“Well, that was unexpected.” His youngest brother Daniel slouched in his chair.
“No, it wasn’t,” said Andrew. “Our wives—” he pointed from himself to Matt and Noah “—have been expecting this for a while now.”
“They have?” Seemed it was Dad’s turn to look surprised.
Matt patted him on the shoulder. “It’s okay, Dad. We know you can be a little slow on the uptake.”
The old man glared at his middle son.
“Actually, this is happening a little quicker than I’d expected.” Noah eyed their father. “Though, I was expecting it.” His big brother grinned. “Have you bought the ring yet?”
Dad reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box, his hands shaking.
He lifted the lid to reveal a ring with a decent-sized center diamond encircled by a series of smaller diamonds.
Andrew let go a low whistle. “What are you trying to do, make us look bad?” Again he motioned between himself, Matt and Noah.
“I hope she likes it.” Dad closed the box and wrapped his hand around it.
“She will, Dad.” Noah assured with a smile.
“Does this mean you boys are good with my decision?”
The five of them looked at each other.
“I’m good.” Noah raised his hand the same way they’d done when they were kids taking a family vote.
“Me, too.” Andrew raised his hand.
“Ditto,” said Matt.
“I’m good,” Jude added.
All eyes were on their baby brother now. While the rest of them had been around to watch Dad and Hillary’s relationship develop, Daniel, the adventurer in the family, had been gone a lot, traveling the world, and hadn’t had the chance to get to know Hillary until this past summer.
The only Stephens boy who favored their mother with her blond hair and blue eyes looked at the old man across the table. “You and Mama had a lot of good years together. I know you miss her just as much as we do. But I also know that she’d want you to be happy.” His gaze bounced to each of his brothers. “So, I’m good, too.”
Applause erupted as everyone congratulated their father. Jude felt a giant sense of relief, albeit only temporary. He still had to come clean with his dad.
Yet as he watched the old man now, something else crossed Jude’s mind. What if Dad wanted to retire so he could be with Hillary? And if he did, could Jude bring himself to deny him that?
* * *
Was this a real date?
Kayla stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror early that evening. Perhaps the sweater dress and boots were too much. Jude had only asked her to dinner, after all. In Montrose. Just the two of them.
She blew out a breath and dropped onto the side of the quilt-covered bed. It couldn’t be a date. Pregnant women didn’t date. Did they?
What had she been thinking?
You weren’t thinking. You were too busy getting lost in those dark eyes of his.
Truth be known, she liked spending time with Jude. He made her feel normal again. The way he encouraged her, believed in her, made her feel as though she could do anything she set her mind to. And she couldn’t wait to tell him about the house.
A knock sounded at the door.
Her gaze shot to the clock on the nightstand. Jude wasn’t supposed to be here for another thirty minutes.
Standing, she started for the door. She didn’t know who else it could be, so if it was him, he’d just have to wait.
She flipped on the porch light and peered through the peephole. Unease swept through her veins. What were Shane’s parents, Joe and Maureen Bradshaw, doing here?
Her insides twisted as she recalled her phone conversation with Maureen last week.
When she sent them her address, she never imagined they’d show up in Ouray. Maybe when the baby came, but not now.
A louder knock made her jump. Joe wasn’t known for his patience.
She drew in a deep breath and opened the door. “Joe? Maureen?” Her gaze darted between the two. “What a surprise.” Not necessarily a good one either. “What are you doing here?”
“We came to see you, young lady.” Joe scowled. “The least you could do is let us in.” While she’d grown accustomed to her father-in-law’s gruffness, she certainly hadn’t missed it.
“Of course.” She held the door wide, hoping they weren’t planning to stay with her. Denver was five hours away, and it was already dark. Fortunately, Ouray had plenty of hotels.
The petite woman with short brown hair dutifully followed her husband, clutching the collar of her coat. Once they were inside, Kayla noticed her mother-in-law’s red-rimmed eyes.
“Please, have a seat.” She gestured toward the plush gray sofa against the wall.
“That won’t be necessary.” Hands shoved in the pockets of his loose-fitting work pants, Joe continued to frown. “We’re not here to chitchat.”
Apprehension snaked up Kayla’s spine as she shifted from one booted foot to the other. “What...can I help you with?”
“Young lady, why are you doing this to us?”
“What am I doing?”
“This whole nonsense about moving to Ouray. It’s ridiculous. You don’t know a soul out here, except for that socialite who got married. Do you have any idea how difficult this has been for Maureen?”
Seeing the woman’s bottom lip tremble tore at Kayla’s heart. She never wanted to hurt them.
“She’s been looking forward to this baby for months,” Joe continued. “Now she’s losing it just like we lost Shane.”
Kayla straightened, her hand automatically covering her belly. “That’s not true. I would never try to keep this baby away from you. It is now and will always be your grandchild. But please understand that I have to think about what’s best for my baby. I’ve been offered a wonderful job opportunity here.” She lifted a shoulder. “Besides...I really need a fresh start.”
