by Roni Adams
"No,” she finally answered.
"I don't believe you. And I think you're blaming yourself for that, too. That's a lot to hold on those skinny little shoulders."
Beth glared at her older sister. “He left me, broke my heart, and almost destroyed me. He hasn't even been home two weeks and I let him—” She turned back to stare out the safety of the windshield as the tears filled her eyes.
"Well, okay, so it happened. You were vulnerable, and it's just one more way he was a snake. It doesn't mean it has to happen again."
Beth shook her head but didn't look back at her sister. “It wasn't like that. It was more like we both sort of forgot that we weren't lovers anymore. The physical side took over, and we just went along for the ride."
Sara sighed. “Believe it or not, I know what you mean. When Buck and I first got together in Houston, we didn't even use protection. We never even thought about it because things happened so fast and were so unexpected."
"So you've told me. You even thought you were pregnant."
Sara shrugged. “It didn't matter one way or the other because we worked things out, but I was glad when it turned out I wasn't. We needed the year and a half to get the house built and settle down to being married without a baby in the mix.” She rested her hand on her large belly. “Now, though, now it's time."
She glanced to her sister's extended middle. “Well, fate was on my side there. The doctor put me on the pill about a year ago to help regulate my periods."
Sara nodded and pushed open the door to the truck. “Look, kiddo. Whether Tyler stays or goes, whatever happens, I know you're going to handle it. You're not the same person he left behind. You're stronger. Last night was a temporary setback. A walk down memory lane or whatever you want to call it, so stop beating yourself up over it."
She slammed the door and walked over to the driver's side. Beth rolled down her window.
Sara went on, “Tyler's changed, too. Buck and I have talked about it a lot. Maybe the two years away helped him grow up a bit. I really think he needed to do that. I'm not saying what he did was right, or that you have to forgive and forget..."
Beth looked her in the eye. “I don't want him back."
Sara shook her head. “That's not what I'm saying. There was never a real break for you. You've spent two years needing to say goodbye to what you had. Maybe that's what last night was all about."
Beth watched until Sara was in the house, then stared down at her hands. Maybe Sara was right. What did they call it on the talk shows, closure? Maybe that was closure for her, and now she could move forward with her life.
Memories of last night on the cot rolled through her mind. Tyler had changed. His body had certainly hardened and grown even more muscular. The boy she'd left behind when she went away to Cornell was certainly long gone. Even watching him with the horse, she'd noticed how different he was.
Sorrow washed over her for the boy who once loved her with all his heart. That boy had been her playmate when she was a little girl, loving her even as a child. It had been the most wonderful thing in the world to grow up knowing he was the one she'd spend her whole life with.
When he'd lost his parents in the same plane crash that took her mother's life, it had been one more bond between them. They'd had each other. She lifted her head. Last night was a reminder of how it used to be, but it wasn't the way things were now. Maybe Tyler was realizing they'd both changed,too. Maybe he knew the same thing she did, that last night was the end.
Their childhood romance really was over and now they could both move on.
Her throat clogged with tears and her heart sank. It should be what she wanted, especially after what he'd done, but deep inside her heart, she was afraid that what she felt for Tyler Weston hadn't diminished just because he'd broken her heart.
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Chapter Seven
"Let's eat, I'm starving."
Buck tossed his bags into the back of the truck, pulled the cover over them, and latched it.
Cord pointed to a tiny boutique that Tyler had never seen before. “Let's go in here. I still haven't found anything for Susan. Then we can eat."
Tyler followed his brothers inside the store but was done shopping. He wandered around with his hands in pockets, looking without interest at the items on display. All he could think about was Beth. Beth naked. Beth wanting him. Beth screaming out his name. Beth touching him. Beth teasing him. Beth. Beth. Beth. What the hell was he going to do?
He watched Teddy lean casually against the front counter and flirt with the sales girl. The woman blushed as he lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. If any other guy did that he'd look ten times the fool, but when his brother did it, women swooned.
