The Texan's Bride

by Linda Warren

  At that moment she caught Cadde’s eyes across the room. He smiled, walked over and kissed her cheek. She yearned to hear “I love you” but what he said was, “Having a good time?”

  She couldn’t believe how much the lack of three little words could hurt. It wasn’t important, she told herself.

  But she couldn’t explain it to her heart.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CADDE HATED SHOPPING. He bought his shirts, jeans and boots from the same store. It was easier that way. These days he found himself shopping more than usual, mostly in a jewelry store. He was buying Jessie an engagement ring for Christmas and it had to be the right one. After looking until his head was spinning, he settled on a platinum round cut diamond to match her wedding band.

  While he was looking, he couldn’t help but notice all the Christmas decorations and an idea came to him. This Christmas would be special.

  He walked through the back door with a smile on his face. “Rosa, where’s Jessie?”

  Rosa closed the oven and wiped her hands on her apron. “In the living room. We’re having pot roast for supper.”

  “Smells good.”

  Rosa stared at the silver wrapped gift in his hand. “It’s a little early for Christmas.”

  “It’s never too early.”

  Rosa’s eyes narrowed. “You two aren’t going to miss supper again, are you?”

  They’d gotten caught up in the moment a lot of evenings and missed suppertime. Then they’d sneak downstairs to eat what they could find—just the two of them. He found he liked it that way.

  “If we’re…busy, you and Felix go ahead and eat. We’ll eat later.”

  “Whatever makes you and Miss Jessie happy. I’m just so excited about the baby.” She reached for something on the counter. “Look what I made today.”

  Cadde gazed at the tiny yellow booties. “That’s very small.”

  “Baby’s feet are tiny like a doll’s.”

  He didn’t know. He’d never been around babies, especially newborns. Not for the first time he realized how fast his life was changing and soon he would be trying to put his son’s or daughter’s feet into those booties. The thought was a little frightening and the magnitude of what he and Jessie had created hit him—a life—a tiny helpless baby who would depend on them totally.

  “Yeah,” he murmured. “That’s a little scary.”

  “Pooh.” Rosa waved his nervousness aside. “After a couple of days, you’ll handle that baby like a pro.”

  Cadde nodded and walked through the dining room to the living room. Jessie was standing in front of the big windows, her arms outstretched. Stepping off several spaces, Mirry under her feet, she turned and stretched out her arms again. Her stomach pushed against her knit top. Her clothes were getting tight but he thought she never looked more beautiful. She was absolutely glowing.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Cadde. You’re home early.” She rushed to him and he looped one arm around her, the other he held behind his back. He kissed her slow, taking his time.

  She ran her fingers through his hair. “Now that’s a welcome home kiss.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “Oh.” She glanced toward the window. “I’m trying to figure out how big of a tree we can get in here. We have an artificial one in the attic that Rosa and I put up every year. After Daddy died, I didn’t even bother, but this holiday I want a huge live one, maybe seven, eight or nine feet tall.” She poked him in the chest. “And you and I are going to pick it out tomorrow so we can get it up early. What do you think?”

  “Sounds good to me.” He held out the gift. “I bought something we can put on it.”

  Her eyes opened wide and she sat on the sofa, ripping off the paper with a you-shouldn’t-have look. He sat beside her. When she saw the silver baby ornament her mouth formed a big O.

  “Read what it says on it.” He could hardly contain his own excitement.

  “Baby’s First Christmas in Mommy’s Tummy. Love, Mommy and Daddy.” A tear slipped from her eye.

  “Jessie.”

  “I’m not going to cry.” She swiped at her cheek. “This is so beautiful and…wait a minute. Did Barbara buy this or did you?”

  “I did and I had the jeweler engrave those words on it.”

  “Oh, oh.” More tears followed.

  He pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. Why?”

  “You haven’t been weepy for days and I’m concerned because you haven’t said a lot about your mother.”

  She sat up. “There’s nothing to say and I can’t do anything to change the past. So I’ve decided not to stress over it.”

