A Randall Hero

by Judy Christenberry

  “She escaped in an attempt to get away from her father, when she learned a great-aunt was living in Rawhide. When we married it was to save Angel. I immediately thought I had control of Izzy, but I learned differently. I thought my marriage would fall apart. But I realized that I needed to be patient, to trust her.” He paused and looked directly at John. “I’m telling you this because I sense a need for you to remember the same thing.”

  John got up and paced about the room. “I know I need to be patient, but she’s never even dated anyone who might have given her an urge to share intimacy.”

  “I would still urge patience. She has to feel she can trust you before she takes that step.”

  “Yeah. How long did it take for you?”

  “Not long, because she had some explosive behavior around her that pushed her to trust me.”

  John pushed a hand through his hair. “I wish I knew. I’m trying to teach her about intimacy. But what if someone else reaps the reward?”

  “I know what you mean.”

  “So I should stay close at hand. Yeah, that’s my plan. I’m going to be by her side, no matter what.”

  “Good.”

  John came back to the desk and stuck out his hand. “Thanks, Russ. I appreciate the advice.”

  “We Randalls have to stick together,” Russ said, standing and taking John’s hand. “I wish you the best of luck.”

  THE NEXT DAY, as she had offered to do, Camille came to take Emma home for the afternoon.

  Lucy felt lost that afternoon without Emma beside her. She kept looking at the space the carrier usually occupied. At four, she found she was through working. She was caught up on all her work and had nothing left to do. She went upstairs to her apartment to change, thinking she’d go to Camille’s early. She knew she’d be welcome whenever she arrived.

  Down to her underwear, she was looking in her closet for what to wear when someone knocked on her front door. When she peered through the peephole, she discovered John. “John, I’m not dressed. I’m going to unlock the door and run for my bedroom. Please wait until I have time to get away from the door before you come in.”

  Unlocking the door, she raced for her bedroom and closed the door just as John opened the front door. Had he caught a flash of skin? she wondered.

  Then he knocked on the bedroom door. “May I come in, Lucy?”

  “I’m not dressed! Of course not!”

  “But we could cuddle.”

  She grabbed jeans and a sweater from the closet and hurriedly began to dress. “No, I’m going to see your mom and Emma. I have extra time to spend with them.”

  “What about spending time with me?”

  “I don’t understand why you’re here. You should be…on a horse. Not here with me.”

  “I’m taking some time off,” John said.

  “You’ve been doing that a lot lately.”

  “I’m under your spell.”

  As she opened the door she caught John’s smile and felt a tingle down her spine.

  “You look very nice,” he said. “Perfect for a horse ride.”

  “I’m not going to ride a horse. I’m going to visit Camille.” She walked past him into the kitchen.

  “Okay, I’m here to take you to the ranch,” he said, following her. “I don’t want you driving back after dark, just you and Emma. I’ll bring you both home.”

  “There’s no need for you to make a trip after a long day of work. Emma and I can get back on our own.”

  “Yeah, because you’re big and tough, right, Lucy?”

  “Right!”

  “Come here,” he said, pulling Lucy into his arms. “You can’t get away. There are people out there who are bigger and stronger than you, even though you’ve gotten stronger. Don’t get carried away with the idea that you are invincible.”

  She stepped out of his arms, knowing she couldn’t surrender to John. It was too dangerous. “I’ll be in my car. I’ll be fine.”

  “And if your car breaks down? What then?”

  “My car has never broken down…at least not since it was fixed the last time.”

  “Come on, Lucy, why are you fighting me? All you have to do is let me drive you to Mom’s. It’s not like I’m going to take you parking or something. It will be daylight on the way out, and we’ll have Emma on the way back.”

  That was true…So what harm could there be in going with John? None, as long as she stayed on her side of the truck.

  Conceding, she said, “Okay, but I want you to know I can do things by myself.”

  With that, she strode out, leaving John there alone.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Is the weather changing?” Lucy asked as they drove to the ranch.

