Lacey stopped on her way up the porch steps, turned, and glared at him. “Since we aren’t sure how long we’re staying, we thought it best to come prepared.”
“Touché! Point taken. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. Sorry if I stepped on any toes.”
“Besides, we’re women,” said Rena. “We need more than blue jeans and T-shirts.”
“Yes, I imagine you do. Hadn’t thought about it like that.” He chuckled. Cam set one suitcase down on the verandah and pushed the front door open with a flourish. “Welcome to my home.”
Their startled expressions spoke volumes as he watched them enter. They stopped just inside the doorway.
“Cam, is this for real? Is it yours?” asked Lacey.
“Every inch of it. Designed and built it with my own two hands,” he said, a note of pride entering his voice.
“It’s so lovely.”
“Well, it’s warm at least, which is more than I can say for the temperature out here.” He grinned as they shuffled out of his way, allowing him entrance. He set the suitcases at the bottom of the stairs leading to the second level. “Make yourselves at home while I fetch the rest of the cases. I’ll get a fire going shortly.”
Central heat was okay when he had to be away, but when he was home, he preferred the ambiance of a fire. Cam trudged back to the truck with a jaunty step. They’re here. His girls had arrived, and going by that heated kiss at the airport, Lacey wasn’t averse to his advances any more. Suddenly he frowned. She wouldn’t just be allowing him liberties because he’d paid for their vacation, would she? Ah, hell! He hoped their being here was more than a vacation. Time would tell.
When Cam returned with the last of their cases, the girls were nowhere to be seen. They’d removed their coats and boots, making use of the coat rack behind the door and lining their boots up neatly on the rubber mat. An eruption of giggles drew his glance to the loft, and there were his daughters, standing and looking into the master bedroom.
Cam shucked his boots and coat and joined them upstairs. “What’s so funny?”
“Uh, we were just laughing at Mama. She saw your huge bed and her feet took flight,” said Lynne.
“Yeah, she fairly flew across the room and landed on top with a big bounce.” Rena looked almost stunned by her mother’s antics, as did Lynne and Abby.
“Well, she’s never had a proper bed. We’ve all had singles,” Abby admitted, almost apologetic for her mother’s behavior.
Cam stepped into the room to see Lacey sitting primly at the edge of the bed, her cheeks flushed and rosy with embarrassment. He walked closer and leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Anytime you want that bed to bounce, call me. We’ll rock it together.” He pulled back to discover her cheeks an even darker red, her eyes lit with…desire?
“That’s a deal, cowboy.”
Cam’s surprise must have shown on his face for she giggled as she pushed to her feet.
****
“So, what are the sleeping arrangements?” Oh, shit! What a bloody fool I am. Why am I always putting my foot in it around this man?
Hot color crept into her already heated cheeks. It didn’t help that their daughters were giggling from the doorway, avid curiosity registering on each face.
“You can have this room, Lacey. There’s a set of bunks in the second bedroom and a smaller bedroom at the end of the house.” Cam turned to the girls, removing his attention from her, at least for the moment. “You want to draw straws for the single room?”
“Abby’s the early bird. You know, ‘early to bed, early to rise’?” Lynne shrugged her shoulders. “Rena and I tend to stay up later, so we’ll share.”
“Then come right this way.” Cam showed Lynne and Rena to the bedroom next to the master, separated by a full bath, then continued on down the hall to the third bedroom, furnished with a double bed.
“Oh! This is lovely!” said Abby as she twirled around in the center of the room. “I’ll sleep very well here.”
Cam smiled at her. “I’m glad you like it. There are towels in the bathroom, but the linen closet in the hall is fully stocked anytime you need more. I’ll leave you girls to unpack while I go down and rustle up some dinner.”
There had been no trace of the man’s belongings in the room he’d assigned her. Lacey realized Cam was giving up his bedroom and felt uncomfortable with the arrangement. “Ah, Cam, where are you sleeping?”
