“Tess, I have a legal right to spend time with him.”
“I know you do.” She felt a stab of panic. “But don’t you see? If you’re forcing yourself to be a father, that’s horrible for a child. They know the difference between love and obligation. You can’t fake it, so why even go there?”
“Because he’s my son.”
She sighed. “We’re going around in circles. And this rock is getting warmer by the minute. Let’s go back.”
“But we haven’t settled anything.”
“I know that.” What a maddening man—a gorgeous, stubborn cowboy who still had the power to make her heart beat faster. She doubted he’d spent much time around children, while she’d made a career of it. Zeke had no idea what he would be getting into. Yet, somehow, when he’d dug in his heels and said “He’s my son,” it turned her on.
She had to watch out for those pesky feelings of lust, though. She’d read enough books on pregnancy to know the hormones coursing through her body could make her susceptible to a virile guy who kept giving her hot glances. He obviously wanted her and that was arousing, but surrendering to those urges would complicate an already dicey situation.
“Are you willing to stick around for another day or two until we come to some kind of agreement on how this will go?”
“I’m willing, but I don’t like imposing on your foster parents.”
“I seriously doubt they consider it imposing. Did Rosie give you the word that she loves being a grandma?”
“She did and I think it’s sweet. I’m sure she and Herb are terrific grandparents. I’ll be happy to keep them in the loop.”
His expression darkened. “But not me?”
“You said you didn’t want kids, Zeke!”
“That was before I found out you were pregnant. That changes everything.”
“It doesn’t have to. Just think of yourself as a sperm donor.”
“A sperm donor?” A dangerous light flashed in his hazel eyes. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I remember making this baby the old-fashioned way.” He stepped closer, his chest heaving. “I distinctly recall having some very sweaty, very satisfying, sex with you, lady, complete with orgasms that made you cry my name so loud I was afraid someone would call hotel security. I was your lover, damn it. I never want to hear that term again.”
Heat scorched her body and she clenched her fists at her sides to keep from reaching for him. She swallowed. “Got it.”
“And another thing.” His voice softened. “Although you don’t want to marry me, your eyes tell me what you do want. Just so you know, that would be fine with me, but you’ll have to do the asking. Whatever happens or doesn’t is your choice.” He turned around and started down the trail.
She prayed her legs would carry her as she followed him. He’d snapped her self-control with that speech. If he hadn’t turned away, she probably would have launched herself at him and begged for more of that red-hot loving he’d so graphically described. But he had turned away and she’d pulled together the pieces of her shredded pride.
Somehow she’d managed to keep her mouth shut, but her body still yearned for his touch. She gazed with longing at his broad shoulders and the movement of his powerful back muscles. Yes, she was guilty of ogling, but she’d dare any woman with a pulse to ignore the way his jeans cupped his backside. She’d admired that view on the way up the trail and, after his impassioned words, she was even more mesmerized on the way down.
When they reached the truck Zeke handed her in with brisk efficiency. No significant glances or lingering touches. Apparently he’d meant what he’d said. Nothing would happen between them unless she initiated it. She vowed not to do that.
After he got behind the wheel, he opened the console and took out his phone. “I’ll call Rosie and make sure she’s okay with you staying a little longer.”
“All right. Tell her I’d be glad to check into a hotel in Sheridan, if she prefers.”
“Okay.” He nudged back his hat and put the phone to his ear. “Hi, Rosie. Tess needs to stay a few more days. She’s offered to check into a hotel in town.” He smiled. “I know. Yes, ma’am, she’s very considerate. I’ll tell her what you said.” He disconnected the call and returned the phone to the console. “You’re welcome to stay at the ranch for as long as you want.” He twisted the key in the ignition and the truck’s powerful engine roared to life.
“That’s nice of her.”
“Rosie’s great.” He checked for traffic and executed a quick U-turn. “Since I’m the one who set up this discussion, I’ll let you call the shots for the next one. Tell me when and where and I’ll make sure I’m available.”
