by Ciana Stone
"What happened?"
"I escaped."
"Have you seen or heard from him since then?"
"No, and I hope I never do. I promised to kill him if he ever touched me again."
"Would you?"
"Without blinking."
"It was that bad?"
"It was."
"If he ever shows up, you tell me. I'll bury him."
"Ah, there he is."
"There who is?"
"The hero. He's always lurking just beneath the surface, isn't he Marshall Dillion?"
"Are we back to that?"
Naomie shook her head. "No. We're not going to walk that prickly patch of ground tonight, so back to Mace and Bailey. Please give them a chance. I think they're pretty crazy about one another, and you know Minnie is the cutest thing in the world, and she's just gaga for Mace."
"He's pretty gaga for her, which is what scares me."
"You have to let them make their own decisions about love, Mr.– Russ."
"You almost did it."
"I course corrected before it was too late. And I'm really tired."
"Then I should head on back."
"Will you please stay? I promise I won't jump you. Scout's honor." She gave him the Vulcan salute from the old science fiction television show.
"Smart ass." He stood and pulled her to her feet. "Come on, then."
They went inside, and he took off his boots and belt as she climbed onto the bed in her dress. Once he lay on the bed, she snuggled up next to him and pulled a spread over them. "I'm sorry about your dad," she whispered. "And thank you for staying with me. I didn't think I could face tonight alone."
"I'm happy to be here. Sleep well, Naomie."
She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek then snuggled back into place and closed her eyes.
*****
Naomie's eyes flew open when she reached out and felt the empty space beside her. She sat, looking around and listening. It didn't take long for her to figure out where Russell was. The slight squeak of the porch swing gave away his location.
She climbed off the bed and realized she was still wearing the dress she'd worn to the funeral. This dress would never be anything but a reminder of one of the saddest days of her life, and she didn't want it anymore. It didn't matter if it ripped or the zipper broke when she hurriedly removed it. She'd never wear it again.
Dressed only in a camisole and underwear, she walked through the house and out onto the front porch. Sure enough, there sat Russell, slowing rocking back and forth in the swing. He turned his head to look at her, and her heart ached. She'd never seen a sadder expression.
It didn't matter that she was barely dressed, or that they'd vowed to keep their relationship one of friendship. He was in pain, and she couldn't stop herself from going to him. He stood as she hurried to him and caught her as she launched herself into his arms.
"Naomie," his whisper had her clinging tighter, her throat clenching to prevent a sob from escaping.
When his hands moved to her ass and lifted, she wound her legs around him and hung on as he carried her the few steps to the porch rail and sat her on it. She released the hold she had on him with her legs, but he remained standing between them.
Naomie looked up and saw the pain in his eyes and tears immediately gathered in her own. She traced her fingers over the side of his face and neck and around to the back of his head. He looked at her, and his gaze traveled lower. "God in heaven, Naomie, you're gonna kill me."
"Unless you kill me first."
His hands moved to the tops of her thighs, and his thumbs stoked gently along the soft skin, sending heat rocketing through her. "You look like a dream," he said softly. "Someone I wished for but knew could never be real, and now here you are – years later when I'm an old man and–"
"No." She wouldn't listen to that. "Stop saying that. You're not an old man."
"Old enough to be –"
"Please don't say that again, Russ." She knew full well using his name would give her words more impact. "Age is a number. Didn't Robert's life teach you anything? My god, he knew how to love, and age never mattered. Even over eighty he had appeal, and don't look at me that way. It's true. He wasn't scared to love or to reach for it.
"Look at DeLyn. What do you see? I'll tell you. You see a woman who just lost the great love of her life, and it didn't make a damn that he was older. They loved, Russ and for God's sake, isn't it a miracle to find love at all in this fucked up, crazy world?"
He was silent for a moment, his gaze searching hers. "I know you're right, but there might come a day-"
"When you grow tired of me? When I'm no longer young with firm breasts and a tight ass? Would you love me less, Russ?"
"No, of course not."
"Then you think I'm that superficial. Is that it?"
"No."
"Then what? What holds us back? If you don't want me, say so. I'll be hurt, but I won't stop caring about you, and I'll always have your best interests at heart, but please, please, can you just be honest?"
"Fine. What if I don't have what it takes, Naomie?"
"To what?"
"To turn you on, satisfy you and keep you interested."
"Well, you knocked the first part of that trifecta out of the park the day I met you."
"Don't tease."
"Trust me, it's no tease. Look, we've done this dance, and you know how I feel, so there's nothing more I can say except I'm sorry you can't let yourself at least give it a try. But it's your life and your choice, and I don't want to pressure you into anything.
"Particularly, now. You just lost your father, and while my loss is less, I lost as well, so neither of us is in a place to make any kind of decision, but you need to know without doubt that I've never wanted anyone as much as I want you, and I may not ever want anyone this much again."
"I do want you, Naomie. More than I can say."
She smiled at him. "Then one day maybe we can revisit this conversation. When the time is right. For now, we need to get some sleep. Tomorrow will be difficult. For you and your entire family. You are going to the arraignment, aren't you?"
