Moving to You (Rolling Thunder Book 5)

by Pj Fiala

  She nodded her little blonde head. “Yep.”

  “Do you know where the ice cream is?”

  “Yep.” She led him to the freezer section and clapped her hands when he pulled out a five-quart bucket of chocolate ice cream. They checked out their purchase and loaded back up.

  On the way to the house, Dakota asked, “How come you have so much stuff in your truck?”

  He glanced into the rearview mirror and then back to the road. “What kind of stuff do you mean?”

  “You have tools and stuff like Grandpa. But Grandpa doesn’t keep his in his truck.”

  He chuckled. “Oh. Well, this isn’t my truck; it’s my dad’s. But it’s also the work truck this week, so that’s why we have all the tools in it.”

  “Okay.” She looked out the window.

  JT kept glancing into the mirror, watching her. She seemed perfectly comfortable and happy.

  “Can I have two bowls of ice cream if I eat the first one?”

  He chuckled. “We’ll see, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  He turned the truck into the driveway of the house. Parking the truck, he followed the same routine, helping Dakota from the truck. He grabbed the ice cream from the passenger floor and took her hand to walk into the house. The sun was close to setting and the sky was colored purple. Hearing a truck driving down the private road caused JT to stop and look down the steep hill to the road. The truck drove past the driveway to the house. It was the first time he’d seen a truck other than theirs on the road since he’d been here.

  “Hey, that’s Grandpa’s truck,” Dakota said as she turned her head to watch the truck pass by.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yep.”

  JT watched the truck slow down a short distance down the road and make a right turn. “Who lives down there, do you know?”

  “No one lives there. Grandpa just goes there sometimes, but I’m not supposed to tell anyone.”

  JT squatted in front of her. “How do you know that, Dakota?”

  “Umm.”

  “It’s okay. I’m Grandpa’s friend. If he needs help, we all want to help him.”

  She nodded her head. “He takes me there sometimes, but I have to stay in the truck and he goes in the trees and comes out with a bag.”

  “Thank you for telling me. Shall we go and have some ice cream?”

  She squealed and jumped. “Yes, please.”

  33

  Kayden found herself driving up to the house instead of going home. She couldn’t bear going in alone right now; she just needed to talk to JT. Driving down the gravel road to the house, she looked up the large hill to see the house lit up at every window. She sighed. It was the perfect house. The cedar siding was stained a medium brown and brought out the richness of the wood. The many windows let the light in and broke up the long lines of the siding. Stuck up in the middle of the hill, it looked like it was tucked into a cozy blanket for a long nap. Turning onto the driveway and making her way up the drive, she rotated her shoulders and suppressed a yawn. Was she getting older, or were the days suddenly becoming overwhelming?

  She parked next to the truck and walked to the door. Now she was flummoxed because she didn’t know if she should knock or just walk in. Knocking seemed the wiser choice. She waited only a second or two and the door sprung open, and there stood Ryder with a grin on his face.

  He held his finger to his lips as a gesture of silence and stepped aside for her to walk in. She entered the media room/bar and noticed that one of the six recliners in the room was tilted back and a blonde head was visible from the back. Ryder motioned her forward and she slowly walked around the theater chairs and her heart raced at the vision before her.

  JT was laid back and sleeping in the recliner, and tucked into his arms was Dakota, sleeping peacefully, a soft endearing expression on her face. A faint ring of chocolate rimmed her lips, and her little red cowboy boots were on the floor next to JT’s biker boots alongside the chair.

  Tears sprang to Kayden’s eyes as she looked at this man holding her daughter so sweetly. She swiped at the tears with her shaking fingers, and Ryder whispered to her, “Dakota wanted to watch cartoons and eat ice cream, so we all came down here to watch television with her. She climbed into JT’s lap and fed him every other spoonful of ice cream and then fell asleep just before he did.” He chuckled lightly. “We all went upstairs so we wouldn’t wake them. Do you want to come up for a bit?”

