Storm couldn't take her constant chatter. She was glad to have an excuse to leave the room. All she talked about was Stetson. Storm wanted to know what kind of brother throws his sister out when he has a girlfriend.
Hearing Scotty stir in his room above, Storm washed her hands. He was down the stairs before she could go get him. She heard him go into the family room. Following, she was surprised at Chrissy's angry voice.
Evidently Scotty had gone into Chrissy's room and found many flip-flops. He brought them down and dumped them on her lap.
"Bad, bad boy," Chrissy chastised, grabbing his arm.
Storm saw red. Instantly, she snatched her son away. He began to cry. Storm picked him up, but he cried louder and louder.
"Don't you ever touch my son again."
"Keep your brat out of my room."
Scotty wailed. "I want Daddy."
Storm led him out of the room, into the kitchen. "You shouldn't touch other people's things. You know that, don't you?"
Scotty nodded his head.
Storm put the lasagna into the oven. "Let's go out to the barn and find Buck."
Scotty smiled. "I want Daddy too."
Storm took Scotty's hand taking him outside. They saw Stetson walking toward them and Scotty was off running.
Stetson scooped him up and Scotty buried his face in Stetson's neck. Storm's worn heart flipped over. No matter what, Chrissy or no Chrissy, she needed to make sure that father and son had a relationship.
"What happened?" Stetson asked when Storm caught up to them.
"Scotty brought down an armload of flip-flops and Chrissy yelled at him."
"She hurted me, Daddy."
"What? Where did she hurt you?"
Storm took a deep breath. "She grabbed his arm and called him a bad boy and a brat."
"Daddy, are you going to punish her?" Scotty asked seriously. "This was really, really bad. She needs fifteen hundred mill minutes in time out."
"Wow, that's a long time."
"I know, Daddy. She was bad."
"What about little boys who take things that don't belong to them? How much time do they get?"
Scotty scrunched up his face. "I think not much."
Stetson smiled. "Is that fair?"
Scotty looked sorry. "I only wanted to show her that she had other phoes. She was mean to Buck cause he ate her phoe. I showed her more phoes. Mommy only has two pairs and me only one."
Storm felt her face heat in embarrassment. They had what she could afford.
"I guess you have a point there, son. You can only wear one pair at a time."
"That's what I told you," Scotty told him, shaking his head.
Stetson looked over at Storm. "What was your reaction?"
He looked as though he was expecting the worst. "Don't worry, I didn't kill her. I just took Scotty out of her grip and told her not to touch him again. I don't know why you look surprised. Besides, I figure she's your girlfriend, you deal with her."
"Daddy has a girlfriend," Scotty giggled.
"She is not my girlfriend."
"You'd better tell her that."
"Daddy, put me down please. I need ph-uck."
Stetson put his son down and watched him run to the barn. "Talk about this later?"
"Sure," Storm called over her shoulder. She hurried to the barn.
Chapter Six
It had only been a week, and Stetson didn't know how much more he could take. With three women, the house grew smaller and smaller. He never had a chance to be alone. The only happy people around seemed to be Nellie and Scotty.
Chrissy had taken to following him everywhere. If he went to check on the cattle, she'd saddle up a horse and come with him. If he decided to ride into town, she was at his truck before him. He'd always looked out for her while they were on the circuit, but this was different. She'd become a thorn in his side, but he couldn't be mean to her.
Damn her brother Brian. How he could take the responsibility of Chrissy lightly he'd never know. There hadn't been one woman that Brian had moved into his trailer worth the trouble. He'd always thought of Chrissy as a child, but she wasn't. All grown up and he could see it in her eyes. She had plans for him, for them.
He'd just have to tell it to her straight. Dread filled him. There would be tears for sure. Never for one second did he ever think he'd have to hurt Chrissy this way.
He hadn't had one single chance to get Storm alone. He planned to spend the time she was on the ranch getting reacquainted. They didn't know each other anymore, but his heart told him that she was a major part of him.
Storm was all stirred up. Her parents correctly named her. She'd roll in suddenly in a mood to match his prize bull's. Then just as suddenly, she'd laugh. Mostly she laughed at him. She seemed to think it funny that Chrissy followed him around.
