by SJ McCoy
Somehow, over the last few months that little girl had stolen his heart just as much as her mother had. She wanted him to be her daddy? Well, she was in for a little surprise of her own come the wedding.
Chapter Eighteen
Chance sat on the front porch of his cabin watching the sun come up. He loved this place, had done since he first set foot on the ranch. He felt at home in the mountains, felt at home with the cattle. He looked up at the big house. He felt at home with this family. Even if they weren’t blood. He sighed and took a sip of his coffee.
He’d felt at home with his own family, too. With his dad and his sister, Missy. They’d lost their mom when they were young, but the three of them had been a real family. The three of them, and for most of his teenage years, Chloe, too. They’d dated all through high school. They’d known they’d get married just as soon as they could. They’d get their own little house and live a happy little life in the small town by the lake where they’d grown up. At least that was what they thought they knew. Life was a bitch who liked to turn what you knew on its head. Life had a habit of snatching away all your certainties. Life liked to let you taste happiness just so it would hurt more when you lost it. Life dealt you people like Kyle Hutchens and Guy Preston…
He looked up at the sound of a low whistle and smiled when he saw Al ambling down the path from the barn.
“I reckoned you’d be up. Reckoned you’d be the only one with coffee to offer me, too.”
Chance got up as Al joined him on the porch. “You reckoned right. Black no sugar?”
Al laughed. “Yup, reckon I’m sweet enough already.”
“I’ll be back.” Chance gestured for him to take a seat on one of the rockers while he went inside and fixed him a coffee.
Al had settled right in by the time Chance came back out. He was rocking and staring out at the mountains, looking for all the world as though he’d sat in that same chair every morning of his whole life.
Chance put his coffee down with a smile. “Why do I get the feeling this isn’t just a casual visit?”
“Maybe because you’re a suspicious son of a gun and you don’t trust no one.”
Chance cocked his head to one side.
“Or maybe because you’re right,” added Al with a smirk.
“So what do you want?” Chance didn’t think he could take yet another well intended pep talk about how he should forget about Guy and let the police take care of it. He’d heard it from everyone over the last few days and he was doing a pretty good job of keeping himself in check. He thought of Al as someone who understood and at least wouldn’t give him any grief. He didn’t want him giving him earache like the rest of them. The old man’s response took him off guard.
He waved a hand at him. “Nah, forget it. It’s a stupid idea.”
That didn’t sound like Al was about to give him the same warnings everyone else had. It sounded more like he’d been about to ask for help and Chance’s attitude had scared him off. Chance could’ve kicked himself. He’d do anything to help the old guy out.
“Come on,” he took a sip of his coffee. “You can’t go backing off just because I’m a grouchy bastard in the morning. I’ll loosen up after this second cup.” He smiled over the rim of his mug.
It worked. Al relaxed a little and smiled back. He didn’t say anything though, and Chance knew better than to push. He could wait. Al would talk when he was ready, or he wouldn’t talk at all. Chance knew that—it took one to know one.
They sipped their coffee in silence for a while. Chance’s mind had just started gnawing at him about Guy again when Al looked up and met his gaze.
“You know how to drive a buggy, don’t you?”
“Sure do.”
Al nodded. “And how would you feel about it?”
“About driving one?
“About driving the one we’ve been working on these last few weeks.”
He couldn’t mean what Chance thought he did. “But you’re going to drive it.”
“I’m not sure as I should.”
“And why’s that?”
Al looked beaten as he held up his left hand. His fingers were swollen and twisted.
“What the hell?”
Al shrugged. “It’s the rheumatism. They’ve been getting worse for years.”
Chance had never noticed before. How had he missed it with all the work he and Al had been doing on the buggy and the cleaning up the harness? He gave Al a puzzled look.
“See, I hide it pretty well most of the time. I get by, it doesn’t stop me from doing much.”
“Obviously not.” Chance couldn’t believe he’d never seen just how bad it was before.
