When Love's Gone Country (Sequel two of the Embracing Love Trilogy)

by Merri Hiatt

  When Love’s Gone Country

  Sequel two of the Embracing Love Trilogy

  Merri Hiatt

  Copyright 2013 Merri Hiatt

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. All characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  Cover image credit: GSPhotography/Shutterstock.com

  Visit Merri Hiatt’s website! http://merrihiatt.com

  Chapter One

  “Seat belts on?” Courtney Abrams-Thompson asked as she placed the last bag in the back of the rented van.

  “Everyone except Diego,” Jeremy said. “I don’t think his’ll fit.”

  “Diego, sit,” Courtney said.

  The Saint Bernard wagged his tail in Jacob’s direction.

  “I’m counting on you two to keep him calm during the trip,” Court said.

  “We will,” Jacob said as he pointed down. “Sit, Diego.”

  Diego sprawled across the boys’ laps.

  “That’s not exactly what I had in mind,” Jacob said as Diego’s rear end settled itself in his lap.

  “I like it. I’ve got his head,” Jeremy said with a grin.

  “Are we all set?” Brad Thompson asked, venturing around the van, checking the tires.

  “That’s the third time you’ve done that. The tires are fine. The brakes are fine. The oil’s fine.”

  “I just want to make sure we get the boys to the ranch safely. Bobby and Meg will have our hide if anything happens to them.”

  “I know.” Courtney wrapped her arms around her husband of eleven months. “I love how much you care about them.”

  “They’re family.”

  “Yes, they are.” Their lips met as time slowed and a rush of warm heat slid across their skin.

  “Oh, man, they’re kissing again. Maybe we should have gone with Mom and Dad.” Jeremy looked at Diego. “How can you stand it?”

  Jacob watched them in the side mirror, hoping to pick up a few pointers from Brad. There was one girl he knew from school that he thought he might like to kiss. He’d probably never do anything about it, but if he did, he wanted to know he was doing it right.

  Brad had one hand in the middle of Courtney’s back. His other hand was at the base of her neck, his thumb mixing with her hair. She had both her arms around his neck. There wasn’t a speck of space between their bodies.

  He had kissed her lightly at first, then he thought he saw them open their mouths. It sounded kind of gross, but everyone he’d seen doing it seemed to like it. It was stuff like that that he needed to get right or he’d seem like some kid who didn’t know what he was doing.

  “All right,” Court said as she opened the passenger’s side door. “Anyone need to pee? Last chance until we get to Alene.”

  “How long’s that?” Jeremy asked.

  “One hour and ten minutes, give or take.”

  “I’m good.”

  “Me, too,” Jacob said.

  “Me, three,” Brad said.

  “I’m glad to know you can hold it for an hour, honey.”

  Brad chuckled as he buckled his seat belt and started the engine. “Double Y Ranch, here we come.”

  “So, there’s really going to be cowboys at this ranch, right?” Jeremy asked.

  “Absolutely. Want to see the brochure again?”

  The boys nodded their heads. Courtney passed back the brochures and then found the ranch’s website page on her iPad. “There’s a virtual tour on here. Just tap that arrow.”

  The boys used Diego’s back as a table as they watched horses being groomed, cows rounded up and weathered old men eating beans around a campfire.

  “There is going to be something to eat besides beans, right?” Jacob asked.

  “Probably hamburger,” Brad said.

  “Nothin’ else?” Jeremy asked.

  Courtney nudged Brad’s arm. “They believe you, you know.”

  “It’ll do ‘em good to wonder for a few hours.”

  Jacob leaned close to Jeremy. “They’re kiddin’. There’ll be all kinds of good food to eat.”

  “How do you know?” Jeremy whispered.

  “Do you think they’d eat beans for two weeks?”

  Jeremy giggled.

  “Hey, now, what’s goin’ on back there?” Brad asked.

  “Nothin’,” the boys said at the same time.

  “I’m an old cowhand from the Rio Grande,” Brad sang. Courtney joined him, “But my legs ain’t bowed and my skin ain’t tan.”

  “You got a message, Court.” Jacob handed the iPad toward the front seat.

  “It’s from Meg.”

  “I want to talk to Mom,” Jeremy said.

  “Bobby’s driving, so Meg’s hands are free. Let’s call her.”

  Court dialed Meg’s cell number.

  “Hey, I just sent you a message.”

  “Yeah, the boys saw it and Jeremy wanted to talk with you.”

  “Are you on the road?”

  “We are, right on schedule.”

  “I know I’m a bit over-organized, but I like having a plan.”

  “I didn’t say anything.”

  “I know you’re thinking it, though.”

  Courtney laughed. “Here’s Jeremy.”

  “Hi, Mom!”

  “Hi, honey. How are you doing?”

  “We’re good. Diego’s got his butt in Jacob’s face.”

  “I’m sure he likes that.”

  Jeremy laughed. “I got the good end.”

  “Lucky you. You guys are on your best behavior, right?”

  “Of course, Mom. It’s Court and Brad. They know how we are.”

  “Still, treat them like you would Dad and me.”

