Stetson's Storm

by Kathleen Ball

  "I'm not going to let him go home to that dilapidated shack that Storm calls home," Stetson said, his voice sounding angry.

  "Don't do anything you'll be sorry for. Storm has done the best she can by her son," Nellie defended.

  "You call living in squalor, without enough food, her best? Nellie, get your head out of the sand."

  "Stetson, you've been gone a long time. You have no idea what went on. You don't know how her father turned his back on her. Then our father discredited her claim that it was your baby. He made it his personal mission to make sure everyone knew that Storm didn't know who the father was."

  "Obviously he's mine."

  "Storm has been there for that child from the beginning. She has fought for everything they have. No one would give her a job. Do you think she wants to work the graveyard shift at the diner? It was the only job open to her."

  "It's not enough. My son is not going back--"

  Storm ran into the kitchen, glaring at Stetson. "Where is he? Where is my son?" She tried to quell her shaking body.

  Stetson took a step toward her. "It's not how it sounded."

  Putting her hand up in front of her, she signaled for him to stop. "I know exactly what I heard. Is that why you brought us out here? You plan to take Scotty away from me?" Tears filled her eyes. "I have done everything humanly possible to care for my son. He is fed and he has clean clothes. I provide him with a roof over his head. You have no right!"

  Nellie stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Storm. "No one is talking about taking Scotty away," she said, rubbing her hand up and down Storm's back.

  Storm allowed herself to be comforted for a moment, but she knew this wasn't the time. Stepping back, she looked first at Nellie then at Stetson. She didn't trust Stetson. Hadn't he hurt her enough?

  "I would like to go home. Where is my son?" she asked, giving Stetson a look of defiance.

  "He's napping. I put him in Stetson's room," Nellie told her. "Come on, I'll take you to him."

  Storm pulled her attention from Stetson and nodded. She seethed inside, but now wasn't the time. Following Nellie upstairs, she found Scotty in a deep sleep.

  He looked like a little angel. She was hesitant to wake him, but she had to get away from this ranch. She had to get him away from Stetson. Stetson thinking her a bad mother, cut deeply. He had no right.

  Stetson's room smelled just like him, the fresh scent of the outdoors. She had never forgotten his scent. Many nights she had lain in bed, remembering every detail about him.

  Hearing his footsteps, she stiffened.

  "Storm?"

  She could feel the heat from his body, but she didn't turn around.

  "I'll take you home," he said.

  Whirling around, she glared at him. "You will take us both home!"

  Stetson nodded. "That's what I meant. I'd never separate you from Scotty. I know that's how it sounded."

  "I know what I heard. I just want to go home."

  It had been a week since their awkward ride back to her house. All of his denials were for naught. She didn't believe him. Storm studied her watch for the hundredth time. Bailey was almost two hours late. Bailey didn't care that Scotty was home waiting. Bailey only cared about herself.

  Scanning the parking lot, Storm watched Stetson's truck pull up. She wasn't in the mood for him today.

  Everything had always been hard. Stetson made life harder. Curious, Storm watched Stetson get out of the truck and open the passenger side door. To her surprise, Bailey got out.

  Storm's stomach soured. They were laughing and smiling. It looked like Bailey had him wrapped around her little finger. Yes, everything was harder since Stetson's return.

  "Sorry I'm late." Bailey sailed through the door and went right to the cash register. Either they or Frank always counted the cash before each shift.

  Storm refilled coffee for the customers, ignoring both Bailey and Stetson. She did notice he tried to catch her eye a few times, but she wasn't going to look at him. He didn't deserve her regard.

  Storm returned behind the counter and grabbed her purse.

  "Hey. Don't even think about leaving," Bailey told her.

  "I need to get home."

  "There's a hundred dollars missing from this register."

  Storm felt the blood drain from her face. What was Bailey talking about? "Not possible. I counted it myself while I waited for you to show up."

  "Frank! We have a big problem!" Bailey called the cook. He was part owner of the diner.

  Frank turned the corner, wiping his hands on his food-splotched apron. "What's the problem now?"

  "The drawer is short." Bailey walked up to Frank and put her hand on his arm.

