He did as told, his eyes never leaving her face. “Are you all right?”
“I’m perfect.” She sat and smiled at him. “I didn’t want to interrupt so I left. Whatever you spoke of seemed to be private.” Her heart thudded so hard against her breast she hoped he couldn’t hear it. She wondered how a broken heart could continue to beat. Here she was, about to accept his offer of marriage, only to learn he considered her one of “too many things.”
“Do you know yet?” He went straight to the point.
Lifting her head she peered down her nose at him. “Yes and, thank goodness, I am not with child.”
“I still would like to extend my offer of marriage, Olivia.” He reached for her hand and she pretended not to notice lifting it up to her hair.
“It’s not necessary, I assure you.” Olivia went to stand but Bronson wrapped his hand around her arm.
“Of course it’s necessary. Olivia, I took advantage of you, took you. I know you were a virgin. We should get married.”
“Should?” She lifted her brows in question. “I agree we should, but it’s best we don’t. I won’t give you my reasons for refusing, but I ask that you accept my decision. Please.”
It was obvious he was angry by the muscle bunching at his jaw. His now darkened eyes met hers. “If that’s what you want, then I’ll have to accept it.” He stood and loomed over her. Olivia was forced to crane her neck to look at him. “If, for some reason, you are wrong about there being a child, I won’t take no for an answer.”
He stormed from the room and slammed the door behind him. Olivia jumped to her feet and ran to ensure it remained closed. With shaking fingers, she locked it before slumping against the cold surface.
As soon as the first sob escaped, many followed.
“Olivia?” Grace Cole arrived at Olivia’s house the next day. Olivia groaned. Of course, they had planned to spend the day together as they did once a month. With everything that happened the day before, she’d forgotten.
After placing her book down, she stood and greeted her friend with a hug. The women sat and Olivia was taken by the oblivious glow of happiness on her friend’s face. “I miss you living in town,” she admitted. “But you look so good. Love suits you.”
“Oh, I am so much in love.” Grace gave her a bright smile. “Ashley is the most wonderful man.”
She had to laugh at Grace’s proclamation after the long past days when her friend had grumbled about the solemn cowboy. “I am happy for you.”
The maid came in with tea and Olivia served it. She waited until Grace drank a few sips before speaking. “I ended the relationship with Matt.”
“I never thought him a good match for you,” Grace told her, never one to mince words. “The man rarely shows any type of emotion. Besides, he never courted you properly.”
“Yes, well, it seems to be a lost art.”
Having known her since childhood, Grace narrowed her eyes at her in study. “Who is it?”
“What?” Olivia did her best to keep a neutral expression. Never having lied to her friend, she hoped to pull it off.
“There’s someone. You are acting differently.” Grace put her cup down and leaned forward, while Olivia looked anywhere but at her.
“I think love has clouded your mind,” Olivia told her friend primly and lifted the cup to her lips. “What shall we do today?”
For a few beats, Grace remained quiet then she let out a breath. “Fine, don’t tell me. But you know I won’t be coming back for a few weeks. You won’t be able to stand keeping a secret to yourself for so long. How will you handle it? I bet you will burst open like an overripe tomato.”
She was right, of course. Olivia counted on Grace for support through the worst of times. Both turned to each other first when dealing with any problem or situation. More like sisters than friends. From the first days when the Dawsons brought Grace home after adopting her, she and Olivia became inseparable.
Her mind warred with what to say, how much to share. Olivia stood and went to the doors and pulled them together. Although her mother was out, she didn’t want to chance anyone overhearing.
“I knew it.” Grace sat back in her chair with arms crossed, her eyes following Olivia’s every move. “Whatever is wrong?”
When Olivia scrunched her brows together at trying to figure out how to start, Grace rushed to her side and took her hands. “Oh, Olivia, is it bad?”
Tears formed and Olivia began to cry. Not just cry, she heaved heavy breaths attempting to fight the feelings of jealousy, anger and resentment that had built inside. “I’ve been a fool, Grace,” she blubbered, her breakdown now in full swing. She clung to her friend allowing her emotions free rein. “I don’t know what I’m going to do.”