“Downstairs. I thought you’d all be more comfortable together up here.”
“But…”
“No buts. I moved to the den for the time being, that’s all. It has a perfectly good hide-a-bed, and it’s time it saw some use. Any other questions?”
“When’s dinner? I’m starved.”
“Rena, you’re always hungry,” said Lacey with a laughing smile aimed toward her daughter. “How you eat so much and remain so tiny is beyond my comprehension.”
“It’s called metabolism, Mama. We got it from you.”
All three girls were trim and curvy, not an extra pound on any of them. Lacey herself had never had a problem with weight gain, except when she was pregnant. Back then, she’d felt as wide as a Mack truck and as ungainly as a beached whale. It took a lot of hard work to tighten those abs after their birth, and after meeting up with Cameron again, she was glad she did. In her mind, sagging flesh was not appealing. Just look at the way Cam had kept himself in shape. God, the man was gorgeous!
She watched as he walked away, his body disappearing from view as he went downstairs and headed for the kitchen. She turned away from the railing and entered her room to unpack, but she couldn’t resist another bounce on his bed. Lacey lay back and enjoyed the plush firmness of the mattress beneath her. She could envision Cam here with her, entangled in the sheets as their bodies entwined. She closed her eyes and remembered.
Cameron’s charming good looks and masculine build had appealed to her from their first meeting. He’d been such an attentive lover, making her feel she was special, very special. When wrapped in his arms, she felt the world disappear as her body melted into his. They’d spent some of their time sightseeing but always ended up in his room at some point each day. He’d taught her love and laughter such as she’d never dreamed.
It had been an idyllic two weeks, their time together cut short by the death of her uncle in a boating accident. She’d wanted to run to Cam—to say good-bye—but how would she explain knowing where he was staying to her family? In the end, she’d left, her heart heavy at losing him…at not knowing how to reach him. Ireland was a big place, but not as big as Canada. She took comfort in thinking he’d find her, someday, somehow. And he had, but was it too late for them?
“Mama, I thought you were going to unpack,” said Lynne as she came in and bounced on the bed.
Lacey opened her eyes, blinking to shed her thoughts of the past. She smiled at her daughter. “I was, but the bed looked so inviting. I lay down and forgot everything else.” Well, almost everything.
“Abby and Rena have already gone down to the kitchen. Better get a move on or you’ll be late for dinner. I’ll help.”
It didn’t take long for the two of them to unpack Lacey’s belongings and store the cases in the closet.
“Thanks, Lynne. Such an efficient young lady. The task felt rather daunting when I came in and saw those suitcases sitting there.”
“No problem, Mama. Let’s go join the others.”
“You go down. I’d like to freshen up a bit.”
“Mama, you look fine. Come on.” Lynne grabbed her hand, pulling her along as she crossed the hall to the stairs.
“This is such a beautiful house. Cam must’ve planned on having a family at some point to build one so big.” The thought of Cam with someone else gave Lacey no pleasure at all.
“He’s a big man. Probably just needed the space.”
“Hmmm, maybe.” Lacey wasn’t so sure.
Chapter Five
Cam was filled with nervous anxiety as mealtime approach
ed. He was putting the finishing touches to a dinner he’d cooked for his girls, four of the best cooks in Ireland. Would they like his simple home-cooked offerings? Zakia had baked up a new batch of treats in honor of his visitors, among them an assortment of pies for dessert. She’d even sent over a tablecloth, which transformed his simple eat-in kitchen to a dining spot worthy of a queen.
He smiled as he heard the girls chattering on their way to the kitchen. They sounded excited.
“Hey, Daddy-o! What’s cookin’?” Rena asked.
Her words caused him to smile even wider. “Mashed potatoes, roast beef, mixed vegetables, and gravy. There are salad fixings in the fridge if you’d like to fix one, and pies for dessert.”
“Do you want salad?” she asked.
“Not in the mood for it tonight, but you go ahead and help yourself.”