"I'm leaning that way, but I'm worried about the message that might send."
"What? That you believe in Kal's innocence? Or that you believe in innocent until proven guilty? Or – oh my god, I never considered that."
"Considered what?"
"I've been so caught up in wanting to help Cici, to give her the emotional support she needs that all I considered was the public would see you as supporting your daughter. That's it. The Walker family stands with their own.
"What I failed to consider is what if we're being more manipulated than we realize. If you come out and make a public declaration of your belief in Kal's innocence and anything – and I do mean anything gets pinned on him in the poison or arson or even involvement in Robert's death, then it makes you look culpable by association. Shit."
"I hate to admit it, but you have a point. Only why would someone attempt such manipulation? What is there to gain?"
"I don't know, that's something you need to figure out. What could make you and Kal lose and do it in such a manner that someone else benefited from your loss?"
Russell blew out a breath. "This shit just gets deeper and smells more foul each day."
"Yes, but we can figure it out and navigate around the traps."
"I hope you're right. But what about the arraignment?"
"You go and support Cici, but don't make any public statements other than your support of our system and that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. That way you're not committing to supporting Kal, but you are supporting Cici."
"I hear you but let me ask you something, and I need you to be honest."
"When have I ever been anything else?"
"I stand corrected and apologize. Do you think she needs my support?"
"Oh Russ, more than anything. She lost her grandfather, and the man she loves is being accused of Robert's murder. Can y
ou imagine how devastated she is?"
"I know she's upset but–"
"But nothing. What if it was me? What if I was accused? How would you feel?"
Russell gave her a sharp look that quickly faded. "You know how to cut to the quick, don’t you?"
"I just want you to understand where she is, what she's feeling and going through. She idolizes you, and right now she needs your strength. You're her dad, Russ. She needs you. Please, I'm begging you, don't turn your back on her."
"Sometimes I can't decide whether you're an angel sent to guide me, or a demon to tempt me to my doom, but one thing's for sure. Heaven or hell, I'd probably follow you either way."
"Then go with me tomorrow and let your daughter know her family is united in their support of her. I believe he's innocent. In here," she touched her heart. "And here," she tapped her head.
"I guess that's good enough for me. But for the public, the Walker position is the belief that every man is innocent until proven guilty."
"Thank you." She pulled him to her and kissed him, soft and slow and then she released him. "And do note that this time when I kissed you I was stone cold sober and made no excuse."
"None needed."
"Good, then take me back to bed and let me sleep in your arms and maybe the grief will be a bit easier to bear for both of us."
Chapter Five
"Are you sure it's okay for me to be here?" Bailey asked as she placed the diaper bag in the hall closet where it would be out of the way.
"Of course," DeLyn assured her and wiggled her fingers to Minnie. "Come'ere Cutie Pie."
Minnie smiled and reached for DeLyn. "You've charmed her," Bailey commented.
"You mean she's charmed me – and the rest of the family," DeLyn replied and turned with Minnie in her arms. "Come on, Mace and Nash are out back getting the grill ready. Dillon and Josie are on their way, and Delaney can't make it because she's dealing with a demanding client in Dallas."
"What about Mr. Walker?"
"Russ? Oh, he'll be along. I think he's with Naomie, going over the latest data from the breeding program. You know we have two mares pregnant now."
"Yes, Mace mentioned it. Is Naomie coming?"
"She's supposed to."
"Good. I haven't seen her in a couple of days."
"Well, you know Naomie. I swear that gal's as busy as a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest."
"Isn't that the truth? She's pretty amazing."
"I agree. The whole family loves her like one of our own."
They stepped out onto the patio and Minnie immediately squealed and started squirming and reaching for Mace. He turned when he heard her, and his face lit in a smile. Bailey saw the way his gaze slid over to her, and despite her intentions to not let herself fall for him any more than she already had, her heart did a little flip.
God, he was sexy. And handsome. And sweet. And… oh-oh. It hit her. She wasn't falling for Mace. She'd already taken the plunge.
He hurried over and held out his hands to Minnie. She nearly leapt out of DeLyn's arms to get to him. Mace took her and nuzzled her neck. She laughed in delight, and the sight made Bailey wish she and Mace could one day be a family with Minnie.
That wish shocked her. She'd never been that keen on getting married, so why was she suddenly so enamored of the idea? The answer to that question tickled Minnie as Bailey and DeLyn took a seat on the sofa.
"She's crazy about him, isn't she?" DeLyn asked.
"She sure is."
"And she's not the only one from what I see."
Bailey saw the way Mace went still and looked at his grandmother, then at her. It took Bailey all of a second to decide how to respond. "Guilty as charged. I'm mad about the man."
DeLyn patted Bailey's leg. "You couldn't have picked a better one to be gaga over."
"I agree."
"And hello, another man standing right here, thanks very much." Nash teased. "And I'm a better roper."
"In your dreams," Mace quipped.
Nash laughed good-naturedly, and Minnie joined in, which made everyone chuckle.
"So where are Dillon and Josie?" Bailey asked.
"They can't make it," Nash answered her question. "Dillon has something going on with football and budget stuff with the booster club and can't reschedule."
