“It’s time for a toast,” Paul said, standing and holding up his glass. Brittany stood beside him, her glass filled with sparkling cider. All the others stood as well. “To Trey,” Paul began, “our good friend. We couldn’t have finished the baby’s room without you. You worked hard, my friend,” Paul said sincerely, then winked, “and even after we tried to kill you with that wood beam, you came back to finish the job. That’s friendship.”
“Or stupidity,” Jack interjected and everyone chuckled.
Brittany slugged him in the arm. Then she moved into the forefront and spoke softly. “And if we have a boy,” she said, darting a quick, loving glance at Paul, “we’ve decided that Trey would make a fine middle name for our son.”
Overcome by Paul and Brittany’s kind gesture, Trey stood speechless, glancing at his friends.
“To Trey Walker,” Paul repeated, clinking his glass to Trey’s beer bottle first.
“Thank you,” Trey said, surprised at the lump in his throat. He had trouble getting the words out. “I’m honored.”
He glanced at Maddie. Her eyes had been on him, watching him, those pretty grass green sparks touching him, conveying her innermost thoughts. She fought it but he saw through her brave front of denial. She didn’t hide her emotions well. In her eyes, he saw too many things. Hope. Expectation. Regret. Pain.
“It’s time for dinner,” Brittany announced. “Please everyone, come join us in the dining room.”
Trey waited for the others to file out of the parlor. The scent of raspberries wafted right under his nose. Maddie was close by and as he turned, he found her next to him.
She reached up on tiptoes to whisper in his ear, “No staying power? You’re a loyal friend, Trey. You wouldn’t let your friends down. Paul and Brittany are naming their baby after you. They adore you, and I can understand why.”
Before Trey could respond, Maddie sashayed away and left him standing there amid her sweet scent as she walked into the dining room.
It was hard to remember what his life had been like before she moved onto the ranch. And it’d be even more difficult imagining her gone. But Trey was certain she would leave Hope Wells now.
He’d messed up pretty badly, hurting her in the process. As much as he’d vowed not to get involved with her, proving her wrong would go a long way in protecting her. It was one thing to help out a friend, but committing his life to a woman was quite another. Trey feared he couldn’t do it, and where would that leave Maddie?
He walked into the dining room with newfound determination. No matter how much pain her leaving would cause him, he knew he’d have to suffer it out. He and Maddie had no future together at 2 Hope Ranch.
*
“You’re in love with her, Trey,” Brittany said, wiping her hands on a dish towel in the kitchen.
“With who?” Trey glanced around the deserted kitchen. Hell, he’d only come in here to thank Brit privately for the wonderful meal. She’d made all of his favorite things: chicken croquettes, sweet potato pie, creamed corn, and fresh baked biscuits.
Brit cast him an irritated look. He knew she wasn’t going to give up until they had this conversation.
“With Maddie, and don’t get cute.”
“Me? I’ve never been accused of being cute.”
“That’s because you’re drop-dead handsome, Trey. It seems as though Maddie thinks so, too. You two couldn’t keep your eyes off each other tonight.”
Trey shrugged.
“So are you or aren’t you?”
Trey shut his eyes briefly and inhaled. “Nope. I can’t be.”
Brit leaned against the back of the counter, her belly protruding out and round as a beach ball. She looked lovely pregnant. And when she placed a protective hand on her abdomen, rubbing slightly, Trey wondered what it would be like fathering a child of his own. Maddie’s image instantly appeared in his mind. With no barriers to his thoughts, he saw her carrying his baby, resting her hand over her swollen belly and giving him a loving smile.
“You can’t be? What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means, I wouldn’t do that to her.”
Brit chuckled. “I think she’d want you to do that to her. Over and over again.”
“Brit!”
“Well, I didn’t get pregnant all by myself, Trey. I’m not that innocent. And I can see there’s something strong between you. Are you denying it? And remember, Paul and I are your closest friends, so no fair fibbing.”
Trey let out a deep sigh. “No, I’m not denying it. There’s definitely something there. Maddie’s pretty darn wonderful.”
