“Now, Abby, don’t worry about being the first one up. It’s a good thing. The money will go to Over the Rainbow. So who will give me a bid on this basket? Abby, I forgot to ask what you have in that basket.”
Abby could feel every eye on her. She swallowed hard and croaked, “Chicken salad and fruit.”
“Fantastic. Who will give the first bid on this chicken salad and fruit basket and a chance to eat with the lovely new resident of Wishing Springs, Miss Abby Knightley? We’re starting all bids at fifteen dollars.”
Abby bristled at being called Miss, she was and always would consider herself a Mrs. . . . but before she could think much about it, someone in the crowd shouted, “I’ll give fifty.”
Abby’s mouth dropped open and she swung around to the crowd. Who would bid fifty dollars? Were they delusional?
Bo couldn’t believe his ears. He had not known what was happening when Doonie first started speaking. He couldn’t believe their little scheme. So this was what they’d been up to. Had Abby known about this? Before the thought was fully out, Abby swung around and the shock on her face clearly said no. She was as shocked as he was.
He felt bad for her.
He glanced over at the herd of cowboys that had enthusiastically jumped into the fray. By the time he’d recovered from his shock the bid had already gotten to eighty-five dollars.
“Who’ll give me ninety?”
Slick Jones had been the first to bid and now the rowdy cowboy yelled out, “I’ll up it another fifty.”
“That’s a good one,” Doonie yelled. “Who’ll make it one hundred fifty?”
Abby had a “deer in the headlights” expression he couldn’t take. And besides that, he wanted to eat lunch with her. “Two hundred,” he yelled.
Someone squealed—probably Clara Lyn if Bo had to make a guess.
Abby’s mouth fell open. Her gaze found his as if pleading for help.
“We have us a bid of two hundred,” Doonie boomed. “Who’ll make it two hundred twenty?”
Abby swung around to stare up at Doonie and Bo’s gaze narrowed. This was not happening.
“Two hundred twenty,” yelled Slick, and everyone else remained quiet.
“Two hundred forty,” Bo barked, and pushed the baby carriage a step closer. Nope, not happening on his watch.
Slick shot him a glare and yelled, “Two hundred sixty.”
“Three hundred,” Bo barked again. No way was he letting Abby have lunch with the womanizing, slick-talking lover boy. He saw Slick blanch and knew he had him.
“Three hundred ten,” Slick said, lacking conviction as Bo held his glare with his own.
“Three hundred fifty,” Bo added, upping it to get this disaster ended.
Slick said something under his breath, shook his head. His gaze immediately scanned the other grinning ladies in the line.
Bo’s adrenalin didn’t slow down at all, even as satisfaction set in.
“Going once. Going twice. Sold. We have our first picnic couple. Mr. Bo Monahan and Abby Knightley, enjoy your lunch.”
Abby stalked from the group and came his way. Her cheeks flamed red and he wasn’t at all sure if it was embarrassment or anger. He’d be hot, too, if he’d been the one stuck up there.
“Did you know about this?” she hissed under her breath as she reached him.
She was hot all right. No doubt about it.
“I was as surprised as you. And about as happy about it as you—this is the scheming coming from that article of Maggie’s. They’re trying to turn my town into one of those come-marry-our-cowboy towns. And I, for one, am not a pawn.”
Abby gaped at him, in shock at his outburst probably, then she burst into laughter. “Oh my, and here I thought it was me who was the one being manipulated. You poor fella. What will you do when some woman comes to town with a shotgun and makes you marry her?”
“Funny, real funny. So, yeah, it’s ridiculous. No one can make me marry them. But still, you know what I mean.”
She was biting her lip to hold in her laughter.
He chuckled. “I feel so cheap.”
She shook her head and grinned. “Well, you definitely paid a lot for chicken salad and fruit.”
“And the pleasure of your company.”
“Oh, yeah, there is that. I think at this point I’ll head home.”
