“So tell me, why did you advertise for a wife? Why not just marry one of those bimbos you used to have hanging off of your arm?” He wasn’t used to pulling punches with his brothers and he wasn’t going to start now. Evan leaned against the fireplace mantel and looked at his brother reclining on the couch with his Aussie bride resting against his chest.
“That’s why. They were only out for what they could get and that didn’t appeal to me at all. I wanted a down-to-earth girl who wasn’t scared to get her hands dirty and loved the ranch life. All those girls ever wanted was the high life.” He ruffled his wife’s hair. “How was I to know a ‘jillaroo’ from down under would be the one who snagged my interest before laying claim to my heart?”
“That is so sweet. True love, you can’t beat it.” Denver clapped her hands to her cheeks and smiled. “Who would have guessed that it wasn’t love that brought you two together? You look perfect for each other.”
Chance burst out laughing. “We’re real cozy-like, you can believe that. Speaking of cozy, just wait until you catch up with Rory and his new lady. He’ll be here for dinner.”
“Where’s he living, in town?”
“Nope, bought a ranch that backs onto this one. Needed renovating so they stayed with us for a while until the place was livable and now they’re getting settled on their own. You can ride up over the back pasture and down the hill to their place if you have a mind to. Easier to get to it through town though, and eventually we’ll put in a road to save them the round trip. Be handy too if we get snowed in or flooded out.”
“It must be nice having everyone living so close.” Denver stood up and walked over to the window, looking out at the mountains.
“But you have a brother, Denver.” Her shoulders stiffened and her head dropped. What have I said wrong? He glanced at his brother and received a shrug for his effort.
“Sorry, let’s change the subject. So Tyson, how’s he doing?”
“Still as nosy as ever if that’s what you’re asking.” Callie laughed and slapped her hand on her denim-clad leg. “You should have seen his face when he found out I was a mail-order bride. Poor guy just about had a fit and then when Rory showed up here with Gina and Fisher, holy cow, it was hilarious.”
“What? Gina and Rory? You’re kidding me, right? Please tell me he didn’t place an ad too?” Evan stood stunned, his mouth hanging open in shock. Who did that these days? Surely that went out of fashion along with stagecoaches and highway bandits.
Chance and Callie roared with laughter, their bodies a tangle of arms and legs as they gave way to their hilarious mood. Evan glanced at Denver standing by the window. She watched the scene on the couch with a slightly raised eyebrow and a twitch of a smile on her lips.
I don’t get it? What did I say wrong? He walked over and placed his hands around her waist. “I’m sorry if that is a touchy subject. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She leaned her forehead against his. “It’s not your fault. You don’t know the story. I’ll tell you one day when we have nothing nice happening. Don’t want to spoil the mood.”
Right. “These two are crazy. This is a side of Chance I haven’t seen before. He was always the strong silent type, never had much time for horsing around. Always kept his eye on the prize, I guess.”
“Looks like that’s one marriage that seems to be working well then. I could really go for a coffee. I can make it if you want to show me where everything is?”
“Sure.” He led her from the room, leaving his brother and wife cuddling on the couch. At the back door, Callie’s dog stood looking inside at the visitors, her head tilted to one side as they moved around the room.
He showed Denver the coffee machine and watched her pottering around the kitchen. Such a homely scene and not one I really had Denver in when I pictured my life in my head. I wonder if she would be happy with the kind of life I want. His heart beat ratcheted up a notch when she looked his way and broke into a smile. “What?”
“Nothing. I’m just watching you. Something about the very capable Dr. Sinclair standing in the kitchen got me to thinking.”
She passed him a mug of coffee and leaned on the counter, watching him. “Tell me.”
“I can’t believe you finally agreed to go out with me and coming here, well, that blows my mind.”
“I don’t see why, Evan. As you said, we’ve known each other for ages. I have this thing about dating people I work with and I guess you’ve worn me down over time. I do hope you aren’t regretting inviting me.”
