Texas Rebels--Paxton

by Linda Warren

  “Do you want me to file it down so the bottom part is smooth?”

  “No. Leave it just like it is.” She wanted it just as Paxton had made it and the carving ridges helped her to get a better grip.

  “Okay. You can pick it up first thing in the morning. The varnish should be dry by then.”

  Her heart sank. She wanted to see Paxton tonight, but now she would have to wait until morning. “What time do you open?”

  “I’m in the shop about 7:00 a.m.”

  “I’ll be there, and thank you again.”

  Gran turned from the sink, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Willard has it ready?”

  “Yes, but I can’t get it until the morning.”

  “That’s not too long. It will give you some time to think.”

  “I know. I know, Gran,” she said, walking toward her room. She didn’t want to discuss Paxton anymore. She just wanted to explore what she was feeling, and if she got hurt, then it would be her own fault.

  She sat on the bed and pulled out her cell to call Sandy, the nurse on duty where Annie was. They had become fast friends and she knew she could talk to her.

  “I know you’re on duty and I don’t want to keep you, but I’d just like to know how Annie is doing.”

  “Hi, Remi. We’ve missed you around here.”

  “I was asked to leave.” That still stung.

  “I’m sorry, but that was CPS’s decision.”

  “I know.”

  “Annie is doing great. She’s enjoying all of this attention, so don’t worry about her.”

  “But I do worry. CPS is going to rule in favor of a couple and I’ll lose her.”

  There was silence on the line for a minute. “I’m sorry, Remi. I know how much you love her.”

  “That doesn’t seem to count for much.”

  “It’s not over. CPS is being very thorough and Annie will have the best there is. Just believe that.”

  After a few more minutes of talking about nonessential things, Remi clicked off. She laid her phone on the bed. The best for Annie was Remi. She wrapped her arms around her waist. Paxton had told her she needed to prepare herself for the fact that she may not get Annie. How did she do that? Not by crying. Not by throwing a temper tantrum. And certainly not by sulking. Annie could have a good home with someone else. She had to start to believe that. It would take a while, though. Maybe a lifetime.

  * * *

  THE NEXT MORNING Paxton dressed in his starched jeans and a white shirt and the gold belt buckle he’d won in Vegas years ago. Tonight he was going to have fun. He was going to make sure he didn’t overdo it, but he was getting out and pushing Remi from his head. That was the plan.

  First, he had to go to the office and tell the family about the McCrays. He didn’t mention it yesterday because he wanted everyone together when he did. He only wanted to say it one time. The office filled up with all the brothers, Mom and Grandpa. Falcon and their mother took their seats behind their desks.

  Falcon was the first to speak. “It’s Saturday so someone has to feed and check the herds. And we have fifty heifers going to a ranch in Lampasas Monday morning. Someone has to round them up and have them in the pens by Sunday night.”

  “That’s a good job for you,” Elias said, and by his tone Paxton knew he was cruising for a fight. “You’re getting a little pudgy sitting behind that desk all the time.”

  Falcon looked up with murder in his eyes. “You want to sit behind this desk, Elias, and make sure this ranch runs at a profit and that we all receive a paycheck every month? Because if you do, I’m willing to hand it over to you.”

  Falcon’s words didn’t even faze Elias. “What I’m saying is Jericho and I do all the work around here. It’s time someone else stepped up.”

  Elias was sitting next to Paxton and Paxton leaned over and whispered, “Have you been drinking?”

  “No, but if you have a beer, I’ll take it.”

  Egan intervened before any more words could be said. “Jude and I will handle the feeding for the weekend. And we’ll get the heifers in the pens by Sunday night.”

  Falcon looked at Elias again. “Is that okay with you?”

  “Hell, yeah.”

  Their mother joined the conversation. “Son, if you wanted some time off, you should have said something. Take the weekend off. You, too, Jericho.”

  Jericho held up his hand. “I’m fine. I’ll help Egan and Jude.”

