Chief Cook and Bottle Washer

by Rita Hestand

  Emma let out a helpless scream. Deke came running into the kitchen from the barn, his face a complete storm cloud, his hands still dirty from working on repairing Emma's truck.

  "What the h–"

  "She got into the cracker jar. She must have knocked it off the counter. I thought she followed me into the bedroom. She always does. I should have made sure. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry. I'll clean this mess up as soon as I get her foot taken care of."

  Emma was crying and holding Sammie Jo up to the sink to wash the baby's foot.

  Sammie Jo screamed.

  "Oh I know it hurts darling. Mommy will fix it and make it better," Emma cooed, but her own emotions were welling and she was in no better position than Sammie Jo.

  "Hey now Sweet Pea, what have you done?" Deke's voice went from brittle to soft and assuring as he took Sammie Jo out of Emma's arms and cradled her against him.

  The calm that was all Deke Travers seemed to take hold of Sammie Jo too and she stopped crying, "Dada."

  "Yeah, well, that's as good as any, I guess. Let's get this doctored and put a bandage on it. Old Papa used to tell me that a bandage would cure anything." He glanced at Emma who still held her chest in fright. "She's gonna be just fine. Just lacerated the skin. Get the peroxide from the bathroom, Emma."

  "Yes, yes of course." Emma dashed from the room, unthinking, only doing what she was told. She couldn't think right now, the blood from Sammie Jo's foot had scared her out of her wits.

  "Dada, owie," Sammie Jo whimpered against Deke's shirt front.

  "Yes Sweet Pea, I know. But you're going to feel a lot better real soon. We'll get it fixed up. And we'll put a dandy bandage on it too so you can show Papa," Deke said as Emma dashed back with the bottle of peroxide.

  Emma went red all over at Sammie Jo's referral to Deke as Dada. How could she have come to such a conclusion? And why Deke of all the men on the ranch?

  "I'll need some tweezers to pull the glass out of her foot. I wanted to calm her down first. She'll be fine."

  Emma's face went white.

  "Are you okay?" Deke glanced at her with concern.

  "Just can't stand the sight of blood."

  "Take a deep breath and get the tweezers, honey."

  A small word, but so heartwarming, Emma felt the tears well and stick in her throat. "I'll get it."

  When she returned to the kitchen she found Deke talking very softly to Sammie Jo, and the baby had quit crying. Emma stopped and stared. Handing him the tweezers, she shook her head. "You really have a way with children."

  Deke smiled down at the baby, "I don't know if it's all children, or just this one. I guess I picked it up from dad."

  "Now that I can believe." Emma smiled, her cheeks were still damp from her tears, and her hands still shook.

  "You know you'd do better not to get so worked up every time this little critter decides to get into something. It's natural, she's curious. This won't be the last of it. She's not afraid of the horses either. Dad let her ride with him the other day and she looked on top of the world."

  "I'm only beginning to realize what a stunt girl she is. But it scares me. She's all I have, and I'm afraid for her. Afraid for me. I can't lose her."

  Deke looked up this time, and their eyes met and held for a long moment. "She'll be fine. And she's not all you have Emma. You have us."

  Emma was speechless. Us, not him, she thought vaguely then squashed the notion from her mind.

  After he doctored the baby's foot and put a couple of bandages on her, Sammie Jo, smiled and got out of his lap. She walked and showed off her bandages to Uncle Rusty, and Papa Cal when they came in too.

  "Why don't you go get your book, and I'll read you a story before naptime," Emma suggested, sweeping up the mess.

  Sammie Jo scuttled off to the other room.

  "Thanks Deke. I'm sorry we are such a bother."

  "You're no bother, Emma." Deke walked over to her. His eyes held hers for a long moment. "Sorry I've been such a bear lately, but this water problem has got me in knots."

  "I know, I wish I could help."

  "You're a big help." He was very close to her, so close she could feel the warmth of his breath. She wanted to lean the distance, and go into his arms, but the sound of little feet brought her quickly to reality. What had she been thinking? The room was full of people now.