  “Okay.”

  “Love you, sweetie. Let me talk to Jacob for a minute.”

  “She wants to talk to you.” Jeremy handed Jacob the phone.

  “Hey, Mom, what’s up?”

  “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah. We’ve only been gone five seconds, how could anything be wrong?”

  “Just checking. If you need us for anything, just call.”

  “I know Mom. We’re fine.”

  “I love you, honey.”

  “I love you, too.”

  “Here.” Jacob handed Courtney the phone. “She’s already worried about us.”

  “It’s her job, she’s the mom.”

  “She ought to know we’re safe with you guys.”

  “Remember California? She has reason to worry. It scared her. It scared us all. We never want anything like that to ever happen again,” Court said.

  “It won’t,” Jacob said. He put his hand in his jacket pocket and felt the cool metal beneath his fingers. “It’ll never happen again.”

  “I’m just glad they’re all behind bars and we can put it all where it belongs, in the past,” Brad said.

  “Can we stop for a snack?” Jeremy asked.

  “We just had breakfast,” Courtney said.

  “I’m a growing boy.”

  Court burst out laughing. “Nice try. You can have a snack in Alene. Unless something drastic happens, this van ain’t stoppin’ until we get there.”

  Jeremy shrugged his shoulders and he and Jacob went back to surfing the internet on the iPad.

  “Do you have the map?” Brad asked.

  “Are you kidding? Meg practically sent me two inch
es of information about the ranch. I’ve got directions, history and profiles of the staff. I mean, I know she likes to be informed and organized, but she could work for the CIA.”

  “So, do you have the map?”

  “Yes, I have the map. Here.”

  “It’s highlighted and color coded.”

  “It’s Meg, did you expect anything less?”

  “You got another message, Court,” Jacob said. “It’s from Purity.”

  “Thanks.” Courtney tapped on the message, but didn’t say anything as she read it.

  “Everything okay?” Brad asked.

  “They’re getting a late start. Morning sickness. The timing of this vacation couldn’t have been worse for Pure.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe all the fresh air will do her good. Do the baby good, too.”

  “That’s a nice thought.”

  “I’ve always thought it would be great to live on a ranch: milking cows, gathering eggs, fixing fence posts—”

  “Swimming in the pond, sitting around the fire and having a real brick oven that you cook everything in.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Well, we’re about to find out if the dream is as much fun in real life as it is in our imagination.”

  Chapter Two

  “The boys are gonna kill us, you know?” Meg said as she pulled her hair through a thick dark green scrunchie and pulled it tight.

  “They wanted to go with Court and Brad.”

  Meg giggled. “Only because you didn’t tell them you were renting a convertible.”

  “They didn’t ask.”

  Meg nudged Bobby with her arm. “You’re incorrigible.”

  “You complaining about spending time alone with me?” His hands slid around her waist and he pulled her close, placing soft kisses along her neck.

  “Me, complain? Never.”

  “I figure since we’re leading the pack, we might take a little scenic detour.”

  “Really?” Meg tilted her head, enjoying the feeling of her husband’s lips on her skin. “What’d you have in mind?”

  “The Grand Tetons.”

  “We’re not going anywhere near Wyoming.”

  “And the deep caverns.”

  “Where are there… oh. Oh. Hmm… this trip is taking an interesting little twist already.”

  “We should get going, so we’ll have time to explore.” Bobby raised his eyebrows as a mischievous glint brewed in his eyes.

  “Bobby Zyetta! You are so bad.”

  “Don’t even try to feign that good girl stance with me. I know better.” He lowered his hands until he had a firm grip on her butt, then squeezed hard.

  “Using my own ass as a weapon against me. Why I oughta—”

  Bobby’s mouth stopped her words as she returned his fervent kiss. Meg felt her shoulders go limp and her back arch as the heat intensified.

  The ring of Meg’s cell phone brought them both back to reality with a harsh bump.

  “Let it ring.”

  “It could be the boys.”

  “They’re with Brad and Court, they’re fine.”

  “I better check.”

  Bobby released his hold and Meg stepped away from his embrace, her legs feeling a bit like a fawn taking its first steps. He held her hand to keep her steady.

  “It’s Courtney.” Meg answered the call.

  “Sorry to bother you, but Jeremy wants to talk with you.”

  “Put him on.” Meg looked at Bobby and mouthed Jeremy.

  Bobby closed the distance between them so he could hear the conversation.

  “Hey, Mom. Jacob says since Diego has been sitting with his butt in his face for fifteen minutes, we should make him switch. That’s not fair. I didn’t tell Diego to put his butt in Jacob’s face, he just wanted to.”

  “Isn’t there room for Diego to sit without his butt being in anyone’s face?”

  “Maybe. Mom says to make room for Diego to sit in the seat.”

  Jacob tried to move the dog by pushing on his rear end. He was greeted with a head turn and a disinterested look. Diego didn’t move an inch.

  “Ask Brad to help you. Diego obeys him.”

  “Brad, Mom says you need to get Diego to move.”

  “Consider it done,” Brad said.

  “He says he’ll do it.”

