Aidan: Loyal Cowboy: Aidan: Loyal CowboyThe Family Plan

by Cathy McDavid

  “No, I just want to take you out to eat.”

  “We’re not, um, romantically involved.”

  They could be, if she gave them a chance.

  “It’s dinner. Between two people who happen to be having a baby and working toward establishing a healthy, solid relationship.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “Come on. You have to admit, things have been tense between us lately. Enjoying a casual meal on neutral territory will do us good.”

  Another longer pause followed. “O…kay.”

  Ace was glad she couldn’t see the huge smile he wore. “What time are you off work?”

  “Six.”

  “Is seven too early?”

  “Seven’s fine. But we can’t have pizza. Spicy food doesn’t sit well with me these days.”

  “Where’d you like to go?”

  “It’s beef Stroganoff night at the Number 1 Diner.”

  The place where it all started. Interesting that she would choose it.

  “Great. And I promise, nothing but food’s on the menu.”

  No kissing, no sneaking into her bedroom, no incredible, mind-bending sex.

  “I’m going to hold you to that,” she warned.

  “See you tomorrow.”

  He disconnected, his good mood restored. He had a dinner date with Flynn, and Midnight was settling in with his harem of mares.

  Ace’s day couldn’t get any better.

  Chapter Eight

  The smell of impending rain struck Flynn the moment she stepped from Ace’s truck. She’d remembered a coat but forgotten an umbrella. Getting wet, however, was the least of her worries.

  She and Ace were having dinner.

  Not that they hadn’t eaten together before—when they’d dated, of course, and on occasions when she’d joined the Harts for birthdays and holidays.

  Then there had been the night of their indiscretion. Hard to believe that was almost two months ago.

  “It’s crowded,” Ace commented as they strolled across the parking lot to the diner’s front entrance.

  “The beef Stroganoff special is always popular.”

  The potpie special was also popular, which is what the restaurant had been serving the night Ace went home with her.

  How in the world had that even happened?

  She’d been on a date. Correction, was supposed to have been on a date. The guy had called at the last second, after she’d arrived at the diner to meet him, and canceled. Something about his clothes dryer malfunctioning. Seriously? She’d tried to convince herself she didn’t care. He wasn’t anyone important, she’d only agreed to go out with him because a mutual friend had set them up.

  Rather than leave, Flynn had stayed and ordered dinner. To spite him, she supposed, and because she was hungry.

  Ace had dropped by the diner on his way home from treating a yearling filly with a severe respiratory infection.

  “Two tonight?” The hostess’s question startled Flynn, returning her to the present. “Follow me.” The woman grabbed two menus and escorted Flynn and Ace to a table that couldn’t possibly be any more out in the open.

  She cringed inside as Ace pulled out her chair. Discreetly scanning the room, she counted three familiar faces, nodding in response to their smiles of recognition. It could be worse. At least none of the Hart ranch hands were there.

  Why had she suggested this place? She’d have been better off with pizza and wings and a case of heartburn.

  She fingered the edge of the menu as she studied it, which was ridiculous since she knew the offerings by heart.

  “Evening, folks.” Their waitress, all of eighteen and cute as a button, flashed them a dimpled smile. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  Ace waited for Flynn to order first.

  “Umm…” Iced tea was out of the question, unfortunately. “Lemonade,” she said with a sigh.

  “Same for me.”

  “I thought you didn’t like lemonade that much.”

  “Neither do you.”

  “I’d have iced tea if caffeine wasn’t bad for the baby. No reason you can’t.”

  “Lemonade’s fine.”

  He was being sweet again, like at Thunder Creek when he’d proposed. She’d tell him that, except the last time hadn’t gone well.

  He’d also been sweet two months ago when he’d spotted her sitting alone at a table not far from this one, come over and asked her what was wrong. Funny, Flynn thought she’d been doing an admirable job hiding her disappointment about being stood up. But Ace had always been good at reading people, her more than most.

  He’d sat and told her the other guy’s loss was his gain, bought her dinner and regaled her with amusing stories of their errant childhood. By dinner’s end, Flynn was having so much fun she couldn’t even remember the guy’s name.

  Later, outside, she and Ace had kissed. Spontaneously. Lightly, at first. Then, in the span of a single softly issued moan, everything changed.

  She was the one who’d suggested they go to her place. Her father was having a night out with his cronies and wouldn’t be home until late. Ace had followed her in his truck. Flynn was convinced during the fifteen-minute drive that one or both of them would come to their senses. It didn’t happen.

  If anything, the clandestine nature of their rendezvous added to the excitement. He’d parked his truck behind the barn, then met her at the kitchen door.

  They couldn’t stumble down the hall to her bedroom fast enough.

  “How’s work going?” Ace’s voice penetrated Flynn’s thoughts.

  She blinked and set her menu down, acutely aware of the flush creeping up her neck and cheeks. She had to stop dwelling on that night. His touch. The tangled sheets strewn across his naked body.

  “Fine. We’ve been busy this week. The flu seems to be going around.”

  “You need to be careful you don’t get sick.”

