Brody knew he had more than that. Cal was the sort of child who made friends wherever he went. And, even if Woodrow Boone was a pain in the ass, the rest of his family undoubtedly fawned over the boy.
“A dog that saved our granddaughters,” his mother added. “Maybe even lost an eye doing it. Come help me get juice together for the girls, Vic.”
Brody ran a hand over his face. She was up to something, but unless he wanted to call her on it, there wasn’t much he could do about it. His parents left him with the girls.
“You two listen to Nana, okay?” he said. “If she says you’re up for it, I’ll stop and get you some ice cream on my way home. What kind?”
“Pink,” Suellen said. “Please.”
“I want brown and white.” Marilyn smiled. “Or pink.”
Brody laughed, running a hand over their foreheads. They’d had a few ear infections in the past. Their pediatrician had suggested tubes. He wasn’t fond of the idea, but he sure hated seeing the girls laid up like this.
“Sorry,” Amberleigh said, alternating pats between her sisters.
His parents emerged. His mother carried juice cups and a bottle of pain medicine for the girls. She wore a sympathetic smile, clucking and cooing as she gave them each a dose of sticky purple liquid to help fight their fever.
“Go?” Amberleigh asked, so excited she was practically bouncing.
“I’m ready.” He nodded, glancing at his father. His father...wore an odd expression on his face. An expression Brody had never seen before.
“Vic.” His mother nudged his father.
“What? Yes, all right, all right, Ramona.” His father seemed to shake off whatever thoughts he’d been pondering so intently. “I’m going. Come on, Amberleigh. Let’s get ready. You’ll keep your boots on?”
Amberleigh nodded, sliding off her bed and running to her closet.
“I wanna go,” Suellen cried.
“Me, too,” Marilyn added, sniffing.
“We’ll go again real soon,” he promised, kissing their foreheads. “Right now you need to rest and feel better.”
“You drink some juice and we’ll watch the princess movie—with the swan. It’s your favorite,” his mother said. “You three go on. We’ll be fine.”
Brody scooped up Amberleigh and led his father from the girls’ bedroom to the back door.
“It’s a fine day for a ride,” his father said, his eyes sweeping the clear blue sky.
“You know, you could check out Click’s stock while we’re there. We could use three, maybe four, new cutting horses.” He shot his father a look, hoping there wouldn’t be much resistance. Growing up, Brody’s father hadn’t been too keen on his friendship with Click Hale—the son of an abusive drunk who’d shocked the town with a murder-suicide scandal many locals were still shaken by. But over time Brody had tried to convince him Click was his own man, and a good one at that.
“Jared told me,” his father said, climbing into Brody’s truck. “He said Hale’s doing good things—has only praises for his horses. Considering some of the ranches he’s sold stock to, it seems he knows what he’s doing. Guess I’ll see for myself.”
Which wasn’t a no. Brody ran to the barn, dug out his old saddle and hurried back to his truck.
“Go, Daddy, go!” Amberleigh squealed as he started the vehicle. “See Cal.”
He grinned. “We’re on the way, sugar.” There was no denying his excitement. It didn’t matter he’d been with India just this morning—he was already missing her.
“You like the boy, so I’m assuming you like his mother, too?” his father asked, staring straight out the front windshield. “She’s a pretty thing, no denying that. Shame she’s a Boone.”
Brody chuckled. “Her name might be Boone, but she’s her own person. I’m hoping you won’t hold who her parents are against her.”
His father glanced at him then. “You are? Well, I guess I’ll see about that, too.”
Chapter Fourteen
India followed Pearl and Banshee across the yard—after the chickens. For reasons her parents had yet to understand, Pearl liked to round up the chickens and herd them back into the chicken coop whenever she felt they’d wandered too far. Banshee, being an Anatolian shepherd, was obliged to help his favorite little human. The chickens, however, especially the rooster, didn’t always appreciate the extra attention. It was India’s job to make sure Pearl and the rooster didn’t have a run-in.
