Loving Justice (El Camino Real Book 2)

by Hunter, Sable

  “Oops.”

  “Hey!” Before she knew which way was up, he snagged her around the waist, picked her up and was blowing raspberries on her belly.

  “Put me down!” She squealed, but then dissolved into a fit of giggles as he continued to tease her.

  He let her slide down his body, their mouths joined, tongues mating. When he had her kissed into submission, he wrapped the sheet back around her. “You take it easy. I’m going to go check on the road work, get a load of stock ready to send to a rodeo in Idaho and try to sort out what Shiloh is up to.”

  “Take it easy on him, Justice. He wouldn’t have done this lightly.” That was all Charlee intended to say on the matter.

  “I know.” He tapped her on the end of the nose. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too.” She watched him go, wondering exactly where they stood.

  Not too long after she was dressed for the day, her phone rang. Abby had already been up with a cup of coffee and an invitation to go to town. Charlee was ready, she wanted to go by the clinic and talk her father into giving her a prescription for birth control.

  She’d rather eat razor blades, but she wanted the pills. Her period was due any day and she knew they were playing with fire.

  “Ready?” Abby came to her door, leaning on the jamb, wearing a cute turtleneck with a western vest. “I have one more week off before I start back to work, so I’m taking advantage of every minute.”

  “Yes, I am ready.” She joined Justice’s sister in the hall. As they moved down it, Abby studied a few of the family portraits. There was one of her and Justice posed on top of a tractor. “You’re a veterinarian, your job is fun and rewarding.”

  “I can’t argue with that. Did you hear that Shiloh got married?” Abby asked in amazement as they headed down the stairs.

  “Yea, I heard the phone call. What do you make of it?” Charlee slipped on the coat she’d hung by the front door.

  “Shiloh is quiet, deep, he’s hard to read. This woman must be extra special. He does nothing lightly.” Abby’s voice reflected her love for her brother.

  “I wish him well.”

  “It’s going to be wild around here, no doubt about that.” Abby winked at her. “When are you two getting married?”

  They walked out the door and toward Abby’s truck. The ground was still muddy and they could see Justice and several others standing by a trailer full of cattle. “We’re gone!” Abby yelled.

  “Be careful, you two together are lethal!” Justice called, waving at her. “Be sweet, Charlee. I’ll be waiting for you.”

  Charlee was glad for the respite, maybe Abby would forget she asked. No luck.

  “So, has he proposed?”

  She took a deep breath. “No, he hasn’t.”

  Abby was surprised. “Really? Well, you do it. This is frickin’ 2015, women can take the bull by the horns these days.”

  Charlee shook her head. “No way. I could never do it.”

  Abby knew their history, and she understood. “Don’t worry, he loves you. He’s probably just waiting for the right time.”

  * * *

  “Are you sure you want to make this run again, Jase? We can send one of the men.” Justice watched Jase’s face carefully.

  “No, I want to go.” Jase was emphatic. “The long miles give me time to think, I’m considering making a change.”

  “What kind of change?” He didn’t think he could handle any more bad news. Shiloh had thrown him for a loop. “And realize, I’m old. I could have a bad heart for all you know.”

  Jase slapped his brother on his back. “You’re a rock. No, I think you’ll approve. I’m thinking about buying a recording studio and making music.”

  “No shit!” Justice didn’t know what to say. “What do you know about the music business?”

  “I know what I like.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I heard a girl sing at a bar up in Dallas a few days ago. To say she inspired me is putting it mildly.”

  Justice put one hand on his hip and held on to the trailer for support. “You’re thinking about buying a recording studio because a woman caught your eye?”

  “That about sums it up.” Jase was enjoying his brother’s frustration. “I have the money and you only live once. At least I don’t have to pay alimony.”

  Justice threw his hands up and started to walk off. “My whole family is nuts.”

  “Where are you off to?”

  “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. I’m off to buy a wedding ring.”

