She grabbed a piece of chocolate from the emergency stash she kept in a galvanized bucket atop the row of white two-drawer file cabinets. Savoring the peanut butter and chocolate confection, she stared out the small window, toward the store’s front door, wondering how Mick’s meeting had gone. It had been almost two hours since she ran into him at Rae’s. Perhaps he and Cole were still talking. Or maybe Mick just figured he’d talk to Christa later, unaware of the fact that she was just as nervous as he was about this lawsuit. If it had been anyone else but the Sandersons doing the filing, she might not be so concerned. But the Sandersons had a pack of attorneys at their beck and call, no doubt ready to pounce on unsuspecting souls in order to make sure their clients came out on top. And so help her, if they tried to pull something underhanded with Mick—
The man in question walked into the store just then. Stepping out of her office, she waved to catch his attention and motioned him her way. He looked weary as he approached. As though the stress of the last few weeks had finally caught up to him.
He stepped inside her office and she promptly closed the door to keep their conversation private.
“How’d it go?” Crossing her arms, she leaned her backside against her desk as he dropped into one of the metal side chairs.
He shook his head, removed his hat and jammed a hand through his hair. “I think I’m in over my head, Christa.”
She ached for this poor man who was trying so hard to do the right thing. Pouring himself into caring for his niece. “Why? Did something else happen?”
“No. It’s just—hearing Cole lay out his concerns only amplified my own.”
“Such as?”
“He’s worried that the Sandersons will drag things out.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad. At least it’ll keep Sadie with you.”
“I think he was referring to the cost of a lengthy trial. Wearing me down, as Cole put it, until I run out of money.”
She looked at him matter-of-factly. “That will never happen. Not as long as I’m around. And I guarantee the people of Bliss would rally around you, too. They’d be having bake sales, fried fish and barbecue suppers until they were blue in the face just to help raise money.”
“He also said that a two-parent household can carry a lot of weight.”
She puffed out an incredulous laugh. “Yeah, if they’re actually willing to raise the child and not pawn her off on nannies and boarding schools.” Pushing away from the desk, she began to pace. “This whole thing irritates me to no end. As if a single man can’t raise a child. Boy, I’d like to tell them a thing or two. After all, I was raised by a single man and I turned out just fine.”
“There’s no telling what the Sandersons will use as ammunition.” Hands clasped, he rested his forearms on his denim-clad thighs. “Not just that I’m single, but the fact that I’m a rancher.” He tilted his head to look at her. “As you’ve already figured out, I don’t get days off.”
“Could you hire somebody to help you? I know Bum was checking on things while you were gone to get Sadie.”
“He was just doing me a favor. And about the only time we bring in help is when we work cattle, and that’s usually a trade-off. They help me, then I turn around and help them.” He fell quiet for a moment. “I have no doubt, though, that the Sandersons will likely harp on the fact that I have no help with Sadie. As in, I don’t have a wife to care for her.”
Every time he said that, Christa’s blood boiled a little hotter. This time it had ignited an idea. “Fine, if that’s the way they’re going to be, then we’ll just call their bluff.”
Mick straightened, looking confused. “How?”
She sucked in a breath, finding it difficult to believe she was about to say this, but desperate times called for desperate measures. “Let’s get married. You and me.”
Mick’s expression went from dumbfounded to completely horrified in a matter of seconds. “Woman, have you lost your mind?”
Ignoring the direct hit to her ego, she said, “Perhaps. But if that’s what it takes to protect Sadie, then so be it.”
Standing, he crossed to where she stood. “Christa, I appreciate what you’re doing here, but you can’t marry someone you don’t love.”
“Oh, as if there aren’t plenty of married people who don’t love each other. And I wasn’t talking about moving in together or anything like that.”
He set his hands on her shoulders. “No, you were thinking of a little girl who’s been tossed around by enough of life’s storms. And I admire you for that. But I would never dream of tying you down in some marriage of convenience. You’re a beautiful, spirited woman who deserves to love and be loved.”
Christa knew Mick was just being nice, that her suggestion they get married was totally ludicrous, yet staring up into his green eyes, she found herself wondering what it might be like to be loved and wanted by a good, hardworking man like him. To have someone you could lean on, count on to walk with you through life’s troubles.
Shaking off the notion, she turned away, hoping Mick couldn’t see the sudden heat in her cheeks. He probably thought that, given her age, she was desperate to get married and that was why she’d thrown out something so crazy.
“Sorry, I got a little caught up in my emotions. I guess, because of my own past, their supposition that you’re not fit to raise Sadie feels rather personal.”
“I understand. You don’t want to see Sadie hurt.”
“Or you.” She had to force herself to look at him again, balling her fists so she wouldn’t be tempted to rest her palms against his broad chest. “I’m willing to help you any way I can. If you need someone to watch Sadie, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“You’re sure?”
“Of course I’m sure.”
“All right. I was just checking.”
