A Child for Cade

by Patricia Thayer

  Angry, Abby stood. “How do you know? You have no idea what it was like to live under Tom Moreau’s roof.” She marched across the patio to get away from the man who didn’t miss an opportunity to try to get to her.

  Cade knew he was always saying the wrong thing, pushing her buttons. Why couldn’t he stop? He started after her, but hesitated a safe distance away. “Abby, I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”

  She sighed and faced him. “Forget it. We’re all under a lot of stress. I’m sorry I jumped on you.”

  Stress was an understatement, Cade thought as he watched the moonlight shine on her hair. She had on a blue cotton shirt tucked into a pair of tan shorts. Damn, she had good-looking legs. He quickly pulled his wayward attention back to her face, to find her eyes misty and wistful. He lowered his gaze to her mouth. A mouth he knew would feel silky and soft to the touch, a mouth that roused his hunger until he thought he’d go crazy.

  Something inside him snapped, and he went to her, telling himself he was only going to hold her, comfort her. When he reached for her, she went willingly into his arms. He bit back a groan as she pressed her body to his. They fit perfectly. Too perfectly, and he wanted her. No matter how many years had passed, that had never changed.

  He leaned back and saw the desire in her eyes. “Abby,” he breathed, unable to fight it any longer. His mouth lowered to hers.

  A light flashed through the kitchen window and caught Cade’s eye. When he heard voices, he jerked back. As his head cleared, he realized he’d almost made another big mistake. He couldn’t let himself get involved with Abby again.

  “I’ve got to go.” He saw her hurt look but ignored it. If he didn’t leave now, he didn’t know if he could. “I’ll see you at breakfast.” He started out to the yard, praying she wouldn’t call him back because he knew he’d go to her.

  Chapter Six

  Not wanting to face Cade after last night, Abby managed to avoid him at breakfast. They’d been so close, but in the end he’d rejected her again. She’d decided to stay in the kitchen and help with the cooking while Ella served the food in the bunkhouse. Finally the dozen men rode out just as the sun was coming up.

  But Abby knew it was only a short reprieve. They’d be back by noon with the herd. And if somehow she managed to get through this day without seeing Cade, he would be around tomorrow, and the day after that. And somehow she would have to live with the fact that he couldn’t stand being near her.

  She buried her face in her hands. Was this some kind of punishment for what she’d done? Hadn’t she paid enough?

  “Abby, are you all right?”

  Abby’s head jerked up. Joy was standing a few feet away, looking concerned. “I’m fine,” she lied. “Just tired.”

  Joy smiled. “I know, but roundups are fun, aren’t they?”

  She boosted little Katie higher in her arms. The Three-month-old was cute, with her blond hair spiked out around her chubby face.

  “They’re a lot of work,” Abby countered.

  Joy shrugged. “I guess I don’t think about the work. I remember the Circle B’s roundup. That’s when Chance told me he realized he couldn’t live without me.”

  Abby was confused. “But you were married before that, weren’t you?”

  Joy blushed and glanced at her daughter. “I’m the one who asked Chance to marry me—to help me keep Katie.”

  Abby shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

  Joy sighed as she stroked her baby’s head. “You see, my in-laws were trying to take my daughter. Chance agreed to the marriage, but only because I offered to sell him part of my ranch.”

  “Oh, my,” Abby said as she sank into a kitchen chair. “I didn’t know.”

  “It’s not exactly something a woman wants broadcast to the world. It was a pretty rocky start, even more difficult when we had to act married for others.” Another smile appeared on Joy’s face. “The kissing, the touching and sharing a bedroom. Well, let me tell you…I was happy to see that Chance was getting antsy.”

  “How did you finally…get together?”

  Joy blushed prettily. “That took a wicked thunderstorm and a lot of determination on my part.” She tossed Abby a knowing look. “But I’ve found the Randell men are worth the effort.”

