Stetson's Storm

by Kathleen Ball

"I was never engaged to Chrissy. Where'd you hear that?"

  "Somewhere between her getting pregnant and her showing me the paternity tests. You are a low down dirty--"

  "It's not my baby."

  Brian charged at him, sending Stetson flying into a stall door. Stetson pushed right back sending Brian a few feet away. Storm tried to get in between them and suddenly she was on the dirt floor under Brian.

  Stetson reached down and pulled Brian off his wife. She looked stunned and in pain. He dropped to her side anxiously. "Where does it hurt?"

  "I feel like I've been run over by a truck."

  "I'm sorry," Brian said.

  "Go find the Doc." Stetson didn't even wait for a reply. "It's going to be okay. Anything feel broken?"

  "I don't know." Storm tried to sit up and immediately laid back. "My head, shoulder, and ribs seem a bit painful."

  "Damn, this is all my fault."

  Storm reached out and caressed his bearded cheek. "This is Chrissy's fault."

  If he hadn't already loved her, he would have fallen in love with her all over again.

  It was a long wait. Storm felt safe with Stetson by her side. Her back and head were throbbing. She'd hit the dirt pretty hard. Darn, Brian was powerful. Why she thought she'd be able to get them to stop fighting was beyond her.

  All the commotion had brought a big crowd. Out of the corner of her eye, she could have sworn she saw that witch, Chrissy. Why wouldn't she just slink away and leave Stetson alone? Didn't Chrissy have any pride?

  "You're worried."

  "Of course I am. Sure nothing's broken?"

  Storm nodded. "My head hit the ground and the left side of my back, right under the shoulder blade, must have hit a rock or something. Hurts to move."

  "That's why I'm here." An older cowboy with a black bag knelt beside her. "Never thought to have to patch up your wife," he said to Stetson. "I've sewn your husband back together a time or two."

  "Storm, this is Bones."

  Her eyes widened. She wanted to make some type of joke, but in Texas, you didn't kid a man about his name. "Nice to meet you. You do tiny, even, stitches. Stetson's lucky to have had you sew him up."

  Bones blushed. "Now tell me where it hurts."

  "My head and back." Storm went on to explain her pain. Once again, she saw Chrissy out of the corner of her eye, just standing on the fringe of the crowd.

  "Carry her to the medical facility, and I'll check her out. I don't think it's anything serious," Bones instructed Stetson. He waited while Stetson scooped her up. "So you're to be honored tonight. Congrats."

  Stetson looked too concerned to smile. Storm knew the second he spotted Chrissy. His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. "You all right? I'm not hurting you am I?"

  "No, Stetson, you're a comfort to me."

  Stetson followed Bones to the medical tent and placed her on an examining table. She cried out in pain. Her back felt as though sharp knives were going into it.

  "Stetson, go catch a breath of fresh air. I'll come get you in a few."

  Stetson looked at her. He leaned forward and kissed her lips. "I'll be right outside."

  Storm watched him leave. She hoped that he wouldn't run into Chrissy right now. His temper was too hot.

  Staring off into the distance, Stetson took in the beauty of the Grand Tetons. The mountains were majestic and awe inspiring. He had hoped to enjoy these Wyoming delights with Storm.

  The sights and sounds of the rodeo made him smile. He'd missed the atmosphere, but he'd found more with Storm. He only had to convince her of that. Despite their reconciliation, he knew she still harbored a few doubts. He wanted to be the one to chase those doubts from the depths of her eyes.

  Brian rounded the corner and Stetson stiffened. "How's Storm? I never-- I'm more sorry than I can say."

  Stetson nodded. He didn't blame Brian. He blamed Chrissy. "It's not my kid."

  "I have a DNA test that says different."

  "Did you look at it? I mean really look at it?"

  Brian shook his head. "I read the results. That's all I needed to see."

  Stetson sighed and reached into his back pocket, pulling out his copy of the test. "Look closely. The DNA from both samples is exactly the same."

  "Sure, that proves that you and the baby are the same."

  Stetson shook his head. "We'd have some of the same markers, but they couldn't be exactly the same. You have to account for two different mothers."

  Brian's brows furrowed over his hazel eyes. "What does that mean?"