  Kayden watched JT’s chest rise and fall a few times, his face more relaxed than she’d ever seen him. The firm set of his jaw was slackened, and in sleep he was more handsome than she ever dreamed he could be. No, wait, holding her daughter in his arms while she slept, that’s what made him handsome. Definitely a keeper.

  “Yeah, I can come up for a little while. I just hate to wake them up.”

  As they ascended the steps, she looked past the railing and watched both of them sleeping peacefully and she felt a little jealous.

  34

  JT slowly woke to the muffled sounds of people talking and laughing upstairs on the deck. He listened to see if he could tell who was still up chatting and bullshitting. The warm little bundle in his arms was breathing steadily and he felt peaceful and serene. Then he thought he heard the soft breathing of someone alongside him. He slowly opened his eyes to see the dark room was illuminated only from the glow of the clock above the bar and the outdoor lights in the windows. He turned toward the soft breathing and smiled when Kayden’s sleeping form came into view in the chair next to his. Her left hand lay on Dakota’s head, her right hand tucked under her cheek, her knees drawn up on the seat. He watched her sleep for a few moments, then he reached over and brushed her hand with his. Softly touching her fingers, he watched as her lashes fluttered then opened. She immediately smiled at him, then rubbed her eyes with the pads of her fingers, wiping the sleep away.

  “You gave her ice cream,” she whispered.

  He furrowed his brows. “What makes you think that?”

  She softly giggled and circled her fingers around her own lips. “Ice cream ring. Busted.”

  He chuckled. “You didn’t say she couldn’t have ice cream.”

  “You’re right.” She slowly sat up, turning in her chair to face him. “Did she have fun?”

  He glanced down at the little angel, her blonde curls in disarray from her day. “Yeah. Everyone, including Mom and Dad, played hide and seek with her. She got a nickel for every person she found.” He smiled as he remembered her giggles and squeals. “She can go to college on the money she made. The girl’s a master at finding people.”

  Kayden laughed softly then quickly frowned.

  “Hey. What just happened there?”

  She looked at JT and softly said, “I don’t play with her enough. I feel guilty.”

  He leaned over the chair as much as he could and reached across to her nape and pulled her close. “Never feel guilty. You’re raising a wonderful little girl here. You’re doing everything you can for her.”

  She leaned forward, and needing the contact with her, he kissed her lips. He reveled in the feel of her lips softly gliding over his and he never wanted this feeling to end.

  When they pulled away, he whispered, “How’s Duncan?”

  “He had surgery again tonight to repair a nicked vein that had been missed during the first surgery. They say his chances are good. He was shot in the lung; the bullet hit a rib too. And, of course the vein. He’ll be there for a while.”

  JT held her hand and the warmth from her touch felt like a wool blanket on a cold day. “I’m glad he’ll be okay. Do they know what happened?”

  Kayden stretched her back and rolled her shoulders. “Yeah. The growers came back to protect their crops and shot anyone getting too close. Another ranger was killed and two police officers were wounded as well. It’s going to get rough around here.”

  JT looked at the clock on the wall and saw that it was just past midnight. “What time did you get here?�
��

  “A little before ten. You two were already out.” She sat back into the chair and looked over into his eyes.

  Taking a deep breath, she whispered, “I fell in love with you tonight, JT. Watching you hold my little girl and take care of her. I already had feelings for you, but it hit me when I looked at the two of you.” She watched his face, which held a look of surprise, but softly, she repeated, “I fell in love with you.”

  He leaned forward and moved to the edge of his chair. Slowly standing, he carried Dakota to the bedroom he was using during his time here. She followed, watching him lay Dakota on the bed and gently cover her with a blanket. He turned and wrapped her tightly in his arms. His heartbeat was rapid and strong against her breasts. When he spoke to her, he sounded like he was trying to control himself—strained and tight. “I fell in love with you today, too, Kayden.” His mouth captured hers in a searing kiss that left them both breathless. When they needed to breathe again, he glanced back at Dakota, then motioned toward the door. Taking her hand in his, he led her to the chair he’d just vacated, sat down and pulled her onto his lap. Pulling her tightly to him, he nestled her head on his shoulder and wrapped both arms tightly around her. “This won’t be all that comfortable, but I want to sleep with you tonight, and I want to hear you tell me you love me again before I fall asleep.”