  "How short?"

  "Frankie, there is one hundred dollars missing." Bailey's concern made Storm seethe.

  Storm gaped at Frank. "I counted it a bit ago and it was all there. Maybe I should just recount it."

  "Yeah, let's do that before we jump to conclusions." Frank smiled at Bailey.

  "I'll do it," Bailey offered, brushing against the counter and knocking Storm's purse to the ground. She knelt down to retrieve it. "Oh my, Storm, there's a hundred dollars here in your purse."

  "No, that's not possible." Storm tried to grab her purse, but Frank got to it first. The whole diner was silent. She could feel their condemning eyes on her. "I didn't."

  Frank sighed. "I'm sorry, Storm."

  "I'm fired?" Storm held her breath hoping that someone would speak up in her behalf. She needed this job. Devastated, she grabbed her purse, minus the missing money and ran out the door.

  "Storm!"

  She knew it was Stetson and she willed herself to keep going, but suddenly she couldn't stand it anymore. Turning around she walked into his arms and sobbed.

  Storm couldn't remember the last time she'd been hugged. Really hugged. Stetson's shoulders had always been wide, but somehow they seemed bigger, stronger. Closing her eyes, she took in his scent. He smelled of sandalwood, balsam, and mesquite. She breathed in again. Yes mesquite, though how he smelled like that she wasn't sure. She didn't care. For this moment, she wanted to enjoy being held.

  All too soon, she became embarrassed. Stepping away, she gave him a quick, false smile and quickly glanced away. The pity she saw on his face shamed her. Wiping away her tears with the back of her hand, Storm turned and started for home.

  She knew he'd follow her. Part of her was glad, but the sensible part just wanted to be alone to lick her wounds. It was colder than usual. The Texas wind felt biting. Shaking her head, she realized she had left her coat at the diner.

  Bailey had set her up. That was the only explanation. Why Frank chose to believe Bailey over her, well what could she expect? Weariness washed over her as she continued to walk, her head down, straight into the wind.

  "Storm, hold up!"

  He followed her on foot; she was surprised he hadn't just jumped into his truck. Storm didn't stop.

  Hearing his footsteps directly behind her, she turned around and tried to give him her best back off look. Of course it didn't work. "Stetson, I'm already over two hours late picking up Scotty. I don't have time to talk."

  "Storm listen--"

  "No! You listen! You brought that little tart to the diner two hours late. Then she counts the cash drawer and claims its one hundred dollars short? Oh yeah, did you notice the part where it was found right on the top of my purse?"

  "I didn't--"

  "I don't care if you did or didn't!" Turning toward home, Storm stomped off.

  Stetson was next to her in an instant. "Did or didn't what?"

  Storm's shoulder slumped and she sighed. Stopping she stared into Stetson's blue eyes. "It's none of my business who you sleep with. It's been a really long day already and I need to get home to Scotty." Tears poured down her face. This time she didn't bother to wipe them away.

  Stetson's eyes narrowed. He appeared mad, but Storm didn't care. Let him be mad, she had more important things to think abo
ut, like where she and her son were going to live.

  "Storm, will you just stop. I want to talk to you."

  The look of pity was back in his eyes. "I can't, not now. I can't even wrap my brain around what just happened in the diner. I'm tired of being kicked like I'm some type of mongrel. My first priority is Scotty. I'd like to get home to him, alone."

  Stetson reached out and cupped her cheek in his large work-worn hand. He seemed to be searching her eyes. Storm knew he'd find every emotion but defeat. "Okay, I'll call you later," he said, gently.

  Nodding her head, she walked away. She didn't have a phone, but she wasn't about to tell him that. She could feel his eyes burning into her back as she walked away. Finally, she made it to the row of shanty houses. She had enough money for two more weeks. After that, she didn't know.

  Chapter Four

  The doorbell rang, and Storm shivered. Mr. Benson must have heard she'd been fired. He probably wanted his rent early. She witnessed it plenty of times before, whole families put out of their homes. Laws and mercy didn't seem to apply to her part of town. No one cared about those on shanty row.

