Stetson wanted to laugh at her look of triumph. He didn't believe she was even pregnant and he knew for damned sure it wasn't his. "I never fornicated with you."
Chrissy gasped and McCrory tried to charge up the stairs. Stetson stood firm, his legs spread the width of his shoulders and his arms crossed in front of him. He'd fight if he had to; he hoped it wouldn't come to that. McCrory would just end up hurt and nothing would be solved.
"For your information, we made love," Chrissy screeched.
Stetson shook his head and stared at her. "No, honey, there is only one woman that I've ever made love with and that's Storm. I have to admit I wasn't any type of saint while I was on the road, but I never nailed you."
Chrissy grabbed McCrory's arms. "Do something. He's making it sound so dirty."
Stetson spotted the look of doubt on McCrory's face. "If you need help with the real daddy, let me know. I owe it to your brother. Anything else, I'm sorry you're out of luck."
He felt Storm step right behind him, she put her hand on his back, a show of support he imagined. It felt good to know that she believed in him.
McCrory took Chrissy by the arm and led her back to his truck. "You ain't seen the last of me."
Storm's body shook as she watched her father and Chrissy drive away. She put her hands over her mouth.
"It's going to be all right."
Storm, lowered her hand and a sob escaped. "Why? Why would he seek justice for Chrissy?" She turned away from Stetson. "He put me at the curb like yesterday's garbage."
"Storm look at me."
She shook her head. "I can't. I've gone over that day so many times in my head. You were gone, your father denied my baby was yours, and my father threw me out. Now he has the gall to show up looking to make you marry Chrissy? I was a good daughter. I really was, and I made one mistake, well no not a mistake. I got into a bad situation, and he turned his back on me."
"He never said why? No one has given you any clues?"
"All I know is that he went to see your father and when he came back, he told me to leave."
"How did he react to the news of your pregnancy?"
"At first he turned white, and had to sit down. He was mad at you. Then he suddenly left." She glanced over her shoulder. Turning, she walked until she stood right in front of Stetson. "You seem angry."
Stetson studied her face. Reaching out, he tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. "He hurt you, of course I'm angry. He's still hurting you."
Swallowing hard she nodded. "Do you suppose your father said something to make him disown me?"
Stetson pulled her toward him."We'll find the answers Storm. You need to know, I can see how it's eating at you. I don't know what happened, and I don't understand the whole Chrissy thing unless he was trying to get at me."
"A lot has happened in five years." Storm sighed against him.
"So it seems." Stetson placed a kiss on her temple.
"I did wonder one thing, Stetson. What happened to your ranch? I never heard one word of its decline."
Chapter Nine
Storm's anxiety knew no bounds as she bounced around in Stetson's truck. The road to Stamos and Joy's ranch was beyond bumpy. The ride had been filled with an uncomfortable silence.
Stetson frowned. It had been his idea to hire Stamos to find out what happened between their fathers. He hadn't glanced in her direction even once.
Sighing, she wondered what they'd find out. Stetson had told her this morning her father was the reason the Scott ranch was almost bankrupt. Nothing made sense anymore. No one seemed to have any details as to what went wrong between the two men. There was no way she could ask her father. Hopefully, Stamos could help. Stetson said Stamos used to be FBI.
Storm smiled. The Walker ranch was a hub of activity. The whitewashed buildings looked new and well cared for, and there were horses everywhere. In the distance, she could see a good amount of cattle. Things appeared to be going well for her friends.
Getting out of the truck, they headed toward the house. An older woman was leading a grey horse out of the house. Storm looked at Stetson, but he didn't seem surprised.
"How many times do I have to tell you no kitchen?" the woman admonished the horse. Seeing them, she smiled and waved. "Go on in, Nanny and I have to have a little chat."
"What in the world?" Storm just couldn't believe it.
"That's Nanny. Don't tell me you haven't heard of Nanny?" Stetson smiled. "She belongs to Garrett and she roams. They call her the Houdini of horses; she goes from ranch to ranch, lets herself into the barn, greets her friends, and finds a stall for the night."
