The Cowboy's Baby Bond

by Linda Ford

  She turned to stare at him. “I’m surprised you still trust him after he walked away from your partnership.”

  Her words beat an insistent rhythm in his head. “I was disappointed, but I understood he had to deal with his grief.”

  “So you accept his reasons?”

  “I do.”

  Her look went on and on until, uncomfortable, Johnny shifted away. Thad had been up-front and honest about leaving. He hadn’t tried to run away without telling him his plans.

  Thad had his reason.

  And Willow thought she had hers. The words came unbidden and unwelcome.

  It wasn’t the same.

  “Let’s bring your things inside and you can get settled. There are three bedrooms and a storeroom.” He pointed out the doors, then hurried back to the wagon. Celia followed and took the valises.

  “You and Willow going to fight all the time we’re here?”

  “Fight? Neither of us has uttered a harsh word.”

  She rolled her eyes. “And yet you manage to circle around like a pair of chickens pecking at the same bit of grain.”

  “Not a very flattering picture.”

  She shrugged and took the bags inside. He carried in the box of supplies.

  “I’ll take care of the horses and the wagon. Make yourselves at home. I’ll be at the barn if you need anything.” He left the house without looking directly at Willow. Chickens pecking at grain? They weren’t at all like that.

  As he unhitched the mare, sounds of laughter came from the house. What were they doing besides settling in for a short stay? He strained his ears, wondering if he would overhear any words.

  When he realized he had stood there for a good ten minutes listening, he gave himself a mental kick in the pants. No need for him to hang around the rest of the day. Besides, they could use fresh meat.

  He swung onto Gray’s saddle and went hunting.

  The sun had driven away the dark clouds. The damp ground steamed as he returned with three rabbits. He’d give her two and cook the third for himself.

  A spicy smell came from the kitchen as he approached. Sarah and Adam played on the veranda.

  As soon as Adam saw Johnny, he pushed himself to his feet and took one toddling step toward him. “Man.”

  “Willow,” Johnny called. “Come see this.”

  She rushed outside, wiping her hands on a towel.

  “He’s walking.”

  Adam tottered and plunked to his bottom.

  Johnny dropped the rabbits on the steps and picked Adam up, putting him on his feet. He aimed the boy toward Willow. “Walk to Mama.” He released the baby.

  Willow squatted down and held out her hands.

  “Mama.” Adam wavered, almost sat again, then righted himself and went straight to Willow’s arms.

  She hugged him and laughed, her gaze holding Johnny’s. Silently he admitted a shared joy over this little boy.

  Celia had come to the door and was rocking her head back and forth.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked. They weren’t fighting. Not even near.

  “If you don’t see what’s right in front of you, there’s no point in saying anything.”

  He had no idea what she meant, but remembered what had brought him to the house. “I caught you some meat for supper.” He handed the rabbits to Willow.

  “Thank you. We’ll appreciate it. Will you join us for the meal?”

  “I...” He realized he’d given her all three rabbits. If he didn’t join them, he’d be stuck with jerky. Not that jerky wasn’t fine, but it wasn’t as enjoyable as freshly fried meat. “I’d like that.”

  “Later, then?”

  “Yes.” He jumped off the veranda and headed for the corrals. The ground would be soft after the rain. A perfect time to dig postholes.

  He purposely kept his back to the house as he tackled the job.

  * * *

  “Why did you invite him?” Celia sounded aggrieved as usual.

  Willow concentrated on dipping pieces of meat in the seasoned flour and frying them in the sizzling fat. “It seemed like the neighborly thing to do, considering we’ve put him out of his own house.” She’d offered the invitation without thinking of the fact they would share the table like a real family.

  “But you don’t even like him.” Celia’s words jerked Willow’s attention to her.

  “Whatever gave you that idea?”

  “Well, do you or don’t you?”

  “Do I what?” Celia had a way of skirting what she really meant.

  “Do you like him?”

  Willow flipped the pieces of meat as she considered her answer. Liking was one thing. It meant she enjoyed an occasional visit, perhaps over a cup of tea. It meant waving a greeting if they passed on the street. It did not, however, mean she could tell him her dreams and longings. It did not mean he would be there at her side through thick and thin. It did not mean she could share her secrets, knowing he would understand them and honor them. “I like him fine,” she finally said.

  The meat was browned and she stacked it in a Dutch oven, put the lid on and moved it back to cook slowly.

  “Then maybe you should make sure he knows it.”

  “Huh?” She stared at her sister, again not clear what she meant. But then Willow wasn’t certain she wanted to know Celia’s thoughts. “Why don’t we go for a walk while things cook?” She didn’t wait for an answer, but stepped outside, where Sarah and Adam played together. She scooped the baby into her arms and invited her sister along on their walk. “Sarah, you don’t know how much help you are to me when you watch the baby.”

  “I like playing with him.”

  “He likes playing with you, too.”

  Celia followed several paces behind them.