  Their mother stared at Elias. “What’s wrong with you this morning?”

  “Aw, he fell off a chair last night putting in a lightbulb and hurt his back,” Grandpa said.

  “I didn’t hurt anything,” Elias snapped, getting to his feet. “I need to be here for Grandpa.”

  “No, you don’t,” Quincy said. “I’ll take care of Grandpa. He’s at our house most of the time, anyway.”

  “Y’all are treating me like a little kid.” Grandpa got to his feet. “No one needs to take care of me. Now, I’m going to see Jenny and talk to the baby. You know, she reads to the baby and she lets me read, too. That way she can recognize my voice. Did I tell y’all what they’re going to name her?”

  “About five times this morning,” Elias muttered.

  Grandpa ignored him. “Martha Kate. Isn’t that a beautiful name? My Martha would be so happy.” He ambled toward the door and Paxton noticed there was a spring in his step. Naming the baby after their grandmother had given the old man a lift.

  Paxton stood. “Wait, Grandpa. I have something to tell the family.” He had to tell them about the McCrays because he knew it would be all over town by tomorrow. Ira would make sure of that. “I had an incident with the McCrays yesterday and I wanted you to hear it from me.”

  His mother was on her feet, worry in her eyes. “What happened?”

  “After I finished with the cow at Miss Bertie’s, she insisted I stay for lunch. She wouldn’t take no for an answer. Ira and Ruger arrived soon after.” He told the story as it had happened. “They thought I was going to shoot them, like our father shot Ezra.”

  He took a deep breath. “Ira said something about cold-blooded murder and I thought it was time to tell him the difference between cold-blooded murder and self-defense. I told them that they needed to acquaint themselves with the truth.”

  His mother put her arm around his waist. “You handled the situation just right. I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” He felt like he was ten years old and had helped a little boy who was being bullied in school.

  “Good job,” Falcon said.

  “My boys know how to handle the McCrays.” Grandpa nodded. “Just never turn your back on ’em. Now I have to go talk to a baby.”

  “Just a minute,” Falcon called.

  “Now what?” Grandpa asked.

  “Leah and I have paid off all our medical bills and we’ve decided to build a house. I talked to Mom and she said it’s okay if it’s all right with everyone else that I build the house across the road and take the land that goes all the way to the highway. Does anyone have a problem with that?” Falcon looked directly at Elias and Elias shrugged. No one had a problem with the deal.

  Grandpa walked out the door and Elias eyed Paxton. “Why are you all dressed up?”

  “Cole, Dakota and I are going to a small rodeo down around Houston to watch Dakota’s youngest brother ride his first bull. I told you a week ago.”

  “I thought you were going to help me get the plumbing hooked up to the well today,” Phoenix said.

  Paxton turned to his brother. “You never said anything.”

  “I just thought you’d be here since you’re not riding in a rodeo.”

  “No. I have plans, but I’ll help you Sunday afternoon.”

  “I’ll help you,” Elias offered.r />
  Phoenix looked at Elias. “Aren’t you taking the weekend off?”

  “I’ll help you first. It won’t take long to hook it up.”

  Their mom patted Elias on the back. “I’m glad my boys get along so well. That’s very nice, Elias.”

  Everyone filed out of the office to go their separate ways. Paxton got in his truck and headed for a fun weekend. As he reached the end of Rebel Road, he glanced both ways. To the left he would travel to US-77 toward Brenham, Texas, to pick up Cole and Dakota, his rodeo buddies. To the right was the road to Miss Bertie’s. Part of him wanted to go to the right and apologize for interfering in Remi’s life. But the sensible part of him knew he should turn left.

  Chapter Eight

  Saturday morning Remi was up at 6:00 a.m. She showered and dressed in a black-and-white jogging suit. It was a newer one she liked and she wanted to look nice today. Glancing at the clothes in the closet she had brought with her, she stopped. She could wear jeans, but she felt more comfortable in the jogging pants. They hid all her imperfections.

