by Vivian Arend
“I wondered if you’d be interested in taking the second bedroom in the apartment. That way someone will be around who I can trust, and…” Hope sighed heavily. “Okay, maybe it’s stupid. Or mean, I don’t know which. But to be honest, my sister Helen has been bugging me about wanting to move back into the place. I’ve told her no a dozen times, but she’s not giving up.”
Joel shook his head. “Why the hell would she think living with you is a good idea when you’re marrying her ex?”
Hope shrugged. “I think we’ve established something is wrong with Helen. No, she doesn’t see why it’s impossible for her to move in with me. With us. And maybe this is a cop-out, but I figure it might shut her up if I tell her the room is filled.”
Vicki nodded slowly. “I might be interested. It would depend what the rent is. If I can afford it.”
Hope hesitated. “Also, I don’t want to mess you up in terms of having a place to live. It’s only a short-term thing because I’m looking at relocating the shop come the spring. Matt and I will live full time on Coleman land, and having a slightly bigger store is in the books.”
“So you only need a roommate until the spring?”
Joel hid his smile. This would work out perfectly. Meant the creep across the hall from Vicki would no longer be a concern, and it was true, Helen was impossible at times. “You’re damn patient with your sister.”
Hope turned back to face the road. “What choice do I have? Ignore her? She’s been better lately, except for this strange insistence she live with me.”
Matt spoke up. “Vicki, think it over, but I’d be very grateful if moving doesn’t put you out too much. I can help.”
Vicki seemed to be holding her breath. “I’m not sure what to say. Thank you.”
“We can look at the details when we get home, okay?” Hope rested her head on Matt’s shoulder. “I’m too relaxed right now to talk money.”
The snow disappeared as they drew closer to Rocky Mountain House and farther out of the mountains. By the time they were on Main Street there was nothing left except a wet slick on the ground.
“Fuck.” Vicki jerked upright. “Stop the truck.”
Matt pulled over before the next set of lights. “What’s wrong?”
Joel stared out the window, trying to see what had her all riled up. “Vicki?”
She already had her door open. “Speaking of pain-in-the-ass family, Sarah just walked past. Or staggered past. Sorry, I need to go.”
All the happiness on her face had vanished, her body tight as she slipped from the vehicle and headed down the sidewalk.
Joel tapped Matt on the shoulder. “If you want to—”
“Just go. We’ll be here to help if you need it.”
Joel scrambled out the door after Vicki, racing to close the distance between them.
Sarah was on her feet, but leaning unsteadily against a wall between shops. Definitely underdressed for the cool temperature, her makeup, which had probably been fancy and fine the night before, made her look more like a raccoon than a sexy woman.
Vicki had her coat off and around her sister’s shoulders before Joel had time to react.
“What the hell are you doing?” Vicki planted her fists on her hips. “Don’t you ever sleep in your own bed?”
Sarah looked over Vicki before running a gaze up and down Joel, speculation in her eyes. “Whose bed were you in last night, lil’ sis? I don’t think you slept alone. So get off your virginal high horse.”
Joel pressed his coat over Vicki’s shoulders, leaping forward to catch Sarah as she stumbled. The fumes coming off her were enough to make his head spin. “Had a few last night?”
Sarah clutched his arm, fingers wrapping around his biceps in far too friendly a manner. “Oh, well, now. Maybe I shouldn’t tease my sister about taking you for a ride. You’re a sweet cowboy, aren’t you?”
“Sarah, you need to go home.” Vicki glanced up the street, her teeth set into her bottom lip. “Joel, I hate to ask, but do you think Matt…?”
“Of course.” He slipped an arm around Sarah’s body to help her to the truck.
Only she didn’t go willingly. Or maybe too willing as she pressed herself to his chest and draped her arms over his neck. “I like cowboys.”
He turned his face to the side to avoid breathing her in. “Sarah, we’re taking you home.”
“You can take me home anytime.”
Vicki snapped. “You really have no problem making a play for my boyfriend? I mean, shit, Sarah, have at least a little class.”
