Emma walked along with him. “You have a nursery?”
“Yes, ma’am. Spring and summer, for orphaned raptors. You should come back then so you can see it in action.”
“I’d love to.”
Zane led them down a paved path to the screened-in shelters for injured birds of prey. Each was as large as Zane’s budget would permit and shaded by trees to give the birds the privacy to heal. Gage had taken the full tour soon after arriving in town and had been back several times since.
“Now that we have more space,” Zane said, “we’ve divided the birds into groups – hawks, eagles and owls. Which do you want Josh to see first?”
“Eagles,” Emma said. “I think he’ll be blown away. I can’t wait for his reaction.”
“I’ll take the pictures this time.” Gage walked over to her. “That way you can share the experience with him.”
“But you and Josh are the bird lovers. I’ll have fun watching you two communing with them. You take him and I’ll handle pictures.”
“Alrighty, then.” He glanced at Zane. “I guess we’re ready to do this thing.”
He nodded. “Follow me.”
Gage repositioned Josh in his arms and adjusted the fit of his floppy canvas hat. “All set, buddy?”
Josh reached up and patted his cheek. “Da-da.”
“You bet I am, buddy. We’re gonna go see some eagles, now.” As he followed Zane and Emma, he lowered his voice to a soft murmur. “They’ve been hurt and they shouldn’t be agitated. I need you to be very, very quiet. Can you do that for me?”
Josh gazed up at him, his brown eyes solemn. His voice was like the whisper of the wind through the pines over their heads. “Da-da.”
His chest tightened. This little kid, not even a year old, appeared to understand his request. He’d bet his black hat that Josh wasn’t going to disturb those birds.
And he didn’t. Gage brought him within inches of the wire mesh separating him from a magnificent bald eagle with a badly injured foot. As Emma pointed her phone in their direction, Josh and the eagle stared at each other, neither moving, neither making a sound, simply exchanging mutual respect.
The pattern was repeated with each of the large birds. Josh regarded them quietly and they returned the favor. Same with the hawks and the owls. The pygmy owl could have stirred him up since it was about the size of his plush bluebird. But other than softly mouthing ba-ba, he gave the tiny owl the same consideration as its larger cousins.
When they returned to the lobby, Zane glanced at Josh. “I’ve seen quite a few kids go through here and none of them have been that quiet and respectful.”
Gage smiled at his son. “We had an agreement, didn’t we, sport?”
Josh grinned, showing off all four teeth.
Chapter Eighteen
“That was amazing. And I got some fabulous videos.” Emma put the SUV in gear, backed out of the parking spot and headed for the main road into town.
“I was hoping you did. He was so damn cute staring intently at those birds while they stared right back at him.”
“He was fascinated. And now, to top it off, he gets his first visit to an old-fashioned soda fountain. The fun just never stops for that kid.”
“For me, either. Seeing things through his eyes is a trip. I love it. Oh, and I just thought of another good reason to go to Pills and Pop today. Ellie Mae Stockton will be there. She’s a hoot and a half.”
She smiled at his enthusiasm. “She works there?”
“As a clerk. She’s in her eighties. Thoroughly enjoys the job.”
“I can’t wait to meet her.”
“You’ll like her. She wears classic outfits like in a forties movie. She says she used to be in the film industry. According to her, she works Sundays so employees with families don’t have to, but I also think she has a crush on Hank. He’s retired, but he fills in at the soda fountain every Sunday.”
“Or maybe it’s the other way around and Hank’s there because he has a crush on her.”
“Maybe. He’s a good twenty years younger that she is, but Ellie Mae’s ageless, so it could work. Check it out while we’re there and see what you think.”
“I will. In between bites of my hot fudge sundae.”
“But we’re getting sandwiches first, right?”
She’d had time to consider what he’d said about the evening ahead and she was ready to lay her cards on the table. “The thing is, Mrs. Stanislowski put on quite a spread for breakfast. I was thinking of just getting the sundae and I could order a sandwich to eat…” She paused for dramatic effect. “Later.”
