Expecting the Cowboy's Baby

by Charlene Sands

  Cassie lifted the box up slowly, her head spinning. “I can’t be pregnant. I mean, the man I was with, uh, we used protection.”

  “Well, it’s better that you know for sure. One way or another, you should see a doctor. Since you’ve been here, you’ve been looking exhausted and your stomach isn’t right, acting up all the time. Go ahead and try it.”

  “Now?”

  Lottie gave her an encouraging nod. “I’ll be waiting right here.”

  A short time later Cassie came out of the bathroom, her mind numb and her insides quaking. “It’s positive,” she announced to Lottie.

  Lottie didn’t miss a beat. She smiled brightly, her eyes gleaming. “Then it’s a gift. What about the father, honey? How will he feel about this?”

  The father? Cassie hadn’t thought about the father. She was thinking about a new life growing inside of her and how all of this was possible. A baby? She’d been so sure this couldn’t happen. They’d taken precautions that night.

  “I’m amazed. I don’t understand how this happened. Jake and I—”

  “Jake?” Lottie’s amber eyes lit with surprise. “Are you saying Jake is the father? Our Jake?”

  Cassie slumped into the chair beside her. “Oh, Lottie.” Cassie rested a protective hand on her belly, overwhelmed with the wonder of carrying a child. Jake’s child. She was going to be a mother. Fear, awe and excitement replaced her disbelief. “It’s a long story.”

  Lottie assured her with a smile, “I’ve got nothing but time, honey. Tell me.”

  Thirty minutes later, amid tears and chuckles and every emotion in between, Cassie had informed Lottie of the entire story. It felt good to confide in someone and Lottie had the kindest heart. She was a person Cassie could trust.

  “Wow,” Lottie said, sitting back in her chair.

  “I know. My life hasn’t been dull. I thought by moving here things would sort of even out. I thought life would get easier.”

  “Babies are blessings, Cassie. And who’s to say your life won’t just turn out wonderful.”

  Cassie frowned, unable her hide her concern and trepidation from her new friend.

  Lottie sat straight up in the chair again. Sparkling with excitement, she announced, “I know what you need, honey. You need to get out and meet some new people. You need to get away from this ranch and get your mind off your troubles for one day.” She dug back into her handbag, coming up with an invitation. “We’re going to a shindig tomorrow night. It says right here, ‘Lottie Fairchild and guest.’ You’re going to be my guest, honey. It’s a party for Ted O’Hanley. He’s turning the big 4-0 tomorrow and his father is throwing him a big old birthday bash. Say you’ll come.”

  “Oh, Lottie, I don’t know.” Yet the more Cassie thought about it, the more appealing the idea became. Maybe she did need some time to clear out the cobwebs in her head. “I’d…like to. I mean, I haven’t really been off this ranch much since I got here. But jeez, I just don’t know. Besides, what would I wear?”

  Lottie grinned. “Shut down that computer. You’re through with work for the day. We’re going shopping. We’ll find you just the right outfit.”

  “Shopping?” Cassie began to smile. Gosh, that sounded like fun. Doing anything with Lottie would be fun. The woman was a ball of fire, all sweet-natured energy and gusto. And Lottie did have a point. Cassie needed a change of scenery. She didn’t want to think about Jake or the fact that she’d have to tell him real soon that she was carrying his child. “Okay, let’s do it. Let’s go shopping!”

  Saturday evening Jake stood on the porch steps glancing to his right, wondering what the dickens the two women were up to. Even from this distance, fifty feet away from the guest house, he could hear the sound of their cheerful laughter. Lottie was decked out in her going-out clothes and he couldn’t miss Cassie’s wild cinnamon hair, flowing around her face, a mass of soft silk and waves. She wore a beige Western dress that tied up the front with suede strings and a pair of matching boots, looking every bit the part of a ranching woman. When the women jumped into Lottie’s Blazer, Jake stepped off the porch and planted himself on the road.

  Lottie pulled up beside him. “Hi, Jake.”

  Jake leaned in, his gaze flowing from Lottie straight to Cassie. She looked drop-dead gorgeous. “Ladies. Planning on a big night?”

  Cassie cast him a weak smile then turned her head to peer out the window.

