He grunted. “Just leave my things where they are. I don’t want them moved.”
“Sorry.”
“I’m taking Burrito out for a pee break.”
“Won’t he run into the road to try to sniff the deer?” she asked, making sure the baby was secure and couldn’t get out of the seat.
“No. The dog listens to me.” He headed out of the truck with his emergency equipment and the dog. She heard him mumbling to himself, “unlike other people in this truck who won’t listen to a word I say.”
“That’s right,” she said softy, about ready to break one of his commands again. There was no way she was staying put. The baby wasn’t going anywhere and she was already falling asleep with her bottle. Tuesday decided she wanted to see what was going on, and followed him out of the truck.
She stepped out into the sunlight to see Cal perched up on the truck with his head down inspecting things under the hood. It was a massive conglomeration of pipes and wires and things under the hood and looked very intimidating to her.
“I need my tools,” he mumbled, jumping down and heading back to the truck.
“Look in the drawer next to the stove,” she called out, making him stop and turn around.
“I thought I told you to stay in the truck with the baby.”
“Maggie is fine and isn’t going anywhere.”
“Please stop moving my things around,” he grumbled, disappearing inside the rig.
Tuesday walked to the front of the truck, looking at the fur and blood on the ground. One headlight was cracked, and while Cal had the emergency blinkers going, one of the headlights was no longer working. She also saw steam or smoke of some kind coming out from under the hood. The grill was bent and slightly mangled, probably from where the collision with the deer occurred. She turned around to head back and met Cal walking toward her with his toolbox in his hand.
“Did the deer do a lot of damage?” she asked him.
“Not too bad, but still just what I didn’t need. This is only going to slow us down even more.”
“Where is Burrito?” she asked, looking around. “Oh, there he is, peeing on a tree. “Cal? I need to pee as well.”
“Then pick a tree,” he mumbled, climbing back up with his toolbox and sticking his head under the hood again.
“Pick a tree?” Her heart sank. Still, she really had to go. Wandering off the road into the wooded area, she quickly chose a tree and hoped to hell no one was watching as she squatted behind it to relieve herself. She had just pulled up her pants when Burrito started whining. “What’s the matter, boy?” she asked, looking up to see three young deer watching them from behind a bush. They looked scared and all alone. When Burrito started to go after them, her motherly instinct pushed past her fear of dogs. She needed to protect the fawns. Bravely reaching out, she grabbed the dog’s collar to hold him back. “No! We need to get back to the truck,” she told him. “Leave those poor deer alone.”
Thankfully, the dog went with her and they headed back to the truck. As she approached it, she saw the flares and emergencies cones, and the large, dead deer a little ways behind the truck lying in the road.
“Oh, my.” She hurried over to take a look at it and almost gagged. She wasn’t used to seeing road kill, and this was really bothering her. A dead, mangled, bloody deer was lying in the road while three young fawns looked on from the trees. It was too much to bear. Spinning around on her heel she intended to leave, but was stopped by a hand to her shoulder.
“I told you not to look. Why don’t you listen?” It was Cal.
Tuesday looked up into his eyes, and she couldn’t help it – she started to cry. “Cal, it’s awful. The poor deer. And she had babies. They’re all alone watching from the woods.”
“I’m sorry, Twiggy, but these things happen. It’s just a part of life. I see it all the time in my line of business. There’s nothing we can do about it.”
“Couldn’t you have swerved or something to keep from hitting it?”
“One of the first rules that truckers learn is to never swerve if there is an animal that comes out onto the road. If so, it could cause an accident. Plus, there is no telling which direction the animal may dart. It’s always best to just let up on the gas and keep going in a straight line.”
“But what about her babies?” she asked, tears dripping down her cheeks. “They’re orphans now without a mother. Just like little Maggie.”
“I know,” he said, reaching out and wiping away one of her tears with his thumb. He cradled her chin in his hand, and it felt good when he touched her. “I’m sorry, Twiggy, but there is nothing I can do.”
“I still think we should at least pull the deer off the road.”