  Gazing around, she knew her furniture was on its last legs and the whole place was in general disrepair, but it had been her and Scotty's home since the day she brought him home. Reluctantly, she walked to the door. Her heart beat out of her chest. Where would they go?

  Lottie Burns had graciously watched Scotty the last two days while Storm searched for work. A fruitless search. Half the people wouldn't even give her an application to fill out. She tried everywhere, Daley's General Store, Lasso Springs Feed Store, Lasso's Pizzeria, even the Whiskey Barrel Bar.

  The only kindness she'd found was at Harriet's Yarn and Tea Shop. The usual ladies were drinking their tea. Harriett had rushed over to her and offered her a cup of tea and sympathy. She'd always been nice to both Storm and Scotty. She was a character though. Harriett was in her late sixties and wore a wig of waist-length black hair, which was usually askew. Storm declined the tea and pushed on.

  Now her failure was going to result in them being homeless. Bracing herself for bad news, Storm opened the door. To her surprise it wasn't Mr. Benson, it was Nellie.

  Nellie appeared too pale and her eyes conveyed distress. Storm took her hand and led her inside. Settling her on the couch, Storm ran to get some water. Nellie did not look at all well.

  Handing her the water, Storm waited, wondering what was wrong. Her first thought was of Stetson. Maybe something had happened to him. "Nellie, tell me what's wrong?"

  "Sit here next to me, Storm. I need you." Nellie's eyes filled with tears. One by one, they trailed down her wan face. "I don't know what to do."

  "Tell me," Storm coaxed.

  "Oh, Storm, I'm... well... I just saw Doc Benson."

  Storm's heart raced. "What's wrong?"

  "I'm pregnant. I just don't know what I'm going to do."

  "Do?"

  Nellie's eyes widened. "No, nothing like that. I need bed rest and I don't know how we're going to afford it. Stetson took off and--"

  "He left?"

  "Oh, not for good. He packed up his gear and rode out."

  Storm closed her eyes and sighed. Nellie had been so very good to her over the years and now she finally had a chance to pay her back. "I'll come over every day and help you."

  Nellie smiled. "I need a live-in person. I know you saw the state of the ranch. Only Joe Sullivan has stayed and well, we've done the best we could."

  Storm watched Nellie blush when she mentioned Joe. "I don't think Stetson would want me there."

  "Who gives a hoot what Stetson wants. I need you. He works all day anyway when he's home. You won't have to see him much."

  Loud knocking interrupted the two women. Seeing Mr. Benson on the other side didn't fill her with terror. Not anymore. "I'm moving out today," she informed him.

  It seemed pitiful to Storm that all of her belongings fit in Nellie's car. Giving her neighbor and savior, Lottie a hug, she joined Scotty and Nellie in the car. It hadn't been the greatest of homes, but it had been filled with love. Storm's heart tugged as they drove away.

  "Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait," Scotty chanted.

  Nellie turned to smile at Storm. "Well at least one of you is excited."

  Storm kept her hands on the steering wheel. "It's not that. I'm glad to be able to help you out. I hope that I'm able to take good care of you."

  "You already are by driving. Don't stress, I have a feeling that everything will work out."

  Storm glanced briefly at Nellie's stomach. "Who knows about..."

  "No one yet. I'll tell Joe when we get home and as for Stetson, I guess I'll tell him when he gets back."

  "How long did you say he'd be gone?" Storm asked.

  "Three days. He has a place he goes, up on the ridge. He camps out up there. It brings him some peace. He always comes home in a better mood than when he left."

  "It'd be nice to have a place to escape to for a while."

  "Problems seldom go away by themselves," Nellie commented.

  Storm nodded her head. "Don't I know it."

  "Yeah! We're here," Scotty yelled from his seat.

  A worried looking Joe came out of the house.

  Nellie smiled at Storm. "Time to face the music."

  "It'll be fine. I'll get you settled in and then Scotty and I will go down to the barn so you and Joe can talk."

  Nellie seemed apprehensive, but she nodded.

  Joe opened Nellie's door. The expression of concern made Storm envious. Joe would be there for Nellie, she could tell. Nellie wouldn't have to raise her child alone.

