The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (The Watson Brothers #2)

by Ann B. Harrison

  “You come from a large family then?”

  “Big enough I guess. There’s Chance and then me, Evan is a doctor and works in Seattle, and then there’s Tyson who lives down the road. He’s the baby of the family. Our father, Jock, lives in town.”

  Rory scooped Fisher up and hugged him. “Hey, let’s go and see the horse. Would you like that?” He placed him up on his shoulders and jiggled the baby up and down until he squealed with delight.

  “He’s loving that.” Gina smiled as her baby bounced along on Rory’s shoulders to the barn door. He pulled it open and flicked on the overhead lights. Inside, Gina could see a stall holding a calf, and more chickens scratching in the shavings-covered floor. She’d never owned poultry of her own and the thought of collecting eggs with Fisher was a very warm feeling. This would be bliss compared to what we’ve come from. I’ll grovel all I have to so that he doesn’t send us away.

  A snort from the end stable startled her. Rory walked over talking to her son, telling him about the horses. “This is Sultan. Good boy, Sultan. Say hello.”

  “Is it safe to take him so close?” Gina hurried over to stand behind Rory out of reach of the horse.

  “I’d never take him this close if it wasn’t. Don’t worry, Gina. I’ll take very good care of him, I promise.” He leaned forward, bending slightly at the waist so the little boy could touch the animal.

  Fisher giggled and held out his hands, touching the coarse hair on Sultan’s forelock.

  Gina watched as man and child bonded over the huge animal and prayed she’d done the right thing not telling him about Fisher before they got here. Her little deception could cost them both the home they so desperately needed.

  Chapter Four

  Was this what parenthood would have been like if Cindy and our child had lived? The squeals of delight coming from the little bundle of energy on his shoulders left him with a warmth threading its way through his body like none he’d ever felt before. When he first recognized Gina from her photograph standing in front of the ranch with a child on her hip, he’d been gutted and ready to send her on her way for deceiving him. It was a risk to offer marriage to someone he’d never met, he knew that. The longer he was in this little one’s presence, the harder that was getting. Would I have fallen for her if we’d met on a date first and I knew she had a child? Chances are he wouldn’t have even kept the date. It would have been too hard, as he’d tried to explain to his brother Chance.

  “I can’t put myself out there like that. I just can’t.”

  “Why not? It’s not like you’re offering them anything on the first date. Go get a feel for what you want out of life.” Chance had thrown a bale of hay to the cows off the back of the truck as Rory cut the twine holding it together. Callie was at the wheel and not privy to the conversation.

  Rory looked out over the paddock and sighed, not sure how to make his brother understand. “Why did you do it, advertise for a wife like you did?”

  Chance threw him a look of comprehension. “Okay, I get it almost. But I was in the limelight and couldn’t face the idea of settling down with one of the empty-headed hangers-on that followed me around the circuit.” He pushed off another bale and stood up, rubbing his recently healed hip. “You, on the other hand, work in an industry that involves down-to-earth people. I mean, think about it. Who wouldn’t love a lawman?”

  “I’m not looking for love.” It hit him as the words fell from his lips. It was companionship he wanted more than anything. Someone to talk to at the end of the day and share the highlights with. Romance was a bonus if it ever happened. Besides, he didn’t believe love could hit him twice in one lifetime.

  “Well what the heck are you getting married for then? You can find someone to chat with at the bar after work.” Chance shook his head. “I don’t get it. You’re younger than me and love kids, so why not go for the real thing?”

  “It worked for you didn’t it? I see the way you two look at each other. If you can find the right person by placing an ad and saving yourself all the hassles, then so can I.”

  Fisher wriggled to get down and Rory concentrated on lifting him from his shoulders. He could chastise himself later after he’d had a talk to Gina and decided what they were going to do. He put the child on the ground and watched him wobble around on little legs, exploring the barn. The chickens ran for cover when he headed their way.

  “He’s never seen anything like this before.” There was a sense of wonder in Gina’s voice.

