Rodeo Family

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  Her feet finally took the hint and she slipped out the exit. But halfway across the parking lot, footfalls advanced on her and she turned to see Brant following. Her heart did a little flutter and the baby did, too.

  “Hey.” He kicked at the gravel with the toe of his boot. “I forgot to invite you to our Fourth of July picnic.”

  “Picnic?”

  “At the house. Raquel’s cooking up a feast. Our folks are coming to see the new place.”

  “Your parents are coming?”

  “They weren’t overly excited when we moved away from Pleasant Valley and always hoped we’d move home someday. Our buying the house in Aubrey was hard on them—the end of their dream. Raquel invited them for dinner so that they can see we’re settled and happy here.”

  “I don’t know.” She closed her eyes. “Meeting your family?”

  “Part of our being happy here is making friends. I’d like my new friends to meet my family. Jenna’s coming, too.”

  How stupid of her. Why else would he want her to meet his family? “Oh. Well...”

  “And you’d be doing me a favor. Raquel has a tendency to focus on Hunter to the exclusion of everyone else. I’d like her to make some friends. Come on, she’s a great cook and she loves having people to cook for. The baby will love it.”

  She couldn’t hide her smile. “Okay. It sounds nice.”

  * * *

  Nerves prickling and a trail of sweat trickling down her spine, Tori trailed behind Jenna up the steps of the ranch-style house where Jenna lived before she married Garrett.

  “This is weird.” Jenna rang her former doorbell.

  The last time Tori had been here, a year and a half ago, she’d been dog drunk. Now, Brant and his sister had bought the house and here she was crashing his family’s Fourth of July picnic, meeting Brant’s sister. And his parents.

  What had she been thinking? Brant had said he wanted his family to meet his friends.

  Friends? Jenna fit the category, but Tori wanted to be much more than friends. Since that could never be, she should keep her distance from him. But she couldn’t seem to stay away.

  He beckoned and she came running—like a lovesick puppy. A pregnant-with-someone-else’s-child lovesick puppy. Oh why couldn’t she have met Brant before she met Russ?

  If only she’d driven her own car, she could slink away. Tell Brant later that she hadn’t been feeling well. True. Her insides roiled.

  The door swung open and Brant stood there grinning at her.

  Her roiling insides melted into a puddle with one glimpse of him.

  “Come on in. Meet the folks.” Brant gestured to the lineup waiting in the entryway. “Mom, Dad, Raquel and Hunter.” He tousled the little boy’s hair.

  She could see Brant in both of his parents. His mom had dark hair and his green eyes, while Raquel’s blond hair and blue eyes came from their dad. Hunter had dark hair and brown eyes he must have gotten from his father.

  “This is Garrett’s wife, Jenna Steele, and Tori Eaton, our church pianist.”

  Much ado was made over Garrett with Brant’s family going on about how much they loved his music since he’d switched to Christian Country.

  “I’m sorry.” Brant’s mom approached and took Tori’s hand in both of hers. “It’s just that Brant has told us so much about Garrett. We’re so glad to meet Brant’s friends.”

  But nothing about his pregnant piano player friend. “Nice to meet you, too.”

  His mom linked arms with Tori. “Supper’s almost ready.”

  As they made their way to the kitchen, Tori noticed the decor. Jenna’s satin drapery was gone. In it’s place—cowboy. Cowhide curtain toppers, tan suede furnishings and turquoise throw pillows with conchos and fringe. Not a hint of lace in sight.

  Come to think of it, Brant hadn’t bought anything in the store that day to man up Jenna’s house. Had he only come to the store to invite her to the rodeo?

  His mom ushered her into the kitchen.

  Nerves prickled and she fought the urge to smooth a hand over her stomach. In just over a week, she’d be five months along. Her white blouse wasn’t maternity, but it was loose and flowing with crotched sleeves to hopefully draw the eye up. With nondescript denim capris and cute red wedge sandals, maybe she could pull off a summery, casual look. Hopefully, a not-pregnant look.