“Now. Now.” Grace patted her back and kissed her temples. “I’m here. We’ll figure something out. Tell me what is wrong.”
Olivia wondered if Grace would side with her brother-in-law once she told her what happened. But if she didn’t tell someone, Grace was right, she would burst. “Let’s sit.” Once they did, Olivia kept her gaze on her hands while wringing a handkerchief Grace must have given her. “When Bronson and I were trapped in the cabin, we were intimate. I lay with him.”
Grace drew a sharp breath and then the room became utterly silent. Finally, her friend spoke.
“Oh, goodness. I would have never thought Bronson would take advantage of a situation. He’ll definitely pay for this.”
“It wasn’t just him. As a matter of fact, I may have encouraged it.” Olivia felt her face flush with heat. “I definitely didn’t try to stop him at any moment.”
“Have you spoken to him? Is he offering to make amends? He must at once, of course.”
It was endearing and it reassured Olivia that her friend immediately sided with her. Olivia took her friend’s hands. “Thank you, Grace.”
“Don’t thank me yet.” Grace was now incensed. “We have much to do. First of all, insist Bronson marry you.”
“He offered and I declined.” Olivia told her friend who now looked at her with mouth agape. “He only offered out of obligation.”
Grace pressed her palm against Olivia’s forehead. “What is wrong with you? Of course he is obligated. He took your virginity.”
“Lower your voice,” Olivia hissed looking toward the doorway. “I won’t marry a man who doesn’t want to be with me.”
“Dear. You have no choice now. Obviously, he does want to be with you or else it wouldn’t have happened. But what if there are other consequences?” Grace spoke slowly her eyes sliding to Olivia’s belly. “Have you thought about that?”
She arched a brow. “Of course I have. I’m a physician and before you ask, I am not expecting. Not that I know of anyway.”
Jumping to her feet, Grace attempted to look larger by placing her fists on her hips and leaning over Olivia. “Bronson is a good man. He is not one to take this lightly and this situation is not going to go away, Olivia. If I know him, he’ll be back regularly until you give in. And you are being a stubborn, spoiled chit.”
Olivia gasped. “Grace Cole, did you just call me a name?”
Her friend did not relent or back down. “Do you know why you were sobbing a few minutes ago? It wasn’t because of what you did.”
“Oh for goodness sakes, what other reason could it be?”
Grace smiled and a wicked sparkle in her eyes made Olivia’s widen. “You are simpering because you are in love with Bronson Cole, and him being a man, and a Cole at that, he is too dimwitted to offer for you properly.”
“I am not in…love,” Olivia whispered. “I’m mad and disappointed in myself.”
“Um hmm.” Grace plopped down then lifted the teacup and looked at her over the rim. “Admit it.”
“I won’t,” Olivia said stubbornly. “Besides, I learned he’s in love.”
“He is?” Grace frowned. “With whom?”
Olivia attempted a careless shrug, but failed. “A woman named Laura Foster.”
“Oh, her.”
It was her turn to lean forward and pin her friend with raised eyebrows. “So you know about her?”
“It’s not what you think.” Grace began and waved her hand in the air dismissing it. “Bronson felt obligated to help the woman out after her husband went missing. He is not in love, but after the woman gave him shelter when he went to Fort Laramie, it bothered him that she was left alone with her infant child on a remote ranch.”
“Well, you are wrong because I distinctly heard Mitch say that Bronson was infatuated with the woman.” Olivia huffed. “Let’s speak of something else. I’m getting a headache.”
“Not a chance.” Grace drummed her fingers against the cup. “First, I’ll find out what is going on in Bronson’s head.” She shook her head when Olivia began to protest. “Of course, I’ll do it without him being aware I know your secret.”
“What is the use?” Olivia ignored the flip in her stomach at thinking of Grace speaking with Bronson.