Brit reached for his hand, flipping it over to view his injured palm. “So are you, Trey. You deserve some happiness in your life. You’ve been alone too long.”
Trey squeezed her hand and smiled. “At least this way, no one gets hurt.”
“Or maybe both of you get hurt.”
Jack busted into their conversation striding into the kitchen at full speed. He spoke quiet enough so the guests in the dining room wouldn’t hear, but as forcefully as Trey had ever heard him. “Are you nuts or something?”
Trey shook his head. He seemed to be on the receiving end of one of his cousin’s tirades. “What now, Jack?”
“Maddie told us that she’s thinking of leaving Hope Wells. She’s been offered a job in Denver.”
“She has?” Brit pointed a look at him.
“Yeah, I know.”
“And you’re not going to stop her?” Jack asked.
“It’s her decision.”
“Shit.” Jack caught himself with a shake of his head. “Sorry, Brit. But hell, Trey’s being a jerk.”
“You could ask her not to go,” Brit said sweetly.
“Hell yeah. Give that girl a reason to stay, Trey,” Jack added.
Trey hated being backed into a corner. He’d already made his decision regarding Maddie and was trying damn hard to abide by it. What right did anyone have to judge him? Anger simmered close to his breaking point. He stepped away from his cousin to avoid coming to blows. “Jeez, if you’re so damn interested, maybe you should ask her to stay.”
“Maybe I will.”
Trey ground out, “Good.”
“Great. I backed off before because of you, but I like her a lot. What’s not to like? She’s smart and funny and pretty as a picture. Hell, if you’re too much of a fool to see it, then I’m going to ask her out.”
Trey grabbed Jack’s shirt and pulled him so they stood nose to nose. “You don’t want to go there, cousin. Or you might have to arrest me for assaulting an officer.”
Jack grinned and craned his neck to look at Brit. “He’s in love with her.”
Brit agreed. “You’re in love with her.”
Trey released Jack and they backed away from each other. He glanced at Brit then back to Jack. Both wore smug expressions. “Damn meddlers. That’s what you are.”
“Are you calm now?” Jack asked.
Trey twisted his lips. “Ticked off, but calm.”
Maddie walked in with Paul right behind her carrying dishes from the dining room. “Thought I could help you in here, Brittany.” Maddie set the dishes down on the counter by the sink.
“Oh, isn’t that sweet.”
“Looks like you’ve got plenty of help already. What’re you boys doing taking up with an ole pregnant lady?” Paul asked.
Brittany swatted him with the dish towel then glanced at Maddie. “You know, I think I’ll wait up a bit on doing the dishes. These boys need some of your lemon cake to settle them down.”
Maddie glanced around the room taking in their guilty expressions. “I hope it came out okay.”
Brittany smiled. “I’m sure it’s just fine. Trey’ll think so, no matter what.”
“I know, but my lemon cake might not be—”
“It’ll be delicious, Maddie,” Trey offered honestly.
“Because you baked it special for him,” Brittany said with wink.
“Hey Maddie,” Jack s
aid, darting a quick glance at Trey, “you ever treat a stubborn old mule?”
“Well, yes I have.” Her brows furrowed curiously. “I’ve had some experience with stubborn mules. Why?”
Jack grinned again, and Trey was about ready to slap that silly expression off his face. He shrugged. “I heard there’s this mule in Hope Wells sorely in need of your attention.”
Brittany chuckled, grabbed Maddie’s hand and guided her out of the kitchen. “Come on, we’ll let those boys bring in the dessert. It’ll give them something constructive to do.”
Paul stepped between Trey and Jack, heading off trouble.
“Paul,” Trey said through pursed lips. “Next time you have a party for me, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t invite my cousin.”
Jack picked up the lemon cake, and laughed his way into the dining room.
