Yeah, right. Cool like a tempered blade of steel.
“He’ll be fine,” Garrett murmured from his other side.
Zeke turned his head and encountered an identical steeliness in Garrett’s eyes. Come to think of it, the Brotherhood had fallen completely silent. The joking had stopped and every man faced forward in readiness.
The lineup for the arrival of the field trip bus had been nothing like this. Easy camaraderie had dominated that moment.
This was a show of force.
“Here they come!” Claire broke ranks, hurried to the edge of the marked space and hopped up and down. Taking off her Stetson, she waved it back and forth as she called out to her grandparents.
Zeke closed the gap separating him from Jake and the right side of the line shifted to maintain unity.
His parents were an attractive couple, both fit and well-dressed. He used to be proud of that. Now, seeing them together with their matching leather carry-ons, his stomach pitched.
They were a lie perpetrated by the silver-haired man he now called Bud. His mother, still blonde thanks to a talented hairdresser, and youthful because of good genes and an exercise routine, was a victim.
She waved back to Claire and blew her kisses. Bud focused on the Brotherhood and a muscle worked in his jaw.
“He’s intimidated,” Jake said in a low voice. “Excellent.”
“Does he look any different to you?”
“Other than the white hair? Nope. Eleven years have barely touched the guy. Does he still put cream on his face every night?”
“Yessir.”
“Vain bastard.”
“Guess it works.”
“Or he’s made a deal with the devil. I prefer that theory.” Jake sucked in a breath and blew it out. “Your mom looks nice.”
“She is nice.” His throat tightened as she ran to Claire, crouched down and scooped her into a hug.
“Rips your heart out.”
“Yes, it does.” He cleared his throat. “I’d better go meet her.”
He walked toward his mother as Claire wiggled out of her grasp and raced to hug her grandfather. His mom stood and gazed at him, her smile wobbly.
“Hey, Mom.” He wrapped her in his arms and breathed in the perfume that had meant mom all his life. “Missed you.”
She swallowed. “Missed you, too. I know about Jake.”
He went still. “You do?”
“Your father told me a week ago, before we made the reservations.”
He drew back and searched her face. She had tears in her eyes, but her expression was resolute and surprisingly calm. “Are you okay?”
“I’ve always suspected he had a secret from his past. Something big he was keeping from me. It’s almost a relief to know what it was.”
A secret from his past. She had less than half the story. He’d tread carefully. “I’m glad he told you, but Claire thinks you don’t know.”
She glanced over her shoulder. Behind her, Bud had crouched so he was eye-level with Claire. Clearly they were having a heart-to-heart, with Claire nodding as he talked. “He’s telling her, now.”
“Well, then. That’ll make things easier on her.”
“And you. And Jake for that matter.”
“I suppose.”
“He realized the position he was putting you in.”
“He did?”
“Oh, yeah. It was a come-to-Jesus moment for your father.”
“Hm.” He doubted Bud had ever had such a moment or ever would.
“I was desperate to see you guys and it looked like you wouldn’t be coming to us. I even said I’d come by myself if he couldn’t make it. That’s when he told me.”
“I see.”
“He didn’t want to make you and Claire responsible for keeping this big secret from me.”
Zeke wasn’t about to give Bud that much credit. More likely he was afraid his wife would follow through on her threat to come alone and stumble upon the secret while she was here. He had to cover his ass before it was handed to him.
“Hello, son.” Bud had an adoring Claire tucked in close.
Couldn’t very well punch a guy who was holding a hostage. Not that Zeke would do that. Much as he’d love to. “Hey, Bud.” He gave him a quick, one-armed hug.
Bud’s silver eyebrows arched, but he didn’t comment on the use of his first name. “Guess we need to go meet this Brotherhood we’ve been hearing so much about.”
Zeke bristled. “The Brotherhood happens to be a—”
“Yeah!” Claire gave a little hop. “My uncles! Come on, Gramma and Grampa! They got all dressed up to meet you. Don’t they look awesome?”
