A Home for Haley

by Mary Jane Morgan

She sank onto the soft blanket, amazed at how comfortable she felt just hanging with everyone.

  Hank shoved his cowboy hat off his forehead. “Guess I’ll go over to Riley’s and find out what he wants me to do with the lamb once the stitches are out. Its mother probably won’t nurse it now. You kids let the baby have a nap. He needs lots of sleep. Kinda like your grandma.”

  “Too many smart mouths in one place,” Dottie groused.

  Hank laughed. “This smart mouth is leaving.” He headed for the barn door.

  “Let me at least pull up a bucket for you to sit on, Mom.” Ethan started to shove to his feet, but she motioned for him to stay put.

  “I’m going back inside. Amos is coming over to take me to dinner. And don’t be going and giving me a hard time about it, either.” She gave Ethan a pointed look. “Even grandmas need friends their own age.”

  Ethan raised his hands as if in surrender. “I wasn’t going to say a word.”

  “To hell you weren’t.”

  “Quit cussing around the little ones, Mother.”

  “Might as well teach them early how to let off a little steam,” Dottie muttered as she made her way out of the barn.

  Ethan shook his head and turned to the kids. “Hank caught a mess of catfish this morning. How does everyone feel about a fish fry tonight?”

  Kayla wrapped an arm around the lamb’s back, and snuggled closer. “I want hush puppies, too.”

  “You have a recipe for that?” Haley asked, not sure she knew how to make hush puppies.

  “In here,” Ethan said, pointing to his head. “You deserve a night off, Miss Wonder Woman, so consider me the cook and kid-herder this evening. No arguments.”

  “I wouldn’t feel right about that,” she protested.

  “Why? Everyone, especially nannies, needs a break now and then. Which, by the way, you haven’t had since you started working here. Believe me, Kayla and I can stumble through an afternoon and evening without you. Besides, I’d have my favorite little guy here tagging along,” he added, ruffling Ryan’s hair.

  “Since you managed for a year or so without me, I’m sure you’re right, but I don’t need a break.”

  Ethan scrutinized her. “You look pretty tired to me, so I’m ordering you to take the rest of the day and evening off.” She started to protest again, but he didn’t let her finish. “No arguing. Besides, you’ll be begging for a break after Mom’s surgery.”

  “You might have a point. Or maybe Amos will come take care of her.”

  “Seriously?” Ethan said in shock.

  Haley raised her eyebrows. “Pay attention, Ethan. Guess you didn’t know she’s invited him to the family reunion.”

  “Well I’ll be damned.” He winced. “Sorry.”

  “Damn, damn, damn,” Ryan mimicked.

  Ethan winced again. “Ahhh, don’t say that little buddy. I shouldn’t say bad words and neither should you.”

  “He’s right,” Haley chimed in. “No more bad words.” She turned her attention back to Ethan. “I think your mom has herself a boyfriend.” Ethan groaned. “You said you wished she’d find someone,” she reminded him.

  “Yeah, but Amos? She’s known old Amos forever. She met him at some bridge club years ago, and she never gave him the time of day.”

  “Well, she is now.”

  Ethan glanced toward the barn door. “I’ll be damned. I mean darned,” he quickly corrected.

  “Daddy,” Kayla admonished. “No cussing. Only Grandma can cuss, ’cause she’s old and doesn’t feel good.”

  Ethan propped his hands behind his head. “I’ll try and do better.” Ryan scooted closer to Ethan and laid his head on his chest. Grinning, Ethan stroked Ryan’s back.’

  Haley watched as her son snuggled in and closed his eyes with a sigh of contentment. Happiness filled her. For the first time in years, her world felt safe and she was content. As she watched Ethan and Ryan, she wondered what it would feel like to be held by Ethan. She gasped and snuffed that thought out, ashamed of herself. She shouldn’t think that about the man who cradled Ryan close as her son drifted off to sleep, but she couldn’t seem to look away. It was a peaceful sight. Her son had obviously become very attached to Ethan.

  Feeling relaxed and lazy, Haley scooted down beside everyone. The lamb blew a soft breath into the hay. A horse nickered in the corral and a Mockingbird’s song filled the air. A deep sense of contentment settled over her, and she closed her eyes and soaked in the soothing sounds of nature. Of peace. As she drifted off to sleep, she was barely aware when a warm hand brushed a piece of hay away from her cheek.