“If he’s not in love with the Foster woman and, in fact, is interested in you that would be beneficial to know.”
It would be impossible to stop Grace now and Olivia almost regretted telling her everything. She bit her lip in thought. Then again, it would be beneficial to know the truth.
Like the truth that her monthly flow had not come. With each passing day, it was more possible she was pregnant. Expecting Bronson’s child.
“All right. Speak with him, but please don’t let on that you know anything.”
As if Grace Cole needed her permission. Olivia was surprised her friend didn’t jump up and dash from the room.
Chapter Fifteen
Grayson stood beside the corral and studied his horses with critical eyes. Two more were finally trained to his stringent expectations. The buyer would arrive in the next few days from Texas and he planned to accompany the man back. He felt his chest expand at the thought that he was earning a reputation as a breeder of the beautiful stallions.
The lowering sun gave the view before him an unnatural glow with haze forming atop the mountains in the background. He loved his life and could only marvel at the changes in the last months.
The wind blew his hair across his face, but he was so used to its length that he barely noticed. He wondered how Nora would react to the news he’d been keeping from her. That he’d be gone for at least a month. Yes, it was cowardly not to have told her sooner, but he’d been reluctant to go. He’d kept from giving the rich rancher a reply to the offer of accompanying his horses back until a couple weeks earlier. It was a great opportunity for him. He’d meet other affluent ranchers who’d expressed interest in his services.
They didn’t need the money. He provided well for his family, which made the decision harder. But his horses would become well known, a dream of his.
The aroma of a well-seasoned meal made his stomach grumble when he entered their large cabin. Nora stood in the kitchen with one hand on her hip while stirring a simmering pot. On the table were already bread and plates. “Ah, there you are. I was about to come out to find you.” She turned to him and immediately he wanted to go to her. Her honey-brown eyes took him in. “I warmed some water, it’s over there.” Jutting her chin out, she motioned to a basin.
The water was warm when he sank his hands into it. “The horses are ready. I hope the travel won’t be too hard on them.” He kept his attention on the basin, rinsing his face, neck and forearms.
“I’m sure they’ll be fine,” Nora replied, distracted by serving the roast and vegetables she’d prepared. “They are traveling a long distance, but they are young, strong animals. Light a lantern please, darling. It’s getting dim in here.”
With the glow of the lantern, they ate, Nora filling him in on the details of the day while he listened and watched her features soften when she spoke of the baby’s feats. The infant was barely a few months old, but by listening to her, one would think the accomplishments such as a smile and gesture were those of a grown man.
Grayson took a sip from his cup. “I’m going to wake him up in a few minutes. Otherwise, he’ll be up all night.”
“Don’t you dare, I just put him down and I’m sure he’ll sleep long enough.” Nora lifted her brows at Grayson’s scowl. “Is something bothering you?”
Her delicate fingers rubbed across the top of his hand. It was time to come clean. “The rancher who purchased the horses wants me to go back to Texas with him.”
“For how long?” She looked around the room as if assessing it for an answer. “Do you need to go?”
The reply stuck in his throat, but he forced it out. “No, I don’t have to go. And if you don’t want me to go, I won’t.”
“But you really want to. It would help your breeding business.”
It was uncanny how well Nora knew him already. By her softened expression, she’d assessed his motivation and didn’t that just make him feel childish? Indulging in the enticement of traveling to a place he’d always wanted to go and showing off his horses. So soon after the birth of their child no less. “Forget I mentioned it. I’m not going. It’s too soon.”
“It’s important to you. You should go.” Nora pursed her lips in thought. “I’m sure you’ve already figured out who will tend to things here while you’re gone.”
A slow heat rose from his neck and he nodded. “Yeah, I mentioned it to Mitch. He said Charley Witt is doing well covering the mercantile, so Mitch can stay here for a week or so. Bronson will stay the following weeks until I return. I expect to be back in a month.”
“That’s a long time.” Nora frowned down at their entwined fingers. “We’ve never been apart that long. But it will prepare me for the next cattle drive. I’ve got to learn how to be a Cole wife.” She smiled when he lifted her hand and kissed it.
