Harlequin American Romance May 2014 Bundle: One Night in TexasThe Cowboy's DestinyA Baby for the DoctorThe Bull Rider's Family

by Linda Warren

  When he didn’t say anything else, she finished the sentence. “I wasn’t the type of woman you saw as your wife.”

  “Yeah. I can’t believe I was that shallow. I don’t feel that way now—please, believe me.” Before she could find a response, he went on, “That’s why when you tried to talk to me when I first came back, I avoided you. I didn’t want to reopen that door to old feelings, and I didn’t want to hurt your feelings. I only saw you as an obstacle to the future I had planned. You derailed me once, and I couldn’t let it happen again. Don’t feel bad about not getting in touch with me ten years ago. I probably wouldn’t have taken your call. So it’s all on me, Angie. Don’t ever blame yourself again.”

  As he talked, a thread of pain wrapped around her heart. The more he talked, the more the thread tightened. But she would not give in to it. She would not creep away and bawl her eyes out. She’d always known she would never fit into his world.

  “I’ve always felt I wasn’t good enough for you, but it was hard to tell my heart that.”

  His gaze shot to hers. “Don’t say that. Coming here in the past few weeks, watching you with Erin and with your family and with your friends, I could see everything I couldn’t back then. I saw a loving, caring, compassionate woman who any man would be lucky to have.”

  She got up and carried her glass to the sink. She turned to face him, leaning against the counter for support. “I think that now we have to forgive each other and move forward. We could blame each other forever and it would solve nothing. We had a wonderful summer that year and I would like to look back on it with fondness because we created Erin. What happened afterward was two people who had no clue of what they really wanted. At the time, they just wanted each other.”

  His tortured eyes looked into hers. “Angie, I’d like to start over.”

  She shook her head. “There’s no going back, Hardy. I’m a homebody. I love being a mother and I love cooking and taking care of my yard and my flowers. I have a lot of customers who depend on me, and I enjoy helping them and anyone who needs my help. That’s who I am. I’m not cut out to be a politician’s wife. I wasn’t then, and I’m not now. I’d hate going to parties, campaigning, asking for votes and generally just being out there. I’d much rather be at home. That makes me sound really old, but...”

  He got up and walked to her. He cupped her face with his hands. She tensed. With his thumb, he caressed her cheek. “I’m sorry I hurt you. You’re the sweetest person I know and I wish I could go back and—”

  “We can’t. As adults, we have to think of Erin and do what’s best for her. She will live with me and you can see her whenever you want. I hope we can make better choices for her together without arguing and without antagonism. If anything, we’ve grown from this.”

  “Why do you have to be so nice? I wish you would yell at me, curse me or something.”

  She placed her hands over his and entwined her fingers with his. “Please, just go.” She didn’t know how much more strength she had, and she was getting close to the breaking point.

  “Goodbye, Angie.” With those words, he let go of her hands and walked out the door. Any dreams she’d harbored were gone. A tear ran down her cheek for a love that wasn’t meant to be.

  * * *

  HARDY DIDN’T SLEEP much that night. His conscience wouldn’t let him. He’d hurt the most loving person on earth, and for that he couldn’t forgive himself. But he would go on. That was what life was about.

  By morning he’d made a decision. His father wasn’t at the breakfast table, so he turned to Mavis. “Where’s Dad?”

  “He’s on the phone upstairs. I heard him when I was gathering laundry. I’m sure it’s some political strategy for your future.”

  His father walked into the room, and Mavis handed him a cup coffee. “I called Olivia and she said I needed to talk to you. Did you break up with her?”

  “Yes.”

  “Hot damn. Now we’re talking.” As soon as the words left Mavis’s mouth, she clamped a hand over it.

  Hardison Senior glared at her as he took a seat. “Don’t you have something to do in another part of the house?”

  “Yes, sir. I have to clean the stinky cigars out of your study.” Mavis had been with them so long she had no qualms about voicing her opinion.

  As soon as she left, his dad asked, “What happened?”

  Hardy told his father everything about the day before.

  “She used my name?”

