by Jill Lynn
But then, he often wondered if he and Nicole had been doomed from the start. He’d been instantly taken with her outward beauty and what he’d thought was a great personality. But as time had passed, Gage had begun to wonder if Nicole had used him as a way to escape her dysfunctional family. Had the woman ever really loved him? He’d probably never know.
Emma stepped into the room and scanned, eyes lighting up when they landed on Hudson. Her hair was pulled into a bun today. Small hoops—likely because of Hudson—in her ears. She wore cowboy boots with a jean dress that belted at the waist. Gage’s mouth went dry. She was adorable and completely oblivious to the fact, which only made her more so.
In a few steps, she was in front of them. “There’s my boy.” Hudson lunged into her arms, and she squeezed him tight. “I missed you, Sir Hudson.”
If Hudson could talk, he’d no doubt agree to missing Emma. Anytime she wasn’t at the house, he peered around every corner as if she might suddenly appear. Gage did, too. Everything was just...better with her around.
Her dancing eyes met his. “How’d last night go?”
“Really good. He slept all the way through without waking up.”
“Such a big boy!” She nibbled on Hudson’s cheeks. “Good job, buddy.” The baby’s hand went up, exploring Emma’s face. She switched to hand kisses, the act and Emma’s lips driving Gage to distraction.
“What are you up to this afternoon?” She turned her attention from Hudson to him again, and Gage ripped his eyes away from their momentary resting place.
“Not much. The usual.” Sundays with Hudson were about survival. Playing with him. Keeping him happy. Emma had at least spent Sundays on her own since Hudson’s arrival, but other than that, her presence at his ranch had been consistent. Just how he liked it, surprisingly. “What about you?”
“I have a hot date.” A megagrin flashed on her face, practically blinding him, and unexpected jealousy rose up, filling Gage’s throat with sand.
His next words barely catalogued above a croak. “Oh, really?”
“Yep. With a new book.”
Relief turned his limbs into the slept-for-hours-and-just-woke-up variety. And he really didn’t want to delve into discovering why. He’d just chalk it up to being protective of Emma. She was too kind, too sweet for her own good, and the world was full of guys who would happily take advantage of her. But Emma was also smart as a whip. Gage should be more confident that she could handle herself since he’d witnessed her intelligence and fierce determination firsthand.
“My favorite author’s newest release arrived on my step last night, and in an act of sheer willpower, I managed to not start reading it.” Emma shifted Hudson so that he faced forward. “Because I wouldn’t have been able to stop if I had. I’d have been awake until one or two.”
“I was up until midnight last night.”
“Maybe you were the one with the hot date.” Her voice dipped low along with a sassy tip of her chin. “You holding out on me, Counselor?”
Not a chance. Gage spent all of his time with Emma and Hudson. And cowboys and cattle.
“Not that you have to tell me if you did.” A pucker nestled between her eyebrows. “I mean, it’s really none of my business.”
If he were to go on a date, would Emma care? Because the image of her with someone else made his gut churn like he was trying to digest rocks.
“There’s nothing interesting to tell. Just a late-night session with some contracts I’ve been helping my old firm with. Captivating stuff.”
Her face brightened. “Oh! I didn’t realize you were working for them still.”
“Only when they’re swamped. It’s good side work, and not to make myself sound like a complete bore, but...I really enjoy it.”
She laughed. The sound warmed his body, and he decided right then and there to add make Emma laugh as much as possible to his life goals. “You have a great laugh.” He hadn’t planned to say anything of the sort, but immediately forgave himself for the slipup when Emma’s head tilted and a shy curve creased her cheeks.
“Really? I always think it’s kind of...loud.”
“Who told you that?”
A sad smile surfaced. “It doesn’t matter.”
Based on her tone and expression, Gage would guess it was a guy who’d said something like that to Emma. A complete moron.
“He was wrong, Emma.”