  Grease and bird assaulted her senses.

  Fried chicken.

  Tori’s stomach turned. “Bathroom?”

  Brant must have seen it in her face. He grabbed her arm and propelled her down a hallway.

  She didn’t have the strength to protest as he ushered her in the bathroom and shut the door behind them.

  Once again, he held her hair until she finished. She flushed and closed the lid, then sank onto it.

  “You know you didn’t have to come with me.”

  “I had to make sure you were okay.”

  “No one ever died because of morning sickness.”

  “It’s not morning.” Brant grinned.

  “Sometimes a smell triggers it no matter what time of day it is. Or night.”

  “Will you be okay now?”

  “Usually, once it’s done I’m good. What must your family think?”

  “I guess I’ll have to tell them what’s going on.”

  Her eyes grew huge. “No. I’m leaving. You can tell them I’m coming down with something.”

  “Not a good idea. Raquel’s been attending their old church in Garland to transition Hunter, but she’s planning to end up at our church eventually.” He knelt beside her and handed her a washcloth. “She’ll probably join and she’s the type of member who shows up. She’ll eventually realize you’re pregnant. Especially if y’all become friends. And if we try to hide your pregnancy now, they’ll think the baby’s mine.”

  “We don’t want that. I guess you’re right.” She covered her face with the washcloth, cool against her heated skin. “They’ll think I’m such a slut.”

  “I don’t want to hear that word from you again.” He pulled her hands away and gently gripped her chin until she looked at him. “That’s not who you are. My family is Christian. If you’ll let them, they’ll love you.”

  “I’m so embarrassed. I barely meet them and scurry off to throw up with their son in tow.”

  “Nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re a lovely woman doing the right thing by your baby.” He stood, opened a drawer under the sink and pulled out a new toothbrush still in the package. “Raquel always keeps spares.”

  “Is that a kind way of saying my breath stinks?”

  “No. That’s a kind way of helping you feel better.”

  “I feel like I need a shower.”

  “It’s all yours.”

  “I can’t take a shower. Your family will think I’m pregnant and nuts.”

  “You look fine. Just freshen up a bit and I’ll go explain things.” He started for the door.

  She closed her eyes. “I should go with you.”

  “No need.” He stopped and turned to face her again. “Tori, please don’t leave.”

  “I won’t.” She couldn’t let them think he was responsible for the mess she’d made.

  “Take your time.” Brant stepped out of the bathroom.

  What kind of man held a woman’s hair while she threw up? Not once, but twice.

  The kind of man she’d given up on ever meeting. If only she’d done things right. If only she could’ve met Brant and married him before she’d trashed her life. If only this baby was his and they could raise their child together.

  But it was too late for that. Snap out of the fantasy.

  She turned the water on and washed her face wishing she could wash away her mistakes as easily.

  Chap
ter 10

  When Brant came out of the bathroom, his family had moved outside where Raquel had outdone herself on the Fourth of July decor.

  His parents sat on the red bench on one side of the table with Jenna across from them on the long barnwood bench. Red, white and blue plates, cups and settings flanked the red-and-white-striped tablecloth, with heavy-headed sunflowers in a blue pitcher.

  But it wouldn’t be the celebration they’d planned. Not after he broke the news.

  “Is Tori all right?” Raquel gave him a knowing look. She knew. Must be women’s intuition. Did Mom know, too?

  No. His mom looked worried.

  “Where’s Hunter?”

  “In the loft.” Raquel pointed to the barn. “Out of earshot.”

  “I’ll go check on Tori.” Jenna stood and headed toward the house.

  Brant didn’t know how to tell them, other than to just say it. “Tori’s pregnant.”

  Mom gasped.

  “Son?” His father’s one word summed up the unspoken question.

  “It’s not my baby.”

  A single sigh whooshed from both of his parents.