He sucked in a quick breath that sent him into a coughing fit. Eventually he cleared his throat and turned to her. “How much later?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” She managed to keep a straight face. “Whenever I get hungry. Could be dinnertime. Could be later. It all depends on what’s happening.”
“I see.” He cleared his throat again. “That sounds like a great idea.”
“Might not work for you, though. You’re probably hungry now.”
He groaned softly. “Count on it.”
“Payback, my friend.”
“Trust me, it’s worth every pinch on my privates. I’m crazy about this plan.”
“Figured you would be.” She parked in front of the vintage drugstore.
“But if you wouldn’t mind fetching Josh out of his seat while I take a few restorative breaths, I’d be most appreciative.”
“Be happy to.” She allowed herself a tiny smirk as she climbed out and went around to the other side where Josh was rocking in his seat, eager to get out. “You’re in for a treat, kiddo. Mommy’s going to let you taste her hot fudge sundae.”
“Ma-ma!”
“Oh, sweetie, how I love hearing you say that.” She lifted him out and nudged the door shut. “And I have your daddy to thank for it.”
The passenger door opened and Gage emerged. He gave her a crooked grin. “Howdy, ma’am. Nice-looking kid you have there.”
“If you think he’s cute, you should see his daddy.”
“I happen to know that ugly cuss and I guarantee this baby got his looks from his mama. Can I take him, now?”
“If you’re up to it.”
“I’m fine, thanks.” He took charge of Josh. “But please don’t be offended if I ignore you while you eat your ice cream. I’m liable to put an erotic spin on that activity and then I’ll be forced to go back to the car.”
“Poor Gage.”
“Oh, yeah, I’m in misery. But that’s okay, because I know you’ll make it up to me later.”
“You seem quite sure about that.”
“Yes, ma’am. The sandwich suggestion clinched it.” He grinned. “You want me bad.”
Whew. That smile knocked her for a loop. She was a tad bit wobbly as she walked with him over to the drugstore’s front door. She’d forgotten how accomplished he was at this sexual teasing business. She needed a chance to catch her breath.
And this was the perfect place to do it. Pills and Pop delighted her from the moment she stepped through the door. Black and white tiles on the floor, neon signs on the wall and a counter with red vinyl and chrome stools made the place look like a fifties movie set. A family with three little kids occupied a booth in the corner and a couple of teenage girls were drinking chocolate shakes at the counter.
“What a great place, Gage.”
“Ooo, I adore it whenever someone has that reaction.” A woman in a knee-length gray skirt, heels and a white silk blouse came toward them. “I’m going to take a wild guess that you’re Emma and this cutie in the canvas hat is Josh.”
Emma smiled at her. “And I’m going to take a wild guess that you’re Ellie Mae Stockton.”
“In the flesh!” She thrust out a slim hand. “I see my reputation has preceded me. Pleased to meet you, Emma. You and Josh are the talk of the town.”
“It appears that my reputation has preceded me, too.” Emma shook her hand. Ellie Mae had a firm grip. “
Is being the talk of the town good or bad?”
“Oh, good, always good. It’s far better to make waves than be irrelevant. Excuse me a moment.” She turned toward the family in the booth as they got up to leave. “Bye, now! Thanks for coming in!”
“We loved it!” the woman called out as they headed for the door.
“They always do.” Ellie Mae shifted her attention back to Emma, Gage and Josh. “That’s the joy of working here. Did you come to eat or shop?”
Emma said eat at the same moment Gage said both. She looked at him. “What do we need to shop for?”
He held her gaze.
“Oh.” Condoms. If they were going to pick up where they’d left off, they’d need those little raincoats, and she certainly didn’t have any with her.
Not that those things were foolproof. He was holding the evidence in his arms. Regardless, she was willing to put her trust in that item and he’d wisely figured out now was the time to purchase it.
“But we can head over to the soda fountain first,” Gage said, “and get our order going.”