  “I feel sorry for kids not brought up in the country. They miss out on so much, to my way of thinking.” He risked a glance at her. She was mesmerized by her son walking around the barn exploring anything that moved. A shadow slunk through the door and shot over to Fisher.

  Before Gina could launch herself to protect her child, Rory grabbed her by the arm restraining her. “It’s okay, that’s Sherbet, Callie’s dog. She won’t hurt him, I promise.”

  Gina gripped hold of his arm, her body tense, and watched as the dog sniffed Fisher’s feet, making him squeal with laughter. He grabbed handfuls of fur, leaning down to try and put it in his mouth, making the anxious mother hurry to his side.

  “No, honey. Please don’t eat the doggy.” She dropped down to her knees and stroked Sherbet. “See, stroke her like Mommy does. Nice Sherbet.”

  Fisher plonked down on his butt and grinned, holding his arms out for the dog to be put on his lap. Rory came to the rescue and encouraged Sherbet to lay with her head on the chubby little legs. “He’s never had a dog this close before, and his favorite toy is a scruffy little dog.”

  “Best mix ever, kids and dogs.”

  “Hey, who’s stealing my dog?” Callie waltzed into the barn, her broad accent thick.

  Rory stood up and held out his hand for Gina to rise and meet his sister-in-law. “Callie, this is Gina, and the little pint-sized munchkin on the floor is Fisher. He’s taken a shine to Sherbet.”

  Callie hurried over and held out her hand. “Hey, welcome to the ranch. Rory never told us he was having company or I would have baked a cake.” She snorted, slapping a hand on her denim-clad thigh.

  “You liar. You hate cooking but thanks for the sentiment.” He avoided the questions in her eyes and bent to pick up the baby instead. It would seem that her husband had left the decision to him to tell anyone about what he’d done. “Is it okay if I put Gina and Fisher in the room next to mine?”

  “Sure. Do what you like. How many times have I told you this place is yours as well?” She whistled and held out her arms. Sherbet launched herself up and licked her chin. Callie stepped closer to Rory and Fisher, letting the boy pat the dog again. “Did you want us to get a cot or something for this little guy?” She directed the question to Gina.

  “No, thank you. I have a collapsible one in the car I take with me everywhere. He’s happier with his own things.” She glanced at Rory. “I’d better get him changed, and a bath would be a good idea if you don’t mind.”

  “Sure. Let me give you a hand to unpack the car.” He nodded at his sister-in-law and followed Gina out of the barn. “Catch you up at the house later.”

  He handed Fisher to his mother when they reached the house and started hauling bags from the back of the car and placed them on the porch as she watched. When the car was empty, he opened the door to the house and ushered her inside. “Let me show you the bedroom and bathroom so you can get him organized.”

  Rory walked her through the kitchen and pointed out the lounge on the way to the stairs. When they reached the top, he walked past his bedroom and opened the door of the empty guest room, holding it wide for Gina to enter. She glanced at the large queen-size bed and walked over to the open door of the en-suite bathroom. “This is lovely.”

  “I’ll bring up the rest of the stuff if you want to get him bathed. There’re towels and everything you’ll probably need. If you want anything, you only have to ask.”

  “Thanks.” She smiled quickly and turned away. Rory headed back down
the stairs and grabbed the rest of the bags, placing them on the end of the bed before carrying up the Pack ’n Play. He unzipped the bag and looked at it, trying to figure out how it worked. There weren’t any directions but he was willing to give it a go. After all, how hard could it be? He pulled the legs hoping they would slide out and open the whole thing up. No such luck. Not willing to break anything, Rory decided to leave it to the expert.

  “I can do it.” Gina stood in the doorway with Fisher wrapped up in a big fluffy towel.

  “Sorry, not used to contraptions like this.” He pushed back his hat and scratched his head. “Anything else I can do for you that doesn’t involve putting things together?”

  *

  She looked at him and smiled. “I’ll just get him dressed and come downstairs. I need to think about feeding him before it gets too late. He doesn’t do late nights very well.” And I have to face the music and try to sort out our future without making me look too mercenary.