  “We’re heading to Ted’s birthday bash. I figured it was time for Cassie to meet some of our neighbors. She hasn’t been off the ranch much. She’s due for some fun.”

  Jake nodded. “Well, have a good time.”

  The car ambled down the road as Jake climbed back up the steps to the porch. John T. was waiting for him. “What was that all about?”

  “Lottie’s taking Cassie to Ted O’Hanley’s party.”

  John T. nodded and they both stared at Lottie’s car as it made its way down the road toward the gates of the property.

  “Isn’t Ted’s father newly widowed?” Jake asked.

  “Yep. About a year now.”

  “He was always sweet on Lottie, wasn’t he?”

  John T. frowned and rubbed his jaw. “Bet Cassie’ll stir up a lot of interest being new to the valley and all. Her dance card’s sure to be filled.”

  Jake peered out, straight across the road. “I wasn’t planning on going.”

  “Nah, me neither,” John T. agreed.

  A moment passed.

  Jake slanted his father a look. “How long before you can be ready?”

  “About twenty minutes.”

  Jake nodded. “Once we get there, it’s every man for himself.”

  Eight

  Cassie’s mind whirled in ten different directions. She’d been introduced around by Lottie to nearly every one of the guests in the Knights of Columbus Hall. Her head had clicked off the numbers, realizing she’d met exactly fifty-three people so far. She’d already danced three times, had been asked out on a date by Ted’s younger brother, Adam, and had been invited to an afternoon social by Mavis Brewer, an energetic woman who was running for city council. The way she’d been welcomed to Carson Valley by all of these friendly people warmed her heart and kept her mind off her troubles.

  “Oh, Lottie, this is fun. I’m glad you invited me.” They sat at a table off a ways from the festivities, sipping soda.

  “Uh-oh, maybe you won’t think so now,” Lottie said with a crooked smile. “Trouble at two o’clock.”

  It took a moment for that to register. Cassie glanced in the direction of Lottie’s concentration and realized exactly what she’d meant. Cassie’s good mood evaporated immediately upon seeing both Jake and John T. standing at the entrance of the hall. “Double trouble, Lottie.”

  “They came together, now that’s something. Those two don’t do a blasted thing together normally.” Lottie reached over to grab both of Cassie’s hands. “At least it’ll give you a chance to talk to him, honey.”

  “I’ll talk to John T. all night long.”

  Lottie’s eyes twinkled. “You know darn well, darlin’, I was talking about Jake. You’re gonna have to tell him.”

  Cassie knew that. She didn’t think she’d have to face Jake so soon though. She needed a little more time. Heavens, she was just getting used to the idea of having a baby. It no longer frightened her. In truth, Cassie had come full circle. This morning, after a fitful night, Cassie realized the baby for the miracle that it was. She’d always wanted children. She’d just thought that love and marriage would have come first. She had the “love” part down, but it couldn’t be one-sided. Cassie wanted more. She wasn’t going to settle for anything less. That much she knew already and she also knew that she wasn’t ready to tell Jake. “I know I have to tell him, but not tonight.”

  “Whenever you feel it’s right, honey. But you shouldn’t avoid him.”

  Cassie glanced at Jake. He was a hard man to avoid. Standing there in new jeans, a black Western shirt and shiny hat, looking
absolutely breathtaking, he did just that. He stole all of her breath. “Oh, Lottie.”

  Lottie released her hands and gestured with a tilt of her head. “If you don’t talk to him, about a dozen women will, Cassie. They’ll pounce on him like hounds on a fox.”

  Hounds on a fox? How appropriate, she thought.

  “Okay, if he comes over here, I’ll talk to him.”

  But Jake didn’t come over. She felt his presence, his gaze on her as he stood in a group of young cowboys, chatting away, sipping drinks, at the opposite end of the hall.

  John T. had come over immediately. He’d talked with them awhile, had kicked up his heels with Lottie twice and had asked Cassie to dance, as well. She’d danced with Adam O’Hanley once more, who had persisted in asking her out again, then she danced with two other cowboys before excusing herself and heading to the rest room. Drained, tired and immensely annoyed that Jake hadn’t bothered to come over to say hello, Cassie took a moment to splash water on her face. She fluffed waves that didn’t really need fluffing, reapplied a bit of lip gloss, but nothing helped hide the lines of fatigue around her eyes.