“Petty,” Pearl said, stooping to pick some tiny white flowers that had cropped up around the coop fence. “Petty,” she repeated, holding them up to India.
“Those are pretty flowers, Pearl,” she agreed.
Pearl nodded and rested the flower on Banshee’s head, then clapped her hands in delight. India couldn’t help but laugh, too.
The crunch of gravel under tires had them all turning to see Brody’s bright red truck. He slowed, pulled off onto a patch of flattened grass and parked.
India’s stomach was churning with all the best emotions. Happiness, want, pleasure and hope. How she’d let this happen, she didn’t know. But it had. And now she watched Cal barrel toward the truck, waving his hat and smiling, with her heart in her throat. Watching Brody climb out, smiling one of his warmest smiles just for her boy, made her weak in the knees. He said something, making Cal laugh, before ruffling her son’s shaggy hair. Her heart thumped hard against her rib cage.
But seeing Vic Wallace climb out of the passenger seat had an instant cooling effect. All the warm, sweet tingles froze with ice-cold dread.
“Let’s go see who’s here,” India said, taking Pearl’s hand. She let Pearl set the pace, the toddler still uncertain on her little legs—but determined all the same. Besides, Banshee wasn’t about to let her fall. Tandy and Click beat them to the truck, shaking hands and making small talk as she and Pearl tottered their way.
“Mom,” Cal called back. “Brody’s here.”
“I see that,” she said when she reached the little group gathered around Brody’s truck. “Good morning, Brody, Amberleigh and Mr. Wallace.” Her smile grew when Amberleigh came running to her, arms outstretched for a hug. “How are you?” she asked, squatting and hugging the little girl close. “And where are your sweet sisters?”
“Bed. Sick.” Amberleigh shrugged.
Tandy introduced the two girls to each other and led them back to the chicken coop with promises about holding one of the new chicks.
“I brought you something, Cal,” Brody said, walking to the end of his truck to pull a large burlap lump from the truck bed.
“You didn’t have to do that,” India said, fully aware that Vic Wallace was studying her.
“A boy can’t ride without a saddle,” Mr. Wallace said.
“Besides, I outgrew it a few years back.” Brody chuckled, pulling the burlap off the leather saddle. “You like it?”
Cal nodded, his eyes going round. “Do I ever.”
India’s heart was racing. Her son shone with happiness. And Brody... His gaze locked with hers just long enough to get her heart racing and her cheeks burning. What that man could do with one look wasn’t fair.
She tore her gaze from his, hoping like hell her cheeks weren’t giving her emotions away. A quick glance at Mr. Wallace told her she’d had no such luck. His tawny eyes, similar to his son’s, were narrowed, his mouth pressed tight. He didn’t look pleased...or displeased. Surprised was the best word. Surprised—with a good dose of shock.
“Nice to see you here this morning, Mr. Wallace,” Click said.
Vic Wallace cleared his throat and tucked his thumbs into his belt loops. “Brody convinced me it might be worth my while. We need some ready-trained stock-friendly rides. Nothing that’ll spook easy or that’s too high-spirited.”
Click nodded, his hands on his hips. “I’ve got a handful you can look at. I can get
them saddled to ride if you’d like?”
India saw Brody open his mouth, then clap it shut. He might worry about what his father should or shouldn’t do, but he knew better than to embarrass his father—especially in public. Pride was important to his father, and Brody understood that. And India loved the respect Brody gave his father.
Vic Wallace sighed, leveling a look at Brody. “My doc, and my boy, would have a fit if I rode today. But, if I like what I see, I’ll ask you and Brody to put them through their paces?”
Click nodded. “Yes, sir. Why don’t we go see what I’ve got. Come on, Cal, I’ll show you Tommy. He’s a mighty fine horse, just for you.”
Cal did his best to carry the saddle but didn’t argue when Brody gripped the saddle cantle. His fingers wrapped around the thick rise at the saddle’s rear, his forearm shifting beneath the weight, as he smiled down at Cal.
