Heart of a Texan

by Charlene Sands

  “I can understand that. She has to see you for herself. You may be all grown up and resilient, but you’re still her boy.”

  “Boy?” He grinned. “I’ll show you boy,” he said, rising up. He planted his mouth on hers and kissed her senseless. The heat of his palm covered her derriere and he gave it a long, proprietary squeeze.

  She could easily give in to him again—she wanted to—but this was important. She gave him a shove, startling him, and he landed back on the bed. “Jared, we’re having a serious conversation here.” She smiled.

  “We are? I thought we were going to—”

  She covered his mouth, stopping his next words. They turned her on and he knew it. “Later. Right now, tell me about your mother.”

  Jared sighed. “She’s as good a mom as we could’ve ever asked for. Cooper and I put her on a pedestal, continuing in my father’s footsteps. He adored her and made us see how wonderful she was every day of our lives. We always knew our mom was on our side when it came to the really important things. She’s smart and fun to be around. I guess that’s why, when she met Grant six years ago, Cooper and I didn’t stand in the way of her getting remarried. Once we scoped him out, that is, and figured out he was worthy.”

  Bella was floored by his admission. The Stone boys were protective of their mother. “Wow. She’s lucky to have you both.”

  “Yeah, I guess so.”

  What would it have been like to have a mother who loved you unconditionally and a father who supported your wishes and stood behind your decisions? She’d had neither, but she wasn’t going to have a pity party over it. She’d come to grips with her situation a while ago, but still, every so often, she would fantasize about growing up in a normal, loving household.

  That’s what she desperately wanted for Sienna.

  She touched Jared’s cheek, scrutinizing his profile. Was he the man who could make that happen? Was Jared Stone the one?

  He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “My mom’s gonna like you, Bella.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so.”

  “I’ve been working with Marie and Lauren a bit on the party. Now that I know your mom is coming, I’m getting a little nervous.”

  “Why?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess if I were in total control, it might be different. But I wasn’t asked to cook anything.”

  He turned his head to look into her eyes. “Are you upset about that?”

  “No. Just curious.”

  “We’ve used the same caterers every single year. And...well, to be honest, I don’t want you working that night.”

  “Because the party is mainly for your employees?”

  Jared’s eyes grew wide. “Is that what you think? Hell, woman. I don’t want you behind the scenes because I want you by my side. You and Sienna.”

  “Like a date?”

  “Yeah, like a date.”

  She stared at him for a long while. Was he dense? And then finally he shook his head, as if shaking out cobwebs.

  “Uh, sorry. I should have asked you formally.”

  “Well?”

  “Bella, will you be my date for the Stone Family Christmas party?”

  It was really ridiculous how giddy she was about this. Here they were, buck naked in each other’s arms after having mind-numbing sex, and Jared was asking her on a date.

  “Yes, of course. Sienna and I would be happy to be your date.”

  “Great. It’s settled then.”

  “Yes, settled.”

  Jared’s hand wandered to her backside again and this time she didn’t shove him away. This time she was eager and ready for whatever pleasure they could bring each other.

  * * *

  The next morning, in the privacy of her bedroom, Bella picked up her phone and texted her friend.

  Miss you, Amy. How are you?

  Amy was attached to her phone by the hip and she texted back right away.

  I’m good. What about you? Any news? How’s the hunky cowboy?

  She made a goofy face at the reference. Jared was fine. As in FINE. She smiled.

  All is good here. No problems. What about you? Has anyone else come around looking for me?

  No, thank goodness. But I did speak with your father. He’s persistent. I led him astray, I think. Told him you might’ve gone to Oregon to visit Miranda Davies. He shouldn’t think you’re in the Dallas area. I hope.

  Oh, wow. Miranda was a high school buddy. Her father barely knew any of her friends. He’d never taken an interest. He’d always been too wrapped up in his company.

  Brilliant. Thank you. Call you when I get a minute.

