Stetson's Storm

by Kathleen Ball

  "Aunt Nellie, come quick. They are wrestling and Daddy said hell," Scotty called from the other side of the door.

  They both looked in the direction of the door and saw a shadow. They stilled for a moment, and then Stetson pulled away from Storm.

  "Scotty, I told you not to spy," Nellie said.

  "Nellie, let us out of here right now," Stetson yelled.

  "Daddy is mad."

  "He might be a bit mad now, but he'll thank us later," they heard Nellie tell Scotty.

  "She pun--"

  Storm put her hand over his mouth. "Shh, don't let Scotty know I hit you."

  "He already thinks we are wrestling," Stetson said, his eyes glittering.

  "Now I already apologized for that little mishap. He saw us rolling on the floor and assumed we were wrestling."

  "Yeah, but regular wrestling or Nellie and Joe kind of wrestling?"

  Storm started to laugh, but when she looked closely at his eyes, she could see one start to color and swell. "Wow, I didn't know I could hit so hard."

  "You sound impressed." Stetson touched his eye and winced.

  Storm went and got one of the water bottles. "Here put this against it, maybe it'll help."

  "Ouch, woman, that hurts." Stetson grabbed the bottle from her.

  "I was just trying to help." Storm felt defensive; she couldn't do anything right.

  They heard Buck scratching at the door. Then a piece of paper sailed through. Storm got up and looked at the paper. Tears filled her eyes.

  "What is it?"

  "Scotty drew us a picture."

  Storm handed it to Stetson who smiled. It was a picture of a mommy, a boy, a daddy, and a dog, all in front of a house holding hands. "He has a point you know, Storm."

  "I don't know what's what anymore," she confessed.

  Stetson reached out and pulled her onto his lap.

  Breathing in her scent, Stetson hugged her to him. Surprisingly, she leaned back against him and relaxed. It always seemed so right to have Storm in his arms. He kissed her neck and felt her shiver.

  "What are we going to do?" Storm's eyes filled with doubt.

  "I've tried every way I know how to make you trust me, Storm. I'm plumb out of ideas. I wish-- Never mind."

  "No, tell me what do you wish?"

  Her expression was so filled with hope. He prayed he had the words to tell her. Tucking her head under his chin, Stetson took a deep breath. He didn't want her observing him, viewing his heart and soul.

  "I wish for you to be happy, and taken care of." He felt her try to look at him. "I know you can take care of yourself." She relaxed in his arms. "I just want to be there for you. I want to help you raise our son. I want you to look at me the way you used to. I want you to trust me. Most of all, I want you to love me as much as I love you."

  Fear filled him as he waited for a response. The silence stretched out and his heart dropped. "I'd be so proud to have you as my wife. I understand, Storm. You don't have to say anything."

  "I'm sorry, Stetson."

  He kissed the top of her head and let her go. "I understand. The whole time I was gone I knew something was missing. I knew it was you. My damn pride got in the way. I foolishly went on with my life and pushed you and this place into the back of my mind. It's all my fault and I truly understand."

  Storm stayed on his lap. Her eyes were luminous when she finally gazed at him. "You're breaking my heart. I do want to marry you. I'm just hurt and afraid." Tears poured down her face.

  "I want to make love with you. I want to show you that you don't need to fear me."

  Reaching up, she stroked his beard. "I'm not afraid of you that way. I'm afraid you'll walk away again. I can't help it. It's always in the back of my mind."

  Stetson wrapped his arms around her and rocked her back and forth. "It's down to trust. Tell me, what I can do?"

  "Tell me that you love me again."

  "Storm McCrory, I love you with all my heart. Please, marry me."

  "All right."

  "Aunt Nellie, it worked. Can I open the door?"

  Chapter Twelve

  Storm stared in the old Cheval floor mirror. It was a handsome mirror encased in cherry wood. It had been in the attic only yesterday and now it stood in her room. Her reflection astounded her. The wedding gown was beautiful. It was an A-line, short-sleeved confection with a square-cut neckline. The bottom layer was made of the softest satin she had ever felt with lace overlays. Nellie told her it was Venetian lace with hand-sewn seed pearls. The detailing on the bodice was exquisite.