“You ready?” Brody asked.
“Yes, sir.” Cal nodded, walking at Brody’s side. “I could hardly sleep last night, thinking about today.”
Brody glanced back at her. “I didn’t get much sleep either, Cal. Maybe there was a full moon out.”
She rolled her eyes and followed them to the barn, smiling. “I slept just fine. Like a baby,” she sounded off, watching the muscle in Brody’s jaw tick.
“I was worried about Tanner, too,” Cal said. “Tandy says he’ll be fine, but still. He always sleeps with me.”
“He does?” Brody asked. “Not much room for you in the bed, then, huh?”
Cal giggled. “Nope.”
“We’ll get him as soon as your lesson’s over, Cal,” India said, catching up to ruffle his hair. “He’ll be so happy to see you.”
Cal nodded. “Me, too.”
“Until then, you need to focus,” Brody said, lifting the saddle and placing it on a saddle rack inside the barn. He stared down at Cal then, his tone growing serious. “Even on the best horse alive, a cowboy has to focus on riding. In time, it’ll get to be second nature to you—like breathing. But, for now, I need you to promise you’ll keep your ears open and your mind focused. Okay?”
Cal was listening intently. “Yes, sir. I promise.”
Brody nodded. “I believe you’re a man of your word, Cal.”
And just like that Cal’s posture stiffened and his chest swelled. Right before her eyes he went from little boy to a little man. “Always keep your word,” she said. “People respect a man who keeps his word.”
“Women, too?” Cal asked, glancing between them.
“Women, too.” Brody winked at her.
“Cal,” Click called from the other side of the barn. “Come over and see what you think of Tommy.”
“Can I?” Cal asked her.
She nodded. “Listen to Click.”
Cal was off, running down the row of stalls to where Click and Mr. Wallace stood, studying a pen full of horses.
“Can you grab that saddle pad?” Brody asked, nodding at the storage closet.
She stepped inside, eyeing the wall of saddle pads. Every size, shape and color hung on the wall. She turned back. “Which one—”
But Brody’s arms slid around her waist and tugged her against him.
“What are you up to—?”
His lips were on hers, and she knew exactly what he was up to. She kissed him back with everything she had.
* * *
HE SHOULDN’T BE kissing her. Not with Cal and Click and his father so close. But he didn’t seem to have a damn choice. Right now, having her in his arms was all that mattered. Now that he knew the sounds she made, the way she tasted and how passionate she was, he couldn’t wait to have her alone.
“Brody,” she whispered, her hands pressing against his chest. “Behave.”
“You sure about that?” he asked, his mouth traveling down her neck to her throat.
Her breath hitched. “I’m sure... Your father...”
“Wouldn’t blame me.” But his hold eased.
She sighed, the smile on her face almost tempting him into another kiss. “Being charming again?”
He shook his head. “Honest. You’re a beautiful woman, India Boone. Any man, my father included, would have to be blind not to see that.”
“I’m pretty sure my looks have nothing to do with how your father feels about me.” Her fingers slid through his hair. “Does Cal need a saddle pad or were you just trying to get me in here?”
Brody released her, his long-suffering sigh making her chuckle. “He needs one. But I’ve got it already.”
She shook her head.
“You’re saying you didn’t want me to kiss you?” he asked.
She studied him, her arms wrapped around her waist. “I’m not saying that.”
He grinned and walked out of the storage closet—and smack into his father’s chest.
“Get lost?” his father asked.
“No, sir,” he said, refusing to get flustered. “Just making sure we have everything we need to get Cal started.”
“Now you do?” he asked, his gaze traveling beyond him.
“Now we do,” he agreed, hefting the saddle onto his shoulder. “Any horses catch your eye?”
His father nodded, his gaze staying on India as she walked past them both and toward Cal. Brody pointedly ignored the look and followed her, supplies in tow.
“He’s not too big.” Cal was sizing up the compact dapple-gray quarter horse named Tommy.
“He’s just the right size,” Brody agreed. “Good temperament, too.”
