“No, it wasn’t Tyson that found Fisher. It was Rory, wasn’t it?” She bit her lip, feeling a bit traitorous talking about him like this. “I tried to get Tyson to come over here and go with the boys as Rory asked but he went off on his own tangent. Wouldn’t listen to me.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter. All I care about is the fact that he is safe and well.” She rested a hand on her stomach. “Thank goodness, things have settled down here as well.” Gina lay back on the pillows and took Layla’s hand. “I can’t thank you enough for staying with me. I was a nervous wreck.”
“You know you don’t have to thank me. I want you to stay and rest until they get back. I’m going to put the kettle on and make some sandwiches and soup. These guys are going to be cold and wet when they get in.”
Gina pushed herself up. “I’m helping.”
Layla heaved a sigh. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Evan will insist that you stay in bed.” She moved out of the way as Gina slid her legs to the ground.
“I’m fine, honestly. I wouldn’t put these babies in danger, you have to understand that. But I want to be up and waiting when they bring Fisher in. I need to see him, touch his little face, and squeeze him tight.” She stood up, placed a hand on Layla’s arm. “Also I need to be here for the men. They’ve done an excellent job, going out in the cold pouring rain to find my little man. They deserve medals all of them but I hope they’ll settle for a mother’s thankful hug instead.”
By the time they arrived back at the ranch with Fisher, Gina had paced up and down the driveway with a torch so many times; Layla almost felt dizzy watching her. The emotion welled up in her chest and she ignored the tears streaking down her cheeks, just thankful the little boy was home safe and well.
Callie dismounted and walked over to her. “You alright? You look terrible.”
“Well, thanks a lot. Some friend you are.” She wiped her hand across her face and watched the happy reunion. “Where is Tyson?”
Callie stamped a foot and looked over at the group of milling men. “Uh, well, he went home.”
“Home? Why?”
“Maybe because he lives there. I don’t know. Said he’d done what he set out to do and he was leaving, no point in riding all the way over here to turn around and go back again. Didn’t see any reason to argue with the man. He’s the hero of the moment.” She looked up when Chance walked over and slid an arm around her shoulders.
“Let’s load the horses in the float and head for home, wife of mine. I need a soak in a hot bath and a comfy bed – preferably with you in both of them.”
“On it. Sorry, Layla, gotta go. Hot date by the look of things.” She wiggled her fingers and hurried over to her horse.
“What’s wrong, Layla?” Chance looked down at her, waiting for an answer and she knew better than to try and lie to him.
“Who found Fisher?”
“Tyson. Who did you think?” He frowned.
“I thought it was Rory, don’t really know why.”
“What’s wrong? You can tell me, you know that. Did Tyson say something to upset you?”
She shook her head. “Other way around. I think I upset him.” She relayed the conversation when she’d gone to tell Tyson Fisher was missing, hating how she sounded like the whiny lawyer who got it wrong.
Chance listened, folded his arms and stared down at her. “Well, let me tell you this. Tyson is the best tracker out. If anyone was going to find the boy it was him. Regardless of what we say about him being an old woman and a gossip, there isn’t anyone I’d rather have on my side if I got lost than Tyson. If he says he’ll go a different way to everyone else, as much as it might seem the wrong thing to you, let him go.” He reached out to her when she swallowed back tears.
“You know what your problem is, don’t you?”
Layla snorted. “No, but I guess you’re going to tell me anyway.”
“You’re a control freak, Layla. That’s fine in the courtroom but not in family life. Believe me, it doesn’t work. I’ve seen it firsthand when I tried to handle my brothers’ lives. Hell, you know how that went down; you managed them for me half the time.” He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and pulled her close.
“I know this is all different from what you’re used to but if you want it to work, you have to have faith in Tyson. He’d never do anything to hurt anyone. You have to believe that and give him credit for knowing what he’s doing.” He rubbed her back until she pushed away from him.
Mascara would be streaking her cheeks but didn’t care. There was something she had to do. Layla hoped to god it wasn’t too late.
“You need a partnership where you’re both equal. That’s the safest way to live with someone else.”
“Thanks, Chance.”
She turned to walk away when a hand on her arm stopped her. She turned and looked up into Jethro Hansen’s eyes.
“Ms. Cox. I have to talk to you if you have a minute.” He held his wet hat in one hand and wiped the long hair out of his eyes with the other.
She could see the tiredness on his face and wondered if Tyson was feeling as exhausted. He’d probably be starving and cold.
“Can we do this another time, Jethro? I have somewhere to be.” With that, she turned on her heel and hurried back to the house, desperate to talk to Gina again. Layla needed someone else’s perspective on this, someone that had been in the same position where one partner had all the money, although reversed. Had it hurt Gina and Rory’s relationship? How had they gotten through it?
I need to sort this out in my head before I go and ask Tyson’s forgiveness. That’s if he’ll ever forgive me for doubting him. You are such a bossy fool, Layla Cox. You need to learn to let others take charge before it’s too damned late.
Layla walked into the kitchen and started cleaning up the mess, while keeping an eye on Gina and Rory with Fisher. She wanted this, the closeness they had.
