She finally sat down. “I don’t know what there is to say, Kase. It’s been ten years.”
“Okay, I’ll say it. I was an arrogant kid who thought he knew everything. I didn’t care who I hurt, my dad or you.”
She felt tears burning her eyes. “Yeah, you hurt me. I was a teenage girl in love. That last weekend you were home from college, I thought I did something bad, especially since...”
“Since we had sex,” he finished for her.
She nodded. She hadn’t given in to their passion while they were both in high school. “When you went off to college, I felt you slipping away from me.” His hand took hers. “I thought if I gave you what you wanted, it would keep you close to me.”
“Then weeks later back at school, I told you I didn’t want us to be a couple anymore.”
She released a shaky breath and nodded. Why did it still hurt so much? “I was eighteen, and you were my life.”
“I’m sorry, Laurel.” He squeezed her hand. “Will you let me tell you something?”
The spring evening was cool and she felt a shiver go through her. She stole a glance at him in the night shadows. He wasn’t looking at her, but off into the distance.
“I was nineteen, and all I wanted was to leave this small town. The last thing I wanted was to be a rancher. My feelings for you were the one thing that could keep me from my dream.”
“But I’d never do that,” she insisted. She wanted him to have everything he desired.
“I know, but you still distracted me, and I needed all my focus on college. You’ll never know how hard it was to give you up, especially after we made love that day.” He cradled her hand in both of his. “It was my first time, too.”
She knew that and cherished that memory.
“We kind of fumbled through the learning process together.” He sighed as if remembering. “That day meant a lot to me.”
“I’m glad,” she told him honestly.
“What I want you to know is that I didn’t want to break up with you. But after I got back to college, I realized that if I wanted to maintain my grades, I couldn’t keep coming home every weekend.” His thumb rubbed gently against her palm. “We were both too young to be serious. I thought I did the right thing.”
“I know that now,” she told him. “And you probably tried to tell me that back then, I just wouldn’t listen.” She released a long breath. “But that didn’t help my hurt.”
The long silence was deafening, then Kase said, “Whether you believe me or not, I wanted to call you so many times. I wanted to tell you I made a mistake and beg you to take me back.” His gaze met hers. “I missed you so damn much, Laurel.”
She would have taken him back in a second. She looked away. “No, you were right, you would have never finished school, let alone law school. You have to be proud of what you accomplished.”
Kase shrugged. “Some things, yes. I thought that making a lot of money meant success. By the time I realized I was wrong, I couldn’t lose the biggest joy in my life, Addy. Ben’s playing hardball, Laurel, and he might take her from me.”
Laurel squeezed his hand and leaned her head on his shoulder. “He won’t, Kase. We’ll do whatever it takes. You’re a good father, and no one will separate you from your daughter.” She prayed to God she spoke the truth.
“I love your optimism.” He brushed a kiss across her mouth, then stood and tugged at her hand. “Come on, let’s go to bed.”
She froze, then realized she would love nothing more than to accept his invitation. Together they walked through the quiet house. Gus was in his room downstairs, watching television. Kase stopped by to say good-night. They talked a few minutes, then he closed the door and came back to her.
They climbed the stairs in silence until they reached the second floor and came to Addy’s room. Kase opened the door and was met with a soft glow from the night-light, illuminating his way to the bed where his daughter slept.
He sat down on the mattress and leaned over to kiss her. “Good night, sweetheart,” he whispered as Laurel watched from the doorway.
“Daddy...” The child’s sleepy voice was hoarse. “You came home.”
“Of course I did. I’d never leave my little girl.”
Laurel blinked back tears watching Kase cradle his daughter in his arms. No, Ben Chappell, you’re not separating these two. Somehow, a judge had to see they belonged together.
Kase stood and came to the door. “’Night, Addy. Go back to sleep and I’ll see you in the morning.”
He quietly closed the door and turned to Laurel. “Thank you for taking such great care of my daughter.”
“There’s no thanks needed. Addy is a joy. We had a wonderful time.”
He reached for her and wrapped her in his arms. “She still had to be a handful.” He yawned. “I’m sorry, it’s just I’m dead on my feet.”
“Then go to bed.” Suddenly Laurel felt awkward. “Let me just get my things out of your room. I thought I should be close to Addy, so I slept next door. I should head home.” She started to walk away, but he pulled her back.
“It’s too late to leave, Laurel. I’ll sleep in Dad’s room.” He nodded toward the empty master bedroom. A smile appeared across his face. “I like knowing you were in my bed. Even if I can’t be there with you.” He leaned down and kissed her long and deep, then when he finally broke it off, she gasped for air. “Good night, Laurel.” He turned and walked away.
She sagged against the wall, biting her lip to keep from calling him back. Once she was somewhat recovered from Kase’s loving assault, she managed to get to her bedroom and close the door. If she continued to be involved in Kase’s life, it wouldn’t be long before something happened between them. Was she ready for that? Was she ready to possibly get her heart broken? She thought about Kase’s custody hearing, knowing he could leave her and go back to Denver. If he asked her to go with them, would she go, too? That was the big question.