“Oh, and I’m still planning to come by to do that second coat of paint in her bedroom tonight. And I ordered the comforter set. It should be here tomorrow. Then I’ll just need to gather a few more things to pull the room together before the big reveal.”
Finally, he smiled. “Sadie’s going to be excited.”
Christa was, too. Except once Sadie’s room was finished, she’d have no reason to see Mick or Sadie, unless Mick needed someone to watch her. And knowing that they would no longer be an everyday part of her life had her feeling rather sad.
* * *
“Look! It’s Dixie and Miss Christa.” Sadie’s voice drifted from the back seat of Mick’s truck as he approached the driveway on the way home from school Wednesday.
They hadn’t seen Christa since Monday night when she’d finished painting Sadie’s room. The change in color alone had completely transformed the space. But he and Sadie were eager to see the finished product in a few days.
Yeah, he was starting to realize just how special Christa was. If he thought for one moment he could win her heart, he just might have taken her up on her offer to get married. After all, she’d been so wonderful with Sadie. The two of them had really connected.
Yet Mick and Christa were as different as night and day. She was well-educated and sophisticated, while he was just a humble cowboy. He’d learned the hard way that while women were enamored with the persona, they often found the man lacking. Christa would never be interested in someone like him.
So why was he still thinking about that whole exchange two days later?
“Dixie!” Sadie bounced in the back seat. “I wanna say hi.”
“All right, princess.” Turning into the drive, he eased to a stop and rolled his window down to the sounds of chattering birds. “You’re home kinda early.” Usually she didn’t make it back from the store until after five thirty.
“Plumber’s coming out.” She neared the truck, a gentle breeze carrying her sweet scent into the cab.
“It took him this long?”
She lifted a petite shoulder. “We patched the pipes, so I guess he figured that bought him some time. Besides, it’s not like I was the only person in the area with broken pipes.”
“True.” He rested his elbow on the door. “Who’s coming out? Joe Lopez?”
“No, he hurt his back. Apparently he slipped on the ice, so I had to settle for Ronnie Cranston.”
Mick’s lip instinctively curled into a snarl while his heart pounded wildly with protectiveness. “Cranston? That creep’s been hitting on you since you got to town. Why on earth would you want him in your house?”
Her hands went to her hips, her hazel eyes narrowing. “Ashford, are you under the mistaken impression that I’m unable to take care of myself?”
“No, I just don’t trust that man in your house. What if he plants some of those hidden cameras somewhere?”
She puffed out a laugh. “I had no idea you had such an active imagination.”
“When it comes to Cranston, there’s not much I wouldn’t put past him. Do you know how many times they caught him sneaking into the girls’ locker room when we were in high school?”
She shifted uncomfortably. “How many?”
“Well, I don’t remember exactly. But it was more than a couple.”
“Come on, Mick. That was almost thirty years ago.” Chewing her bottom lip, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Though it is kind of creepy. But he’s already on his way out here, so it’s not like I can cancel now.”
“Can I go see Dixie?” Sadie had unbuckled her seat belt and was draped over his seat.
“Oh, sorry, princess.” He pressed the button to unlock the doors.
She hopped out and hugged Christa around the waist.
“How was school?” Christa smoothed a hand over Sadie’s back.
Squinting against the sun, she peered up at the woman. “We got to paint today.”
The endearing way Christa looked at his niece as she cupped her cheek almost made Mick forget about the fact that Creepy Cranston was on his way out here.
“You know—” he rubbed the stubble on his chin “—this might be a real good time for Sadie and me to pay you a visit.”
As Sadie knelt to hug Dixie, Christa turned her attention back to Mick. “Why?”
“Just seems like the neighborly thing to do. Besides—” he glanced toward his niece “—Sadie wants to spend some time with Dixie.”
Cocking her head, Christa sent him a knowing look. “And it has nothing to do with the fact that Ronnie is on his way out here?”
“Are you kidding? It has everything to do with that. And if that creep tries to linger a little longer than he should, well, then we will, too, ’cause we’re going out for dinner tonight.”
“Don’t you think you’re overreacting?”
“No, ma’am. I will do whatever is necessary to keep you from being alone with Cranston.” He parked his truck in her drive, before following Christa and Sadie into the house.
“Do you have any cookies?” Sadie rubbed her belly. “I am so hungry.”
Mick cringed. He’d forgotten Sadie usually had a snack when she got home.
“Sadie, we don’t need to impose on Miss Christa. I’ll run down to the camp house and grab you a juice box and granola bar.” He turned for the door.
“You don’t have to do that, Mick.” Christa’s words stopped him. “I’ve got some peanut butter cookies in the fridge I’ve been dying to make.” She smiled at Sadie. “This’ll be just the excuse I need.” She opened the refrigerator door. “Because then I won’t eat them all myself.” She reached into the fridge before handing something to Sadie. “Here’s a string cheese to tide you over—”
A knock sounded at the door.
Mick pulled out a chair at the table and made himself at home. “Looks like your plumber’s here.”
Christa shut the refrigerator door and started across the kitchen into the mudroom while Sadie crawled into the chair beside Mick and peeled the plastic wrapper off her cheese.