  After dinner, Joe picked Nellie up and carried her to her new bedroom. They had decided a downstairs room would be the best.

  Storm smiled. They were both wonderful people and Joe had asked Nellie to marry him. The earlier envy had faded and was replaced with happiness for Nellie.

  "I know which room I want!" Scotty raced into the kitchen.

  "Oh? And which room is that?"

  "I want Stez's room. It has trophies, ribbons, and pictures of the rodeo. Can I, Mom?"

  "Oh, honey. I don't think--"

  "Tell him yes, until Stetson returns," Nellie yelled from her room.

  "Yes!" Scotty raced up the stairs.

  It hit her full force as soon as she walked into Stetson's room. The whole room was Stetson. There were trophies, ribbons, pictures, and belt buckles. Looking at the bed, she was glad they never made love there. It was bad enough seeing his things. Clothes were on the floor and she finally smiled. He never was a neat man.

  "Now you know it's just for the night?"

  "Yep, I'm going to bed now."

  "It's early yet, kiddo."

  "That's okay. Night, Mom."

  "Fine, I know when I'm not wanted. I'll be up in a while to make sure that you've brushed your teeth."

  Scotty just nodded to her.

  Storm walked down the stairs and finished washing the dishes. She knew that she'd feel on edge until Stetson knew she was there. His reaction wasn't something she looked forward to. The front door opened and closed, and then Nellie called for her to join her.

  "Joe's a good guy," She said, sitting in a chair next to Nellie's bed.

  "Yes, yes he is."

  "I'm happy for you."

  "Thanks. Why Scotty?"

  "Why what?"

  "Why name your son Scotty? I mean there's nothing wrong with it. I just wondered."

  Storm sighed. "Actually his name is Stetson Scott Jr. Your father came to the hospital after Scotty was born and threatened to take my baby away if I named him after Stetson."

  Nellie's eyes grew wide. "He didn't. Oh God, Storm, you must have been frantic."

  "It wasn't good timing. I missed your brother something awful. I also hated him for leaving me like he did. All the old biddies in town kept saying that I didn't even know who the father was. My father throwing me out fanned the rumors until people thought they were the truth. You
r father made it a point to tell the world that my baby was not Stetson's."

  "Oh God. I didn't know." Nellie's eyes grew misty.

  "The next thing I knew, men were claiming that they had been with me. I don't know why. It crushed me."

  Stetson's heart hurt as he stood in the hall listening. If only he had stayed instead of running off to the rodeo circuit. Quietly, he went to his room. Seeing his son lying in his bed with his arm around one of his trophies left Stetson breathless.

  Stetson just stared at Scotty. His whole heart expanded with love and thankfulness. He had a lot of making up to do. Both Scotty and Storm deserved better. He just hoped Storm would let him get close enough.

  Stetson Scott Jr., Stetson couldn't believe it. Storm had named his son after him. The jab to his heart throbbed. If only... He had a ton of could've would've should'ves to last a lifetime. Regret ran deep within him. He really wished his father were still alive so he could beat the hell out of him.

  He turned as Storm climbed the stairs. He winced at her expression of aversion. He wished he had the words to make everything better. He'd loved her so much once upon a time. Now he didn't even know her. They were different people.

  "You're home."

  "Yes, just a few minutes ago. Found a little munchkin in my bed."

  Storm went to rush forward. Stetson grabbed her hand, halting her. "It's fine, Storm, really."

  "No, it's your bed. I shouldn't have given in when he asked to sleep in it." Storm bit her bottom lip. "I can put him in another room."

  "He's a handsome boy, isn't he?" Stetson asked, trying to distract her. "I'm glad you're here, both of you."

  Storm gave him a long look and nodded. "It's just until Nellie is on her feet." Storm's eyes grew wide. She clamped her hand over her mouth.

  "What's wrong with my sister?"

  "I can't. Oh hell, you look like you're about to blow a gasket. I guess I had better tell you so we can get some sleep. I remember how persistent you can be."

  "Come on." Stetson touched her arm. "Let's go into your room so we don't disturb our son." It hit him in the gut, he didn't know if he'd be a good father.