  Abby looked away. There was no way she and Cade would end up like Chance and Joy. “Not everyone felt that way about them.” She remembered her father’s hatred for the Randells.

  “But you and I do. Aren’t we lucky they were such a well-kept secret?” Joy grew serious. “I know you and Cade have a history…and a wonderful son. It would be great if you could somehow work things out…between you two.”

  Abby closed her eyes, wishing it was that easy. “It’s too late. What was between Cade and me was a long time ago. And I destroyed any feelings he had for me when I sent him away.” She shook her head. “The only thing Cade feels for me now is disgust.”

  “You have to give him time. The Randell brothers have carried a lot of baggage around for a lot of years. But like I said before, they are well worth it.” She leaned forward. “If you ask me, Cade protests too much about you. That has me wondering who he’s trying to convince.”

  Before Abby could say anything, Brandon came charging into the house. “Mom, I see ’em coming!” he hollered. “The dust from the cows. Cade even waved at me.”

  “Then I guess you better get going,” she said as she followed her excited son outside to the barn. Brandon’s horse was already saddled and waiting in the corral.

  “Now don’t get crazy and go tearing out there and scaring the cattle.”

  With a boost up from Abby, Brandon was seated in the saddle. “I won’t, Mom. Bye.” He used the reins to turn his horse, Smoky, toward the gate, where one of the ranch hands let him out.

  Abby watched Brandon ride off. She told herself that she wanted to make sure he made it safely. She lifted the binoculars that were hanging on the post, then looked out to the rise and spotted a rider coming toward Brandon. Cade. When father and son met, Brandon smiled. Cade smiled, too, as he tugged at his son’s hat playfully. Abby’s stomach tightened with longing. She wanted to be with them. But she couldn’t. She should get used to the two of them sharing things without her. A rush of sadness came over her as she watched the two ride off together. Nothing was ever going to be the same again.

  Cade was dirty, thirsty and tired of hearing the sound of bawling cows by the time he rode back toward the holding pens outside the corral.

  If the guys in Chicago could see him now, they wouldn’t think being a cowboy was so glamorous. Well, he wasn’t about to tell them any different. They could find out for themselves after they stayed a week at the Moreau Guest Ranch.

  Cade glanced at Brandon as he rode in front of Chance. The boy was grinning as his uncle showed him how his expert cow-horse, Ace, separated the calf from its mama.

  Cade’s chest swelled seeing his son watch intently Chance’s instructions then take over the reins. Of course the horse did most of the work, but Brandon’s look of pride was worth a million dollars.

  His thoughts turned to Abby.

  He looked toward the house, expecting her to be waiting anxiously. There were women busy at the tables that had been set up in the shade. He spotted Abby, and a stirring started low in his gut. She was in jeans and a white blouse. Her red hair was pulled back in a ponytail, though some of those wild curls refused to be tamed. She looked tempting. Too tempting. Like last night. He knew he should never have gone out to the patio. Thank God, he’d ended the kiss when he had. But he didn’t know how long his restraint would last. After all, he was only human.

  “Hey, get out of the way or get to work!” Chance called.

  “Yeah,” Brandon said as they rode past him with two calves headed for the pen.

  “I guess I’d better. You two are too good for this old city slicker.”

  Once the Hereford yearlings were inside the fenced area, Chance let Brandon take the reins and walk his horse b
ack to Cade.

  “Quite a cowhand you got here,” Chance said.

  Brandon grinned. “I learn fast.”

  Cade tapped the boy’s dusty hat. “I bet I’m going to catch hel—heck from your mom for bringing you back so dirty.”

  Brandon shook his head. “Nope, Mom said boys are ’posed to get dirty. It’s their job.”

  Chance pushed his hat back. “Bet you have to take a lot of baths.”

  Brandon shrugged. “I have to take them, anyway. Mom said I’m dirty no matter if I can see it or not. Is that true, Cade?” Those big brown eyes looked at him. “Is there some dirt you can’t see?”

  “There is, and your body sweats, too.”