  “I think it must be, but I haven’t heard any weather reports.” John reached out and turned on the radio.

  They caught a weather bulletin, forecasting snow. “You may need to stay at the ranch tonight.”

  “No, I can’t do that. I couldn’t get to work if the weather got bad.”

  “Russ and Tori would forgive you.”

  “I’m not staying. I can leave early if—if you can drive me back. I should’ve taken my own car.”

  “No, you definitely couldn’t drive back if it was snowing.”

  “We’ll wait and see.” Lucy pressed her lips together, determined not to speak.

  They rode in silence all the way to the ranch.

  When they got there, Lucy didn’t wait for John’s assistance to get out of his truck. She was off and running to the back door before he could even move.

  In the warm house, she hugged Camille and asked about Emma.

  “She’s sound asleep. She got up at four and we played after she had her bottle. She’s changed so much.”

  “I know, Camille. Thank you for taking her for the afternoon. I’m sure she’s delighted to be back in her old crib.”

  “She’s such a happy baby. I had so much fun. What’s this?” Camille asked, pointing to the covered dish Lucy had set on the cabinet.

  “I just wanted to contribute to the meal. It’s nothing special, just macaroni and cheese.”

  “Oh, I haven’t had that in ages. It’s one of John’s favorite dishes, but I never think about it until it’s too late. That’s perfect.”

  “Yeah, it is,” John assured Lucy. “I hope you made enough or I’ll be the only one eating it.”

  “John, where are your manners?” Camille demanded.

  “Aw, Mom, you know I was just teasing. Say, have you listened to a weather bulletin this afternoon?”

  “No, why?”

  “Looks like there’s a snowstorm coming. Not supposed to be bad, but I just wanted more details than what we heard on the radio.”

  “Maybe your father has heard. Why don’t you go ask him?”

  As soon as John had left the room, Lucy said she’d just go take a peek at Emma. She excused herself and ran down the hall to Emma’s old room. Her little girl was sleeping soundly, all innocent and warm.

  Lucy couldn’t resist touching her baby cheek. Emma squirmed a little and Lucy took her finger away. She didn’t want to wake her up.

  “How’s she doing?” John asked over her shoulder, causing Lucy to jump.

  “She’s fine,” Lucy whispered, and turned around, pushing John out of the room.

  “What? I can’t watch her sleep, either?”

  “I don’t want you to wake her up.”

  “So what were you doing?”

  “Just checking on her. What did Griff say about the storm?”

  “He’d just heard the same weather forecast we heard. Apparently they hadn’t had any warning of snow until this afternoon.”

  Lucy looked at her watch. “It’s almost five. Maybe we can eat a little early. I want you to have time to get home safely after you take us to town.”

  “I’ll be fine. Quit worrying.”

  Lucy ignored him and headed for the kitchen. There, she suggested they have dinner early, if it wasn’t too much
trouble. “I don’t want John being caught in a snowstorm if one hits this evening. He insisted on driving me out here.”

  “But dear, if it snows, you and Emma can just stay here.”

  “No, Camille. I need to be back in my apartment so I can go to work tomorrow.”

  “I’ll try to hurry things up.”

  Lucy could tell that Camille wasn’t happy with her response, but she managed to get dinner on the table by five-thirty.

  Over dinner Griff asked about her job.

  “It’s going very well. I actually finished my work today at four. That’s why I got here so early.”

  “And she headed straight for Emma’s room to check on her baby,” John said.

  “Was she doing okay?” Griff asked.

  “Yes, of course she was. I just needed to see her.”

  “Glad to hear Camille hasn’t lost her touch.”

  “No, of course not! I didn’t mean—I just missed Emma.”

  “We miss her, too,” Camille said with a smile. “When she woke up at four, Griff just happened to have a break so he could play with Emma!”

  “That was sweet of you.” Lucy smiled at him.

  “That’s me. Sweet as sweet can be,” Griff teased.