  ****

  Keeping Hayden tucked close, Ethan watched Haley sleep. He hoped she slept the afternoon away. He’d almost told her to go back to bed this morning but managed to refrain because he figured she would never go for that. Too bad, because the dark circles under her eyes were beginning to rival Rocky the Racoon’s. His nanny obviously hadn’t slept well in a long time.

  He could only imagine what living in limbo like she’d been doing would do to a person over the long haul. It had been several weeks since he had called his friend, Chris about Dale Donahue. He certainly hadn’t expected to hear anything for a while, but he wished they’d get a move on things and find something out.

  Haley moaned and turned onto her side. Pieces of hay clung to her blonde hair, one of them in her ear. He pulled it away and she didn’t even stir. The sudden urge to tuck her up against him overwhelmed him.

  Ethan rolled to his back and stared at the rafters in the barn. Watched as swallows brought in twigs and mud to build their nests for the eggs they would soon lay and told himself to quit thinking about Haley in that way. The woman was a friend and employee and could never be anything else.

  Problem was, his mind sometimes took on a life of its own when it came to this woman. She had been more of a friend to him than any woman he’d ever known. Way more of a friend than Elisa had ever been. He enjoyed Haley’s company, respected her opinion, and totally trusted his daughter to her care—not just Kayla’s physical care either, but her emotional care as well. He turned his head back toward Haley. She was beautiful, inside and out, and was everything he wanted and needed in a woman. And, dammit, she was off limits. Totally off limits.

  Gently he eased up, tucked the blanket around everyone, and went to the back of the house where he had stashed the fish. Might as well start cleaning dinner. Lying next to Haley was only inviting thoughts that he had no business entertaining and would do nothing but mess with his mind.

  Lord knows, one of his goals in hiring a nanny was to free up some of his time and have fun. And maybe even some romance. He should call an old friend this week and take her for a drink, then set up a real date for after his family reunion next weekend. Maybe they’d go have a nice romantic dinner and who knows what else. Just thinking about the possibility perked him up as he headed for the pail of fish.

  Whistling, he pulled the first wiggling catfish from the water and proceeded to clean it for dinner.

  ****

  Ryan pointed to the horses that were tied to the corral fence and kicked his legs, trying to get away from Haley. “Horsies, horsies.”

  “Ouch, Ryan. Quit kicking.” Haley grabbed his legs and held them down.

  “Why don’t you let him ride in front of me so you can ride with us?” Ethan asked. “I’ll get the most laid-back horse I have for you. You’ll enjoy it,” he added as he cinched up a saddle for his niece, Chloe.

  Francie, his sister-in-law, nodded her approval. “I’ve done that a lot with youngsters. They love it and that way you can join us.”

  Haley watched warily. The first thing Ryan had begged to do when they’d gotten to the dude ranch this morning for the family reunion was ride a horse. She’d bet money Ethan had told him ahead of time they were riding horses today.

  Kayla had stayed in the house to visit with her Aunt Ashley and fawn over Francie and Matt’s baby. She was pretty cute, Haley thought, wishing she was in the h
ouse, too. She was sure Ethan could tell she was way beyond nervous about climbing up on a horse.

  “Come on,” he coaxed. “I’ll put a lead rope on your horse so he can’t run away with you.”

  Haley scowled as she watched the horse’s ears flick back and then forward. “He could still buck.”

  “And rear if you want to get technical, but he couldn’t get far from me, which means you couldn’t either.”

  “That doesn’t mean you could catch me, especially if you’ve got Ryan in front of you.”

  “No, but I could pick you up. Does that help?”

  Francie laughed. “Your mom is right. You’re a smart aleck.”

  “Give me, Ryan,” Francie suggested. “I’d love to have that cutie ride with me.”

  Ethan handed Haley the reins to the saddled gelding and took Ryan from her. He squealed with delight. Haley glanced toward the house, wishing she could run back there and forget this nonsense. She’d never been one for adventure. She swallowed hard and tried her best to fight down a bad case of nerves.