  Justice was secretly smiling. He was expected to be a hard ass, and he certainly didn’t want to disappoint anyone. Truthfully, he was relieved to see both Jase and Shiloh fight for their happiness. Which was exactly what he intended to do. He’d known what Charlee was thinking this morning. He could’ve put her out of her misery and proposed, but he had a plan. A good plan. And today was the first step.

  * * *

  “I won’t be long in there. If you’ll be back after me in fifteen minutes, I’ll be ready.” They were sitting in front of the clinic. Charlee would rather be at the dentist, and she hated dentists.

  Abby held up a package. “That sounds like just enough time to buy a pair of shoes to match this dress. Do you want me to find you a sexy pair of boots to go with that little leather ensemble?”

  Charlee blushed. She couldn’t believe she’d actually bought the white Native American inspired outfit Abby had told her about. “I have a pair of boots that will do.”

  “Oh, you don’t want boots that will do, you want a sexy pair that will make Justice’s eyes pop out.”

  “Okay, okay, I trust you. I wear a size 7, if you see something you like, pick them up for me.” She handed Abby a hundred dollar bill.

  “No.” Abby pushed the money back. “These will be on me. That way I can take credit for your nuptials and call upon you to babysit anytime I need to.”

  “Babysit?” Charlee was stunned. “You’re pregnant?”

  “No.” Abby shook her head. “I don’t think I can get pregnant, but we are looking into adoption agencies.”

  “I’m sorry.” Charlee wondered if it had anything to do with the fire. The whole topic of adoption unnerved Charlee a bit. “Be careful, check out the agency. Don’t just go through a lawyer or you might run into an unscrupulous one like Pete Sheldon.”

  Abby hugged her. “I know. We won’t. And I’m so sorry that happened to you…but if it hadn’t, you wouldn’t be here with Justice, so you can’t regret it. Can you?”

  Charlee sighed. “No, I can’t. Sometimes the old saying’s true…all things work together for good.” She opened the door. “See you in a bit.” As Abby drove off, Charlee squared her shoulders and went in to see her father.

  When she entered the clinic, she was met by an older lady. Charlee didn’t know her. “I’d like to see Dr. Parker.”

  “Do you have an appointment?” she asked tightly. “He’s busy.”

  “Okay, I’ll make it quick. Would you tell him his daughter is here?” The words almost stuck in her throat.

  “Daughter?” The receptionist stared at her. “You’re Charlee Parker?”

  “Cha’risa Cortez, actually.” She held out her hand. “And you are?”

  “Stella Monroe. Your father’s girlfriend.”

  Charlee almost bit her tongue. “Well, I’m pleased to meet you. Could you ask if he’d see me now?” As Stella walked off, Charlee hid a smile.

  In a few moments, she was motioning for Charlee to come back. Walking down the hall, Charlee relived the last time she’d been in this room. The day she’d left Bronco. When she stepped into her father’s office, he looked rather small behind his desk. “I was about to call you, Charlee.”

  “Really?” She sat down, curious. “What about?”

  “Well, you first. What’s the reason for your visit?” He opened a folder in front of him and stared down at a report.

  Charlee wondered at the strange look on his face. Was he upset that
she’d met Stella? He had to know that what he did in his private life was certainly none of her concern. “I stopped by to see if you’d write me a prescription for birth control pills,” she said the words in a rush.

  Her father cleared his throat and sat back in his chair, a bland look on his face. “I’m sorry, but that’s not going to be possible.”

  What? “Why? I can go to another doctor easy enough, but why won’t you do this for me? Some misplaced sense of morality?”

  Doc Parker shook his head. “No, that’s not the reason.”

  “Then do this for me. Please.”

  “I can’t, you’re already pregnant,” he stated flatly. “I did a blood test while you were in the hospital, at your boyfriend’s request.”

  For a second or two, Charlee didn’t comprehend what he said. She was pregnant again? He’d done the test at Justice’s request? Justice was concerned she might be pregnant, yet said nothing to her. The events of eight years ago and today intermingled, and she became dizzy. And when she did, another sinkhole opened up, and Charlee tumbled in.

  She fainted.