His mom’s approving gaze swept over them. “They’re an impressive bunch, all right.”
“True, true.” Bud’s chuckle revealed a touch of nervousness. “Wouldn’t want to get on the bad side of those guys.”
Zeke allowed himself a grim smile. Too late, Bud.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Nell had invited Val back to her place to finish their lunch. The iced tea wasn’t cutting it and they’d just uncorked a bottle of wine when her phone played Head Over Boots.
“Who’s that?” Val pulled two wine glasses from the cupboard.
“Zeke.” She glanced at the time. “He can’t possibly be home from Great Falls yet.” She picked up. “Hey, there.”
“Hi. Listen, we’re all headed back to the ranch and we just asked the folks if they’re up for a barbeque at Henri’s tonight. They are, so it’s on. You’re invited and so’s Val. Teague and Ed will be there. They’ve offered to swing by and give you two a ride.”
“Uh, okay. Just a sec. Val’s right here. Let me check with her.” She put the phone on mute. “We’re both invited to a welcome barbeque for Zeke’s parents at Henri’s tonight. Teague and Ed will be coming and they’ve offered to give us a ride out to the ranch.”
Val’s eyes widened. “What the—”
“I can tell Zeke we’ve planned to see a movie tonight. We don’t have to go.”
“We don’t have to, but you should. These people could end up being your in-laws.”
“I doubt that. Zeke’s made it very clear we’re not on that trajectory.”
“Then Zeke’s not paying attention. You guys are in L.O.V.E. The happily-ever-after kind. Anybody can see that.”
Hello pot, meet kettle. “I’m not going if you’re not. Friends don’t leave friends who’ve just had a bad breakup.”
“Well, I don’t want you to stay home because of me. Besides, you know Claire wants us to meet her grandparents.”
“We could set up an alternate time.”
“Yeah, but this party is Claire’s big ta-da moment. We can’t have Zeke tell her we’d rather go to a movie.”
“Which leaves us with the ride offer. We can drive ourselves. That would help, right?”
“Yes, but the offer makes me think he hasn’t told his boss that we broke up. And I really, really like Ed. We get along like grits and gravy. I want to keep that relationship. Refusing the ride would be off-putting.” She took a deep breath. “We have to ride with them.”
“Okay.” She unmuted the phone and put it to her ear. “You still there?”
“I am. Thought you might’ve hung up on me.”
“No, I… it’s complicated. But yes, we’d both like to come and we’d appreciate a ride from Ed and Teague. Should we let them know or will you—”
“They told me to call if you weren’t coming for some reason. Since you are, nothing needs to be done. If you’d be willing to go over to Val’s, they’ll be at her house at five and they won’t have to make two stops.”
“I can do that.”
“See you soon.”
“Can’t wait.”
“Me, either.” He disconnected.
She put the phone on the kitchen counter. “They’ll pick us up from your house at five. What do you want to do between now and then?”
Val pushed the cork back in the bottle. “Go grab your
party duds and I’ll drive you to my place. We can spend a bunch of time on our hair and nails. I’ve been dying to try doing something special with that curly mop of yours.”
“All right, I’m game.” At least Val was acting like her old self again. Quite likely because she was about to interact with the man she claimed to hate. “But that won’t use up the time.”
“I know, but we… wait a minute. We’re not driving, are we? We have a lovely designated driver. I meant to say a ratfink designated driver. Anyway, while we’re getting ready, we can sip wine. That’ll drag out the process.”
“A little wine. I’m not arriving tipsy.”
“Me, either. But considering the circumstances, I’m not arriving sober, either.”
The drive to the Buckskin with Teague and Ed was surreal for Nell, especially because she had a slight buzz from the wine. Somehow she and Val had finished a bottle and their snacks hadn’t been robust enough to soak up the alcohol. Teague drove and Ed insisted Val had to sit in front. Ed and Nell took the roomy back seat.