  "Both samples are Scotty's. From what I've read, they won't take a sample from a pregnant woman until she's about fifteen weeks along."

  Brian's eyes grew wide, his jaw dropped open, and his face turned red. "She lied? The whole thing has been a lie?"

  "Looks that way. I know she's your sister, but something's not right with her. She's not the same little girl I left a couple months ago."

  "I haven't seen her."

  Stetson put his hand on Brian's shoulder. "She was at the stables during the fight. Storm and I both saw her."

  "Oh hell. I'm so sorry, Stetson. You've been like a brother to me and I accused you of getting my sister pregnant. I don't know what to say."

  "Don't beat yourself up about it. Go find her and talk to her. Oh and Brian, good luck in the rodeo tomorrow."

  "I have a great chance since you won't be riding."

  Stetson smiled. "Well, anything to help."

  "Will you still be attending the 'we love Stetson to death' dinner tonight?

  Stetson laughed. "I'm going to try."

  Storm watched all the activity around her in astonishment. Setting up for a rodeo looked like hard work. There were so many horses, about a dozen bulls, and hundreds of cowboys. Each seemed to be busy.

  Storm had one of the best seats in the stands and she was even provided with a pillow to sit on. Still she was in pain. So far, it hadn't been the honeymoon she had hoped for. She'd been looking forward to their nights together. Her hurt back put an end to those thoughts.

  She was depressed. She had missed the awards dinner last night. Stetson had wanted to stay with her but she insisted that he go. He deserved to go to a dinner held in his honor.

  She'd taken a pain pill and was soon in a deep sleep. She hadn't even heard Stetson come in. She had to admit that it was nice to wake up next to him this morning. If it hadn't been for her back, she would have made up for lost time. Stetson looked so sexy sleeping.

  He had to help her shower and dress and it had been sheer torture to look and not touch or be touched. Parts of her were still on fire.

  She'd been looking forward to a behind the scenes look of the rodeo. She planned to meet all his friends. Sighing, she realized she should be grateful she was able to be there at all.

  The view of the Grand Tetons was something she'd never get tired of looking at. The leaves on the aspen trees were beginning to turn yellow. Wyoming was beautiful.

  Looking across the arena, she spotted Stetson watching her. She smiled and waved and it warmed her heart to have him do the same.

  The stands began to fill up and she felt beautiful as cowboy after cowboy tipped his hat to her and said howdy. It had been a long time since she was treated with such respect.

  She'd been so busy taking it all in she didn't notice Chrissy sat next to her until she was painfully jostled. Storm was amazed at the gall of that woman.

  Slowly she turned her neck to glare at her. "There are plenty of seats still open, take one of them."

  Chrissy smirked at her. "Here is fine. It's where I want to be. I can't wait for Stetson to ride in the opening ceremonies. He'll be searching for me so he can tip his hat to his special gal."

  "Good to know. I'll be waiting for him to tip his hat at me, his wife." She saw a flicker of hate in Chrissy's eyes.

  "So you left the little bastard at home. Stetson probably didn't want to explain to his friends how you roped him into marrying you."

  "Roped?" Storm
put all her energy into staying calm. She knew she was being baited.

  "Oh come on, Storm. Everyone knows that you tricked Stetson. Just because your bastard has blond hair doesn't mean he's Stetson's. Why, I know at least ten other men who claim the kid to be theirs."

  Chrissy's voice traveled and soon everyone around them had stopped and stared. The looks were all filled with condemnation. They probably all knew Chrissy; she was one of them.

  Storm stared straight ahead. She'd been in this situation before. She'd been stared at, and called a liar; it wasn't new to her. It hurt, but she couldn't let any weakness show. People could be vultures, and any show of weakness was riveting to them.

  "I don't know what you did to steal my man. Stetson is the father of the baby I'm carrying. It's me he loves." Chrissy might as well have been using a megaphone. Everyone heard her now.

  Storm decided to ignore her. She really had no other option at the moment. She could hardly move. There was no way she could defend herself in this crowd. She could endure it. She was strong, she hoped.