"You're teasing me. I don't believe you."
"True story. She has a daughter named Nino, a husband named Pirate, and a goat friend named Billy."
The door to the house opened and Joy stepped out. "Nanny?"
"Seems so." Stetson grinned and looked at Storm.
"I keep telling her, the porch is fine, but no kitchen." Joy shook her head. "Poor Bea hates it when this happens. Well come in, it's nice to see you."
"Good to see you too, Joy," Stetson said politely.
"Your ranch is lovely." Storm told her.
"Thank you. I think so too." Joy led them into the house.
"Might as well head on into the den. I have a feeling the kitchen isn't fit for company." She ushered them into a big room with a massive desk and dark leather furniture.
"We need to talk to Stamos," Stetson told her. He took off his hat and ran his fingers through his blond curls.
"He should be back any minute. He went to tend the horses with Dillon." Cocking her head, she smiled. "I hear my darling Liberty. I'll be back."
Storm felt amazed. "Did you notice that having a horse in her house didn't even faze her?"
Stetson took her hand and pulled down onto the leather couch with him. "Can't wait to tell Scotty."
Storm smiled at him. He was so handsome. She just loved his beard and mustache. She loved the way it tickled when they kissed. She suddenly stopped smiling and turned away. What was she thinking? The feeling of desire didn't immediately leave her. Glancing at him, he gave her a roguish grin. "Stop smiling at me."
Stetson laughed.
"Joy says you want to see me?" Stamos asked, walking into the room. He immediately shook Stetson's hand and he nodded to her.
Stetson put his hand over Storm's. She was wringing them madly "I was hoping you'd be able to help us."
Stamos sat on a big leather chair across from them. "I'll do what I can. What do you need?"
"We need you to find out why my father is a nasty human being," Storm blurted. She peeked at Stamos and turned red. "Sorry. Stetson, you explain it."
Stetson squeezed her hands. "Our fathers started feuding when I left town and Storm revealed she was pregnant."
"Sounds like a good enough reason to me," Stamos said.
"After I left town, Storm told her father about the baby. McCrory raced over to see my dad and something must have happened or been said because he returned home, and threw Storm out. She was homeless."
Stamos looked sympathetic. "Sorry," he told Storm.
"I know you saw the condition of my ranch. I've been through all of my father's paperwork and I can't figure out where all his assets went. Rumor has it, McCrory had a hand in it."
"I think you’re right Stetson. McCrory had something to do with all the cattle coming up missing in these parts. I've been looking into that. Maybe if I knew the reason, I'd know the how."
Joy entered the room, Liberty in her arms. "Well, Nanny didn't do too much damage. Dillon is helping Bea make cookies. I think Dillon is making a bigger mess than Nanny ever did." She examined them one by one. "Did I interrupt something? You all look so grim."
Stamos stood up and went to his wife and daughter. He kissed Joy on the cheek and put his finger in front of Liberty for her to take hold. "She's a strong one."
"She's beautiful." Storm heard the wistfulness in her voice. They'd been robbed.<
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"I think we're done, aren't we?" Storm asked.
"I got enough to go on. I'll call later."
Stetson shook Stamos' hand. "We appreciate it."
They weren't on the road long. Storm tried to avoid glancing at Stetson. It seemed old wounds kept opening and it was taking a toll on her. Staring out the window, Storm smiled when she saw the Queen Anne's Lace swaying in the wind. Was she ever so carefree that she ran through the fields picking the white flowers? It was hard to remember.
"Storm, are you alright?" Stetson's eyes were full of concern. Too much concern. A lump formed in her throat and she found it hard to talk.
She gave him a quick nod, and turned toward the window again. She wasn't sure she even wanted to know why her father threw her out. She already knew she'd failed him by getting pregnant.
Stetson covered her hand with his. She hadn't realized how cold her hands were until his warm one encountered hers. Looking down, she could see the contrast in size and strength. Stetson was always the strong one.
She'd become pretty strong herself in recent years she conceded. "Do you think Stamos will come up with anything?"