  Turning, she glanced over her shoulder. The fit was perfect. Nellie stood to one side wearing some flouncy yellow dress that if truth were told it made her look like big bird. Now she knew why her favorite color was of such interest.

  "You are lovely, Storm," Nellie enthused.

  Storm hoped her face projected happiness. She still felt a bit blindsided by the whole thing. If it had been anyone else but Nellie, she'd have put up a fuss. Getting married the day after accepting a proposal was not what she had in mind.

  "Yellow looks nice on you, Nellie."

  "Think so? I do love this dress. It's so sunny and bright."

  Storm watched as Nellie looked herself over in the mirror. Nellie actually liked the dress. Oh well, it was only for a few hours.

  "I don't know why you went to all this trouble for a small wedding. It still is a small wedding, right?"

  "Yes, it's small, and I went to the trouble because I love you."

  Storm hugged her. "I love you too, Nellie."

  A horn honked and Nellie smiled. "Come on, it's time."

  Storm followed her down the old stairs her nerves getting the better of her. She longed to turn and run back to her room, but Scotty and Stetson were both waiting at the church for her, and she couldn't let Scotty down. Part of her wanted this marriage, but a bigger part thought it was a mistake.

  Fear clutched at her heart and wouldn't let go. There was no doubt she loved that cowboy. She didn't doubt his love for her either. It should be so simple to go to the church, and walk down the aisle to the man she loved.

  "Come on, Storm, our ride is waiting."

  Storm hurried outside and stopped short. "What is going on?" She stared at the silver limousine parked in front of her.

  Nellie smiled proudly. "It was my idea. We couldn't go in a truck."

  "Of course not." Storm felt as though she was in some bizarre dream. She got in and settled her dress around her. "Thank you, Nellie, this is nice."

  "Oh don't thank me, it was Stetson's idea."

  "He decided yesterday and had it all arranged?"

  "Not even Stetson could pull that off in such short notice."

  "Nellie, how long has this all been planned?" Storm took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. It wouldn't be right to get Nellie upset.

  Nellie's gaze flew to Storm's. She resembled a kid who was caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Her face was riddled with guilt.

  Not wanting Nellie to turn any redder, Storm reached out and took Nellie's hand. "It's fine. Everything has been perfect, thank you." She concluded that she could torture Stetson tomorrow for his high handed manipulations.

  The limo stopped, and the driver helped Nellie and Storm out.

  Callie came running down the steps with two bouquets of wildflowers in her hands. "Whew. Finally. Here you go." She handed them each their flowers. "I'm going in. You both look beautiful."

  Joe came down the steps. His smile was only for Nellie. "They are waiting." He escorted both women up the steps and into the church.

  Storm didn't even have a moment to think. The music started immediately. Joe and Nellie walked down the aisle. Now it was her turn. Looking at the end of the aisle, she saw Stetson and Scotty, both dressed in black tuxedos, standing, waiting for her.

  Hearing the wedding march, Storm took a deep breath and started down the aisle. All doubts vanished when her eyes locked with Stetson's. She could feel his love in his look. Wa
lking closer, she looked at Scotty, who was beaming. He waved to her. She winked back.

  As she stood next to Stetson and Scotty, she knew all was right. The ceremony was a blur, but the kiss at the end was one she'd never forget. It was a kiss filled with love and promises.

  Stetson lifted Scotty up so he could kiss her too. Storm thought her heart would burst. Her eyes filled with tears.

  "I now pronounce you my Mommy and Daddy. My married Mommy and Daddy!"

  Stetson laughed. He never looked more handsome. Reaching up, she stroked his bearded cheek.

  "Too late to give the bride away, huh?"

  Everyone turned and looked toward the church entry. Her father stood there looking beyond angry. Storm automatically took a step closer to Stetson.

  "Please don't ruin this too," Storm said.

  "Not me. The only one here to ruin you is that bum next to you. How do you get off to marry Storm when you have a woman with your child on the way sitting in my house?"

  Stetson let go of Storm's hand, and handed Scotty off to Joe. He took a step forward, staring Patrick McCrory down. "I've already told you that I have never been with Chrissy in that way."