  “Did you want me to cook something? I’m not that sure what little ones eat though. I can give it a shot.”

  “It’s okay. I can do it. If I could just make eggs for dinner, he’d love that.” Gina sat on the edge of the bed and reached for Fisher’s bag of clothes. She’d have to do a wash tomorrow because he was almost out of clean garments so all in all, it wasn’t a bad move coming here for a couple of days.

  “Right, then. I’ll go down and light the fire so he’s not cold. See you when you’re ready.” He shut the door behind him and her shoulders slumped. So far so good. At least he hadn’t sent her away. Her heart ached for her baby boy. She wanted him to have a father, but it had been underhanded to surprise Rory like that. He seemed like a very nice man. Would he have welcomed her if he’d known she had child already? She couldn’t take that chance and now she had to run with her deception and his reaction to it.

  Fisher wriggled and tried to climb away from his mother. “Hold still honey, and we’ll get you dressed and fed before bed time.” Once he was wrapped up in his pajamas and slippers, Gina let him down on the floor while she tidied the bathroom and then set up the cot. She pulled it close to the bed and turned down the blankets so when her child fell asleep she only had to place him down and cover him up.

  “Let’s go downstairs and see about dinner.” She scooped her baby up and headed down the stairs. Voices came from the kitchen and she paused, not sure about walking into someone else’s house during a conversation. It could be personal and she didn’t want to interrupt. Fisher spotted Sherbet walking from the kitchen to the lounge and let out a squeal, making the decision for her.

  There was no choice other than to head down and see what was going on in the kitchen. Rory was standing with a mug of coffee in his hands and Callie was leaning on the kitchen island counter when she walked in.

  “Hey snuggle bug. You look gorgeous all rugged up in your little onesie.” Callie laughed at the look that passed between Gina and Rory. “You don’t call them that here? It might be an Australian thing then, sorry. I’m talking about his little suit.”

  “Oh, right. We call it a sleeper because it covers his arms and legs too.” She put Fisher down on the floor and watched as he tottered around exploring the kitchen.

  “Right, what do you want to give him for dinner? I’m not that crash hot in the kitchen, but you can do whatever you want.” Callie walked away from the counter and took a seat at the table, leaving the kitchen to Gina.

  “Are you sure you don’t mind? I hate the thought of taking over.”

  “Doesn’t worry me in the slightest. Go for it. The pantry is pretty well stocked as is the fridge and freezer. Do whatever makes you happy while I keep an eye on this little bundle of joy.” She kept her gaze on Fisher as he touched everything he discovered, casting quick glances at the adults watching his every move.

  “You don’t have any children yet?”

  “Ah, no. We’ll get there one day though when we figure the time is right. Chance and I’ve only been married for a short time so there’s no rush.” Callie clapped her hands and Fisher came toddling over toward her. “Aren’t you just the sweetest little thing?”

  “I’ll make him an omelet if that’s alright?”

  “Of course. We have loads of eggs. The girls are doing really well, giving us more than we can eat.” Callie picked up the baby and carried him on her hip to the pantry. She came back out with a basket filled with eggs. “I collect this many every day. I just wish I knew what to cook so I could use them up.” She put the basket on the counter.

  “I could make French toast for breakfast tomorrow.” Anything to give me brownie points and pay my own way.

  “Hell yes. I love that stuff. Shame I always burn it. All that butter and cinnamon, yum. My mother used to give it to us on Sundays because that was the only day we had off on the farm.” A shadow crossed Callie’s face.

  “Okay, done then.” She looked around the kitchen to orient herself, checking cupboards and drawers. Gina then found the utensils she needed to make dinner, and put a small fry pan on the stove to heat. From the bucket on the counter she took a couple of eggs and broke them into a bowl she’d found under the sink, whisking it with a fork before adding a small dash of water.

  Rory frowned when Gina added the water and she smiled. “I know, I get it all the time. Most people use milk. I find water makes it lighter and, for a baby, going to bed on a heavy dinner won’t be comfortable.”

