A Montana Cowboy

by Rebecca Winters

  “No. I’ve just got to be sure. Trace—if I stay here, you have to promise you’ll let me pay you the money I was going to use for the first and last month’s rent on that apartment. I have it and more saved in the bank.”

  “Agreed.” He answered too fast. “Do we have a deal?”

  Her heart pounded so hard she felt sick. “Only if you’re sure.”

  He flicked her another glance. “Do you honestly think I would have bothered to get a dog if I hadn’t planned on you being here throughout your pregnancy? Dusty will go into mourning if he can’t find you tomorrow.”

  Trace knew how to apply emotional bribery to her exact vulnerable area.

  “Any other conditions before I send you to bed where you should have been an hour ago? Considering everything you’ve done since you left the doctor’s office, you’ve already disobeyed his instructions.”

  “I’m aware of that.”

  “If you want to know the truth, I’ve been hoping you won’t leave. I like having you around. That first day I got home from Italy, I dreaded driving out here knowing I’d be bombarded with too many memories I didn’t want to think about. But the minute I saw you in the fruit garden and realized the pain you were living with, they seemed to vanish.

  “Now that we’ve got Dusty and your pregnancy is coming along, it feels good to be alive despite my bad eye, your brother and maybe even momnesia.”

  Avery had been right about everything.

  “I’d like to stay, but only on the condition that if it gets too hard, Avery will insist on taking over.”

  * * *

  CONNOR AND TRACE rode Buttercup and Masala to the pasture to exercise the horses. Before Cassie had been put to bed, he’d planned to have a herd of cattle unloaded. But the situation had forced him to put any of those ranching ideas on hold.

  “I went to the checkup with her this morning. While she was in the restroom, I spoke to Dr. Raynard. After eight weeks of virtual bed rest, her blood pressure is even higher and there’s too much protein in her urine. He’s given her a medication to help. If it can get her to last another week, then he’ll perform a Cesarean.”

  “That’s too early,” Connor muttered.

  “He says that at thirty-three weeks the baby will be in good shape. I need to be on hand because once she’s born, the baby could be in the hospital a month or longer and Cassie will want to be right there with her. He wants me to bring her in day after tomorrow to see if the medicine is helping. That’s why I haven’t done anything about the cattle yet.”

  “I hear you.”

  “What’s the word on Ned?”

  “We’ve noticed him riding around the ranch with my uncle. Jarod caught sight of him headed into the mountains alone the other day and followed him until he came back. I saw him driving with Owen in Owen’s truck yesterday.”

  “Did they leave the ranch?”

  Connor nodded. “I followed them into White Lodge. They hit the supermarket. I’ll give you one guess what they bought. Then they drove to the Pearson ranch. I stayed hidden and followed them after they left to bring Ned back. Jarod and I are doing our damndest to keep an eye on him. It’s clear my uncle hasn’t put him to work yet, which means he’s still afraid of his son and Ned is the same old Ned.”

  “Cassie never believed he would change. Now he’s free to come and go. I check the video on the cameras every day. So far, neither Ned or Owen have trespassed, unless they’re aware of the cameras and move out of the line of vision.”

  “We simply don’t know what Ned’s up to. I’ve talked to Zane. He’s no closer to finding the person who shot Logan, but we’re all keeping a close eye on Ned.”

  “You can’t do more than that, Connor. If he gets into one of his manic moods, he’ll make a mistake and we’ll be ready for him.”

  “Liz and her mom are planning on taking turns with the girls to help when the time comes.”

  “You’ve all done so much already bringing food and keeping her company. Cassie is so grateful.”

  “My cousin didn’t deserve all that’s happened to her. Thank God she has you, Trace. Let’s get back to her.”

  “Do you ever talk to Cassie’s mother?”

  “No. She stays away. The only time I see her is when she leaves the ranch. Her mother still lives in Bozeman and she goes there a lot.”

  Trace shook his head.

  “Don’t try to figure it out, Trace. It’s Cassie she should be visiting and giving comfort to. I think living with my uncle and Ned did something to her mind a long, long time ago. Jarod’s convinced of it.”

