The subject wasn’t completely unfamiliar. Ranch kids learned about it from watching animals have babies. In high school he’d taken a required health course that had covered human pregnancy and birth. He’d never paid much attention after finding out how to keep a girl from getting pregnant. Procreation hadn’t been his goal.
He doubted any guy on the planet had been more careful, yet here he was, devouring info about a topic he would have had no interest in two days ago. Reading on the phone took some getting used to, though. He kept wishing he could underline stuff or dog-ear a page.
He suspected there were ways to make notes on the book itself, but he didn’t feel like taking the time to learn how. Instead he got a pad of paper and a pen from the kitchen and started a list of things he needed to ask Tess. It turned into a really long list.
Eventually he couldn’t keep his eyes open. Then he spent the rest of the night battling nightmares about losing either Tess or Heath or both. He woke up early in a cold sweat.
He’d thought giving birth would be a straightforward process. Women had been doing it for centuries. What could possibly go wrong? Now he knew. Anything and everything could fall apart, sometimes without warning. And he was terrified.
He shaved and showered in record time. Stuffing his list into his pocket, he grabbed the keys to her car and headed out. Phil and Damon would probably show up before he came back. No telling how long it would take for Tess to answer his questions.
Climbing into her car felt strange after all the years he’d driven trucks. He had to put the seat back quite a ways to accommodate his long legs. Once he pulled out onto the road, which fortunately had dried up a bit, he hated sitting so low to the ground. How did she get a good look at what was coming? He’d love to suggest she trade her car for a decent truck, but what she drove was none of his business.
He’d focus on the important issues, like whether she’d checked her obstetrician’s qualifications. Now that he knew all the pitfalls involved in delivering a baby, he wanted details like how many years that person had been in practice and where they’d earned their medical degree. He could find out quite a bit online, but first he needed a name.
He parked in front of the house, adjusted the seat and shoehorned himself out of the tight space. The vehicle ran fine, but it seemed too small and vulnerable to protect the occupants. He wondered if she’d bought a car seat yet.
The comforting aroma of coffee and bacon greeted him as he opened the front door and headed toward the kitchen. “Rosie, it’s me,” he called out.
“Morning, Zeke,” she called back. “Coffee’s ready.”
He walked in and she handed him a mug of black coffee. She was alone in the kitchen.
“Thank you, ma’am.” He cradled the mug in both hands. “Where’s Sharon?”
“Down with the kids. She’s teaching them how to make her famous French toast. I’m working on getting the students more self-sufficient when it comes to their meals. We have a couple of pampered ones who’ve never had to lift a finger in the kitchen.”
“Speaking of that, what can I do?”
“Set the table, please. I have things under control except for that. Lexi and Cade will be coming down this morning.”
“Should I set a place for Tess?”
“Definitely. She’s down there helping Sharon, but she planned to come back up here to eat with us. I think that had something to do with your imminent arrival.”
“That’s nice to hear.” He hesitated. “Rosie, I plan to ask her if she’ll spend the rest of her time here over at Matt’s.” He set out silverware and napkins for six people.
She chuckled. “You’d rather not have to cart her back and forth while she’s sound asleep?”
“Something like that.”
“Every time I think I’ve seen it all, one of you boys comes up with a new one.”
“Then it’s okay with you if I steal your houseguest?”
“You can try. She has an independent streak. She might not go for it.”
“I hope she does.”
Rosie gave him a knowing smile. “I’ll bet you do.”
“And not just because of that! I read a book about pregnancy and childbirth last night and I have some questions.”
“You have a pregnancy book?” Rosie had the egg poacher going so it seemed they were having eggs Benedict. She took a package of English muffins from the fridge and began loading up the six-slice toaster.
“Downloaded one to my phone.”
She turned toward him, eyes wide. “Listen to you! I didn’t know you were into reading on your phone.”
“I’m not, but Tess gave me a list of books and I wanted to start on it last night.”
Rosie gazed at him and nodded. “I see. What sort of questions did you come up with?”
“A lot.” He pulled the list out of his pocket. “I need to know if she’s aware of all the conditions that can affect the birth.”
“Like what?”
He started listing them.
“Zeke, hang on.” She shoved down the lever on the toaster and turned back to him. “Most of those things are extremely rare.”
“But not impossible! Maybe she knows about them because I guess she’s read the books she recommended, but I wonder if she’s mentioned any of them to her doctor. And if the doctor has ever treated patients with—”
“Zeke, honey.” Rosie walked over and laid a hand on his chest. “You need to dial it back.”
“How can I? I thought having babies was a snap, but it’s not. So many things can go wrong. A good doctor has to be prepared for anything and I want to make sure hers is.”
“You’re scared.”
He sighed. “Yes, ma’am.”
“You’re a grown man and free to do what you please, but I think you’re letting a little bit of knowledge spook you. If I were you, I’d hold off on that list for now, because you’re coming across as paranoid, and you don’t want that.”
“No, I don’t, but I want answers.”