  She ended the message with half a dozen purple-heart emojis and released the breath she’d been holding. If Amy was right, her father wouldn’t be looking for her in Texas, which bought her a good deal of time.

  Marco thought her an unfit mother, but if she held down a job long enough to prove she was providing a good life for Sienna, his case against her wouldn’t stand a chance. At least, that’s what she believed after doing extensive research on the subject. And then with that issue settled, she could look to the future and dream her dream again of opening up a restaurant. She was taking baby steps now, but with larger leaps to come.

  A few minutes later she put Sienna in a pale blue jumper and pulled her hair back in two big bows, getting her ready to go down and decorate the Christmas tree. Sometimes she’d look at Sienna and simply melt. The maternal need to protect her overpowered Bella at times. She was living a big fat lie to keep her safe. It was necessary, but along with it came tremendous guilt. It had crossed her mind several times to trust Jared. Would she have the nerve to tell him the truth? God, she wanted to. She didn’t like lying to anyone, especially Jared. He was becoming truly important in her life.

  She was scared...about losing Sienna, and that fear kept her mouth buttoned up tight. She kept telling herself when the time was right, she’d tell him.

  Bella dressed in a pair of black slacks and a flowery blouse to offset the cold, dreary day outside. She put her hair half up and secured it with a pretty clasp to keep the strands out of her eyes while she cooked breakfast.

  Halfway out the door with Sienna in her arms, she stopped up short. “Whoops. We can’t go down without our angels.” Bella opened the dresser drawer and handed Sienna hers. “Here you go. Hold on to it carefully. It’s very special. Mommy’s got hers, too.”

  “Angel, Mommy.” She grasped her ornament with as much care as an almost-two-year-old could possibly manage.

  As they descended the stairs and approached the kitchen, the sound of female voices reached Bella’s ears. She slowed her pace and stood in the doorway. She found Marie serving coffee to a pretty brunette woman, her eyes as deep and blue as Jared’s.

  “Come in, Bella,” Marie said, waving her inside the kitchen. “Come meet Jared’s mother.”

  The woman stood and smiled. Dressed impeccably in beige slacks and a soft, silk blouse, her face sunny and bright, she put out her hand. “I’m Veronica. So glad to meet you.”

  “I’m Bella. Very nice to meet you, too,” she said, hiding her confusion. Jared’s mother wasn’t due until tomorrow.

  “Yes, Bella. And this must be Sienna.” Veronica focused on the baby with delight in her eyes. “Hello, Sienna. I hear nothing but sweet things about you.”

  Sienna turned away, burying her head on Bella’s shoulder. “She’s a bit shy with new people.”

  “I understand. Gosh, it’s been years, but Cooper was like that, too. She’s adorable.”

  “She’s a good girl,” Marie added.

  “Thanks, Marie. She has her moments, though.”

  “They all do,” Veronica said. “You never know what little bits of mischief they will get into.” She glanced at the ornaments in their ha
nds. “Were you going to decorate the tree?”

  “Oh, uh, yes we were, after I make breakfast.”

  “No need,” Marie said. “I made Veronica some toast and coffee when she arrived. That’s all she ever likes to have in the morning.”

  “I’ll remember that.”

  “Jared has no idea I’m here,” Veronica said. “After speaking to him last night, I got overly anxious to see him so I changed my flight. Booked a red-eye and well...” She threw her arms up in the air. “Here I am.”

  Bella smiled.

  “Tared?” Sienna asked, looking around for him.

  “He’s still sleeping, little one,” Marie said. “He’ll be down in a few minutes, I’m sure.”

  Bella set Sienna down and she wandered over to the unadorned tree. “Are you sure I can’t get you something else to eat?” she asked Veronica.

  “Not a thing. But what you can do for me, if it isn’t too strange, is let me give you a big hug. You saved my son’s life.”

  She blinked. “Oh, um, sure.”

  Veronica stepped up and brought her into a gentle embrace. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she whispered. “I can never repay you for what you did, but if you ever need anything, please let me know.” Veronica backed away, giving her a sincere look. “Okay?”