She blinked quickly, and the corners of her mouth quirked. “Thank you.” Her quiet response resonated in his chest. He wanted to transport them away from church—out of the sight of any gossipmongers—and tug Emma close. Hold on until she realized just how amazing she was.
A flash of awareness bounced between them, a pinball that couldn’t or wouldn’t settle into obedience.
“Hey, man.” Luc joined them, greeting Gage with a slap on the back, his presence swallowing the previous moment.
A good thing since Emma was a friend who was doing a massive favor for him and Hudson. Exactly why she was too good for the likes of Gage. Someday someone would come along and recognize Emma for the treasure she was. Just because Gage could see that now didn’t make them right for each other.
Hudson fussed, and Emma bounced gently in answer. He added a kick of annoyance and a squawk. “I’m going to walk around with him while you two discuss boy things.” And then she was off. She stopped to talk to some women who cooed over Hudson, eliciting smiles, at home with a baby in her arms.
Gage switched his attention to Luc only to find him watching his sister.
“Why does she look so content?” Luc asked.
“Because she’s Emma.”
“And she was born to nurture.”
“Pretty much.” Gage had only known Emma for a couple of years, but based on everything he’d witnessed, he’d have to agree with Luc’s assessment.
“I’m concerned about that.”
“The nurturing?”
“No. Not if it was her baby she was showing off like a new engagement ring. But since you’re planning to find a new home for him...”
Silence stretched. Expanded. “You’re worried about her getting hurt when he goes.”
“Yep.” Luc’s answer was short and not so sweet. Definitely overprotective brother. With good reason.
“That makes sense. I hadn’t thought about how close they were getting or how much time they’ve been spending together. Or what it would do to her when I find another home for Hudson.” But he’d been a fool not to. “I’ll deal with it.” Somehow.
“We have a group at the ranch next weekend. It’s a bunch of pastors and their families. While they’re being ministered to with their wives, Emma runs the Kids’ Club. She only has responsibilities on Saturday and then Sunday afternoon, but the guests don’t leave until Monday morning. She’s not exactly needed that day, but...”
“It would be the perfect opportunity for her to gain some space and distance from Hudson.”
“Exactly. I know it doesn’t make it easy on you, figuring things out with Hudson.”
“We’ll be fine. It’s a good idea.”
Audible air rushed from Luc. “Thanks. I’m sorry to ask this of you. If Emma finds out we were conspiring she’s going to roast us.”
“True. But hopefully the weekend away from Hudson will be just what she needs.”
“Amen to that. Emma brings out my protective side.”
“Mine, too.”
“She’s so...”
Mesmerizing. Sweet. Beautiful. “I don’t want her to get hurt, either. And I’m sorry I didn’t think beyond Hudson’s needs. I didn’t expect to have him for this long. I thought this would all work out faster, but things are progressing slowly.”
“I’m not upset with you in the least. You’ve been put in a tough position, and Emma really is the perfect fit for helping out with Hudson.” Luc c
ould say that another hundred times. “I just want to make sure she doesn’t get crushed when it all comes to an end.”
Gage, too. Which was why he also planned to keep his growing attraction to her under wraps. Allowing anything to start between them when it could never come to fruition was just plain cruel. For everyone involved.
Their conversation turned to other things, but Gage’s mind continued to spin. Emma wasn’t going to be pleased with the plan he and Luc had just cooked up, but then again, she didn’t get to be in charge of everything when it came to Hudson.
It was for her own good, so she’d just have to adjust.
* * *
On Thursday morning, Emma entered Gage’s house after a quick knock. They’d become so comfortable with their arrangement that she didn’t wait out in the cold for him to let her in anymore.
“Morning,” Gage called out. He was parked in front of the sink scrubbing a pan—flirt—and Hudson was in his high chair. The boy banged on his tray, stringing together a long line of babbling sounds in greeting.
