For months after that, her father and mother had questioned J.T. about life in the 1800s, both curious to know what it had really been like to live in the Old West.
One of the first things Brandy had done when she was back on her feet was go to the library and look up J.T.’s name in the history books. The basic facts of his life had been the same until she got to the last paragraph, which said that it was believed the outlaw known as J.T. Cutter had been hanged for horse stealing, but the body had mysteriously disappeared from the gallows and had never been found.
Now, Brandy felt her heart swell with tenderness as she watched J.T.. He was so patient with their son, always willing to answer questions, to play catch, to read him stories, or tuck him into bed at night. He got up with Lissa in the middle of the night, walked the floor with her when she had colic, took the early morning feedings so Brandy could sleep.
In the beginning, when the complexities and confusion of modern life had overwhelmed him, J.T. had jumped on one of the horses and gone for long rides across the countryside. But those occasions had cropped up less and less as the months went by.
They laughed about those times now. No one meeting J.T. for the first time would ever guess he had been born in another century. He drove a bright-red Ford Bronco as if he’d been born behind the wheel, he knew the line-up of every football team, both college and pro, and he was best country line dancer in town.
He also raised the finest horses in all of Wyoming. And fathered the most beautiful children.
She smiled a greeting as J.T. and young John strolled toward her. They were dressed alike in worn blue jeans, black t-shirts, and boots. Just looking at the two of them made her heart sing with joy.
“Hi, cowboys,” she said. “Done for the day?”
“Yes, ma’am,” J.T. drawled. “We worked hard, and we’re hungry. Isn’t that right, son?”
Johnny nodded solemnly. “Yes, ma’am,” he said, mimicking his father, “We worked hard, and we’re hungry.”
“Good, cause I made a big dinner,” Brandy said. “We’ve got frog legs and eye of newt. And for dessert, we’ve got homemade apple pie and ice cream.”
Johnny laughed. “We don’t either have frog legs, Mom. You’re just kidding me.” He looked up at his father. “Can I go watch the Power Rangers?”
“Sure, sport,” J.T. said, giving his son an affectionate swat on the fanny. “Don’t sit too close to the TV.”
Johnny nodded as he ran up the steps and into the house.
“Power Rangers,” J.T. muttered, and then he grinned. “How’s my daughter?”
“I’m glad you asked,” Brandy said, handing the baby to J.T.. “She needs to be changed.”
“Is that right, angel?” J.T. smiled at his daughter, pleased when she smiled back at him. “Well, come on, darling. Daddy will fix you up.” He offered Brandy his hand, helping her to her feet. “How are you feeling, love?”
“Fine.” She hesitated, and then blew out a long sigh. “You know that home pregnancy test I took this morning? Well, it came out positive.”
J.T. looked at her for a moment, then grinned. “How do you feel about another baby so soon?”
“I feel wonderful.”
“I’m glad.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a hug.
“My folks called this afternoon. They’re thinking of coming for a visit during summer vacation.”
J.T. nodded, pleased at the prospect of seeing his in-laws again. “Did you tell then about the baby?”
“No, I thought we’d do it together.”
He opened the door for her, then followed her into the house. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”
“Not since this morning.”
“Well, Missus Cutter, remind me to tell you again later, when we’re alone.”
“I will, Mister Cutter.” She smiled up at him, happier than she had ever been in her life. “But I’d rather have you show me.”
“It will be my pleasure, ma’am,” he replied, a wicked gleam in his eye. “Just as soon as we put these kids to bed.”
The End
About Madeline Baker
Madeline Baker started writing simply for the fun of it. Now she is the award-winning author of more than thirty historical romances and one of the most popular writers of Native American romance. She lives in California, where she was born and raised.
The Angel and the Outlaw Copyright © 1996, 2014, 2016 Madeline Baker
Published by Butterfly Kisses Press
The Angel and the Outlaw Page 29