  “Breakfast,” Gran called from the kitchen.

  “You’re all dressed,” Gran said as she took a seat at the table.

  “Yes. I’m going to pick up the cane as soon as Mr. Wiznowski’s opens and then I’m going to see Paxton.”

  As she dug into her pancakes, Gran sat in a chair and watched her. “Sweetie, slow down. You’re not ready for an involvement with a man like Paxton Rebel. And remember Annie? I can’t see Handsome wanting to get involved with a woman and a baby. Sorry, but that’s the truth.”

  Remi laid her fork and knife in the plate. “I never forget about Annie. I’m going back to Houston in a few days, so you can stop worrying.” She told herself so many times there was no future for her and Paxton, yet she still lingered here in Horseshoe when she should be back home.

  “And like magic you’ll forget all these feelings you have for him? I’m not so old that I don’t remember what it was like being young.”

  Remi chewed on her lower lip. “Why are you torturing me?”

  “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  She leaned over and smiled at her grandmother. “I’m living and feeling again. Aren’t you happy about that?”

  Gran got to her feet. “Aw, there’s no talking to you. I’ve got work to do outside.”

  “Wait. How do I get to Rebel Ranch?”

  “You turn right at the end of our road and then it will be the first turn on the left—Rebel Road. You can’t miss it. It’s a big ranch.”

  Remi hurried to her bedroom and brushed her hair and put on lipstick. She hadn’t bothered with makeup for months, so she didn’t today, either. That would be too obvious.

  Before Mr. Wiznowski could open the double doors to his shop, Remi was there. The cane was beautiful. He’d done a wonderful job. After paying him and thanking him profusely, she hurried home. It was still too early to show up at Rebel Ranch.

  Gran wasn’t in the house so Remi poured a cup of coffee and watched the clock. At eight thirty she got up and put her cup in the sink. Sadie trailed after her as she made her way to the back door. Stepping outside, she came to a complete stop. Paxton was coming through the gate. He was here!

  All she could do was stare. In tight jeans, a white shirt and a gold belt buckle, Paxton was every girl’s dream. His good looks made her heart stop. She was deeply attracted to him and that surprised her. She usually liked guys in suits. But now they seemed effeminate compared to Paxton.

  He tipped his hat. “Good morning.”

  Staring at him, she lost her voice. Clean-shaven and with his carved facial bones, he was masculine and handsome, as Gran called him. He didn’t need facial hair to be sexy. Sexy was written all over him.

  Sadie grunted as she tried to get out of the door Remi was holding, forcing Remi to step farther outside. She held the cane behind her, not wanting him to see it just yet. “I was on my way to see you.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Why?”

  “I wanted to apologize for my behavior the other day. I didn’t mean to take my anger out on you. You’ve been so nice to me and I felt bad about what I said. I didn’t mean it. You’ve helped me more than anyone and I’m grateful for that.”

  “Ah, Remi. You don’t need to apologize. I’ve interfered in your life too much and I promise not to do it again. You were right.”

  “But your interfering helped me to open my eyes and see life the way it really is.” She took a deep breath. “I may not get Annie, so I’m preparing myself for the worst, just like you said. It isn’t easy, though.”

  She didn’t want to get bogged down in feelings that would trigger tears. “Oh, and I was coming to show you this.” She held out the cane.

  “You bought a cane. I’m impressed.”

  “No. The bottom part is the stick that you made and I had Mr. Wiznowski put a top on it and the rubber thingy on the bottom.”

  He ran his hand over it. “Why didn’t he file down the ridges?”

  “I wanted to leave it the way you made it and it also gives me a better grip to get up.”

  “You saved the stick?” He seemed confused by her actions.

  “Yes. You made me realize I needed one. My vanity kept me from seeing that.”

  “What about the guys who will be looking at you?”

  “I care more about my health and you showed me how stupid it was for me to keep believing that I was well. I’m not, and I have a long way to go.”

  “Then...”

  “What?”