“Hello to you, too.” Emma approached Hudson and kissed his head, managing to find a spot in his hair devoid of scrambled eggs. “Did any of it make it into your mouth?” He grinned in answer. One particularly stubborn piece of egg stuck to his forehead, defying the laws of gravity.
Emma snagged Hudson’s washcloth from the edge of the sink and proceeded to clean him up. Once he was good as new, she removed his bib and plucked him from the seat. She moved him into the living room, surrounding him with a few toys that lit up and made noises when he pressed the various buttons.
After that, she switched to the dishcloth and got to work on wiping down the high chair. In a matter of seconds, Gage stole it from her and took over.
“Emma Wilder, you need to quit doing so much work around here.”
She crossed her arms and, despite her current close proximity to Gage, didn’t scoot back an inch. “Au contraire. You’re the one who needs to quit stealing my job.”
“It’s not your job. I’ve told you that countless times. I have a house cleaner that comes every other week, Emma. You’re already watching Hudson. Do not make me fire your free help.”
“Ha-ha.” Her attempt to squash any humor was thwarted when a smile snuck through.
“I’m planning on you not being here Saturday because you have a group this weekend.”
That was a quick change of topic. “Right.” They’d talked about that earlier in the week.
“Sounds like you have quite a bit to do, so I was thinking you should take off early tomorrow afternoon.”
On Friday? But why? Her nose wrinkled. “I’m not doing Kids’ Club until Saturday, so—”
“But you’ve been here so much that I’m sure you’re behind and could use the time to catch up on work.”
Her mouth flopped open and closed like a fish’s. “I—”
“And don’t come back until Tuesday. That way you’ll have Monday, too.”
Emma stepped back as if Gage had physically shoved her, hurt catching in her throat like the beginning of a nasty cold. Was he trying to get rid of her? Because if he was, the man should just say it. No need to skirt around the truth. She could handle it. Or figure out how to. Somehow.
“But what about—”
“You’re needed at Wilder Ranch, and Hudson and I have taken plenty of your time in the last few weeks. We’ll handle the weekend without you and see you on Tuesday. I’ve already got things figured out. So take a day off if you don’t have work to do. You deserve it.” He flashed a crisp smile that didn’t create the usual shimmy in her abdomen.
Gage’s attempt to make his directives and demands sound positive and upbeat were failing miserably, because all Emma registered was the steel beneath the words. He acted as if he were gifting her a much needed break instead of breaking her heart.
Why hadn’t he asked her opinion about any of this?
Unacceptable tears blurred her vision. She blinked numerous times, forcing her careening emotions into submission. This wasn’t the time or place for an ugly cry. Those were best had in the comfort of her bed with a stack of emergency books and a box of tissues nearby.
“Okay. That’s fine.” Just dandy. Hudson yelped from the living room. He’d probably wedged himself somewhere. Thankful for the excuse to escape, Emma fled to rescue him.
Either Gage was done with her, he needed space or it really was just about her having the time to help out with the group this weekend.
None of the three options made her feel any better.
“You’re the worst characters ever. You can’t even keep me distracted for five minutes.” Emma shut the book in her hands and dropped it onto the couch next to her. A second later, she patted the cover. “It’s not you guys. You’re my favorites and you know it.” Hopefully, the fictional characters in her life weren’t offended by her undeserved outburst.
She’d chosen a favorite book tonight, hoping it would keep her mind off Hudson and Gage. But the old-faithful pick hadn’t come through.
Emma had gone Friday afternoon, all day Saturday, and now most of Sunday without hearing a peep from Gage. Without knowing how Hudson was doing.
And, by sheer willpower, she hadn’t texted him once.
At least she had that going for her. Emma didn’t have to be told twice that she wasn’t needed. Gage’s message had come across loud and clear. Maybe she’d overstayed her welcome and Gage was going to find someone else to watch Hudson. Or maybe it really was about her helping with the pastor’s group staying at the ranch this weekend. She had run two Kids’ Club sessions on Saturday and another this afternoon. But Emma could do that with her hands tied behind her back.
