A Child for Cade

by Patricia Thayer

  The boy smiled and Cade felt his heart lurch in his chest. “You mean you work for me? I’m the boss?” Brandon said.

  “You think you’re a hotshot, don’t you, kid?” Cade reached for the boy and began to tickle him, then tossed him over his shoulder, enjoying the sweet sound of his giggles.

  Once Brandon was back on his feet, he looked up at Cade. “I’m glad you’re staying. It’s like…it’s like having…”

  “What?” Cade asked.

  “It’s like having a dad,” Brandon said. Then before Cade could react, the boy picked up the brush and began to work on his mare again.

  Cade just stood there, trying to regain his composure, aching to claim his son. He swallowed and managed to say, “I’m glad I can be here for you.”

  Abby walked into the barn and watched for a few moments. She had to admit she was a little jealous of the budding relationship between Cade and Brandon. They had grown so close in just a few short weeks. And soon he would know Cade was his real father. Would her son hate her?

  Brandon suddenly spotted her. “Hi, Mom. Cade and I rode over to the lake by Chance and Joy’s house. We got to see Katie, too. Joy even let me hold her.”

  “Is that so? She’s pretty cute, huh?”

  Brandon nodded. “She grabbed my finger.”

  “Sounds like you had a busy afternoon.”

  He smiled. “It was fun.”

  She glanced at her watch. “And you have a busy day tomorrow, too. How about a bath, then to bed?”

  Brandon started to argue, then looked at Cade. “Okay, Mom. I’ll just put the brush away.” He hurried off to the tack room.

  Abby turned to Cade. “Please, tell me what you did to Brandon so he didn’t argue.”

  Cade shrugged. “Not much. I just told him that moms are special, and we shouldn’t give them a hard time.”

  Her chest tightened. Maybe Cade didn’t hate her. “Thank you.”

  “No problem.” He gave the horse one last pat, then walked out of the stall and shut the gate. He stood beside her, his dark eyes locked with hers. A warmth spread through her. “Abby, do you think we can talk after Brandon goes to bed?” he asked.

  She didn’t like the sound of this. “Sure.”

  Brandon returned and all three of them walked to the house. For a split second, Abby pretended they were a family.

  An hour later Abby sat and listened silently as Cade explained plans for the nature retreat. Cade found he really wanted her approval, not just her willingness to go along with the idea.

  Silently she got up and walked across the room to the doors to the patio and looked out. “You know, never once did my dad or my husband ask me how I felt about anything. My dad didn’t even leave me the ranch. He was upset because I divorced Joel.” She looked at Cade, who’d stood up, too, and her eyes were like sparkling emeralds. “Thank you, Cade. Thank you for caring about my feelings.”

  Cade cursed Moreau silently. “You control the ranch, Abby. The final decision is yours.”

  She shook her head. “You could have said it was the only way to make a go of the ranch.”

  “I’m still not sure if it’s the solution to your problems,” he told her honestly.

  “I owe you a lot just for trying.”

  Cade watched her. Abby wore her usual outfit of jeans and boots, but the rich-blue blouse she wore did unbelievable things to her eyes and skin. When she finally turned, a shy smiled teased her lips, and his pulse went into overdrive.

  He wanted to hate her, but he couldn’t. The young Abby he’d known had loved her father, had always ached for his approval. Obviously Moreau hadn’t wanted his only daughter hooking up with a Randell. So instead, he’d pushed her into an abusive marriage.

  “Was your marriage to Garson ever happy?” The question surprised Cade just as much as it did Abby. But he had to make sense of why she’d wanted Joel over him.

  She shook her head.

  He stepped toward her. “When did he start beating you?”

  Her gaze darted away. “Joel didn’t always hit me. I think he was as surprised as I was when it first happened.”

  “When did it happen?”

  She shrugged.

  “Tell me, Abby. I need to know.” He was beside her now.

  “It was at Brandon’s fourth birthday. There were a lot of kids and their parents at the party. One of the fathers remarked about Brandon’s coloring. Why was he so dark when both Joel and I were fair? After everyone left, Joel had a few drinks. Then he tried to pick a fight, which ended when he struck me with his fist.”