“See’n as I saved you from the lecherous paws of Slick there, you kinda owe me a pleasant lunch—no strings attached. Other than helping me ward off the babymongers. I’d sure appreciate your help keeping them away. What do you say? Just a friendly lunch that protects us both from the crowd.”
“Fine,” she said, with a quick nod as if putting a period on the end of the decision. “That sounds like a fair plan of action.”
He couldn’t help the smile that instantly flashed across his face as his spirits did a high five. This day had started with Solomon’s heavy breathing in his face. Then there was the moment with Pops that he wouldn’t have had if not for the bad beginning—that had certainly been God taking a really bad situation and using it for good. Bo didn’t know how the man upstairs did it sometimes. But that was why He was God and he was Bo.
And then there was Levi and Abby. Looking at her he couldn’t help wonder where this was going . . . he was just glad lunch was on the agenda.
16
Abby felt much better now. She was grateful that Bo had helped her out and still couldn’t believe he’d paid three hundred fifty dollars to have lunch with her.
She couldn’t deny being very grateful that she did not have to have lunch with Slick. The guy looked like he lived hard and partied harder. If he’d won the auction, there would have been no hesitation on her part—she’d have handed the man his lunch and kept right on walking to her house. There were just some things she would not do. No matter whose feelings got hurt.
Clara Lyn and Reba Ann were going to get a good piece of her mind. The sneaks.
She followed Bo to the quilt he’d set up and sank to the ground. “I’ll get Levi out of this.” She unstrapped the happy baby from the stroller. He was so excited he squealed and cranked his arms up and down in his excitement at being set free. She set him in front of her and let him balance with the help of her hands. “I think he liked the show just now.”
Bo wheeled the stroller out of the way then took a spot on the blanket and reached over to tickle Levi’s belly. “I believe you’re right. He’s also glad I won us the honor of lunch with you. He wasn’t interested in any of the other gals who’ve been flirting with him. They squeezed his cheeks too tight.” He laughed. “And besides, a baby knows when he’s being used, even if his daddy is clueless.”
Abby cocked her head and looked at Bo. “Do you realize that’s the first time I’ve heard you say you were his daddy?”
“Yeah, well, it was a little shock. And I’m not going to lie, I planned to have the test tomorrow, but I can’t do it. I’ve been thinking about it and thinking about it ever since Jake called. I’m listed as his dad, and he looks enough like a Monahan that I believe he’s mine. I”—he looked at Levi thoughtfully and ran a gentle hand over the baby’s soft dark hair—“I just can’t risk what would happen if the test showed something different.”
Abby stared at him, unable to look away—her shock and admiration were so great. That he was taking responsibility like that slammed her right in the heart. After all that they’d discussed about the risk of Levi belonging to someone else and that person being a jerk, she understood where Bo was coming from on this decision. She just hadn’t expected it.
Wouldn’t most single men in his situation want to know? It was a great responsibility to take on when there could be a question mark at the end.
The fact that he was stepping up before he had confirmation said a lot for him—at least it did to Abby.
Bo Monahan was much more than the handsome love-them-and-leave-them cowboy she’d feared him to be . . . and that made him all the more dangerous to her peace of mind.
“Were we the only ones who were surprised about this or thought it was a little odd?” Abby asked, playing with the gurgling Levi. Bo set the food they’d each brought out on the quilt. “I think we were the only two who didn’t think it was fun.”
Bo grinned at her. “Hey, it’s growing on me now that I have you sitting on my blanket.”
Butterflies erupted inside her chest again, but this time they felt good, unlike a few moments ago at the gazebo. Meeting his teasing gaze and seeing the dimple appear beside his smile, excitement jumbled the butterflies about. Her mouth went dry realizing the situation—she was having lunch with the most handsome cowboy around. And he’d wanted her company.