  He pointed to her outfit. “Why do you hide your body in frumpy clothes? You’re a beautiful woman. You don’t need to hide a thing.”

  “I...” She wasn’t sure how to respond so she didn’t. She’d been tempted to wear jeans and now she wondered why she didn’t. Everyone knew she’d been in an accident and she wasn’t the same anymore. Paxton had a way of making her see things more clearly.

  He held up a hand. “Forget I said that. I’m sticking my nose in again where it doesn’t belong.”

  “No, you’re right. I guess I’m hoping that one day I’ll take off my clothes at night and my leg will be the way it was before the accident. You know that dreamworld I live in.”

  “Remi.” A longing filled his voice and she felt it all the way to her heart.

  They stared at each other for several seconds. Finally, Paxton said, “I’m on my way to a rodeo and I don’t know what I’m doing here. I just couldn’t leave things the way they were between us. I wanted to say I’m sorry. Now—” he looked directly into her eyes “—there’s something happening between us. I don’t know what it is, but I can’t seem to stay away from you.”

  He took her breath away and she had trouble finding words again. She didn’t expect him to be so honest. “I feel the same way about you and it scares me. My life is in Houston and your life is on the rodeo circuit. I have a lot of healing to do and then there’s Annie. I keep asking myself why I’m so attracted to you.”

  “Yeah. There’s that.” He stepped closer to her and brushed her hair behind her ear with a hand that was so gentle she caught her breath. A tangy masculine scent stirred her senses even more.

  “Will...will there be girls at this rodeo?”

  “Lots of girls,” he whispered, his eyes on her lips.

  “Oh.”

  A loud banging interrupted them. Paxton’s eyes left hers and she felt bereaved. “Where’s your grandmother?”

  “She said she had something to do.”

  The banging continued.

  “I better check,” he said, and went down the steps to the side of the house. Remi followed more slowly.

  Her grandmother had a big ladder and she was trying to place it against the house, but she wasn’t having any luck.

  �
��What are you doing?” Paxton asked.

  “I have to fix this roof. It’s supposed to rain tonight.” She pointed to the ground where a big piece of plastic lay. “I’m gonna put that over the holes and tack it down so my ceiling won’t get wet.”

  Paxton took the ladder from her. “You’re not climbing this ladder. Didn’t you call Rusty?”

  “Yeah. He wanted two hundred and fifty dollars to fix my roof. I can’t afford that.”

  Paxton sighed. “Did that include the inside?”

  “Yes, and he said I needed to paint the living room. I told him I wasn’t and to get out of my house.”

  Paxton dropped the ladder on the side of the house. “Okay, Miss Bertie, this is what we’re going to do. I’m going home to change my clothes and then I’m going to buy the shingles and tar paper and whatever I need to do this job. I’m going to charge everything to you and you’re going to pay for it.”

  “Now listen here. I told you I don’t like men telling me what to do.”

  “I’m telling you.” Paxton’s voice was strong, and even Gran could see he wasn’t going to bend on this.

  “Paxton, no,” Remi said. “I’ll call this Rusty guy and you can go on to the rodeo. I’m sure he’ll come back and fix it if I pay him.”

  Paxton looked at her. “He doesn’t work on weekends. It’s okay. I’ll do it.”

  “But you have plans.”

  He winked at her. “Now I have other plans.” He walked past her with a glint in his eyes and she felt giddy. He turned back. “Don’t let your grandmother use that ladder.”

  Remi glared at her grandmother. “How could you, Gran? You could have broken your neck on the roof. And when did that guy come by? I never saw him.”

  “He came while you were at the blacksmith shop. I’m not paying that much money to fix this roof.”

  Remi shook her head. “I think I’ll call Mom and let her talk to you.” Remi knew that was a sore subject. Her mother was always trying to get Gran to move to Houston with them.

  Gran shook her finger in Remi’s face. “Don’t you dare. I’m going to the house to fix lunch. If Handsome is going to be here, I have to have a good meal.”