  When she came to, Stella was holding a glass of water, and Curtiss was fanning her. He got her up on the table and checked her heart rate. “We need to do an exam, I want to do an ultrasound and get you a prescription for prenatal vitamins.”

  Charlee didn’t fight any of it. She was too stunned. Mechanically she did as she was told, until she heard the baby’s heartbeat…then she started to cry. Equal parts of pure joy vied with a terrible sense of anxiousness. She was going to have a baby! Justice’s baby.

  “You’re going to be fine, Charlee. Justice King is a good man.”

  Yes, he was. He’d understand. He had to understand. After all, she hadn’t become pregnant by herself. “Are you going to call him?” She had to know. “I’d like to be the one to tell him.”

  Parker pulled his glasses off. “You’re the only one I would tell unless he brought an injunction for a paternity test.”

  “Okay.” She didn’t know what else to say. She and her father didn’t have a normal relationship, he didn’t strike her as a doting grandfather. When the examination was over, she paid for an office visit, pocketed the script and went out to meet Abby. By the time she joined her, Charlee was shaking.

  “Get what you came for?” Abby asked. She was obviously in a good mood.

  “Uh, yea.” Not exactly.

  “Great, do you need to go anywhere else?”

  Charlee shook her head no. “I’m ready to go back.”

  “Look in the box at your feet.” Abby grinned as they headed out of town.

  Charlee picked up the white box and removed the lid. Inside, she found a pair of knee high white leather boots. “These are very pretty.”

  “Well, don’t sound so excited,” Abby said sarcastically. “What’s wrong? Was your dad an asshole again?”

  “No.” She shook her head. “I just found out some unexpected news.” She wouldn’t dare declare her baby to be bad news, no matter what happened.

  “What?” Abby pressed.

  Charlee picked at her sweater, she was nervous. “I met my father’s new girlfriend. His receptionist.”

  Abby bought it. “Oh, I bet that was weird.”

  The drive was short, soon they were nearing El Camino. She glanced at Justice’s sister. “Will you take me by the ranch offices? I need to talk to Justice.”

  “Sure.” Abby didn’t sound too certain. She could tell something was up. “I’m going to go over to my house and check to see how the contractor is doing. We’re enlarging the kitchen and the master bedroom until Cade can get our new house started.”

  “Okay.” Charlee hugged her, picking up her packages. “Have a good day. And thank you so much.”

  Abby let her off in front of the El Camino office complex. She felt like she was walking in a fog. The knowledge that she was pregnant shouldn’t have come as a huge surprise. After all, they had taken risks. Still, the news had stunned her, shocked her, and scared the living daylights out of her. All of the doubt and sorrow from losing her first child came rushing back. How had she let this happen again? Charlee knew how—she had no willpower where Justice was concerned. Just one touch and she lost her mind every time. The one thing she was certain of was that she wouldn’t hide this pregnancy from Justice. This was their second chance. Charlee smiled to herself. They were having a baby! And she intended to tell him now—before she lost her nerve.

  * * *

  Taking a deep breath, Charlee opened the big glass doors to the El Camino office complex. Sometimes she forgot what a big operation this was. All together they probably employed over a hundred hands and office staff. As she entered the vestibule, the receptionist looked up. “Can I help you?”

  Charlee had only seen her at a distance, the day she’d come to review the reports. “May I speak with Justice, please?”

  “Ah, you’re the geologist?” She held out her hand.

  Charlee took it. “I’m Charlee Cortez, Ms. Michaels,” she read the nameplate on the desk.

  “If you’ll take a seat, I’ll tell him you’re here.” She edged closer to Charlee. “He’s with someone, a female someone.” Ms. Michaels raised her eyebrows, smiling as if they shared a secret.

  “Oh?” Charlee felt uneasy. “Maybe I should come back later.” She started to rise.

  “Oh, no. Hold on. They’ve been back there for a while with the door shut.” Ms. Michaels touched her cheeks as if they were hot. “I don’t even want to think about what’s been going on. It’s his girlfriend, well, she used to be his girlfriend until she broke it off. Beautiful girl. Zelda’s her name. A true match for Mr. King, so refined and elegant. A city girl, a real lady. You just sit here and let me check.”