  Finally, the people around them settled down. Occasionally she was on the receiving end of a nasty stare. Try as she might, she couldn't figure out why Chrissy was doing this. Why? What did she hope to gain? Maybe she just wanted Stetson.

  Storm glanced at Chrissy. She looked too happy. She did look pretty. Her thick, brown hair was loose and wavy down her back. Her brown eyes sparkled. "So how's the morning sickness been?"

  Chrissy turned and looked at her. The surprise mixed with a bit of confusion in her eyes gave her away. "Fine."

  "I found that coffee first thing made it disappear," Storm lied.

  Chrissy smiled. "Me too, keeps the morning sickness away. No one had to tell me, I just knew. I'm a natural mother."

  "What time do you feel the worst?"

  "Time?" Storm could practically see the wheels turning in Chrissy's head. "I'd have to say between five and six in the morning. Peter, your dad, brings me coffee. He makes great coffee."

  Storm gave her a short nod and looked toward the arena. Chrissy wasn't pregnant. Her father never made coffee. He had Cookie, who did all the cooking for him and the men. Storm remembered when she first realized she was pregnant. The smell of coffee made her sick. Morning sickness wasn't always in the morning either. She'd had her suspicions, but now she felt confident Chrissy wasn't pregnant.

  The opening ceremonies began. The National Anthem was played. Everyone stood but her. The pain in her back prevented her from standing. She received more nasty stares. These people didn't know her. Yet they felt they could judge her.

  Finally, the spectators sat down and Stetson rode into the arena riding Rosie. He looked so damn good in his new jeans, black boots, blue shirt, and dove gray Stetson hat. Storm felt proud as he rode the perimeter of the arena waving. He stopped Rosie in front of the section she was sitting in and he smiled at her, tipping his hat.

  Chrissy stood up and blew him a kiss. "I love you too, Stetson!"

  The look of horror on Stetson's face almost made the last hour worth it.

  Chrissy sat back down. "Look didn't you get a program?" She showed Storm the glossy covered program with Stetson's picture on it. "Got mine signed!"

  Storm took a second look. It was signed To: Chrissy. I love you -Stetson. "Nice. I'll have to get one." The signature wasn't Stetson's. Storm grew anxious. Chrissy wasn't mean, she was really crazy. Crazy made her more dangerous.

  Chrissy's eyes narrowed as she stared at Storm. "It doesn't bother you that Stetson writes me love letters?"

  "That is not a letter. Stetson is his own man. He's free to be friends with you if he wants. I know he's thought of you as a little sister for all the time he was traveling the rodeo circuit."

  Chrissy's laugh sounded as though she was on the verge of hysteria. "Little sister? Oh, Storm, don't delude yourself. Just remember I know all about daddy dearest. You don't want that to get out, do ya?"

  Storm didn't get a chance to answer. She saw Stetson walking toward her. He was making his way up the steps to her. Chrissy jumped up, bumped Storm out of the way, and threw herself into Stetson's arms.

  Storm would have laughed at Stetson's stunned expression, but Chrissy had knocked her so hard, her back felt on fire. The pain was so intense she was hard put to take a deep breath.

  The crowd hooted and whistled as Chrissy crawled all over Stetson. Chrissy had thrown her arms around his neck and she had her legs wrapped around his waist. Stetson was busy moving his head back and forth, trying to elude her kisses.

  Storm had expected to feel jealous, but she didn't. She knew in her heart that Stetson loved one woman, her. She was confident in his feelings for her. In fact, when he looked at her with his eyes bugging out, she laughed.

  The laugh made her back hurt all the more but she couldn't stop. The harder Stetson tried to pry her arms from his neck the harder she held on. Chrissy had one heck of a hold on him. Finally, Stetson set her away from him.

  He immediately he was at Storm's side. "I..."

  Storm smiled up at him. "I know. Can you help me up? I want to kiss my handsome husband."

  Stetson immediately scooped her up and planted a passionate kiss on her lips. Her lips still tingled when he pulled away. He gently put her back down on her seat and sat next to her.

  "Has she been giving you a hard time?"

  Storm winked at him. "Of course, but let's not allow her to ruin our day."

  Squirming this way and that, Storm seemed to be trying to find a comfortable position. The thin line her lips made was all Stetson needed to see.