  "I better get back to work," she said breathlessly.

  "Yeah," Deke muttered, "so had I. See ya Sweet Pea," he echoed from the door his eyes going to the baby then to Emma.

  He was talking to the baby, but Emma recognized the look in his eyes. As though he regretted having to leave her and the baby just now. She knew instantly that Deke felt the same way she did at that moment. The rest of the day went by in a blur as she tried to dispel the feelings washing over her every time she got a glimpse of Deke Travers.

  The following Saturday was Clint's birthday and Emma baked him a big chocolate cake. She was fond of parties and had often longed for them herself as a child. Doing this for Clint made her feel as though she were a real part of their family. Besides, she suspicioned a party might be good for the young cowboy's morale.

  She planned a small family party for him and invited the boys from the bunk house. She managed to surprise him. No one knew what she was up to. She decorated the dining room with what little supplies she could muster, and set the table nicely.

  Clint turned red when after supper the boys filed into the dining room, with their spit and polish. "Gee, I haven't had a birthday party since I was a kid, Emma. You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble, but I'm glad you did. I've been smelling your cooking all day and wondered what was up. Come on in boys and take a load off."

  "Just cut out the mushy stuff and blow out your candles," Cal said with a chuckle.

  Clint looked around the table, blew out the candles and Sammie Jo put her arms around his neck. "Birthday," she said and kissed Clint on the cheek.

  "Thanks darlin'." Clint said and smiled, kissing the baby on the cheek. "Now, how big a piece do you want, Sammie Jo?"

  Sammie Jo stretched her little arms wide. "Big."

  "You got it." Clint laughed.

  Cal sat Sammie Jo in his lap and fed her cake, while Emma passed everyone a piece. He had bought Clint a pair of lizard boots which were not wrapped, but he had stuck a bow on them and gave them to him. Rusty produced a new rope for him. The boys in the bunkhouse made him a silver belt-buckle which they fashioned, "All around ranch hand". Clint chuckled. Jake bought him a new suit, western-cut of course, Emma suspected Clint wouldn't wear a regular suit.

  Deke cleared his throat and looked seriously at his younger brother. "Clint, I know you've got your heart set on the rodeo, and you know how I feel about it. I'll always think your place is here, on the ranch, but just this once, I gave in. Your present is outside."

  Clint's brows drew together. "Outside? Now what on earth could you have gotten me . . ." His voice trailed off as he looked out the back door. One of the hands drove up the back way with a big white horse trailer and a huge bow on it.

  "Damn–a horse-trailer. That must have set you back considerable, bro. Dammit what'd you go a do a thing like that for?" Emotion choking his voice.

  "Well, if I gotta have a brother in the rodeo, he's going to be there in style."

  Clint went to look it over, as Emma watched from a distance. Deke held back, too. It was obvious the way Clint moved and checked every detail, how proud he was of the present.

  "You've changed your mind about Clint and the rodeo?" Emma barely managed to get the words out. She felt as choked up about the gesture as Clint had been.

  Deke turned to look at her. "No–I'll never change my mind about that. But I guess he deserves a chance to do what he wants to do. You taught me that." He glanced over at her and cleared his throat. "I just wish he wouldn't break his neck doing it."

  "That's the sweetest thing I've ever heard," Emma said quietly. "You're really something, Deke Travers.
You all are."

  "Emma–" Deke reached for her, his hand nearly grazing hers, but she backed up and let a tear roll down her cheek. "You're pretty special too, honey. This party was just what he needed."

  He reached to gently flick the tear away, and just as he would have kissed her she pulled out of his reach.

  "I've got to get the coffee on." She said and fled from his nearness.

  ***

  Deke stood in the doorway, staring after his brother. He heard the crickets chirping, Denver barking in the distance, and felt the sadness surrounding him when he thought about Emma falling for Clint.

  She admitted she hadn't been able to buy Clint a present, but Clint had only laughed and kissed her tenderly on the cheek, explaining the party was the next to best present.