"And Delaney?"
"She's stuck in Dallas with a client who has to have her place ready next week for her daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner and has changed her mind five times." DeLyn said.
"Well, that sounds like fun."
"Oh, I don't even want to consider it."
"Hey, is there anything I can do to help in the dinner preparations?" Bailey asked.
"That depends." DeLyn replied.
"On?"
"On whether you want to cook or stay out here and visit with Mace?"
"I think I'd like to help. If you don't mind?"
"Are you kidding? Girl, come with me."
Bailey called out to Mace as she rose to follow DeLyn inside. "Just bring Minnie into the kitchen if she gets fussy or you need a break."
"Will do."
She blew him a kiss then continued into the house. Mace held Minnie in one arm and started scraping the grill with a wire brush with his free hand. Nash walked over and reached for Minnie. "Come on, little one."
She smiled and went into his arms. "I remember when Rusty was this size," he jiggled her a bit. "Sometimes I miss it. They're really cute at this age."
"Yeah. And funny. I remember how we'd laugh at the way Rusty's expressions would change and how he was so curious. I'm starting to see some of that in Minnie."
"You're pretty crazy about her."
"How could you not be? She's a little doll."
"I meant Bailey."
"So is she," Mace said and smiled.
"Well, I can't argue that. So, is this thing getting serious?"
Mace stopped and looked at his twin. "I think it is, yeah."
"Then I hope it works out. It's hard going through life alone."
"Amen to that. I've had way more than my share of time as a bachelor. I'd like to have a family, you know. Maybe a boy or two like Rusty. Hey, he said he's just points away from making the finals."
"Yep." It was easy to see Nash's pride. He glowed with it.
"Well, you know I'm gonna be there to cheer him on."
"That means a lot to him. And to me."
"Hey, it means a lot to me that he wants me there. When's the next qualifier?"
"This weekend. Saturday. In Abilene."
"Want some company?"
"You gonna leave Bailey and Minnie for the weekend?"
"Actually, I thought I might bring them with me. If you don't mind?"
"Hell no. Rusty loves this little girl, and he's pretty fond of Bailey, too."
"Then count us in."
"Sounds good." Nash stopped shifting his weight from foot to foot and listened. "Sounds like someone's here."
"Yep. Well, the grill's ready, so what's next?"
"See if Gigi and Bailey need help? I'm gonna go check on Rusty and see if he's done with his homework. I'll be back soon."
"Okay."
Mace took Minnie from Nash and walked into the house as Nash took off across the yard. Just as he entered, DeLyn hurried past him in the hall, headed for the stairs. "Everything ok?" he called after her.
"Yes, I just remembered I'd put Rusty's old bouncy seat in the attic, and I was going to get it down for Minnie."
"Let me do that for you."
"I'm not an invalid. I'll be down in a few minutes. Go help Bailey."
"Yes, ma'am."
Mace went into the kitchen and found Bailey washing potatoes. He put Minnie into her little travel seat on the countertop, and she immediately started babbling and gnawing her fist.
"Is she hungry?"
Bailey turned her head to look at him. "Yes. I have a bottle warming in the sink and it's almost ready."
"Want me to give it to her?"
"Sure, if you don't mind."
"Are you kidding?" He put his arms around her and nuzzled her neck. "You smell good."
"You say that every time," she replied with a giggle.
"Because it's true. Thanks for being here."
"I feel honored to be invited. I was starting to think your father didn't like me."
"Dad's that horse of a different color if you know what I mean. He worries about all of us and fears we'll end up getting hurt the way he did, or with a string of bad marriages."
"And so he doesn't want you to get involved at all?"
"Who knows? But the good news is, thanks to Naomie, he gets that we're involved and it's none of his business, so he's decided to stop worrying and just let life happen for a change."
"Your tone of voice would indicate that's not an easy task for him."
Mace laughed. "Probably the hardest of all. And if it's any consolation, after he and Naomie babysat for Minnie, he softened right up."
"Ah, so he has a thing for babies."
"That he does. He bitches all the time about not having a houseful of grandkids."
"You all must have had a wonderful childhood, growing up here."
Mace nodded as he tested the heat of the bottle. "Strangely enough, we did. Dad's one of the toughest men I've ever met, hard as stone when he needs to be, but he loves kids, and even though he worked more hours than anyone else when we were growing up, he always made time for us, to play a game, throw a ball or take us fishing. And he always had supper ready, so we could eat as a family." Mace picked up Minnie and took a seat at the table, to hold her while she took her bottle.
"Sounds like he went the extra mile for all of you."
"He did. He was hard on us, I won't lie about that, and he expected us to be tough, but he loved us, and we knew it. Still do."
"It's a shame he never found someone to share his life with after you all were grown."
"Just between you and me, I think he has that if he would just stop being so stubborn."
"You mean Naomie?"
"Yes. I mean… wait, do you think I'm off base on that? I swear it seems like they're batshit crazy about one another."
"You're not off base." She started wrapping the potatoes in aluminum foil. "Naomie's in love with him. There's no doubt in my mind about that."
