Tears filled Taylor’s eyes. “I know how strong she is, but—”
“No buts.” Erin’s eyes were glittering with unshed tears. “You can’t think that way.”
Taylor took a deep breath, and nodded. “Okay. They’ll be fine, right?”
Erin nodded. “Of course they will—”
“Chase Stockton?” A nurse appeared in the doorway. “Come with me, please.”
Chase leapt to his feet so fast he almost knocked over Steen, who had to scramble to get out of his way. “Are they okay?”
“Come meet your son. He’s completely healthy.”
“My son?” Chase’s face paled. “And Mira? What about Mira?”
“She’s still in surgery. Come on.” She nodded at the others as Chase followed her. The two of them disappeared down the hall, leaving the others sitting there.
Taylor felt like she couldn’t breathe. She looked around, and saw the others were equally grim. They should all be elated that there was a healthy baby boy, but with Mira’s fate uncertain, there was no room for celebration. Zane pulled her against him. She sagged into his side, barely able to hold herself together.
Steen went to sit with Erin, and she nestled into his side exactly as Taylor was doing with Zane. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d looked at a couple and not felt a deep pang of envy in her heart, but right now, when she looked at Steen and Erin, she just felt camaraderie. With Zane holding her, his warmth wrapping around her, even though she was facing the scariest moment of her life, she felt the safest she’d ever felt.
“How do you like living on the ranch?” Zane asked, his gaze steady on his brother.
It felt weird to have him ask a question like that when Mira’s life was so precarious, but she knew he was trying to distract them from the uncertain fate trying to crush them.
Steen looked at him in surprise. “I like it. I’m psyched about the house, and Erin’s vet clinic is shaping up well.” He shrugged. “I like being back with the horses. I didn’t realize how much I missed them.” He grinned. “There’s nothing like connecting with a horse that no one else can reach. That moment when trust happens is amazing. There’s nothing else like it.” He looked steadily at Zane. “You need to get back in the game, bro. It’s in your blood. You won’t be complete until you’re around the ranch. Stop fighting it. Get off the bike and get back on the bulls.”
Zane stiffened, a move so imperceptible she knew that she was the only one who could tell, because she was leaning against him. “It’s not my thing anymore.”
Steen regarded him without flinching. “It is your thing. It’s in your blood. The reason you can’t stay still anywhere is because you’re not where you should be. Live, bro. You only get one chance at life.”
Taylor glanced at Zane. His face was stoic, not inviting further comment.
Erin didn’t seem phased by Zane’s body language. She just nodded her agreement. “You should see Steen with the animals. He literally comes alive.”
He grinned at her. “I never would have tried it again if not for you.”
She smiled at him, a private adoring smile filled with love. “And I’m so glad you did.” She grinned at Zane and Taylor. “He comes on my rounds with me when I have an animal I know is going to be difficult. He can calm any animal. He’s really amazing. And my clinic is going to be wonderful. We’re going to have a full equine surgical center, the only one within a thousand miles.” She laced her fingers with Steen’s. “That’s my specialty, you know. I mean, I love all animals, but equine surgery is my thing. I didn’t think I’d be able to keep doing it out here, but there are so many horses. Steen and I combined our funds to make it happen.” She squeezed Steen’s hand. “He made my dreams come true. I couldn’t have done it by myself.”
He put his arm around her, and smiled at her, a smile so tender that it seemed to light up the entire room. “You should see her operate,” he said to Taylor and Zane. “She’s gifted.”
Erin was beaming now. “You guys really need to come see the clinic. It’s just amazing.”
Zane made a non-committal grunt, but Taylor couldn’t resist. “I’d love to see it.” How could she not? Erin’s passion for her work was contagious, and she wanted to be a part of it, to see what it was like when someone lived a life that illuminated them so much. The happiness of the other couple was evident. It was clear they were very much in love, and that they were also following their dreams.