  Deke tensed now. He had to set things straight with his brother. He didn't want to hurt him, or his feelings. But dammit, Emma was wrong for Clint.

  Later, when the party died down and Clint was out in the barn putting away his new gear, Deke joined him.

  "Clint I'd like to talk to you."

  "Sure big brother, what's on that serious mind of yours?"

  "I had several things on my mind when I gave you that gift. I wanted to talk to you about them."

  Clint glanced over at Deke. "Well shoot bro, get it off your chest. I could tell you've been wanting to say something for quite a while. I just wasn't sure what."

  "I'm not going to lie to you Clint, about anything. I gave you that trailer for two reasons. One was unselfishly given, wanting to make you happy, encouraging you to keep your dreams."

  "And the other?" Clint watched him intently.

  Deke grabbed a piece of straw from a nearby bale and stuck it in his mouth. "The other is about Emma. I wanted you to miss the rodeo so bad you'd go back to it, and forget her."

  "Forget her? Now Deke–"

  "I know what you are about to say. I'm the biggest fool that ever lived, and I know it. You and Emma are good for each other, and I started out with the full intention of getting the two of you together, but . . ."

  "You started out. You mean you wanted me to fall for Emma?"

  Deke nodded, feeling like a fool.

  Clint shook his head. "And now you don't."

  "It doesn't much matter what I want. It's no longer in my hands. This is up to Emma. If she wants you, little brother, I certainly won't stand in her way."

  Clint's eyes rounded on his brother with nothing short of merriment. "You big dumb dope. You think Emma is in love with me?"

  "It sure looks that way. She baked you a cake, threw you a party, looks at you with those beautiful whiskey eyes of hers like I don't know." Deke sighed heavily. "She's a fine woman. And you're a good brother. I planned this, and it worked. So I guess I should be happy."

  "You planned this?" Clint repeated.

  "Yeah," Deke tried not to look miserable.

  "If this don't beat all." Laughter bubbled from Clint. "Boy howdy, I never thought I'd see the big Deke Travers fall so hard, so fast. Look," Clint placed an affectionate hand on his brother's shoulder. "The three of us didn't want to conspire against you, Deke. It wasn't our intention, but you're such a nerd when it comes to women and what you really need. We decided to give you a little push in the right direction. And it looks like it worked."

  "What are you talking about?" Deke frowned not liking the fact that his little brother was laughing at him.

  "I'm saying Dad, Rusty, Jake and I and even the boys in the bunkhouse have been trying to get the two of you, you and Emma together. You're made for each other. Can't you see it? And that little gal may not know it yet, but she's in love with you too, along with little Sweet Pea."

  "Why are you doin' this? You know she loves you." Deke looked deep into Clint's dark eyes finding nothing but humor there.

  "Sure I love her. Who wouldn't. But like a sister, bro. Like a sister. Now why don't you get your butt in there and show her who the boss is around here?" Clint smiled.

  "Why are you doing this?" Deke demanded.

  Clint smiled slyly, "Because, dammit, a man doesn't say these things often, but I love you bro and I want to see you happy for a change."

  "Me?"

  "That's right, you. You've worked your damned tail off keeping this place going, out of the red so to speak. You've taken all your time and effort and put it in the ranch. Our home. And yes, bro, it's my home too. And I do love it here. I just love the rodeo too. So don't worry so much. I'll stick around till the irrigation system is working again. I'll help out till you don't need me anymore then I'm going back to what I love, the rodeo. Right now that's my love–the rodeo-and my family. Now get in there and tell her how you feel." Clint gave him a shove.

  Deke stumbled, then smiled at Clint. "I can't believe my own family would ..."

  "Would what? Conspire to make you happy?" Clint shot him a quick smile. "Count on it, bro. I've got to admit though, you had me worried."

  ***

  The house was quiet and dark. Only a light shining from under Emma's door lit the hallway. Deke knocked softly. "Emma?"

  Emma cracked her door. "Yes."

  The sight of her stole his breath. "Can I talk to you?"