Stetson looked out at the yellow and orange colors come alive. Sunrise, it was the only peaceful time he'd had. A noise behind him made him sigh. So much for peace.
Scotty stood in his Batman pajamas, holding a squirming Buck. His bottom lip quivered.
"Hey, what's the sad look for?"
Scotty looked at Stetson with tears in his eyes. "Ph-uck is going to the pound. He doesn't mean it, Daddy. Please don't let that mean Sissy take my bestest dog away."
A lump formed in Stetson's throat. Chrissy hated Buck and Buck hated her right back. Picking up both Scotty and Buck, he kissed Scotty's forehead. "No one is taking Buck from you. I promise."
Scotty sniffled and wiped his nose on his sleeve. "But she said."
"I'll take care of it. What exactly did Buck do?"
"He bit all her phoes and piddled on them," Scotty wailed.
Stetson bit his bottom lip to keep from laughing. "How'd he get into her room?"
"I opened the door. Ph-uck wanted to go in. She snores really really loud."
"Well let's hope she's not too mad," Stetson said, putting Scotty and Buck down. "Let Buck out for a bit and go get dressed, okay?"
"Yes, Daddy. Promise she won't pound ph-uck?"
Stetson smiled at his son's worried face. "Everything will be fine, Scotty. I promise."
Scotty looked at him for a bit then nodded. "Can I have a horse of my own?"
Stetson laughed. "Not today, but we can feed them together and then take a ride."
"I'll get ready," Scotty called over his shoulder.
Stetson shook his head. Scotty sure could run fast when he wanted to. He hoped that Chrissy didn't raise the roof when she saw her sandals. Stetson laughed. It was going to be a long day.
Stetson and Scotty were already gone by the time Storm woke up. The disaster in the kitchen led her to the conclusion they had pancakes. Smiling, she poured herself a cup of coffee. Stetson had turned out to be a real hands-on father. He included Scotty whenever possible and it warmed her heart to see Scotty so happy.
She loaded a tray with decaf tea and crackers for Nellie. If only Chrissy would go home instead of hanging around Stetson all day. But so far, she hadn't shown any sign of leaving, especially without Stetson. Grabbing the tray, Storm started to walk toward Nellie's room. Chrissy ran right into her, causing the whole tray to fall. The tea splattered the walls and the cup shattered. Crackers flew everywhere.
"Where is he?" Chrissy demanded.
"Stetson is--"
"Not Stetson. Where is your brat and his gonna be dead dog?"
"Now wait a minute. Don't talk about my son like that." Storm glared at her.
"Well he won't be yours much longer. Might as well cut the apron strings now." Chrissy laughed. "Wow, you look surprised. Stetson is having the papers drawn up, and as soon as he does, we're out of here. Me, Stetson, and the brat minus one dog."
Storm felt her face drain of color. "What are you talking about?"
"How stupid can you be? The real reason I'm here is to help collect Scotty. Then we're going on to the rodeo circuit. Ever been? It's great fun and Stetson is a real champion."
"I don't believe you." S
torm's heart began to beat faster and faster.
"Whatever. So where is that dog? I have a score to settle."
"With a puppy?"
"It's not your business."
"Everything that involves Scotty is Storm's business," Nellie told Chrissy. "I think it's best if you leave." Nellie looked worried and drawn.
Storm put her arm around Nellie's waist. "There's glass on the floor. Let me get you settled on the couch."
"Not until Chrissy gets it into her hard head that she's not welcome here."
"Whatever." Chrissy jerked the front door open and slammed it behind her.
"Now let me get you onto the couch. Good God, you're shaking."
"I'm just upset. She has no right speaking to you that way, Storm."
"I know, Nellie. She's lying anyway." Storm helped Nellie onto the couch. "I'll have your tea and crackers ready in a minute. Don't you worry."
Storm kept a fake smile on her face until she reached the kitchen. Grabbing the counter to keep from passing out, her mind whirled. What if Chrissy was telling the truth? Maybe she read the whole situation wrong. She had begun to assume that Stetson didn't want Chrissy here. Maybe he didn't want her.