  “Yes, that’s why CPS looked into the complaint.”

  “I never thought she’d go that far, but she saw what everyone else saw.”

  “What?”

  “That you’re smitten with your daughter...and the daughter’s mother.”

  Hardy got up and placed his cup on the counter. “I’m not sure what the next step is, Dad. I want you to know that. Don’t push me. Don’t pressure me. This time I’m making a decision that’s for me—a decision for my future.”

  “I kind of figured that. Take your time. You may not believe it, but I really do want you to be happy. But don’t think I’m giving up, either.”

  Hardy was stunned for a second. He expected an argument—a big argument. He’d finally gotten through to his dad, and it was a relief. “Thanks. I wish Rachel was here. I really need to talk to her.”

  “She’s not answering her phone again. She’s mad at me because I gave her a good talking-to the last time. I don’t know why she can’t come home. It’s as if she hates it here, and I know that’s not true.” He got up to refill his cup. “Kids will drive you crazy.”

  “At the moment, mine only brings me joy.”

  “You wait until she hits those teen years. You won’t even recognize her. Which reminds me. When are you bringing Erin to the house?”

  “I’m not sure, but you can visit her at Angie’s. Just call.”

  Hardy headed for his truck and the office. On the way, he called Erin. She was up and eating breakfast and actually answered the phone. Angie was putting clothes in the washer, Erin said. They talked until he reached the courthouse. His daughter was a chatterbox.

  Alice was at her desk. He took his messages from her. “Wyatt’s looking for you.”

  “Thanks. I’ll call him.” He walked into his office, sorting his messages. Wyatt came in behind him.

  “I got word a little while ago that Nelda Cleck’s five-year-old son passed away.”

  “Oh, man!” Hardy sank into his chair. Nelda’s boyfriend had beaten the boy into a coma two weeks ago. Hardy had really hoped the kid would pull through.

  “The boyfriend’s out on bail,” Wyatt said. “What do you want me to do?”

  “I’ll upgrade the charges, and you can pick him up. He’s going to do some hard time now.”

  Wyatt shook his head. “I don’t know what makes a man do something like that.”

  “Too much liquor, for one thing.” Hardy leaned forward. “Nelda lives in a two-bedroom trailer and has five more kids. I don’t know where they all sleep. At least we can get the boyfriend out of there.”

  “We’re getting a bad environment in that trailer park. Don’t forget the meeting tonight with the mayor and the city council. They want us to keep crime down, but they’re gonna have to set some restrictions. Like how many people in a trailer and how many trailers on a lot. We patrol that area all the time, but we need some help from the city to stop the influx of hoods moving in.”

  “What time is the meeting?”

  “Seven.”

  Wyatt moved for the door. “Call me when you have the paperwork ready.”

  Crimes like the Cleck case got to Hardy. He stood and went to the window. He had a corner office and could see most of Horseshoe. Angie drove up and parked in front of her office. She must not be staying long because she usually parked around back. He watched as if mesmerized as she got the crutches out of the car and carried them around to Erin in the passenger side. Angie waited until Erin hopped up onto the curb and then retrieved a box out of the
backseat. It looked like folders and her laptop. Before she could unlock her door, Mr. Zapota and Mrs. Whitfield stopped to chat. His daughter was doing most of the chatting. He could almost hear her voice.

  Mrs. Watkins from the antiques store walked up. Angie was having a hard time getting into her office. Finally, AnaMarie opened the door from the inside and Angie and Erin were able to escape from the people who wanted to talk to them. He didn’t know why Angie thought she wasn’t a social person. Everyone liked her and enjoyed her company.

  In that moment as he watched, something happened inside him. He wanted to run from his office down the steps of the courthouse and to Angie and Erin. They were everything he wanted. Nothing else mattered. They were his future. His present and his past. He took a deep breath, knowing that this time he had to take it slow so Angie would know that he really wanted her. Loved her. How did he do that?