  The back door opened and in strode a cowboy, his eyes lighting up when he saw Callie with a child on her hip. He walked over and grinned, glancing between the adults standing in the kitchen. “Hey cutie, what’s your name?”

  Rory took over and made the introductions. “This is Fisher and over here we have Gina, his mother. They’re staying with me for a bit. Gina, meet my brother, Chance.”

  “A bit.” That sounds ominous, it’s not sounding like he wants to keep us here. “Hello.” She wiped her hand on the tea towel and walked toward him, holding out her hand, her insides shaking as he scrutinized her.

  “Hi, nice to meet you. Looks as though you’re already settled. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let either Callie or me know.”

  “Thanks, that’s very kind of you.” Gina went back to making dinner and watched as the adults fussed over her son. A prickling sensation ran down her neck and when she looked up, Rory was watching her. She tried to smile but he turned away to answer something his brother said.

  “Do you have a high chair for him?” Callie stood by the counter with Fisher, blowing raspberries on his neck while he squealed.

  “No, I don’t. I had to leave that behind. It wouldn’t fit in the car.”

  “Oh. So tell me, where is ‘behind’?” Callie smiled and leaned on the counter, her gaze on Gina.

  “San Francisco.”

  “You drove all this way to see Rory. How nice for him.” She tilted her head and thought for a moment. “Hey, aren’t you the lady that drove into town last week and stopped to help Mrs. Forester feed the birds?”

  Gina felt her stomach drop. “Well…” This wouldn’t end well, she could sense it.

  “So where have you been staying then? In town?”

  Gina blew out a breath. “No. Actually, I’ve been staying at Rory’s place.”

  Chance stood up, a scowl on his face. “What, are you kidding me?” He limped over to his brother. “What the hell are you playing at letting a woman and a child stay in that dump?”

  Chapter Five

  “Care to fill me in on why you’re looking so pissed off?” Chance sat in front of the roaring fire in his favorite leather chair while the women took care of the baby, feeding him dinner in the other room.

  “I didn’t know she was already here nor did I know she had a kid, I swear.” Rory walked over to the window, running a hand across the back of his neck. As much as he liked what he’d seen so far of Gina, he didn’t know if he could get past the initial lies. She was easy on the eyes, more so than he’d first
thought, and her gentleness with her son warmed his heart. What she’d done to the old cottage in four days amazed him. He had to give her points for working so hard even if he didn’t like the subterfuge. “Do you honestly think I’d let anyone stay at the ranch when it’s in the state it is, especially a woman with a baby? The place is filthy.”

  “I don’t know what to think, Rory.” He looked into the flames of the roaring fire.

  “We made plans for when she was going to arrive. I said today and she agreed then arrived early.”

  “So why didn’t she contact you when she got here then?” Chance leaned back and put his hands behind his head, stretching out his sore hip.

  “I don’t understand it myself but think it has something to do with the baby. Because she didn’t tell me about him, I figure she’s trying to do her best to make herself indispensable so I won’t send her back.”

  “Ah, I see. I’m not criticizing you, don’t get me wrong, but I was just wondering if you chose her because of the child. Guess that answers my question.” He leaned back and watched the flames licking over the large pieces of wood. “How did she like the ranch?”

  “Mine?”

  Chance nodded his head.

  “I think she was kind of shocked when she first arrived, and when she looked around she admitted to living in something pretty similar. You should see what she’s done with the place. Cleaner than you would believe. I was taken aback too. From all accounts she’s had it pretty rough. I didn’t have the heart to tell her it’s getting a complete makeover, gutted down to the frames, not just yet anyway.”

  “Why the heck not? Do you think that’s fair to drag her along thinking she’s going to live in a dump?” Chance sat forward, his elbows on his knees.

  Rory shrugged his shoulders. “No, it’s not and it’s against all I hold dear. I’m kind of stunned and don’t know what to think right now. You know me. I hate lies and I can’t get over the fact that she didn’t tell me about the kid.” He ignored the look of disbelief on his brother’s face. “I’m a deputy sheriff for goodness’ sake. If that’s not all about honesty, what is it?”