“But, see, I can get around most things. Use my good hand, whatever, and there’s never a time when it matters. If this old claw is bad and can’t get a grip on what I need, then I wait until it can, or I use something else.” He lowered his head. “But that’s not the case with getting the girls to the wedding.”
Chance understood and his heart sank on Al’s behalf. He wanted to reassure him, tell him he’d be fine, but he knew better.
“I know I’m probably making a fuss over nothing, but what if…?” He seemed to drift away imagining all kinds of things, none of them good.
Chance waited.
“What if one of the horses gets spooked? What if something sets ’em off? If they bolt, there’s not going to be a damned a thing I can do about it.” He shook his head sadly. “And I’m going to have the most precious cargo in the world in that buggy. Four brides and one little rascal.” He blew out a big sigh then gave Chance a rueful smile. “It’s not a responsibility I want to take on. So I’m hoping I can pass it along to you.”
Chance stared at him for a long time. He knew what it must have taken Al to ask him. It’d take a lot to admit that he wasn’t as strong as he used to be. And more than that he was giving away his chance to drive his daughter to her wedding. He must be pretty certain he wasn’t up to the job before he’d give it away. Chance’s mind was racing; he wanted to help. Not so long ago he’d pushed his own dad down the aisle in a wheelchair so that he could hold Missy’s hand on her way to the altar. Thinking about how much that had meant—to all three of them—he didn’t want Al or Gina to miss out on their moment.
He rubbed his hand across his face. “How about I ride with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s going to be four brides and one little rascal sitting in the carriage, like you said. That still leaves two seats up front. One for you and one for me. I doubt you’ll need me, you can drive that thing in there like Gina wants you to, and if the horses spook or you need any help, I’ll be right there to take the reins.”
Al’s brows came down and he puffed out his cheeks, making Chance wonder what he’d said that was so wrong. It was only when he saw Al’s eyes glisten that he understood—he hadn’t said anything wrong, he’d said the absolute right thing.
“Thanks, son.”
He nodded. “Thank you. I’m glad you asked.”
Al recovered quickly, the usual glint was back in his eye. “You know you wouldn’t have been my first choice, but the others are all busy that day.”
Chance laughed, glad to move away from the emotional stuff. “Well, beggars can’t be choosers.”
“Don’t I know it,” said Al. He looked more than relieved. He looked pretty damned pleased with himself. Chance was more than happy to help.
~ ~ ~
Summer waved as she passed by Chance’s cabin. It was nice to see Gina’s dad having coffee with Chance. She liked both of them, but they both seemed a little grumpy and scary to her at times. Not this morning though. They each gave her a smile and a cheery wave. Maybe things were getting better around here; everyone seemed more relaxed again after the whole thing with Guy. He hadn’t been caught yet, but Summer had every faith that the police would bring him in any day now and it would all be over. She hoped it would be very soon, since the wedding was almost here
and it would be lovely to think that he’d be locked up before then and all their troubles would be behind them.
She walked on down the path to the barn. She was on her way to Gina and Mason’s cottage to meet up with all the girls this morning, but she wanted to stop in and see Lola on the way.
She walked down the line of stalls and smiled when Lola stuck her head out and nickered gently when she saw her. “Good morning, beautiful.” She stroked the mare’s nose. “How are you today?”
Lola gently butted her shoulder. She was such a gentle thing and so sweet-natured. Summer smiled, remembering how Chance had told her Lola’s story. She’d come to the valley with a rich family from California. When the people had left, Lola had stayed behind. Chance had said that she was Summer’s perfect match, and Summer agreed. Lola was different from the other horses, a little less hardy, a little less robust, but what she lacked in strength she made up for in heart. Summer liked to think that she was that way too.
“Summer Breese!” She turned in surprise to see Ruby running toward her.
“Ruby!” Beau called sharply, stopping her in her tracks.