And tomorrow morning after breakfast the group would pack up. So there was no reason Emma couldn’t watch Hudson for the day—except one.
Gage didn’t want her there.
How many times did she have to repeat the thought before it would stick?
Maybe it was a good sign that Gage wanted to handle Hudson on his own. Emma should be proud of him, but that sentiment hadn’t floated to the surface; instead, she’d been wading through worry and hurt.
If she knew what was happening over there, she’d likely be just fine. But the lack of information was killing her slowly. Was Hudson okay? Emma should have installed that baby monitor with the camera she’d once jokingly considered. At least then she wouldn’t be about to lose her mind.
A knock sounded on the cabin door. It’s not going to be Gage, so don’t get your hopes up.
When Emma had returned to the cabin tonight, she’d donned her favorite pair of pajamas—colorful and soft and striped. They had momentarily made everything better, as pajamas were apt to do.
Did she need to change for whoever was at the door? “Who is it?”
“It’s me—Cate.” The very female voice had her shoulders notching down.
“Come in.” She popped up from the couch to greet her friend.
If it wasn’t Gage—or, more importantly, Hudson—Emma would gladly take Cate.
Her sister-in-law came inside and shut the door behind her. “I know you’d rather I have a deep voice, my name start with G and be holding a baby in my arms, but I’ll just have to do for tonight.”
Emma laughed. “Am I that transparent?”
Cate’s teeth tucked behind her lip in lieu of an answer. “I thought maybe you could use some company.”
“You’re a smart woman.”
Cate gave a mock bow, the move reminiscent of something Ruby would do. “Thank you.”
“How long do I get you? Should I make some tea?”
“That would be great if I’m not interrupting you.” Cate took off her coat, revealing preppy button-up pajamas—pink-and-red checked—and slide-on slippers with rubber bottoms. Though the jaunt from Luc and Cate’s up the hill to the cabin
wasn’t far at all, Emma was surprised to see Cate had risked wearing pajamas when the ranch had guests. The woman was usually all things put together. But maybe she was just becoming accustomed to ranch life. Relaxing a bit. A good thing if that was the case.
“Are you kidding? I’m delighted to have you all to myself.” Cate was welcome to interrupt Emma’s hike down worry lane anytime.
“Go sit.” Emma waved Cate into the living room and moved to the sink, filling the kettle and setting it on the burner.
“How was today’s session?” Cate asked while Emma retrieved the tea.
“Great. The kids were so sweet. We had a good time while the parents were off bettering their minds.” Every year Wilder Ranch hosted this same retreat. It was a weekend of supporting pastors and their spouses, and Emma enjoyed that she got to have a few hours of fun with the kids each day while their parents refueled and recharged. “How are you? Luc said you weren’t feeling great this morning.”
Cate sank to the couch and arranged two pillows behind her back. “I’m good now. I had an upset stomach. Not sure if it was morning sickness or something else.” She rubbed her rounding tummy. “I caked on a bunch of essential oils and took a nap. I felt better as the day went on. Thanks for letting Ruby hang with the kids today. I know that’s not really the best protocol, but it was just one of those days.”
Emma faced Cate and leaned against the counter as she waited for the water to boil. “Ruby is always welcome wherever I am. I love that girl. She told me today that she’s going to marry one of the boys in her preschool class. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
Cate’s head shook, laughter spilling out. “Let me guess—Beau, right?”
“Yep. Is he the blond one with those huge blue eyes? His family sits on the left side in church, almost all the way to the back?”
“That’s him.”
“She has good taste. That is one adorable kid.”
“True. Every time she talks about him, Luc tells her she has to be thirty before she can date.”
“I may agree with him on that.” When the kettle whistled, Emma added the tea bags and water to mugs, then carried them into the living room. She placed both on the coffee table so they could steep and then sank into the chair flanking the couch.