Tyler snorted. What was life like being Teddy Weston? His brother had loved more women in his twenty-six years than Tyler even knew by name. He shoved his hands deeper in his pockets. He'd only been with one, and he couldn't get her out of his mind.
Needless to say, by the time they'd left the boutique, Teddy had a phone number and a promise. Tyler slapped him on the shoulder as they entered the diner. “I will never understand how you manage to do that every time."
Teddy grinned and folded the paper into his jeans pockets. “Do what?"
"Get a date that easy."
His brother wiggled his eyebrow. “Charm like this is not something you can learn, you have to be born with it."
"It ain't charm—it's horse manure,” Sam grumbled as he slid into a large booth.
Teddy slid in next to him. “What did you get Flo this year?"
"None of your dang business."
"Must be something personal, or dirty then,” Buck teased.
Tyler grinned when Sam's face turned red.
The older foreman grabbed up his menu. “Watch your tongue, boy."
"You better tell us, or we're going to go back and let the girls know you bought something red and slinky in a tiny little bag,” Buck continued, unphased.
Sam shook his head. “When you get to be my age, the only thing red and slinky you want to see is red licorice."
"So, it's edible is it?” Teddy teased. “I never knew you were into that Sam, my man."
Their favorite foreman furrowed his brow. “Hells, bells! You boys act like you invented sex or something."
Tyler glanced up as the waitress set glasses of water on the table. He glanced at the nametag. “Angela,” he said, eyeing the tag on her crisp powder blue uniform. She looked vaguely familiar. He probably went to school with her, but he couldn't remember.
"Hi, Angela,” Cord greeted. “How are you? How's the family."
"Fine, thanks.” She smiled at each of them. “I see you guys are out for your annual shopping trip."
"You know it. We're just about finished but needed some nourishment.” Buck winked.
Teddy grabbed Angela's hand and lifted it up. “That's some rock, Angie baby. Tell me you're not breaking my heart and marrying someone else."
The waitress's face went a pretty shade of pink and she tugged her hand free. “There are some men who aren't afraid of making a commitment,” she said pointedly, though a smile danced along her lips.
Tyler laughed along with his brothers at Angela's dig. “She's got you there, Ted."
The middle Weston grinned and leaned back in the booth. “I can't get married. Just think how many hearts would be broken."
Tyler choked on his glass of water and groans from the others filled his ears.
"You just let me know if he doesn't treat you right, and I'll have a little discussion with him.” Teddy leaned back and rested his arms along the U-shaped booth.
Sam turned and knocked Teddy's arms off the back. “Damn fool,” he groused.
Angela giggled. “What can I get ya'll?"
"How's the chicken pot pie today?” Tyler asked.
She smiled. “Best in town."
Cord nodded. “That sounds great, I'll take it."
"Yeah, me too,”
Tyler agreed and put his menu back in the small rack.
The brunette took the rest of the orders and headed back to the kitchen.
Cord drummed his fingers on the table. “Let's figure out what we have to do and divvy it up for the afternoon."
"I'm surprised you don't have your laptop here with a spreadsheet listing out each gift, where it is,and the approximate price,” Buck teased.
"Stupid to carry a laptop shopping,” Cord scoffed. “I printed it out."
Tyler smirked when his staid brother actually unfurled a large spreadsheet.
"Where's your lists?” Cord asked, glancing from one to the other.
Teddy tapped his head. “Right here. I know everything I'm buying and where it is."
"Lucky you, I have no clue for Sara this year,” Buck grumbled.
Cord studied his list. “She's a tough one to buy for. No perfume, no fancy geegaws for that girl, either."
"Tell me about it.” Buck leaned back in thought. “I was thinking maybe a weekend out of town. You know, a fancy hotel, relaxing and all that? How's that sound?"
Cord grinned. “Last time you two went to a fancy hotel, you almost killed each other."