  “Of course not.” Mom shook her head.

  “We shouldn’t have even thought it.” Dad put an arm around Mom’s shoulders. “Sorry, son, we were...”

  “Shocked. It’s okay. Tori hasn’t been a Christian long. Before she became a Christian, she was involved with an abusive boyfriend.”

  “And it’s his child?” Raquel poured herself another glass of tea.

  “Yes.”

  “This sounds dangerous.” Mom pressed a hand to her heart.

  “I can handle this guy—if and when he gets out of prison.”

  “Why is he in prison?” Dad asked.

  “Long story. Listen, Tori will be out in a minute. She needs your support. I need your support. We need your support.”

  “You’re involved with her?” Mom’s gaze never left his.

  “We’re friends.”

  “Son.” Caution filled Dad’s tone. “You know we love you and we’ll support you, but you must know this smacks of Tiffany.”

  “It’s not like that.” Brant growled.

  The back screen door slammed shut. Brant looked up.

  Jenna and Tori emerged from the house. The woman he loved. His future.

  No matter what his family said.

  * * *

  “Want me to take you home?” Brant wasn’t ready to let Tori go yet as he walked her to Jenna’s car.

  “That would be silly. I can ride with Jenna.”

  “I guess I’ll see you at church then.”

  “Guess so. Your family is great. Thank them for being so kind and understanding.” She turned away.

  Leaving him to face his family again. Alone.

  Might as well get it over with. He stalked back to the house, ready for battle.

  Earlier, Tori had emerged from the bathroom and rescued him from their assumptions about his past history. His family had been gracious to her—Mom and Raquel had even shared their pregnancies with Tori.

  But now they were alone.

  He stepped inside. Both of his parents waited to pounce in the foyer.

  “Brant, how on earth did this happen again?” Dad’s tone was incredulous.

  “Bad luck I guess. I seem to find the perfect woman, but after it’s too late.”

  “You’re setting yourself up to be hurt.” Mom joined the chorus. “Again.”

  At least Raquel was upstairs getting Hunter ready for bed, so he wouldn’t have to appease her yet.

  “I’m not, Mom. I’m being a friend. And Tori needs a friend.”

  “You went in the bathroom with her while she threw up, son. A man doesn’t generally do such a thing unless he’s in love.” Dad put his arm around Mom’s waist. “Trust me, I know.”

  “I went with her because I knew she’d be terribly embarrassed.” They didn’t have to know it wasn’t the first time or that he’d held her hair each time. “I thought she might slip out and walk home.”

  “You say the father is in prison. What about when he gets out?” Worry shone clear in Mom’s eyes.

  Proof that they had nothing against Tori or her past bad choices. They were only concerned for their son. He had to keep a tight reign on the frustration bubbling in his chest.

  “He should be there at least for a while. Tori’s not telling him about the baby and she has a restraining order against him.”

  “Just think about this long and hard, son.” Dad pursed his lips as if he were choosing his words carefully. “This whole situation reminds your mother and me of Tiffany.”

  “Me, too.”

  “We don’t mean to hurt you.” Mom tried this time. “But your father and I were never convinced that Tiffany loved you.”

  “You think I didn’t know that?” he shouted.

  “Shhh!” Raquel descended the stairs. “Keep it quiet down here.”

  “Sorry.” Brant lowered his voice. “They’re bringing up Tiffany.”

  “Well, you have to admit...” Rachel’s voice trailed off.

  “Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m in love with Tori. But this is different. It’s not like it was with Tiffany.”

  “You’re right.” Mom’s tone soothed. Always the peacemaker. “You and Tiffany were young—only seventeen. Now you’re twenty-eight. And Tori is...”

  “Twenty-eight. I know Tiffany didn’t love me. I knew it then, okay. She loved Davis and only Davis. I was the stupid one who fell in love with my best friend’s girl.”

