Heartland

by Tricia Andersen

  "Of course. I’m fine."

  Sloan squeezed her hands. "All right. I need to go make a couple more calls." He stood and leaned down to peck her cheek. He slipped his cell phone from his jeans pocket as he walked down the hall to his office.

  I may say I’m fine, she thought. I’m anything but fine.

  »»•««

  Bartholomew sat perched on the back bumper of the ambulance, jotting a few notes in the journal resting on his lap. Laceration. The man was going to need stitches. He had tried to impress his date with a huge steak cooked on the grill and nearly sliced his thumb off cutting his own piece.

  It was supposed to be his first Saturday off since he started at the hospital. Gordon was grilling at Abbey and Sloan's. He was attempting to cheer her up since Sloan had been gone for a solid two weeks.

  Of course, two EMTs had called in sick. Called in hungover, more likely. Bartholomew had kissed his T-bone steak goodbye. At least the money would be good.

  "I thought you were going to Gordon's cookout."

  Bartholomew turned his head. Maggie stood in the doorway of the ER bay.

  "Got called in." He held up the book.

  Maggie hopped onto the bumper next to him. "That's too bad. Are you going later?"

  "Maybe. It will probably be pointless. By the time I get there, everything will be put away."

  "Mary would warm it up for you. I'll go with you. I'm sure there’s plenty."

  "You don't have a date?"

  "Jackson took me to dinner again last night. Thai food. It was incredible. Then we got a cup of coffee and talked. Then he walked me home and we kissed…"

  "Did you sleep with him?"

  Maggie frowned at him. "That’s none of your concern."

  "So you did."

  Her scowl deepened. "No, I didn't. Happy?"

  "Hardly. He's not taking you out tonight?"

  "He has to work tonight.” She growled at him angrily. “Are you writing a book?"

  "Maggie." They turned to find Jackson in the doorway. He continued, "I could use your help with a patient."

  "Be right there." Maggie glared at Bartholomew as she dropped to her feet.

  He cocked her a smug smile. "Do you want me to wait for you tonight?"

  "Yes. Not for you. I want to see my sister." Maggie stormed through the doorway after Jackson. Bartholomew shook his head, exasperated, and then went back to work on his report. After a few moments, he felt a body press against his. He looked up to find Laura, the nurse supervisor, beside him.

  "Hey, Bartholomew. Got a sec?"

  Crap. Now what did I do? "Sure, Laura. What's up?"

  Laura brushed a stray blonde lock from her aged face. "Is Maggie still dating Jackson?"

  "I guess."

  "I shouldn't ask this. It isn't my business, but…has she slept with him?"

  "No."

  "Good. You're her friend. Don't let her."

  "Not that I want her to, but why not?"

  "Because once Jackson gets them in bed, he's done with them. Maggie's a sweet girl. I don't want to see her get hurt. And I'm tired of looking for good nurses. Now you know why there's a nursing shortage in this department."

  Bartholomew watched Laura, stunned, as she walked away. I guess I have my orders.

  He stood up from his spot on the bumper and then tossed the journal into the back of the vehicle. He reached his arms over his head and slowly stretched to get the kink out of his back. He felt the hem of his uniform slide up his stomach as he did so. He fought back a chuckle as he heard the women in the area gasp at the sight of his abs. Bartholomew tugged his shirt down as he flashed a smile in their direction, causing a torrent of giggles.

  Bartholomew wandered into the hospital and down the hall in the direction of the cafeteria. He needed a cup of coffee desperately. As he walked along the corridor, he thought of Laura’s words.

  I should have known that bastard was up to no good. I know that kind. I sort of used to be that kind. I didn’t lure women into my bed with promises of love. They knew it was a one-time thing. Not that I liked that kind of life. I didn’t. But when you lead the life I’ve led and been around the men I’ve been around, it becomes second nature.

  He stopped as he heard whispers from one of the exam rooms. Jackson and Maggie were wrapped tight around each other, softly talking between deep, passionate kisses. Maggie’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at Jackson. She’s already fallen so far in love with him, she’s too blind to see what he’s about to do. All he’s going to do is use her and lose her. And when he does, he will answer to me.