  On that tragic note they galloped back to give the horses a workout. When they reached the paddock, Connor took off in his truck. Trace watered their mounts and left them to graze while he hurried toward the house. He could hear Dusty’s bark before he entered through the back door.

  “Hey, buddy. Let’s go see how Cassie’s doing.”

  He found her on the couch in the living room with her jean-clad legs propped. Her blond hair fanned around her head on the pillow. She was one woman whose body hadn’t looked that pregnant at six months. But over the past two the baby had really grown.

  “Sorry we were gone so long. Are you ready for dinner?”

  “Whenever you are. It’s disgusting how I can lie around all day and still be hungry for every meal. Did I tell you my little girl has found a new place to jab me? She did it during the night and now she’s at it again. Here. Feel this.”

  His pulse raced. Trace had been hoping she’d let him feel the baby again. He hadn’t dared touch her since the night he’d wanted to go on kissing her senseless. That seemed like a century ago. After she’d left his arms to go to bed, he’d forced himself to put his desire for her in cold storage.

  But now that she’d just given him permission, he hunkered down next to her. She took his hand and put it on the side of her swollen belly. He felt movement at once, hard and strong. “Good grief. That has to hurt!”

  “It kind of does now that she’s been doing it in the same place for so long. I need to shift positions.” He had to give her credit for trying. “Do you have any idea how difficult it is to move when you feel like a beached porpoise?”

  “Don’t you mean whale?”

  Her eyes rounded. “Do I look that huge?”

  He chuckled over her hurt expression. “No, Cassie. No. You look good enough to eat,” he whispered. Without waiting for permission, he covered her mouth with his own, breaking the rule he’d set for himself two months ago. He couldn’t help it.

  For a pregnant woman who was more or less stuck in that position, her hungry response sent his blood pressure spiking through the roof. Neither of them could get enough of the other. Cassie was with him all the way. His patience was paying off.

  Don’t blow it now, Rafferty.

  He finally lifted his mouth from hers, struggling for breath. She made a little groan of protest that thrilled him. But he was far too conscious of her medical condition to take advantage of the moment. Instead he gripped one of her hands.

  “You’re so lovely, I couldn’t resist. Don’t say another word about how you look. There’s a glow about you I find irresistible. You’re going to make the most stunning mother.”

  “I hope you know your compliments are spoiling me.”

  “Good. Connor said you were the most popular girl at high school and I believe it.”

  “He made that up.”

  “Nope. I heard it from Jarod, too.”

  “Thanks for trying to cheer me up.” Fear had entered her eyes. “You really think the baby will be all right being born premature?”

  “Believe your doctor. Even if it came today, he said both of you would be fine.” Overwhelmed by love for her, Trace drew her into his arms and pressed his cheek against her hot one. “You’re going to have a beautiful baby.”

  “I just want her to be healthy,” she said as Dusty started barking.

  “Someone’s at the door.”

  Trace had bee
n so involved with Cassie, he hadn’t heard a knock or the doorbell. “Just a minute and let me see who it is.” He sprang to his feet and strode to the front door. When he opened it, he discovered his father and Ellen standing there with food they’d brought. He invited them inside. No sight could have been more welcome.

  While they hugged, Dusty brushed up against Sam who leaned over to pet him. “You remember me, don’t you, boy. Do you like your new home?” The dog barked.

  “He was talking to you, Sam.” This from Cassie.

  “Cassie has me convinced he really does talk,” Trace exclaimed. “How did you two know Cassie and I were hungry for dinner? Something smells delicious.”

  Ellen smiled. “I’ll fix a plate for everyone and we’ll eat in here.”

  A few minutes later they settled down to enjoy the fajitas she’d made. Trace told them what the doctor had said. His father leaned forward in his chair.

  “Cassie? I understand your fears, but thousands of women face this and come out of it fine. Your doctor knows what he’s doing. Remember—you’ve been through the worst part having to stay on bed rest.”