*
Maddie sat between Paul and a nice man named Burton, one of the Fuller’s neighbors. She faced Trey and Brittany. Jack sat at the head of the table, placed there specifically by the hostess. Maddie got the feeling Jack’s new seating arrangement wasn’t so much by choice. Whatever Jack had been up to seemed to put a spur in Trey’s hide. He’d been giving his cousin sour looks since they’d sat down. Jack didn’t seem any worse for wear, he kept a smile on his face and every once in a while, she caught him watching her.
Paul poured coffee into delicate antique cups as Brittany reached over to cut the cake. She made a face and arched her back in a stretch that seemed to take some discomfort away. It wasn’t the first time Maddie caught Brit looking uncomfortable. As a doctor, Maddie knew the female body was tested to its limit during gestation and maybe Brit had taken on too much with this celebration.
“It’s so beautiful,” Brittany said, gazing upon the lemon frosting swirls Maddie had designed with care. “I almost hate to cut into it.”
“Then let me,” Maddie offered. “I’d love to help out and serve the cake.”
Brittany handed over the knife and cake server. “Be my guest.” She plopped down into her seat, sighing deeply.
Maddie cut several slices and was just finishing sending the plates around the table when her cell phone rang. “Uh, sorry about that,” she said to Brittany and Paul, “but I have to get this.”
“No problem. We’ll wait for you,” Paul said.
She exited the room quickly and answered her phone.
One minute later she stood at the dining room threshold making apologies. “I’m sorry, but I have an emergency call. I have to leave.”
“Oh, no. I’m sorry to hear that,” Brittany said. “Is it urgent?”
“I’m afraid so. Darla Chester’s dog is having a difficult birth. It’s her first litter and Darla’s beside herself with worry. I promised I’d come over right away.”
Paul looked doubtful. “That’s clear across the county, Maddie.”
“And the storm’s not letting up,” Burton’s wife, Tilly, announced as she looked out the window.
Jack volunteered, “I don’t live far from there, I’d be happy to take—”
“I’ll drive you.” Trey pushed out his chair and stood.
Maddie glanced at the roomful of worried guests. “Oh, thank you all for your concern, but I’ll be fine, really. I don’t want to break up the party.”
She felt really badly about this. Paul and Brittany had gone to a great deal of trouble tonight and Maddie hated being the one to spoil the rest of the evening. She’d learned early on in her profession that when duty calls, all else had to be forfeited. She didn’t mind when her own plans were ruined, but she hated when it overflowed to others’ lives.
“I’m driving you, Maddie.” Trey announced.
“But you haven’t taken a bite of your cake yet.”
“I’ll wrap up both of your pieces and send them along with you,” Brittany offered, then added, “That’s one nasty storm out there. I’d feel better knowing Trey was with you.”
“So would I,” Paul agreed, glancing out the window.
Brittany rose quickly taking both of their plates into the kitchen, while Trey strode over to her. “Do you have everything you need in your truck?”
“Yes, I keep it supplied in case of emergencies. But Trey, you really don’t have to do this.” Maddie glanced at the table of friends he would be leaving behind. “I’ll manage. It’s what I do.”
“Honey,” Trey whispered for her ears only, turning on the Walker charm, “if you don’t let me drive you, I’m going to follow behind you all the way. You need to get there safely, and I know exactly where Darla lives.”
Maddie had a hard time resisting Trey’s offer, not because she feared the thunder that boomed like a demon’s wail or the heavy rain teeming down, but because Trey spoke so sweetly, his dark, gorgeous eyes troubled and concerned.
Her heart ached knowing that Trey cared for her, but wouldn’t act upon his feelings. He wouldn’t break down the wall that kept them from being together. But Maddie couldn’t think about that right now. She had puppies to deliver, and now it appeared she had a chauffeur to deliver her to the laboring Labrador. “Thank you,” she said. “We’d better get going.”
Brittany handed Trey a small brown bag. “I wrapped your cake inside.” She reached up and kissed Trey on the cheek. “You’re a wonderful friend, Trey. And our baby says thank you, too.”
Trey leaned over to hug Brittany then shook Paul’s hand. “You’re welcome and dinner was great.”
Trey said farewell to the others at the table and Maddie said her quick goodbyes as well, giving Brittany her special thanks for the evening.