  Cade watched a tear slide down her cheek. Unable to resist he reached out and drew her into his arms. She was so soft it was incredible. “But he knew that Brandon wasn’t his.”

  Abby nodded against his chest. “When Joel proposed, I told him no. But he was persistent, so I blurted out that I was pregnant. He said it didn’t matter. He would be the baby’s father. Even when Brandon was born seven and a half months later, no one questioned it. As Brandon got older, he began to look like you. Then when someone else noticed the difference, he went crazy.”

  “So he decided to take it out on you—to beat you.” Her sobs increased, and he continued to hold her. “The man’s a bastard,” he growled.

  “Please, I don’t want to talk about Joel,” Abby pleaded.

  She raised her head, her eyes glistening with tears. Cade’s body stirred, and the last thing on his mind was comforting her. He lowered his mouth to hers.

  The taste of Cade’s mouth was like an awakening to Abby, and she opened to him eagerly, seeking his warmth and touch. It had been so long, so long since anyone had held her. She reveled in the familiarity of his hard body and wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt Cade’s shudder and clung to him as his tongue pushed inside her mouth, teasing and stroking. Then all too soon, he broke off the kiss and released her so suddenly she stumbled backward.

  “Cade,” she whispered, but he only turned away.

  Abby stared at his broad back and saw he was having trouble regaining his composure.

  “That shouldn’t have happened,” he finally said. “I’m here for Brandon. Not to relive my randy youth.”

  His words stung. “I didn’t kiss you—you kissed me,” she snapped.

  He swung around, his eyes dark with anger. “There’s never been any doubt that I wanted you, Abby,” he said, his gaze hot. “Now that I satisfied my curiosity, we can get on with business. Do you want me to get started on the plans for the retreat?”

  Trying to keep her own composure, she nodded. “Whatever you think is best.”

  “It’s not a good idea to be too trusting,” he warned.

  “I’m not worried. I have nothing to lose anymore. Besides, you’re Brandon’s father. I know you have his best interests at heart.”

  “Just remember he’s the only reason I’m here.” He glared at her, then turned and stormed out.

  Abby had thought she was used to his rejection, but as the door slammed behind him, she realized she wasn’t. It still stung. But like other things she’d had to deal with, somehow she would get through this. Somehow she’d get past the fury she saw in Cade’s eyes and the fear that she might lose Brandon, simply because she wanted her son to know his father.

  A few days later Cade entered the bank, hating that he had to swallow his pride and ask Garson for a favor. But he didn’t have much choice. There were only ten days left until the loan was due and she wouldn’t take a loan from him. Maybe Joel Garson would feel generous and agree to give Abby an extension for another three months. Cade doubted it. So until he was able to sell the lakefront property, he’d have to get more capital together.

  His thoughts went to Abby. He never should have kissed her. He was driving himself crazy. Why couldn’t he just stop his thoughts of her? She was nothing to him. Abby Moreau didn’t want him years ago, and he didn’t want her now. Warmth rushed through his body as he remembered how she felt in his arms, how sweet she tasted. Stop it, he to
ld himself. He had to keep his relationship with Abby purely business, for his son.

  Cade made his way to the executive offices. He looked through the glass-enclosed office to find, Joel seated at his desk. After drawing a deep breath, Cade knocked on the door. The man was expecting him, so there wasn’t any reason to wait. Opening the door, he walked in. By the look on Garson’s face, Cade knew he wasn’t happy to see him, instead of Abby. Good.

  “Garson. I think you know why I’m here,” Cade announced as he set his briefcase on the edge of the desk and sat down across from the man. “The Moreau ranch.”

  Joel leaned back in his leather chair and smiled. “So you want a favor, Randell. How interesting. And just what am I going to get in return?”

  Cade hated his smug look but ignored it. He pulled a paper out of his briefcase and shoved it across the desk. “You can add another quarter percent on the loan rate, and of course the late fees.”

  Joel went over the contract. “Quite impressive. Looks like your schooling paid off. I hear you’ve done pretty well for yourself in Chicago. So why are you hanging around here?”