“I will,” said Cal. “Right after Judas and Thomas Taylor get here.”
“Judas? Thomas? You called them?” she asked in surprise, hearing the names of the Taylor brothers from Sweetwater.
“We’re not even an hour out of Sweetwater,” explained Cal. “They should be here soon. Judas will file an insurance report and Thomas will take the deer for meat, as well as hopefully fix whatever is wrong with the truck.”
“Maybe we should just find a hotel, and relax the rest of the day. We can get back on the road again tomorrow.”
“I wish I could agree to that, but I can’t,” he told her with a shake of his head. “As it is, I’m going to have to drive into the night to try to get the shipment to its destination somewhat near the projected time. That reminds me.” He let go of her chin and looked back to his rig. “I need to check the shipment. It might have shifted in the collision.” He took long strides, heading back for the truck and she followed.
“What is it you’re carrying on the truck?” she asked curiously.
“Nothing fragile, thank goodness,” he answered, unlocking and pulling open the back doors of the truck. “Just a bunch of farm equipment. Still, I’d better take a look.”
“Cal,” said Tuesday, her eyes going back to the dead deer in the road as cars whizzed right by, not even slowing down. “Nobody cares about the dead deer or her orphaned babies. I feel so bad about this.”
He looked down at the road from the back of the truck, dragging a hand through his hair. Worry showed on his brow. “I know what you really mean, Twiggy, and I just want you to know you don’t have to worry.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, looking up at him.
“You’re worried about Maggie, but you needn’t be.”
“Cal?” She wasn’t exactly sure what he meant or where he was going with this. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m not going to let her be like those fawns, left all alone in this world without a parent,” he said, staring out at the woods. Then his eyes went back to the dead deer. “My sister was a lot like that deer I hit. Neither of them deserved to die.”
“I don’t understand. What are you trying to say?”
“I’ll never abandon little Maggie because, from this moment on, I am proclaiming myself as her dad.”
“You are?” Tuesday was filled with joy and a wide smile spread across her face to hear Cal say this. It was the best news in the world.
“You look surprised,” he remarked.
“Pleased, is more the word.” She smiled even more if that was possible. “I’m sure Maggie will be happy as well to know that you are going to be her Trucker Daddy.”
Chapter 6
It wasn’t long before a police car with flashing lights pulled up behind Cal’s truck, followed by a tow truck. Tuesday recognized the drivers as Judas Taylor and his brother, Thomas, from Sweetwater.
“Oh, good, they’re here,” said Cal, walking on the shoulder of the road, coming from the truck holding little Maggie in his arms. It was a hot summer day and Cal had taken off his shirt and just wore his sleeveless undershirt now. Tuesday’s eyes devoured his guns – that is, the buff muscles of his upper arms. Dang, he looked good holding a baby. “Judas, Thomas, thanks for coming so quickly,” he called out. He walke
d over with Burrito at his side, stopping next to Tuesday.
“Cal, isn’t it dangerous to have the baby out here so close to the traffic?” she asked.
“She’ll be fine,” he told her, reaching over and giving Maggie a kiss on the cheek. The six month old smiled and cooed, happiness showing in her bright blue eyes. “I have the flares and cones set up and we’re staying on this side of the truck so she isn’t in any danger of being hit,” he told her.
“She’s only wearing a diaper!” said Tuesday.
“I know. I figured she’d be hot out here so after I changed her diaper, I didn’t bother with the onesie.”
“Oh, I suppose, you’re right,” she answered, impressed that he’d changed the diaper without being told. Maybe there was hope for him yet.
“Did you notice that I’m holding her and she’s not crying?” he asked proudly. “I think it’s because I told her I’m going to be her daddy now and she likes the idea.”
“I’m sure that’s it,” said Tuesday with a slight roll of her eyes. Cal had no idea it was because Tuesday had fed her and given her a nap. Plus, it was soy formula so the little girl no longer had gas.
“She really took to me fast, don’t you think?” He kissed the baby again and pushed back one of her strawberry-blond locks of hair. Burrito barked, sitting at Cal’s feet, wanting attention. “Don’t be jealous, boy,” said Cal with a chuckle. “You’ll get attention, too, I promise.”