  “Good. Anything else?”

  “Nope, that’s it.”

  “We’ll see you in about an hour in Alene. If you need anything, call.”

  “I will. Did you know this ranch brands their cows?”

  “I think that’s pretty standard.”

  “How come?”

  “So, if one strays off and is found on another ranchers property, they know who it belongs to. Some people also steal cattle. If they’re branded, everyone knows if the person who has them are thieves or not.”

  “What would you do with a bunch of cows?”

  “Sell them and get money.”

  “Oh. I see. It’s always about the money, isn’t it?”

  “Pretty much.”

  “What do you think a cow’s worth?”

  “I really don’t know, honey. That would be a great question to ask at the ranch when we get there.”

  “I better write it down or I’ll forget.”

  “Good idea.”

  “Is it lonely without us?”

  “Of course. It’s like part of us is missing.”

  “I think so, too, except Court let us get ice cream. You’d never do that in the morning.”

  “Don’t be telling tales on me!” Courtney yelled loud enough for Meg to hear.

  “I’m not getting her in trouble am I?”

  “No. I trust Court and Brad completely.”

  “Me, too.”

  “I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Okay. Bye, Mom.”

  “Bye.”

  “So what was the crisis?” Bob asked.

  “Diego’s butt.”

  “Now there’s a butt I don’t have any desire to see or feel. You, on the other hand—”

  “Hold that thought. We really need to get going. They’re already ahead of us. If we plan to do any scenic exploration, we need to double time it to Alene.”

  “Spoilsport!”

  “Hey, I’m doing you the favor here, buddy. This was your idea.”

  “All right, let’s get going, but let the record show I’ve been ready for half an hour. It’s you who’s been dilly-dallying.”

  “Dilly-dallying? We’re going to be gone for two weeks and I need to make sure we have everything we’re going to need.”

  “We can pick-up whatever we don’t have.”

  “You say that now, but wait until your favorite robe comes up missing, then you’ll be singing a different tune and wishing I’d taken five minutes to make sure it was packed.”

  “That reminds me, did you pack my hunting socks?”

  “Are those the ones with the bright orange bands around the top?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Yes, I did.”

  “And the long-sleeved t-shirts? I don’t want to get ticks while we’re there.”

  “Packed ‘em.”

  “And the—”

  “Packed it.”

  “You don’t even know what I was going to say.”

  “Bobby, I packed the whole damn house. Look around. The drawers are practically empty and there’s nothing on the counters. Why do you think Pure and Alex are carrying that trailer behind the pick-up?”

  “I didn’t really think about it.”

  “It’s mostly our stuff. Court and Brad filled four suitcases between them and at least one was full of art supplies, probably two, knowing Courtney.”

  “I think this makes reason number eight hundred and fifty-two why I love you.”

  “Because I’m neurotic?”

  “Because you love everyone so much and want them to have all their belongings at their fingertips.”

  Bobby placed his hands on opposite sides of Meg’s fac
e. “I love you more than anything else in the whole world.”

  “I love you, too. You’ve made me happier than I ever dreamed I could be.” Meg ran her hands through Bobby’s unruly sand-colored hair. “Your face is like the ocean.”

  “What?”

  “Did I say that out loud?”

  “Uh, yeah.”

  Meg chewed on her bottom lip. “I didn’t mean to. I was just thinking that your hair is the color of warm sand and your eyes are this amazing sea green. You’re like the ocean.”

  “Then you must be the breeze that carries the sea birds aloft so freely. You’re like a welcoming beacon to all the ships, giving them hope that mermaids are real, and kind.”

  “That’s a lovely thing to say.” Meg felt tears prick her eyes and she sniffed to keep them at bay.

  “I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

  “Good tears, happy tears. You are my heart.”

  “And you are mine.”

  As they stared into one another’s eyes, Meg’s cell phone rang.

  Bobby chuckled. “I’ll get it.” He read the display. “Court again.”

  “You mean Jeremy again.”

  “It’s for you. Jeremy wants to tell you that Diego is now sitting in the seat like a good dog.”

  “Tell him we’re glad and we love him. I’m going to make one last check around, then we need to get out of here.”

  “Mom says she’s glad Diego doesn’t have his butt in Jacob’s face anymore. We’ll see you in an hour.”

  “That’s not what I said to say.”

  “Eh, close enough.”

  Chapter Three

  “Maybe we shouldn’t go on the trip,” Alex said, eyeing Purity with a worried expression.

  “Of course we’re going. Everyone’s been looking forward to this for months. I can throw up somewhere fun just as easily as I can here. I’ll be fine.”

  “I don’t know.”

  Pure sat on her husband’s knee and put her hands around his neck. “I love that you’re concerned about me, really I do, but you’re going to have to get used to the idea that I’m the one who’s pregnant. You’re going to have to trust me that I’m not going to do anything that will hurt me or the baby.”

  “I trust you. I’m just—”

  “I know. You’re a proud papa and you want the very best for your family. This trip is a good thing. And, just think, while the baby’s brain or toes or whatever is being formed, he or she will be surrounded by all the people we love.”