The temperature in the front seat was several degrees below zero, but after two minutes, Nell forgot about the quarreling lovers. She was thoroughly entertained by Edna Jean Vidal, championship barrel racer. The woman was just plain fun—curious about Nell’s world and willing to share juicy tidbits about her own.
“We had the best time today,” she announced. “The Brotherhood should go gallivanting around more often so we can do more Buckskin Ranch takeovers.”
“They wouldn’t let me help, either.” Teague broke his self-imposed silence. “They said it was a women-only day.”
Val muttered something under her breath and glanced out the window.
“More specifically—” Ed looked over at Nell. “It was women-of-a-certain-age day. Except for Lucy, our token young’n. She’s our proof we’re not ageist.”
“So anybody can be a Babe?”
“Yes, but first we have to like them. Then they must be barrel-racers and either own, borrow or rent a buckskin. You interested? You’ve already passed the first test.”
“That’s great to know, but the other two requirements are beyond me for now.”
“I’m an excellent teacher, even better than my younger self.”
“I believe that.”
“I like being eighty-six. I used to lie about how old I am, but I quit doing that.”
“You could certainly get away with it,” Nell said. “You don’t look your age.”
“I know, but I went the other way. I told people I was a hundred and two.”
“Oh!” She grinned. “That must have been interesting.”
“It was. They’d fall all over themselves saying how amazing I looked for a hundred and two. But recently, folks have been nodding in agreement as if they believe me. Do I look a hundred and two?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Right answer. By the way, Val was saying a nine-year-old proposed to her. Has that happened to you?”
“Not yet.”
“Well, if it does, here’s my advice. Stay in touch with that youngster. Eventually it could work out. Younger men make terrific lovers.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Leaning closer, Ed lowered her voice. “I sense a disturbance in the Force.”
Nell clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. She should have stopped with one glass of wine.
“Don’t look so surprised,” Ed murmured. “I know all about Star Wars. I have connections in Tinsel Town.” She ducked a little lower, jabbed a thumb toward the front of the truck and mouthed the word issues while raising her eyebrows.
Nell ducked down, too, put her hand up to shield her mouth and murmured I’m not at liberty to say.
“Cut it out, you guys,” Val said. “I know you’re talking about us.”
Ed straightened. “Then here’s my question. Are you two on the outs?”
“No,” Teague said. “We’ve had a temporary misunderstanding.” He looked over at Val. “But we’ll work it out.”
Val gave him a sunny smile. “In due time.”
“I hope so.” Ed sighed. “You’re the first one he’s brought home I’ve liked.” Then she abandoned the subject and asked Nell what she thought about phonics.
That topic took up the rest of the drive while Teague and Val sat in silence, occasionally sending each other intense stares. Passion and fury looked similar, so Nell gave up trying to interpret what was going on.
Henri’s party continued the weird vibe. Claire was thrilled to see them and immediately dragged her grandparents over. Nell instantly liked Zeke’s mom and wanted to slap his genial, very good-looking dad.
When Zeke showed up, Val engaged Frannie and Bud in an animated discussion of line dancing, allowing Nell and Zeke to edge away from the group.
He took her arm and steered her over to a quiet corner of the yard. Stress showed in every line of his body. He kept his voice down. “Bud told my mom about Jake.”
“Bud?”
“My dad. I’d rather call him Bud.”
“He told her tonight?”
“No, last week, before they booked the cabin. She’d threatened to come alone if he couldn’t make it, so I think he got scared. If she came alone, she might uncover his entire scheme.”
Nell glanced around to make sure no one was listening. “Then she still doesn’t know he’s also married to Jake’s—”
“I’m sure he didn’t reveal that.” He drew her further away from the crowd. “If he had, the wheels would have come off the bus. Mom’s adjusting to the reality of Jake, but I’m positive she thinks Jake’s mother was out of the picture when they got married.”
“Oh, Zeke. It’s like a soap opera.”
“Don’t I know it. Mom’s still in Bud’s corner. Jake and I are ready to wring his neck. Meanwhile Claire…” He sighed. “I guess that’s the good news. Claire’s oblivious. She’s super excited to introduce all her new friends to her grandparents and that’s blinding her to any tension going on.”