  He touched her cheek, needing to reassure her that he was always here for her.

  Fingering the ornament, she said, “We’re going to put this at the top of the tree right under the angel because it’s so special.”

  “Mmm.”

  “Do you think we can get the tree tomorrow?”

  “Sure. I’ll come home about four.”

  She looked at him with those black eyes, so deep, so gorgeous. “You’re coming home early a lot these days.”

  “Chance and Kid are taking up the slack.”

  They were finally drilling in Louisiana after a ton of paperwork and permits. Kid was at the site and Chance flew over every couple of days. Cadde wasn’t on the phone constantly wanting news and he wasn’t fretting about the cost or the probability that they could hit a dry hole. He had more important things on his mind.

  “Really?” She arched a dark eyebrow.

  “They need to get more involved because I’m taking time off when the baby comes.”

  The eyebrow lifted higher. “You’re joking.”

  “No. I mean, we’re going to have a newborn in the house. Have you ever held a baby?”

  Her eyes grew thoughtful. “No.”

  “I haven’t, either. We’re going to have to take classes or something.”

  “I have some dolls in the attic. I can get one down and we can practice.”

  “I’m not playing with a doll.”

  “Oh, please,” she begged, mischief in her voice. “I could take a picture for Chance and Kid, even the board. Wouldn’t that be lovely?”

  “No.” He tickled her rib cage and she lay back, laughing and squirming. He pressed her into the cushions and supper was forgotten once again.

  THE NEXT MORNING, JESSIE FED Bambi and watched her for a while. The fawn was getting big and fat. She needed to cut back on the cream. Her animals were all fat because she wanted them to be well cared for. The horses were in the pasture and when they saw her they would trot to the barn for feed. Her animals had always brought her so much joy, but now her interest was elsewhere. She wasn’t planning on taking on any new ones just yet. Her focus was on Cadde and the baby.

  After lunch she had Felix get Christmas decorations out of the attic. She sat in the living room sorting through them. Pausing over ornaments in a box, she wondered if her mother had wanted to buy her a first Christmas ornament. Probably not. Her father hadn’t, either. They were too busy thinking of ways to claim her.

  Jessie sat back on her heels. That sounded bitter and maybe she was—just a little. What type of woman had a baby for money? Those who desperately needed it, she answered her own question. And some no doubt had changed their minds, like Angela. Once giving birth and holding her child, she couldn’t let go. Jessie understood that.

  But there was still a niggling doubt. What if Cadde…

  Her cell buzzed and she quickly clicked on when she saw the caller ID. “Hey.” His strong, familiar voice buffeted all the concerns in her head. “What are you doing?”

  “Sorting through decorations to put on the tree.”

  “I’ll be home earlier than four.”

  “Ah, you can’t wait to see me.”

  “That’s about it.” She heard him laugh. “Bundle up. It’s getting cold outside.”

  She c
licked off and leaned against the sofa. Cadde had told her he wasn’t good at voicing his feelings, so she was going to take him at his word and go on the way he made her feel—over-the-top crazily happy in love. The doubts were just because she was so inexperienced. She felt Cadde’s love in his touch, his kiss and in the way he held her. It was there and it was enough.

  Picking out a Christmas tree was going to be so much fun. She’d try her best to not be too indecisive. She… Her cell buzzed again.

  Her heart skipped a beat because she thought it was Cadde again. It wasn’t. She clicked on.

  “Hi, Fran.”

  “Jessie, I hate to bother you.”

  “It’s no bother. Is anything wrong?”

  “Nina’s been here for over a week. Vernon beat her up pretty bad. Toby has bruises, too.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “Nina’s reached the end of the line and she had to make choices she didn’t want to. She met with a lawyer who does work for the center. She filed for divorce. We’re trying to get her and the kids to her aunt’s. Is that plane ticket offer still on the table?”

  “Sure. I’ll get my credit card.” She scooped up Mirry and headed for the stairs.

  “Vernon’s lawyer got him out of jail this morning and he was served with divorce papers. I want Nina out of the way before he goes into another rage.”