“What the hell happened here?” asked Thomas as he and Judas walked up, surveying the situation.
“We hit a deer,” Tuesday reported.
Thomas shook Cal’s hand and then looked over at Tuesday. “Say, aren’t you the girl who runs the daycare with my daughter-in-law, Charlotte?”
“Yes, that’s me,” explained Tuesday. “My name is Tuesday Twaggard. Thank you for coming Mr. Taylor.” Her eyes shot over to Judas. “Both Mr. Taylors,” she said with a smile.
“Can you write me up a report to send in to insurance?” Cal asked Judas, bouncing the baby in his arms.
“Yeah, I suppose so,” said Judas, pulling out his pen and notepad. “Any damage?”
“Thankfully, not a whole lot, but there is some,” said Cal. “Plus, a dead deer carcass in the road. Thomas, I thought you might want it since I remember you hunt for food to feed your family if I’m not mistaken,” said Cal.
“Used to hunt,” said Thomas, stretching his neck to see the deer. “My wife and son don’t like guns so I decided to get rid of mine. That’s a big one. It’ll feed not only my family but those of my brothers’ families as well.”
“You’re welcome to it,” said Cal. “I’ll help you move it.” He handed the baby to Tuesday. “Can you hold her, sweetheart?”
“Uh . . . sure,” said Tuesday, automatically taking the baby from him, feeling embarrassed that he’d called her sweetheart in front of the men.
“You two have a cute baby,” said Thomas. “Cal, do you take your family on the road with you like this all the time?”
“Oh, you’ve got it wrong, Mr. Taylor,” said Tuesday. “You see, I’m not his wife, and Maggie isn’t his child.”
“No?” Thomas looked over at Cal. “I think I missed something.”
“I’ve inherited Maggie from my sister who died in a house fire,” said Cal.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Thomas.
“Brother, you really need to get out of that garage and keep up with the news,” mumbled Judas.
“I’ve hired Twiggy to ride along with me to care for the baby until I get home to Texas,” added Cal.
“Twiggy? Is that your name?” asked Thomas. “I thought it was Thursday or something like that.”
“Tuesday,” she answered with a stiff upper lip. “And no one but Cal calls me that ridiculous name of Twiggy so please just ignore it, Mr. Taylor.”
There was a moment of awkward silence, then Cal finally spoke up. “Let me show you two the damage to the truck.” He started walking and the men followed. “Thomas, I know a little about fixing things under the hood but was hoping for your expert opinion.”
“Of course,” said Thomas, reaching out and ruffling the baby’s hair on his way by.
“Come on, Burrito,” Cal called out. The dog came running, staying at his side.
“Well, I think we’d better get back in the truck and get you dressed. Maybe you’d like to play with your toys a little since you’ve been doing a lot of sleeping,” Tuesday told the baby and headed over to the passenger door of the truck.
“Well, here’s the damage,” said Cal, holding out his hand to show the men.
Thomas drew a low whistle, walking to the front of the truck, reaching down to touch a thing or two. “Hard to believe a deer could do all this.” He looked up to the mess on the windshield and shook his head.
“The sad part is, it’s a new truck,” said Cal. “I’ve only had it a few months. Well, at least I’ve got the initial accident over with, since it’s always bound to happen as soon as you buy a new vehicle.”
“All right,” said Judas, flipping the page on his notebook and holding his pen up. “Tell me everything that’s broken and I’ll file a full report so you can send it to insurance.”
“Go ahead, Thomas. You’re the expert,” said Cal with a nod.
Cal looked over to see Twiggy reaching up for the door of the rig with one hand and balancing the baby on her hip with the other. Burrito was reaching up trying to lick the baby’s leg.
“Excuse me for a moment,” said Cal, racing over to Twiggy. “Here, let me get the door.” He reached over and opened the door and then took the baby from her. “I’ll hand Maggie up once you get in.”
“That’s ok. I don’t need help,” said Twiggy.
