Her smile grew then, her head nodding. “Yes.”
Cheers erupted as Clint stood, placed the ring on her finger and then cupped the face of his intended and kissed her.
The lump in Kayla’s throat felt as big as a boulder. Love was a powerful emotion. One that had to be backed up by a commitment that would last. She could take heart in knowing she’d done that. Even if Shane hadn’t.
Dinner had suddenly turned into a party, just as Jude had said. The promise of love was something to celebrate, indeed.
When the meal was over, the kitchen was clean and folks were relaxing or had gone home, Jude whisked Kayla to his shop to show her the arches he’d made for the head and foot of her baby’s crib.
“What do you think?” He held up one end of the crib’s frame, along with one of the slats.
Staring at the intricately carved pieces, she was blown away by his talent. Seemed Jude had a knack for exceeding her expectations.
“I think you are a gifted artist.” She closed the distance between them. Smoothed a hand over the wood. “And I also believe that my baby is going to have one of the coolest cribs I’ve ever seen.”
“As it should.” He stared down at her with an intensity she hadn’t seen before. At least not lately. Setting the wood aside, he slid his arms around her waist—what was left of it anyway—and pulled her to him. His dark eyes seemed riveted to hers.
Any other time, the move would have made her nervous. But for some reason, being in the circle of his embrace felt right.
She rested a hand against his chest, feeling the taut muscles beneath his shirt. The aroma of coffee, cinnamon and sawdust emanated from him. A combination she found hard to resist. And she didn’t.
When he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers, time faded away. In that moment, she felt as though she’d been freed from the chains of the distorted love that had held her captive in recent years. But this...this was real. Simple and pure. Making her wish she’d stayed in Ouray all those years ago.
When he pulled away, his breathing was ragged. He visually traced her face. Smiled. “Sorry, I guess I got caught up in the emotion of the day.”
Emotion of the day? Seriously? He hadn’t felt that magnetic pull between them? The sparks that flickered in the air around them when he held her?
The euphoric state she’d foolishly allowed herself to fall into evaporated. Of course, he hadn’t felt it. It was all in her imagination. Even worse, he was right. Clint’s proposal was romantic. Even she’d been sucked in, believing someone could love her again. Namely Jude.
They were friends. And coworkers. But that’s all it would ever be.
And like it or not, she’d just have to learn to accept it.
* * *
Jude had dreamed of kissing Kayla again for almost seven years. Finally, his dream had come true. Boy, was it worth waiting for. She still fit perfectly in his arms. And her lips, so soft and sweet. Things had changed between them this past week. Making him wonder if a future with Kayla really was within the realm of possibility.
But when their kiss ended, she left, claiming there was something important she’d forgotten to do. That was Sunday. Now it was Wednesday, and he’d barely talked to her. Seemed she was busy whenever he called, giving him the distinct impression that she was trying to brush him off. Question was, why?
The chemistry between them was undeniable. That kiss had been comprised of two very willing participants.
Could that have been the problem? That she was willing and somehow felt bad about it?
After seeing her truck outside of the hotel, he decided to quit analyzing and made a run to the deli around the corner. He picked up her favorite sandwich, as well as one of his own, before heading back to surprise her.
“Lunchtime,” he said as he pushed the door open.
Standing beside the long folding table that had been set up in the hotel’s lobby to serve as a desk, workbench and lunch counter, Kayla jerked her gaze to his. Hands tucked in the pockets of her overalls, she opened her mouth, likely to object, but he cut her off.
“One Reuben on rye with extra sauce.” He crossed the lobby and handed her the bag.
She looked from it to him, one brow lifted. “How did you know I was craving a Reuben?”
He lifted a shoulder. “I didn’t. I just know how much you like them.” He pointed to the brown paper sack. “There are also some chips and a roast beef sandwich for me. Hope you don’t mind if I join you?”
“Aren’t you on duty?”
“Yes, but I do get to eat lunch. I have my radio, and we’re right in the heart of town.”
She eyed the table. “Let me clear us a space.” Resignation laced her voice.
He chose to ignore it. “Still working on the drawings?” He scooted a stack of papers out of the way.
“Yeah. I’m hoping to have everything done by Friday. That way I can turn in the application for permits next week.”
“That’s great.” He pulled up a second metal folding chair and emptied the contents of the bag onto the table. “You, uh, haven’t heard any more from your in-laws, have you?”
“No, thank God.” Grabbing her sandwich, she eased into the chair opposite him. “Hopefully they got the hint.”
“For sure.” It still irked him that they’d ganged up on her like that, trying to coerce her into doing what they wanted without considering her feelings. Granted, they were hurting, but the fact that they wouldn’t believe her when she told them about their son really bothered Jude. He could understand disappointment or even disbelief as they tried to absorb the truth, but to call her a liar?
Boy, if he’d been there...
“Anything new on the house front?” He opened his bag of chips, grabbed one and popped it in his mouth. Over dinner Saturday night, Kayla had filled him in on just about every aspect of the dilapidated Victorian. How it looked now compared to when they’d looked at it seven years ago. What issues would need to be taken care of right away versus those that could wait. He’d drunk in the excitement that had flickered in her eyes as she verbally walked him through the house. And then the way they deconstructed and reconstructed the place right there at the dinner table... It reminded him of old times.
