“He’s all right, then?” Jarrod wanted to know.
“Fine as frog’s hair,” Annie said. “Now. Has he had chicken pox?”
Jarrod shoved his hands in his denim pockets. “Good question. Guess we’re gonna find out.”
The baby in her arms started to squirm and she shifted the infant to a more comfortable position. “He sneaked into Matt’s room. The boys were so quiet we never knew. The damage is done. I’m sorry, Jarrod,” she said, shooting Abby a sympathetic look.
“I apologize, Annie.” Abby looked past her to where there was raucous laughter. “I never would have dreamed he’d sneak over here.”
The other woman laughed. “He certainly wasn’t any trouble.” She looked from one to the other. “I hear congratulations are in order. I’m real happy for both of you.”
“Thanks,” Jarrod said, sliding Abby a glance. “We’re real happy about it too.”
He didn’t look or sound very happy, Abby thought. The lines creasing his face beside his nose and mouth, and the circles beneath his eyes, made him look like he’d been awake all night. At least that wouldn’t give away their secret. After the exquisite things Jarrod had done to her, she could understand why a man and woman newly married would stay up all night. A shiver raced through her as she recalled the feelings Jarrod had elicited from her.
“You’ve got your hands full,” Jarrod said. “So we’d best take our little fella on home. I’d say he needs a lesson in learning to mind what he’s told.”
“Don’t be too hard on him,” Annie said.
Abby smiled up at Jarrod. “I wouldn’t worry about that.”
In her own room the following morning, Abby smoothed the quilt over her mattress one last time. It wasn’t quite sunup, and she had to fix breakfast for Jarrod before he began his day. The children were still asleep. They didn’t get up until after he had gone, including Tom, who stayed for lessons before joining his uncle for chores.
Abby opened her door and heard voices in Jarrod’s room. Just as she stepped into the hall, Tom did the same. When he saw her, he froze.
“What are you doing up so early?” she asked.
“What are you doin’ sleepin’ in your old room? You married Uncle Jarrod. Married folks sleep in the same bed.” His voice rose a notch.
“Quiet, Tom. You’ll wake everyone else.”
The last thing she needed was trying to explain this to all the children. It would be hard enough telling Tom. She wasn’t sure what to say. It had been late when they’d arrived at the ranch. She had bedded the children down, then gone straight to her own room without a thought about how it would look if anyone found her away from her brand-new husband.
“What’s wrong?” Jarrod stopped in the hall beside his nephew, and his eyebrows rose when he saw her standing there. He put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Let’s go down to the kitchen and have some breakfast.”
Tom shook his head, and straight brown hair fell over his eyes. He angrily brushed it away. “I wanna know what she’s doin’ in her old room now that she’s married to you.”
Abby saw the love in his young eyes when he looked at his uncle. Then his gaze rested on her and it was filled with hurt and betrayal. This bargain she had struck was getting worse all the time.
“Let’s go down to the kitchen and talk about this before we wake everyone else.”
“Yes, sir.” Tom stomped past Abby without acknowledging her and went downstairs.
Jarrod followed and stopped beside Abby, a concerned expression on his face. He hadn’t shaved yet, making him look more intense. “I hadn’t thought further than speaking the vows, Abby.”
“Me either. What are we going to say to him?”
He shook his head. “Wish I knew. At the reverend’s he was downright cheerful. I was beginning to think he was warming up to you.”
“I know. The same thought crossed my mind.” She bit her lip as she studied the spot where the boy had been. She took Jarrod’s arm and moved him away from the other children’s rooms. “I think we have to tell him the truth. Maybe you can convince him that dishonesty is all right sometimes.”
He looked at her sharply. “What does that mean?”
She touched a finger to her lips, shushing him. “I’m sorry, Jarrod. But a twelve-year-old boy sees everything in black and white. To him we’re lying.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “You’re right. We have to tell him what’s going on and hope he’ll understand.”
“You have to do the talking. He looked at me as if he wished I’d disappear.”