  “Okay, but you don’t owe me anything. I’m only glad I was there to help.”

  “So am I. When I think of what might have happened...never mind. I won’t nag him...much.” Veronica wiggled her brows and Bella laughed.

  Veronica scrutinized her face for a second. “You kind of remind me of someone I know. But I can’t quite place it.”

  Bella froze. Her heart began to pound. “Do I?”

  Veronica nodded. “You do. Maybe it’ll come to me.” She turned her attention to Sienna, who was munching on a cracker Marie had given her. “So tell me, how old is Sienna?”

  They spent the next ten minutes talking about babies, the joys and frustrations of raising children. Veronica was super excited to become a grandmother for the first time. She was planning on surprising Cooper and Lauren next this morning. She was so easy to talk to, Bella passed off her earlier comment. She knew for a fact she’d never met Veronica Stone, so it was probably nothing. She was being too paranoid about things. She had to lighten up. Amy had pretty much assured her she had nothing to worry about with Marco.

  “Angel, Mommy.”

  “Yes, I know, sweet girl. Excuse us,” she said to Marie and Veronica. Sienna ran over to the tree and just then Bella spotted Jared in the kitchen doorway, his shirt undone, his jeans riding low on his waist, the face she’d kissed a hundred times shadowed with a day-old beard. She gasped as his eyes found hers and then his mother stepped into her line of vision.

  “Hi, honey.”

  “Mom, you’re here.” He blinked a few times. “Am I dreaming?”

  She glanced at Bella and then back at him. “Actually, you do look a little dreamy-eyed.”

  His mother was astute. A warm rush of heat climbed up Bella’s throat.

  Veronica walked into Jared’s arms. “So good to see you, son. I’ve been worried about you. I hope you don’t mind me surprising you this way.”

  “No, Mom. It’s good to see you, too.” They separated after a few seconds and Jared stepped back, buttoning his shirt. “Have you met Bella and Sienna?”

  “I have. We were getting to know each other when you walked in.”

  “That’s good. Did you travel all night?”

  “Just half the night. But it’s worth it to see you looking so healthy. I bet Bella has something to do with that.”

  “Bella?” Jared nearly croaked.

  “Marie tells me she’s an amazing chef, all healthy food apparently. Is that right, Bella?”

  “Yes, uh, that’s right.”

  “Well, I’m happy you’re here,” Veronica said. She gave her son another glance, one he may have deliberately ignored.

  Walking farther into the room, he picked up a piece of toast from the table and chewed for a moment. “You want to put your angel on the tree, sugar plum?”

  Sienna nodded.

  “Let’s do it.” He smiled at his mom, then strode to the tree and bent next to Sienna. “Where do you think it should go?”

  Sienna looked at the tree then ruffled a few branches until she found her spot. “Tere.”

  “I think that’s a very good place for it.”

  Hand in hand, he helped Sienna hook the ornament onto a branch. “Wow, Sienna. You did it.”

  “I did it,” she parroted.

  Bella clapped her hands. “Good girl. I’m so proud of you.”

  Sienna’s face beamed.

  Veronica and Marie smiled, too.

  “Babies bring so much joy into the home,” Veronica said.

  Then she looked straight at Jared with knowing eyes.

  * * *

  Jared sat for dinner at Cooper’s house, breaking bread with his brother and his wife and, of course, his mother.

  “Too bad Bella couldn’t come,” Lauren said. “I invited her and little Sienna.”

  “You did? She didn’t mention it.” It was news to Jared. His mother had insisted on all the family being together. It happened too rarely and he hadn’t been about to disappoint her by not showing up.

  Lauren was feeling great these days, having passed some pregnancy milestone that meant no more nausea or exhaustion. She was almost five months along now. And to think Coop had almost blown it with Lauren, plotting a scheme to stop her wedding to her sleazy fiancé. All during that time, Coop never planned on falling in love with her. Now Coop was married and going to be a father. There was no doubt he would make a damn good one.

  “Maybe Bella needed a night off,” Cooper said.