* * *
THE NEXT MORNING at the breakfast table, Kase watched Laurel and Addy together. Their interaction made his heart swell. His daughter had come a long way in the past few months, especially since having Laurel in her life. After his confession last night, he wasn’t so sure he was worthy of her. Whoa, don’t get ahead of yourself. He needed to get through this court hearing first, and the request from the judge.
He couldn’t hold off any longer. “Addy, I need to talk to you about something.”
He glanced at his father, then at Laurel before his attention went back to the tiny four-year-old. “I have to go back to Denver.”
Addy’s smile disappeared. “No, I want you to stay here. Papa Gus can walk again, and he’s going to watch me ride the pony. You promised you would, too.”
He hated that he had to do this to her. “And I will, honey, but remember I told you that Grandpa Ben and Grandma Judith miss you.” He knew that was a lie. “They want you to come visit them.”
Addy’s blue eyes rounded. “Are you going to give me back?”
Kase felt his chest tighten. Oh, God. How could she even think that? Kase stood and pulled his daughter into his arms, then sat back down in his chair. “Oh, no, sweetheart. I’m never giving you back.” He hugged her small body, his voice rough with emotion. “I love you very much and that will never change. And no one is ever taking you away from me.”
“I love you, too, Daddy.” She looked up at him as tears filled her eyes. “I don’t want to leave you, or Papa Gus, or Laurel.”
This was the part that tore at him. “When I go back to Denver at the end of the week, you need to come with me to see your grandparents.” He rushed on to say, “Mary Beth will be there, too, so you can spend the night with them.” He knew she liked her nanny.
Addy looked thoughtful. “Okay, but I want Laurel to go, too.” She turned to Laurel. “Pl
ease go with us, Laurel, so I won’t be scared.”
Laurel’s gaze went to Kase. He nodded, praying she’d help out.
“Of course I’ll go with you,” she said.
Addy looked at her grandpa. “And Papa Gus?”
Gus shook his head. “Can’t make this trip, pumpkin. Someone needs to look after the horses.” He stood and took hold of his cane. “Now that I can get around, I think I’ll head out to the barn. But you three make your plans. It’s about time I handle things around here,” he mumbled as he grabbed his cowboy hat off the hook and limped out the door.
Laurel spoke up. “Addy, while you’re in Denver, maybe your daddy will take you to the zoo or the aquarium. There’s a butterfly pavilion, too.”
Addy swung around to look at him. “Daddy, I want to go there and pet butterflies.”
He smiled. “I don’t know if you can pet them, but I’ll gladly take you there.” He looked at Laurel. He shouldn’t, but he wanted to spend time with her, too. “Then it’s a date with my girls.”
* * *
TWO DAYS LATER, barely dawn, Laurel was in her apartment, finishing her packing for the trip to Denver.
Laurel glanced at her mother. “So you think this is a bad idea?”
Diane shrugged. “You’re an adult, Laurel. This is your decision. I’m only worried because you’re already attached to Addy.” She smiled. “That precious little girl has stolen all our hearts.”
Laurel continued to put folded clothes in her suitcase. She wasn’t even sure what to bring. Outside of her office attire, she didn’t own much beyond jeans.
She stopped and looked at her mother. “You haven’t said much about Kase.”
“I’ve always liked him, but of course, your father and I were both upset when he hurt you so badly. You were only kids then, but I still don’t want to see it happen again.”
“So you think I’m being foolish for going to Denver?”
“I’m only saying, you and Kase are both vulnerable right now. He could lose his daughter.” Her mother didn’t hide her concern. “I can’t believe a judge would take her away from her father.”
“That’s why he needs my support.”
Her mother smiled. “I hope he knows how lucky he is to have you.”
Laurel zipped up her suitcase and set it on the floor. “Oh, I’m sure if you get the chance, you’ll tell him.”
“What’s a mother for?”
They both laughed, then hugged before Diane started for the door. Outside Laurel saw Chet coming up the stairs. “Hello, Diane, Laurel.”
“Hi, Chet,” her mother said. “It’s nice to see you again. You haven’t been up to the house for supper lately.”
“Laurel’s been keeping me pretty busy. But I’ll take an invitation anytime.”
“How about Wednesday? Are you free?”
“For your cooking, I’ll make sure.”
Chet grinned, sending her mother off happy.
“You are such a charmer.” Laurel laughed. “I’m surprised you aren’t beating the ladies off with a stick.”
The good-looking foreman’s gaze met hers. “Because someone already has my heart.”
Laurel had heard stories but never questioned Chet about his private life. “You need me for something before I leave?”
“Nope, got everything under control.” He held out a padded envelope. “This came for you, and I signed for it.”
She took the envelope just as Chet’s cell phone rang. He looked at the caller ID. “Sorry, I got to take this.” He waved and walked off.
Laurel examined the envelope as she walked back upstairs to the apartment. The return address was a PO box in Denver. She still had no idea who sent it. She tore open the letter and pulled out a bulky folded paper. She gasped as numerous one-hundred-dollar bills fluttered to the floor.
“What in the world?”