“Sorry, Daddy,” she muttered before continuing on her way at a trot. When she reached Summer, she wrapped her arms around her legs and hugged tight.
“Aren’t you supposed to be at the cottage? My mommy said you’d be there.”
“I’m on my way there. I just came to see Lola.”
Ruby grinned. “I came to see Gypsy. I’m going to ride out with my daddy and Troy one day soon.”
Summer smiled at Beau as he joined them.
“Not until after the wedding,” he said.
Ruby scowled. “But that’s way more than three weeks and you said three weeks.”
“And I also said that you have to understand there’s a lot going on, didn’t I? I know you want to ride, and we will. But your mom wants a lovely wedding and we have to make sure she gets that before we take care of anything else, don’t we?”
Ruby nodded. “Yes, Mommy’s wedding is most important.” She looked at Summer. “We’re going to do everything we can to make Mommy happy.” She nodded solemnly.
Summer smiled. The two of them were adorable together. Beau so tall and dark and rugged and Ruby so small and blonde and delicate. “I’m sure she will be very happy indeed. She’s a lucky lady.”
“He’s a lucky son of a gun!” Ruby giggled and pointed at Beau.
Summer tried not to laugh.
Beau shook his head and turned the best frown he could muster on Ruby. “You know you’re not supposed to say things like that.”
Ruby shrugged innocently. “That’s what Auntie Wanda said. You’re a lucky son of a gun, because you get to marry my mommy and you get me, too!” She held her arms up to him.
Summer had to giggle, watching him roll his eyes as he scooped her up. “Auntie Wanda is a piece of work,” he muttered.
“Auntie Wanda said that about you too. What’s a piece of work? Is it because you work together?”
Beau let out a reluctant laugh. “Something like that, yeah. Now are we going to see Gypsy, or can we just get going?”
Ruby struggled to get down. “I want to see Gypsy! She started to trot down the aisle between the stalls and then ran back to hug Summer’s knees again. I love you, Summer.”
“I love you, too, Ruby.” Summer called after her as she went to check on Gypsy. “Did you get everything sorted out with Carly and James?” she asked Beau.
He grinned. “I did. They’re arriving on Thursday, and they got him to sign the papers.”
Summer clapped her hands together. “That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks, Corinne doesn’t know anything, though. She thinks they can’t even get here until Saturday morning.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t say a word.”
“Thanks,” Beau checked his watch. “I’d better get going, we’re supposed to be on our way up to town by now.”
Summer nodded. “And I’m supposed to be on my way to the cottage.”
“See you soon.”
“Bye.”
~ ~ ~
“Summer’s here, I’ll just go let her in,” said Gina. “You two get comfy on the deck.”
She went to the front door to greet Summer while Corinne and Cassidy made their way outside.
“Sorry I’m late, I bet I’m the last aren’t I?”
Gina smiled. “It doesn’t matter. Come on in. Do you want coffee or juice?”
“I’d love an orange juice, thanks. How are you feeling? Are you off coffee?”
“God, no! I don’t know what I’d do if I couldn’t get my coffee fix. Brandy, one of my friends up in town, told me she goes off coffee every time she’s expecting.” She made a face. “And she’s expecting baby number five right now.”
“Oh, wow! I’m jealous of you, I can’t wait to get pregnant and get our family started, but I think five might be a bit much, even for me. I think three’s a good number, don’t you?”
Gina smiled. “I’m just going to see how I get on with this first one before I go deciding about any more.”
“Oh, you’ll be fine. You’re going to be the best momma, and I’m hoping to be right there with you soon. We want to start our family as soon as we can.”
Cassidy popped her head in through the sliding door. “Come on out, would you? And stop harassing poor Gina about babies. You’ll get there soon enough, Summer, it’s not as though you’re not trying every chance you get!”
Summer’s cheeks turned pink and she gave Gina a little shrug.