  “I need to see if she’s still angry with me,” John said. “I held her while Caro took her blood. She wanted her mommy and wouldn’t have anything to do with me.”

  “Why, John, that was really sweet of you,” Camille said. “I’m sure Emma will forgive you.”

  “I hope so. It would break my heart if she doesn’t.”

  “You’re being silly, John. She’s forgotten all about it.”

  “We’ll see. But I’m not leaving your apartment until she wakes up and shows me she still loves me.” He took another forkful of food. “By the way, Lucy, your macaroni and cheese is perfect,” John said. “I really like the extra cheese on top.”

  “Thank you, John,” Lucy said quietly.

  “And he’s a real connoisseur,” Griff said with a grin.

  Once dinner was over, Lucy suggested they go ahead and leave for town. “I’ve enjoyed myself, but I’m worried about the weather.”

  “Of course, dear, I understand,” Camille agreed. “We want you there safely.”

  “And John home safely,” Lucy added.

  “It’s been snowing since right after you got here,” Griff said. “Maybe it would be better if you stayed here.”

  “Oh, no, I need to be in town. Do you want me to take John’s truck and return it when the snow stops?”

  “You won’t be taking my truck!” John exclaimed. “Besides, I can just stay in your apartment until I can drive back safely.”

  Lucy hoped it didn’t come to that. How could she sleep with John on her couch?

  “We’ll see.”

  “Let’s pack up Emma and be on our way.”

  Lucy went to Emma’s room with Camille and wrapped her baby in a big blanket and settled her in the carrier. Lucy took a thicker blanket and formed a tent over the carrier.

  “Okay, we’re ready,” Lucy announced, looking at John by the back door.

  “Here. Wrap this scarf around you,” John ordered.

  Lucy did as John advised.

  “I’m going out and start the truck. Give it a couple of minutes before you come out. It’ll warm up quickly.”

  “Okay. Camille, thank you for this afternoon. Emma thanks you, too.”

  “It was a delight. I hope I get to do it again soon.”

  “I’ll make sure you do. I know Emma enjoys being with you.”

  Lucy started to go out, but Griff recommended she wait a little longer. “John is overestimating his truck. It won’t be warm yet.”

  After another couple of minutes, Lucy insisted on going out. When she stepped outside, the depth of the cold took her breath away.

  John had been looking for her and scooted across the seat to open her door for her and reach out for Emma. Once he had the baby in the cab, he locked her carrier into its place in the backseat.

  Lucy fastened her seat belt, but she was shivering. “I can’t believe how cold it’s gotten.”

  “Yeah. Are you belted in?”

  “Yes. Can you drive in this?”

  “Yeah. I’ve had a lot of practice.”

  By the time they got to the end of the driveway, the snow had increased, making it almost impossible to see. Lucy strained to see the road, hoping John’s sight was better than hers.

  It took them almost an hour to make the fifteen-minute drive. When John pulled up next to the stairs to her apartment, Lucy drew a deep breath of relief. “Thank you, John. Do you want to stay here or try to get back to the ranch?”

  “I don’t know if you noticed, but the snow has gotten heavier in the last five minutes. If you don’t mind, I think I’d better stay here.”

  “Of course I don’t mind. Will you carry Emma?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He turned and unbuckled the carrier. Then he swung Emma to the front seat. “Okay, you go first and get the door unlocked. I’ll follow with the baby.”

  “All right. Be careful.”

  Lucy opened her door and stepped out in the driving snow and icy air. She struggled up the stairs and opened the door to her apartment. Wind whipped the door back and she practically had to use all her weight to close it.

  When John pushed on the door, she swung it open. As soon as they got inside, she struggled to close the door behind them and turned the lock.

  John set Emma’s carrier on the table and took the big cover off the little girl. “Man, she’s still sleeping. Isn’t that amazing?”

  “I’m grateful. She should sleep at least another hour.”

  “Okay. Want me to build a fire? It seems like a good time for one.”