“Nope, I want to save room for pie.” Rena laughed and went to the fridge anyway. “Oh! Look, Abby! Apple, lemon, and coconut cream.”
“Did you make them, Dad?” asked Abby as her sister closed the fridge door.
“No, dear. Luke’s wife, Zakia, sent them over. I’m not much of a baker.”
Abby crossed to the patio doors and looked outside. “It’s like a Christmas card. All those trees laden with snow and the fields a pure white. It’s beautiful here, even if it is a little on the cold side.”
Cam quirked an eyebrow. “A little cold? This is nothing. The temperature’s been known to drop to minus forty Celsius at times. Makes it kind of hard to keep the stock fed, especially if the wind is blowing.”
Rena hugged herself. “Brrr, that is cold. I hope the clothes I brought are warm enough.”
“With all the clothes you packed, you could dress in layers every day for a month and still have some left over. Don’t worry, Rena. You won’t freeze to death.”
Cam turned in time to see Rena stick her tongue out at Abby, a juvenile gesture that gave him a glimpse into what their lives had been like as children. Lacey had definitely had her hands full.
As if thinking of her had conjured her from thin air, he glanced over to see Lacey hesitating in the doorway. “Come in and join the party.”
She lurched ahead as if pushed and it was then he noticed Lynne standing behind her mother.
“It sure smells good in here,” Lynne said. “Need any help?”
“Thanks for the offer, but everything’s ready.” He stood back to allow them room. “Grab a plate and help yourselves.”
“All right!” Rena grabbed a plate from the table and advanced toward the stove.
Abby picked up two plates and passed one to her mother as she took her place in line behind her sister.
Lynne followed suit, picking up two plates and passing one to him.
“Thank you, Lynne.”
She smiled and got in line behind her mother. Cam watched as they dished up liberal amounts of everything and smothered the works with gravy. From the amount of time he’d spent with them in Ireland, he knew they liked to eat, so he wasn’t surprised. What did surprise him was that they never seemed to gain an ounce.
Dinner was a boisterous affair as the girls asked more questions about the ranch. Their excitement showed in their animated expressions, and even Lacey wasn’t immune. More often than not, her gaze connected with his as he regaled them with tales of ranch life. He enjoyed having them here.
“Thank you all for coming to Thunder Creek. You’ve made me a very happy man.”
“And you’ve generously provided us with the opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, Cam.” Lacey pressed her hand over his where it lay on the table, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“My pleasure, ladies.” He lifted his glass in a toast. “To us and whatever the future may hold.”
“To us!” they chorused.
“I especially loved seeing the pictures of us that you have on display in the living room. Makes it feel more like home,” said Lacey.
“When I came back from Ireland, the house felt too empty. Once I hung those pictures, it felt as if you were here with me. Sounds stupid, I know, but there you have it.” Cam took great delight in knowing they were excited to be there…with him. “Do you girls have any interest in skiing?”
He laughed as they all began talking at once. “Okay, okay. We’ll plan a day trip to Castle Mountain, but before we do, we’ll try a little cross-country skiing on the ranch to teach you a few basics. I don’t suppose you packed ski suits, did you?” All four faces fell as they looked at each other, and he tried his best to stifle a grin. “Then I guess I’ll just have to take you shopping first.”
Lacey was the first to jump up and give him a hug, a hug that he gladly returned. He was soon surrounded by gushing females, and it didn’t bother him a whit.
“Time for pie,” announced Rena as she went to the fridge. She set the pies on the table and unerringly opened a cupboard door and found the dessert plates on her first try. She did the same with the knife and pie server.
“How did you do that?” he asked.
“Do what?”
“Find everything so quick.”
Rena paused and glanced back at the cupboards. “I know this is going to sound strange, but somehow I knew where they were.” She went back to the cupboard. “This is where you keep coffee and canned goods.” She opened the door and was right on. “And this cupboard contains more treats.” She smiled as she opened that one, a glowing smile lighting her face. “Eureka! I hit pay dirt,” she said as containers full of cookies and squares that Zakia sent up came into view. “I feel as if I’ve been in this house before, and I just know I’m going to love it here.”