  Once she exited the rest room, she noted John T. and Lottie deep in conversation at the table. Cassie didn’t want to interrupt such an intimate scene, so she walked over to the bar to get another soda.

  Suddenly, Jake was beside her, leaning on the bar. He was close, enough for his shoulders to brush against her. “Having fun?” he asked.

  “Yes. I have Lottie to thank for inviting me.” She thanked the bartender for her root beer and turned to face him. “I’m meeting the nicest people.”

  “Including Adam O’Hanley?”

  “Adam? How did you—”

  “It’s a small community.” A tick worked in Jake’s jaw. “News travels like wildfire, especially at a party like this. He struck out twice with you.”

  “I, uh, I’m not here looking for a date.”

  Jake’s expression changed, his mouth twisting in a smug smile. “Unlike that night in Laughlin.”

  He would have to bring that up. “That was different. I was desperate that night.”

  “I remember. I remember that entire weekend, Cassie.” His voice softened to a velvety caress. “Having a hard time forgetting it.”

  She hadn’t forgotten, either, but now there was much more to think about, such as the fact that she was carrying Jake’s child as a result of the passion they’d shared that night. Cassie fanned her face with her hand. “I think I need some air.”

  She headed straight for the door. Once outside, fresh Nevada air hit her and she breathed in deeply. She leaned up against the side of the building surprised that Jake had followed her outside. Her announcement hadn’t been an invitation to join her.

  Jake removed the root beer from her hand, replacing it with a glass of ice-cold water. “Try this instead.” He guided the glass to her lips and made sure she sipped it.

  “Thanks. I got a little…breathless in there.”

  Jake took the water glass from her hand, set it down, then came up close, bracing his hands on the wall on both sides of her. Trapped by his surrounding presence, Cassie looked up into dark, hungry eyes. “I get breathless whenever I look at you, darlin’.”

  When Jake turned on the charm, she found herself hopelessly captivated. He stood close, brushing his body against the soft folds of her dress. “You look beautiful tonight, Cassie.” He ran a finger down her cheek, the caress enough to make Cassie’s heartbeat speed out of control. And when he leaned in, she didn’t have the strength or the willpower to stop him. He brushed a kiss to her lips, softly at first, exquisitely, taking it slow, giving her time to make up her mind. And when she didn’t protest, he pressed his body against hers, all hard lines and firm muscle swaying her to his will. He wrapped his arms around her, deepening the kiss, whispering words of encouragement. He parted her lips and drove his tongue deep, stroking her masterfully. Cassie’s entire body trembled, from Jake’s kiss, but also from sheer exhaustion.

  Cassie wasn’t up for this. She’d never experienced such highs and lows in her life. One minute she was a bundle of energy, then the next it was as though her legs wouldn’t hold her upright another second. And she couldn’t tell Jake why. She just wasn’t ready for him to learn the truth. “I’m sorry,” she said, shoving him away slightly. She wiped at her forehead and looked away. On a weary sigh she said, “I think I need to go home.”

  Jake hesitated. His eyes were on her, his gaze steady, measuring. He lifted her chin with a finger to turn her face his way. “You really mean that, don’t you? You’re not feeling well.”

  She nodded, banking her tears, hoping to keep Jake from guessing the truth. If only she could buy time the way one could buy a vowel on a television game show.

  I’d like to buy another month, please.

  But this wasn’t a game and the only puzzle to solve was what she was going to do about Jake Griffin, the father of her child.

  “Wait right here, honey.”

  Jake took off and within two minutes he was back with keys in his hand. “John T. will hitch a ride with Lottie. C’mon,” he said, taking her hand and leading her to the parking lot. “I’ll drive you back to the ranch.”

  “Jake,” she said, wanting to protest, but Lottie and John T. were making headway. The last thing Cassie wanted to do was to interrupt their evening. “Okay, it’s probably for the best.”

  Jake opened the truck door for her and she climbed in. Once Jake was seated behind the wheel, he turned to her with a wink. “I really didn’t want to go to that party, anyway.”