  "She says you did."

  "She's wrong. Now if you don't mind, I'm asking you to leave."

  "Well whoever fathered Scotty fathered Chrissy's baby. We have the tests to prove it."

  Storm's stomach began to roll. "What are you talking about?"

  "I stole your son's hair brush. We went clear over to Fort Worth to get the hair and Chrissy tested. Sorry Storm, but once again this yahoo has made a fool out of you. He married you to get out of marrying Chrissy. It's not right."

  Storm brought a shaking hand to her mouth in disbelief. "You're lying," she finally said.

  "See for yourself." He flung a manila envelope across the floor. "I'll be waiting to hear from you, Stetson. Storm is already ruined. Chrissy's the one you should be concentrating on. Besides, when you go back to the rodeo, Chrissy will want to go with you. You won't be leaving your wife and child behind."

  Storm gasped.

  "He didn't tell you he was leaving? Here." He threw a few flyers on the church floor. "This says it all." He turned on his heel and walked out.

  Tears filled her eyes. She looked at Stetson, then Joe, and finally Nellie. No one reassured her it wasn't true. Lifting the hem of her dress, she ran out of the church. Her heart was in her throat as she jumped into the silver limo. The door opened and Nellie, Callie, and Joy all jumped in.

  "Back to the ranch," Callie told the Limo driver as she took Storm's hand. "I'm so sorry, Storm."

  "Well of course it's not true." Joy poured some whiskey into a crystal glass from the limo bar and handed it to Storm.

  Nellie was awfully quiet. Storm felt bad. Who in their right mind wears a dress like that with bright yellow shoes unless she really wanted to please the bride? Her shoes -- there was one of the flyers stuck to the bottom. Storm grabbed it and smoothed it out.

  She still had her doubts about Chrissy's claim, but she could no longer doubt Stetson planned to leave. The proof was right in front of her. Stetson's picture was even on the flyer for a rodeo in Wyoming. Her hands shook as she handed it to Nellie. "You knew."

  Nellie nodded her head. "It was only going to be for the weekend and that was to be the end of his rodeo career."

  She wished to God she could feel numb. The pain was excruciating, and she didn't know if she could bear it. It was just like before, only worse. He looked so handsome standing at the altar. Even his black eye looked good to her.

  Never again. No man was worth it. "Do you think Joe could move into the house and I could move into his cabin?"

  Nellie stared at her. "If that's what you want. But don't you want to talk to Stetson? I'm sure he can explain everything to you." Tears flowed down Nellie's face.

  Callie reached over and gave Nellie a hug. "Don't cry. We need to support one another. Stetson might have valid reasons, but it's Storm's choice as to whether or not she's ready to hear them."

  Joy smiled at Nellie. "I'd pour you a shot of whiskey too, but the baby."

  Nellie gave them a half smile. "My brother is a knucklehead. Storm, I knew about the rodeo. That's why he wanted the wedding so soon. I thought he told you. I'm sorry."

  "I feel like he's thrown our future away. I just don't know what to think anymore. I just know I'm a fool. I don't remember Scotty's brush being missing."

  "It was, but then it showed up on the floor so I thought maybe Buck had taken it." Nellie bit her bottom lip as she looked at Storm.

  "Today was supposed to be our new start. I'm right back where I was five years ago, broken hearted and ashamed. Thank you for riding home with me. I can't believe I left Scotty."

  The limo stopped. "Stetson has Scotty, he'll be fine." Callie reassured her. "Let's get your things so you can stay at the cabin for a few days."

  "I'd really just like to be alone for a bit. I'd appreciate it if you could stay with Nellie until Joe gets back." Storm climbed out of the limo. "I'm going to get changed, and then take Mitzi for a ride. Maybe I can clear my head. I just don't know."

  "Go, don't worry, we'll keep Nellie company," Joy told her with a smile.

  Storm nodded and raced into the house. The screen door echoed in the empty house. She ran along the wide planked wooden floor and up the stairs. Stopping in front of the full-length mirror, she admired her dress once more, and then quickly got out of it. She pulled on her riding clothes, and headed out.