  “I disagree. Your son is the one whose life has been living torture. He’s worn every hat there is taking care of me and has listened to me cry and worry until I’m sure he’s ready to scream. Both of you should get a medal.”

  Sam looked surprised. “What do I have to do with it?”

  “You raised him to be as exceptional as you are.”

  “She’s right,” Ellen chimed in.

  Trace had rarely seen his father blush. He was glad his dad had come over tonight. Cassie had never needed reassurance more. When they were ready to leave she said, “Ellen? Take one of those jars of raspberry jam home with you. Trace made it.”

  “He did?”

  “She told me what to do,” Trace explained. “It all sold at the White Lodge fair, but I held a few jars back for us.”

  “We’re both impressed.” Sam gave Cassie a kiss on the cheek. After hugging Trace, they left. He could tell their visit had relaxed her.

  “What can I do for you?” he asked after shutting the door.

  “You and Dusty can watch football to your heart’s content while I go to bed.” She got up from the couch with some difficulty. “Your dad and Ellen are the greatest. See you in the morning.”

  He didn’t try to detain her. Trace could tell she was tired. Hopefully she’d fall right to sleep and not brood over her condition.

  Chapter Ten

  The next afternoon Cassie lay on the couch watching TV. She’d worn a robe over her nightgown because she was more comfortable like that at this stage in her pregnancy. Dusty suddenly sprang from the floor where he’d been lying in front of her and flew out of the living room, barking so loudly it startled her. She sat up as carefully as she could.

  When he came back, he headed straight for the front door and wouldn’t stop barking.

  “What is it, Dusty?” For the dog to go investigate meant someone had been walking around the outside of the house. Trace had driven over to Connor’s and said he’d be right back. Dusty would never react like that if it were Trace returning in the truck. She would have heard the engine.

  The dog darted from the door to the front window. His front paws rested on the window sill. His bark had turned into a primitive growl, his tail high in the air. It caused the hairs to lift on the back of her neck. She shut off the TV with the remote.

  Someone had been prowling around that Dusty didn’t recognize. Cassie hadn’t heard the bell or a knock. Whoever it was had started rapping on the big window, obviously enjoying baiting the dog. She got to her swollen feet.

  When she padded over to the window to look out, she got the fright of her life. A man stood there on the front porch in front of the window, pressing his face against the glass. Though his features were distorted, she’d know him anywhere.

  Ned.

  Her body started trembling with fear and wouldn’t stop. Any meds he’d been on either weren’t working, or he hadn’t taken them. His manic side was in full evidence. She moved away from the window and flattened her back against the wall where he could no longer see her. Dusty stayed on point, growling with menace.

  Fear caused her body to break out in a cold sweat.

  Come home, Trace. Please, God.

  “I already saw you through the window, Cassie. Don’t you know you can’t hide from me?” he taunted. “Especially when you’re fat as a French hen with that bastard’s baby.”

  Knowing he was out there made her physically ill. “What are you doing here?” she called to him, praying not to show how terrified she was. Her cell phone was on the end table, a couple of yards away. If she lunged for it, he would see her.

  “That’s a fine way to speak to your brother. Not even a hello after all this time?”

  “Go away, Ned. You’re not welcome here.”

  “It’s no sin to come and see my sister, is it?” Suddenly he was trying to open the front door. He kept it up, trying to force his way in with the strength of his body. Snarling, Dusty dashed to the door and barked his head off. But neither of them would be a match for her brother, who was like an animal gone berserk. There was no reasoning with him.

  She hurried over to the table and grabbed the phone to call Trace. Her fingers shook, making it difficult to press the digit. Answer it! But it went to his voice mail.

  “Help, Trace—Ned’s here! He’s trying to break in!”

  Ned was at the window again and could see her. “I know what you’re doing, little sister. But there’s no Logan to help you now. I should have gotten rid of him before you disgraced our family with his kid.”

  So he had killed Logan!

  “Now it’s time to get rid of you.”