  He heard her sigh and nestle in before saying, “I love you, JT.”

  35

  The morning sun streamed in through the window, slanting its warm rays across JT and Kayden. She opened her eyes slowly and sighed. His aftershave was forever imprinted on her mind. She’d never smell anyone that elicited the excitement and passion she felt when she smelled JT.

  She lightly rubbed her face and eyes, waking her skin up for the day ahead. JT opened his eyes and a slow, sexy smile creased his handsome face. The beard he’d been growing the past few days—though not very long—looked thick and silky. He’d shaved it into a Vandyke the past day or two and the shape was very intriguing on him.

  His hand came up to her face, lightly turning her to look at him. No hardship there. Then he pulled her down and kissed her lightly on the lips. Kayden deepened the kiss, enjoying kissing him first thing in the morning. The sound of a giggle caused them to stop and turn toward the sound.

  “You guys are kissing.” Dakota stood alongside the chair, hair a tangled mess, her clothing wrinkled and disheveled, but the biggest smile she could make graced her tiny face.

  Kayden quickly sat up straight and moved to get up, but JT held her in place. He glanced at Dakota. “Want to join us in the chair?”

  She nodded and quickly scrambled onto Kayden’s lap and squirmed her way onto JT’s other side. She looked at Kayden and giggled. “I made a lot of money last night and JT said I was good at finding people and I had ice cream and we watched cartoons.”

  Kayden chuckled. “What was your favorite part?”

  Dakota pursed her lips. “Watching TV and eating ice cream with everyone. We had this whole room full and everyone was good. Nobody spilled and they let me watch what I wanted.”

  Touching the little wayward blonde curls, she smiled at her daughter. “That was very nice of them. Did you say thank you?”

  Dakota looked down and a frown marred her precious little face. Tilting her chin up to look into her eyes, Kayden said, “Don’t be sad. What’s wrong?”

  “I fell asleep and didn’t say thank you.” Her forlorn voice tore at Kayden’s heart.

  JT tsked and then said, “That’s okay. Everyone is still here and when we have breakfast, you can tell them then.”

  That seemed to brighten her smile and she sat quietly with them for a few moments before repeating, “You guys were kissing.” Then she giggled again.

  “Yes, we were kissing. I like kissing JT. Does that bother you?”

  Dakota’s little face tilted up to look at JT, then back to her. “Nope. I like JT, too.”

  JT ruffled his fingers through her hair and kissed the top of her head. “I like you, too, Kota.”

  Footsteps above them signaled the family was waking. Chairs scooted across the floor and Dog grumbled something and then the word coffee. JT chuckled and looked at her. “Would you two like to freshen up in the bathroom and then we can go up and have some breakfast?”

  “Yes. Thank you.” She scooted off his lap and turned to pull Dakota from the little nest she’d made against JT. “Come on, baby. Let’s go wash up.”

  JT stood and stretched. Sleeping in a chair, even a comfy one, wasn’t nearly as restful as sleeping in a bed. He took the steps upstairs, wanting to have a conversation with his dad about Oakes driving down the road and what Dakota had told him. He reached the top step which landed in the kitchen and the aroma of fresh coffee made his mouth water. His mom was at the counter pulling eggs and bowls from their resting places to make breakfast; his dad was sitting at the kitchen table watching her. Actually, he was looking at her ass. JT chuckled—some things never changed.

  “Morning.” JT rubbed his stomach and stopped at the coffeepot, pouring three cups and delivering them to his parents before sitting down.

  “Morning. Are Kayden and Dakota up?” Joci asked.