Nell placed a hand on his chest. “Like yours? You’re tight as a drum.”
“I am.” He covered her hand with his. “But there’s another piece of good news. Mom’s asked Claire to stay overnight in their cabin while they’re here.”
“The whole time?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I hardly know what to say.”
He gave her a soft smile. “Think you’ll get tired of me?”
“No way.”
“Then I’ll drive you home tonight.”
“Awesome.”
“Gotta go. I’ll find you when the evening winds down.”
“Please do.” He rejoined his parents and she looked for Val and Teague. They’d migrated to opposite sides of the yard. Claire had brought CJ, Isabel and Cleo Marie into the limelight. Zeke’s mom lit up when she saw the baby, but his dad looked bored. What a piece of work.
“So, Nell, we meet at last.”
She turned in the direction of the voice and her gaze collided with warm blue eyes.
The woman was tall, with short gray hair in a stylish cut. “I’m Henri.” She held out her hand. “Claire’s been raving about you for months. I’m so glad you were able to come tonight.”
“I am, too. Thanks for inviting me.”
“Of course!” Henri lifted her champagne flute. “Can I get you one?”
“No, thanks.” She smiled. “I need to keep my wits about me tonight.”
“I understand.”
“And before I forget, thank you for allowing Zeke to use Prince for the riding lessons. Tatum, the girl riding him, loves him to death. She’s determined to become a barrel racer and have her own buckskin someday.”
“So I heard. I’ve tried to get there for one of the lessons, but something always comes up. Maybe next Monday.”
“At least the Lassiters will be gone.”
Henri looked their way. “Which will be a relief. What do you think?”
“She see
ms nice. Because of what I know, I couldn’t like him if I tried.”
“Same here. Poor Zeke. Jake, too. What a miserable situation for them.” She turned back to Nell. “I’m glad you and Zeke have become so close, though. I’m sure that helps him cope.”
“I like to think so.”
“You probably haven’t had time to think about my offer, but I—”
“Your offer?”
She blinked. “Zeke didn’t mention it? We talked yesterday, and I knew he was going over to your place after the meeting last night, so I thought by now… well, he’s had a lot on his mind.”
“That’s for sure. What was it?”
“Just a suggestion. I could rent one of the guest cabins to you at whatever rate you’re paying in town. The obvious disadvantage is the distance from your school.”
Her stomach bottomed out. “That’s very… generous.” Why hadn’t Zeke told her?
“Zeke said you loved being within walking distance from school, so you’ll probably want to think about it. Clearly it would allow you and Zeke to spend more time together. Claire would be over the moon.”
“Have you said anything to her?”
“Oh, no. That’s not my place. But she’s one of the reasons I’m offering. She adores you. And I adore Claire. She’s so excited that you and Zeke are seeing each other.”
“I can tell.” Nell struggled to breathe normally. “She’s such a romantic.”
“Yes, she is. Anyway, no pressure on this. The offer’s good indefinitely. Take your time deciding. Zeke seemed worried about that long commute, so—”
“That wouldn’t bother me.”
“No? That’s encouraging. Just let me know. Oh, and it would be a two-bedroom, in case…” She smiled. “I guess I’m a romantic, too.”
Someone called out for Henri and she turned. “I’d better go check on Ben. He’s manning the grill. We can talk more later.”
“You bet. And thank you.” Henri and Claire weren’t the only romantics around here. She hadn’t wanted to admit that she’d started dreaming of the fairytale ending, too.
But Zeke hadn’t relayed Henri’s offer last night. She could understand forgetting to play the ringtone. She’d forgotten about it, too.
This, though, could be life-changing. He wasn’t likely to have forgotten it. If anything, their passionate lovemaking should have kept it top of mind. Would he ever have told her? She’d just have to ask him.
Single-Dad Cowboy (The Buckskin Brotherhood Book 8) Page 15