“That’s weird, Rena,” said Abby.
“Really weird,” agreed Lynne.
“Are you sure you weren’t in here snooping earlier?” asked Lacey, her forehead furrowed in a frown of confusion.
“No, Daddy was already in here when Abby and I came downstairs. Maybe it’s from working in kitchens for so long. I don’t know.” Rena shrugged her shoulders as if to say “it is what it is.”
“Well, I think it’s great,” said Cam. “She’ll know where things go when it’s time to clean up.”
Everyone laughed and the tension evaporated as if it had never been, but Cam couldn’t help wondering if his daughter had premonitions or some such and they were just now evolving.
He reached a hand out for the lemon pie, but Lacey beat him to it.
“I’ll serve,” she said, smiling at him.
Cam relaxed back in his seat, relishing that secret smile and wondering if she had anything else on her mind. When she served his pie, slivers of each, he dove into the plate with great gusto. It was the perfect ending to their first meal together on his home turf and augured well for the future.
“Do you pretty gals want to stay home tonight and rest up, or shall I call a meeting of the clan so you can get acquainted?”
“Cam, we’d love to meet your family, but I have to admit to not sleeping much lately,” Lacey answered. “Do you mind if we lie around here and relax this evening?”
“Not at all. I have an excellent collection of movies to choose from. What do you say we clean up in here, and I’ll get a fire going in the living room?”
“Sounds good, but we’ll clean up. You go start that fire,” she said.
“Yes, ma’am.” Cam tipped an imaginary hat as he stood. “If you can’t find where everything goes, just leave it on the counter.”
Rena turned to face him, a thoughtful expression on her face. “That won’t be a problem.”
“Good enough. I’ll see you in a few.”
When the girls filed in they went straight to the movie shelf. After perusing the selections available, they passed him a DVD.
“Terrific! That’s a favorite of mine.” They’d picked The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly with Clint Eastwood.
The girls sat on the sofa, leaving the recliner and rocking chair for him and Lacey. While the girls settled in to watch the movie, he surreptitiously wat
ched them. Lynne curled up at one end of the sofa, her feet under her, looking right at home. Abby sat in the middle, hands folded in her lap and her feet flat on the floor. Cam smiled to himself. She was a real prim and proper miss. Now Rena, that one was a different story altogether. She half leaned against Abby, with one leg swung out over the arm. She was the flirt, the one he’d have to keep a close eye on.
And then there was Lacey. She’d aged well. Not a gray hair or a wrinkle to mar her natural good looks, and her figure was even curvier now than he remembered from youth. Probably due to having triplets. He wished he could’ve been there to see her grow big with his child…children. To help raise them would have been a trial and a blessing, he was sure.
Lacey yawned and her eyes began to close as the credits rolled across the screen. She was fighting hard to stay awake.
“That’s it, girls. Clint Eastwood at his finest. Want to watch another one or call it a night?”
“I think I’ll call it a night, Cam,” Lacey answered as she pushed up out of the rocking chair. “It’s been a long few days.”
The girls all stood, nodding in agreement.
“Not a problem. Can’t say as I’ve gotten much sleep these past few days either. You ladies go on up. I’ll lock up and see you in the morning.”
One by one the girls gave him a hug, said their good nights, and went upstairs. He found himself alone with Lacey, something he hadn’t expected or prepared for. When she walked over and gave him a hug, he held her tight against his chest, savoring their closeness.
“I’m glad you came, Lacey.”
“So am I, Cameron. I’m also sorry I was such a beast to you in Ireland.”
“It’s all right, love. You’re here now. We’ll make the most of it and get to know each other again. Okay?”
She pulled away, just a little, and looked up at him. “Yes, I’d like that.”
Cameron's Quest Page 5