Joel half carried, half dragged Sarah toward Matt’s truck as Sarah struggled to get away. “Oh, that’s rich, coming from you. You’re the original boyfriend stealer in the family.”
“Shut up. You’re drunk, and you don’t want to talk about this right now.”
Sarah, however, wanted to do exactly that. “Poor Lynn was devastated when you stole her boyfriend. Silly girl never had anyone before, and you ruined it.”
They were at the truck, Sarah continuing to ramble.
“You always fuck things up for Lynn. Got her sent away. Ruined her chances to find a decent guy. You’re just a jealous bitch.”
Joel was tempted to suggest they drop the woman in a heap and leave her there.
Only Vicki was opening the back door. “Matt, sorry, but can you drive to my sister’s place?”
Maybe it was uncharitable, but he was grateful when Sarah passed out completely. Unconsciousness stopped her from groping him, and stopped the steady stream of foul accusations flung at Vicki.
Somehow they got Sarah’s limp body into the truck and at the other end of the journey, up the stairs and into her apartment.
Joel carried Sarah as he followed Vicki, the chaos of the room making his eyes bulge. “Crap, I thought guys were pigs.” Oops. “Sorry.”
Vicki thrust open a door and swept clothes off the bed to the floor. “Don’t apologize to me. I agree completely. Put her down and we can go.”
She pulled a garbage can closer to the side of the bed and jerked a cover over Sarah who was already snoring.
“You want to take her shoes off or anything?” Joel asked.
Vicki grabbed him by the hand and physically pulled him from the room. “The only reason we stopped is if she’d collapsed in some back alley and died after I’d seen her I would have felt guilty. What happens from here on is none of my business. Or yours, so just…let’s go.”
Matt and Hope were silent when they returned to the truck. Matt took them to Vicki’s apartment, the ride far more subdued than the happy hours they’d shared that morning.
Vicki sniffed, her face blank as she blinked away tears.
Joel stepped out to help her with her things, but it was Hope who surprised them both. She waited until Vicki’s small pile of camping gear was inside the apartment doors, then she swept in and wrapped her arms around Vicki, squeezing her tight.
Vicki stood stiffly for a moment before accepting the hug, her eyes bright with moisture. “Thanks. And thanks for the camping trip, it was awesome.”
“Call me, we’ll talk about the rental, okay?” Hope waved as she hopped into the truck cab.
Joel took Vicki’s things upstairs, making a rude gesture at the asshole across the hall. He hoped even harder it would work out for Vicki to share a place with Hope. He lowered her stuff to the floor before turning to take her in.
It was as if she’d closed off a part of herself. All the warmth and happiness he’d seen over the past day while they’d been camping was locked up tight, and he missed it. He stood without quite knowing what to do. “You going to be okay?”
“Of course.” Vicki paced to the window and peeked out through the slats. She pivoted toward him and forced a smile. “I’m always okay. Thanks for the camping trip. I had fun.”
He nodded. “She’s not your responsibility.”
“I know. I told you that.” Vicki shrugged. “Just a bit of a kick in the teeth after the different emotions of the past days. It’s nothing
I can’t work through.”
Joel moved in closer. “You want me to stay? We can talk about it.”
Vicki met him in the middle of the room and slipped her arms around his waist, tilting her head back to give a glimmer of a real smile. “Oh, you. I’ll be fine. You’re wonderful, and I had a blast. We can talk later this week, okay? I suppose the horse lessons need to continue.”
Joel bent over to give her a sweet kiss.
There wasn’t much more to say. “Lessons continue for sure. You’re not getting out of them.”
She stared across the barn, her shoulders firmly planted against the wall. “Well, I’m good this far.”
Joel laughed. “Staying over here isn’t going to get you on the horse, not unless you have loooong legs.”
“Nothing wrong with my leg length,” she insisted. Vicki took a deep breath. After her little screaming debacle the last time she met with Sable, she didn’t want to embarrass herself again. Still, taking the next steps seemed damn impossible.
“Why don’t we stay here for a bit until you’re comfortable?”
Hmm, she was learning to recognize that tone in his voice. The slight rasp suggesting sex and pleasure. She lifted her head, wrapped her arms around his neck and accepted his kiss.