“You’re exaggerating.”
She shook her head. “You didn’t see the expression on his face.”
“No matter. We can’t put it off.”
She nodded, then led the way downstairs. Tom was sitting at the table, and Abby took the chair across from him, while Jarrod sat to his left.
“Tom, do you have any idea how much I’ve come to care about you and your brother and sisters?”
Tom looked at his uncle. “Really?”
Jarrod smiled. “Really. I’d do anything to keep the four of you here with me.”
“Includin’ marrying Abby?”
“That’s right.”
“Don’t see what that’s got to do with anything.”
“I’m going to try to explain it.” Jarrod took a deep breath. “Your father left a paper saying that you would live with his brother if anything happened to him. Rafe wants to honor that wish and take you back to his ranch in New Mexico.”
“I don’t want to go. Neither will the others.”
Jarrod squeezed his arm reassuringly. “I don’t want you to. Neither does Abby. We have to go before a judge and let him decide who you should live with. All I have is your mother’s letter giving the four of you to me. I don’t want to take any chances that the judge won’t see things my way. Your uncle Rafe isn’t married. So—”
“You married Abby?” There was such distaste in his voice that Abby flinched.
“It was my idea.” Jarrod met her gaze, and she saw that he hadn’t missed the venom in the boy’s tone. “Abby didn’t think it was a good one. But Donovan wanted to split you up. And the day he was here, the way he was with all of you convinced her that you’d be better off with me.”
“Married folks stay in the same room together.” Tom sat up and folded his arms over his chest, staring down at the table.
“That’s true. In this case, Abby’s doing me a favor. She’s my wife in name only. Do you know what that means?”
“Means she’s pretending.” The boy shot her a glare.
“That’s right. When the judge says that the four of you can stay with me, then we won’t be married anymore.”
“I thought it was real. Reverend Taylor is a real preacher. You said real words. You kissed her real hard. Why isn’t it forever?”
Jarrod sighed and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “When Abby agreed to be our housekeeper, she did it to help me out, but she made sure I knew it was only for a short time.”
“Why?” Tom’s eyes narrowed, but this time he didn’t look at her.
Abby spoke up. “I can’t stay because I have to find my father. He went away when I was about your age, Tom, and I promised myself when I was big enough I’d find him and live with him. Can you understand what that means to me?”
“So you’re tricking everyone.”
“Not exactly,” Jarrod said. “We’re really and truly married. But when everything is settled and you can stay, we’re going to annul it as if we never said the vows. Do you understand, son?”
The boy looked at Jarrod without saying anything.
“I know it’s dishonest, and I wouldn’t blame you if you lost respect for me. That would hurt me a lot, but not as much as losing you. That’s all I have to say. Except that it would be best to keep this from your brother and sisters. If word gets back to the judge, it wouldn’t look good.”
Tom shifted on his chair. “Can I tell Lil? Katie and Olive
r got big mouths. But Lil won’t say anything.”
Jarrod glanced at Abby. “What do you think?”
Her heart went out to Tom as she studied the bewildered look on his young face. He needed someone to talk to. “As long as she knows how important it is to keep this quiet. Let’s tell her together—”
Tom jumped up so fast his chair went over backward, startling Abby. “I don’t want to do anything with you. You’re nothin’ but a fake.”
Jarrod stood up quickly. “Don’t speak to Abby that way, Tom.”
The boy turned a look on him full of youthful fury and resentment. “What difference does it make? She’s leaving.”
He turned and ran out of the kitchen just as the rays of the sun peeked through the window.
Frowning, Jarrod turned back to Abby. “I’m sorry.”
“I know.” She looked down at her clasped hands for a moment, trying to control their shaking. Then she met his stormy gaze. “The question is, what are we going to do now?”
“About what?”
She sighed. “Tom noticed our sleeping arrangements. You think Katie and Oliver won’t? They’re the ones who are most likely to let something slip in town.”
“So what do we do?” He rubbed his cheek thoughtfully. When a gleam stole into his eyes, she held up a hand to stop what she knew was coming.