“In thought, yes. In action, no.”
“Guess that means you’re still thinking about it?”
“I’m this close—” she held up her forefinger and thumb with the slightest space in between “—to making a decision.”
“Mind if I ask what that decision might be?”
She shrugged. “You can ask. Doesn’t mean I have to answer.” Her face was void of any expression.
He shifted in his seat. “Okay, did I do something wrong? Because I’m getting the feeling you just flung a dagger in my direction.”
Leaning back in her chair, hands atop her growing stomach, she studied him. “Why are you here, Jude?”
He wasn’t sure what was going on, but—“Because I wanted to see you. Surprise you with lunch. Ever since that kiss, you’ve been avoiding me. Why?”
She stared at her hands then. “I haven’t been avoiding you.” Looking up, she continued, “I just—” Lines creased her brow as her gaze drifted toward the door. “Joe.” She stood. “Maureen.” Crossing the wooden floor, she paused near the old registration desk.
“We—we saw your truck out front,” said the mousy brunette he presumed was Kayla’s mother-in-law.
Beside her, the tall gray-haired man Jude assumed was her husband puffed out his chest. “Young lady, we need to speak with you.” He glanced Jude’s way.
“Is there a problem?” Kayla looked from Joe to Maureen. And since she made no indication for Jude to leave, he stayed put.
The man returned his focus to her. “I believe you’ve caused our family enough pain.”
Nothing like the pain your son inflicted
on Kayla, Jude was tempted to say.
Shoulders back, the man continued, “And we are not about to let you cut us out of our grandchild’s life.”
“I told you I would never do that.” Kayla’s panicked gaze again bounced from the man to his wife.
“You say that, but you haven’t exactly proven yourself to be trustworthy. You decided to stay in Ouray without letting us know after you told Maureen she could care for the baby.”
“I didn’t—”
The jerk cut Kayla off. “At this point, we’re not sure you’re fit to be a mother. So, with that in mind, we’ve been discussing our options with an attorney.”
Eyes wide, Kayla drew back, hugging her belly protectively. “What does that mean?”
“It means that, as grandparents, we have rights, too.” Joe’s booming voice held an air of superiority.
The color drained from Kayla’s face. And when she stumbled, Jude made sure he was there to steady her. How could these two just waltz in here and treat the woman who was carrying their grandchild like this? Even though Jude suspected the man was making the whole thing up, his words clearly cut Kayla to the quick.
His gaze moved from Kayla to the Bradshaws and back. “I’m sorry, Kayla, but I cannot stand here and let them do this.”
He glared at the two people who sought to bully Kayla into doing what they wanted. “With all due respect, do you have any idea what your son put Kayla through? What he did to her?” Fury burned within him, but he wouldn’t let them know that, especially while he was in uniform. He kept his voice firm, yet even. “Yet, despite everything, she stayed with him, enduring who knows what because she’d made a vow, while he made a mockery of his promise to love and cherish her. No woman deserves to be treated the way your son treated Kayla. So how dare you two come in here and threaten her with some bogus claims just to get your way.”
Joe stepped closer until he was almost toe-to-toe with Jude. His dark eyes narrowed. “Who are you to talk to me this way?”
Though he was only a couple of inches taller than the man, Jude used it to his advantage. “Someone who’s known Kayla for many years. And I will do everything in my power to protect her.”
Joe continued to stare, as though waiting to see if Jude was bluffing. But Jude didn’t bluff. Especially when it involved someone he loved.
Finally, Joe turned. And without another word, they were gone.
Jude willed himself to calm down before looking at Kayla. When he did, he saw the unshed tears swimming in her chestnut eyes. And the moment her gaze met his, they spilled onto her cheeks.
“What am I going to do, Jude?”
Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “Nothing. They’re just blowing smoke in hopes that they can intimidate you into going back to Denver.”
Pulling free, she turned away, hugging her midsection. “How can you say that? This is my baby we’re talking about.”
He set his hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so callous.” He turned her to face him. “The Bradshaws are acting out of fear and hurt. They lost their son, and they feel like the last piece of him is going to be taken from them, as well. They’re desperate. But you can’t let them bully you. You have to do what’s best for you and the baby.”
Shaking her head, she refused to meet his gaze. “I should have never left Denver.”
Chapter Fifteen
How could the Bradshaws do this to her?
In the few hours since they’d left, Kayla’s emotions had run the gamut. Grief to anger and everything in between. Now, remarkably, her angst had subsided enough to allow rational thinking. Thanks in large part to Jude.
He was right. They were trying to intimidate her in order to get their way.
Looking around the lobby of the now-empty hotel, she wondered what she would have done if he hadn’t been here.
After her in-laws left, Jude held her, consoled her and did his best to talk some sense into her. When she refused to listen, he’d called Lily, who’d ultimately talked her off the ledge. Still, it was Jude’s presence that had given her the greatest comfort. The man was unshakable, and he seemed to have a knack for being there whenever she needed him.