  “I’ll be okay. I don’t have too much patient contact.”

  “As much as I hate the idea of you moving, I’d almost rather you were going to school than exposed to sick people all day.”

  “There are probably just as many sick people on campus.”

  “Sorry if I’m coming on too strong.”

  “You’re…not.”

  Turning away from his charmingly crooked smile was a lot harder tonight than it had been at Thunder Creek. There, the dim restaurant lighting wasn’t softening his features, reminding her of the younger Ace she’d fallen head over heels for.

  They managed to make pleasant small talk for the remainder of the meal. Ace didn’t bring up the baby again, her moving to Billings or school. The closest he came was when he asked, “Has your dad had any offers on the ranch?”

  “No, and he’s disappointed. A few people have come by, but they were more curious than anything else. The real estate agent keeps telling Dad it’s a difficult market these days.”

  “I think more people are trying to sell their ranches than buy one.”

  “Or they’re looking for a bargain. Dad’s pretty set on his price.”

  “Did my mom call him about Sunday brunch at the house?”

  “She did. I think it’s set for next weekend.”

  The waitress appeared and removed their plates. “Can I interest you two in dessert? We have fresh-baked red velvet cake and key lime pie.”

  “No, thanks. But don’t let me stop you,” Flynn added when Ace practically drooled at the mention of key lime pie.

  “Do you mind?”

  “Go on. And I’ll have a coffee. Decaffeinated, please.”

  A rat-tat-tat sound started. Flynn and Ace simultaneously glanced at the ceiling.

  “Guess the rain’s finally started,” the
waitress said, and scurried off to bring their pie and coffee.

  “I was hoping we might escape more foul weather,” Ace said. “I’m tired of mucking through soggy fields and getting my truck stuck in a wash.”

  “It has been an awfully wet spring.”

  Ace demolished his pie in four bites.

  Flynn had no idea where he put it. There wasn’t an ounce of fat on him, while she ruthlessly watched every crumb of food she ate in order to maintain her size six figure.

  Size pregnant, soon.

  She should probably enjoy Ace’s appreciative glances while they lasted.

  He supported her elbow as they left the restaurant. Considerate, without being pushy.

  “You want my hat?” he offered.

  They waited outside the front door, assessing the pouring rain.

  “I won’t melt,” she said with a laugh.

  “You wait here while I get the truck.”

  He’d no sooner uttered the words when they heard a loud metallic crunch in the darkness to their right.

  “What’s that?” Flynn asked, peering through the downpour at the headlights of a compact SUV.

  Ace was already in motion, sprinting in the direction of the disabled vehicle.

  She followed, holding the flaps of her coat closed around her as she jogged between puddles. Reaching the SUV, she found Ace bent over the open driver’s side window.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” He had to practically shout in order to be heard above the rain.

  “I’m fine. Just embarrassed,” came a disembodied female voice.

  The door opened and Sierra Byrne stepped out.

  Flynn immediately recognized the owner of the diner. She and Sierra had taken exercise classes together off and on through the years.

  “Hey, Sierra. Can I help?”

  Within seconds, the rain had soaked the young woman. Flynn could feel the dampness penetrating her own coat and ignored the discomfort.

  “It’s just a fender bender,” Sierra insisted. “I mean, I hope it’s a fender bender.”

  They all three inspected the rear of her car, which sat a few inches from the parked minivan she’d hit. Between the darkness and the rain, it was impossible to discern the damage.

  “Do you have a flashlight?” Ace asked Sierra.

  “No.”

  “I do. In my truck.” He was off before Sierra could stop him.

  Flynn put her arm around Sierra’s waist. “You want us to take you to the clinic?”

  “Really, I’m okay.”

  “You’re shivering.”

  “I’m mad at myself. I can’t believe I missed seeing that van.”

  “It was an accident.”

  Sierra’s gaze went to Ace. “I’m glad to see you with Ace. I always thought you two would make a perfect couple.”

  Flynn felt her flush return, though how that was possible in the midst of a downpour, she wasn’t sure. “We’re not together. Not like that.”

  “Too bad.”

  “We’re having a baby.”

  Where had that come from? Flynn had decided to keep the news to herself, Ace and their families until she’d reached her second trimester and figured out her plans.

  “You are?” Sierra’s face brightened. “I’m so excited for you. Congratulations.”

  They were hugging when Ace returned.

  “Forget about me,” Sierra chided him. “You two go on and celebrate. Flynn told me about the baby,” she added when Ace looked confused.

  He grinned broadly, like a proud papa. “Thanks. But I’m here, and I have my flashlight, so we might as well take a look.” He aimed the beam at Sierra’s SUV first, then the van. “Doesn’t appear too bad. A couple small dings in the bumpers is all. Easily fixed.”

  “Darn it.” Sierra pouted. “Guess I’d better get back inside and find the owner. Give him my insurance information.”

  “Want us to go with you?”

  “Honestly.” She gave him and Flynn a small push. “Get out of here. You’re soaked.”

  They were, and Flynn’s teeth were starting to chatter.

  Ace hurried her along to his truck with a parting “Be careful” to Sierra.