“I am not moving lock, stock, and barrel into your bedroom. It’s out of the question.”
“Why, Abby? What are you afraid of?” His tone was as smooth and soft as silk.
“I’m not afraid of you, if that’s what you’re implying. It’s just not proper.”
“The hell it isn’t. We’re married, legal and proper.”
“I’m not going to argue with you about this. I will not jeopardize my plan.”
“So I’m a threat to you.” He smiled that lazy smile that stole her breath away. “I believe I’ll take that as a compliment.”
As Jarrod moved closer, Abby stood up and backed away from him. “You can take it any way you darn well please, just keep your distance, Jarrod Blackstone.”
“Why, Mrs. Blackstone?” He stopped in front of her and touched one finger to her neck, the exact spot where her pulse fluttered wildly. “I think you liked sharing my bed and you’re afraid you could get so used to it you might not want to go chasing shadows.”
Abby figured she would take the truth of his words to her grave. “I think maybe we can work out a compromise.”
“Such as?”
“I will move my things into your room and retire there until we’re sure the children are sound asleep.”
“Then?”
“I will sleep in my room and get up before they do so no one will suspect a thing.”
“Seems a lot of sneaking around to me.”
“Maybe, but I can’t think of any other way.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Won’t be for long anyhow.”
“Why? What’s happened?”
“I didn’t want to upset you or say anything in front of the kids until they have to know. Donovan told me yesterday the judge will be in Hollister in two weeks.”
“Two weeks?”
Abby’s stomach clenched.
That night, Jarrod was restless. The house was quiet. Abby had left him and gone to her room as soon as she figured the kids were asleep. He wished he could find that peace. The truth was, he was worried about the upcoming custody hearing. Even more, he missed having Abby beside him. She felt right in his bed. Without her body beside his, the sweet sound of her breathing, her movements rustling the sheets, it was as if a part of him was missing.
He’d never felt that way before. Not even with Dulcy. He was fighting like hell against it, but more and more he feared that Abby had the power to hurt him like no one else ever had.
After tossing and turning for what seemed hours, he got up. He was warm. The house had held in the heat of the day. Maybe if he sat on the porch and cooled off he could get some rest, get Abby out of his thoughts. He put on his trousers.
Stepping out into the upstairs hall, Jarrod automatically glanced toward the kids’ rooms. When he noticed a light coming from under Lily’s door, his brows drew together in concern. Was she all right? Had Tom upset her with the news he’d learned that morning?
Quickly, he moved across the hall and was about to knock when he heard voices. Lily wasn’t alone. He heard Katie, Tom, and Oliver. Jarrod grinned as the latter was shushed repeatedly. Poor Oliver couldn’t keep his voice down if his life depended on it. He sobered instantly, wondering what was keeping them awake.
After knocking softly, he opened the door. Tom was poised in the doorway between his room and Lily’s, apparently trying to escape. Katie and Oliver burrowed beneath the covers on Lily’s bed, to hide. As if two big lumps on the mattress could be overlooked. He stifled a smile.
“What’s going on? Why aren’t you all asleep?”
Dressed in her white, cotton nightgown, Lily stood by her bed, trying to block his view. “Uncle Jarrod, I—”
“She couldn’t sleep. I came in to talk,” Tom said.
He nodded toward the two mounds beneath the covers. “I suppose Katie and Oliver couldn’t sleep either?”
“You can’t see me, Uncle Jarrod.” Oliver’s muffled voice came from the bed. “I’m hidin’.”
Katie threw back the covers. “How did you know where we were?”
“It wasn’t easy,” Jarrod said. “I almost missed you.” He looked at the four of them. “Now who wants to tell me what’s going on?”
“Are you mad, Uncle Jarrod?” Katie asked. “We were having a family meeting.”
“A meeting?” he asked.
“We used to do it with Mama, to figure things out. She always talked to us when she needed to decide something,” Lily said.