  Willow stopped to admire the view of the sloping valley. She turned for a sight of the mountains to the right. Her gaze skidded to a halt at the corrals, where Johnny worked a posthole digger, the muscles on his back rippling with the effort. His arms flashed back and forth as he turned the implement. She liked him. But he didn’t need to know. Especially not how much.

  She followed a little path around the house and came to a fenced in area. “They had a garden. Look, there are some beans and peas that came up on their own.” She pushed open the gate and went to the plants. “We can have some for supper.”

  Sarah held Adam as Willow made a basket of her apron, and Celia helped her pick. Her apron was soon full of peas and beans.

  “Wouldn’t it be fun to live here?” Sarah said. “Do you think Johnny would let us if we ask?”

  “Honey, you know he’s expecting his friend, and they’re going to live here and raise horses.”

  “Yes, but won’t they get lonely? Won’t they want a family? Maybe they’d be glad to have us here. We could take care of them and they could take care of us.”

  “It sounds nice,” Willow allowed. “But it’s not possible.”

  “But why?”

  “Because they’re fighting. Haven’t you noticed?” Celia voiced her disgust with Willow and Johnny.

  “We aren’t fighting. Why would you say that?” Her sister’s words were fiery little insects biting at Willow’s heart.

  “’Cause I can tell.”

  “You’re wrong.” She made her way back to the house, set a chair on the veranda and shelled peas into a bowl, then prepared the beans. Thankfully, Celia took Sarah and Adam down to the foot of the yard. If she wasn’t mistaken, they watched Johnny working. Willow’s gaze went in that direction often, as well.

  Celia was right about one thing. Willow shouldn’t have invited him to share their meal, even if it was his house and his meat. She was far too aware of him. But it was too late to change her mind.

  A little later,
the meal ready to serve, she set the table, then turned to the mirror by the bedroom door and brushed her hair into place. Perhaps it would stay neat until the meal ended and Johnny left.

  “Supper is ready,” she called out the open door, loud enough for Johnny to hear.

  He lifted one hand in acknowledgment. “I’ll be right there.”

  The girls came inside and washed up. Willow held Adam and watched as Johnny went to the horse trough and pumped out fresh water. He removed his hat, swept a handful of water over his hair. The wet strands glistened like diamonds in the sun. He shook his head to get rid of the excess moisture, dried with a towel hung over the fence, then headed for the house.

  She ducked away, not wanting him to catch her watching.

  His boots echoed on the wooden floor of the veranda and then his body blocked the light from the doorway. “Sure smells good in here.”

  “Willow’s been cooking,” Sarah answered, even though it was quite evident.

  “Please sit.” Willow indicated the plate at the end of the table. She sat at the other end, Adam on her knee, and the girls chose places across from each other. Just like a real family. Her throat tightened. “Would you ask the blessing?”

  “My pleasure.” Why did everything Johnny said pull at her heart, make her want something she couldn’t have?

  He bowed his head and asked a simple blessing.

  For a few minutes, they were busy passing food around the table.

  Johnny stared at the bowls of vegetables. “Fresh peas and beans? I don’t believe it.”

  “I found an overgrown garden out back.”

  He took a mouthful of one, then the other. “Is there anything better than food fresh from the garden?” His gaze caught hers, full of warmth and blessing.

  Was she crazy? He’d made his opinion of her quite plain. And it didn’t include a blessing. Nevertheless, she let herself enjoy the thought for a moment, until Adam demanded her attention.

  She’d made a spicy raisin cake earlier and served it for dessert.

  Johnny savored each mouthful. “Never thought I’d be enjoying a meal like this.”

  “Maybe you’d like us to stay so Willow can cook for you every day.” Sarah’s words fell like a clap of thunder. The ensuing silence echoed off the cabin walls.

  Willow found her senses first. “Honey, you know that’s not possible. We’re only here until our roof is fixed. Three days.”

  Sarah jutted out her chin. “Lots can happen in three days.”

  Willow could not look at Johnny. “I hope the roof will get fixed. That’s all that’s going to happen.”

  “What about the waterfall?” Sarah persisted. “Isn’t Johnny going to take us to see it?”

  Adam squirmed to be put down. Willow welcomed the diversion. He made his way around the table to Johnny’s knee. “Up.”

  Willow pressed her fingers to her forehead, felt the crease of her furrowed brow and rubbed at it. What was happening? First Sarah, now Adam, wanting things from Johnny.

  The sound of his laughter drew her gaze to him. She saw Adam patting Johnny’s cheeks as he babbled something.

  “Is he telling me I need to shave?”

  “He’s saying he wants to stay here,” Sarah offered, before Willow could reply.

  Johnny’s eyes met hers across the table, filled with something she could only think was longing. For what? His look plumbed the depths of her heart. And she knew in that moment that things might have been different between them if not for her secret.

  She wished she’d never told him.

  But it was a risk she’d had to take, for there could be nothing between them without truth.

  “Well?” Celia demanded. “Isn’t anyone going to answer Sarah?”

  Sarah hadn’t asked a question, but Willow understood what Celia meant. Was anyone going to tell them they could stay?

  “Johnny, I’m sorry. She knows we aren’t staying. I already explained it to her.” Willow hoped she kept her own regrets hidden.