“So he’s nice?” Cal asked.
“You think I’d let you get on a horse that wasn’t?” India asked, smiling bravely. She was trying her hardest to stay calm, but Brody could pick up on her nerves.
“Tommy’s got some years on him,” Click said. “He’s got a sure step and a gentle spirit. I think you two will get on fine, Cal.”
Brody let Click take the lead on the introductions, but he stayed close. Cal knew him best, and if he got panicked or needed more time, he wanted the boy to feel comfortable saying as much. He watched Cal with the horse, the way the horse sniffed him head to toe, and listened to Click’s instruction on how to saddle a horse.
“I know how to do that,” Cal said. “I’ve watched a million times. I’ve just never been allowed on a horse without my mom.”
Brody smiled at India. Of course she would have ridden with him. She’d grown up in the saddle.
“You’re old enough to ride on your own,” Brody’s father spoke up.
Brody tensed, but—much to his relief—India didn’t. She nodded at his father.
Five minutes later everyone was out of the barn, and Cal was on horseback. Brody adjusted the stirrups, made sure the boy’s helmet fit right and patted his leg. “You look good. You feel good?” he asked.
Cal nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Brody watched the boy, proud of how carefully he listened to what he and Click and his father said. He was sharp as a tack. Tommy was a perfect fit, responsive to Cal without being jumpy or excitable. All in all, the boy’s first lesson went far better than Brody could have hoped for.
“He’s a natural,” Mr. Wallace said as Cal and Tommy trotted past.
“Just look at that smile,” India said, smiling herself.
“Cal ride?” Amberleigh asked, having joined them not too long ago.
“He is,” India agreed, picking up his daughter. “Like a real cowboy. Just like your daddy and your grandpa.”
Amberleigh nodded.
Brody did his best to hide the surge of love that swept over him. Here he was, his daughter, her son and the woman he loved most in the world. Cal’s pride made him proud, too. India’s sweet laugh, Amberleigh’s giggle—hell, even his father’s nod of approval at Cal’s accomplishments—told him this was what he wanted. This was the life he was mean
t to have. The life Cal and his girls deserved.
“What’s going on in that brain of yours?” his father whispered. “You’ve got that look on your face.”
“What look?” he asked.
“That look you get when you’re cooking something up.” His father sighed. “Always thinking. Always wanting more. Life will be easier when you stop wanting, Brody.”
He studied his father, pondering his words. He was right. Between the girls, being elected mayor and running all the family businesses, he should be happy. But now that he knew what could be, what should be, there was only one way he’d be truly happy.
Cal wanted to learn everything he could about taking care of Tommy. From brushing him down to cleaning his hooves to what he ate and why, the boy kept firing questions. Eventually India and Tandy rounded up the kids for some cookies and lemonade while he and his father went to look at horses again.
His father took his time, giving each animal a thorough once-over before nodding or shaking his head. Brody watched, making notes. His father had been running their ranch for a hell of a long time. One thing he’d learned from watching Cal today—take every opportunity to learn something new. When the horses were picked, they all headed inside for a snack.
“Lemonade?” Tandy asked. “Oatmeal raisin cookies?”
“Go get Tanner,” Amberleigh said as soon as she’d taken a cookie.
“You’re going to get Tanner?” Brody asked India.
“Just as soon as Cal’s finished,” India agreed.
“I wanted to thank you, Cal,” his father spoke up, letting Amberleigh climb into his lap. “I hear your dog kept the girls from getting snake bit. I’m only sorry he wasn’t as lucky.”
Cal nodded. “He’s a good dog, Mr. Wallace.”
“Then you’re a lucky boy,” his father said.
Cal nodded again. “I think so.”
“I had a dog when I was your age. She was big and mean to everyone but me and my mother. But she was like your Tanner, protecting me and going with me all over the place. She even chased off a black bear once—there were more of ’em around when I was a boy.” His father sipped his lemonade, lost in the memories of his childhood.
Her Cowboy's Triplets Page 16