  Bartholomew stormed through the double doors at the end of the hall, slamming them closed behind him.

  Chapter Four

  Gordon watched as Mary pressed the lid of the storage container closed, trapping the large pieces of steak inside. He smiled. Bartholomew and Maggie would really enjoy this treat when they arrived. I did a pretty good job on the grill, if I do say so myself.

  He caught the sideways glance she cast toward him. She told him time and time again how wonderfully sweet he was taking care of Abbey and trying to cheer her up with a homemade dinner. It didn’t help. Abbey was now curled up under a blanket on the sofa in the living room staring at photo after photo.

  Mary reached around Gordon to pick up the last two baked potatoes so she could put them in containers. He felt a shiver run up his spine as she brushed her arm against his. The scent of her rose petal perfume made his heart skip a beat. He could imagine the smell in the air as he tried to fall asleep at night. No woman had ever excited him as Mary did. How can I make her see that?

  Mary lifted her gaze as she heard a knock at the door. She smiled into Gordon’s brown eyes as she wiped her hands on a towel. Twisting the knob of the front door, she opened it.

  “Mary!”

  Gordon frowned as Mary stared at the aged, rotund, nearly bald man in the doorway, dumbfounded. It took a moment for her to find her voice. “Walter. What are you doing here?”

  “I was back in Iowa and thought I’d stop by to see you. Can I come in?”

  “Well, I have company.”

  “Mary, I haven’t seen you in nearly thirty years. I missed you. Just let me in.”

  “I don’t even know why you left. You were just gone, and we were no longer married.”

  “Baby.” He ran his finger down her cheek. “Just let me in. I’ll explain everything. Can I come in? Please?”

  Mary just stared at him. She opened her mouth and then shut it again. No words would form. She startled when she found Gordon behind her.

  “Mary, who’s your friend?” Walter demanded.

  Gordon offered his hand. “Gordon Fionnain. And you are?”

  “Walter. Walter Wright. Mary’s husband.” He shook Gordon’s outstretched palm.

  “My ex-husband, Walter,” Mary chided.

  “Mom, who’s at the door?” Abbey shuffled around the corner from the living room.

  “Oh my. Is this?” Walter breathed.

  “Your daughter? Don’t sound dramatic, as if she’s twelve. She’s almost thirty, Walter.”

  “I know. I haven’t seen you since before you could walk, peanut.”

  Abbey stared at him, her face knotting in a frown. “Umm. Hi, Dad.”

  “How are you feeling, Abbey?”

  “Umm. Fine. Why do you ask?”

  “With the pregnancy and all, I was concerned for your health.”

  “How do you know I am pregnant?”

  Walter froze for a moment. “You said you were.”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “Your mom did.”

  “No, I didn’t, Walter,” Mary quipped.

  “I’m going to go call Sloan. It’s nice to see you, Dad.” Abbey breezed down the hall to her husband’s office.

  Gordon slid between Mary and Walter. “Thanks for stopping by, Walter. It’s getting late,” he warned.

  “Is this your house?” Walter asked.

  “No.”

 
“Then I suppose Mary should make the call if I should leave.”

  Gordon bristled at Walter’s words. Mary gently nudged him aside. “Walter, it is late.”

  “Can I stop by tomorrow morning? We could play chess like we used to.”

  Mary stared at him for a moment. “We’ll see. I’m not making any plans tonight. Just go.”

  “I’ll see you in the morning.” Walter leaned in, giving Mary a peck on the cheek. He slowly descended the porch steps toward his van. Mary glanced at Gordon and heaved a sigh. Without thinking, Gordon returned it. If tonight was any indicator, there was about to be a significant amount of drama in both their lives. And Abbey and Sloan weren’t going to be the cause of it. If I were either of these lasses, I would throw the bastard’s sorry ass to the curb. They certainly don’t need him, not with the two men in their lives who would do anything for them. Who would kill for them. Who would die for them. They don’t need Walter. It’s high time they see that.