“No. No way. I’m still thanking my lucky stars you agreed to come.”
Callie walked into the room and stood looking at her dog, whining now at the door.
“Let her in, don’t worry about me. I’ll stand behind Evan if she comes too close.” Denver gave her a wobbly smile. “It’s silly of me, I know. But this is your house and if she usually comes inside, please don’t stop her on my account.”
Chance walked in and leaned on the counter watching them as Callie let Sherbet inside and made her sit by the door. Eventually the dog started to make her move. She slid along on her belly looking for all the world that she wasn’t doing anything. She stopped when she got to within a couple of feet of Denver, staring up at her.
“Okay, that’s far enough, girl. Let me have a coffee and then we can think about dinner.” Callie opened the cupboard and took out a mug for herself.
“Gina said she’d deal with dinner since it’s such a chore for you. She called earlier while you were out riding the fence line.” Chance grabbed a coffee and sipped it black and hot.
“Thank goodness. I love that girl.” She placed a hand on her forehead and sighed dramatically. “That way I can play with Fisher and not have to worry about burning the food.”
“Hang on a minute. Now you two’ve had your fun with me, don’t you think you should fill me in on what happened with Rory? Like the little comment about him doing the same as you, placing an ad.” Evan sipped his coffee and waited to learn the truth about his brother’s marriage.
“He’ll probably tell you anyway, so the short story—he saw how happy we were and decided it was time to get hitched again and wrote an ad. Only thing is, he didn’t know she had a little boy and now he has a ready-made family. Kid’s the cutest thing out. You’ll see soon.” He gazed at his wife and winked. “Made this woman clucky as all heck. Not that I’m complaining, mind you.”
*
Denver knew her cheeks were going red and turned away.
“I think we’re embarrassing her, Chance.” Callie laughed. “Sorry, Denver. You’ll get used to us. I promise we’re not really that bad. Just still very much in love, hey cowboy?”
Chance grunted as a car door slammed outside in the driveway.
“They’re here.” Callie put down her coffee, ran to the door, and hurried out onto the porch. Denver followed and watched as she opened the rear door of the truck. Callie reached inside to bring out a little boy. He wore denim overalls and a checkered red and white shirt with little red sneakers.
“Isn’t he just the cutest thing ever?” Callie walked back inside with him on her hip. “Fisher, this is Denver. Say hi.”
Denver looked into his big blue eyes and her heart melted just a little bit. She wanted children one day, she really did. But not until she’d made it to the top of her profession and proved to her father she was capable of being more than the society woman he wanted her to be. She brushed the thought aside and gave her attention to the woman walking inside with a covered dish and a big bag slung over her shoulder.
“Let me help you.” Denver reached for the dish, took it, and placed it on the countertop.
“Thanks. That was heavier than I thought. Rory tells me I always try to take too many things at once, but who can help it? Saves going back to the truck again and again.”
“I know what you mean. I’m the same with my groceries.” She held out her hand. “I’m Denver. I came with Evan. I do hope you don’t mind a stranger
at your wedding.”
“Pfft. Not likely. It’s wonderful to see you and Evan. Chance told me he was bringing a date. I’m very pleased to meet you. I guess you’ve met the little guy here.” She tweaked his cheek and he turned into his auntie’s neck, his stubby little fingers clenching at her shirt.
“He is pretty cute.”
“I told Denver you wouldn’t mind her coming to the wedding but she’s fussing over it.” Callie blew a raspberry on Fisher’s neck and he burst into giggles.
Gina rolled her eyes. “I haven’t even met Evan yet so I wouldn’t worry about that. The more the merrier, in my mind.” She opened the bag, brought out a bottle of wine, and placed it in the fridge to chill. “I made coleslaw and have bread rolls too. I’m guessing you have potatoes in the pantry, Callie?”
“Sure do. Help yourself while I get my dose of loving here from Fisher. I’ve missed you, little man, since you left us.”
