Heart of a Texan

by Charlene Sands

  Sienna climbed down from her trike and whipped her helmet off, marching over to the big bag of blocks sitting on the floor by the table. “Play bocks?”

  Bella rolled her eyes. Sienna had a short attention span. Not that it was unusual for a child her age, but she didn’t want to tax Marie overly much. She’d already spent the day doing light housework.

  “I sure will, but how about we play them up here on the table?”

  Marie hoisted the blocks up and then lifted Sienna onto her lap. The older woman seemed comfortable around children and Bella appreciated her kind nature.

  “Thanks,” she said again, but Marie was too engrossed in playing with the baby to comment.

  Fifteen minutes later, with the dinner cooking and Marie gone, Bella stared at the clothes hanging in her bedroom closet. She didn’t think it was fitting to wear jeans with Cooper and his wife coming over, but she didn’t really want to dress up, either. Though Jared had made it clear she and Sienna would dine with them tonight, she was still the help. But he’d said Lauren was eager to meet the woman who’d saved his life. Being pregnant, his sister-in-law had been drilling everyone with children about pregnancy and labor and child-rearing and well, Jared seemed to think the world of his sister-in-law. Bella really couldn’t argue. She remembered how nervous she’d been about motherhood, too, and she was happy to share her experiences.

  She picked out a pair of black slacks and a white scoop-necked blouse with sleeves that billowed out at the wrist. It wasn’t fancy, but it wasn’t casual, either, and it made her feel soft and female. “How about this one?” she asked Sienna, who was busy crawling around on the floor. “What do you think?”

  The baby glanced up at her.

  “I’ll take that as a yes. Now for you, Sienna-poo.” Tonight she wanted to show off her daughter to Cooper and his wife, so she picked out a jumper dress, the top made of light blue denim, the skirt a frilly flare of white voile decorated with bursts of gold.

  Bella kept her hair down, wearing it straight. For Sienna, she found an elastic wraparound headband with a big blue bow. She dressed the baby first and then quickly donned her outfit. She was all set to go downstairs and check on dinner when her cell phone chimed.

  She smiled when she looked at the screen and answered. “Amy! Hi. How are you?”

  “I’m doing just fine. Missing you guys. How’s our little girl?”

  “Enjoying ranch living, I think. She’s being treated very well here. Jared and Marie have been very welcoming. So far, I’ve managed to keep her happy. If all goes well, tomorrow I plan to take Sienna out to look at the horses. But, oh, we really do miss you. When are you coming to visit? I have Sundays and Mondays off.”

  “I’ll come soon. I promise.”

  “I’m gonna hold you to that.”

  “Listen, Bella, I have something to tell you...it may be nothing at all but—”

  “Amy, I hate to cut you off,” she said, glancing at the digital clock on the nightstand. “Can you tell me later tonight? I’m about to serve dinner and I don’t want to burn my first meal for Jared’s family.”

  “Uh, sure. If you’re in a rush. Just be sure to call me tonight.”

  “Amy, is everything okay?”

  “Yeah...probably.”

  “I don’t like the sound of your voice. Should I be worried?”

  “Bella, I’ll tell you later.” Her voice brightened. “You go and wow the family with your cooking.”

  “All right, I’ll call you.”

  Amy had her curious and a bit concerned. But she couldn’t dwell on it. She had enough to worry about right now.

  She hung up, putting Amy’s ominous call out of her mind, and then scooped the baby up. “Here we go. I want you to be a good girl tonight at dinner, okay?”

  Sienna laid her head down on her shoulder. “O-tay, Mommy.”

  Bella beamed inside. For all the bad things that had happened to her in the past, having these sweet moments of absolute joy helped heal her grieving heart. She cherished her baby and would do anything to protect her.

  * * *

  Jared was dressed in a tan snap-down shirt and a new pair of jeans. He’d lost weight since the accident and had ordered new clothes online, but had been a bit skeptical about the whole thing. And damn if the clothes didn’t fit him well. He was as groomed as he could manage, a close shave being the least of his worries. He’d done his best trimming his beard.