And when he lifted her, she folded her legs around him and held on tight.
Suddenly the wall was not just holding her up but him as well as he rocked against her, teasing her body, dragging a response from her as their lips meshed. Wicked wicked tongue and snapping bites were followed by soothing caresses.
Getting comfortable? Yeah, she’d pretty much forgotten that there was a horse in the building.
Someone cleared their throat.
Joel dragged his lips off hers, leaning their foreheads together. “You know, there’s not usually a revolving door on this barn.”
Vicki laughed. “So you’ve said. I don’t believe you. Now let me down.”
Maybe she should have felt embarrassed to be caught fooling around with him, again, but what the hell.
This time Jaxi stood waiting. Her coat was buttoned at the top, the bottom flaring around her distended belly. “So, now that you’re finished for a bit… Or, do you want me to come back later?”
“Shut up, Jaxi,” Joel stated calmly, no vinegar in the words.
Jaxi grinned.
Vicki stepped forward, tucking herself in front of Joel. “What’s up? Do you need help with something?”
Jaxi lifted her hand and displayed a pair of boots. “If you’re interested, I have an extra pair. I think they might fit you—you’re a six?”
Vicki nodded. Finding boots had become a nightmare. “How did you know?”
Joel snorted. “Jaxi knows everything. Didn’t you get the memo?”
“Smartass.” Jaxi held them forward. “Mary at the thrift shop mentioned it to me when I was in finding stuff for the girls. If the boots fit, take them.”
Vicki was torn. “But…”
Joel accepted the boots from Jaxi then pressed them against Vicki’s hands. “You need them to be safe when you ride. Don’t turn them down.”
“He’s right.” Jaxi nodded. “I’m surprised Joel didn’t ask sooner. It’s not safe to ride in your runners.”
She gave Joel such a dirty look Vicki felt guilty. “We haven’t been out riding yet. But thank you, I really appreciate it.”
Jaxi nodded, eyeing the two of them. “Well, I guess I’ll head back and rescue the girls from being spoiled rotten by Gramma.”
Vicki was watching her face, so she saw the moment happen. Jaxi’s eyes widened and her hand snapped to her belly, a gush of air exploding from her lips.
Joel stepped forward, reaching for his sister-in-law’s arm. “Jaxi, you okay?”
“Fuck.” Jaxi glanced down.
Vicki spotted the wetness darkening her maternity pants. “Oh shit.”
“I should have known today of all days, this would happen.” Jaxi blew out a slow breath. “Joel, go get Blake.”
Joel hauled out his phone, but Jaxi shook her head. “He drove to the southwest fields this morning.”
“Shit, no reception.” He kissed Jaxi on the forehead. “I’ll find him. You hang in there.”
“Hanging.” She grimaced and shifted her bulky stomach. “Send him straight to the hospital.”
Joel was nearly at the barn door. “Vicki, take care of her.”
Oh God. He was gone, and she was alone in the barn with a horse and a pregnant woman who didn’t like her much.
Jaxi squeezed out another groan. “Okay, honey, it’s all you and me now. You got a cell phone?”
Vicki nodded, stepping forward to offer an arm. “Call the ambulance?”
“Yes, but first, help me get to the bales over there.”
Jaxi gestured toward the middle of the barn, and Vicki’s throat closed. Her breathing sped up.
“Across from Sable’s…?” She fought her fear, forced herself to wrap an arm around Jaxi and move slowly toward their target. She ignored everything but the piled-up bales. “You planned on having the baby today?”
“Been having what I thought were Braxton Hicks all night. Guess I was wrong. I might have done this before, but nothing feels the same.” Jaxi sat gingerly. “If you can call the ambulance and maybe grab a couple blankets from the tack room—oooh, that one hurt.”
Jaxi grimaced, rubbing her hands slowly over her belly. Vicki wanted to help her, but couldn’t seem to focus on more than one task at a time.
First: Call ambulance.
Vicki pulled out her phone as Jaxi leaned back on the bale behind her, eyes closed, face tight with pain.