She looked at the paper, trying to find an explanation. All that was written was “I hope this helps.” That was it? No signature to tell her who sent this money? She quickly gathered up the cash and counted the bills, and the sum startled her. Five thousand dollars!
“Who would send me this kind of money?” she murmured, then suddenly thought of Jack. Was he finally feeling guilty about running off, hoping that this money would stop her father and Trent from prosecuting the theft? She heard her mother’s voice from the bottom of the stairs.
“Laurel, Kase just pulled in.”
She quickly stuck the money and letter back into the envelope. This wasn’t what she needed right now.
Chapter Ten
“Has she finally conked out?” Kase asked, keeping his eyes on the road.
Laurel glanced to the back of the SUV to see Addy sound asleep in her safety seat. “Finally.” She faced the front again. “I give her maybe thirty minutes until she’s wide-awake again.”
“I’ll take it.” Kase grinned as he drove east along Interstate 70 headed toward Denver. “I’ll take any amount for a few minutes of peace and quiet.” He reached across the console and took hold of her hand. “So hurry up and let’s have some adult conversation. Anything that doesn’t involve naming baby dolls, or a discussion about those little yellow characters from her favorite movie.”
Laurel swatted at his arm. “Stop it. Addy isn’t that bad. And there’s nothing wrong with playing with baby dolls.”
“Just not 24/7.” He glanced at her and smiled. “Now that I have your undivided attention, tell me what’s got you so distracted.”
He noticed? She thought of the envelope of money hidden in her dresser drawer back at the apartment. Here was her opportunity to tell Kase, but she couldn’t. He had too much on his mind without having to deal with her troubles.
“It’s nothing,” she denied. “I’m just a little tired.”
He squeezed her hand. “Are you having second thoughts about coming with us?”
Second, third and fourth doubts.
Before she could answer, he quickly added, “Dammit, Laurel, I didn’t want you to feel pressured to come with us.”
“I don’t,” she emphasized. “I wanted to come to help Addy through this.” What she wasn’t sure about was spending so much alone time with Kase. She could get her heart broken again.
She forced a smile, trying not to think about the sensation he created as his thumb brushed over the back of her hand. “I was actually thinking about Ruby’s training. Since the mare’s been doing so well, her owner wants me to ride her in the RMRHA Summer Slide.”
“The reining futurity, right?”
She nodded. “I’m just not sure it’s the right time.”
He turned and gave her that familiar sexy grin that had first melted her teenage heart. “I recall you used to kill it when you entered the cutting competitions.”
She shrugged. “Reining is a whole different world for me, Kase. I’m not sure if I’m ready.”
“You were born ready, Laurel. I’ve never known anyone who can get a horse to perform like you. If Ruby’s owner thinks you’re good enough, why not give it a try?”
“There’s just been a lot of distractions, and I haven’t put in the time I’ve wanted to.”
Kase glanced from the road to her. “That’s because we’ve been taking too much of your time.”
“I’ve loved helping out. But remember I’ve also been working three mornings a week in the accounting office. I’ve had to rely a lot on Chet to help with the training, and added to that I haven’t competed in a while, and never in the reining arena.”
He laced his fingers through hers. “I understand, but I still feel you should seriously think about it. And I’ll do whatever I can to help you. How much time before the futurity?”
He was distracting her. “I have until mid-July to decide.”
Laurel’s chest tightened. Did that mean he was cutting Addy out of her life? “Would I at least get to see Addy occasionally?”
He frowned at her. “You can’t think that I meant... Of course, you can. I only meant that I won’t have to ask you to pick her up from school, and now that Dad is back on his feet, he can handle our horses.” He looked at her again. “How could you think I’d want you out of Addy’s life? Or mine?”
She shrugged, not wanting to get excited over his words. “You have a lot to deal with.” She looked in the backseat to see the child was still asleep. “You have to think about Addy, Kase. If something happened, you’d have to take her back to Denver...”
“Nothing is going to change, Laurel. The judge is going to award me custody, and Addy is coming home with me.”
She felt the tight grip on her hand, knowing that Kase wasn’t as confident as he sounded.
* * *
TWO HOURS LATER, the bellman escorted them through the double doors of the historic Brown Palace Hotel in downtown Denver. Holding back a gasp, Laurel paused as she looked around the huge atrium-style lobby.
The walls were painted cream and trimmed in a rich honey-colored wainscoting. She tilted her head back to look up at the incredible architecture, the grand archways and golden ornate railings, exposing the numerous floors overhead. In the center of the massive lobby was a sitting area with overstuffed furniture and tables adorned with fresh flowers. Behind it was the sweeping stairs leading up to each floor.
This country girl hadn’t seen anything like this, even when she went to visit Brooke and Coralee in Las Vegas this past year. She definitely needed to get off the ranch more often.
She felt a tug on her arm. “Laurel, isn’t it pretty?”
She glanced down at the child. “It’s very pretty. So are you.” They had somehow talked Addy into switching her usual jeans and boots for a pair of pink capris and a butterfly print blouse. Her blond curls were pulled back from her face with bright clips.
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