  “Why can’t they keep him locked up?”

  “He has rights and just happened to get a lawyer who’s a bigger slime than he is.”

  Jessie found her purse, fished out her credit card and gave Fran the information she needed.

  “Thanks, Jessie.” A long pause ensued. “Nina asked for you.”

  “Fran, I don’t think…”

  “I know, sweetie, don’t worry about it. I’m getting her out of Houston as fast as I can.”

  Jessie sat on the bed for a minute and wondered how someone’s life could get so screwed up. She could only hope Nina made better choices for her children’s sakes.

  Her cell buzzed and she clicked on with a smile.

  “I just passed a Christmas tree lot and they have big trees. Want me to get one?”

  “No.”

  He must have heard the sadness in her voice. “What’s wrong?”

  She told him about Nina. One of the things she loved about their relationship was that they could talk about anything.

  “Put it out of your mind because it seems as if the authorities have it handled.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ll be there soon.”

  Noticing the time, she changed into heavier jeans, but found she couldn’t button them. “You’re really growing, my precious,” she said to her stomach, and reached for a maternity pair she’d bought. They felt much better.

  She slipped on a white cashmere turtleneck sweater, socks and leather boots. That should be warm enough.

  Mirry lay on her pillow and Jessie leaned down. “Cadde and I are going to get a Christmas tree. I’ll be back later.”

  Mirry gave a low bark.

  “Okay.” Jessie went into the bathroom for soft dog biscuits and gave Mirry two. The dog would chew on those for a couple of hours.

  When she reached the kitchen, Rosa gave her the once-over. “You look so happy.”

  “I am.” Jessie smiled.

  “I bought a quilting frame at the craft store. I’m going to set it up and see if I can make a quilt for the baby.”

  Jessie didn’t know how to tell her that Aunt Etta was also making a quilt, so she didn’t. She placed a hand on her stomach. This kid was going to be one warm baby.

  “Felix is at the barn and I’ll close my door so you and Mr. Cadde can have time alone.”

  “Thanks, Rosa, but Cadde and I are leaving as soon as he gets here.”

  “Oh, then I’ll have lots of time.”

  Jessie went into the living room to continue sorting the decorations. Myra interrupted her.

  “Hey, kiddo, how’s happy-ever-after going?”

  “Great. We’re getting a tree this afternoon.”

  “You got the big guy to go Christmas tree shopping?”

  “Yes, and don’t say anything rude.”

  “I’m not, and I personally want to thank you and Cadde for getting Mama off my back about marriage and babies.”

  “You’re welcome, but love is really wonderful. You should try it.”

  “Please.” Myra dragged out the word. Jessie could see her with her hands on her hips and that kick-ass expression on her face. “I’ll pass. Oh, I have to go, court is reconvening. Call when you’re in town and we’ll do lunch.”

  After she clicked off, she thought about the L word again and wished she hadn’t. Placing her hand over her stomach, she refused to think negative thoughts. She wasn’t letting anything ruin this day.

  Studying the decorations, she decided to do the tree in red and silver to match the ornament Cadde had bought. They would have to stop for some ribbon. He was going to love that.

  As she pushed boxes aside with her foot, there was a knock at the door. It had to be Cadde. He must have bought a tree. If he did, she was going to be so mad. She swung open the door with a smile, not even looking through the peephole. A man she didn’t recognize stood there and he reeked of alcohol.

  “Are you Jessie Hardin?”

  “Who are you?” she asked instead of answering, and had a sinking feeling this wasn’t good. She tried to slam the door, but the man pushed it aside.

  “Please leave,” she said, backing up.

  He followed. “Where’s my wife?”

  “Who?”

  “My wife, Nina.”

  Everything clicked into place. This was Vernon, but Jessie didn’t know how he’d found her or why. “Please leave,” she said again.

  Before she realized his intention, he slammed a fist into her stomach. Pain ripped through her and she staggered backward. “Rosa!” she screamed.