“Let’s discuss this some more when I give you a ride back to Matt’s. Until then I’d keep quiet on the subject if I were you. Just my opinion, but I think you won’t do your cause any good by trotting out that list of questions.”
“Paranoid, huh?”
“Yes, sir. Now, I hear her coming in with Herb, so put on your best smile so she’ll know you’re glad to see her.”
“That’s easy. I am glad.”
Rosie gave him a fond look. “I know you are, son. I’m happy for you.”
Chapter Fourteen
Tess’s pulse reacted when she noticed her car parked in front of the ranch house. She’d been expecting Zeke, but expecting him and knowing he’d arrived were two different things. She hadn’t been this infatuated with someone since she’d fallen for a senior during her sophomore year of high school.
Using the word infatuation was her new method for dealing with her increasingly romantic feelings toward Zeke. If she only had a schoolgirl crush on that gorgeous cowboy, she’d be able to get over it when he lost interest. Getting over it would become important when she’d have to continue seeing him because of Heath.
She hadn’t mentioned to either Rosie or Herb that the baby had a name. She was a little shy about saying anything, even though Zeke had promised they’d greet any choice with enthusiasm. How could he know for sure? Sophie was the only example he had to go by. Tess loved the name she and Zeke had come up with and she’d be disappointed if it received a lukewarm response.
Rosie had said Cade and Lexi would be joining them for breakfast, too. Tess had met Cade yesterday when Herb had taken her on a tour of the barn. She could see why Cade, who had a sparkle of laughter in his green eyes, was popular with the teens attending the academy.
But it wasn’t just
his looks. Herb said they adored him because he obviously remembered being seventeen. That made him tolerant of their behavior while still expecting them to achieve excellence. Cade had a reputation as a horse whisperer and Herb said the kids were in awe of his ability.
The academy itself fascinated Tess. She’d already vowed to set aside money every month so that when Heath turned sixteen, the lower end of the age range, she could offer him the opportunity. He might not want to take it, but with Zeke as a role model he probably would.
“Breakfast smells great,” Herb said as they climbed the porch steps and walked to the front door.
“Doesn’t it? I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you two housing and feeding me for a few days. I’ll miss the TLC when I go home.”
“I hope you don’t feel you have to rush off.” Herb held the door for her. “You can stay as long as you want.”
“Rosie said the same thing and that’s very generous, but I need to get back to Casper.”
Herb nodded. “I understand.”
She knew he wouldn’t question her about her plans. Rosie would have found some subtle way to ask for more information, but Herb was willing to let things be. She’d only been here for a couple of days and she already loved them both and would miss them when she left.
But when she walked into the kitchen and saw Zeke standing next to the stove handing Rosie plates, she admitted she’d miss him a whole lot more.
He flashed her a smile. “Morning, Tess. Sleep well?”
“Like a log. You?”
“Not bad.” He held her gaze and Rosie had to clear her throat twice to get his attention. He handed over the last plate. “Sorry, ma’am.”
“You’re forgiven. I think I hear Cade and Lexi. Oh, and Tess, that little silver carafe next to the big pot has decaf in it.”
“Hey, thank you, Rosie.” Tess hadn’t committed to completely eliminating caffeine from her diet, but after discussing it with Rosie yesterday she’d decided to cut back. It was so like Rosie to act on that conversation.
Cade and Lexi came in and greeted her with enthusiasm. She wondered if everyone connected with Thunder Mountain was naturally gracious or if Rosie and Herb had set the example they all followed.
She’d bet those two had plenty to do with the fact that a newcomer instantly felt like a member of the family. It made perfect sense. They’d spent years bringing homeless boys to the ranch and giving them a sense of belonging.
“Hey, Mom.” Cade walked over and wrapped an arm around Rosie’s shoulders. “These sure are fancy vittles you whipped up this morning. I can’t remember the last time we had eggs Benedict.”
Tess slapped a hand to her mouth as the realization finally hit. Then she faced Rosie. “You made it for me, didn’t you?”
Rosie shrugged, but she looked pleased, too. “You said you liked it, so why not?”
“That’s...that’s wonderful.” She’d had a slight problem with being too emotional lately and now she was afraid she might cry. “Thank you so much.”
Zeke came over and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. “Yes, thanks, Rosie. What a nice thing to do.”
“I thought this breakfast might be our only chance to get together and toast my next grandchild.” Rosie glanced around at all of them. “Not with champagne, of course. The sun’s barely up. But we need to celebrate the impending arrival of another member of the next generation.”
“I’ll raise a coffee mug to that.” Cade finished pouring his and walked over to fill Lexi’s mug. “Anybody else?”
“I need a mug.” Herb opened a cupboard. “Rosie?”
“I need one, too.”
“All righty, then.” Cade raised his mug. “Everybody ready?”
“Just a sec.” Herb poured coffee for Rosie and then himself. “Okay, go.”
“Yeah,” Cade said. “We need to do this before the fancy breakfast gets cold. Here’s to...wait. Do we have a name? A toast like this is always more effective with a name.”
Zeke looked at Tess. “Okay with you?”
“Sure.” She decided Cade was absolutely right.