It wouldn't be the first time she'd read him wrong. What if Chrissy was telling the truth? They had been spending a lot of time alone together. Once a fool, always a fool. When would she ever learn?
Stetson sighed in relief. He finally had a moment to himself. Most of his morning was spent refereeing the woman. He loved having Scotty and Buck follow him around, but his other shadow was wearing out her welcome. Chrissy had finally upset Nellie. That was hard to do.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he realized how tense he felt. He had hoped Chrissy would go back to her brother Brian on her own. He'd watched over her for the last five years and now he realized that she thought she had ownership of him.
Her cattiness was a side he had never seen before. He'd always thought of her as a sweet kid. Stetson shook his head. He should have realized that she had a crush on him. It simply never occurred to him. Chrissy had Storm and Scotty upset too. He had hoped that Storm was jealous, but he didn't get that vibe from her. She plain out didn't like Chrissy. He couldn't blame her.
Stacking hay bales helped to relieve his tension. Seeing a shadow coming toward him, he turned. Seeing Storm surprised him. Usually she avoided being alone with him. She looked much healthier than when she first arrived at the ranch. Her face had filled out and the dark circles under her eyes had disappeared. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" He grinned at her.
Storm stared at him for a minute. She glanced away, as though she didn't know what to say.
"Did something happen?"
"This minute? No. I don't know where Chrissy is. Both Nellie and Scotty are napping together in Nellie's bed with Buck standing guard at the door." She gave him a half smile. "It's kinda cute actually."
Stetson wanted to tell her that she was cute too, but he didn't dare. "Well it's nice to have your company for a change."
"I have to talk to you." Storm looked as nervous as a cat in a lifeboat.
"Okay, spit it out. You're biting your bottom lip. I know something is wrong."
"Well, yes, maybe no." Her blue eyes stared into his. "It's just that Nellie is getting better and she won't need me, and I have to think about where Scotty and I are going to live. I won't let you take him on the rodeo circuit." Her eyes darkened.
Stetson raised his eyebrows. "The rodeo? Why would I take our son?"
Storm wrung her hands. "Chrissy told me that you planned--"
"Listen, if you have a question, ask me. Chrissy is not privy to my plans. Trust me enough to do the right thing."
Storm stared at the ground. "I don't know who to trust," she whispered.
Stetson stepped forward and put his hand under her chin, lifting her face to him. "Storm, trust me. I still don't know the whole of it. We were both lied to the day I left. I swear I came to tell you good-bye. I loved you, why would I have left without seeing you?"
She appeared so serious and then so sad. Her sadness went soul deep; Stetson could see it in her eyes. Leaning down he brushed his lips against hers. Her reaction wasn't what he expected. He thought she'd shove him away. Instead, she pressed her lips firmly against his.
A slight moan gave him hope. Pulling her into his arms, he relished her softness. No one ever fit him like Storm. When she opened her mouth for him, he thought he'd gone to heaven. Kissing her was like coming home. He'd been in the darkness and now he was stepping into the light. It took a minute before he realized that she was pushing at him.
Reluctantly he let her go. She looked beautiful, her lips ruby red and slightly swollen. The pain still shone in her eyes, making his heart squeeze.
"I have to go and check on things," she called over her shoulder.
Stetson watched until she went into the house. He wondered if the kiss was meant to give him hope or was it meant as a good bye?
"Sickening. The way she throws herself at you is so wrong."
Stetson turned to find Chrissy looking at him, her dark eyes flashing at him. "I don't want to talk about it and I don't like you spying on me."
"I just came out to see what you were doing. I didn't expect to find a make out session going on." Her eyes were practically bugging out of her head.
"Look, Chriss--"
Chrissy put her hand up. "I don't want to hear it." She turned and strode away.
Of course, she didn't want to hear it. He'd have to tell her to go eventually. He didn't want to hurt her. He'd get a hold of Brian and ask him to come get her.
He had to come up with a reason for Storm to stay on the ranch. That was going to take some thinking. She seemed to be able to see right through him. He couldn't lose her, not again. Hopefully he'd be able to make her see things his way.
