Shoving her boots on, she got up and quickly started toward the pond. Her need to be alone propelled her forward. Suddenly she felt herself falling into the sharp rocks on the side of the path. Stunned, she just lay there wondering what happened.
Hearing Stetson and Scotty running her way she yelled, "Stop! I tripped on some wire. Be careful!"
Stetson told Scotty to stay where he was and then cautiously walked toward Storm. "Are you hurt?"
"Not seriously. A few scrapes. The wire was strung across the path."
Stetson swore and shook his head. "I'll need gloves and wire cutters to free you. Good thing you had your boots on."
Nodding, she watched them walk toward the campsite. It was crazy. Who would put wire up like that? This was Scott land.
"Got 'em, Mommy," Scotty yelled from his position.
Stetson approached and squatted down. His anger emanated off him making Storm wary.
"I shouldn't have run out of the tent like that."
Stetson stopped untangling the wire and looked at her. The concern in his eyes filled her heart and she bit her lip to keep from falling under his spell.
"I'm going to pull your boots off."
"Good idea." She was glad to have something else to focus on beside Stetson's sexy beard.
"Are you cold? I could have Scotty grab your coat."
"No, it was a shiver or a chill. I'm fine." She scrambled to her feet. "How did this wire get here?"
"Damned if I know, but I intend to find out."
Storm looked at the damage the wire had done to her boots. "What if it had been Scotty on this path? He'd..." Storm choked up.
Stetson scooped her up and held her tight. "Let's talk about it later. I'm as alarmed as you are."
"Mommy, are you alright?" Scotty yelled, jumping up and down, waiting for them to get closer.
"I'm tough, kiddo." Storm smiled at him.
"And the bestest fisher in the whole world."
Stetson laughed and she could feel the rumble of it against her body. "Yep that's your mom. I think we should break camp and head out. Hard to camp without boots on."
"Yes, really, really hard," Scotty agreed, leading the way back to the campsite.
Stetson pulled the truck in front of the house. Storm had a smile plastered on her face, for Scotty's sake
Getting out of the truck, he strode to the passenger side door. He opened it and took Storm's hand. She cried in pain. "What on earth?" He looked at her palms. "A few scrapes? You have gravel imbedded in your hands. Damn it, Storm, you're bleeding."
Storm tried to brush him aside and get out of the truck. Stetson scooped her up in his arms. "Scotty, I'm going to put Mommy on the porch and then I'll get you out of your car seat."
"Really, I'm fine."
Plopping her down on the porch swing, Stetson touched her knee. His eyes narrowed at her cry of distress. "Not hurt, huh?"
"Just go get Scotty. I didn't want to scare him. He used to have nightmares that something would happen to me and he'd be all alone."
Stetson went back and retrieved his son.
"Is Mommy bad hurt?" The quiver in his voice became an arrow in Storm's heart.
"Not bad. You can help me fix her up."
"You said a bad word, Daddy."
Stetson appeared puzzled.
"You said damn. Damn is what you said. Damn is bad. Mommy, isn't damn bad?"
Storm laughed. "Yes, so quit saying it."
Scotty gave Stetson an, I told you so look.
"Both of you."
Scotty's eyes grew wide. "See Daddy, you got us both in trouble with your bad word."
"Scotty, can you get the door?"
Stetson scooped Storm up and carried her inside. Gently, he put her down on a kitchen chair. "Hey, I wonder where Nellie and Joe are. Joe's truck is outside."
"So is Nellie's car," Storm commented, biting her lip.
"Do you think?"
Storm nodded her head.
"They can't wait a few weeks until they get married?"
"I found them," Scotty yelled, from the top of the stairs. "They are wrestling just like the guys we watched on TV."
Storm doubled over in laughter. Her shoulders shook and tears poured down her face.
"Scotty, I need you." Stetson shook his head. "He'll be scarred for life."
They heard his footsteps as he ran down the stairs. "I'm ready. Do we get to oper, opra? Can we be doctors?"
