Cowboy Daddy

by Susan Mallery

  “Is it the truth?”

  “No.” Anne gave him a faint smile. “But as you pointed out earlier, there is a lot of work involved with raising a child, even a half-grown one. It would require me to make changes in my life. I’d like to think that I would handle it all beautifully, but that’s not true.”

  “I appreciate the offer,” he said, “but it won’t work.”

  “Why? She won’t want to come if she thinks she’s not welcome.”

  “Laurel doesn’t need another rejection in her life. Especially not from you.” He grimaced. “As her birth mother you’ve been vested with almost magical powers. If that image was destroyed, I don’t know what would happen to her. Whatever my feelings on the matter, Laurel comes first.” He was tempted by her offer, but he owed his daughter better than that.

  “The problem is time,” Anne said. “If only it was the beginning of summer rather than the end. I’m sure that after a few weeks of hanging around with me, Laurel would see that I wasn’t the answer to all her problems.”

  “You start to wear a little thin after the honeymoon stage, Baker?” he asked.

  She folded her arms and leaned one hip on the bar. “Not always, Masters,” she said, then grinned. “But I think I might lose my magical powers.”

  He relaxed a little. She was right. Laurel wouldn’t take all that long to become disenchanted. It didn’t even have to go that far. He was willing to compromise and let Laurel visit Anne. She just couldn’t live there permanently.

  “Why would you be willing to lose status with her?” he asked, resting his forearms on the bar.

  “Because I want a real relationship with Laurel. Not a pretend one. She has fantasies about me. I’m bound to disappoint her.” She shrugged. “Once that happens and is behind us, then we can get on with the business of being friends.”

  He wanted to believe her, but he couldn’t. There was too much at stake. “That’s all you want?”

  “That’s the only place left in her life. Ellen was Laurel’s mother. I know that.”

  “You’re ignoring the fact that you’re everything Laurel wants to be. Attractive, successful and independent.” He’d spoken without thinking and now wanted to call the words back.

  Instead of taking advantage of his slipup, Anne blushed. “Maybe we can work something out.”

  He was angry at himself for complimenting her. He let the energy of his displeasure fuel him. “There’s no time. Laurel’s school starts in a week. I have horses being delivered and a ranch to run. I can’t wait around for a thirteen-year-old girl to get her head on straight.”

  “All right,” she said, leaning toward him. Her pale blue eyes flashed with defiance. “What do you plan to do about our little problem then?”

  “Take you with us.”

  Chapter 5

  “You’re going to what?” Heather asked, staring at Anne as if she’d lost her mind.

  Anne smiled at her. “Take a two-month leave of absence.”

  “From work? You? I can’t even remember the last time you took a vacation.”

  “I went to Cancun last year.”

  Heather shook her head. “That was over a long weekend. Taking off two extra days doesn’t count as a vacation. What about the RCR contract?”

  Anne glanced down at her notes, then looked back at her assistant sitting in the leather chair in front of her desk. “I’ve got most of the information mapped out. I’m going to have you meet with them in my place.”

  “Me?” Heather looked horrified. “Alone?”

  “You’ll be fine.”

  “But I’ve never done anything like that alone. I can’t—”

  Anne held up her hand to silence her. “I’ve spoken with Mr. Wilson and he’s in complete agreement. We both think you’re ready. Besides, if I get offered the promotion to vice president, don’t you want a shot at my job?”

  Heather wrinkled her nose. “I guess.”

  Anne grinned. “I’m overwhelmed by your enthusiasm.”

  “I’d like the big raise and the office,” Heather said, looking around. “But I don’t want to work the hours you do, Anne. I have a little boy who wants to see his mother now and then.”

  “I understand. You wouldn’t have to put in all the hours I do. You have different priorities. I’ve always wanted to get to the top.” Anne leaned back in her chair. Her need to get ahead wasn’t just about earning more money or the prestige of being a vice president at the firm. She worked hard because work was the only place she ever really fit in. Now all that was at risk. Of course she was pleased about spending two months getting to know Laurel, but she had a sense of ambivalence about the whole situation. What price was she going to pay career-wise? Was she a horrible person for even thinking that? She told herself that of course Laurel had to come first, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t worried.