  “Yes, that would be great. I haven’t tried to build a fire yet.”

  “I’ll show you how.”

  They left Emma sleeping in her carrier and John began stacking the kindling in place. Then he put larger pieces of wood on top of the lit kindling.

  “That didn’t seem so hard,” Lucy said.

  “Nothing to it.”

  Lucy moved back to Emma. She lifted her out of her carrier and took her into her bedroom. She tucked her into her crib and made sure she had plenty of covers. Then she came back into the kitchen. “Shall I put on coffee?”

  “Maybe some decaf,” John agreed.

  Lucy made a pot and cut two slices from a partially eaten cake she’d made the day before. She brought them to the coffee table in front of the fire and joined John at the sofa.

  “Great cake, Lucy,” John said between bites.

  “I’m glad you like it. Tori gave me the recipe.”

  “She’s a good cook, too.”

  “Every Randall woman is a great cook. Red must be an incredible teacher.”

  “Yeah, he’s the best. I wonder if we’d starve if we hadn’t had him.”

  Lucy laughed. “I’ve met so many Randalls I can hardly keep them straight.”

  “All you have to remember is that they’re all happily married with growing families. I told you we’re lucky in love.”

  “Yes, you are.” Then she teased, “Why hasn’t the name of the town changed to Romance City?”

  “I think everyone prefers Rawhide. Otherwise, we’d be full of tourists.”

  He put his arm around her then and pulled her close. His lips were within reach when they heard Emma waking up.

  “I’ll get her,” John said, jumping up.

  Lucy let him go while she made a bottle.

  John came in with Emma tucked in his arms, cooing to him as he talked to her. Apparently she’d forgiven him.

  Emma made sounds back at him, and when she thought she uttered what sounded like Da-Da, Lucy stared at her child. “No!”

  “What, Lucy?”

  “Didn’t you—Nothing. I have her bottle ready. I’ll feed her.”

  “Can I feed her?” John asked.

  “I thought you’d want
to play with her for a few minutes.”

  “Okay. Come sit down with us,” John said, moving toward the fire. He settled on the sofa and encouraged Lucy to sit next to him.

  They played with the baby for almost half an hour. Then Emma became fussy and Lucy took her to give her her bottle, after warming it up. Emma was pleased and sucked it down quickly. Lucy put her on her shoulder and rubbed her back, eliciting a burp. Then she took her to her bed and tucked her in.

  When Lucy came back into the living room, John put some more wood on the fire and asked for a blanket.

  She tossed it to him.

  “Come here.”

  “What?”

  “Come get under the blanket with me. We can cuddle to keep warm.”

  “I think I’m warm enough.”

  “Lucy.”

  That was all he said, but Lucy came to sit beside him. He spread the blanket over both of them, putting his arm around Lucy. “I’m glad I didn’t try to get back home,” he said with a sigh.

  “Oh! You should call your parents and let them know.”

  He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. His mother answered and he told her the snow had gotten worse and he was going to wait until it stopped before he started home. Then he put his phone away.

  “What did she say?”

  “She said that was probably wise and to call before I started home.” He pulled Lucy a little closer.

  “She thinks it’s okay for you to stay?”

  “Of course she does. We don’t take storms lightly around here. Ranchers put up rope lines to their barns out here because men have gotten lost between the house and the barn and died.”

  She shivered and John warmed her up with a kiss.

  “You certainly do that well,” she said softly.

  “I can do better.” He kissed her again, a deep kiss that lasted several minutes. When he lifted his mouth, he took a deep breath and returned to Lucy’s lips.

  Lucy couldn’t resist him when he was so sweet to her. She felt so safe wrapped in John’s arms.

  When his hands began to wander, she scarcely noticed his touching. She was discovering that excitement could be mixed in with a safe feeling. When she kissed John, it felt so right. Only, she was worried about that. She didn’t think she was right for John.

  She promised herself that she wouldn’t allow John to entice her again. After tonight, she’d keep her distance. Even if she did get lonely.