“You two take it slow and easy now,” Paul said, walking them to the front door. “And remember that Cody’s Pass will be washed out by now.”
Trey nodded. “I plan on avoiding the Pass. Don’t worry. We’ll get there just fine.”
Paul opened the door and wind howled fiercely as cold air immediately chilled the warm room. A shiver ran down Maddie’s spine. She hadn’t seen weather like this in a decade or more.
“Hand me your keys, Maddie.”
Maddie had no problem giving up her keys to Trey.
“You ready?” he asked, taking her hand and squeezing gently.
She nodded, hanging on to Trey’s strong hand and they dashed outside.
Chapter Nine
After a slow, laborious drive across the county, Trey delivered Maddie safely to the Chester house. Trey was steps behind her as she dashed inside dripping wet. To Maddie’s chagrin, Darla greeted Trey affectionately. “Trey? I didn’t expect to see you here. It’s been a long time.”
Trey’s charming smile emerged as his gaze swept over Darla. “Hi, Darla. It has been a while. Maddie’s not used to our T-storms, so I drove her here.”
Darla gave her a glance, finally making the connection. “That’s right, you’re practicing out of 2 Hope now, Dr. Brooks.”
“Yes. Temporarily.” Maddie smiled, while her heart took a tumble. She’d never felt less a woman than now, soaked through her clothes with her hair plastered to her head. She’d bet her last dollar that her makeup was smudged beyond repair, while Darla Chester stood tall and graceful with long waves of blond hair falling nearly to her buttocks. Her thin frame only accentuated what Maddie would term a perfect namesake, Chester. The woman was extremely well endowed.
Funny, but Maddie had met Darla a few times when she’d treated her Lab at her office in town, but she hadn’t felt any pangs of envy then. Now, she viewed Darla Chester in a whole new light—through Trey’s eyes.
“I’m so darn worried about Candy. Thanks for coming out in this weather,” Darla said, leading them into the kitchen. The yellow Labrador lay in her whelping box in the far corner, breathing heavily, trying as she might to deliver her pups.
Maddie instantly forgot about her insecurities and got to work. “She’s so tired already.” She massaged the dog, stroking her gently, rubbing her belly. “She’s probably got five or six in there.” Maddie glanced up at Trey. “This m
ight take a while.”
Trey bent down next to her, smelling like fresh rain and looking sexy as sin soaked through his clothes. Maddie didn’t know how Trey Walker did it, but she’d never met a more appealing man in her life. “I’m staying for however long it takes, Maddie.”
“Thanks.”
“Put me to work,” he said.
“Me, too, what can I do?” Darla asked, her amber eyes filled with concern.
“Well, first we have to get her up and moving. Normally I’d let her outside to stimulate her, but the weather’s not cooperating. Does Candy have any favorite toys or anything she likes that might spark her interest?”
“Yes, she does,” Darla answered.
“Good, because we’re going to have to keep her busy.”
They spent the next twenty minutes taking turns playing with the dog, trying to keep her mind off her tired uterus and stimulate her enough to allow nature to take its course. When Maddie thought she was ready, she guided her back down into her whelping box and the first pup eased out of her at half past midnight.
“That’s a good girl, Candy,” Maddie said, stroking her head gently.
The pup found her mama’s teat easily and began suckling.
“Cute little thing,” Trey said, his expression childlike, full of winsome interest. His reaction made her wonder how Trey would react to fatherhood. Though he would probably disagree, Maddie was certain Trey would make a terrific father. He had all the qualities necessary—patience, kindness, and a distinct affection for all beings, great and small.
“There’s at least four more cuties like this in there,” Maddie said, “but poor Candy’s going to have to work hard through the night.”
Darla walked up. “You folks must be cold and exhausted. I turned up the heat and made a pot of coffee. Forgive me. I should have offered it to you when you first arrived, but—”
“You were worried about Candy. That’s only natural,” Maddie responded.
Taming the Texas Cowboy (Forever Texan Book 1) Page 10