“Why?” No-nonsense Joe looked at her like she was crazy. “I mean, sure you’re heartbroken about Shane. We all are. But you can’t raise a baby alone.”
She could, and she would. Just like she would have if Shane were still alive. Unfortunately, Shane’s parents had never known about his drinking. How could she make them understand now?
“Shane and I had...problems in our marriage.”
“Every marriage has problems, dear.” A timid Maureen practically squeaked out the words.
“Yes, I—I understand that.” Except the issues between her and Shane went far beyond the average disagreement. “But...” You have to tell them. She wrapped her arms around her midsection. “You know how the authorities said that Shane’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit?”
Joe grumbled. “I still don’t understand that. Shane never drank.”
“Not in front of you, he didn’t.”
Joe and Maureen looked at each other curiously.
“What are you saying?” Her father-in-law’s intimidating dark gaze narrowed on Kayla.
She drew in a bolstering breath. God, I don’t want to hurt them. Please help them to see the truth. “Shane was an alcoholic.”
Maureen gasped, her hand covering her mouth as tears filled her blue eyes.
“That’s a lie.” Joe spewed the words, his face turning redder by the second. “How dare you speak ill of my son. Shane was a fine Christian man.”
“He tried to be, yes.” Her voice quivered. “But he had a problem.”
“That’s enough.” The vehemence spilling from Joe had her taking a step back. “If Shane drank at all, it was probably because you drove him to it. Well, we will not stand here and let you slander our son.” Joe took hold of a sobbing Maureen’s arm, practically dragging her toward the door.
Kayla followed them, her own tears stinging the backs of her eyes. “I’m no
t trying to slander him. I’m simply trying to explain why I need to leave Denver.” God, please make them understand.
Still on the porch, Joe glared back at her. “You’ve taken everything that Shane worked so hard to achieve. His house, his money, now you want to keep his child from us. And, so help me God—” he ground out the words “—I will not let that happen.”
The storm door slapped closed with Maureen’s sobs still echoing in Kayla’s ears.
She shut the door, collapsing against it, regretting the fact that she’d never said anything to them before. If she had, maybe Shane could have gotten the help he so desperately needed. That is, if they’d believed her.
Wrapping her arms around herself again, she dropped onto the sofa and allowed her tears to fall. God, why is this so hard? I want to be here, but did I misunderstand Your will for my life? Am I supposed to go back to Denver?
She was still on the couch when someone knocked on the door again.
Jude. Oh, no. She’d forgotten about their date. But she sure could stand to see a friendly face. Why was it he always seemed to show up when she needed him most?
Standing, she tried to swipe away her tears, likely smearing her mascara in the process. If there was any left.
He knocked again. “Kayla?”
“Coming.” She sniffed and moved to open the door. “I’m not quite ready,” she said as he walked in wearing a pair of dark chinos and a button-down shirt.
“I’ll say.” Brow puckered with concern, he stared at her. “What’s wrong?”
That was all it took. One look into his compassion-filled gaze, and the tears fell anew.
“Aw, Kayla.” His muscular arms enveloped her as he pressed her head against his chest. “It’s okay. I’m here. Shh...” He stroked her hair and her back, but most of all, he held her close to his heart, in the safe haven of his embrace. Something she wasn’t even aware she needed until now.
He held her until she stopped crying, not asking any questions. Knowing they were inevitable, though, she reluctantly lifted her head and peered up at him. “Shane’s parents were here.”
“When?” He loosened his hold but didn’t let her go.
“Shortly before you arrived.”
“What did they want?”
Suddenly needing space, she stepped away to pace the beige-and-gray area rug as she told him all that had transpired. Including telling the Bradshaws their son was an alcoholic.
“Uh-oh.”
“Yeah.” Her shoulders sagged. “They accused me of lying. Said—” her voice cracked “—I was trying to slander their son.”
Jude’s nostrils flared. “They sure don’t know you very well, do they?”
“Maybe not. But I can’t help thinking, perhaps, I should just go back to Denver so everyone will be happy.”
“Not everyone.” He closed what little space was between them. “Would returning to Denver make you happy?”
She didn’t even have to think. “No. It feels good to be in Ouray again. Like it’s where I belong.”
“That’s what I thought.” He rubbed her upper arms. “Because you’re getting the do-over you wanted. Don’t them guilt you into giving that up.”
Looking up at him, she smiled. “You’re right. This is my life, and I can do whatever I want.”
His grin grew wide. “That’s my girl.”
Strange, not long ago she would have balked at being called his girl. Right now, though, it sounded kind of nice.
“By the way, did you see the house?”
“I did.” With the Bradshaws’ drama, she’d almost forgotten. But she smiled in earnest.
“And...?”
“It has promise.”
“Good. Why don’t you tell me all about it over dinner then?” He never took his eyes off her. He just kept looking at her as though she was the most important person in the world. “We can order in or go out. The choice is up to you.”
She really was looking forward to a nice dinner. And since she was already dressed... “Let’s go out. Just give me five minutes to fix my face.”