His self-possession amazed her. She was a bundle of nerves. The combination of his sex appeal and his determination to be a part of the baby’s life had torpedoed her original plan. She’d have to create a new plan before she saw him again. “I need a little time. If you’ll give me your number I’ll text you.”
“There’s a pad of paper and a pen in the console.”
She found them lying inside the compartment. Underneath was a faded brochure advertising “The Ropin’ Ragin’ Raffertys!” She recognized Zeke, who looked about ten, wearing jeans and a shirt decorated in fringe and spangles. The man beside him in a matching outfit had to be his father.
She closed the console without asking about the brochure. She wished she hadn’t seen it. Learning about his past would only draw her deeper into his life and make it harder to extricate herself. She was going to raise her baby on her own. She still believed that would be best for everyone concerned.
Zeke rattled off his phone number. She scribbled it down, tore out the page and returned the pad and pen to the console without looking at the brochure. He’d probably forgotten it was in there. She doubted he was any more eager to share details of his past than she was to hear them.
A truck with a camper shell was parked in the circular gravel drive of the ranch house. Zeke stopped behind it and switched off the engine. “Drew’s here.”
“Another foster brother?”
He shook his head as he reached for the door handle. “She’s a videographer. Cade and Lexi hired her for the wedding.” He glanced over at her. “Hang on. I’ll help you down.”
Tess put a hand on his arm. “That’s not necessary.” The muscles in his forearm tensed and she removed her hand as if she’d touched a hot stove. “I can get out by myself.”
“I know you can.” He opened his door. “But that’s not how cowboys do things.”
Back in April his chivalry had been one of the reasons she’d invited him to her hotel room. She’d had a hunch that he’d know how to treat a woman, and wow, had she been right. Now she wished he’d stop because his manners reminded her of how considerate he could be when they were alone and naked.
But refusing to let him help her in and out of his truck would be petty and pointless. He wasn’t using the gallant gesture as an excuse to steal a kiss or a caress. His assistance was proper and impersonal. He didn’t even smile.
She turned toward him. “I’ll text you this afternoon.” That should give her enough time to create a new plan.
“All right. I might run some errands today but I’ll take my phone.”
“Sounds good. Thanks for showing me Lion’s Rest Rock. It’s beautiful up there.”
An emotion flickered briefly in his eyes. “You’re welcome.” He touched the tips of his fingers to the brim of his hat. “My pleasure.” He turned and walked back around his truck.
His pleasure? Really? She’d shot down his proposal. That couldn’t have felt very good. But if she’d hurt him, he wasn’t showing any signs of it. He’d only reacted emotionally when she’d suggested he think of himself as a sperm donor.
That had been insensitive of her. Now that she was more in command of herself, she needed to apologi
ze. But he’d already put the truck in gear and driven away.
She’d see him again later today so she could mention it then. On the other hand, if she brought up the heated exchange on the rock, that would refocus attention on their sexual past. Not a good idea.
As she climbed the porch steps and walked toward the door, she wondered about protocol. She was a houseguest and could probably walk in. But instead she rapped on the screen door and called out, “I’m back!” as she opened it.
“We’re in the kitchen!” Rosie sounded excited. “Come and tell us whether our idea is crazy or not.”
Tess walked in and discovered Rosie and two women, one with her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and the other with a mop of short brown hair. The one with short hair turned out to be Lexi, Cade’s fiancée. The other was Drew Martinelli, the videographer.
Rosie’s face was pink with excitement. “We’re thinking of having the ceremony in the barn. Is that completely nuts or completely brilliant?”
“I vote for brilliant,” Drew said. “I filmed the inside of the barn when I made the promotional video for Thunder Mountain Academy last month and the interior is suffused with a golden light, probably because of all the wood surfaces.”