  “Mommy, look!” Ryan sat in the saddle in front of Francie, a death grip on the saddle horn. His grin and twinkling eyes, made her smile. “Horsie.” He patted the horse’s neck, while Francie held onto his waist.

  “Come on,” Francie urged her. “Ethan’s got a great horse for beginning riders.”

  Ethan arched his brows, waiting.

  “Fine. I’ll try it.” Hopefully, she’d live to talk about it.

  He grinned. “Let me get him.”

  Haley took several deep breaths in an attempt to get her stampeding heart to slow down. She had to do this. Her son was on a horse and if he could do it, she certainly could. Ethan walked out of the barn, leading a small brown horse with a black mane and tail, already saddled. He stopped beside her. “Put your left foot in the stirrup, grab the horn and swing up.”

  Haley’s mouth turned to dust. She stuck the toe of her boot into the stirrup, grabbed the saddle horn and shoved up. This was harder than it looked. She felt strong hands grasp her waist and hoist her into the saddle. She settled in and let out a long sigh. “If I’m still all in one piece when this is over, I’ll try and remember to thank you.”

  Laughing, Ethan handed her the reins, adjusted her stirrups and then took hold of the lead rope. He swung onto his big gray gelding with ease. “Head ’em out, cowgirls and cowboys.” He started out of the corral toward the north pasture.

  Ryan’s eyes rounded and his smile grew with each step of the horse.

  “I think he’s a natural,” Francie said.

  “He may be, but I’m sure not.” Haley felt as if she might slide right onto the ground with every step her horse took.

  Chloe trotted her horse past her and caught up with her uncle. “Please don’t make us walk the whole way, Uncle Ethan.”

  “We’re barely out of the gate. Be patient.”

  “I’m fine walking,” Haley said. “So’s Ryan.” Good Lord, what would she do if the horses ran? She’d fall off for sure.

  “You’ll get to move out later, Chloe.” Francie trotted up beside everyone. “Be patient.”

  Chloe rolled her eyes and Francie laughed. “She loves to jump, so this is pretty dull for her.”

  “No kidding,” Chloe complained, rolling her eyes.

  “Chill, Chloe and enjoy the scenery,” Ethan said. Chloe glowered at her uncle.

  “I guess I’m ruining this ride for you. I’m sorry.” Haley wanted to slide off her horse and run like a deer back to the house.

  Ethan shot Chloe a warning look. “Try and remember that you were once a beginner. Plus we have Ryan. Can’t do anything to scare him.”

  “Or his mom,” Haley added.

  Ethan glanced at her. “You’re pretty funny when you’re nervous.”

  She shot him a lethal look. He gave her a huge grin. “Would I do that? Francie, tell her. I’m almost as protective as my brother.” Ethan pointed to the left. “Look. Coyotes.”

  Haley watched as three coyotes loped across the pasture away from them. A few minutes later, a hawk circled high in the air in front of them, its red tail shining in the morning sun. It dipped down to the ground and swooped back up, a rabbit in its claws. “Yuck,” she said.

  “Wish I could hunt that easily,” Ethan said. “I have trouble even catching a fish.”

  “Kayla will catch your fish for you,” Haley said sweetly.

  “Now who’s being the smart aleck?” He pointed to Ryan and Haley turned her attention to her son, who stared wide-eyed at everything around him.

  Smiling, Haley let her gaze coast over the rolling hills. Her son was right to be impressed. It was beautiful out here. Creeks wound through the lush green grass and several ponds surrounded by small groves of trees spotted the landscape. Before she knew it, she was entranced right along with Ryan at the beautiful scenery and only clinging to the horn with half as much desperation as when they’d started. She was almost glad she’d come.

  A few minutes later, they walked into a flat pasture, tall grass blowing in the breeze, shrubs growing along the creek, and birds flitting from one tree to another. “Oh my,” she said. “The kids and I didn’t make it this far a few weeks ago.”

  “I would think not,” Francie said. “That would have been a pretty long walk, especially with a toddler. There’s a downy woodpecker.” She pointed as a black and white bird with a red spot on the back of its head flew by and landed on the trunk of an evergreen.

  Haley stared in wonder at the bird. She’d never seen a downy woodpecker before. “He’s pretty.”

  “Can we run now?” Chloe asked. “I see a log I want to jump.”