"You most certainly are not going to operate on me. I want you to help Daddy. I might sound like I'm in pain, but it'll be fine." Holding out her palm, she showed him the rocks imbedded in her hand. "Daddy has to get these out. I'll try to be brave, but I'll probably need your help."
Scotty looked at Stetson. "Let's just knock her out. I bet you can do it in one punch."
Stetson laughed and shook his head. "You know, that's a great idea, but my punches are so strong, I might hurt her."
"Oh. Mommy, you'll have to be brave."
Later that day, Storm looked around the dinner table, feeling blessed. Stetson and Joe cooked roast chicken and mashed potatoes. They also cooked some peas, but they didn't quite make it to the table. Smiling, she remembered the look of surprise on Stetson's face when Scotty dropped the bowl of peas on the kitchen floor.
Thank goodness, it had been a wooden bowl. She had gotten up to help clean the mess, but was ordered to relax. Scotty smiled; peas were not his favorite.
It felt so unnatural to be taken care of. Her emotions were on a seesaw. One minute she was angry and determined, and then the next she was all warm and fuzzy. There was something to say about warm and fuzzy. It felt damn good.
"Mommy, do you need me to feed you?"
Storm smiled. "I was wool gathering. I can eat, but thanks."
"Daddy, can Buck and me see the lamb?"
Stetson looked at each adult then at Scotty, clearly puzzled. "What lamb?"
Storm shook her head. "Scotty, wool gathering means thinking."
Scotty's shoulders slumped. "Oh." He ate a forkful of potatoes and turned toward Stetson. "Can we get a lamb?" His eyes were so big and hopeful.
Storm had been on the other end of that look often. Hiding her smile behind her napkin, she peered at Stetson.
A flash of confusion showed in his expression followed by awareness. Then there was the frown of no, and finally the look of 'what do I say to Scotty'. "I'll have to talk it over with your mom."
"Oh no. You are not putting this on me, cowboy. It's your ranch. You had no problem bringing home a puppy."
"Please?" Scotty's eyes got even bigger.
"Tell you what, Stamos has a few foals we can go visit."
"Fools are lambs?" Scotty eyes narrowed unconvinced.
"Foals are baby horses." Stetson looked defeated.
Storm expected him to cave at any moment. However, she was surprised when he held strong. It was hard with that cute little look of Scotty's. If truth were told, he never asked for much. There had never been anything to give, except love.
Joe brought out homemade brownies and both women were impressed.
"Got yourself a keeper," Storm commented.
Nellie nodded and smiled. "I think Stetson can make cookies." Her eyes twinkled.
"Well before anyone asks for any, I'm taking my son upstairs for a bath." Stetson smiled.
Joe stood up. "I'll do the dishes."
Storm and Nellie looked at each other in surprise. Nellie shrugged her shoulder. "Come on Storm, let's be women of leisure in the other room."
Storm followed Nellie into the big family room. She waited for Nellie to sit on the couch and then she joined her. "Wrestling?"
Nellie face turned bright red. "That was Joe. I was speechless. I do apologize."
"Oh no, don't apologize. Scotty shouldn't have gone looking for you in the bedrooms."
"He's always been invited to do so before. Next time we'll lock the door."
Storm laughed. "Good idea."
"I did hear a
bit of gossip while you were away. Your father's foreman, Smitty, left."
"Smitty's been Dad's right hand man since before I was born."
Nellie touched her arm gently. "Maybe left isn't the right word. No one seems to know where he went. Rumor has it he went for a ride and never came back."
Storm's heart dropped into her stomach. "I need to find out. Smitty taught me how to ride a horse. Where did you hear this?"
"Miss Harriett told me."
"Damn. Then it's probably true. She always has been sweet on him." Storm jumped up and grabbed her purse. "Can I borrow your car?"
"Where are you going?" Storm spun around toward Stetson.
"I, well, I guess I'm going into town to find Smitty. He's missing."