Storm leaned her back against the kitchen door. Touching her lips, she smiled. They kissed, and what a kiss it was. Every nerve in her body still hummed. He left you. He left you. She chanted hoping to find her anger.
Putting her hand on her chest, she could feel her heart beating faster than it had in a very long time. It wasn't fair. She didn't want or need this attraction to Stetson. Why had he kissed her?
Hearing Nellie and Scotty singing in Nellie's room, she quickly went in to make sure that Scotty wasn't wearing Nellie out. They looked adorable; both still snuggled under a pink and yellow handmade quilt. There was no sign of Buck and Storm was immediately concerned. "Hey guys, nice singing. Have you seen Buck?"
Nellie caught Storm's eye. "He wasn't with you?"
"Oh no. I hope that she closed her door." Storm ran out of the room and raced up the stairs with her heart in her throat. Seeing Chrissy's door closed, Storm felt relieved. Thank God. She'd thought for certain that Buck had gotten into Chrissy's things again.
Suddenly Buck raced past with a pair of Stetson's boxers in his mouth. Storm didn't know whether to chase him or just laugh. They weren't her boxers. Hearing running and laughter Storm went back down to see the fun.
Nellie stood with her hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh. Scotty jumped up and down laughing hysterically and then there was Stetson trying to catch Buck. The thunderous look on Stetson's face didn't bode well for Buck.
Finally, Stetson caught up to the black lab and retrieved his boxers after a tug of war with Buck. Holding up his shorts, Storm was surprised at how big the holes in them were.
"Maybe Chrissy can mend those for you," she teased, smiling at Stetson.
Stetson shook his head. "This pup is a menace."
"Like Dennis?" Scotty asked.
"See, it's not so funny when it's your things being ruined by that monster," Chrissy said, entering the room. She stood there with her arms crossed, looking triumphant. "Good riddance to the dog."
Scotty looked at Storm with tears in his eyes. "Mommy?"
Storm knelt down and opened her arms to her son. He wrapped his arms around her neck and crie
d. Storm's heart hurt for him. "It's okay, kiddo. Buck isn't going anywhere."
"How dense can you be?" Chrissy demanded. "That dog is no good."
"Enough. Can't you see that you're upsetting Scotty?" Storm picked him up and rocked him back and forth. "I promise. Daddy isn't mad at Buck."
Stetson finally smiled. "It's all right, bud. I shouldn't have left my stuff on the floor. Buck was just playing."
Scotty stared at him and finally nodded. "Okay, Daddy. Mommy, can we take ph-uck for a walk?"
"Let's get your eyes dried off, and then we'll go." Storm set him down and kissed the top of his head.
Scotty took the bottom of his shirt and brought it up to wipe his face. "Ready."
"Nellie will you be fine if we go?"
Nellie smiled. "Go on. Stetson is here if I need anything." She blushed. "I'm expecting Joe any minute."
"You'll be in good hands." Storm helped Scotty gather Buck and they were soon out the door.
It had been hard keeping Scotty and Buck away from Chrissy. Her dislike seemed to draw them to her for some reason. Storm kept waiting for Stetson to send Chrissy home, but it had been almost a week since Stetson had kissed her and Chrissy was still here.
Joe planned to take Nellie in for her doctor's appointment, leaving Storm free to do what she wanted. She wanted to ride. It used to be she'd ride more than she walked. Used to be. There seemed to be several used to be times in her life.
It had been busy on the ranch lately. Stetson had hired men to fix the barn and the house. A few new horses graced his stable. The gentlest one was Mitzi, a freckled Appaloosa. Scotty loved all of Mitzi's brown spots and he practiced counting by trying to count her freckles. Storm loved her silky blond mane.
"Ready?" she asked Scotty, who had patiently waited for her to saddle the horse.
"Ride 'em cowboy!"
Storm laughed. "It'll be fun to see some of the ranch."
"I've seent it with Daddy. One day it be my land."
Storm wasn't so sure about that. She lifted Scotty up and had him hold onto the saddle horn. Putting her leg into the stirrup, she maneuvered herself right behind him. "Hold on tight."
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