“Leave her alone, she’s fine. She’s just excited about her and Carter becoming parents, too. I was with you before I found out I was expecting. I get it now though.”
Cassidy groaned. “I’m all alone listening to other people’s maternal clocks ticking. I think mine malfunctioned. It doesn’t work.”
Gina led Summer out on the deck to join her and Corinne. “It might not, not everyone’s does, but there’s no need to be afraid of the rest of us. It’s not contagious.”
Cassidy gave a mock shudder. “I hope not!”
“It might be slightly contagious,” said Corinne with a sly smile.
“What do you mean?” asked Cassidy suspiciously.
“Just that after I had Ruby people were always asking when we were going to give her a little brother or sister. I used to smile and make the right noises, but inside I was thinking never, if I can help it.
Cassidy grinned.
“Now though, I keep thinking it’d be kind of nice.” She looked around. “I mean, Ruby’s going to have cousins,” she smiled at Gina and Summer, “and lots of them by the sounds of it, but I keep thinking it would be amazing if she had a little brother or sister. She looked a little embarrassed. “For me and Beau to have a baby.”
“Oh, that’d be so wonderful!” cried Summer.
“Ugh, and I thought you were on my side,” said Cassidy.
Gina laughed. “It’s not about sides, it’s about us all doing what’s right for us.” She gave Cassidy a stern look, “And supporting each other in whatever that might be.”
Cassidy laughed. “Oh, I’ll support you, all right. But can I keep my contributions strictly financial?” She looked around at them, “I’m warning you now, don’t any of you expect me to babysit until your sprogs are at least old enough to take art lessons. Preferably until they’re old enough to drink wine with me. Then I might consider it.”
“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t dream of asking you,” said Corinne. “I know better.”
“What do you mean?” Cassidy arched an eyebrow at her.
Corinne pursed her lips. “Have I ever?”
Cassidy frowned. “Now you come to mention it, no, you haven’t. Don’t you trust me or something?”
Corinne laughed. “It’s not that. I wouldn’t do it to you. I know you’d hate it.”
Gina smiled to herself as Cassidy seemed to be reconsidering. It was one thing for her to say she wa
s no good with kids and she didn’t want to babysit. It was another for Corinne to decide the same thing about her.
“I think I do okay with Ruby these days, don’t you?”
Corinne laughed. “You’re getting better. But the day Ruby told me Beau was a good guy, he just had his head up his ass, I didn’t need to think too hard about where she might have heard that.”
Gina and Summer laughed. Cassidy shrugged unapologetically. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with her hearing stuff like that. She’s a smart little thing, she’s got a good head on her shoulders.”
Corinne nodded. “She does. I just don’t want her getting too opinionated or too willful.”
“You mean you don’t want her turning out like Cassidy?” asked Summer.
Cassidy stuck her tongue out at her. “She wouldn’t do too badly if she turned out like me.”
“I agree,” said Corinne. “Just not yet.” She turned to Gina. “Anyway. I told Shane I’d be at work by eleven. So what have we still got to sort out?”
Gina shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. I know the food is all covered. Monique and the caterers have everything taken care of at the house.”
“And the band is all sorted,” said Summer. “I talked to them and finalized everything.”
“Are you going to sing?” asked Cassidy.
“I don’t know. I was thinking about it, but if Autumn really does bring Matt…”
“I hope she does,” said Corinne. “I don’t think the press is going to be interested in any of us. They’re just going to want a few quick pictures of him, aren’t they?”
Gina nodded. “I don’t have a problem with it. I think you should stop worrying about it, Summer.” Summer had been so uptight when she’d asked them all if Autumn could bring Matt. Gina had hated to see her like that. She’d felt as though she was in a lose-lose situation. If she said no, she’d be letting her sister down, and if she said yes, she’d somehow be spoiling the others’ day. Gina had felt the same way as Cassidy and Corinne; it was no big deal. It wasn’t as though the press wanted to cover their weddings; their interest was purely in Matt.