Abby let the good feeling settle inside her and this time tried not to feel wrong that she found Bo so attractive. Landon was gone. He wasn’t coming home. She deserved a second chance—at least that was what her therapist had tried to help her realize—she just couldn’t make herself believe it. Hadn’t had the desire to challenge her qualms . . . until now.
“Thank you. That’s nice of you to say,” she ventured, trying to adjust to the thought that had just stunned her. Could she possibly be thinking . . .
“It’s a win-win situation if you ask me.” He winked.
Abby focused on Levi. Win-win. She’d saved Bo and he saved her and that was it.
Win. Win.
Her heart thundered, her skin turned clammy—if it was win-win then why did she suddenly feel like she was having the panic attack of all time?
Jarrod and Pops walked up then. Jarrod had this look about him that Abby figured left women falling in piles as they spun to watch him walk on by. She envisioned some of them swooning at the very sight of him.
The man was perfect. A combination of power mixed with a calm assurance—completely undeniable. Dark good looks so amazing absolutely nothing could be done to improve upon the man . . . however, Abby felt no attraction to the handsome cowboy in the least.
She looked from Jarrod to Bo and instantly compared the two brothers. Jarrod had an intensity to him that almost formed a barrier, while Bo had a more approachable air. Bo seemed ready to smile, when he wasn’t upset about women trying to tie him up and force him to marry them. Thinking about the cute expression that had lit his face when talking about that made her smile to herself.
“It’s a great day,” Pops said. There was no mistaking he was having a good time. He crouched down, despite his age, and grinned at the baby. “Cute fella.”
It took him a minute to get the two simple words to form with his misbehaving mind, but he got them.
“He is. And he likes you.” Abby smiled at him.
Levi reached for Pops. The old man took the child’s tiny hand in his aged one and shook it gently. “Hi, nice to meet you.”
Levi squealed in delight.
“I was going to head on back with Pops. He’s had a good morning. I have some hay sales calls to make,” said Jarrod.
“Okay, if you’re sure,” Bo said.
“I’m sure. You have fun. This was nice, but it’s not really my thing.”
Bo laughed. “You need to loosen up, big brother. Have a little fun. Bid on a lunch date.”
The look Jarrod shot his teasing brother said it all. Bidding on a date was not on his bucket list.
“You ready to head to the ranch, Pops?” he asked, and Pops stood up.
“Yup. I’ve got horses to train.”
Abby watched Bo’s gaze soften looking at his Pops. “Watch out for the bay. She’s been actin’ a little contrary this morning.”
“I got it,” Pops said, and then went with Jarrod through the crowd.
Bo’s shoulders slumped. “It gets me right here in the heart when he reverts back to the man he was up until a little over three years ago. The progression has been slow. Only in the last year have we really had to take over his care and watch him close.”
“It’s sad, but he’s happy.”
“Yeah, he lives in his own little world and it’s different every day.”
“I think it’s great how much you and your brothers take care of him.”
“He took care of us growing up. I mean, we had our mom and dad, but he was always there. He was so chock-full of wisdom, solid, strong wisdom. I don’t know . . . do you think it’s bad of me to say I miss him? I mean, he’s still right here in front of us, but so seldom is he really with us.”
“I understand. And no, I don’t think it’s wrong at all.”
“So, Abby, you have me buffaloed.” He gave her a small smile as he reached for a bottle of water.
“I’m so sorry you’re confused.” Abby knew a change of subject when she heard it. “Why so?”
“I can’t figure you out. How long were you married—if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Five years. I got married when I was twenty. And I lost Landon two years ago.”
He stared at her. “Then you’re a widow? Aw, man, that had to be hard. I’m so sorry.”
She looked down, her insides churning. She didn’t want to see pity in Bo’s eyes. She’d grown so tired of all of her relationships with friends and acquaintances who knew about the tragic night. And sitting in the middle of a park with people everywhere was not the place to talk about this. “Bo, I’d really rather not discuss it here.”