Taylor remembered being that excited the day she’d first walked into her own classroom. She’d forgotten what it was like to be so excited about life. She’d forgotten about being willing to love someone and be loved back. She’d forgotten about it all, until Zane had reminded her. She and Zane were exactly the same. Both of them walking away from what they loved because the baggage around it was too painful. She’d thought it was better to play it safe, but seeing how happy Steen and Erin were made her wonder if she’d been wrong all this time.
Chase appeared in the doorway, his face haggard and drawn. They all bolted to their feet, silence descending upon the small group.
Taylor gripped Zane’s hand, her heart pounding as they all waited.
“She—” Chase’s voice broke, and he cleared his throat.
Taylor felt the blood drain from her face, and she started to sway. Zane tightened his arm around her, keeping her on her feet.
“She’s okay,” Chase finally managed. “She’s going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay.” He looked at them all. “We have a son,” he said, his voice raw with wonder. “A baby boy.”
The waiting room erupted with congratulations, relief, and tears of joy. Taylor found herself swept into a circle of hugs, not just from Zane, but from everyone, the family that had taken in her best friend. She might have felt like an outsider at breakfast, but in this moment, she knew she belonged, and it was perfect.
***
“He’s so beautiful.” Taylor held the tiny baby in her arms, terrified she would drop him. He was so small, so vulnerable, and so perfect as he slept in her arms. She couldn’t believe how much love she felt for such a tiny bundle. Her heart felt like it was going to explode. “I can’t believe you’re a mom.”
Mira smiled at her, her face pale but radiant as she lay among the pillows. “Me, either. I never would have thought I was ready, but here I am.”
“You’ll be a great mom.” Taylor leaned forward, to press a kiss to his tiny forehead. “You listen to your Aunt Taylor,” she told him. “Appreciate your mom, because she’s the best.”
Mira grinned. “Keep telling him that. I’m sure he’ll need reminding if we’re going to brainwash him sufficiently to listen to everything I tell him to do.”
“I’ll be happy to brainwash him.” Taylor grinned at her best friend. “Can’t you at least tell me what names you guys are considering?”
“Chase swore me to secrecy. He’s afraid we’ll be harassed by you and his brothers to pick a certain one, so I’m not allowed to tell.”
Taylor wrinkled her nose. “I would never try to influence you.”
“No?” Mira raised her brows. “I doubt that.” She cocked her head, a new gleam in her eyes. “What’s going on with you and Zane? What happened on your trip?”
Taylor glanced toward the door, but the men weren’t back yet. They’d been down in the cafeteria getting food when the nurse had let Taylor in, so she’d had a chance to meet the baby first. “He’s a great guy,” she hedged.
Mira didn’t let her off the hook. “Did you sleep with him?”
Taylor couldn’t keep the goofy, deliriously happy grin off her face, and Mira clapped. “I love that smile, sweetie. You look so happy.”
She shrugged, trying not to smile, but totally failing. “He’s such a good man, Mira. He really is. We get each other, you know?”
Mira raised her eyebrows. “So…maybe you’ll stay in town, then?”
Taylor’s smile faltered. “What?”
“Listen, I didn’t want to
say anything or pressure you, but I miss you.”
A lump formed in Taylor’s throat. “You do? I miss you, too. So much it hurts,” she admitted softly.
Mira nodded. “I love my new family, but you’re in my heart, too. I can’t imagine my child growing up and not knowing his Auntie Taylor. I know you don’t love your job. Maybe it’s time to quit. Start being a teacher again. Move here.” Mira cocked her head thoughtfully. “Hang out with Zane. Maybe he’s the guy for you.”
Taylor cradled the infant against her chest, her fingers brushing lightly over the soft fuzz on his head. Tears burned in her eyes, and she fought not to cry. “I miss you so much,” she whispered, “but I can’t move here.”
“Why not?”
