I was, I mean, here in the hospital?”

  “Well, I had left a message on your phone. I went to your ranch. Nice layout. A great place to live and raise a family. One of your brothers clued me in—Tristan I think. They had just gotten back from picking up the dog from here.”

  They entered the cafeteria and both got coffee. Windows lined one whole wall with a distinct view of the mountains. The cafeteria was busy but not overly crowded, and not too noisy. “Did you see Boston at my ranch then? I kept telling him you’d be back. He did a good job today.” Dane and Cooper took a seat. “That dog fits into my family like he was born to us. You wouldn’t believe the change. He isn’t ready to go back on duty, but today he did his job.”

  A good-looking guy with sable colored hair and hazel eyes, Cooper stirred sugar into his black coffee. “Boston looks great—it was awesome to see him. He was happy to see me, but he didn’t want to come with me when I left. That’s a good thing, I guess. Kind of disheartening though. I missed him, but I know he’ll be in good hands with you. Since I re-upped, I can’t have him, plus my job has changed. All of our jobs are changing since so many are leaving the Middle East.” Cooper took a drink of coffee. “Do you miss it, Sergeant?”

  Dane peeked into his mind’s eye. Bits and pieces of the last fourteen—no fifteen years now flashed through his memory. “I’ll always miss it, but this is what I do, for now—run my part of the ranch. I have big plans for my section of the Double Dutch. He wiggled his fingers up in front of them. “This and my arm is all it took, plus a few other things. I lost my kidney, too, you know.”

  Hanson’s gaze rested on Dane’s hand, and he was silent for a moment. “Man, that doesn’t sound like you,” said Cooper. “Not the Sergeant Carlson I used to know—wild, carefree, live for the mission, but I’m glad it’s working out.” Cooper’s gaze veered away. “I wish I could’ve gotten you out in time to save your hand.”

  “It is what it is. Don’t feel bad about it. Now, listen…let me tell you something…” Dane set his cup down, leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table, and peered straight on at Cooper. “You know as well as anybody that I never wanted a woman waiting, or a family worrying.” Dane sighed. “You won’t have a choice when it hits you—don’t fight it, for it’ll drive you nuts. That’s the last bit of advice I’ll ever give you as your sergeant, other than, stay safe.”

  “I’ll take it for what it’s worth. I plan on making the military my career.” Sergeant Hanson stirred more sugar into his cup. “I’ve always looked up to you—always will. While we were being medevaced out of there, I heard you telling them to go back for me, and I knew then you were still alive. You’re my inspiration for staying in the Army.”

  Dane glanced out the window while he tapped his fingers against each other. “Well, I’m glad to hear that. At least all my years meant something to somebody.” He could’ve been handed a million bucks and felt the same pride. Coming from Cooper, it meant a lot. Especially since Dane rode his ass a lot in the beginning of Hans
on’s first deployment. He swore that young corporal wasn’t dying on his watch.

  Cooper draped his arm over the back of his chair. “I wasn’t the only life you saved in your career.”

  Damn kid choked him up. “Thanks.” Dane glanced around the cafeteria at the steam tables and coolers. Food smells got his stomach to grumbling. He’d get dinner later. “You plan on hanging around? When’s your leave up?”

  “I’m flying back to Ft. Benning day after tomorrow.”

  “Spend the night at my ranch. We have plenty of room. I’ll be staying at the hospital tonight, but stick around.” Dane explained about his need to be here with Gracelyn, admitting to his concern for her. “I’ll call home to get you a room fixed up. Mom had a big dinner planned tonight. You’ll be more than welcome.”

  “I have already made plans for the night. Hopefully, it’ll work out to my advantage. Maybe as well as it worked out for you.” Cooper smirked with that boyish grin. “Hey, get yourself something to eat, take it up with you. I’ll stop by to see you before I leave.”

  “I’ll be damned,” Dane said. “You met someone?”

  “Yes, sir. Guess you rubbed off on me that way, too.” Cooper chuckled. “She’s not far from here. As a matter of fact she’s over in Apache Junction. I passed it on the way to your ranch.”