  “It sounded more like she didn’t want to impose,” Lauren said. “Even though I insisted she wouldn’t be. She did me a big favor today and I feel bad I didn’t press her harder to come by.”

  Jared scratched his chin. He wanted Bella here and was at a loss without her. But it hadn’t been his place to invite her. “What did you ask her to do?”

  “You’ll see. It’s a surprise,” Lauren answered.

  He’d spent a good amount of time catching up with his mother today, and while she’d rested this afternoon he’d finished up on the day’s work and hadn’t seen Bella after that.

  “She seems like a lovely girl,” Veronica said, giving Jared another one of her expectant looks.

  What did she want him to say? That he was falling for his personal chef? Hell, it was true. Bella was unlike any other woman he’d ever met. And that was a good thing. Instead of revealing his feelings, he simply nodded. “Seems to be.”

  Lauren put a delicious rib roast on the table with white potatoes, creamed asparagus and biscuits and gravy. No salad, no fresh fruit. And the veggie that was smothered in heavy sauce.

  He smiled. Bella would be analyzing this meal and figuring out a way to make it healthy, substituting things and completely removing others. He was getting used to eating her way...healthy with cauliflower everything.

  “Are you in la-la land or something, bro? You’re smiling silly.”

  “Am I?”

  Lauren eyed him. “Yes, you are.”

  “I’m feeling fit. Got an appointment on Tuesday with the doctor and I’m hoping he’ll give me the okay to get back to my life as usual.”

  “That’s wonderful, Jared,” his mother said. “I hope so.”

  “Yeah, it’s been hard doing all the heavy lifting with the company,” Cooper added, winking at his wife.

  “Don’t be an ass, Coop. You know darn well I’ve been holding up my end.” He’d been putting in some useful hours in his office and keeping up his part, when he wasn’t playing with Sienna or admiring her mother.

&nb
sp; “Is that what you call it? I thought you were playing house.”

  “Boys!” His mother was only half kidding in her reprimand.

  “Playing house? Coop, watch your mouth.” Jared’s pitch elevated. “You have no idea what Bella has been through.”

  Everyone’s head snapped up and three pairs of eyes stared at him. His protective instincts had kicked in. When Bella and Sienna were involved, he couldn’t seem to help it. But now he faced the more than curious scrutiny of his family. How could he answer their questions about his relationship with Bella when he still had so many of his own?

  “Hey, sorry,” Cooper said. “I meant no disrespect. Bella’s great and that kid of hers is a doll.”

  “She is that,” Veronica said. “I like them both, Jared.”

  “I do, too,” Lauren added. “She’s doing a great job as a single mom. Actually, I don’t know how she does it, balancing work and raising a child without having a husband around to pick up the slack. It’s got to be hard. But Bella seems to be working it all out.” Lauren placed a hand on her belly bump. “I only hope I can do as good a job.”

  Cooper leaned over and kissed her forehead. “You’ll be a great mom, Laurie Loo. I have no doubt.”

  “Neither do I,” his mother added. “You’re a nurturer by nature, Lauren. I only wish you’d tell us what you’re having, so Grammy-to-be can do some fun shopping.”

  Cooper gave his wife a cocky smile. “Shall we?”

  Lauren nodded. “We’ve kept you in suspense long enough.”

  “Yeah, we wanted the family together when we do our baby’s gender reveal.”

  “Oh, my, you’re gonna tell us tonight?” His mother’s face lit up.

  Lauren rose from the table. “As soon as I clear up the dishes.”

  “Sit down and don’t touch a plate,” Cooper said. “I’ll clean up.”

  “I’ll help,” Jared said.

  The two of them made fast work of clearing the table and bringing everything into the kitchen. As they were setting the plates down, Cooper turned a serious eye to him. “You really like that girl, don’t you?”

  Jared nodded. “I do. She’s...she’s...”

  “I get it. You know, I was just teasing you earlier. You’re my kid brother and I want to see you as happy as I am. You deserve it.”