  * * *

  ANGIE TRIED NOT to think of the conversation with Hardy, but most of the time it was right there at the edge of her consciousness. But she tried not to let it get to her. They would see each other often, so she had to be able to talk to him without any hurt feelings. Sometimes it was hard to let go of the dream. That was why she wouldn’t have a relationship with Hardy. She wanted him to have his dream. Soon he would realize it was for the best. He would make a great judge, and she had a feeling he would pursue politics at an even higher level.

  The day was busy. Erin was doing fine, entertaining everyone who came into the bakery or Angie’s office. Angie went to the grocery store on the way home and wondered if Hardy would come by tonight. She had to stop thinking about him.

  “It’s not fair!” Erin complained from the living room.

  Angie put milk and orange juice into the refrigerator. “Erin, I’m getting tired of this.”

  Someone tapped at the back door.

  “Come in.”

  Hardy stepped into her kitchen and her heart beat a little faster just at the sight of him. Was it always going to be that way?

  “Where’s Erin?” he asked.

  “In the living room pouting.”

  “I’m not pouting,” Erin shouted. “I’m mad.”

  “What’s going on?” Hardy wanted to know.

  “The Fourth of July picnic and parade is a few days away and she’s just realized she won’t be able to ride her bicycle in the parade with Jody like she always does. They decorate the bikes in red, white and blue. They’ve done it every year since they were about five.”

  Hardy walked into the living room. Angie continued to put up the groceries, but she had one ear tuned to everything that was being said in the other room.

  “It’s not fair, Daddy,” Erin said. “I have to sit and watch.”

  “You know, I have a red convertible Camaro I used to drive in college. It’s in the garage at the ranch. I’ll see if I can get it running, and then you can ride in the parade. You can sit in the back and wave like a beauty queen.”

  “Can Jody ride, too?”

  “If her parents say it’s okay.”

  “Ah, Mama, did you hear?” Erin’s voice was now filled with excitement.

  “Yes, I heard,” Angie said from the doorway. She remembered the car. Hardy had looked like a movie star driving it. Well, to her innocent eyes, he had.

  Hardy got to his feet. “I’ll go home and see if it still runs.”

  “I’ll call Uncle Bubba.” Erin reached for her crutches. “He fixes a lot of old cars.”

  “Now, you know your uncle and I don’t get along that well.”

  “Don’t worry,” was Erin’s response. “I’ll talk to him, and he’ll do anything for me.”

  She hobbled into the kitchen for the phone.

  Angie lifted an eyebrow at Hardy. “Mr. Fix-It?”

  He stepped closer to her and her breath caught in her throat at the gleam in his eyes. “That’s me. Got anything you want me to fix?”

  My heart.

  “Daddy, Uncle Bubba wants to talk to you,” Erin called.

  Hardy grinned. “See. It’s working.”

  * * *

  BUBBA HAULED THE Camaro to his station and had it running the next day. Erin was beside herself with anticipation. Bubba even washed it and cleaned it up. Angie expected a phone call at any minute that Bubba had whacked Hardy over the head with a wrench, but it seemed the D.A. had won over her brother.

  Angie and Peyton took the girls to a mall in Temple to get outfits for the parade. Hardy gave her his credit card to buy whatever Erin wanted. At first she refused, but then she relented and took the card. Erin was his daughter, too. She had to remind herself every now and then.

  The girls settled on red cowboy boots, white skirts, blue T-shirts with The Fourth of July written on them, a red sash for their waists and white hats. The day of the parade Erin could hardly contain herself. Hardy picked Erin up early and Angie was surprised to see Judge Hollister sitting in the passenger seat. Hardy helped Erin into the small backseat and then waved to Angie.

  As they drove away, Angie felt a pang. She didn’t know what it was at first, and then it hit her. It was the first step of letting go and sharing Erin with her father. She went into the house, feeling lonelier than she ever had. She didn’t have time to have a meltdown because she and Peyton were in charge of drinks and popcorn.

  The festive day passed quickly, as most of Horseshoe was there to celebrate. Angie held her breath as she waited for the line of cars and makeshift floats to make the trip around the square. She kept looking for the red Camaro and when she saw it, she had to fight not to cry.