  Stetson tore off his tuxedo jacket, threw it on the floor, and stomped on it. How did everything go so haywire? Storm's father needed a serious pounding.

  The sight of her running away ripped his heart in two. He was so close to having it all. Storm and Scotty were all he wanted. Scotty had been inconsolable after Storm high tailed it out of the church.

  Damn! Damn! Damn! He stomped the jacket again. McCrory had painted him a liar and a cheat. How was he going to get Storm to believe him? To trust him?

  "Done?" Stamos stood at Stetson's bedroom door, the manila envelope in his hand.

  "Not nearly."

  "I've looked these results over and something isn't right. I'll have to make a few calls, and find out if I'm on to something." Stamos gave him a sympathetic look.

  "I didn't even look at them. There is no possible way that I'm the father of Chrissy's baby." He leaned down and grabbed his jacket. "I always thought of her as a sister. Anything you can do to disprove her claim..."

  Garrett ambled into Stetson's bedroom. "These flyers look pretty damning. You should have told her, buddy."

  "Those flyers aren't legit. I'm receiving an award from the Rodeo Association and I'm guest hosting. The only thing right about those flyers is the date and place."

  Nellie elbowed her way in. She looked around the room filled with vases of yellow roses. A wedding ring quilt adorned the big bed. "I thought Storm knew about Wyoming?"

  "It was going to be a surprise. You already offered to take care of Scotty for the weekend and I thought it would be a mini honeymoon."

  "Uh oh, big brother, you have some explaining to do to your bride."

  Stetson grabbed her hand and sat her on the bed. "Aren't you going to ask about the paternity test?

  Nellie shook her head. "I already know you are not the father. You said you weren't, and I believe you."

  Stetson leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Thank you for that."

  Nellie looked at Stamos and Garrett. "Your wives are waiting in the kitchen."

  "Don't worry, well get to the bottom of this." Stamos shook Stetson's hand.

  "You'll be honeymooning in no time," Garrett added.

  Stetson gave them a quick nod and watched them leave his room. He turned to Nellie and took her hand. "Thanks for today. You made the wedding beautiful. Your dress is, um-- Storm loves yellow. I appreciate the roses and Grandma's wedding quilt."

  "You know I love you and Storm. Everything will work out."

  J
oe knocked on the door. "Scotty is still sleeping with Buck by his side. I went to my place, but it's occupied."

  Stetson's heart dropped. "Occupied?"

  Nellie squeezed Stetson's hand. "Storm will be staying there for a while."

  His stomach rolled. "What about Scotty?"

  "I think it's probably best to have him over there with Storm." Nellie's eyes began to tear. "I know you'll get it all worked out." Standing up, she took Joe's hand, leading him out of Stetson's room.

  His dreams shattered as he looked at all the yellow roses. Getting off the bed, he carefully folded up the quilt. He wouldn't need it for a while.

  "But why?" Scotty asked Storm for the hundredth time. The distress on his little face wrenched her heart. Buck whined too. It was more than she could handle.

  Joe had brought their belongings over last night, and he grabbed some of his to take to the main house. He hadn't said much, but the pity in his eyes caused a lump to form in her throat. It was still there.

  "Is Daddy still my daddy? Do I have to give Buck back?" Tears poured down his little face.

  Storm picked him up and sat him on her lap. "It's going to be all right, kiddo." Rocking him back and forth, Storm knew she was telling him a lie.

  A knock at the door, had Scotty ejecting himself from her and hurling himself to grab the doorknob. "Daddy!"

  Somehow, she wasn't surprised. Her coping skills had taken flight, and she wasn't ready to see him.

  Storm gave him a brief glance as he walked into the kitchen with Scotty in his arms and Buck at his feet. "I'm taking Scotty for the day. Nellie is upset and it's not good for her. Do you think that you could spend the day with her?"

  The pain in her heart was almost too much to bear. Storm simply nodded. She still couldn't look at him. The fear of becoming hysterical kept her silent.

  "Run and get you boots, hat, and a jacket," Stetson told his son.

  "Storm, I know we need to talk, but I don't think you'd listen to anything I had to say. I'm asking that you allow me to spend time with Scotty and I'm hoping you are willing to help at the house. Nellie really doesn't look good."