“Sure. I mean, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up—”
“It’s okay, Bo. Really. You did nothing wrong.”
His blue eyes bore into hers, searching . . . “If you say so. That had to have been tough, though.”
“Yes, it was.”
That was all she said, and all she planned to say on the subject right now. She gave him what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “Let’s get this lunch on the go. My stomach is about to leap out of me.”
He took her cue and smiled back, but this time it didn’t quite reach his eyes. They were still concerned and full of pity. She hated the pity. “Mine, too, let’s dig in. These sandwiches you made look great.”
“Oh, they’re not homemade, but they should be pretty good.”
“You haven’t eaten my food yet. If you had then you’d understand my enthusiasm for your cooking.”
Abby chuckled at that, and the look of pity grew more distant as they relaxed a bit. Maybe this would be all right.
Bo had enjoyed the day more than he could say. Winning the bid on Abby’s lunch and getting to know her better had been worth every penny and more. He was still in shock that she’d lost her husband. He hoped he hadn’t made her too uncomfortable, but he was glad he was aware of it now. Maybe he could be of help to her in some way. His feelings of protectiveness had been there from the moment he’d met her and now they’d grown even stronger. He told himself it was understandable. Especially after how she’d been helping him with Levi.
It had been a nice afternoon and though Bo wished it could last a little longer, he knew it was time to get Levi home. He and Levi walked Abby to her car and he was putting her empty basket in her trunk when he saw Abby’s expression tense. He turned to see what had caused the look on her face and saw Rand approaching.
“Hey, Rand, how’s it going?” He hadn’t seen the man all afternoon and Bo noticed he looked a little ragged around the edges. Was Rand drinking again? He hated that was the first thing that came to mind but lately Rand had been having some trouble. And looking at him now his skin was grayish and he had his sunshades on, but Bo was pretty sure there would be proof in the red eyes behind them.
“Bo, Abby,” Rand said, glancing at Abby.
“I hope you’re feeling good today,” Abby said, looking stiff and uncomfortable.
Bo was certain he was sensing an uncomfortable vibe between the two. Why?
Rand frowned at her, almost scowled—which was unusual for the older man. “I’m just fine,” he gru
nted then walked away toward the park.
Definitely something going on here. “He seemed to be acting strange.” Bo studied Abby.
She said nothing. Instead she bent to adjust sleeping Levi’s light blanket. Bo waited, completely baffled by this. After fidgeting with the covers for a moment, she straightened up and looked conflicted.
“I have something to ask and I’m not certain how to ask it, but I feel I need to.”
“Okay, shoot.” He was more than ready to hear what was going on.
“Do you know he drinks? A lot?”
“Ah.” Bo grimaced. “Yeah, I do. I think he’s been trying to deal with it. Get it under control. Why?”
“Why? The man was totally wasted last night.”
“And how do you know that?” Bo frowned, not liking this.
“Because I went over there last night to tell him I was staying at my house and he was sloshed to the hilt. I put him to bed—”
“You what—put him to bed? What in tar—you should have called me.” Every protective instinct he had raged forward at the thought of Abby having to deal with Rand’s drunkenness all by herself.
She looked shocked at his outburst. “Hey, I took care of it. I just helped him get to his room then left him sprawled across his bed passed out. I didn’t like it. But I dealt with it.”
“You shouldn’t have done that. It wasn’t your responsibility.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I was there, I couldn’t just ignore it. If I turned a blind eye—”
“Abby, you have got to be kidding me. There is no reason that you should have had to deal with his problem. You could have gotten into a bad situation.”
“I just told you I couldn’t turn around and ignore it. I was there . . . I seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time ever since I drove into town.”
He halted at her declaration. “Wow,” he said quietly. “Direct hit.” She was right though—the reality of her words slapped him across the face.
Abby looked down and rubbed her forehead before meeting his gaze. “I didn’t mean that.”
Counting on a Cowboy Page 13