“His name’s Heath,” Zeke said. “We decided that last night.”
Cade sent a glance of approval Zeke’s way. “Well done. I like it. Let’s raise a mug to Heath, the doughty offspring of Tess Irwin and Ezekiel Manfred Rafferty.”
Zeke groaned. “Did you have to say all that?”
“You know I did, bro. The occasion demanded it.”
“What’s with the word doughty?” Lexi looked at Cade. “Where’d you come up with that?”
Cade’s eyebrows lifted. “I know things.”
“I realize you do, but I’ve never heard that word come out of your mouth.”
“You will in the future. I just found it the other day and it’s perfect for the brotherhood. We’re all extremely doughty.”
“What does it mean?”
“Stouthearted and brave.”
“I’d never heard it, either,” Rosie said. “But it’s perfect for you boys.”
Lexi gave Cade a soft smile. “Yeah, it is. I think you need to repeat your toast now that we know what you’re saying.”
“I agree,” Zeke said. “It’s great except for the part with my whole name in it.”
“Okay, bro. Just for you. Raise a glass to Heath, the doughty offspring of Tess and Zeke.”
Everyone shouted, “Hear, hear!” and took a sip of coffee.
Tess found herself getting choked up. Fortunately the next five minutes involved everyone taking seats and digging into Rosie’s special breakfast. She didn’t think anyone noticed her wiping her eyes until Zeke, who’d sat next to her, took her hand under the table.
“You okay?”
She nodded, still not trusting herself to speak.
He lowered his voice. “Were you crying just now?”
“A little bit. Zeke, your family is incredible.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The meal was excellent and she enjoyed every bite. As she ate, she wondered whether Zeke had been asked yet to join the Thunder Mountain Brotherhood, that band of doughty men. She wasn’t sure if he would do it even if they asked him.
As Rosie had said, he held himself a little apart. She’d noticed that Cade addressed Rosie as Mom but Zeke used her first name or ma’am. As Tess listened to the conversation around the table, she realized the same held true for Herb. Cade called him Dad and Zeke used Herb.
After breakfast everyone pitched in to clean up the kitchen. Tess was charmed by the custom. Obviously no man at Thunder Mountain felt entitled to duck out on household chores because of his gender. Tess almost wished Rosie had taken in dozens more boys if only to instill that value.
She gathered from the conversation that Rosie had offered to take Zeke back to Matt’s. The damage to the master bedroom window was thoroughly discussed and everyone agreed Damon and Phil could probably use a babysitter today.
But when Rosie seemed ready to leave, Zeke asked for a moment to speak with Tess out on the porch.
She did her best not to laugh as everyone in the kitchen exchanged glances. Apparently an invitation to the porch was a significant event and they’d all give Zeke some privacy. She hoped it wasn’t another marriage proposal. Surely he wouldn’t try that again on the strength of some excellent lovemaking the night before.
Zeke wore his Stetson this morning and tugged on the brim as they walked out the front door. “This won’t take long, but I didn’t want to ask you in front of everyone.”
“Okay.” She turned to him and mentally crossed her fingers that he wouldn’t make the proposal mistake twice.
“What do you think about staying with me for the rest of the time you’re here?”
“Oh!” He’d caught her by surprise.
“I’m... I’m not sure. That would certainly announce to your family that we’re—”
“Rosie knows what’s going on. I think everyone’s figured it out, to be honest.” He adjusted the fit of his hat. “I thought this would simplify things.”
“You mean concerning sex?”
“Well, that, and we still have stuff to talk about. Lots of stuff.” He cleared his throat. “You can think about it.”
“Good. I need to. And just so you know, I’ll only be here another night or two. It might not be worth moving my things over there for such a short time.”
“Rosie said you might not want to.”
She blinked. “You told her you planned to ask me?”
“I thought I should. I’d be taking her houseguest and I know she enjoys having you around.”
“I enjoy being here.” Silly as it seemed, she wasn’t sure she was ready to leave Thunder Mountain and the two people who were becoming increasingly important to her.
“I admit Matt’s place isn’t as nice. There’s no furniture to speak of. Phil and Damon may have to board up that window until they get a new one ordered.”
“Oh, Zeke, that’s not why I’m hesitating.” She stepped closer and ran her palm up his chest. His uncertainty touched her. “You’d be there, and I hope you know how much I enjoy making love to you.”
He captured her hand in both of his. “I sure thought you did.”
“I do. But moving over there is like saying we’re a couple and we’re not.”
“What are we, then?”
She gazed up at him and saw confusion in his eyes that probably matched hers. “We’re Heath’s parents and we...we get along great in bed. Beyond that, I don’t know.”
“Maybe if you stay with me we’ll have a better chance of figuring it out.”
“It’s a valid point. I’ll think about it and let you know this afternoon.”
“Fair enough.” He nudged back his hat. “I just need one more thing.” He wrapped both arms around her and pulled her close.
“Should we be doing this on the front porch in broad daylight?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Cupping the back of her head, he leaned down, covered her mouth with his and took charge.
Say Yes to the Cowboy Page 12