Tess pulled up a chair. “I haven’t seen the inside of the barn yet, but it sounds like a fun idea. Would there be room for your guests?”
Lexi pushed over a yellow legal pad where she’d drawn a diagram. “This isn’t quite to scale, but it’s close. Rosie and I know that barn pretty well, and we think we can fit between thirty and forty people in there, especially if we use benches instead of chairs.”
“And we’ll gain extra space if we have all the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood standing here in a semicircle behind Cade and Lexi.” Rosie pointed to a spot at the front of the barn.
Tess glanced at Rosie in confusion. “What’s the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood?”
“Zeke never mentioned it?” Rosie frowned. “Come to think of it, he might not realize he’s automatically in. That’s a recent development.”
“It is,” Lexi said. “And I’ll bet nobody thought to tell him.”
Rosie looked over at Tess. “Sorry, you must have no idea what we’re talking about.”
“Not a clue.”
“Years ago, the first three boys we brought to the ranch declared themselves blood brothers. Secret ceremony in the woods at midnight, pressing bloody palms together, the works.”
Tess smiled. “Sounds like it wasn’t a secret to you.”
“Nothing’s a secret to Rosie.” Lexi gave her a fond glance. “But she let them think it was. They kept their group exclusive until last year when they figured out that was elitist nonsense and all the guys who’d ever lived here should be members. I need to have Cade talk to Zeke.”
“Damon might have more opportunity now that he’s over at Matt’s so much,” Rosie said. “He’s one of the original three. In any case, when all my boys are standing up there, Zeke should be with them.”
“It’ll be a great visual, all those cowboys in a half circle behind the bride and groom,” Drew said. “How many men are we talking about?”
Rosie ticked them off on her fingers. “Zeke would make nine. Lexi, I just heard from Austin, who says he’s flying home from New Zealand for the wedding. He put his RSVP in the mail but he’ll probably get here before it does.”
“Junior’s coming?” Lexi smiled. “Tess, you’ll love him. He was the youngest boy to come to the ranch, only nine when he arrived, so the older kids nicknamed him Junior, which I think he pretty much hates but he puts up with it. Oh, and before I forget...” She reached into a tote bag beside her chair and pulled out an envelope. “Here’s your invitation. I wasn’t sure whether I’d catch you today but I brought it so I could leave it with Rosie. I hope you can come.”
Tess gazed down at the hand-lettered envelope and her throat tightened with emotion. Lexi must have addressed the invitation this morning after hearing from Rosie. “This is incredibly sweet, but I can tell seating will be limited so you don’t have to invite me.”
“We want you there.” Lexi reached over and squeezed her arm. “No matter what happens with Zeke, you’re part of the family now.”
She swallowed. “Thank you. Then I’ll come.”
“Good! We’ll—”
Drew’s phone chimed and she quickly glanced at it. “Sorry, but I have to run. That’s my next appointment.” She pushed back her chair. “I love the barn idea. Text me and we’ll set a time to go down there and finalize the details.” She picked up a large backpack. “Nice meeting you, Tess!”
“Same here, Drew.” Once she was out the door, Tess gazed at Rosie and Lexi. “If I’m coming to the wedding, then I need to tell you what happened this morning.”
Rosie groaned. “I’ll bet I know.”
“Zeke proposed.”
Although Lexi gasped, Rosie nodded as if she’d expected that news. She wasn’t smiling in anticipation, either. “What did you say?”
“The only thing I could say. I can’t marry a man I barely know just because I’m pregnant with his child.”
“Of course you can’t.” Rosie shook her head and sighed. “I could tell when he walked in the kitchen this morning that he’d decided to do something stupid.” She looked over at Lexi. “He even shaved off his beard for the occasion.”
Lexi rolled her eyes. “What an idiot.”
“I still want to come to the wedding,” Tess said, “but I can’t guarantee how well Zeke and I will be getting along at that point. Unfortunately, I think he proposed because he doesn’t trust me to raise this baby.”