Rory looked up and saw her. He walked over and grabbed her arm, leaning in to talk quietly to her. “Listen, I think Gina is in labor but she isn’t saying anything. I want to call Evan. Can you stay for a bit, help me with Fisher in case I have to take her in?”
“Sure. Of course I will.” Tyson would still be at the ranch tomorrow if that was how long it took to get to him. She would sort out their problems eventually.
*
Tyson filled the feed bucket for his horse and hoisted it up on the rail in the dry stall. “We did good, boy.” He leaned against Rango’s neck and breathed in the wet horse smell that never failed to bring him back to earth and his senses. The last couple of days with Layla around had been what his heart screamed for but after her reaction today, when he refused to do as she wanted, his brain started to kick in.
Sure they were good in bed, that was a given. And she was having his child, but did that mean they would be great together or was she only trying to come onto him for convenience and propriety? His line of thinking was heading toward the latter. They were so different in every single way and today’s events just reinforced it.
Heaviness weighed in his gut as he imagined the fights and heartache as their marriage started to unravel as he knew it would eventually. No good would come of them even trying when he could imagine the outcome.
The horse snorted and stamped its feet. “Yeah, time for bed for me too.” He ran his hand down the forelock, patted the nose, and walked out. His body ached with cold and fatigue. It’d been a long ride back but he had to put his horse first and he had. Chance had offered to give him a lift home but that would have meant two trips with the horse trailer and call him a coward, but Tyson hadn’t wanted to confront Layla right now. His mind was too full of conflict and being around her would only waylay his decision.
He trudged down to the cabin, stumbled in a pothole, and cursed. Why the heck would she want to move in here with him when the place was such a dump? He wouldn’t if it was the other way around. Bitterness crept up his throat as he tortured himself about how little he had t
o offer her. The last thing he wanted was Layla spending her money on the ranch only to have their relationship fall down around them. If there was a way to make him feel emasculated, that was the money shot right there.
Tyson pushed open the door and flicked on the light switch. He glanced into the kitchen, shuddered when he considered lighting the wood stove to make a meal and instead, reached under the kitchen counter for his bottle of whisky. He kicked off his boots and stomped over to his big, old worn armchair and grabbed the remote. As he dropped down into the chair, he clicked the power switch. The television roared to life.
The sound of a car door slamming startled him and he opened his eyes. The muted television glared back at him, a newsreader sharing the day’s headlines. He wiped a hand over his face and ran his tongue around his mouth. The empty bottle lay down the side of the chair and he shook his head, regretting it almost immediately. Hammers tapped out a tune on the inside of his skull.
“What the heck—”
The door burst open and Rory stepped into the room, the bright light streaming in behind him.
“Shut the damned door.” Tyson growled and closed his eyes.
“Celebrating already? Would have thought you’d wait for me to wet the babies heads.” Rory stepped over to the chair and picked up the empty bottle, a huff of disgust his reaction.
“Don’t even start, alright?” Tyson swallowed, trying to get rid of the fluffy coating on his tongue. “Wait. You said wet the babies heads?” He lurched forward in his chair and pulled up short, his stomach threatening to embarrass him.
“Yeah, that’s right. This morning Gina gave birth to the babies. They’re a little on the tiny side but Evan is thrilled with them.”
Tyson stood up carefully and turned to his brother. The glow from Rory was almost too much so early in the morning. Tyson grabbed him and gave him a hug, his eyes misting over for what, he didn’t know nor did he care to try and understand. “Congratulations, brother.”
“Thanks.” Rory looked at him, shook his head. “I think you need coffee and a kick in the butt. You look like crap.” He headed toward the kitchen and Tyson heard the tap turn on, rumble in protest, then start the slow trickle to fill the kettle. “If I wasn’t so damned impressed with your tracking skills yesterday, I’d be the one lifting my boot to kick some sense into you.” He walked back into the room and leaned on the door frame.
“How is Fisher?” He wiped a hand over his face and headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth.
“He’s great. Evan came and had a look at him, gave him the all-clear but when he saw Gina, well, he got her to the hospital. She’s a trooper, I tell you. That woman sweated and struggled through labor like a pro and now we have the two most adorable babies out.”
Tyson finished in the bathroom and walked out. “She’s a great woman, no doubt about it.”
“Yeah, she is.” Rory walked back to the kitchen and made coffee for them.
When he lifted a cup in Tyson’s direction, he indicated they go outside. Tyson followed him, grabbing his hat and putting it low over his eyes to combat the morning sun as he hit the porch.
“Thanks.” He sat down on the step and sipped the bitter brew, letting it seep into his veins and kick start his metabolism.
“I didn’t really get a chance to thank you for finding Fisher last night. Things got a little bit emotional, you know?” Rory dropped down beside him, nudged him with his elbow.
“You don’t have to, you know that.” Tyson took another slug of coffee, glanced down toward the stables, and watched a motely rooster strutting its stuff to impress the few hens that cared.
“I know you don’t like praise, Tyson, but you did a terrific job. Fisher could easily have drowned if you didn’t find him when you did. Hell, he could have died from exposure.” Rory’s voice had turned thick with emotion. “Anyway, I couldn’t not stop and tell you the news about the twins and say how much Gina and I love you and appreciate the job you did yesterday. She was beside herself with worry. I don’t know what she would have done if you weren’t there.”