Stetson squeezed her hand gently. It felt so reassuring. "I don't know if he'll be able to find out the why, but I have confidence he'll find out the how. There has to be some record of where all the livestock went."
"Maybe I could go back and see my father. I could look around."
The truck lurched as Stetson slammed on the brakes. "No way in hell are you going over there!"
He was probably right, but ultimatums did not sit well with her. "Stetson, I know you think you can tell me what to do, but surprise-- you can't."
Stetson stared at her. The expression of disbelief on his face almost made her laugh. People probably didn't disobey him very much. He continued to stare and a variety of emotions crossed his face. His handsome face. The deep sorrow and concern almost made her cry. The concern suddenly turned to desire. She could see it in his eyes.
The tension in the cab of the truck grew thick, as her heart began to beat wildly. Desire washed over her. She wanted, she needed his lips on hers, his hands on her body. He leaned toward her, and to her amazement, she met him halfway.
He cradled her cheek in his big palm and kissed her. He kissed her long and hard, meeting her tongue with his.
His lips were magic, his kiss made her squirm with desire. Running her fingers through his blond curls, she felt alive. She belonged in his arms. He pulled her closer, and she willingly went.
Stetson kissed her neck, she shivered. He put his hands up her tee shirt and covered her breasts. Moaning, she pressed herself against him. She wanted him to take off her bra, and her wish instantly came true.
Butterflies swarmed her stomach when he removed her shirt
"Take off your shirt, Stetson. I want to feel your bare chest against mine." Storm helped with the buttons until his bare chest was exposed. She gasped. He was all muscle with a sprinkling of blond hair. How delicious.
Stetson groaned as her hands explored his chest, and moved downward. His eyes widened as she unbuttoned his jeans. "You're trying to kill me."
Storm smiled at him. "Shuck those pants, cowboy."
Stetson laughed. "You first."
Storm looked into his eyes. They were pooled with desire. She wanted him with a fierceness that scared her. Hurriedly, she took off her jeans and panties and was delighted to see Stetson doing the same. "Oh."
"What? You've seen it before."
"Yes, but well, I guess my memory didn't do you justice."
Quickly, he reached for her, and sat her on top of him. Storm gasped. It felt so good. It felt absolutely, sinfully, wonderful.
Leaning forward she kissed his neck, her nails driving into his shoulders. The feel of his mouth on her sent her over the edge and she cried out. The intensity of it awed her. She continued stroking his beard and kissing his neck.
Stetson shuddered and held her close. "Oh God!"
Storm nodded her head against him. "Yes, Oh God is right. Did it used to be that good?"
Stetson's laugh rumbled through his body making her shiver. "You don't remember?"
Storm grew serious and she sat back from him so she could read his face. "I remember every single time we were together. I remember the way you touched me, I remember how good you smelled, and I remember that I felt loved in your arms. I've thought about it plenty through the years."
"Oh, sweetheart, I remember too. I knew the entire time I was gone that it was a mistake and you were the only one for me. I just had too much pride to come back to see my father."
Storm leaned in for a long slow kiss. She'd be mad at herself later. Right now, it felt too good, and she wanted to grab and hold on to the happiness of the moment.
"We steamed up the windows," Stetson said, as they heard a horn honk.
"Oh hell, where are my clothes?" Storm scrambled around the seat until she found all of them. Quickly she dressed, throwing Stetson's clothes at him.
"It's fine."
She shook her head. "No. It's not fine. People will talk. I made a mistake." Her eyes glistened. "Please take me home."
Stetson gave her a long probing look. Finally, he nodded and started the truck. Neither spoke on the way home.
Driving up toward his house, Stetson decided that no matter what he wasn't sorry about making love with Storm. He could understand her misgivings, but he knew what happened. He knew how good it was and he knew she enjoyed it.
Sighing, he contemplated her. She hadn't glanced in his direction the whole ride home. Well, he'd let her brood for a while, then they were going to talk. There had to be a way to erase all her doubts.
"What in the world?" Storm asked, spotting Scotty running from the house. His face was all splotched as if he'd been crying.