Later that night when he reached across the bed and found it empty, Grayson jerked to sitting. Nora was gone. He searched the room and found her standing by the window, the moonlight pouring over her as she rocked to and fro with their son in her arms. Her soft hums carried over him and Grayson could only stare transfixed by the beautiful picture. Once again, he considered not going to Texas. He’d miss her so.
Not able to resist, he climbed out of bed and walked to her. “If you are tired, I’ll take him,” he offered, wrapping his arms around her waist and nuzzling her hair.
Nora immediately leaned her head back onto his chest. “He’s asleep. I should have put him into the crib, but was enjoying just looking at him.” She lifted the baby and kissed his cheek and then laid the infant into the cradle, pulling the soft blanket over him. “Goodnight, darling boy.”
“You’re going to overindulge him and he’s going to grow up to be like Ashley. Arrogant.”
His wife kept vigil over the infant, her pretty face accentuated by the moonlight. “Then he’ll be a good man. I’ll be a proud mama if he’s like you or your brothers, all men of honor, respectable and caring of their mother.”
When she straightened and beamed up at him, Grayson lost his ability to speak. At her questioning gaze, he could only attempt to swallow.
“Is something wrong, Gray?” She cupped his jaw. “Do you feel unwell?”
“No.” He had to clear his throat at the husky reply. “I love you. Sometimes my chest can’t hold how much I feel for you.”
“I know you do. I see it in your eyes.” Nora pulled him down to her and he covered her mouth with his. She sighed and relaxed against him, her now curvier body harder for him to resist. “I’m going to miss you so,” she murmured between kisses.
Grayson held her face with both hands and looked down at his enticing wife. “Come to bed, Nora. Let me love you.”
Her reply was a slow, saucy smile. “My favorite place in the world is in your arms.”
Chapter Sixteen
Bronson sat back on the comfortable chair and wondered what his mother and Grace whispered about. A cup of coffee in his hand, it was his favorite time of day when everyone retired to
the front room and relaxed.
Ashley and Grace had come for dinner and, by the looks of it, had no intention of leaving anytime soon. His eldest brother, Ashley, rested his chin on his palm and observed everyone in silence.
The women shared a settee next to the fireplace with heads bent as they spoke in low murmurs. On occasion, one or both looked over at one of them and shook their heads.
He glanced at Ashley who, as usual, kept quiet. His brother was focused on his father’s fingers that strummed a guitar softly.
“I had the most lovely visit with Olivia.” Grace spoke louder, her attention on his mother. “She broke off with Matt Corson, can you believe it?”
His mother nodded her head. “I’m not surprised. They were not a good match.”
“Exactly what I told her,” Grace replied with a shake of her head. “The man is about as clueless as they come. She said he only kissed her once and it could barely be described as such.”
Bronson scowled at the thought that Matt had kissed Olivia.
“He is a withdrawn man, but the reason he didn’t pursue her is that he’s not infatuated. The girl is so beautiful. It makes me wonder if he was dropped on his head as a child.” The women laughed, covering their mouths. Then his mother turned to him. “See, I told you, Bronson. It’s your chance, why don’t you ask Olivia out for a ride or something?”
Grace interjected before he could speak. “Doesn’t Bronson have his heart set on that woman from Fort Laramie? What is her name again?”
“Laura Foster?” His mother narrowed her eyes in his direction. “She’s either married or newly widowed. I doubt she’d be ready for anything. Did you know she’s here? Lives with the Davises over at Jensen’s ranch.”
“No.” Grace looked over at Bronson. “Have you spoken to her? Are you going to attempt to court her?”
Bronson looked to his father and brother for help, but they looked to him with expectation as well. “No.” He’d not considered Laura Foster since he’d last spoken to Olivia. Actually, he was back to his original plan of avoiding any entanglement with any woman. “I am not interested in any woman.”
Every Blue Moon Page 8