  On his way to the kitchen, the sound of giggles coming from the second floor stopped him cold. He stood at the base of the staircase looking to the top. Bella held Sienna in her arms as they were about to descend. Bella looked beautiful. Correction, she was beautiful, and he might as well stop denying it. His savior, his angel, the woman who’d started his heart on that dark road that night was stopping his heart right now. He inhaled deeply and his ribs rebelled.

  Damn.

  “Hi, Tared.” Sienna waved and he was struck again by the vision of the two of them coming down the stairs.

  “Hey there, Sienna. Don’t you look pretty tonight.”

  “I pretty?”

  “You are,” Bella said. “I have to agree with Jared.”

  As Bella reached the bottom of the stairs, he took a step back. “Hi.”

  “Hi.”

  Bella’s olive complexion and flowing dark hair made her soft green eyes stand out even more. He couldn’t stop staring.

  “I, uh...” she said, “I have everything under control. Dinner should be ready in thirty minutes.”

  “Great. You look nice, too.”

  “Thank you. I wasn’t sure how to dress. I mean, I...”

  “We’re not formal here, Bella. Anything would’ve been perfect on you.”

  Jared blinked. Geesh, did he just say that?

  She moved away from him. Like she was scared, or worse. Maybe she was feeling the same attraction that he was. “I’ll go in and check on dinner.”

  “Need some help?” he asked.

  “Not really.” She walked past him, heading for the kitchen. “But thanks for the offer.”

  The doorbell chimed and Jared moved slowly to the door to greet Lauren and Cooper.

  Once inside, Lauren gave him a big but gentle hug. “You look really good, Jared. How’re you doing?”

  “Hanging in. Every day I get a little better. My ribs hurt, but that’s gonna take time to heal.”

  Cooper shook his hand. “Hey, bro. Good seeing you.” He put his nose in the air. “Wow, smells really good in here.”

  “Bella’s cooking.” Pride registered in Jared’s voice and once again he was baffled by the intensity of the feelings he shouldn’t be having.

  “Where is she?” Lauren said. “I’m dying to meet her.”

  “She’s putting the finishing touches on the meal.”

  Jared led the way into the kitchen. He made the introductions and Lauren walked directly over to Bella and took her hand. “I’m so sorry about...you know. I apologize for my little indiscretion. Do you think you can forgive me?”

  Bella blinked. Lauren wasn’t usually so abrupt, but this had obviously been weighing on her.

  “I was sort of stunned by it,” Bella said earnestly. “But your husband explained your reasons and...well, I do understand why you did it.”

  “So you forgive me?”

  Bella glanced at him and then nodded slowly. “Yes.”

  “Thank you,” Lauren said breathlessly. “I appreciate it so much.” She turned to Sienna, who was on a quilt on the floor, deconstructing her block house. Lauren bent down. “Hello, Sienna. My name is Lauren. What do you have here?”

  “Bocks.”

  “Aren’t they pretty? I like the purple ones. Which one is your favorite?”

  Sienna grabbed one. “Dis one.”

  “That’s a great choice.”

/>   Lauren turned to Bella. “She’s every bit as cute as Jared said she was.”

  Bella smiled. “Thanks. Congratulations on your baby. Cooper told me you were expecting.”

  “Yes, we’re excited. And nervous and scared and every emotion under the sun.”

  “Yeah, I remember that overwhelming feeling. It does get better. How far along are you?”

  “Four months. I have a tiny baby bump.” She put her hand on her belly.

  “Enjoy that tiny feeling while you can.”

  Lauren laughed. “You’re not the first woman to tell me that.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, I loved being pregnant. Just knowing that Sienna was thriving and growing inside me was enough. It’s miraculous.”

  “I agree.”

  Lauren glanced around the kitchen. “Is there anything I can do to help you out in here?”

  “I think I’m good right now. But if Sienna acts up, I might ask you to entertain her until I get the dinner on the table.”