Stetson stopped the truck and they immediately got out. Stetson reached his despondent son, first. Picking him up he could feel the sobs rack Scotty's whole body.
Storm was quickly at his side, rubbing Scotty's back and speaking softly to him. "What's wrong, baby?"
"You ticked Daddy and he's not my daddy!" His wailing grew louder.
Nellie was immediately by their side. "Let's take him inside. We went to town and he overheard some nasty gossip."
Alarm and panic set on Storm's face. They all knew she'd been dreading that this would happen.
"It's going to be okay." He hoped to hell that he was right.
Buck raced toward them. He was distressed to see Scotty so upset. He barked and barked. Storm leaned down and scooped him up. He strained out of her arms to be with Stetson and Scotty.
"Here, I can carry both." Stetson stopped and gathered up the puppy. Buck immediately whined at Scotty then licked his face. He whined again and looked depressed.
Stetson plopped them all down on the couch. "Scotty, tell me what happened."
The sadness on his son's face made his heart twist. He realized that when your child hurt, you hurt.
Storm handed Scotty a tissue and had Scotty blow his nose. "Kiddo, tell me what you heard. I'm sure it was some mistake."
Scotty nodded. "The lady said I was a mistake."
Storm gasped and her gaze flew to Stetson's. "Of course that's not true."
Scotty nodded. "That's what Aunt Nellie said. She said that God doesn't make mis-- misss-takes."
Stetson kissed Scotty's head and held him closer on his lap. "Your Aunt Nellie is right."
Scotty turned his big eyes toward Storm. "She saided that you ticked Daddy. Daddy is not my real daddy. I want him to be my real daddy. Mommy, why did you tick him?"
Storm appeared confused, then angry. "Where did you take him?"
Joe walked in with a pot of coffee and three mugs. "We went into the pizza place. We met up with Lola and her daughter Meggie. Meggie wanted to play a song on the jukebox and Scotty went with her. Nellie's not to blame."
Storm walked over and hugged Nellie. "I didn't mean to blame you. I'm sorry."
"No more crying. I have two mugs of my special hot chocolate for two special people," Joe told them.
"Oh boy." Scotty jumped off Stetson's lap and followed Joe.
"Hot chocolate trumps all. I'll have to remember that." Stetson grabbed Storm's hand and pulled her down beside him. She snuggled close to him. It made him feel ten feet high that she was seeking comfort from him.
"Who?" Storm asked.
Nellie shook her head. "Scotty never said a word until we were on our way home. Then he started crying. It took a while to figure out what had happened. I tried everything, but he was heartbroken."
"It was bound to happen, I suppose." Stetson smiled watching Scotty carefully carry his mug over to them. Buck was right behind him carrying a big bone.
"Look at Unka Joe boughted Buck!"
"That's a really big bone." Storm told him, taking his mug, and setting it on the table.
"Uh huh and look!" Scotty stretched out the front of his blue shirt. "High Ho Silver, away." He repeated himself, skipping around the room pretending to be riding a horse.
"That's great, son."
Scotty stopped and looked at Stetson. "Are you my real daddy?"
The doubt and hope in Scotty's eyes almost made Stetson break down. "Yes I am. I'm your daddy. Heck don't we look alike?"
Scotty smiled and nodded. "Mommy, did you tick Daddy?"
Storm held her arms open and Scotty went flying into them. "Of course not. I wouldn't do that."
"Good! Are we getting married?"
Storm looked stunned. Scotty put his hand on her face until she was looking right at him. "Mommies and daddies get married. Everyone knows that. I want to marry Daddy." He nodded his head and smiled, as if it was a done deal.
"It's a fine idea." Stetson smiled at Storm. She didn't smile back. In fact, she looked horrified. "What? It wouldn't be so bad."
Storm looked at him again. "We'll talk about it later."
"Uh oh, Daddy. That means no."
"Really?"
"Yes, Daddy I know about these things. I knowed Mommy a long time." His eyes were wide and serious. At least he'd stopped crying.
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