Tyson coughed when his chest tightened, thanks to the picture his brother painted. “Couldn’t let down my little helper, now, could I?”
“Word of advice, brother.”
“Don’t bother, Rory. I’ve made up my mind.” He tossed the dregs of coffee on the driveway, small dust clouds spitting up where the drops landed. “I should have stuck to my guns. She deserves better and if it wasn’t for the baby, I never would have entertained the idea of marrying her. We’re too different.”
“That’s bull and you know it. Do we really have to go through this again?” Rory snorted his disagreement but Tyson was determined to stick to his guns.
“No, it’s not bull. We disagreed last night on how I should have conducted the search when I’m the one who has the experience. She doubted me and my abilities. Didn’t trust me to know the right thing to do. I can’t live with that kind of attitude. Don’t I deserve someone who believes in me?”
“Yeah, you do. When you look at it like that, you might be right although I don’t know if it’s worth risking a relationship over. Surely you can talk about it.”
“I know I’m right. As much as I love her, it’s not going to work between us. She and I have very different ways of seeing things. It’s a recipe for disaster and I figure that sooner or later, it will be the death of us and any relationship we have. It’s better to do things the way she wanted, sharing custody and living separate.” He swallowed the pain. “I’m going to tell her today.”
“You should think about this, Tyson. It could affect your whole life.” Rory rubbed his palms on his jeans. “You know what I think? You two are more alike than you care to admit. Both so damned stubborn and determined. Couple of control freaks, if you ask me.”
“I wasn’t asking. Besides, I don’t agree with you. Layla is a control freak and that’s fine in her job, makes her come out on top more often than not and I admire that about her. But you have me wrong. I’ve never been a control freak. You guys always bossed me around so that’s way off base.”
Rory laughed. “No, brother. Think about it. Every time we made you do something, what did you say?”
Tyson shrugged his shoulders.
“I’d tell you to go and do something, like now, and you, you would always say something like, ‘soon,’ or ‘later.’ See that’s you taking control of the situation. You’d do what I said but only on your terms. Control freak, plain and simple.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
“It’s not going to work. I thought I’d better tell you now, it’s only fair.” He slapped his hat against his thigh, avoiding looking at her in the eye.
“But, Tyson, we agreed that we could do this. I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t mean to try and tell you what to do.” Her heart raced and she couldn’t stand, her legs had gone weak at his words. She rested her hands on her desk, afraid to move.
“No, you were right in the first instance. We’re too different, want different things out of life. I think if we can stay friends and raise our son between us, it’ll be better in the long run than having a messy break up.” He put his hat on his head and stared at her. “I’m sorry, really I am. Now remember if you ever need anything, you can call me. I’d like to be there for you when he’s born too if you can face being in the same room as me.” Tyson turned to the door, reached for the handle. “Let me know and I’ll be there.”
The door closed behind him and Layla sat stunned. The phone on her desk rang but she ignored it, too shocked at what had just happened.
Emily gave her all of five minutes to herself before she walked in. “Well, don’t you look a treat? Chance would have a fit if he could see you now. What’s that boy gone and done to make you look so pale and pasty like?”
Layla cupped her hands around the small belly and leaned her head back on the chair. “He’s dumped me.” Tears welled in her eyes and she tried to push them back.
Damned pregn
ancy had turned her into a weeping female and she hated it. Layla had never been a crier. Angry with herself, she reached for a tissue and wiped her eyes before screwing it up in a damp ball and throwing it at the trash can. When it kissed the top of the bin and fell onto the carpet, she groaned. Couldn’t she do anything right?
“Really, dumped you, you say?”
“That is what I said. He’s decided he really isn’t good enough for me after all and we’re over. Seemed that my original idea of sharing custody and being polite to each other is what he wants.” She sniffled, determined to get control of the situation and looked her receptionist in the eye. “If that’s how it’s going to be, then so be it.”
Emily crossed her arms over her chest and made a snorting noise. “As if that’s going to make you happy. I think I know you better than that already, Layla. You’re just trying to protect your heart. You love that boy, even these old eyes can see that.”
“Well, it’s not going to happen so I have to deal with it.” She brushed her hand over her hair, making sure every strand was in place. “Right, what’s next on my calendar for today?”
“You don’t have any appointments until after lunch. Why don’t you go outside for a breath of fresh air or go down to the chocolate shop and get yourself a treat.”
“No. I don’t think so. I want to leave early this afternoon so I can go and visit Gina and the babies so I really need to put in the time now.” She bit her lip, not wanting to be told to do anything but sit here and sulk on her own.
“You don’t have any late appointments anyway, so that was never going to be a problem.” Emily took a step closer to the desk and peered down at her. “I know you, Layla, more than you think. If I leave you here, you’ll only chew over what might have been and drive yourself insane. You have to learn when to let go and let the boy make his own decisions. You can’t control everything as much as you’d like to.”
Her Favorite Cowboy (The Watson Brothers #4) Page 14