  The next morning, Gordon growled as he ascended the porch steps. He didn’t even need to step inside Mary’s house to know what was going on. The windows were open and laughter filtered out. He stopped for a moment and then turned on his toe and started back down the stairs.

  “Hey, Gordon!” He turned back. Abbey popped her head out the front screen door, waving at him. She stepped outside and sat on the top step. “Where are you going?”

  “I was here to visit your mother, but it seems she has company. Seems she changed her mind about your father.”

  “I’m not sure about that. He sort of shoved his way in. Literally. I’ve been doing everything I can to get Mom free of Walter.” She shuddered. “I can’t stand him. I shouldn’t say that about my dad. He’s just…slimy.”

  “Then what’s with the laughter?”

  “He broke Mom down. He got her talking about the good times they shared. From what I’ve heard about their abusive relationship thirty years ago, there weren’t many to draw from.” She smiled. “Sloan called. He’s coming home tomorrow. The plane arrives about ten o’clock in the morning.”

  “That’s great news, little one. Would you like me to pick him up for you?”

  Abbey smirked. “How? The Hummer isn’t here. Do you have a car?”

  “Yes. A truck. Much like Sloan’s, but black.”

  “Then yes. That would be great.” Abbey’s smile fell from her face. “Gordon, I’m a little concerned about my father.”

  “How so?”

  “How did he know I am pregnant? No one I know has contact with him.”

  “I know, Abigail.”

  “You do? Tell me.”

  Gordon nodded toward the door. “I think it’s time for me to say hello to your parents.”

  He offered his hand to her to help her to her feet and then followed her up the porch steps into the house. There was tension in the cool, dim air. Gordon couldn’t tell if it was from Abbey or if he could feel it from Mary in the other room. There was no denying it was present all around him.

  Abbey stepped into the living room. “Hey, Mom. Gordon is here.”

  Mary shot up in her seat, nearly knocking over the chess board on the table in front of her. Even in the dim light he could see her cheeks tint pink. By the scowl on Walter’s face, he didn’t miss it either. “Good morning, Gordon. What brings you by?”

  “I wanted to see if you wanted to accompany me to town, lass. You had mentioned wanting to help me choose curtains for my kitchen if I remember correctly.”

  “I did. It slipped my mind.”

  Walter clamped a hand on her wrist. Mary jolted at his touch. “We’re playing chess. She’s not free right now.”

  Gordon bit back a growl. His eyes dropped to the floor to Walter’s bag. “Didn’t fancy you to be a businessman. I understood you were some musician.”

  “Calypso. I’ve been playing for over thirty years. What business is it of yours?”

  “I noticed the copy of Forbes in your bag.”

  “So what?”

  “Did you enjoy the article about Sloan?”

  Walter’s eyes grew wide. “I’m not sure who you’re talking about.”

  “Of course you do. Sloan O’Riley. Your son-in-law. I noticed the magazine in your bag has his recent interview from the opening of the San Francisco complex. He’s on the cover. A picture of him and wee Abigail is inside. And somewhere in the interview he proudly announced he and his beautiful bride will soon expect a baby.”

  Abbey’s mouth dropped open in surprise. Walter snarled. “Who the hell are you?”

  Gordon crossed his arms over his broad chest. “I’m the closest thing Sloan has to a father. If you are here to manipulate these lovely lasses into extracting money from my lad, you might as well show yourself out before I throw you out.”

  “I’d like to see you try, big boy.”

  Gordon slowly unlaced his arms. Before he could get a hand on Walter, Mary leaped to her feet. “You know what, I have some wash to get to. Gordon, how about we go look for those curtains this afternoon. Would that work?”

  He looked at her dumbfounded. “Of course.”

  “Wonderful. Walter, you can see yourself out, right?”

  “We’re not done with our game, Mary,” Walter protested.

  “Dad, Mom has things to do,” Abbey warned.

  “Look, girl. Stay out of our business.”

  Gordon stepped between Walter and Abbey. “She belongs to Sloan. She is my business. Now, both ladies have asked you to leave. I believe you should do so.” Walter ripped his bag from the floor. With one last murderous glance at each of them, he stormed out the door. Gordon offered an encouraging smile to the mother and daughter before placing a peck on each of their cheeks. Without another word, he slipped out the door, leaving them in silence.