  "Sure, but you'll have to be quiet. Sammie Jo is nearly asleep." she insisted opening the door wider.

  The light shone through the thin material of her gown, outlining the perfect silhouette of a woman. Deke grew warm.

  "Then come to my room."

  "I don't think that's such a good idea," she insisted, jerking her hand free of his.

  "Please Emma, it's important." He insisted, his intense gaze burning into her like a flame.

  "I'm not dressed." Emma tried to dissuade him.

  "It doesn't matter."

  "Of course it matters. I'm in my gown, it's late, and you want me to come to your room. What do you think I am?" She protested as he continued to pull her into the hallway. She was shaking her head as he urged her silently into his room and closed the door behind him. His gaze burned into her as he coaxed her into his arms.

  "I think." His head lowered, his lips grazed softly against the warmth of her shoulder and up toward her neck as she totally lost all breath. "You're the most beautiful, alluring, and sweet woman I've ever known. I think you're perfect," he whispered as his lips found hers with unerring accuracy.

  "Deke," she mouthed breathlessly against his lips.

  "Hmm . . ." he barely managed as he kissed her over and over again until she slumped in his arms, gave up, and threw her arms around his neck, pulling him ever closer.

  Her small body seemed to fit him perfectly, melding against his like hot glue. Her breast needled his chest and he wanted nothing more than to go on kissing every part of her body. He wanted to know her like the back side of his hand. He wanted to taste her, inhale her, and feel her all over him.

  It was all he could do to keep himself from throwing her on the bed. But Emma was not like other women. Emma was different and Deke had recognized that from the start. He knew he would have to give her some space, and take it slowly, although doing so would throw his own body into havoc.

  "I'm not perfect Deke," she whispered between kisses.

  "No? Convince me."

  "This isn't right, I don't want you to think . . ." she began trying to stop the onslaught of kisses he reined on her. But the more he kissed, the less she pushed away.

  "I don't think Emma. . . I feel when I'm around you."

  "But I don't want . . ."

  "What–my kisses?" he murmured taking her mouth once more, gently tugging on her lower lip between his teeth till her mouth opened and he absorbed her. She tasted sweet, like honey. And the eagerness of her thrusting tongue told him she did want . . . much more, just as he did.

  "Emma," he whispered her name reverently, as he continued to kiss her into a mass of putty, playful putty. Warm putty.

  When her breasts swelled against him, he pulled away enough to assuage the aching need to touch. One hand gently c
upped a full breast, as his thumb passed over it several times. The thin material creating friction.

  She groaned, "Oh please . . ."

  "Please don't, or please do?" He chuckled softly, his eyes burning into hers.

  "I'm only human, Deke," she whispered, as his mouth lowered and captured the peak of her breast through the thin material of her gown.

  She groaned uncontrollably.

  Slowly he lifted his head, his eyes like liquid pools of blue. "You're as beautiful as a bluebonnet in spring, you have a heart the size of Texas, a mind as pure as a snowflake, and you know how to make a man feel ten feet tall when he kisses you. Now do you know how you stand with me, Emma?"

  His gaze held her captive. "I–I think so."

  "There's so many things I want to say. But I've got to know something, Emma."

  "What," she barely murmured.

  "Do you love my brother Clint?"

  She pulled away enough to look into his eyes, "Well yes, of course I do. Like a brother."

  "God I'm glad you said that." He muttered pulling her closer and needing to taste her lips once more. "And Charlie, how do you feel about Charlie, now?"

  "Charlie who?"

  "Good, kiss me one more time before I let you go back to that cold bed of yours."

  With that he smothered her next words with a kiss that threatened to undo all his better intentions. His lips touched her nose, her eyelids, her cheek, her earlobe, her neck, and slid to the valley of her breasts. There his lips swept over her gently, in a soft caress.

  He turned her loose, reluctantly, his needs unfulfilled, his heart pounding like a drum.

  "Deke," she was at the door, turning the knob, but a sob broke from her and she rushed back into his arms. "I don't want to go back to my cold bed, I don't want to be alone anymore."