“I hear you’ve only just moved into your own house almost next door, Gina.” Denver watched as she worked in the kitchen with the ease of someone who was at peace in their surroundings.
“Yes, the other day. I’m so happy with how it all turned out. Rory was lucky with the builders, I tell you. They did everything we wanted and so fast, too. I couldn’t believe it. All the inside is done now, they just have to finish off outside and it’ll be perfect.” She placed a handful of potatoes in the sink and started to scrub them clean. “You’ll have to come and have a look. Callie can bring you over if Evan is busy. Come for coffee.”
“Oh, well, thank you. I’d like that.” She was lost for words. These ladies were incredibly friendly and Denver wasn’t used to that.
“Doggy.” Fisher turned and leaned down, almost wriggling out of Callie’s arms in his attempt to get to Sherbet, his squeals of delight making Denver wonder why she was so afraid of the animal when she arrived earlier.
Callie exchanged glances with Gina and a smile touched her lips. “How long have you known Evan?”
Here we go, the inquisition starts. “About two years I guess, maybe slightly longer than that.”
“How long have you been dating?” The Australian girl had no qualms about diving in and asking her questions, it seemed. She wondered if that was a trait from her country.
“Not that long technically. We work together so we see each other every day.”
“Uh huh.”
Chapter Six
“Rory, you old dog. Congratulations, Brother.” Evan slapped him on the back and then went in for a decent hug.
“Thanks. She’s a wonderful woman; we’re very happy.” Rory looked over his brother’s shoulder into the house. “I see you have someone with you. About time isn’t it?” He tipped his hat back on his head and eyed off Evan.
“You have no idea how long I’ve tried to get this woman to go out with me. We work together at the hospital.” He glanced in the window and saw her happily chatting with the girls. Seemed she fit in well, thankfully.
“So, how did you do with the job you were after?” Chance leaned on the hood of the truck and gazed at him.
“Uh, I missed out. Seems I’m not really admin material.” His lips turned down as he thought about the interview. “I care more about my patients than I do about the running of the hospital and profit lines to be of much use to them apparently.” He chortled. “Denver loves that kind of stuff though which I find rather amusing. You wouldn’t think so to look at her.”
“What are you going to do then? Sign on for another twelve months, or are you looking for a change?” Rory lifted his foot and rested it on the wheel of the truck, watching him.
“Not sure. I have to make up my mind sooner or later though. The hospital wants to know if I’m going to give them another contract or not. I’ve got to sort it out this week either way.” He glanced up at the mountains behind the house. “I’d forgotten just how beautiful this place is. Kind of miss it, being in the city.” He took a deep breath of the air. “Smells cleaner and fresher, too. I like it.”
“Well, move back here then.”
He looked at his oldest brother. “Not quite that easy. As much as I’m going to enjoy getting on a horse and chasing your cows this week, I doubt you’ll pay me to stay here and do that.”
“You know you’re more than welcome. I was thinking of a doctor’s office in town. They reckon they’re going to close it down due to lack of interest. Old Doc Hennessey’s been trying to bring in a new doctor, but since they pay more at the hospital, that’s where the good ones end up at, working in various departments including emergency.”
Rory nodded his head. “Which I don’t think is a problem if you don’t mind being a number and waiting your turn. Lots of people would rather get to know their doctor and be treated by the same person every time. That’s just my opinion.”
“And, since you’ve already done your time proving yourself in the city, why not take advantage of decent hours for a change? Surely you don’t want to kill yourself with shift work for the rest of your life.”
Evan looked between the two of them, his mind ticking over. Did he want to go into private practice and get away from trauma medicine? Professionally it would be a step down the ladder but still, the idea was tempting. The big city had lost its charm and appeal now that he was standing outside looking at the view with which he grew up. He hadn’t realized how much he missed being home. Could he come back for good? Would he be happy being in family medicine instead of an emergency room? It bore thinking about and, since he was here, he may as well check it out. “I’ll think about it. Might go into town and take a look. Cute kid, Rory.”