  “It’s never stupid to fall in love.” Raquel’s sad gaze caught his. “It may end in an unfortunate way, but it’s not stupid.”

  “If Tiffany’s situation had been different—” Mom’s gaze pierced him “—would she have turned to you?”

  Brant shook his head. “Probably not. But none of that mattered to me. I loved her. And sometimes love can grow. I didn’t fall for Tori the moment I saw her. It took time.” Not much time, but they didn’t need the details. “Maybe over time, Tori can fall for me.”

  “If Tori didn’t have an abusive ex-boyfriend, if she wasn’t pregnant, would she have turned to you?” Mom asked.

  “You just admitted Tori doesn’t have near the baggage Tiffany had.” Brant grinned. “And another difference—Tori hasn’t turned to me. Other than church, I practically have to beg her to spend any time with me.”

  “But once again, you’re hoping to win the love of a woman pregnant with someone else’s child?” Dad sighed. “Tiffany hurt you so badly, son. It was hard for us to watch her use you.”

  “Tori’s not like Tiffany. She’s not using me.” He strode past them to the living room—hoping to end the discussion. “Her family, friends and our church are supporting her. She’s not turning to me because she’s alone and has nowhere else to go. She’s strong and she’d never...” Eleven years later, he still couldn’t bring himself to say it. “She’s keeping the baby.”

  “How does Tori feel about you?” Raquel tried to be the voice of reason.

  “I don’t know.”

  “I saw something in the way she looked at you.”

  His soul lit up and he caught his sister’s gaze. “Really?”

  “Regardless of how Tori feels about you.” Mom put her hand on his arm. “I wish you could fall in love with a girl who isn’t pregnant with someone else’s child.”

  “Me, too. Trust me.” The irony of the situation bubbled up inside him and came out in a tension-relieving laugh.

  “We’ll support you.” Mom hugged him. “In whatever happens with Tori. And we’ll pray for you.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  Was there really something about the way Tori looked at him? Hope spark
ed inside him. And all of his parents’ well-meaning caution couldn’t tamp it out.

  * * *

  The day had hopped with customers and threatened to suck the air-conditioning outside as a mid-July blast of hot air entered every time the door opened. Tori fielded the ready-made customers while Jenna handled the custom orders. Finally closing time. Tori pressed her hand against the small of her aching back.

  With all the merchandise straightened, she shut the blinds as Jenna closed out the register.

  “Your back’s hurting.” Jenna frowned. “You know, we can cut your hours.”

  “It started up this week. By the end of the day, it’s killing me, but I don’t want to work less.” She held out her foot modeling her cute kitten heels. “I should probably stop going for style and wear my comfortable shoes.”

  “I have news. I talked to Nat.”

  Tori’s insides froze. “About the baby?”

  “Yes. She and Lane would like to meet with you.”

  “Really?” A sinking feeling settled low in Tori’s stomach. As if the baby was disappointed in her. “When?”

  “She wants you to call her and set something up.” Jenna held a business card toward her.

  Tori’s hand shook as she reached for it.

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “I’m sure.” Tori turned the card over and over between her fingers. “I’m sure this is the best thing for the baby.” He or she didn’t need a father like Russ lurking around. “Let’s get out of here. Don’t you have a hot date waiting for you in St. Louis?”

  “As a matter of fact I do. Oh, how I’ve missed that man of mine.” Jenna locked up and they walked to their cars parked side by side. “I still hate leaving you alone. Want to stay at the main house while I’m gone? Flora cooks a mean shrimp Alfredo with sun-dried tomatoes.”

  The mere thought of garlic turned her stomach. “I’ll be fine. That whirlpool tub at the guesthouse is calling my back and you’ll only be gone for the weekend.”

  “Mitch is on high alert if anything changes with Russ, so don’t worry.” Jenna put an arm around her shoulders. “I’m really proud of you, Tori. For what you’re doing for your baby and the way you’ve turned your life around. You’re like a different person—the person I always knew you could be.”