  Her brother was in a full rage. Cassie had the sure knowledge that he was going to kill her, too. Forgetting she was pregnant, she ran over to the fireplace. She had to stretch to take the rifle from the rack. Trace didn’t keep it loaded. The ammunition was in the drawer of the credenza, but Ned didn’t know that. It could buy her some time until Trace got here.

  The dog kept up his blood-curdling growl until she heard glass shatter, then a yelp. Ned had used the end of a shotgun to break the pane.

  “Dusty!”

  Her brother pushed out the rest of the glass before climbing inside the living room. He stepped over the dog who lay moaning in pain and lifted the shotgun to his shoulder. Out of self-preservation she dropped to the floor with Trace’s rifle and turned on her side away from him.

  Not my baby. Not my baby.

  She shuddered in horror as Ned walked around so he was facing her with those soulless eyes glittering down at her. “You have no idea how many years I’ve wanted to do this.” He pointed the shotgun straight at her. “The perfect sister who always did everything right. The popular one. But you made a big mistake when you married Logan.”

  Somehow she found the strength to send the rifle hurtling against his knee caps.

  He let out a groan. “Damn if you aren’t a regular little hellcat. Let’s see if you like the way this feels.” Turning the butt end of the shotgun around, he moved toward her with only one intention. To smash her and her unborn baby to pulp. She got up from the floor and ran screaming Trace’s name at the top of her lungs.

  “I’m here!” came the beloved voice.

  Trace had come in through the front door. He swept her into his arms and rocked her close to him. “You’re safe now, sweetheart.”

  She could hear her cousins’ voices mingled with Ned’s threats in the background, but nothing mattered because Trace had come for her. “I’m getting you to the hospital right now.” He carried her out of the house to his Explorer parked in front.

  “Thank God you came when you did,” she said after he’d settled her in the front seat. “I think I’ve hurt the baby.”

  “You’re going to be fine. Dr. Raynard is meeting us there.”

  Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Ned admitt
ed he killed Logan.”

  “He’s not ever going to hurt anyone again. The camera videotape will have caught him climbing the porch steps with the shotgun. It will provide the positive proof Zane has been looking for. He and your cousins are taking care of Ned right now.”

  She shook her head. “To think my only brother is so mentally ill. I’m having a hard time conceiving it. I wonder what my parents are going to think now,” she half moaned.

  “Cassie—your mother called Connor and told him Ned sneaked out of the house. He’s been refusing to take his medication. Your dad went to look for him. She was worried sick for you and begged everyone to find Ned and stop him before he reached you.”

  “Mother did that?”

  “Yes. We have her to thank that we got to my ranch in time to save you.”

  “I—I can’t believe it.”

  “Believe it, Cassie. She loves you and is devastated by what has been going on all these years. Now that Ned is going to be taken care of, she can concentrate on loving and helping you.”

  “I want that more than anything.” She wiped her eyes. “What about Dusty? I’m afraid the glass really hurt him.”

  “He’ll be all right after Dad takes a look at him. Hang on, Cassie. We’re almost there.”

  “Because it’s you, I’ll hang on for as long as it takes.”

  She felt him grasp her hand and hold it the rest of the way.

  * * *

  TWENTY-FOUR HOURS LATER the nurse wheeled Cassie down the hall to the NICU. Trace’s tall, hard-muscled physique was waiting inside the unit. He’d been gowned, gloved and masked. So much love poured out of her, there were no words to describe how she felt about him at this point.

  Dr. Raynard had done a Cesarean after she’d reached the hospital. Cassie’s baby weighed in at four pounds, elating her and the doctor. The pediatrician proclaimed her in excellent health considering her early arrival.

  Cassie had started to pump her breast milk. They fed it to the baby through a tube in her mouth. The incubator kept her warm. Both Trace and Cassie could reach in the holes to hold the baby’s little fingers and talk to her.

  Beneath his black hair and brows, Trace’s eyes were a brilliant blue above the face mask he wore. “She’s so tiny and perfect. With her fine blond hair, she looks a lot like you, Cassie.”