  “It’s not fair.” Sarah bolted from the table and out the door.

  Celia followed, sparing dark looks at Willow.

  Willow lifted her hands in resignation.

  “It’s okay,” Johnny said. “She’s just a child. It’s time for me to say good-night.” He handed Adam to her, his fingers lingering on the baby’s head as he smiled into her eyes. “Have a good sleep.” He spoke to the girls as he passed them. Willow couldn’t make out his words.

  She’d made a mistake coming here even for three days. All the girls saw was the possibility of a beautiful home and Johnny’s presence—strong and steady, quiet and reassuring.

  All she saw was what might have been if not for her mistakes.

  Chapter Seventeen

  All the next day Sarah sat on the veranda and stared at him with dark, accusing looks. Johnny wished he could do something, say something to make her feel better, but it wasn’t possible. Things could never be the same as they were when the five of them had traveled toward Granite Creek.

  Celia was far more direct, but he wearied of her accusations that he and Willow were fighting and should make up. “Don’t you like her?” she asked.

  “Of course I like her.”

  “Then why don’t you tell her?”

  “It’s not that simple.” There was the problem of trust.

  “You blame her for having Adam.”

  He understood what Celia couldn’t bring herself to say—that Adam’s father was not Willow’s husband. “No, of course not.”

  “Then you blame her for marrying Bertie.”

  He straightened from the board he was nailing to the fence. “Do you?”

  She narrowed her eyes at him and avoided his question. “She told me she told you. After that you stopped liking her. I’m pretty sure you’re mad at her.” Celia stalked away without allowing him a response. Not that he had one.

  Willow didn’t invite him to join them for meals again and he tried to believe he was happy with that. He’d had enough of dealing with her sisters throughout the day. Enough of bearing the regrets flooding his heart at what might have been. Regrets that refused to allow him to push them aside, into forgetfulness.

  After dinner, Sarah left the veranda and walked to where he worked on the fences.

  “Hi, Sarah.” The child had something on her mind, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to know what it was. He continued to work steadily as she watched.

  After a bit, he decided she only wanted to keep him company. He kind of liked that.

  Johnny smiled. It was nice to have a family around. He looked toward the house and saw Willow walk around to the garden. He would like his own family. Not necessarily joined by birth, but joined by love. He watched Sarah playing with a little pile of rocks. Such a sweet child. His heart pushed against his ribs.

  Celia came out of the house carrying Adam. She was a little discontented right now but in time she would learn to trust people again. And Adam...well, Johnny had loved the boy since he’d touched his downy head the first time.

  His gaze went beyond the house to the garden, where he imagined Willow bent over, looking for something edible in the tangle of weeds.

  An idea began to form. He considered it from every angle, more and more convinced it was the right thing for him to do. “Sarah, would you like to see the waterfall?”

  She leaped to her feet. “Oh, yes. Are you going to take us?”

  “Let’s see if Willow can spare the time.”

  Sarah grabbed his hand and hung on as they crossed the yard. “I’m sorry for being so cross last night.”

  “You’re forgiven.”

  She pressed herself to his side. “Everything is going to work out. I know ’cause I asked God to make it so.”

 
; Johnny shared her sense of assurance. “You know you can trust God to do what is best.”

  “I do know. But sometimes that means you have to trust people even when you don’t understand.”

  “You are a very smart little girl.”

  They reached the house. “We’re going to the waterfall,” Sarah called, and Celia, with Adam in her arms, followed them around the back, to where Willow poked through the weeds.

  She straightened at their approach. “You look like you’re on a mission.”

  “Yup,” Sarah said. “We are. You ask her, Johnny.”

  “Would you care to see the waterfall?” His heartbeat echoed in his ears as he awaited Willow’s answer.

  She looked at the overgrown garden. She glanced at each of her sisters. Slowly, she brought her gaze to his, searching for his reason.

  Despite the insistent ticking of his heart, he kept his gaze steady, hopefully giving away nothing.

  Finally she nodded. “I suppose this will be the only time the girls will get to see it.”

  Sarah opened her mouth to protest, but Celia nudged her to silence.

  Johnny dragged his gaze from Willow to the two girls. Did Celia have something planned? The thought scraped along his spine. Celia’s ideas seemed to always land them in trouble. He’d have to keep a close eye on her. Hopefully, he could achieve his own goals without something going wrong.

  He led them to a trail at the back of the house that climbed upward through the trees. Sarah wanted to run ahead, but he insisted she stay behind him.

  He took Adam in one arm and reached for Willow’s hand with the other to assist her up the rocky path. She stopped and looked at his outstretched palm, considering whether or not to accept his offer, and then did so.

  Her hand in his was small. A feeling as fierce as anger, as soft as a morning breath grabbed Johnny’s heart. He wanted to help her over every rough pathway she encountered.

  “Hurry up,” Sarah said, reminding him of their destination.

  They climbed upward. He paused just before they would break through the trees. “Listen.”

  They held their breath to still their panting. The gentle roar of the waterfall rumbled over their silence.