  "Put your arms around my neck."

  "Why?" Storm asked.

  "I'm taking you to the hotel." Stetson was relieved when she finally nodded and reached for him. The way she was biting her lip had him worried. She was going to make herself bleed.

  He lifted her carefully, yet she cried out when he brought her body in close to his. "I'm sorry," he whispered as he kissed the top of her head.

  "It's okay." The pain in her wobbly voice tore at him.

  A few people gave them glares, but most called out congratulations to him. He felt sad for Storm. She didn't deserve to be glared at. He was going to have to talk to Brian and Chrissy together. The whole situation was absurd and it had to stop.

  He carried her to his truck, and an older cowboy rushed to open the passenger side door for him. "Thanks, Bub. I'm going to miss you."

  Moisture filled the man's eyes. He waited until Stetson had settled Storm into the truck. "Keep in touch, ya hear? It's been a wild ride."

  Stetson took the man's hand and shook it. "You know where I'll be and my offer stands. I could use a seasoned cowboy on my ranch."

  Bub grunted. "An old timer you mean."

  "Doesn't matter. You've been like a father to me and I'd feel honored if you came down to Texas to live."

  Bub smiled his weathered face showed a lifetime of wrinkles. "I'll be down by and by. Maybe sooner than later."

  "Take care, Bub."

  "You too, partner. You take care of your little filly there. I take it she's the one you've been pining for all this time?"

  Stetson smiled, and nodded his head. "How you know so much is beyond me. Yes, she's the only one for me."

  "Well don't keep her waiting."

  Stetson watched Bub walk away. His limp was more pronounced than it had been. He hoped to see him in Texas soon.

  "I'll get you to the hotel and hopefully make you comfortable." Stetson got in the truck and started to drive.

  "I'm the one you've been pining for?" Storm's eyes were wide with pleasure.

  "Nope, we were talking about a horse."

  "Stetson Scott. If I wasn't in pain I'd sock you one in the shoulder."

  He laughed and glanced her way. "You've already given me one black eye. I don't want to be known as a battered husband."

  "Oh like that would ever happen."

  "I'm a man of the world. I've seen Dr. Phil. I know things, missy."
>
  Storm giggled. "When do you have time to watch talk shows?"

  "There's a lot of down time between rodeos. Too much time thinking about regrets."

  "We have each other now. Are you going to sit there or are you going to carry me inside the hotel. I was thinking that we could try out that hot tub that's in our room." She gave him a sexy grin and she batted her eyelashes at him.

  Stetson didn't bother to answer. He jumped out of the truck and was lifting her out in no time. "Oh, honey, I do love hot tubs."

  Storm trailed hot kisses up and down his neck. Stetson would have run to their room given the choice. She was making him crazy. A shiver went through him when she licked the side of his neck. He hoped they didn't run into anyone. He knew his arousal was evident.

  "You'll be the death of me," he murmured.

  "Mmm, that sounds good, death by tongue." Storm giggled and went back to licking behind his ear.

  He fumbled for the room key, trying not to drop her. His legs shook; he needed to sit down. Finally, he got the door open. Rushing in, he gently put her on the bed and plopped down on his back next to her. "You don't play fair."

  Storm smiled at him. "What are you talking about?"

  Stetson rolled his eyes at her feigned innocence. "Baby, I'm out of my mind right now. I probably don't know what I'm talking about."

  "Wasn't there mention of a hot tub?"

  "I don't know if it's a good idea. I don't want you to get hurt." The words out of his mouth did not reflect what he felt. He wanted to strip her naked and show her how insane a tongue could make a person.

  "Well I'm going in. I'll need your help getting naked." Storm smiled prettily at him.

  Stetson groaned and sat up. He framed her beautiful face with his hands. He looked into her eyes hoping she could see the love he held for her. Leaning down, he nipped at her bottom lip. The kiss became full and passion filled. Her lips were so juicy, so smooth, and he couldn't get enough.

  He felt her shiver and he pulled back. "Let's get you into the hot tub before I have you flat on your hurt back."

  It took everything he had to pull away and she looked as though she was holding in a laugh. "You, my wife, are a first class tease."