  “Look, Garson, let’s not pretend we ever liked each other. Forget the small talk. I’m here for a business deal. And only that. If you’re interested, let me know.”

  “Why should I do anything to help your bastard son?”

  Cade clenched his fists but controlled the urge to smash Garson’s smirking face. “Leave Brandon out of this.”

  Joel stood and came around the desk. “But isn’t this all to save his ranch?” he asked as he perched his bulky body on the edge. “Why should I want to help…a Randell?”

  Cade jumped up, grabbed Joel by the lapels of his expensive suit, then shoved him back against the wall. Cade could smell the alcohol as Garson gasped for air. “It isn’t so much fun when you’re on the receiving end, is it.”

  Joel struggled. “Let go of me, Randell, or I’ll call Security.”

  “And I’ll call the bank’s corporate office and tell them that one of their managers reeks of bourbon at nine in the morning.”

  “Go to hell.”

  “Not before you.” Cade released him. “I’m leaving now, but you say one thing about my son, and you’ll be sorry.”

  “Well, you can forget about any extension on the loan. I will personally foreclose on the ranch on the first of the month. Unless, of course, you can write out a check for the balance due.”

  Cade smiled. “You might be surprised at what I can do. Don’t worry, Garson, one way or the other, I’ll have the money for you. And don’t be surprised if Circle B pulls their account out of here. We don’t do business with a man who has a drinking problem.”

  Garson’s face turned red with anger. “Get out. I’ll make sure you can’t get a loan anywhere in this town.”

  “As if I need your help.” Cade picked up his briefcase and walked out, knowing he could easily pay off the Moreau ranch’s debts. But he knew Abby had too much pride to take anything from him.

  In the parking lot Cade climbed into the ranch truck he’d been driving since his return home. He picked up the cell phone from the seat and punched in the real-estate agent’s number. He prayed Nancy Painter had had better luck than he had.

  “Painter Realty,” a woman answered.

  “Hello, Nancy, it’s Cade Randell. Please tell me you have some good news about the Moreau property.”

  “Oh, Cade, I was going to call you later.”

  “You have a buyer?”

  “No, not exactly. We do have someone interested. Are you prepared to lower your asking price?”

  He’d lowered it as far as he dared. The lakefront property was too valuable to just give away. “No, Nancy. That’s as low as I can go.”

  “I understand, Cade.” She sighed. “Please give me a little more time.”

  Cade knew that without selling the property, Abby couldn’t pay the loan. Suddenly an idea came to him. If he kept it quiet, he could help out until another buyer was found. By then everything would be fine. And Abby would be safe from Garson. For good.

  That weekend several trucks pulling horse trailers drove into the Moreau ranch. Neighbors showed up to help with the roundup. Hank, Ella, Chance and Joy, carrying Katie, all appeared at the house. Abby was overwhelmed by the support they were giving her.

  “Hear you’re having a roundup,” Hank said.

  “That’s what I’ve been told.” Abby stepped aside and allowed the group into the house. “I’m so glad you came.”

  Ella was carrying a large pot as she stepped through the door. “Just show Joy and me to the kitchen.”

  “And I’ll go and get settled in the bunkhouse,” Hank said.

  “Oh, Hank, I have plenty of room for you all to stay in the house,” Abby offered.

  The old man smiled, and deep lines appeared at the corners of his eyes. “That’s mighty neighborly, Abby, but I kind of like to hang around with the guys, playin’ a little cards and catchin’ up on local news.”

  Abby smiled. “I understand. Well, Charlie has everything ready, but I’ll expect you here for supper.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.” He hugged her. Touched by the man’s open affection, Abby wondered why her dad couldn’t have been more like Hank.

  “Mom! Mom!” Brandon called as he hurried into the house. “Guess what? I’m going to sleep out in the bunkhouse with the guys.”

  “Oh, honey, maybe you should stay at the house. They’re getting up pretty early.”

  “I know. So am I.”

  Abby sighed as Cade walked into the house. She looked at him pleadingly, hoping he’d tell their son he was too young to go on the roundup.