“I have my job—”
“Which you don’t like. Who wants to work for an ex-boyfriend? It’s been a nightmare and you know it. And there’s Zane—”
“Zane and I connect because I’m leaving. We have an understanding that it’s a short term thing—”
“Chase said it doesn’t look like that,” Mira interrupted. “He said Zane couldn’t keep his hands off you, out there in the waiting room.” She met Taylor’s gaze, deep understanding in her blue eyes. “These Stockton men have had really tough lives. They don’t trust anyone. They don’t believe that life can bring them good things. It takes a special woman to reach them, and you’ve done that with Zane. They don’t love lightly, but when they love, it’s forever.”
Taylor stared at her in shock. “He doesn’t love me.” Did he? He didn’t. He couldn’t. He wasn’t made that way. Love was just…there was no room for love.
Mira raised her brows. “Do you love him?”
“No,” she said quickly, too quickly. The moment she denied it, she felt something constrict in her chest. She looked desperately at Mira, who had a sympathetic expression on her face. Did she love him? Was it possible? “Well, I mean, I do, as a human being. How could I not? He’s such a good man. But that’s different than romantic love—”
“Is it?” Mira challenged. “Can you really tell me that you haven’t fallen completely in love with him, not simply as a human being, but as a man? I can see it in your eyes, Taylor. I know you do.”
“I can’t. I can’t go there again,” she whispered, staring in horror at her friend. Her stomach felt like there were a thousand butterflies spinning around in it.
“You can. You need to learn to trust just like he does.” Mira smiled gently. “You’re an amazing woman, Taylor. It was only a matter of time until a great guy noticed.”
“But—”
A light knock sounded on the door, and Taylor snapped her mouth shut. She glanced toward the door, and heat flared in her cheeks when she saw the three Stockton brothers in the doorway, along with Erin.
Chase looked back and forth between the women. “Are we interrupting?”
“Yes,” Mira said, at the same moment that Taylor said, “No.” She was so grateful for the interruption. She just didn’t want to go where Mira had been trying to take her.
Chase grinned, and walked into the room. “It doesn’t really matter. I want to show off my son.” He held out his arms for the baby, and Taylor reluctantly handed him over. The moment the baby was out of her arms, she felt a sudden sense of sadness, a gaping loneliness she hadn’t felt in so long.
She sank back in her chair as she watched Chase turn toward his brothers, the baby so very tiny against his broad chest and muscular shoulders. Zane was hanging back, looking uncomfortable as Steen and Erin fawned over the newborn.
Taylor’s loneliness faded as she watched Zane step awkwardly around the cooing threesome, heading across the room toward her. She might want a baby more than her heart could manage, but Zane clearly wasn’t suffering from the same angst. It was apparent by his discomfort that he didn’t have the baby gene. He hadn’t lied to her when he said he wasn’t a baby guy. Was it possible that he truly didn’t have the instinct to be a father? That there was a chance that he would really be fine with who she was? So maybe, just maybe, if she did love him, it would be okay?
Her heart started to hammer in her chest, and she had to fight to breathe as he reached her. His fingers wrapped around hers as he sat down on the arm of her chair, sliding his other hand over her back. “You okay?” he asked softly, nodding toward the baby, as if he understood it might be hard for her.
She smiled at him, the emptiness fading from her heart as he settled in next to her. She nodded. “I’m good.” Was Mira right? Was she falling in love with Zane? Was it really possible he was the right guy for her? What if she did give up her job? Could she be happy as a teacher if she had a man who loved her for who she was?
Chapter 14
Her phone rang, and she sighed, recognizing the ring. It was the fifth time Edward had called, and she hadn’t answered once. Yes, she was on vacation, but he wouldn’t be trying to reach her so much if something wasn’t going on. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone, but Zane’s hand closed over hers. “No cell phones in the hospital,” he said.
She frowned up at him. “Since when do you care about the rules?”
His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, she thought he was going to say something, but he didn’t. He just shrugged, and took her phone, folding his hand over it before tucking it back in her pocket.
“Zane.” They both looked up as Chase walked over, holding the baby. “Here. Hold him.”
“No.” Zane didn’t hesitate, folding his arms across the chest. “I’ll take the kid on my bike when he’s sixteen, but I don’t want to—” He swore as Chase set the kid on his chest. He had no choice but to take the baby as Chase stepped back.