“Hey, I’ve seen your attempt to mount a truck on your own. You’re too short, and can barely reach the step, let alone get in on your own. I don’t want you to drop the baby.”
“Oh. I suppose you’re right,” she agreed, reaching out to pull herself upward.
She was struggling a little, so Cal took her by the arm and half-lifted her up, all the while balancing the baby in his other arm.
“Thank you,” she said, reaching back for Maggie.
“Here you go, sweetheart,” he said, noticing the scowl on her face as he handed her the baby.
“Please don’t call me that. I’m not your sweetheart, and you’ve said it twice now.”
Damn, why had Cal said that? It just kind of slipped out. He couldn’t help it. When he saw Twiggy with the baby, a part of him went crazy and he started picturing her as Maggie’s mother. And even his wife! He cringed inwardly, realizing how stupid he was being and how he needed to get control of his thoughts quickly before he did or said anything he might later regret. This was Tuesday Twaggard, the girl he’d wronged so many years ago, he reminded himself. She was only his hired help and would never want anything from him except the money she’d been offered to be a ride-along.
“I was talking to the baby,” he said in a low voice, watching the surprised look overcome her.
“Oh,” she said, suddenly glancing anywhere but directly at him. Her cheeks flushed. “I – I am going to let Maggie play a little so she won’t get bored.”
“Good idea. I need to get back,” he said nodding toward Judas and Thomas who both had their heads under the hood of the rig now.
“Right,” she said, biting her lip and then turning away.
“You fool,” he muttered to himself as he made his way back to the men. He’d have to be careful not to use the usual endearments around Twiggy that he naturally used around any women he ever went with. Twiggy obviously didn’t like it. He’d have to remember that so he didn’t anger her again.
“What’s the verdict?” asked Cal.
Judas hopped down to the ground, but Thomas reached under the hood, jiggling wires and tapping on the engine block with a wrench he held in his hand.
“I’m a car mechanic, and not used to dealing with rigs, but I don’t see anyth
ing that looks bad enough to keep you from your run,” said Thomas.
“Good,” said Cal. “Because I’m already way behind schedule.”
“You’re going to have to get that headlight fixed before nightfall,” said Judas. “You wouldn’t want to get ticketed for having it out.”
“Of course not,” said Cal. “I’m sure I can do something about that at the next truck stop. Thomas, do you think we can patch the radiator hose? It seems like there’s a small puncture from when the deer hit.”
“I’m sure we can patch it for now, but I can’t guarantee you’re going to make it all the way back to Texas without having it looked at professionally.”
“As long as I can get this load to Nebraska, I’ll be good,” said Cal. “I have another run scheduled back to back. However, since I work for myself, I’ll be able to alter the arrangements a little if I need to.”
“Good,” said Thomas. “Let me get some tape to patch up the radiator hose and you should be good to go.”
Not a half-hour later, Cal climbed into the rig and slammed the door.
“Are you finished?” asked Tuesday curiously. “Did Judas and Thomas leave?” She sat on the floor playing with Maggie, while Burrito just lay there watching them.
“Yep, they’re gone and they took the deer with them. I’m just sorry we couldn’t do anything about the fawns left behind. I’m sure they’ll be taken care of by other deer so I wouldn’t worry.” His arms were full with the cones and emergency gear. His flashlight hung from a cord clipped on to his belt. He plopped the things down on the floor and stood up, brushing his hands together.
“Your shirt,” she said, pointing to the dirty t-shirt that was also splattered with blood. “Is that . . . blood on it?”
He looked down, patting his chest. “Yeah, it happened when we moved the deer onto the tow truck. Damn thing was heavier than I thought. I’ll just change my shirt and we’ll be on our way.” He stripped off his shirt and tossed it to the floor, standing there bare-chested, making Tuesday’s jaw drop. If she thought his biceps were impressive, she’d been mistaken. Seeing his six-pack abs, wide chest and taut stomach was enough to make any woman swoon. He reached up and opened a compartment and pulled out a fresh t-shirt.
Trucker Daddy (Working Man Series Book 3) Page 9