  Opening his passenger side door, he helped her in, then raced to his side. The rain continued to fall in torrents, making a thunderous noise as it pummeled the truck.

  Ace started the engine and turned on the heater. “Better?” he asked when the air finally blew warm.

  “A little.” Flynn’s teeth had yet to cease chattering.

  “Take off your wet coat.” He was already shrugging out of his jacket. When he finished, he helped her with a sleeve that stubbornly clung to her clothing.

  She laid the sopping coat across her lap, which only added to her misery.

  “That’s not helping.” Ace deposited the coat in the back alongside his jacket. He’d yet to put the truck in reverse. “I’d offer you a blanket, but the only one I have is a saddle blanket and it’s covered in horse hair.”

  “I’ll be all right.” She would, if she could just get warm.

  She reached for the seat belt buckle. It slipped from her stiff fingers and was sucked up by the roller.

  He bent toward her.

  She assumed he was going to buckle her in. Instead, he flipped up the console separating them, put an arm around her shoulders and drew her across the seat to nestle beside him.

  Flynn might have protested if not for the sudden warmth flooding her.

  “How’s that?”

  “Good.”

  They stayed where they were, the rain continuing its assault. They stayed even when the heater had raised the temperature in the truck cab to a lovely, toasty level.

  “I think I’m okay now,” Flynn said, breaking the silence, which had actually been nice and companionable, and attempting to return to her side of the seat.

  Ace didn’t release her.

  She looked up at him, about to ask if something was the matter.

  His dark gaze swept over her face and sent every thought in her mind fleeing, save one.

  I’m in big trouble.

  A tiny sigh escaped her as he lowered his mouth to hers.

  She should push him away, tell him no. This kind of recklessness was exactly what had landed them in the pickle they were today.

  Except she didn’t push him away. Not when his lips brushed hers, not when his hand reached up to tenderly cradle her cheek, not when he pressed her into the seat and deepened the kiss.

  The roar outside filled her ears as Ace’s heated kiss filled her senses. Raised her awareness. Sent her spinning. They were no strangers to intimacy, but this, oh, this was different. There was an emotional connection unlike any she’d experienced before. They were linked, by the child she carried, the history they shared, the feelings they had for one another.

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she returned his kiss with matching fervor, wrenching a low, desperate groan from him. It wasn’t enough. She placed her right palm over his heart, needing to feel it beat, faster and stronger as their kiss intensified.

  Imagine a lifetime of this, a small voice inside her murmured.

  She’d have it if she accepted Ace’s proposal.

  The next instant, sanity returned. Incredible kisses were no reason to get married.

  Ace evidently sensed the change and released her. She drew back slowly. His hoarse, unsteady breathing echoed inside the truck cab. She, on the other hand, couldn’t draw in air fast enough to feed her starving lungs.

  “I’ll take you home,” he murmured.

  “That’s probably a good idea.” There would be no repeats of past mistakes tonight.

  They didn’t speak much during the drive. Flynn prefer
red silence, she wasn’t ready to discuss the kiss. She’d rather cherish it for a while longer than analyze their actions or apologize for them. She’d be doing plenty of that later on her own.

  Halfway to her father’s ranch, Ace’s hand reached across the seat for hers. He didn’t let go of her until he pulled up in front of the house.

  Before she could open her door, he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it.

  She sat in stunned silence, staring at him in the murky darkness. Had he really just kissed her hand? Ace Hart?

  “Good night, Flynn.”

  Wordlessly, she got out of his truck and stood in the rain, watching his truck’s disappearing headlights.

  In all the years they’d known each other, in all the time they’d dated, he’d never been so romantic.

  An exquisite shudder coursed through her.

  She wasn’t just in big trouble, she was heading for disaster.

  * * *

  “MORE COFFEE, HONEY?”

  “Please.” Ace held out his mug for a refill, taking another large bite of his breakfast burrito while his mother poured.

  “Not so fast,” she warned. “You’ll give yourself an upset stomach.”

  He slowed his rate from supersonic to just plain hurried. “I promised Angie I’d stop at the animal shelter this morning after the livestock were loaded. One of her rescue ponies has laminitis.”

  “Colt and Joshua can oversee the loading.”

  Colt might if their mother asked him. His brother seemed dead set on avoiding Ace lately, ever since he’d learned about the baby.

  “We’ll see,” Ace mumbled, washing down his burrito with a swallow of coffee.

  They were sending a dozen horses and two bulls to the Torrington Rodeo. The rodeo promoters, a husband and wife team, were new clients. Ace’s mother was eager to please them, as she’d received bad news earlier in the week when a different contract was canceled during the option period with no real explanation. Their second one.

  Normally Ace would accompany the livestock to the rodeo. With the stakes being so high, they didn’t need anything to go wrong. But he wanted to stay home to supervise the pasture breeding with Midnight. After nearly a week they were ready to switch out some of the mares.

  Colt and Uncle Joshua and the crew Ace had personally selected to travel with them to Torrington were more than up to the task. The rodeo promoters would be happy with the Harts’ livestock and their service.