Buck smiled a mile wide. “It was all worth it in the end."
Tyler laughed with the others, knowing the story of what a struggle it had been for his brother to convince the strong-willed Sara Sampson she could be a wife, mother, and still be a cowboy.
"I think a trip into Houston, somewhere not far from the hospital, isn't a bad idea. She'd probably like that,” Cord agreed.
"Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Where do you think we should stay?"
Teddy fiddled with the salt and pepper shakers. “I like The General or The Plaza."
"The Plaza has great food,” Cord offered.
"You staying until after New Year's?” Buck turned to Tyler with the abrupt question.
Tyler frowned. He had yet to have the discussion with his brothers he wanted. As far as the others knew, he was still heading back to Abilene. He darted a look to Cord, not wanting to get into this here, not until he had some kind of plan to offer. “Not sure of my plans yet."
Teddy leaned forward and Tyler didn't like the amused expression on his brother's face.
"Cole told me about the foal and all so when I got home around two last night, I checked on it."
Tyler narrowed his eyes. “And?"
He glanced around the table and a smile split his face. “Well, someone was in the back office getting it on ... and it wasn't me."
Heat crept up the back of Tyler's neck and he felt like a bug under a microscope. This was what he hated, his entire life being commented on and picked apart, nothing private, everything open for discussion. “Could have been anyone,” he murmured and then cooled his discomfort with a long sip of his water.
Teddy rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “You got a point. Let's see, who else might it have been?” He paused as if pretending to give it grave consideration. “There's Sam, but somehow I think he and Flo wouldn't fit on that narrow little cot."
"Not my style anymore,” Sam volunteered. A grin quirked his lips. “Not saying it never happened when I was younger."
Teddy nodded. “Buck?"
The second eldest Weston snorted.
"So that leaves Cord."
Tyler glanced at Cord who was making pencil marks on his spreadsheet, then back at Teddy who rolled his eyes.
"Let's just say that would be very doubtful ... which leaves you."
Tyler frowned. “There's at least 30 ranch hands who could have been in that office."
His brother grinned. “You're right. It must have been one of the hands making Beth scream out your name."
Tyler narrowed his eyes, ready to punch Teddy right in the face. His heart raced, and he forced down a long breath. He knew when he came home everything he did would be under scrutiny, every move he made family news. Another deep breath and he was calm enough to be rational. What difference did it make? Did it really matter if they all knew what was going on? He shrugged without answering one way or the other.
"Leave him alone,” Cord warned.
Thankfully, Angela brought their orders, and the conversation turned to other subjects. Several times throughout lunch, Tyler felt someone watching him and glanced up to find Teddy smirking as if he wanted to say something else. There was no doubt in his mind if push came to shove, they'd all be on Beth's side in this. It wouldn't do any good for him to defend himself, to say she needed him last night. That didn't sound right even to his ears. Given the same set of circumstances, even Teddy would have done the right thing and not touched her.
With a gut full of regret, Tyler picked up his fork and pretended to be hungry. What was Beth thinking of him now? What was she doing? Still frosting cookies, or had she gone out with Cole? He pushed the creamy chicken around on his plate but didn't take another bite. He'd gag if he tried. The thought of her with the other man sickened him.
"What's the weather going to be for the holiday, anyone know?"
Sam shrugged. “I heard a cold snap coming, a bad one. Down into the thirties at night, no higher than fifty during the day."
"Had some snow in Abilene last winter,” Tyler commented absently.
"How's Boyd doing these days?” Cord asked. “Heard he had a rough time last year with his heart."
"Ended up in the hospital for a time in the spring, but he's doing better now. Charli keeps a close eye on him these days."
"Charli Boyd.” The name rolled off Teddy's tongue like a prayer.
Buck snorted. “That girl would chew you up and spit you out."
Teddy grinned. “She can chew on any part of me she wants."
"Watch your tongue, boy.” Sam elbowed him hard and Teddy grunted.