“Why?” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand, sending a wave of chill bumps down her arms that had nothing to do with the weather. “I think you look beautiful just the way you are.”
Chapter Fourteen
Kayla pulled up to the ranch house early the next afternoon. At church this morning, both Lily and Jude had assured her this was one family meal she wouldn’t want to miss. She wasn’t sure what that meant, but she’d be happy to settle for a relaxing afternoon free of any drama.
Shifting her truck into Park, she thought about her date with Jude last night. Despite everything that had transpired with the Bradshaws earlier in the evening, dinner had been delightful. The restaurant was much nicer than she’d expected. Kind of rustic, yet intimate. But what she remembered most was Jude telling her she was beautiful.
It had been a long time since anyone had complimented her like that. Even when Shane did, it was usually nothing more than an attempt to help right another wrong. But with Jude, she hadn’t discounted his sincerity, even though she probably looked a mess when he’d said it.
Unlike her late husband, Jude didn’t say or do anything strictly for face value. With him, things always had heart value. And that terrified her. She’d fallen in love twice in her life and both times had ended in heartbreak. She didn’t want to go through that ever again. Especially now. Things were no longer just about her. She had a child to consider.
Gray skies hinted at snow, and the temperature was downright bone-chilling as she set her fur-lined boots onto the gravel. Fortunately, judging by the empty deck, it didn’t appear they’d be eating outside.
She hugged her wool coat around her, realizing it barely covered her belly. Looked like she’d need to find herself another to see her through the delivery. In these temps, her baby could freeze while still in the womb.
Jude opened the door before she even made it onto the deck, as though he’d been watching for her. His smile said he was glad to see her.
“Come on in before you freeze.” He held the door wide as she passed. “Looks like Hillary and her family are finally here, too.” He nodded toward the drive.
Kayla looked out the window to see two SUVs bumping up the road. “How many people are we talking about?”
“Five. Her daughter, Celeste, and Celeste’s husband, Gage, along with their three kids.”
She peered up at him. “Looks like you’re going to have quite a crowd.”
“It’s definitely a party.” He helped her with her coat, then placed a hand against the small of her back as he urged her into the living room and across the wood-look floor to the large oriental rug. “They’re here,” he announced as they entered.
“Oh, good.” Standing near the opening to the kitchen, holding baby Lucas, Carly eyed her husband, who stood behind her, seemingly happy about Jude’s statement.
“How do I look?” Wearing a gray plaid Western shirt with pearl snaps and dark-wash jeans with a sharp crease, Clint stood in front of Lily near the large picture window, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed.
“Like the handsome cowboy you are.” Smiling, Lily adjusted his collar. “You’ll do just fine.”
“I hope you’re right.” The older man fidgeted.
Funny, Kayla had always considered Clint to be a very confident man. But something sure had him rattled today.
Jude escorted her to the overstuffed sofa where she joined Matt and his wife, Lacie, while Jude perched on the arm beside her. On the love seat opposite them, Lily’s son, Colton, and Carly’s daughter, Megan, stared at handheld devices.
Adjusting the throw pillow behind her, Kayla scanned the medium-sized room, savoring the warmth from the wood-burning stove in the corner. Seemed everyone was here. All five brothers, wives, kids... Then she recalled
what Jude and Lily had said earlier.
Yep, there was definitely something extra special about this family gathering, making her wonder why they’d invited her. She was glad they had, though. The Stephens family had always made her feel welcome. She’d just have to wait to find out what was going on.
The noise level in the house grew as Hillary’s family made their way inside. The chatter of little girls increased as her two granddaughters sought out Jude’s youngest nieces, Piper and Kenzie. Meanwhile, the adults exchanged warm greetings. And the aromas that filled the air had her stomach growling like a bear that’d just come out of hibernation.
After a moment, a stylishly dressed Hillary glanced suspiciously around the room. “Why is everyone in here instead of the kitchen?” Her gaze shifted to the television’s darkened screen. “What? No football game?” Eyeing Clint across the room, she perched a hand on her hip. “And why are you so dressed up?”
He inched toward her then, a nervous smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. “Woman, you sure ask a lot of questions.”
“If a situation calls for it, yes.”
“Well then, I reckon it’s my turn to do the askin’ for a change.” Stopping in front of her, he eased down on one knee.
Hillary’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?”
“If I can get word in edgewise, I thought I might ask you to marry me.” With that, he held up a velvet box and lifted the lid. “I love you, Hillary. And I’d like you to be my wife.”
“I—” the pretty blonde blinked repeatedly “—I don’t know what to say.”
“Yes, might be a good response.” Clint continued to watch her. “What do you say, Hillary? Will you marry me?”
She pressed a hand to her chest. “I never—I mean, I just—” The hand moved to cover her mouth, her dark eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
“Clint, you’ve gone and done it now,” said Celeste. “Nobody’s ever seen my mother speechless before.”
Everyone chuckled.
“One word, darlin’.” Clint winked up at the woman he hoped to share his life with. “That’s all I need to hear.”
Reunited in the Rockies Page 14