"Let me make a few calls first. I bet either Stamos or Garrett know what's going on." He walked right up to her and touched her cheek. "Trust me."
Storm wanted to shake her head no, but his beseeching eyes asked for so much. She saw love, concern, doubt, and hope. A lump formed in her throat. Perhaps it was time to trust Stetson. She nodded, staring deeply into his blue eyes.
Stetson leaned down and kissed her. It was the most tender kiss she had ever received. It touched her soul and left her speechless. He pulled away and she touched her lips, staring in awe.
Giving her one of his slow sexy grins, he turned and walked into the office.
Chapter Eleven
Brushing down Bandit, Stetson was still mulling over what Stamos had told him last night. Smitty had been missing for at least a week, and no one reported it. McCrory supposedly searched for days before his men finally found Smitty's roan.
Sam Evers was the new foreman. Stetson never liked the guy. He was supposedly one of the men who claimed that Scotty could be his. Now McCrory wasn't allowing anyone but law enforcement on his property. It just didn't sit right.
Storm had been near hysterical last night. At least she accepted his comfort for a small while. The feel of her shapely body in his arms was something he wanted again and again.
"What do you think?" he asked the horse. "Yeah, I don't know what to think either. I guess I'll have to give her some space then launch another attack. Thing is, I just don't know what to do to make her trust me."
Bandit just gave him a baleful look. Hearing someone enter the barn, Stetson looked up. "Hey, Joe."
"Nellie wants your help in the kitchen."
"I was just about to take Rosie out to check the west end of the ranch."
Joe shrugged his shoulders. "You know how Nellie gets."
Sighing, Stetson nodded. "I'd best get in there." He walked over and patted Rosie. "I'll take you out in a bit."
"Do you want me to ride out and check?"
Stetson shook his head. "No, I need you out with the other men, checking the cattle. I'll just be a second I'm sure." Stetson walked to the door and turned. "Joe, be careful out there. I don't like what's going on."
"Me neither, Boss."
Stetson walked toward the house. What could Nellie need him to do that she couldn't have asked Joe to do? He'd never understand women.
Nellie looked up from the bowl she was busy stirring. "Oh good, you're here."
Stetson nodded. Nellie had that pregnant glow about her and he had never seen her so happy. "What can I do for you?"
"I need the cradle brought down front the attic. I, well, you know what it looks like and I thought you could find it faster than me and..."
"I'll get it. I don't want you hurting yourself."
Nellie gave him a grateful smile.
"Be back in a second."
Standing on the landing leading to the attic, he noticed that the light was on. Nellie must have already searched. He'd have to tell her to stay out of the attic. She could easily trip and fall.
He opened the door and walked in. The delectable sight of Storm bending over greeted him. "I didn't know you were up here."
"Just looking for the cradle," she said, not even straightening up.
The sound of the door closing alerted them both. Walking to it, he tried to open it. It was locked. He shot Storm a puzzled look. "How'd it get locked?"
Storm brushed past him. "Let me try." Storm pulled at door handle to no avail. She banged her fist against the door and then listened to see if anyone heard her.
"I'll be back later. You two work out your differences or you'll stay in there indefinitely," Nellie told them, her voice betraying her happiness at her little plan.
"Nellie, you open the door right now!" Stetson roared.
All they heard were whispers, and the sound of her walking away.
"Is this really happening?" Storm stared at him.
"We might as well look for the cradle. Sounds like we'll be here for a while."
"Why? Because I don't want to marry you?"
Stetson ignored her and continued to look for the cradle.
"You do think it's my fault."
"Look, Storm, let's just find the cradle and wait for a bit. Someone will let us out."
Storm didn't look so sure. She walked to the window and laughed. Picking up a picnic basket full of food, she turned toward Stetson. "Looks like we'll be here much longer than you thought."
The sight of Stetson's jaw drop made her happy. For once, he wasn't in control and obviously, he didn't appreciate it.
Stetson closed his mouth and scowled. "Anything good in that basket?"