Tyler chuckled. The one woman his brother had never been able to catch was Charli Boyd, and it grated on the man to no end. For some reason, the knowledge made him torment Teddy further. “Chase put in a new in-ground pool last summer. Doctor told him he needed to swim some laps for exercise, strengthen his heart, that type of thing.” He picked up his glass and took a long drink. “Charli has this little white bikini held together with thin gold chains."
Teddy's jaw dropped open. “That's it. I'm inviting them for Christmas. It's the right thing to do after putting up with you for the last couple years."
Cord put his hand out as if to stop his brother in his tracks. “Bit of short notice, don't you think?"
Teddy shook his head. “Nope, we haven't seen them in a while. Surely, it's time to show some holiday spirit.” He gestured to Tyler. “Call her up, I mean them. Call them up."
"You call them if you want to invite them."
Nodding, his annoying brother leaned forward. “I'm going to. As soon as we get back, I'm going to give that girl a call. It's time Charli and I stopped denying ourselves what we both want."
Tyler shook his head. “She's not interested in all that ‘Teddy Bear Love’ as you call it."
Teddy eyed him steadily. “Watch and learn little brother, watch and learn."
He grinned back. “Oh, I'll watch all right. I can't wait to see her turn you inside out ... and then crush you like a bug."
* * * *
Beth glanced up from her computer as the door in the reception area opened and closed. Half expecting Tyler to show up and check on the mare and babe, she couldn't stop the stab of disappointment when Cole walked into the room. She forced a smile as he took his hat off. “You come to see the colt?"
He nodded. “Yeah, and to see if you wanted to grab some supper tonight. Stop by the LoneStar, or we could eat there if you want."
Beth nodded. “I don't have anything going that I can think of. Charli and her Dad are coming in some time this evening, but Cord will be here to greet them."
Cole grinned. “Good, then it's a date."
Beth's smile slipped. Did he really think it was a date or was that just an expression? She studied him. Cole knew she wasn't inter
ested in more than friendship. There wasn't any harm in going out with him. If Tyler hadn't come home, she wouldn't have given it a second thought. She was only doubting herself because of what happened with her and Tyler.
She stood and came around the reception desk and led him out. “What have you decided to name the foal?"
"Hadn't thought about it. I'm not too original with horse names. His father is Prince and his mother was Princess.” Cole shrugged. “What do you think we should name him?"
Beth glanced up. We? Where had that come from?
She pushed open the door to the barn and walked down the aisle. As they reached the stall where the baby was, memories washed over her of what she and Tyler had been doing right here last night. She ducked her head and shoved the thoughts away. “Well, MoonDancer has adopted him as her own. How about something to go with her name?"
He leaned over the stall door and studied the colt standing in the corner with the other baby. “They get along good together, don't they?"
Beth nodded and joined him, their shoulders brushing as they watched the little family. “The other foal is Sky.” She turned her head and grinned at Cole. “We're not too original with names either."
"What if we picked something to do with the holidays, Christmas or something?"
"What about Star? Is that too feminine though?"
"Maybe.” Cole shrugged. “We'll figure it out sooner or later.” He turned away from the stall and leaned his back against the wall. “Did I tell you Doc's going to make it home by Christmas Eve?"
"That's wonderful,” Beth squealed. “I can't wait to see him. He's been gone way too long this time."
Cole nodded. “Yeah, it'll be good to have him home. Although, he says it's only a quick visit and then he's back on the road. I think he's determined to travel as much as possible this year."
They turned to leave, and Beth stumbled when Tyler walked through the door. Her breath caught as his gaze zoomed in to meet hers.
"Hey, Tyler. How's it going?” Cole held out his hand.
Beth ripped her gaze away. She should be glad that the two men seemed to have made some sort of peace with another, but she didn't trust it would last.
Tyler shook Cole's hand. “Good. I came out to check on Lucky."