“We helped ‘er,” Oliver said, sliding out from his hiding place and sitting cross-legged in the center of the bed.
“Is that what you’re doing now? Trying to make a decision?” Jarrod asked, looking pointedly at Tom. He hoped the boy hadn’t spilled the beans to Katie and Oliver. If he had, as soon as they hit town for the hearing, everyone in Hollister would know his marriage to Abby was a fraud. Including the judge.
“We’re just talking about things.” Tom shook his head slightly, indicating he hadn’t said anything to them. “What things?” Jarrod asked.
“Do we have to go with our other uncle?” Katie asked.
Oliver pulled his thumb out of his mouth. “He’s mean. Wanted t’wallop me when I went t’the outhouse.”
Lily sat on the bed. “We don’t want to go with him. Mama said we should be raised as Blackstones on the ranch where she grew up, with you. She talked to us about it and we all decided it was best. Don’t make us go. We like it here. We want to stay with you, Uncle Jarrod.”
His chest tight with emotion, Jarrod slowly sat down beside her. He draped an arm around her shoulders, and she leaned against him. Tom sat down on his other side, just before Katie and Oliver jumped on his back. They threw their chubby, loving arms around his neck. The weight of those warm bodies felt good. He closed his eyes for a moment as he drew in a deep breath to compose himself. No way was Rafe Donovan, or anyone else, taking these kids from him.
Jarrod swallowed hard. “I would have talked to you sooner if I’d known you knew what was going on with Donovan.”
“We eavesdropped when he was here with the sheriff,” Katie said. “Are you mad? Your voice sounds funny.”
He shook his head. “I’m not mad. Just wish you’d let me in on this sooner, is all.”
“Really? Why?” Oliver asked.
Jarrod took a deep breath. “Your mama was a smart lady. These meetings are real important. I’d like to be part of your family if you’ll let me. What do you say?”
“Of course,” Lily said.
Oliver threw himself backward on the mattress. “Yippee,” he hollered.
“That was yes,” Tom said. “Goes double for me.”
“Me too,” Katie added. “Are you gonna come to all our family meetings from now on, Uncle Jarrod?”
“Yes, I will. But it’s late. From now on, I think we should have them at suppertime.”
“Goody,” Oliver said. “Then Abby can be there too.”
“She’s not part of the family,” Tom said, a note of bitterness lacing his words.
Katie leaned over Jarrod’s shoulder and looked at him. “But aren’t you married?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“Then isn’t she part of the family?” Katie persisted.
Tom shrugged sheepishly when Jarrod glared at him. “Tom just meant that she’s not related by blood. Right, Tom?”
“I s’pose,” the boy said grudgingly.
Katie hugged him around the neck. “Uncle Jarrod, don’t you think Abby should come to our family meetings?”
“That’s up to her.”
If she wanted to stay and be a part of the family, he wasn’t opposed to the idea. But that wasn’t likely to happen, and he wouldn’t count on it. After one failure with a woman, he wasn’t about to set himself up for another.
He released Lily and pulled Katie’s arms from around his neck, then tugged her over his shoulder. The little girl squealed with delight at the sudden somersault. “I think it’s getting late and you should all be in bed and asleep.”
“Will you tuck us in?” Katie asked.
“Sure.”
He’d do anything for them.
In the hallway outside Lily’s room, Abby pressed her back against the wall as she brushed her knuckle across the tear trickling down her cheek. Half asleep in her own bed, she had heard one of the children cry out and awoke with a start. Hurrying to Oliver, she had seen the light from Lily’s room and stopped. When she heard her name, she froze outside. Tom’s words had knocked the wind from her as surely as if he’d socked her in the stomach.
She’s not part of the family.
True enough. Still, that didn’t make it hurt any less. The fact was, she didn’t fit anywhere. Not until she found her father.
From Lily’s room, she heard the bedsprings groan and figured Jarrod was about to settle the children. She started for her room, then decided since they were all still awake, she should go to Jarrod’s.
Blackstone's Bride Page 24