“He is, isn’t he? Had a bit of trouble with his grandparents. Luckily that’s sorted now thank goodness. We can move on with our lives. Tell me about your lady.”
“‘My lady’… That sounds pretty good actually. We work together and get on pretty well. Her father is the big boss at the hospital.”
“And she couldn’t help you with a leg in, then?” Chance shook his head. “Missed a golden opportunity there.”
“It’s not like that. I have the feeling that she doesn’t like to use that connection herself. She works so darned hard, doing extra shifts. Almost like she has to prove she’s good enough without falling back on Daddy.”
“Fair enough.” Chance slapped him on the back. “Let’s go and see how the girls are doing. See if they need a hand with anything.”
“Before we do that, I have a question to ask you.” He gritted his teeth and looked at Chance. “It’s about Dad. Are you guys talking yet, or is this going to be awkward?” He ignored the intake of breath from Rory and kept his gaze on his oldest brother.
“Silly old fool.” Chance kicked at the dirt before looking back up. “Insists on helping me out at the ranch. Reckons it’s the least he can do since I took over for him when Mom died and kept you kids from all going feral.”
Rory sniggered and covered it with a cough when Chance growled. “Claims I still need to rest my hip after breaking it. He’s nothing but a meddling old woman if you ask me.”
“I wasn’t, so that just about covers it I think.” Evan glanced at Rory and they shared a quick grin. “It’s good to see you back home, Rory.”
“About time too. Don’t see the point of you working somewhere else either when you can do the same job in town here.” Chance stared at Rory, although the look Evan saw wasn’t admonishment for working away from home; it was one of contentment now that his brother was back. This is what I miss, being around my brothers. Working back here could be a good thing.
“You know, Chance, I seem to recall Dad saying something similar when you said you were off to Canada to ride bulls.” Evan heard the beginnings of a laugh from the porch and looked up. Callie stood with Fisher on her hip, glancing at her husband. The smile on her face was directed at Chance.
“Oh baby, are these big bad brothers of yours picking on you? I can bash them up if you want me to.”
*
Denver
walked out to stand beside the Australian girl, feeling herself gravitate toward the larger-than-life, personality-filled character. She’d regaled the incident when the bull almost killed Chance, leaving the door wide open for Tyson to have a go at her. Callie didn’t seem to be scared of doing or saying anything, including ribbing her husband in front of his brothers.
Chance ignored the ribbing of his brothers and advanced on his wife. He reached out a hand to hold Fisher’s outreached fingers and slid one hand around Callie’s back, firmly gripping her butt.
“I’ll hold the baby while you whip some ass,” he whispered in her ear loud enough for Denver to hear. He winked at her over his wife’s shoulder. “Guessing they’ll be pretty safe considering there’s another doctor in the house.”
“I don’t know about that.” Denver stepped forward and raised an eyebrow at the two men. “I don’t fix stupid if I can help it. Might pay them to be nice instead.”
“Oh come on, this is how we are. Not sure I’d go so far as to call us stupid.” Evan clenched his fists dramatically. “We always settle out arguments like this, only Chance has never hidden behind a girl before. That’s a new development.”
“And ain’t she a pretty one too?” Chance winked at his brothers and then kissed his wife.
“How about instead you take me for a quick walk and show me some of the ranch before it gets dark? Then I won’t have to fix anyone’s bloodied faces and life will be peaceful, which is what it should be like considering we came here for a wedding.” Denver reached out her hand to Evan, keen to go and see the ranch and stay off the testosterone-filled moment.
“Sure.” Evan stepped over to Denver and wound his fingers with hers. “I could take you down to the barn and show you the horses if you like. If it’s nice tomorrow, we could go for a ride. Show you more that way.”
Denver ignored the look between Chance and Callie. “I like that idea of a ride tomorrow and a walk for now would be nice. After that long drive, a leg stretch would be very welcome.” And give us a chance to talk without your family listening in.
The Doctor's Husband (The Watson Brothers #3) Page 4