  “Look, Brandon,” Cade said as he crouched down to eye level with the boy. “I think all morning in the saddle is a bit much for you.”

  “But you said I was a good rider. I want to go.” Tears formed in his eyes. “I’m not a baby.”

  “We know you’re not a baby, but we have to move the herd tomorrow. It’s not an easy job. You’ve never worked with a cow horse, and the roundup arrived before I got a chance to show you how. There’s a Circle B roundup in the fall. I’ll work to get you ready for that one. Promise.”

  The room grew silent as Brandon hung his head. Abby’s heart went out to Cade, knowing this was the hardest part of parenting. She could see how much he hated telling his son no.

  “I have an idea,” Cade began. “Tomorrow you can watch for us with binoculars, and when you see the dust from the herd, you can ride out and meet us.”

  The boy’s eyes rounded. “Wow, you mean it?”

  Cade glanced at Abby. “If it’s okay with your mom.”

  There was no way she was going spoil her son’s day. “I think you’re old enough to do that.”

  Brandon hugged her. “Thanks, Mom.” He turned back to Cade and threw his arms around him. “Thanks, Cade.”

  Abby didn’t miss the emotion in Cade’s eyes as his arms closed around his son. Finally he released him and stood. “Now, go get your things for the bunkhouse.”

  When Brandon ran upstairs, Cade spoke to Abby. “I’ll make sure he’s all right,” he promised. “He’ll be home by breakfast.”

  She nodded, grateful and surprised he was so considerate of her feelings. “That’s fine. I’m sure Brandon will enjoy himself, and I can concentrate on cooking.”

  A smile broke out on Cade’s face. “That’s what I like to hear, ladies cooking. What’s on the menu?”

  “We’re just going to surprise you,” Ella said. “Now go do something with your horses so we can get our work done.” She shooed Hank and Cade out of the house. The women went into the kitchen to find that Carmen had already made tamales for dinner, so they went to work on tomorrow’s menu.

  Abby was glad she had something to keep her busy. She didn’t want to think about how close Brandon and Cade were becoming. She had to get used to the fact that Cade was going to be a part of their lives. Brandon needed a father. Something she hadn’t been abl
e to give her son until now. And it looked as if Cade was serious about his role.

  Late that evening Abby sat on the patio and watched the reflection of the moonlight in the pool. Many changes were happening, and fast. Tomorrow was going to be busy, but she was happy about that. For so many years she and Brandon had been isolated. Joel hadn’t been much of a family man, and when he drank, she and her son stayed away. Now she had people around. This house had been like a tomb, and not just since her father’s death, but long before that. Since her mother was alive.

  Abby remembered being a five-year-old girl. All the parties at the Moreau ranch. How beautiful her mother looked and how much her father loved his wife. Had it been Jessica Moreau’s untimely death that turned Tom into a bitter man and made him resent his only child?

  Abby knew her childhood hadn’t been a normal one. Her father never wanted to spend time with her. So the staff had become her family, starting with Carmen and Charlie. She played with the kids of the ranch workers. Then in high school, she met Cade. He had a bad reputation. At first she’d been shy and wondered why he wanted to spend time with her. She’d heard the other kids talk about his wild ways, about his ex-con father, but she didn’t care. Cade was good to her. He cared about her. And she soon fell in love with him.

  Abby closed her eyes and sighed. She hadn’t meant to hurt him. But she’d had no choice. Her father had forced her. By the time she got the courage to tell Cade about the baby, it was too late to get him back. Now it was years too late.

  A tear fell and Abby brushed it away. The only consolation was that she had his son. A part of Cade would always be with her.

  “Abby…”

  She recognized Cade’s voice and quickly composed herself before turning around.

  “Cade. What are you doing here?”

  He was dressed in new-looking jeans and a white shirt. “I put some papers away in the study. What are you doing out here? Tomorrow’s going to be a long day, and five o’clock comes around awfully early.”

  She nodded. “I know. I’m a rancher’s daughter.”

  “I doubt you ever had to get out of bed at dawn to go round up cows.”