  “I’ll teach you to mess with other people’s lives. Nina’s a bitch stealing money out of my wallet for cigarettes. The house is a mess and when I say anything she spouts nonsense about her rights. Nonsense she got from you. She has no rights, you bitch,” he yelled, his face red. “I’m gonna teach you a lesson.”

  Jessie kicked him in the shin and tried to get away, but he was too fast.

  “Rosa!” Jessie screamed as Vernon drove a fist into her face. The blow knocked her to the floor and Vernon kicked her in the side with his shoe. “Rosa!” She held her hands over her stomach to protect her child, curling into a fetal position. “No, no, not my baby.”

  He was about to drive a shoe into her face when Rosa came running. “Get away from her, you bastard!”

  Vernon ran out the door and Rosa fell down beside her. “My niña, my niña. What happened?”

  “Call Cadde,” she gasped, her stomach cramping. “Call the police.”

  Felix came charging into the hallway with a gun, but it was too late.

  CADDE WHISTLED AS HE DROVE down the highway. He hadn’t done that in ages. This afternoon he was going to buy the biggest tree he could find. This was going to be a Christmas they’d never forget.

  His cell rang and he clicked on.

  “Mr. Cadde, come home fast. Miss Jessie’s hurt bad.”

  “What!”

  “Just come home. I have to take care of Miss Jessie.”

  What the hell? He weaved in and out of traffic, breaking the speed limit. An ambulance, siren blasting, passed him. He followed it all the way down the county road. As it turned into the Murdock house, Cadde’s stomach roiled with a sick feeling. Something was terribly wrong. Was Jessie having a miscarriage? Was she okay? Rosa had said Jessie was hurt. How could that be? He’d just talked to her.

  The ambulance roared up to the house and Cadde was out of his truck, running for the opened front door before the ambulance could even stop. His heart lurched into his throat as he saw Jessie lying in a pool of blood. No, no, no! The right side of her face was black and blue. Oh, my God! Rosa co
oed to her in Spanish and Cadde’s knees gave way and he fell down by her. “Jessie.”

  “Cadde.” Her right hand clutched for him and he grabbed it.

  “The baby,” she cried.

  “What happened?” he asked in a voice he didn’t recognize.

  “She said the man who beat her was Vernon Lynch,” Rosa replied. “If I hadn’t stopped him he would probably have killed her.”

  What! They’d just talked about the man. Anger rose up in his chest.

  The paramedics rushed in.

  “She’s three months pregnant,” Cadde told them.

  “Let’s get her to a hospital.” They put a C-collar on Jessie and loaded her onto a stretcher.

  Jessie clutched his hand tighter. “Don’t leave me.”

  “I won’t,” he told her. “I’m right here.”

  He crawled into the ambulance with her, never letting go of her hand. A paramedic checked her vitals and Cadde covered her with a blanket, still holding on to her hand.

  The paramedic examined her. “She’s going into premature labor. Hurry, Cal,” he shouted to the driver.

  “Take a deep breath, Mrs. Hardin. Try to calm down.”

  Cadde rested his face against hers. “Stay calm. I’m right here.”

  “The baby,” she cried in a voice that squeezed his heart.

  “Shh. We’ll be at the hospital soon.”

  “I thought it was you. That’s why I opened the door.”

  “Shh.”

  Cadde knew it only took minutes but it felt like hours. Once they reached the emergency room things happened fast. They whisked her away to labor and delivery. He held her hand the whole way, trying not to look at the blood on the blanket. Please don’t let her lose the baby, he prayed as they rolled her into a room.

  Dr. Barnes came in. “Cadde, would you like to step outside? We have to try and stop the labor and stabilize Jessie.”

  “No,” Jessie yelled. “I want him here.”

  The doctor nodded and Cadde rested his face against hers again. “I’m here.” The doctor and two nurses worked. Cadde averted his eyes, but not before he saw the bruises on her side. Oh, my God! The man must have kicked her. Son of a bitch! He gulped a breath and focused his concentration on Jessie. Their hands were locked on the bed and he saw how bloody they were. His chest contracted in pain.