If only he hadn’t kissed her. That one event had messed with her head repeatedly since Sunday. Just because he didn’t love her, though, didn’t mean he didn’t care. And the way he’d stood up for her today endeared him to her more than she was willing to admit. She was falling in love with Jude. But she cherished his friendship too much to let her heart get in the way.
She tucked her latest sketches into a file folder and shoved it into her tote, her resolve suddenly waning. Did her in-laws have any idea how much their words hurt her?
She’d never done anything to indicate that she didn’t want her baby to have a relationship with them—quite the contrary. But their behavior these past few days was unnerving, and their desperation was sad.
What if they tried to take your baby?
Her insides twisted. Gripping the edge of the table, she squeezed her eyes shut. She couldn’t think like that. She knew in her heart that, with God, all things were possible. And she earnestly prayed that He would change the Bradshaws’ minds.
Grabbing her bulky boyfriend sweater from the back of the chair, she shoved her arms into the sleeves. The temperature must be dropping outside because it seemed to be getting colder in here.
The front door opened then, ushering in a blast of cold air. Jude had said he’d be back to check on her, though she hadn’t thought that would be so soon.
Turning, she tugged her sweater around her to ward off the chill. But the sight of Maureen Bradshaw sent a shiver slicing through her.
Surprisingly, the woman was alone.
“Where’s Joe?” Kayla couldn’t help asking.
“Taking a nap at the hotel.” Her mother-in-law approached, her smile as nervous as Kayla felt. “I was hoping you and I could have a talk. Woman to woman.”
“About what?” Suspicion narrowed Kayla’s gaze.
With a strength she’d rarely seen in her mother-in-law, the woman said, “I’d like you to tell me about my son. Because it appears Joe and I didn’t know him at all.”
Kayla stood there, blinking. She’d expected another attack, maybe, or even an apology.
Nonetheless, the woman was right. She didn’t know her son. At least not the side he so carefully hid from everyone but Kayla.
Kayla pulled out one of the chairs. “Care to sit down?”
“Thank you.” While Maureen took her seat, Kayla did the same on the opposite side of the folding table.
She tucked her hair behind her ears and sucked in a shaky breath. “I’m not sure where to start.”
Hugging her purse against her chest, the woman said, “How about the beginning?”
Though it had only been six months ago, it felt like a lifetime. Still, if Kayla wanted the Bradshaws to know the truth, she’d have to go back and unearth those things she’d tried so hard to hide. No matter how difficult it might be.
“Shane was one of the kindest people I’d ever known. His gentleness was one of the things I admired most about him and was probably what drew me to him.” Hands clasped tightly in her lap, she continued. “I never saw him take a drink until our honeymoon. Normally, he was a very easygoing guy, as you know. Very sweet, loving...” She knew she was rambling, but she couldn’t seem to stop. “He had a heart of gold.” She hesitated then. “But alcohol turned him into someone I didn’t even recognize.”
“Did he hurt you?” Lines stretched across Maureen’s forehead. “I mean, physically?”
After a long, shame-filled moment, Kayla nodded. “Sometimes. Yes.” From there, she went on, revealing painful details of their life together, exposing a side of Shane no one else had ever witnessed.
To her credit, Mauree
n listened intently, stopping Kayla occasionally to ask questions. Pain flickered in her brown eyes.
“After everything that happened, why didn’t you leave him?” she finally asked.
“Honestly, I was planning to. But he died before I could get away.”
Maureen reached into her purse and pulled out two tissues. After handing one to Kayla, she dabbed her own eyes with the other. “Sometimes love becomes a choice, doesn’t it? When that feeling fades away.”
“I’d never thought about it that way, but yes. It did become a choice.”
The woman rose then. “I need to get back to Joe.”
“Of course.” Kayla followed her toward the door, wondering if Maureen believed her or not. She seemed to, but Kayla couldn’t get a good read on her.
Maureen stopped then. Turning, she looked at Kayla for the briefest of moments, as though she wanted to say something. Then, without a word, she darted out the door. Leaving Kayla to wonder what would happen next.
Would Maureen and Joe be able to accept the truth about their son?
She’d have to wait and find out because she was too weary to think about it now. Jude would be here soon, and she was ready to call it a day. No telling what he’d have to say when she filled him in on what had just happened.
With her papers already packed, she shuffled across the lobby’s wooden floor and headed up to the third floor to turn out the lights. With the assistance of the wooden handrail, she practically dragged herself up the second flight of stairs. A pumpkin spice muffin would be good right about now. Perhaps she’d mix up a batch when she got home. After all, baking was her favorite way to unwind. If she had the strength.
With the third floor shut down, she made her way to the second level and flipped off the light in the hallway before returning to the lobby. Yep, those muffins were sounding better by the—
Two steps into her descent, she lost her footing. Her body swayed this way and that, her arms flailing, trying to catch hold of something but finding nothing. Panic ricocheted through her. Blood roared in her ears. She could not fall. Not now. Not while she was pregnant.
Reunited in the Rockies Page 15