“True. But don’t you see.” Millie closed her eyes. “If I had pressed charges all those years ago, maybe Stuart wouldn’t have hurt Trent. Or Caitlyn. Or in the end, himself. My silence cost me my son, gave Trent broken bones and years of terror, wounded my niece, stole her peace of mind and robbed my son of a father.”
“I’m pregnant.” Tori’s shoulders slumped.
“With your abuser’s baby? Oh you poor child.”
“I’m thinking about giving the baby up, so Russ won’t ever hurt him or her.”
“You shouldn’t have to give your baby up to keep him or her safe.” Millie’s tone pleaded. “Press charges. Maybe he’ll get prison time and counseling. And it could turn him around. Maybe you can keep your baby. And maybe you can save other people from this man.”
If Tori did nothing, even if he left her alone and she could keep the baby’s existence from him, he’d move on to some other victim. And it would be Tori’s fault.
“Please don’t tell anyone about my pregnancy. I’m trying to keep it quiet as long as I can, so hopefully Russ won’t find out.”
“Of course. Sorry to dump my guts all over your living room. Along with some emotions thrown in.” Millie blew her nose. “I’ll leave you alone to think about what I’ve said.”
“I appreciate you coming. Being so honest and sharing your life with me when you don’t even know me.”
“I hope hearing my story helps you.” Millie stood. “I can tell you’re getting your life on the right track.”
“I hope so.” Tori stood and hurried to open the door for Millie.
Millie stopped at the door and turned to face Tori. “I recently learned that Trent fathered a child as a teen and the baby was given up for adoption. I’ve gotten acquainted with my granddaughter.”
“I’m glad you got things worked out with your family.”
“Me, too. But the reason I told you that—I know you don’t feel like you could ever possibly trust another man right now. But don’t let Russ close your heart.”
She’d already met a man she could trust and her heart definitely wasn’t closed toward him. It was just too late.
“Through getting to know my granddaughter, I met her adoptive grandfather.” Millie blushed. “He’s a pastor, widowed for years. At first, I wanted nothing to do with him. But, he’s the most considerate and tender man I’ve ever known. God sent the perfect balm to heal all my wounds. We’re getting married next month.”
“That’s awesome!”
“It is.” Millie’s smile went soul deep. “God took all my mistakes and patched them together. I thought I’d never be happy again. He can do the same for you. Keep your heart open and when God sends you the right man, you’ll know it.”
Heat crept up Tori’s neck. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
He already had. Brant was the kindest, gentlest man she’d ever known. But God’s timing was off on this one. Russ still lurked in the background. And his baby grew in her belly. Even if Brant were willing to take that on, she wouldn’t let him. He deserved better.
* * *
Finally Saturday. Brant had looked forward to meeting Tori at the sound studio all week. Early May and he’d barely seen her outside of church for the last month. Maybe he’d start singing more solos so they’d need to practice more often.
Sorry, Lord. Concentrate on singing for the Lord. Not seeing Tori.
He pulled in at the sound studio, grabbed the McDonald’s bag and got out of his truck. No sign of her yet.
He let himself in and set her food on the bar at the kitchen counter. Gravel crunched outside and a car door slammed. Should have brought candles and a vase with a rose. And saved his food to eat with her. He needed to work on his win-the-girl skills.
The door opened and she stepped inside. “Hey.”
“Hey.” Should have opened the door for her. “I had to run an errand in Denton, so I brought you lunch. Have you eaten yet?”
“No. I could use some comfort food. I really appreciate this.” She rewarded him with a smile and headed straight for the counter. But as she opened the Filet-O-Fish box, all color drained from her face. Her hand flew to her mouth and she scurried from the room.
“Tori?” Brant hurried after her. What had he done to upset her?
She charged into the bathroom and slammed the door in his face.
Heaves echoed through the wooden door. “Tori. Are you all right? Can I come in?”
“I’m fine.” But more heaves followed her words.
“I’m coming in.” He opened the door.
She knelt at the toilet holding her hair back with one hand as a spasm hit her.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?” He hurried to her and held her hair for her.
Soft and silky as he’d imagined. How could he find her so beautiful while she puked her guts out?
He’d always had a strong stomach, but he must have a thing for women throwing up. Memories rushed over him. The same situation. Only with Tiffany—his first love—holding her hair back while she tossed her cookies.
He must be one sick puppy. Lovesick puppy.
Love? Tori? Sure he was attracted to her. But had it become more than that?
She finished, flushed the toilet and slumped against the wall beside her.
Brant grabbed a washcloth out of a froufrou basket by the sink, ran cool water over it and handed it to her.
She wiped her mouth—pale and weak. “Sorry about that. You shouldn’t have come in here with me.”
“How long have you been sick?”
“I’m fine.” She pushed to her feet. “And I’m not really sick.”
“Could have fooled me. It’s still flu season, you know.” Brant caught her elbow, but she didn’t seem wobbly.