“Good idea.” Emma glanced at Ellie Mae, who seemed highly amused by the subtext clearly involved. “We’re having hot fudge sundaes.”
“Of course you are.” She leaned closer to Josh. “And how about you, little man? What are you having?”
Josh blew a raspberry right in her face.
Before Emma could apologize, Ellie Mae blew one right back at him and they both laughed.
“I love kids.” She turned to Emma. “I can’t imagine having any of my own, though. I just like messing with them when they come in. But enough jibber-jabbering. Let’s get you over to the soda fountain so Hank can fix you up.” She headed in that direction. “Hey, Hank, sweetie, you have customers itching for your famous hot fudge sundaes.”
“I’m locked and loaded, Ellie Mae.” The guy behind the counter was a burly sixty-something man with a thick head of gray hair and kind eyes. “Hi, there, Gage.”
“Greetings, Hank. I’d like you to meet Emma Green and our son Josh.”
Hank smiled. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am. That’s a mighty fine baby you two have.”
Ellie Mae beamed at them. “Isn’t he, though? Look at those eyes, big as saucers.”
“He’s never seen anything like this,” Emma said. “All the shiny chrome and the neon. The jukebox is awesome.”
“That’s original,” Hank said. “The owner’s been lucky enough to find people who could locate replacement parts to keep it running.”
“Come on, Josh.” Gage fished change out of his pocket and started toward the jukebox. “What song do you want? Something by Garth Brooks? Reba McEntyre?”
“Ba-ba!” Josh pointed at the glowing machine.
“He loves Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” Emma said.
“Brooks and Dunn it is, then.” Gage dropped money in the slot and punched a button. Then he glanced over at Emma. “Do you know the dance?”
“I do. Do you?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I know the dance,” Ellie Mae said.
“We know the dance,” piped up one of the teenagers.
“I’ll be the audience.” Hank leaned against the counter.
Gage flashed Emma a smile. “Then let’s do it.”
Laughing, she jumped in next to him. Ellie Mae lined up next to her and the teenagers moved in behind them as the music started. The black and white checkered dance area was just big enough for five people and a baby to execute the steps.
Josh spent the entire dance giggling and bouncing in time to the music. Emma loused up and went the wrong way twice because she was so busy watching Josh’s face and Gage’s tush. That cowboy had moves.
When the song ended, Hank applauded their efforts. The teenagers fussed over Josh for a while before they left. Then Ellie Mae had to go greet arriving customers.
Emma glanced at Gage. “Sundae time?”
“You betcha.”
“I can hold Josh for a while.”
“No worries. I’ve got him.” He settled on a stool with Josh in his lap.
Hank smiled at them. “I know you want hot fudge sundaes, but around here we make ‘em to order. Emma, how do you like yours?”
“With plenty of fudge, whipped cream and nuts, please. No maraschino cherry, though. I know it’s traditional, but I’m not crazy about them.”
“How about a fresh strawberry instead?”
“That would work. Thanks!”
“You’re most welcome. A sundae needs a spot of color on the top.” He turned to Gage. “How about you?”
“Exactly the same, please. A strawberry on top suits me, too.”
“How about Josh?”
“I’ll give him a few bites of mine,” Emma said.
“Then sit tight. You’ll be savoring your sundaes before you know it.” He took a couple of tall glass sundae dishes from a shelf and flipped up a polished chrome lid covering a tub of vanilla ice cream.
Emma glanced over at Gage. “Let me have him for a minute. I want to do something.”
“Okay. Incoming!” Lifting Josh, he zoomed him around, making a noise like an airplane.
Josh squealed with delight.
“And it’s a perfect three-point landing!” Gage settled the laughing baby in her lap.
“Oh, my goodness, Josh!” She hugged him tight. “You were flying!”
“Da-da!”
“I know! Daddy’s magic, isn’t he?”
“Better believe it.”
“Oh, I do.” She gave him a quick smile. “But Mommy’s magic, too. She can make you go round and round.” With her arm anchoring him against her ribs, she grabbed the counter and pushed. The stool slowly revolved.