  “I’d love to.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’ve put a dish of appetizers on the dining room table. You all can give them a try and let me know how you like them.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Lauren said. “I’m always famished these days.”

  “Give a holler if you need anything, Bella,” Jared said. “You know where to find us.”

  Jared led his family to the dining room. Lauren took a seat and then popped a stuffed cherry tomato into her mouth. “She’s darling.”

  Jared grinned. “Sienna’s a cute kid.”

  “I was talking about Bella. And don’t pretend you didn’t know who I meant.”

  “Uh, oh, bro. Lauren’s got that look in her eye.” Cooper sat and grabbed a mini veggie frittata.

  “What look?” Jared asked.

  “The matchmaking kind,” Cooper answered.

  Lauren downed another appetizer. “Mmm, these are delish. And I’m not matchmaking. But what do you know about her? Is she dating? Does she have someone in her life?”

  Jared shrugged. “Hell, I don’t know. I don’t talk to her about personal stuff like that. But she’s never mentioned anyone. She’s got her hands full right now with working and raising a child on her own.”

  “She’s beautiful,” Lauren said softly.

  “I’ve noticed...”

  Lauren grinned. “I was talking about Sienna this time.”

  Jared rolled his eyes. His sister-in-law was messing with his head.

  “But now that you mention it,” she added, “you haven’t met anyone quite so nice in a long while.”

  “I didn’t mention it.”

  Cooper chimed in. “Johnna’s been dropping by.”

  “Coop, please... I’m not interested in Johnna. I’m not interested in anyone.”

  Lauren covered his hand with hers. Now he was in deep trouble. “It’s just that you’re a great guy, Jared. You deserve to be happy.”

  “I am happy. Or I will be as soon as I get the okay to drive again.”

  Coop sighed. “You can barely walk.”

  Jared glared at his brother. “I’m walking just fine.”

  “You know what I think?” Lauren squeezed his hand. “I think that Bella may have been sent here, especially for you. Maybe your angel’s not through saving your life.”

  * * *

  “It sure was a blessing you were driving down that road that night,” Cooper said after forking a piece of chicken into his mouth. “Where were you coming from, Bella? I don’t think I’ve ever asked.”

  Bella dabbed at Sienna’s mouth. The baby sat beside her in the dining room on a makeshift booster chair she’d concocted from a square pillow covered with a towel. The juice from the chipotle peach dressing was dripping down the baby’s chin. Her peach chicken dish was messy, but also very delicious. All three of the Stones had already praised the meal. “My friend Amy and I had taken Sienna to the Winter Wonderland festival off Highway 12. We stopped for a late dinner and Sienna had fallen asleep as soon as she got into the car.”

  “Your lucky day,” Lauren said to Jared.

  “I’m not disagreeing,” he replied, darting a glance at Bella, the gratitude in his eyes making her a bit uncomfortable. Or was it the heat she saw there that flustered her so much?

  “How did Sienna like the festival?” Lauren asked. “She’s what? Two years old?”

  “A bit younger. She’s twenty-two months and I think she liked all the colors and seeing Santa’s reindeers. She kept calling them horsies.”

  “We’ll have to remedy that,” Jared said. “Tomorrow, I’ll show her the stables. She can see our string of horses.”

  Bella blinked and bit her lip.

  “Are you up for that?” Cooper blurted.

  Jared’s lips twisted and blood rushed to his face. Bella was glad she hadn’t said anything. You’d think by the look on Jared’s face his brother had emasculated him with that question. Clearly, Jared didn’t like limitations of any sort.

  “Hey, before you two get into a pissing match—Whoops, sorry, Sienna,” Lauren said, turning an apologetic eye to Bella.

  She nodded. “It’s okay, she didn’t hear you.”

  Lauren went on, “Before you two go at each other, remember that walking is a good form of exercise and if Jared is feeling up to it, he should do it.”

  “Thank you, Nurse Lauren,” Jared said, giving his brother the stink-eye. “I’m feeling much better every day.”

  “Glad to hear it,” Cooper said.