“I’m pretty sure it’s not that. But you might keep your distance just in case.” She pulled away from him and walked back to the kitchen with no problem.
“I’ll put the food in the fridge.”
“No, I’d like to eat now. I’m starving.”
Something in Brant’s gut shifted. He’d known of two women who’d lost everything their insides consisted of and then immediately been hungry. Tiffany and Raquel. And they’d both been...
“You’re pregnant?”
Chapter 6
Tori’s hand went to her stomach. “How did you know?”
“Because I’ve been there before.” Twice. “With my...sister. Raquel used to throw up and then be hungry right afterward.”
“Please don’t tell anyone.” She covered her face with her hands.
“Of course not. It’s not my place. How far along are you?”
“About ten weeks. It’s Russ’s baby and I don’t want him to know.”
Brant did a quick count in his mind. His heart clenched. “You were pregnant when he beat you up.”
“Yes. But I told the doctor. He ran tests. The baby’s fine.”
The tightness in his chest eased up. “Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?”
“Wrong position when they did the ultrasound. They couldn’t tell.”
“When is Russ’s trial? You’ll start showing at some point.”
“Next month. I’m hoping I won’t be showing by then and can testify against him.” She closed her eyes. “And I’m not trying to be dishonest with the church. Pastor Thomas knows. He thought I should keep Russ from knowing and that’s why I haven’t told the congregation yet—to keep my pregnancy quiet. But I plan to tell them before the vote.”
“What can I do to help?”
“Nothing. It’s just a mess.” Tears welled in her eyes and one traced down her cheek.
The boundary breaker. He stepped closer and pulled her into his arms.
She started s
haking and soft sobs turned into a meltdown on his shoulder. Despite her distress, all he could think about was how good it felt to hold her like this.
After a few minutes, she quieted. And pulled away from him.
She was good at that.
He handed her a McDonald’s napkin and she dabbed her eyes.
“Let me eat and freshen up and I’ll be ready.” Some strength came back into her tone as she perched on a stool at the bar. “I guess you’re not hungry?”
“I ate on the drive over.” He settled on a stool beside her.
“I’m glad. You probably would have lost your appetite by now. You watched me puke and then I sobbed all over you.”
“Actually, I’ve always had a strong stomach.” And she was still beautiful. As he admired her beauty, he could imagine her pregnant—huge with Russ’s child. And it wouldn’t change a thing about the way he felt about her.
What was wrong with him? How many men had a thing for a puking woman pregnant with another man’s child?
With Tiffany, he’d been in love with her long before he’d known about her baby. And the same with Tori. His feelings had been developing for her from the moment she’d threatened him with the poker. He seemed to be destined to find the perfect woman after she’d been used and dumped by some jerk.
At least Tori wouldn’t do what Tiffany had. Tori was stronger.
Tori popped the last bite of the sandwich in her mouth, followed it with her last three fries and took a long drink of her shake. Wow, she’d eaten fast. But her stomach had definitely been empty and she was eating for two. If he’d known that before, he’d have gotten her vegetables or something.
“I wish I’d brought you something more nutritious.”
“It was perfect.”
“You need to eat healthy. For the baby. Once we get settled in the new house, I’ll have Rock fix you a good meal.”
“Rock?” Her puzzled frown was cute. Who was he kidding? Anything she did looked cute to him.
“My sister, Raquel. I call her Rock. Anyway, she doesn’t know anybody here. I’d like her to make some friends and she loves to cook.”
“We’ll see. Um, we’d better get to work.”
Could he step in and fix the holes Russ had created in her heart? In her life? In her child’s life?
His heart wanted to run before it could get hurt again. But surely history wouldn’t repeat itself. He couldn’t lose her, too. He just couldn’t. He’d see to it.
He’d support Tori. And love her. That he could do—without even thinking.
* * *
The end table wasn’t heavy, just bulky as Brant maneuvered it through the door of Jenna’s house. No, it was his and Rock’s now. Mid-May’s breezy sunshine was perfect for moving a few things Raquel and Hunter could do without in Garland until school wrapped up.
“Oh, be careful,” Raquel called behind him. “You’re gonna hurt your back.”
“I told you, it’s not heavy.” He was more worried about scuffing the table.
He set the table down and turned to see Hunter struggling to carry a box bigger than he was with the word books written in Sharpie across the top. “Need help, bud?”
“I got it.” The six-year-old voice sounded strained.
Every instinct in him wanted to scoop the heavy box out of his nephew’s arms. But Hunter wanted to help and Brant wouldn’t steal his thunder. “Just set it down if you need to. Rest a bit and then take it on into the den. Or you can go get another box and I’ll take it to the den.”
Hunter set it down and Brant patted him on the shoulder. “Good job, bud.”
His cell phone rang and he dug it out of his pocket. “Hello?”
“Hey, Brant, it’s Jenna. I need help with Tori.”
His heart jumped. “Is something wrong?”