A moment later, the door opened.
“Hello, beautiful.” Apparently Cranston wasn’t wasting any time. Had the guy not seen Mick’s truck out there?
“Hey, Ronnie,” said Christa. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I know you are, darlin’.” Creepy Cranston drew out each word, and it took every ounce of determination Mick had to stay seated.
Keep your cool. Just look like you belong here. Something that shouldn’t be a problem, given that he’d grown up in this house. Still, visions of Cranston ogling Christa had Mick ready to pounce. It was almost as if he was—
No, that couldn’t be it. Mick and Christa weren’t a couple or anything. They weren’t even dating, so why would Mick be jealous? No, he’d be gunning to protect any woman from Ronnie Cranston.
Except this wasn’t any woman. It was Christa.
Finally she moved into the kitchen with Ronnie right on her heels.
Mick leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands behind his head. “Hello, Ronnie.”
Cranston’s dark gaze jerked to Mick’s, as though he’d just been busted. “Ashford, what are you doing here?” He looked from Mick to Christa, no doubt wondering if they were a couple.
“Keepin’ an eye on you. Makin’ sure you behave like a gentleman.”
“What are you talkin’ about? I’m always a gentleman.”
Mick fought the urge to laugh. “In that case, I’d best let you get to your work.”
Pulling off a strip of cheese, Sadie twisted to look at Christa. “Are we still going to make the cookies?”
“We sure are. Just let me show Mr. Cranston which pipes need to be fixed.”
“I can do that, Christa.” Mick all but jumped at the opportunity. “You and Sadie go ahead and work on those cookies. I’ll take care of ole Ronnie.”
Once the water was turned off, Mick showed the fellow to the master bath.
“I didn’t know you were sweet on Christa, Mick. Can’t say as I blame you, though. She’s a looker.”
“Just stick to the pipes.” He pointed toward the wall. “And I ain’t sweet on her. We’re just friends.”
“Coulda fooled me. The only woman I recall you being that protective of was your sister. But if you’re just friends, then I reckon you won’t mind if I ask her out.”
“’Course not. She’d just tell you no just like every other time.”
His phone rang and Mick looked at the screen to see Margaret Flannery’s name. Margaret was an older widow he leased pastureland from.
He pointed toward the hole in the wall. “Just get to work.” Turning, he touched the screen to accept the call as he moved into the blue-and-white bedroom and pressed the phone to his ear. “Hello.”
“Mick, I know you’re probably all kinds of busy, but I thought I should let you know that I just passed one of your cows out on the road. A pretty brown and white one that would make a gorgeous rug someday.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. Talk about bad timing. If a cow was out, he had no choice but to go and put her back in. Not to mention check the fence line to see how she got out in the first place, then make any necessary repairs. Because if the animal caused any sort of accident, either someone hitting it or swerving to miss it, Mick was the one who’d be held responsible.
“Whereabouts, Margaret?”
“Right there at the bend by Duck’s Hollow.”
“I’ll head over there now. Thanks for letting me know.”
He made his way back into the kitchen where Christa and Sadie were setting the pieces of dough onto a cookie sheet. “I have to leave.”
Christa looked his way. “Problem?”
“I’ve got a cow out on the road.”
“Well, you’d better go take care of her.” She smiled and nodded toward Sadie. “We’ll be fine here.”
“I’m a big girl, Mick. Besides, Sadie will be here.”
He supposed a five-year-old would be a good buffer, if not an effective deterrent. “I’ll be back just as quick as I can.”
It didn’t take him long to locate the Red Angus mix grazing in the ditch, along with the section of barbed wire that a tree limb had taken down, probably during the storm. He coaxed the cow back inside, then grabbed his pliers, wire stretcher and gloves from his truck and repaired the section. He’d have to come back with his chain saw later to remove the tree. But for now, he needed to get back to Christa and Sadie. He’d promised to take them to dinner, after all.
His hackles went up when he saw Cranston’s truck still in Christa’s drive almost an hour after Mick had left. And for the life of him, he couldn’t figure out why he felt so strongly about protecting Christa. Like she said, she was a grown woman. One who was definitely no pushover. She’d gone toe-to-toe with Mick on more than one occasion and never failed to hold her own.
The only woman I recall you being that protective of was your sister.
As much as he hated to admit it, Cranston was right. And Mick wasn’t quite sure what to make of that.
When he knocked on the door, it was Ronnie who opened it instead of Christa.
“I’m just finishing up.” He motioned to the gaping hole behind the washer.
“Good.” Mick moved past him and continued into the kitchen where the sweet smell of peanut butter still hung in the air. “Don’t suppose you saved me a cookie, did you?”
“Uncle Mickey!” Sadie looked up from the table. “Miss Christa letted me paint my fingernails.” She held up her hands to reveal pink-and-blue-tipped fingers.
His gaze drifted to Christa who was sitting beside her. “You’re a brave woman.”
A Brother's Promise Page 8