  “Why did you, then?”

  Jake didn’t answer. Or was his silence enough of an answer? Cassie was too doggone tired to think about anything but resting her head on her pillow and letting sleep claim her.

  The rumbling of the motor, the quiet darkness of the night and the cozy warmth inside the truck nearly lulled her to sleep. She’d close her eyes, only to open them and find Jake’s questioning gaze on her. Cassie fought her fatigue and breathed a silent sigh of relief once they’d arrived at the ranch.

  Jake walked her to the door. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

  She stood on the porch, facing him. “I’ll manage. I can’t wait to climb into bed.”

  Jake took the key out of her hand and unlocked the door. “That’s exactly what you should do. Cassie, you’re pale and you look so doggone exhausted. I’d tuck you in myself but that wouldn’t work now, would it?”

  Cassie shook her head slowly.

  He blew out a sigh. “Good night then. Get some rest.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek and then was gone.

  Cassie locked her door and within minutes she’d found the sleep she needed.

  The next morning Jake came up right behind Lottie as she knocked on Cassie’s door. “Oh, Jake! I didn’t see you. You nearly scared my hair into its natural color!”

  “Sorry, Lottie. Just came to check on Cassie before I leave.” He glanced down at the goodie basket in Lottie’s hand. “What’s in the basket today? I’m heading for Oklahoma this morning. Sure could use some of your blueberry muffins to fill my belly.”

  “Uh, no. Nothing like that in here.” Lottie clung tight to her basket. “Just some things to make Cassie feel better.”

  Jake grinned. “Well, let me see. I sure bet there’s something in there to make me feel better, too.” Jake took the basket out of Lottie’s hand, curious as to why she seemed so reluctant to let it go.

  He unwrapped the toweling. “Crackers, ginger ale and what’s this…a book?” Jake lifted the book out of the basket, reading, then rereading the title, until it sunk in. “‘The ABC’s of Childbirth, a Pregnancy Guide.’” Five smiling diaper-clad babies adorned the cover.

  Jake stared at the book then lifted his gaze to Lottie. She had compassion in her eyes and a tinge of guilt.

  Jake clenched his teeth. “Now it all makes sense.” All of the clues had been right there in front of him, the bouts of fatigue, the f
ainting spells, and John T. had mentioned that Cassie had been sick to her stomach when she’d first arrived. Jake’s mind whirled with incident after incident, leaving no room for doubt now. Cassie was pregnant.

  “Jake?”

  “I need to speak with Cassie, in private,” he declared, his lips tight, his gut tighter. Temper flaring, he could barely see beyond the stunned fury he experienced.

  “Yes, you two need to talk, but don’t upset her, Jake. Give her time to explain.”

  The front door opened then and Cassie smiled at Lottie. “This is a surprise.”

  Jake made his presence known by stepping right next to Lottie.

  “Oh, Jake.” Cassie shot Lottie a questioning look.

  “I’m sorry, honey,” Lottie said. “I only came by to help.”

  “We need to talk, Cassie,” he announced. “Alone.”

  Cassie’s chin went up defiantly. “This isn’t a good time, Jake.”

  “Damn right, it isn’t. I’m heading out to Oklahoma today.”

  “Talk to him, honey,” Lottie said with an encouraging tone and a quick smile. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

  Cassie swallowed and nodded, moving away from the door, giving him entrance. Jake strode in and waited while Cassie said goodbye to Lottie and closed the door.

  Cassie stood by the door, her green eyes wide with trepidation, her arms crossed around her middle. Jake flung the book on the sofa, the title and cover facing her, hard to be missed. “Lottie thought this might make good reading material.”

  Cassie peered at the book, mouthed something that looked like “Oh, no,” then closed her eyes for a moment.

  Impatient, Jake prodded her for a response. “When were you going to tell me?”

  “I—I, uh, needed time to adjust to the idea.”

  “You should have told me straightaway. I had a right to know, dammit. How long have you known?” he asked, his temper simmering. He held it in check, barely.

  “Just a few days. Lottie is the only one who knows. She guessed it before I even had a clue. I guess I figured it couldn’t happen. We used protection.”