“No. In fact, it’s great. Tori’s agreed to press charges against Russ. But I’m afraid if she waits ’til after work to file a report, she’ll back out.”
“I’d love to see Russ in jail, but isn’t it a bit late for pressing charges?”
“Probably, but I called Mitch. He said the charges may not stick, but at least they’ll be on file.”
“What can I do?”
“Mitch is actually in forensics, but he was in the area the day Russ came to my store. He’s ready to take Tori’s statement.”
He scanned the house with boxes and Raquel’s furnishings scattered about. This could wait. “I can take her to his office.”
“Could you? I know you’re moving, but I’m so afraid she’ll change her mind.”
“I’ll be right over. Is she at the store?”
“No, she was distracted, so I sent her home. I was hoping I could get one of my other employees to cover for me, so I could take her, but it’s not working out.”
“I’m on it.”
“Thanks, Brant.”
He’d do whatever he had to do to help insure that monster never touched Tori again.
Raquel shuffled in the door with a box marked shoes.
“Hey, Rock, what do you say, we take a break?”
“I’m fine. You can take one if you need to.”
“I actually need to run an errand and it could take a while.” He ruffled Hunter’s hair. “And I don’t want to worry about you two strapping specimens hurting yourselves while I’m gone.”
“We’ll be fine.”
“How about y’all stay busy unpacking boxes and leave the heavy stuff alone until I get back? Promise?”
“Promise.” Raquel and Hunter’s voices mingled as they both gave him a Boy Scout salute.
* * *
“You really didn’t have to drive me.” The quiver in Tori’s voice contrasted her words. “I don’t mind.”
She’d been mostly quiet during their drive to Garland, but at least she’d agreed to come. He remembered the last time she’d been in his truck. After Russ’s little performance at the store, when she’d been shaken and skittish.
Much the same way today. And she was always skittish, where he was concerned anyway. Though she’d consistently shown up at church and played piano for him for a month and a half, he hadn’t gotten her to agree to practice anymore.
The only time they’d been alone was that session at the recording studio. Until today.
“I should have pulled up my big girl boots and driven myself.”
“Will you stop. I said I don’t mind. Want to swing through McDonald’s first? Maybe some comfort food would help.” The last time he’d tried to feed her hadn’t gone well. “But maybe on second thought...”
That got a grin out of her. “I’m usually okay this time of day. Maybe afterward.”
“Suits me.” He found a parking slot at the Ranger Company “B” Headquarters. “Ready?”
She looked small. And scared. “No.”
More than anything, he wanted to pull her into his arms, offer her comfort, strength, and his heart. How could he have such feelings for her when he’d only known her three months?
“You’re supposed to be moving. Why did Jenna call you?”
“None of the other employees could cover for her at the store. I figure if Garrett went with you, that would mean publicity. And I’m the only other witness to the injuries Russ gave you.” His jaw clenched at the memory of her battered, but still beautiful face the first night he’d met her.
“I guess Jenna’s afraid I’ll change my mind about pressing charges. But I won’t. I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to keep Russ away from this baby. But you need to get back to moving and I can get a taxi home.”
“No need. I’m fine. I’ll wait.” He got out, went around and opened her door.
She made no move to get out of the truck.
“Want me to go with you?”
“Would you?”
“I’ll even hold your hand if you want.”
She blew out a big breath. “I might take you up on that.”
“What are you waiting for?” He offered his hand.
Uncertainty mirrored in the blue-gray depths of her eyes as her gaze met his—then dropped to his hand. She placed her trembling fingers in his and he held on as she climbed down from his truck.
He didn’t let go as they walked toward the building that housed Mitch’s office. And she didn’t pull away.
* * *
“So your relationship with Russ Dawson lasted six weeks?” Mitch typed on his laptop.
“Yes.” If you could call what they’d had a relationship. With each click of Mitch’s fingers over the keys, Tori had second thoughts. About pressing charges and about asking Brant to stay with her in Mitch’s office. Did she really want him hearing all of this?
“During those six weeks, how many times did he beat you up?”
“Four times.” Her insides twisted.
“Did you see a doctor? Or file a report with the police any of those times?”
“No.”
“Any pictures of injuries?” Mitch’s fingers stopped moving.
“No.”
“Any witnesses?”
“No.”
Mitch looked at her over the laptop, then closed it. “I feel for you, Tori. My blood boils when I think of a man hitting a woman, but with no evidence—I have to be honest, the charges probably won’t stick.”
“But I can testify.” Brant jumped up as if ready for battle.
What had she ever done to deserve him? He knew the truth now. He knew they could have no future. Yet, he was still at her side.
“Did you see him hit her?” Mitch’s attention turned to Brant.
“No. But I saw the aftermath. Her eye was so swollen she couldn’t even open it and her lips were cut. She had a black eye for a week.”
“And how do you know Russ Dawson caused that?”
“Tori told me.”
Mitch shook his head. “That’s not enough. I wish it was, but it’s not.”
Rodeo Family Page 6