  “Two months is a long time to be gone,” Heather said, as if she could read her mind.

  “I know.” Anne sighed. “But the choice is between my career and my child. How can I choose my career? Laurel needs me, and I welcome the opportunity to get to know her. Selfishly, I can’t help wishing all of this could have taken place in Houston.”

  Heather winked. “At least you’ll be spending two months with her hunky father.”

  “He doesn’t like me very much.”

  “Why?” Heather sounded shocked. “Everyone likes you.”

  “Except Jake Masters and Tim the Turkey,” Anne said, jerking her head toward the next office.

  “Tim’s scared he’s going to lose the promotion to a woman.” Heather stood up and smiled. “For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing, Anne. You’re getting a second chance with your daughter, and that’s worth any price. I know your career is the most important part of your life, but maybe these two months will show you there’s more to living than convincing companies to relocate in Houston.”

  “Bite your tongue.” Anne laughed. “I’ll be checking in regularly. You have the phone number there if you need me. Don’t be afraid to call.”

  Heather walked to the door, then turned back. “Have a good time finding out how the other half lives. It wouldn’t kill you to let a man into your life.”

  Anne waved her out of the room. “Get back to your desk before I give the RCR account to someone else.”

  “I’m trembling with fear.” Heather chuckled, then pulled the door shut behind her.

  Anne turned her chair until she was staring out the large window. Ten days ago if someone had told her she would be taking a two-month leave of absence from her job so that she could get to know the child she’d given up for adoption thirteen years ago, she would have assumed that person was crazy. Now she was starting to question her own sanity. Was she making a huge mistake or was she setting everything right?

  She still remembered the shock she’d felt when Jake had told her she was coming with them to Colorado. She’d started to tell him that it was impossible for her to leave work and just pack up for two months. But she hadn’t. Maybe it had been because she’d thought about what Heather had said. She was getting a second chance with her daughter. Maybe it was because she wanted to store up memories for the times when she was alone. But mostly it was because of guilt. Although she’d missed Laurel and had never stopped thinking about her, giving up her child had allowed her to get on with her life. She’d never had to balance a baby and school, or a toddler and a career. She’d never had to worry about working late, child care, measles, or any of the problems of being a single mother. She’d taken the easy way out. She owed Laurel, regardless of what it cost.

  She swiveled around to face her desk, then picked up the phone. After punching in a familiar number, she waited until she heard a voice say, “Hi, hold on,” followed by a stream of instructions that included telling her youngest to stop chewing on the dog, and promises that yes, they were having hot dogs for dinner.

  “Hi, Becky Sue.”

  “Annie. How are you darlin’? I ha
ven’t heard from you in forever. You callin’ me from that fancy office of yours?”

  “Yes.”

  “I bet you’ve got the air-conditionin’ set just right. Out here it’s hotter than a—Little Joey, I told you to stop chewin’ on that dog. You’re gonna make yourself sick. Stop it before I paddle you good. Sorry. These kids are driving me crazy. I can’t hardly wait for school to get started.”

  Anne leaned back in her chair and smiled. Becky Sue, her only cousin, had stayed behind in their small west Texas town. She’d married a local boy and had five children.

  “I have some news,” Anne said.

  “You’ve gone and got yourself another promotion?”

  “No. I’ve heard from my daughter.”

  She heard a loud thump as something was knocked over by one of the children, then Becky Sue’s voice laced with excitement. “Why, darlin’ that’s just wonderful. I’m happy for you. You must have been surprised. What happened?”

  Anne quickly explained about Jake’s visit and the subsequent meetings with Laurel.

  “Stolen,” Becky Sue said. “I wish someone would come and steal some of my kids.”