  »»•««

  Abbey paced anxiously in front of the open hangar door. She hugged her arms tightly around herself. Only a few more minutes, and he’ll be here. She glanced over at Gordon leaning against his truck. The Irishman’s eyes twinkled as he suppressed a chuckle. She gave him an evil glance and then continued her pacing.

  She let go a squeal as the Sloan Enterprises jet coasted to a stop at the end of the runway. She was certain she stopped breathing as she waited for the steps to be delivered to the door and for it to open.

  Sloan stepped out of the plane, waving the flight attendant away from his bags. He grasped the handles and carefully descended the steps. Abbey couldn’t wait any longer. She sprinted across the pavement and up the stairs to him, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

  He lifted her up in a careful bear hug. As he slid her to the ground, she felt him skim his fingertips against her belly. His smile said it all. He can tell I’m starting to show.

  He enveloped her in his arms again. “I missed you so much,” he murmured. “Being away from you was pure hell.”

  “I missed you too.”

  They both turned as they heard Gordon’s voice at the bottom of the stairs. “Should we head for home?”

  Sloan took his bags in one hand and Abbey’s hand in the other. She sighed happily as they made their way down the rest of the stairs. “Yes. I would guess you’d like to get back to Mary. I’m surprised she didn’t ride along,” Sloan remarked.

  Abbey glanced uncomfortably at Gordon. He looked like how she felt. “What’s going on?” Sloan asked.

  “My father’s back,” Abbey answered quietly.

  “The man who walked out on you and your mother when you were a baby?”

  “Yeah. Mom isn’t thrilled. She’s been trying to get rid of him, but he’s not listening. There’s only so far she’ll go before…” Abbey’s voice trailed off.

  “Before what?”

  “He hurt Mom when they were together. Mom must see he’ll do it again. She’s walking a delicate line to keep him from reacting. He’s anxious to meet you.”

  “And I him. Especially after what you’ve just told me. Let’s go.”

  Sloan opened the
door to the extended cab of Gordon’s truck, tossing his suitcase inside. Abbey shivered in delight as he took her hand gently and helped her hop in. He watched until she was securely in her seat and then climbed up beside Gordon. Gordon shifted into gear and drove between the hangars to the highway.

  She watched the waving corn race past her window as she listened to the men talk. She smiled. At least they weren’t talking about Walter. She was sure Gordon would debrief Sloan about what had happened. Gordon’s interest in this went far beyond their assets. This began and ended with her mother.

  “Luv,” Sloan addressed as the main street of Mount Vernon came into view.

  “Yeah?” Abbey answered.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve laid my eyes on in weeks.”

  “Ditto.”

  Gordon pulled to a stop in front of Mary’s house. Sloan helped her from the truck as he put the truck in park and then slipped the keys in his pocket. Abbey held tightly to Sloan’s hand as he knocked on her mother’s door. He exhaled as he shifted uncomfortably in the hot, stagnant air. Abbey suppressed a giggle. She had been wrong to this point about all the things he would miss about New York. She finally was right about one. I bet he didn’t realize just how hot and humid Iowa summers could be.

  “You sure got up the porch steps in a hurry,” she commented.

  Sloan kept this eyes trained to the door. “I want to meet the man who abandoned my precious Abigail.”

  Abbey glanced back, finding Gordon a step behind them. She could easily read the rage on the aged Irishman’s face. He seemed to have the same look on his face since he had met her father. It infuriates him that my dad is trying to be a part of our lives again. I guess I agree with him. Why can’t he get the hint that we don’t want him here? I’ve never seen Mom so anxious in my life. What Dad did to her… Abbey shuddered at the thought.

  The three of them turned as the door opened. Mary beamed as she opened the screen door.

  “Sloan, you’re home!” Mary hugged him tight. Then, she ushered Sloan, Abbey, and Gordon inside and let the screen door swing shut.

  “Aye, for a few days. I’ve missed all of you. I couldn’t wait to get home.”