  “Not sure your horse is a jumper,” Ethan responded. “Better take it slow and hang on in case he comes to a screeching halt.” He motioned for Ryan. “Hand him over, Francie. I figure you’re itching to take off, too.”

  Grinning, Francie edged close and handed Ryan to Ethan. Ryan squealed with delight and grabbed the saddle horn the minute his seat was in the saddle. “I bet I could turn this young man into a cowboy,” Ethan said. “Wanna trot, Haley?” She shook her head. “Ah, come on. We’ll go slow. These are quarter horses. They have a pretty smooth slow trot. Betcha Ryan would love it.”

  Haley grabbed her horn with both hands and tried to act brave. “Okay, but slow.”

  Ethan clucked to his horse and it started moving, picking up its pace when he nudged it again with his booted feet. Haley’s horse lurched forward. Her butt slid to the side, and she held on tighter, fighting down panic.

  “Press your heels down and try to relax. No slouching.”

  Haley straightened, but kept a tight grip on the horn, which made it hard not to bend forward. Good grief the ground was far away and bouncing all over the place. Okay, so she was the one doing the bouncing, but she couldn’t help it, and she felt as if her brain was rattling around in her skull. She pressed her heels down and took a deep breath, and her bouncing eased up a bit.

  “Much better.” Ethan’s words inspired her to stay straight and not hunch back over the horn. She wondered if her insides could bounce hard enough to do damage. It sure felt that way.

  Chloe gave a whoop and Haley looked up. The young girl and Francie were racing across the pasture. Haley watched in amazement. “I’m so totally out of my element,” she muttered.

  “You haven’t fallen off.” Ethan grinned at her as he pulled his horse up. “I think Ryan likes riding. Young kids don’t get as uptight, so they go with the flow easier.”

  Haley let go of the horn and rubbed the palms of her hands, which burned from gripping the horn so tight. She stared down at them and frowned.

  “What are you looking for?”

  “Blisters if you must know.”

  He took one of her hands and rubbed the pad of his thumb over the sorest spot. “I thought you were kidding. You might want to wear gloves next time.”

  “Dream on. I’m not planning on a next time.” She pulled her hand free from his t
ouch, a touch that radiated clear through her, making her stomach feel as if she were falling. “I guess I did have a pretty tight grip.”

  “How about after Francie takes Ryan back, I put you on my horse in the saddle while I ride behind you? I’ll keep hold of the reins, so you can grip the horn with both hands.”

  “Very funny.” Just the thought of doing that made her stomach take another dive. “I’m passing on that.”

  “Ah, come on Haley,” he coaxed. “Where’s your sense of adventure? I’ll even teach you how to fall so it won’t hurt so much when you bite the dust.”

  She shot him daggers and he laughed. “I’m glad I can amuse you so easily,” she retorted. She really was glad she had amused him. Dale had tended to not laugh at her jokes, which had hurt her feelings and made her pretty much quit trying to be funny. Her husband had many wonderful qualities, but he’d never particularly found her funny, and she had to admit that had bothered her. She hadn’t realized how much until now.

  Ethan clucked to his horse. “I have a few more places I’d like to show you before you jump off that horse and bolt for the next county.”

  “I’ll be lucky to crawl off by the time this ride is over. And that’s only if I don’t hit the ground like a sack of feed and puke my guts out.”

  Ethan pulled his horse to a stop and shifted in his saddle to grin at her. “I had no idea I’d hired such a smart-mouthed nanny. With that kind of a mouth on you, you probably deserve a bigger salary than you’re getting. My family rewards impudence. In fact, we breed it.”

  Haley felt her face flush, enjoying that Ethan found her amusing. She had surprised even herself today, because she rarely shot off her mouth like she’d done on this ride. “Your family must be rubbing off on me. In fact, I think you bring it out in me.” He definitely made the load she’d been carrying these last few years seem lighter. In fact, lately there were way too many minutes in the day when she didn’t even think about Dale.

  She winced at that acknowledgement but the usual guilt didn’t invade her, and to her surprise she was grateful. Ethan had been right. She deserved a few good moments without worry and grief. It didn’t lessen her love for Dale and her deep need for him to return, and it felt incredibly good not hurt all the time.