  Anne laughed. “You know you don’t mean that.”

  “It’s true, but some days, I sure wouldn’t mind. So you gonna live with this man and your little girl? What about your fancy job?”

  “I’m taking a leave of absence.” Anne picked up a pencil and toyed with it. Becky Sue would do anything in the world for her, she knew that. Anne wasn’t afraid her cousin would say no to the favor she was about to request. She was afraid of what she would hear along with the agreement. Becky Sue had the disconcerting habit of telling everyone exactly what she thought of a situation. “We’re driving from Houston to his ranch in Colorado. I thought we could stop by for a bit.”

  “You’re always welcome here, Annie Jo. You know that. There’s plenty of air mattresses if you all want to spend the night.” Her voice grew muffled. “Joey, I’m gonna smack your behind. Leave that dog alone! You hear me?”

  A loud squawk of displeasure followed by a woof from the oversize dog filled the receiver. Anne grinned. It was almost like being there. Sometimes she missed her old home.

  “You sure you want to come back to all this?” Becky Sue asked.

  “I’m sure. I was forced to give her up. I thought if I brought her to Paradise, she might realize I made the best decision for both of us.”

  “You know, darlin’, I think the world of you. I’ve always been so proud of your education and your job. You’ve been real generous with clothes for the kids. And I know you’re putting money away for trade school, or even college, but only little Dolly seems to have the brains. Stop it,” she screamed, then sighed. “I doubt little Joey’s gonna live to grow up if he keeps chewin’ on that dog. Anyway, you’re a good friend, just like a sister to me. I’ve always wanted you to find some happiness. I’d like to meet your girl. But you be careful, Annie Jo. You say you want to show her that you made the right choice. Seems to me you’re the one who needs convincin’.”

  *

  The knot in her belly was from nerves and the early hour, Anne told herself as she zipped up her suitcase. It was completely normal and would go away as soon as they got going. A sharp buzz made her jump. She hurried over to the security panel and spoke. “Yes?”

  “Annie, we’re here,” Laurel said, sounding awake and cheerful despite the fact that it wasn’t even seven o’clock a.m. “Are you ready?”

  “Sure. Come on up.” She pushed the release button.

  After taking one last look around her bedroom, Anne pulled the suitcase off the bed and rolled it into the living room. Her makeup, a change of clothes and a nightshirt were in a carry-on bag. She rubbed her damp palms against her shorts and tried to stay calm. It wasn’t working.

  After what felt like an eternity, there was a knock. She pulled open her door. Laurel practically danced into the room.

  “You’re really coming with us,” she said, grinning. Her brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail that bounced with her movements. She wore white shorts with a bright neon orange tank top.

  Anne pointed at the suitcase. “Looks that way.”

  Laurel stepped close and gave her a hug. Jake followed his daughter into the room, but his greeting was more controlled. Anne knew he wasn’t happy about the situation. She had just as many reservations as he did, but for different reasons. Still, they were going to be spending the next two months together. They had to find a way to get along.

  “Where’s your luggage?” he asked.

  *

  She motioned to the single suitcase standing in the center of the room. “I have this and that overnight case.” She pointed.

  “That’s it?” He sounded surprised. “Have you changed your mind about staying for two months?”

  “No. I don’t have any cold weather clothes, so I’ll get a couple of sweaters there. It’s a horse ranch, right? There’s not going to be any fancy parties in town, so I didn’t think I needed much.”

  Jake didn’t say anything; he simply nodded and picked up the suitcase. “I’ll take it and wait for you downstairs.”

  Laurel wasn’t so circumspect. “Gosh, you hardly have any luggage. Whenever we went anywhere, Mom brought tons of stuff.” She grinned. “She had this set of matching suitcases. There were four of them. The really big kind. Once, when we went to New York for a week, Mom brought twelve pairs of shoes. Dad and I counted. She had lots of pretty dresses and jewelry.” Laurel’s smile faded and her expression turned sad. “My mom was beautiful. Daddy and Grandpa always told her she could have been a fashion model.”