“No, he probably doesn’t.” Rosie gave her a warm smile. “But I do.”
Chapter Five
Damon and Phil’s truck was in the drive when Zeke came back to Matt’s ranch. He wondered if either of them had talked to Rosie yet. If not, then he’d be the one to give them the news about Tess and the baby.
He heard Sophie before he opened the front door. Those screeches usually meant she’d had it with staying in the playpen while Mommy and Daddy were otherwise occupied. He followed the noise.
The playpen sat in the hall. Sophie had pulled herself up on the side facing one of the guestrooms, where her parents were painting the walls pale blue. Damon was using the roller and Phil was detailing with a brush. While keeping their eyes on their work, they were trying to cajole Sophie into settling down.
She was having none of it. She’d tossed every one of her toys out and stood yelling and rattling the side of the playpen in a bid for attention.
“Hey, Sophie!” Zeke reached the playpen and scooped her up with his good arm. “What’s the matter, kid? Don’t you approve of that color?”
“Oh, Zeke, thank God.” Phil glanced up from where she was kneeling on a piece of foam and pushed her red hair off her forehead with the back of her hand. “What happened to your beard?”
“It got itchy.”
“I completely understand.” Damon pulled a bandanna from his back pocket and mopped his sweaty face. “That’s one reason I don’t have a beard, the other being Phil wouldn’t like it. Listen, we really want to get the second coat finished before lunch but Sophie has other ideas.”
“No problem. I’ll watch her for you.”
“Great. Her high chair’s set up in the kitchen and there’s a box of Cheerios on the counter if you want to sprinkle some in her tray. That’ll keep her busy for a while.”
“Do you care if I take her outside for a little walk around the place?”
Damon laughed. “You can walk her all the way into town if you have the energy.”
“But put on her bonnet if you’ll be in the sun,” Phil said.
“We’ll stay in the shade, won’t we, sweetheart?” Zeke wasn’t taking a chance on burning her f
air skin. She was her mother’s mini-me when it came to coloring—same red hair and eyes blue as a Wyoming sky. But although she hadn’t ended up with Damon’s brown eyes, she had his chin. Damon didn’t think so but Zeke could definitely see it.
“Thanks, bro,” Damon said. “I owe you a beer for this.”
“I’ll put it on your tab. By the way, have either of you talked to Rosie today?”
“No,” Phil said. “Why?”
“Just wondered.”
Damon’s eyebrows lifted. “Is something going on that we should know about?”
“Yeah, but it can wait until lunch. Come on, Sophie. I’ll show you around your famous uncle’s ranch.”
She bounced in his arms and made a grab for his hat.
“Oh, no, you don’t.” He left his hat in her playpen and headed down the hall and out the front door. When she pointed to the sparrows hopping around in the tree in the front yard, he walked her over so she could look up through the branches.
She stared at everything as if memorizing it for a test later. She solemnly studied the leaves moving in the breeze, the chattering birds and a caterpillar she spotted on the trunk. Zeke held her close enough to the insect so she could see but not grab it. She’d try to eat it for sure.
Then he walked with her around to the back of the house where they startled a rabbit hiding under a bush. As it scampered away, Sophie crowed with delight and clapped her pudgy hands together. Such a simple thing, a cute little bunny, and she acted as if it was the most amazing experience in the world.
Because she soaked up her environment like a sponge, Zeke got a kick out of showing her things. He crouched so she could get a better look at a beetle pushing its way through the scrub grass. When a hawk soared overhead, he pointed to it and she watched it until it was a tiny speck in the sky.
A downspout was dripping from the brief rain they’d had during the night. He let her catch the drops on her finger and laughed with her as the cool water tickled her skin. That was where they were when Phil came looking for them.
Phil gave him an amused smile. “I almost hate to break this up. You’re one heck of a babysitter.”
Say Yes to the Cowboy Page 4