She couldn’t get the in-labour woman to make the call. Vicki punched in 911 as she kept an eye on Sable. The hairy beast stared at them, her head hanging out the front of the stall. Vicki swallowed past the bitter taste in her mouth and hurried to the back of the barn, sliding along the wall as far away from the horse as was humanly possible.
The very efficient person on the other end got their location, and then wanted Vicki to stay on the line.
Hell, no. “I’ll call you back.”
Hanging up on emergency services might not be kosher, but she could not keep talking. Only the fact she’d made it into the tack room had stopped another panic attack from setting in, and no one wanted to be on the phone with a shrieking maniac.
The slightly cooler air was calming, reassuring. Vicki dragged in deep breaths and willed her heart rate to slow. Like Joel had mentioned before, the scent of leather became a balm, returning her to the fun times and the caring he’d given her while they’d practiced with the saddle.
If she could have stayed hidden in that room forever, she would have. But Jaxi still sat alone in the barn, and there was no way Vicki could abandon her.
She screwed up her courage, nabbed the requested armload of blankets and hurried from the room.
Ignoring Sable was the only way to survive. Vicki stormed past her and laid a blanket on the open bale beside Jaxi. “I called the ambulance and thought of something else. What’s your mother-in-law’s number? She’ll have to direct the driver, and we should warn her so she’s not scared to death by an emergency vehicle arriving in the yard unannounced.”
Jaxi eased herself to vertical. “Damn, I’d forgotten that. Good idea.”
“Wait,” Vicki ordered. “Sorry, but you’ve got straw on your ass.”
She brushed it off before helping Jaxi back down onto the thick padding of the quilt she’d found.
“Trust me, I’ve had straw worse places.” Jaxi gave her the number, and a whirlwind of activity ensued. Vicki reassured Mrs. Coleman, arranged for the little girls to stay with her, then reconnected with emergency. She followed their directions, which mostly meant supporting Jaxi who didn’t seem to need much reassuring anymore.
“This baby has got to be a Coleman male.” In the slight calm post-contraction, Jaxi released the grip she was using to squeeze the bones in Vicki’s hand to pudding.
“Stubborn, bad timing…he’s coming out the chute like I expect he’ll go on.”
Vicki wasn’t sure what to do, laugh or be overwhelmed by everything happening. “Boy or girl, healthy is all that matters.”
Only please, not until the ambulance gets here.
She thought that last part, proud she managed to not say it.
When the paramedics came rushing in the door, the sense of relief was nearly enough to take her to her knees. “I’ll call Joel. He might be in range again.”
“Tell Blake he’d better hurry. This kid is not taking his sweet time.” Jaxi smiled weakly around an emergency attendant. “Thanks for holding my hand.”
“No problem.”
The blur of motion continued, but it moved away from her. Others took her place in reassuring Jaxi, the paramedics helping her to the ambulance.
Vicki was left alone in the barn, and the sudden quiet echoed.
She took a deep breath, calming her heart before pulling out her phone. Nothing but Joel’s voice mail. He must be in that dead-air zone they’d mentioned.
“Joel? Jaxi’s headed for the hospital. Hope you find Blake in time.” She wasn’t sure what came next. “Um, call me when you get the news. Fingers crossed things go well.”
She hung up feeling incredibly—awkward?
Left out?
It wasn’t as if she and Jaxi were such bosom buddies that she should have jumped in the ambulance with her. Yet the sensation of being an outsider had never been clearer than at that moment.
For all the lovely gestures of borrowed boots, and passionate kisses, the Colemans had something she didn’t. That she got to experience a little of it on the sly—she wasn’t sure if her temporary involvement was a good thing or a bad thing.
Hope’s comment earlier in the week about real family stabbed like a blade. Seeing what family meant, but not truly being a part of it, made Vicki’s heart hurt more than when she’d never experienced the joy.
She plopped back down on the bale with the blankets and stared across at Sable’s stall. Just her and the horse left, and even the horse fit in better than she did.
She picked up the blankets and returned them to the tack room, shaking off the bits of straw carefully to avoid thinking things through.