Josh let out a soft little ohhh.
Gage chuckled. “You should see his face. He’s really thinking about that one.”
“Want to do it again, only faster?”
He bounced in her lap. “Ma-ma!”
“Then here goes…” She pushed harder.
The stool whipped around once and Josh squealed. When the next revolution was slower, he repeated that awed little ohhh.
“Oh, man.” Gage looked totally besotted by his son. “Major cuteness going on. I don’t know how you get anything done during the day when the alternative is playing with Josh.”
“It’s a challenge.”
“I’ll bet. I—hey, looks like our sundaes are on the way.”
Hank set one in front of each of them. “Bon appetit.”
“Oh, Hank.” Emma glanced up at him. “Those are spectacular.”
“I still get a kick out of putting them together, even after all these years.”
Josh made a grab for hers and she held him back. “Easy does it, champ.” Picking up her spoon, she dipped it in the whipped cream and offered it to him.
He leaned forward and slurped it right up.
Gage laughed. “Now there’s an endorsement. How about if I take him back for this part? I’ve had a chance to enjoy Hank’s sundaes before but you haven’t. And if I hold him, you can give him small tastes easier.”
“That’s a fine idea. I accept.”
They were in the middle of that program when Ellie Mae came back. “I can tell Josh is excited about that sundae. Want a video of you feeding it to him?”
“I’d love it.” Emma stuck her spoon in her sundae and dug her phone out of the small shoulder purse she’d laid on the counter. She handed it to Ellie Mae. “Someone’s first hot fudge sundae should be recorded for posterity.”
“My thought exactly.” Ellie Mae moved back and held up the phone. “Hank, get in the picture. That way they’ll have a record of the creator of those sundaes.”
“Where should I be?”
“Behind the counter like you are, but if you move so you’re right between Emma and Gage, then I can get all four of you more easily. There you go. Like that. Emma, are you ready to feed Josh another spoonful?”
“I am.”
“Perfect.
Action.! Rolling.”
Emma managed not to giggle. Whether or not Ellie Mae had been in the film industry, she’d picked up some lingo. The video would be one more souvenir of this memorable weekend.
She and Gage put in their sandwich order while they were finishing their sundaes and he managed to slip away long enough to buy the condoms. By the time the sundaes were gone, Josh was fading. Emma coaxed him into waving bye-bye to Hank and Ellie Mae, but after that, he was done.
As she carried her sleepy boy to the SUV, Gage hurried ahead and opened the back door for her. She tucked Josh into his car seat and walked around to the driver’s side.
Gage was there holding that door for her, too. “I put the bag with the sandwiches and the condoms in the back seat.”
“Thanks.” She smiled at him. “I’ll see that they get transferred to my room at the B&B.”
“Then I guess we’re all set.” Nudging his hat back, he leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. “Let’s get going.”
The sensation of his lips on hers had been brief but potent. The next time she kissed him, they’d be alone in her room. But first she had to take him home and drive back to the B&B so Josh could have his nap.
Next would come the tough part, packing up Josh’s things, transporting him to Wild Creek Ranch, and leaving without him. She was distracted as she climbed behind the wheel.
“I’m in. You can go.”
“Right.” She started the car and backed out of the parking space.
“When are you planning to take Josh to Wild Creek Ranch?”
“After he wakes up from his nap. He might take a long one after all this excitement. I talked with Kendra about it while you were riding around the pasture. I’m going to text her once he’s awake.”
He nodded. “Do you want me to come over there when you drop him off? Would that help?”
She smiled. “That’s sweet, but I can do this. Once I’m back at the B&B, I’ll text you.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
Chapter Nineteen
Waiting was hell. Gage sat on the front porch with Pete and cleaned tack, which took up some time. During their conversation, he got around to telling Pete that he’d be spending the night with Emma at the B&B while their dad and Kendra kept Josh. Pete had already figured that one out.
A Cowboy's Baby (The McGavin Brothers Book 11) Page 12