  Anne glanced down at her generous bust and wide hips. She wasn’t overweight, but at five foot four and almost a hundred and twenty pounds, she wasn’t anyone’s idea of a fashion model. She picked up her carry-on bag, then her keys and ushered Laurel out of the condo. “She sounds lovely,” she said, and locked the door.

  “Oh, she was.” Laurel pushed the button for the elevator. “She had dark hair, like Daddy’s. It was long and pretty. She used to wear it up and then put on diamond earrings.” Laurel looked at Anne. “Daddy says I’ll get the earrings when I’m old enough. I want to wear makeup, but he doesn’t like it.” She grimaced. “Mom wore a lot of makeup all the time. She always liked to look put together.”

  She said the last two words with an affectation, as if playfully mocking her. When she giggled, Anne smiled with her. The elevator doors opened and they stepped inside.

  On the trip down, Laurel continued to chatter on about the charms Ellen Masters had possessed. Anne started feeling more dowdy and inadequate by the minute. Maybe she should have packed some better clothes, she thought as they stepped into the foyer of the building. She didn’t own much jewelry. A good portion of her extra income went to Becky Sue to help with the five kids. She’d thought about packing that silk dress, but had decided against it.

  They stepped into the sunshine. Jake was waiting at the curb. Her suitcase had already been stored in the back of his black Ford Explorer. He took her carry-on bag and stowed it in the back seat. Laurel climbed in after it. He held open the passenger door and Anne stepped up into the vehicle.

  Jake walked around the front, then slid in next to her. As always he wore jeans. Today his broad chest was covered by a polo shirt that hugged his hard muscles. The bright red knit fabric brought out the deep color of his tan. The Stetson shaded his eyes, but she didn’t mind that. He had invited her to join them because there wasn’t any other easy solution. It didn’t matter what kind of clothes she wore or the fact that she would never be as pretty or well dressed as his late wife. She would only ever be a thorn in his side.

  They pulled out into traffic, then headed for the freeway that would take them west. Laurel continued to talk about clothes. Anne glanced down at her own outfit of cream-colored shorts and a pale peach T-shirt. She had broken down and bought jeans for her stay at the ranch. They were the only practical attire for th
at sort of environment. After all, she was going to be living with a cowboy.

  She shot Jake a glance. He concentrated on the road. Mirrored sunglasses hid his eyes from view, but she suspected he was staring straight ahead. He drove confidently, relaxed, but with both hands on the wheel. There was something about the set of his head. It gnawed at the back of her memory. What was it?

  Suddenly she had to turn and glance out the passenger window so Jake wouldn’t see her smile. He reminded her a little of Bobby. She looked over her shoulder at Laurel. No wonder they looked like father and daughter.

  They stopped for an early lunch. Laurel continued to keep the conversation going. Anne nibbled at her hamburger and salad. She had to talk to Jake, but didn’t know how to get him alone. She didn’t want to get Laurel excited about stopping to see Becky Sue and cousins she didn’t know she had, only to have her father veto the idea.

  In the end, fate and Laurel intervened. “I’m done,” Laurel said, pushing away her plate. “Dad, I need some new batteries for my Walkman and video games. May I have some money?”

  He reached in his front pocket and pulled out some bills. “Buy plenty of batteries,” he said, then winked.

  Laurel rolled her eyes. “Dad hates my music,” she told Anne. “He makes me listen to tapes using my headset.”

  “I like that,” Anne said. “I think my taste is a little closer to your father’s than to yours.”

  “That’s ’cause you guys are old.” Laurel took the money he offered and headed for the convenience store that shared the parking lot with the gas station and restaurant.

  Anne watched her go. “She’s a good kid.”

  “I know.” Without his sunglasses and Stetson, Jake looked more approachable. He’d even joked with his daughter. But whenever he glanced at her, he iced up.

  “You’re going to have to do a better job of pretending,” she blurted out.