Taylor couldn’t help but laugh at the horrified expression on Zane’s face. “Here. You have to support his head.” She helped rearrange the baby in Zane’s arm, so that he was tucked up against Zane’s chest, his little head leaning against him.
Zane grimaced, staring down at the child as if it might leap up and bite his head off.
The room filled with laughter, and even Taylor giggled.
Zane looked up at Chase, his face desperate. “He blinked. I think he’s waking up. You better take him.”
Chase folded his arms over his chest, a broad grin making his eyes dance with happiness. “Nope. He’s all yours.”
Taylor leaned over Zane’s shoulder, watching as the baby’s eyes flickered open. His radiant blue eyes seemed to focus on Zane’s face, and her breath caught as he wiggled his little hand at Zane. “Let him grab your finger, Zane.”
“Seriously?” Zane looked like he was in pain as he shifted his position and poked his index finger awkwardly at the baby. The tiny fingers wrapped around Zane’s finger, holding him still.
Zane frowned, staring at the baby. “Strong grip.”
“Good for bull riding,” Chase said.
Mira threw a pillow at him. “My son will not be a bull rider! It’s too dangerous.”
“Honey, he’s going to be a cowboy. There’s no way around it.” Chase settled down on the bed, wrapping his arm around Mira and pressing a kiss to her head, leaving Zane unattended with the baby.
Taylor expected Zane to panic, but he didn’t look up. He was still studying the baby.
She glanced at him, and her heart seemed to flutter when she saw the look of pure awe on his face. His head was bent over the baby, and he was whispering something to him about bull riding, his finger still trapped in the baby’s tiny hand.
Taylor sat back in the chair, unable to take her gaze off Zane’s face. The wonder and emotion was evident in his expression. She realized with a ripple of shock that he’d fallen in love with his nephew. She could see it on every line of his face, in the protective way he’d tucked the baby against his chest, in the softness of his expression. He no longer looked like an awkward uncle. He looked like a guy who would lay down his life for the child in his arms.
She glanced around the room to see if anyone else noticed, and she saw everyone in the ro
om watching Zane with the same expressions of awe and delight on their faces. They all knew he’d fallen in love with the baby. It had taken less than a minute, and Zane had become a baby person.
He looked up, his gaze meeting Taylor’s. His eyes were bright, filled with more warmth than she’d ever seen. “He’s perfect, isn’t he?”
She nodded once, unable to speak over the lump in her throat.
“I had no idea.” Zane held the baby up so he was eye level with him. “Listen, little man, I want you to know that your dad’s a great guy, but I am definitely going to be your coolest uncle. Anytime your parents drive you crazy, you give your Uncle Zane a call, and I’ll straighten them out. Got it?”
“You know,” Chase said, his voice so deceptively casual that Taylor looked over at him. “You could move onto the ranch, and then he could just run over to your place and not waste time calling you. Steen will probably be his favorite uncle if he’s the only one he sees on a regular basis.”
Zane looked at Chase sharply, but instead of snapping back with his customary refusal to move to the ranch, he said nothing. Chase’s eyebrows shot up in surprise at Zane’s lack of resistance, and the room fell silent. Taylor’s heart froze in her chest. After all his rejection of the ranch, it was the idea of being around for his nephew that made Zane pause long enough to consider breaking all his rules and moving onto the ranch.
A baby. He was willing to uproot his life for a baby, for his nephew.
At that moment, she knew the truth, the truth she couldn’t deny, no matter how much she wanted to. Deep in the recesses of his scarred and broken heart was a man who would be a great dad, who had that protector, father gene deep in his soul, a man who would love his babies with every last bit of his heart. Zane was going to want children.
She let out her breath, barely able to breathe over the ache in her chest. The depth of the anguish crushing her told her all she needed to know. Too late, she realized that Mira was right. She had fallen in love with him. She had somehow, someway, let herself believe that this was more than a short-term fling. Her heart belonged to him, and so did her trust.
A Real Cowboy Rides a Motorcycle Page 14