  Erin and Jody sat side by side on the back of the Camaro just like beauty queens, waving. Judge Hollister waved to the crowd, also. It was a defining moment, and everyone in Horseshoe knew it. The Hollisters were introducing Erin as part of the family.

  The whole Wiznowski family was manning a kolache booth. All the grandmothers were there, including Helen and Ruby. Five generations were present. Later they would take a photo to commemorate the occasion.

  The square was a hive of activity. People were barbecuing, selling hot dogs and hamburgers, drinks, cotton candy, hot pretzels, funnel cakes and much more. Patsy and Peggy were face painting. There was a forty-two-domino tournament and games for the kids to play. Country music played in the background.

  Angie and Peyton sold drinks and popcorn and never had a moment’s break. It was hot and people were thirsty. There were several booths sponsored by the city, and all proceeds went to the Horseshoe school district to fund a swimming pool for the kids. Last year they’d made enough to renovate the gym.

  As Angie filled cups with ice and soft drinks or water, she kept looking for Erin. She wanted to make sure Erin wasn’t getting too much sun, but she was sure Hardy would take care of her. She just didn’t like being away from her daughter.

  At lunchtime, she went searching for Erin. She had to be tired by now standing on the crutches. Angie found her with Jody by the Camaro with Hardy, the judge and several members of the city council. They were discussing the trailer park and the Cleck child who had died. It was a sad situation.

  She walked over to Erin and Jody. “Sweetie, come get something to drink and eat. It’s too hot out here for you, and I want you to sit down for a while.”

  “Mama, I’m with Daddy,” Erin said in a voice that denoted Angie was embarrassing her.

  Erin had never spoken to her that way, and it took a moment to gain her perspective.

  Hardy walked over. “Erin, go with your mother.”

  Erin hung her head. “Yes, sir.”

  Angie found a spot under a huge oak tree and made Erin sit down in the shade. Her cheeks were red from the heat and her T-shirt was sweaty.

  Peyton brought plates of hot dogs, chips and cookies for the girls and also one for Angie. Erin drank almost a bottle of water and then she lay on the grass with her head in Angie’s lap. Her daughter was unwilling to admit she was tired. She just wanted to spend time with her father and Angie had to try to
adjust.

  The afternoon passed quickly. A small band was setting up on the courthouse steps. The booths started to close, and everyone gathered for the evening’s entertainment. Erin and Jody sat in lawn chairs by the paved entrance to the courthouse where people would dance.

  Wyatt and his guys had to work because there was a lot of drinking during the picnic, which made some people rowdy, but he came over for the dance and Peyton was thrilled. J.W. went home with his grandmother, and Angie and Peyton found seats near the girls. Hardy and Wyatt stood behind them. When the music started, Wyatt and Peyton were the first to get up. Then Wyatt danced with Jody.

  “I want to dance with my daddy,” Erin whined.

  “Sweetie, you can’t. Maybe next year. You’re getting tired and cranky and I want the whining to stop. You’ve had a big day.”

  Erin leaned over into Angie’s lap. “I’m sorry, Mama. Can we go home now?”

  Before Angie could reply, Hardy walked up to Erin. “Stand up,” he instructed. Erin did as he asked. “Now put your arms around my neck.” He leaned forward and Erin once again did as asked. Hardy lifted Erin from the lawn chair into his arms. With his arms around her waist, they moved to the music playing in the background. The smile on Erin’s face said it all. Angie felt a catch in her throat.

  After the song died away, Hardy brought Erin back and sat her in her chair.

  “Now you have to dance with Mama.” Erin pointed to Angie.

  Angie shook her head. “No. I’m too tired.”

  Hardy reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet. She had no choice other than to make a fool of herself or dance. She danced. He pulled her against his firm body and clasped his hands at the small of her back. Her lungs burned from holding her breath at the sweet desire that ran through her.

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she went with her emotions. The side of his face rested against her forehead. His five-o’clock shadow felt wicked against her skin. The band played on as the moonlight cast its magic spell. Hardy smelled of barbecue, cigars and heaven. Yes, heaven had a scent, and it flooded her system with an aching need.