  “Your brother is concerned about you, Jared.” Lauren spoke in a conciliatory tone. “You’re his baby brother. So will you cut him some slack please...for me?”

  Jared looked at Lauren and relented. “Yeah, I guess so. I’m just anxious to get back to my life.”

  “You will, in time. The Stone men aren’t known to be patient,” Lauren said to Bella. “But they are smart.”

  “Got that right,” Cooper and Jared said in unison.

  Everyone laughed and that was that. Immediately the tension in the room disappeared.

  “So then, Jared, I suppose we’re still on for our annual Christmas party. It’s a week away and coming up fast. We didn’t want to bring it up until we were sure of your recovery. We can host it this year.”

  Jared blinked as if he’d forgotten all about Christmas. A few seconds passed, Jared deep in thought. “No, I’ll host it,” he said unequivocally. “It’s my turn.”

  “Are you sure? We don’t mind,” Lauren said and then turned to Bella. “The Stones always throw a holiday party for their crew. Family and close friends are invited, too.”

  “Yes, I’m sure,” Jared replied. “You’re pregnant and don’t need the added work. I’ll have the house ready, don’t worry.”

  “That means a tree, and ornaments and decorations, not to mention food,” Cooper said.

  Jared eyed his brother. “I got it covered.”

  “I’ll help, too,” Bella chimed in. “Of course. I’d love to help with the party.”

  “That’s very kind of you, Bella,” Lauren said. “We’ll all pitch in this year.”

  “Fine,” Jared said grudgingly, looking like he’d rather tangle with a ferocious tiger than plan a holiday party.

  “Well, if you’re all finished with the meal, I’ll get these dishes out of the way.” Bella rose.

  “Let me help,” Lauren said.

  “Oh, uh, Lauren, I was hoping you could entertain Sienna for a few minutes while I clean up and serve the dessert. That would be the biggest help. I keep a box of toys for her in the family room.”

  “If you’re sure, I’d love to.”

  “I’ll help Bella,” Jared said and this time no one dared question him. “You and Cooper have fun with Sienna. She loves playing with her dolls. And jumping
on the sofa. But that’s off-limits. It’s too dangerous.”

  Suddenly, Jared was an expert on Sienna? It was strange that she didn’t mind the thought. Not at all.

  After she got Sienna situated with Cooper and Lauren, she headed back to the dining room. Jared had already cleared the plates from the table. She only had to pick up the glasses and utensils. She met him inside the kitchen. “Thanks for helping.”

  “Anytime,” he said.

  “I like your family.” She began rinsing off the dishes and arranging them in the dishwasher.

  Jared leaned against the counter, next to her. “Even Cooper?”

  “Especially Cooper.”

  “Why?” Jared’s sincerely puzzled expression almost made her laugh.

  “Because—” she turned to him, meeting his eyes “—he cares so much about you.”

  Jared’s gaze softened and dipped to her mouth. “You’re sweet to say that,” he whispered.

  She was locked in on him, unable to look away, though every bone in her body warned her to step back, to finish her chores and forget about how much she liked this deadly handsome, blue-eyed man standing so close. “You think I’m sweet?”

  Jared’s lips twitched. “And talented and smart and so beautiful I can hardly pretend not to notice.”

  “Jared.” Was she warning him away or simply sighing his name? She was dizzy from his nearness and unable to figure any of this out.

  “Bella, you’re my angel.” He touched a strand of her hair then, the gleam in his eyes filled with admiration and maybe something more.

  “I’m no angel,” she whispered.

  “To me, you are.” He bent his head and she froze.

  But Jared’s kiss landed on her cheek. “Thanks for a wonderful meal,” he said quietly, smiling and then exiting the room.

  Disappointed, she touched the spot where he’d just kissed her. She’d been telling herself all along she wasn’t attracted to him. She couldn’t be. So then why on earth was the skin on her cheek flaming so hot right now?

  And why was her heart cracking open a bit when she’d believed it was locked good and tight forever?

  * * *

  Later that night, after getting Sienna down to sleep, Bella walked into the second bedroom to call Amy back, and her friend picked up right away.