  “Yes, you did.” Dane scanned the other tables. Gracelyn’s doctor was seated near the window having dinner. At least he was still here if needed. He directed his attention back to Hanson. “How’d that happen, Cooper?”

  “She’s a girl my sister went to college with over in Prescott. We started writing each other a while back. I’m this close so we should meet.” Hanson finished his coffee and stood. “Well, I have to be taking off. Stay in touch.” Cooper gripped his shoulders when Dane stood. “Thanks again, man. I’ll never understand how you got the tourniquet on my arm with only one of yours and a body full of pain, but I’ll be forever grateful. So will my family.”

  Dane walked out with him. “Truthfully, I don’t know how I did it, either. I barely remember. Boston helped by dragging your body to where I could reach you. He’s some pal.”

  “I didn’t hear that story. I’ll miss him.” At Cooper’s car, Dane said good-bye. “You stay safe out there now.” He bumped Coop’s shoulder. “Don’t try to be a damn hero.”

  “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve heard that? Well, that’s what they pay me to do, Sarg. You know that better than anyone.”

  Dane chuckled. “Yup. You’re already a hero in my eyes. Thanks, man, for not letting me die back there. Good luck with the girl.” They did a quick farewell hug—each ending with a big thump to the other’s back. Cooper got in his car and drove off.

  Dane waited until he was gone before going inside. At the cafeteria, he got another cup of coffee to take upstairs. Damn, what a day. Before he got to the elevator he ran into Jase, who had just arrived.

  “Mom told me to bring you a change of clothes, and Grace’s purple bag. Take this girly thing off my hands.” Jase handed them over. “How you doing?”

  Dane shrugged. He took the carry-on and slung the backpack over his shoulder. “I’m not sure how I’m doing yet. Still in a fog. You missed my buddy Hanson.” He looked down at himself. “Clean clothes is a good idea. Thanks. What happened to my weapons and gear?”

  Jase laid his hand on Dane’s shoulder as they stood in the hallway near the elevators. “The deputy secured all that stuff before the helicopter left the hospital. It’s all safe, but the sheriff needs to talk to you.”

  “I’m sure he does. What’s he want, blood samples from my knife? It’s not like I killed the guy. Leon knows where to find me.” Dane realized how exhausted he was now. “I appreciate the clothes. The help today. That had to be hell for you guys. I’ll never put you through something like that again.”

  “We’re family. That’s what we do. Go be with your family. See you all when you come home. Congratulations, Dad.” Jase turned to leave but came to a halt and pivoted with a grin. “Never thought I’d be saying those words to you.”

  “Wait until you see my son. He’s blond,” he said beaming. “The little guy was sleeping when I left.”

  “That’s great for you and Gracelyn. All the teasing and bullshitting I do with you, well, it’s…because I love you, bro. Give her a hug from us.” Jase left in a rush.

  When he got in the elevator, he leaned against the wall, his hand on the handle of his wife’s girly bag, and he took a sip of coffee. He’d never be able to get by without his family’s support.

  At this moment he’d like nothing more than to drop his head to a pillow and go to sleep. Why hadn’t he remembered to get her flowers? Upon entering the room, his face lit up at the sight of her holding their son. A loving vision he’d burn into his memory. “Have you been out of bed?”

  Gracelyn met him with a smile. “No, not yet. The nurse brought Will to me after taking vitals. We’re both doing fine. I’m worn out.”

  “Good to hear.” She looked as tired as him with dark circles under her eyes, but still striking. Dane held the bag up. “Jase brought me clothes and your bag. I’ll change in your bathroom.”

  “Your family’s here?” She peeked out in the hall. “Where are they?”

  “No, he dropped this off and left. They won’t visit tonight.” In the bathroom, Dane folded his dirty clothes and stuck them in the bag. His own image appeared ragged and worn with circles under his eyes, too—his hair a mess. He ran wet hands through it to get it in shape, then washed his hands and face. After opening the door, he observed his wife and child. “Can I take a picture?”