  Bile rose in Charlee’s throat. “No, please. You don’t have to.”

  The woman ignored Charlee and took off, possibly more to feed her own curiosity than anything else.

  She shouldn’t have done it, Charlee knew better. She should just wait and ask Justice what was going on. But she couldn’t, she was drawn down the hall to his office like a moth to a flame. When she came near, the door to the outer office was open. Charlee could hear voices.

  “I’m home now, Justice. I’m ready to begin my life with the man I love.” Undoubtedly Zelda.

  Charlee’s hand went to her throat. She couldn’t make out all of what was being said, until Justice’s voice came across clear as a bell. “I’ve been waiting to hear those words for a long time. You’ve made me a happy man.”

  Pain shattered Charlee’s heart. Before she could hear more, Ms. Michaels walked out.

  “We’d best let them alone.” She smiled really big. “I caught them kissing and talking about a wedding.”

  “Yes, we should give them their privacy.” Charlee felt like she was dying.

  “I’ll tell him you stopped by. Would you leave your number?”

  She walked woodenly back to the front. “He has my number, but don’t bother him with my stopping by. I have to go out of town. I’ll catch up with him at a later date.”

  Before anything else could happen, Charlee left. Her mind refused to process what she’d just heard. She half-walked, half-ran back to the house, straight up to Justice’s room to throw her things in the suitcase. This time she took the star necklace off and left it on the bed where he’d find it. For long seconds, she stared at the place where they’d made love. How was she going to survive this? Feeling weak, she forced herself to leave the room and get downstairs. Charlee had to hold the side of the wall to keep from falling. She felt dizzy and disoriented. Hopefully she would be able to drive. The house was deserted and for that, Charlee was grateful.

  When she was outside, she loaded her luggage and climbed behind the wheel. Numb, she was totally numb. With a heavy heart, she took one last look around. What she was going to do, she didn’t know. She couldn’t think. Backing out, she drove beneath the El Camino sign and headed toward the sinkhole site. Before she
left, she needed to touch base with Cyrus.

  Then, she was going somewhere to cry.

  * * *

  Justice whistled as he walked. Whew! What a day. He’d been put through the wringer. If Shiloh’s wedding announcement and Jase’s new career plan wasn’t enough, he’d just experienced the return of…Zelda. Justice laughed to himself. He’d said that phrase in his mind the same way he’d say the return of…Godzilla!

  “Mr. King? Mr. King?”

  Justice stopped in his tracks. “What’s wrong, Ms. Michael?” He turned to wait on his receptionist, who was hurrying down the hall. All he wanted to do was go home to Charlee. He was worn out, and he needed to hold his baby. Tonight, he planned on proposing. The small band of gold and diamonds was burning a hole in his pocket. Justice had picked the ring out, bought it and had it engraved on the spot. When you throw a little extra money at something, things tend to get done quickly.

  Out of breath, Ms. Michaels stopped in front of him. “I just wanted to tell you that you missed a visit from that lady geologist a bit ago.”

  Justice frowned, perplexed. “Charlee?”

  She made a face, thinking. “Maybe, that’s not the name she used…something Cortez.”

  “Charlee came here? What did she want?” An uneasy feeling began to rise in the pit of his stomach.

  “Well, she asked to speak to you. But I told her your lady friend was in there with you.” Ms. Michaels blushed and fanned herself. “I think she understood, especially after I explained you’d had the door shut and you two were…kissing. The lady didn’t leave a message, she said she’d check up on you later.”

  “Shit.” Justice shook his head.

  “What’s wrong?” Ms. Michaels looked disturbed.

  “Not much, you’re fired.” He wasn’t firing her because she told Charlee what she thought she saw, he fired her because her mouth was too big.

  “What? Why?” She looked shocked.

  “If you’d tell someone you thought was a relative stranger that much of my business, you’ll tell anything. I can’t trust you. Pack your desk. I’ll wait.”