Storm set it down on a sheet-covered table. "Water, beef jerky, and protein bars. Really, they shouldn't have been so generous. Why bother? Oh look, there's candles and a note."
Stetson stood beside her trying to read the note. "Well?"
She didn't know whether she should laugh or be mad. "It's a petition."
"What the hell?" Stetson took the paper out of her hand. "Even Buck signed this?" Stetson went to the door and banged loudly. "I have work to do, damn it."
"Pst. Damn is a bad word." A voice came from under the door.
Stetson was instantly on his stomach looking under the door. "Scotty, open the door, please."
Storm flew over and lay next to him. Scotty's eyes were wide and Buck was putting his black paw under the door. "Scotty can you reach the door handle?"
"Daddy said damn again."
"I know and he'll stand in the corner as soon as you open the door." Buck had rolled onto his back and was looking at them upside down. "Open the door, kiddo."
At the sound of approaching footsteps, Scotty and Buck scrambled away from the door.
"Damn, that sounds like Joe out there," Stetson roared.
"Daddy said damn."
Storm couldn't make out what they were saying, but the sound of footsteps walking away rang loud and clear. "Damn!"
Stetson rolled on his back, his arm over his eyes. "Don't say damn."
Sitting up Storm grabbed the note back. "So, looks like we have to announce our engagement to get out of here. That's simply not possible. I suggest we wait them out."
Stetson lifted his arm and looked at her. "For how long?"
"For as long as it takes."
Stetson sat up and leaned against the door. "I suggest we just name the date and walk out of here."
"Oh you do? I don't agree, you unromantic oaf."
Running his hand through his blond curls, he gave her a long glance. "Let's get out the water, the jerky, and the candle. Would that be more to your liking?"
Standing up, she walked to the other end of the attic. Sunlight shone through the window displaying all the dust in the air. They'd be better off if they just stayed silent. He was in a mood and so was she.
Stetson stood but stayed by the door. "What? Not to your liking?"
Ignoring him, Storm looked for the cradle. There were several old trunks, boxes, and pieces of furniture. Most of the furniture was draped in sheets. In the corner, she found an old spinning wheel. "Oh look at this."
Stetson glanced at her and smiled. "That was great grand granny Betty's. I haven't been up here in years."
"It's hot in here."
Stetson nodded and walked toward the window. "Doesn't open."
"I noticed."
"Storm, this was not my idea so stop the sarcasm."
She felt a nagging of guilt. Maybe she was being a bit bratty. "Well I don't see the cradle. We might as well sit and relax. You can tell me about your rodeo days."
Stetson grabbed two bottles of water and handed her one. He uncovered a couple wooden chairs and offered her one. "Might as well be comfy."
Storm sat trying not to look at him. He was grinning again and for some reason it was her weakness. She could feel his eyes on her and her body began to ignite.
"Not much to tell. I followed the circuit and made some money."
"Must have been more than that to keep you away for so long."
Stetson hesitated. "I didn't come back for two reasons. One was my father. The other was you."
"I'm not buying it so stop selling it." Storm took a bite of jerky.
"You think I'm lying?"
"Yes. I believe the part about your father, but don't put me down as a reason you stayed away."
Stetson stood up and walked toward her, making her scurry to the farthest wall away from him.
"Don't touch me, and while I'm at it, I'm sick of those sexy grins you keep giving me."
Stetson laughed. "My grins are sexy?"
"Stop where you are. You could have picked up the phone at any time. When you left, I was devastated. When you never called it near killed me. I was so stupid, I thought you loved me. I kept telling myself that you'd come back. I was such a fool."
Stetson took another step toward her and she felt cornered. Blindly striking out, she hit Stetson with her fist. His yelp of pain scared her.
He gave her an incredulous look and covered his eye. "You walloped me."
"I didn't mean it."
Stetson picked her up and put her over his shoulder. Her fists pounded on his back and he let her slide to the floor. He grabbed her and straddled her. "It hurts like hell."
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