  “We’d like that.” She situated Will in her arms. “He looks like you, honey. Be proud.”

  “I am.” She beamed with pride and he liked that. It was only a couple snapshots, but a lifetime memory.

  “Can you come get Will? I need to run to the bathroom—tidy up a little bit—fix my hair and change. Then I want to sleep.”

  A tremor sounded in her words. Dane went to the bed and meant to pick up his son but she reached for him. “Come here.”

  He took Will to his bed then removed the blanket and went into her arms. “I’m here, honey.”

  “Thank you for saving us.” She burst into tears and her body quivered. “My God. I tried not to go with him, but I couldn’t fight him off. The pains were already so bad by time I pulled into the driveway. When I bent over to get my purse from the car, he came from the side of the office.” Her face was wet with tears as she cried. “I parked and didn’t know he was there, I didn’t know…”

  “Shh, shh, shh, don’t cry. You didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t worry anymore.” Dane held her tight. “We got him.”

  “When he first grabbed me, he intended to drag me back to his car. Tristan came out, so he feared he was coming for his vehicle and he’d see us, but instead Tristan went right back in. He would’ve shot Tristan if he came over—he aimed at him. He saw the keys in Tristan’s 4x4 then dragged me inside and tied my ankles so I couldn’t jump back out. That’s when, whatever his real name is, took off around the side of the office through the desert like a coward. He practically flipped out not knowing where to go or what to do… His whole plan got messed up. I thought he’d kill us by his driving.” Her chest rose with short breaths, making it difficult to breathe.

  “Stop, Gracelyn. It’s okay now.” Dane cupped her face. His body tensed with hatred. “He’ll not hurt you anymore.” The fact he even got near his wife was enough to drive him insane.

  Gracelyn clenched his shoulders, her body shaking uncontrollably. “I wanted him dead, but I’m glad you didn’t kill him.”

  Dane held her and her body was warm, yet she shuddered. “Why? I wanted to so damn bad.” It’s not over.

  “I didn’t want you to go to jail. I want him in jail, not you.”

  “Let me up a minute.” Dane handed her a tissue then went to close the door. On the way back to her, he stopped at the baby bed and smoothed hi
s knuckle over Will’s cheek. He lay beside Gracelyn, took her into his arms and held her as tight as he could, unable to let her go. She still smelled good, not like someone who delivered a baby in the mountains. “This part’s over. He’ll be taken care of. Take comfort in that.”

  Gracelyn clung to him and settled into his arms. “What does my dad have to do with this?”

  Why did this have to come up? It was the last thing he wanted… “Your dad didn’t do anything. Trevor Houston is a psycho.” Being a parent now, he could almost understand how it might drive a father insane to lose a child. “Do we have to talk about this?”

  Shaking her head, she dried her eyes. “Uh uh. I want to go home, sleep with you in our bed with our child beside us, in peace.”

  Her agony dug into his heart like a knife jab. “We’ll have it. Relax. I’m not going anywhere. I’d take you both home right this minute, but I want to make sure you’re okay. We’ll go home in the morning.”

  “Let me up for a minute, so I can change. I’ll be right back.” She scooted out of bed and padded slowly to the bathroom.

  She’s stronger than she knows. But, now, he worried how she’d adapt after this incident. Hopefully, her strength carried on. He watched her walk away, and was still at a loss of words about the joy and fear he experienced delivering his own child. The hatred for Houston. He didn’t know if he could accept him being alive for what he’d done. He’s the enemy.

  When she returned, she stopped and leaned over the baby bed to give her son a kiss, then she got in bed beside Dane. “You saved us. I love you so much. If you hadn’t come—”

  “I did come.” With a heartfelt gaze into her eyes, he caressed the side of her face, and leaned forward to kiss her lips. “I love you…” She cuddled into him when he slipped his arms around her, and her sigh spoke to his heart with more meaning than any words could convey.

  “This isn’t the best time, but before you fall asleep, I need to tell you one thing…” Gracelyn placed her hand over his. “I requested a DNA test, but they’ll need a sample from you. I want to do this in case you or anyone else has any doubts—”