  “Yeah. They’re washing up. They’ll be up here soon.”

  “Thanks. Morning.” His dad eyed him briefly and then eagerly grabbed his coffee and inhaled deeply before sipping at his cup. “Mmm.”

  Catching his dad’s gaze, he said, “You have a minute to talk about something?”

  Leaning back in his chair, his dad nodded. “Yep.”

  JT quickly and quietly told him what he’d learned last night. “You can’t tell Oakes what or how you know. I don’t want Dakota to get in trouble.”

  “I wouldn’t get her in trouble.”

  Little steps climbing toward them halted their conversation.

  Breakfast was made and they gathered around the table to eat the pancakes his mom had made. Chatter and teasing went back and forth. Emma looked at JT and Kayden and with a sly smile on her face, she asked, “Did you all sleep well?”

  Dakota nodded and said, “My mom and JT are getting married.”

  The room grew silent and all eyes turned toward them. Kayden leaned down. “Kota, you’re not supposed to fib. Remember?”

  Dakota turned to her, brows furrowed. “I’m not fibbing. You were kissing. Grandpa said you aren’t supposed to kiss a boy unless you’re getting married.”

  A few smirks graced faces, a couple of chuckles were heard, but Dakota continued on, “Actually, Grandpa says it like this.” She wagged her little forefinger in front of her. “’Kota, you never kiss a boy till you know you’re gonna get married to him. No good comes from kissing. Got it?’”

  JT watched Kayden stifle a laugh and glance at him and then quickly away, a pretty pink staining her cheeks and neck. Looking down at Dakota, she said, “Well, Grandpa means you.” She pointed to Dakota and then back to herself. “Not me. And JT and I are not getting married. Okay?”

  Dakota’s cute little face frowned. “Okay,” she said quietly.

  JT glanced at his brothers and saw them chuckling. He knew he’d be getting ribbed about this one later.

  Chase and Frog came in the front door and bid good morning, then Frog said, “Dog, Chase’s bike seems to be leaking a bit of oil. Just checking what time we’re leaving this morning so we know if we have enough time to work on it before we go.”

  Jeremiah replied, “Around ten or so. Need help?”

  “Naw. We got it,” Chase answered.

  “Come on in and eat, boys. Pancakes today,” Joci offered.

  Dakota giggled and looked at Jeremiah. “He called you Dog.”

  Leaning forward, he said, “That’s my nickname. Just like your momma calls you Kota sometimes.”

  She cocked her little head. “Kota’s part of my name. Dog’s not part of yours.”

  Chuckles rounded the table and Dakota said, “What do I call you?”

  Gunnar took that moment to
speak up. He looked at Emma, then at his mom and dad. “You could call him Grandpa. That’s what we’ll be calling him in seven months.”

  Other than the audible gasps that were heard around the table, silence soon fell as the news was processed in the early morning hours. Joci jumped up from her chair and scooted around the table. She hugged Gunnar tightly. “Are you sure?”

  The smile on Gunnar’s face was brilliant. He reached for Emma and looking into her eyes, he said, “We’re sure. We’ve known for about a week, but wanted everyone to be together when we announced it.”

  Congratulations and hugs were offered, making for an extremely light and happy mood.

  Emma said, “We’re going to move the wedding up so I’m not huge when we get married.”

  Jeremiah, still standing after hearing the news, leaned against the buffet along the wall and offered a compromise. “Have a double wedding.” He glanced between Ryder and Gunnar.

  Molly took Emma’s hand in hers, and said, “That could be so much fun.”

  “Are you sure, Molly? You’ve been planning your own wedding with Ryder. Adding us to the mix might be a pain.”

  “No, it wouldn’t. You’ll have a hard time finding a venue, and we have one. Most of the same people will be there, except some of your friends, so a few more won’t matter.”

  Emma turned to Gunnar. “What do you think?”

  Gunnar kissed her lightly, then said to the group, “Let’s talk about it a bit later. Okay?”