  “How’s come girls don’t sweat?” the child asked. “Mom always smells good, like flowers.”

  Oh, yeah. Abby did smell good. Cade glanced at his brother as his horse shifted. “I guess that’s because men and women are different.”

  “Different how? I know that girls are softer. They don’t have muscles. And when they get older they get breasts.” The boy raised his hand to his chest as an example. “But—”

  “Look, Brandon, maybe we should save this topic for another time.” Cade looked at a grinning Chance and wanted to deck him. “I think we should get cleaned up for lunch.”

  “Okay.” That seemed to satisfy the child. They all dismounted and Brandon tore off toward the house.

  Chance gave a deep laugh. “Oh, brother, if you could have seen your face when he said ‘breasts.’”

  Cade took the reins and led his horse toward the corral. “Just you wait. You have a daughter. That’s got to be a lot harder.”

  “I’ve got a few more years until I have to worry about Katie. Believe me, I’m going to be watching you closely to see how you handle it all.”

  Cade socked his brother playfully on the shoulder. “You think I’m going to be around that long?”

  Chance grew serious. “I’m planning on it. So is everyone else. I know San Angelo doesn’t hold the excitement of Chicago, but you have roots here. Family.”

  Cade stared at his older brother for a moment. “Sometimes big cities are overrated. My son is here. I want to be around to watch him grow up. But it would be nice if I had a job, so I’m waiting for you to agree to go in on the nature retreat.”

  “What if I said Joy and I were interested?”

  Cade worked to control his excitement. “I’d say we need to talk to Travis.”

  “Then let’s do it,” Chance said. “Let’s get this show on the road.” He slapped his brother on the back. “It’s going to be great having you around.”

  “You may not think that once you see what a slave driver I am. Come on, let’s go get some food. I’m starving.”

  With lunch finally finished, Abby busied herself stacking the dirty plates and flatware to carry inside.

  “Are you going to hide out all day?”

  Abby turned around to find Cade. He was decked out in his cowboy outfit—jeans, boots, worn leather chaps. He looked good enough to put in an advertisement for the West.

  “It takes a lot to feed this crew.”

  He tipped his hat back. “Well, take a few minutes out to watch Brandon. If it’s okay, I’m going to let him help brand.”

  Abby wiped her hands on her apron. “What do you think? I mean, he’s only seven. Some of those big calves could kick and hurt him.”

  “I’ll keep him away until the calf is pinned.”

  “Who’s going to do the roping?”

  “I asked Chance.”

  She nodded. “Good.”

  He stepped forward. “Abby, this is your ranch. You should be out there.”

  “You think so?”

  “Yes. Several of the men have been asking where you are. Bob Hicks and Matt Henson.”

  Abby was surprised at the names. “I didn’t think Mr. Hicks and Mr. Henson were friends of my father’s.”

  “They didn’t come to help Tom Moreau. They’re here for you. As good neighbors. So you should go talk with them.”

  “I just didn’t want to intrude on your time with Brandon.”

  Cade couldn’t believe this conversation. That was why Abby was letting him handle things?

  “I never wanted you to be excluded. But thank you for being so considerate.” He smiled. “Now, grab a hat. The party is down at the pens.”

  She smiled, and Cade’s heart raced. Suddenly he was remembering their kiss two days ago. Last night he’d ached for her again, and by a near miracle, he was able to walk away. He didn’t know how many times he could do that.

  Abby took off for the house and was back in minutes, minus her apron. She’d put on her old cowboy hat, jammed a pair of work gloves in her back pocket and dug up a small camera. Together they walked down to the holding pens. She went around to each neighbor, thanking them for coming, then helped prepare for the branding.

  It had been a while and Cade was a little rusty, but once inside the pen, he remembered how Hank had taught him to flip a calf and hold him down while one ranch hand inoculated and another branded the animal. Within seconds the calf was released and sent back to its mother.

  Although Brandon had watched roundups the past couple of years, this was the first time the boy wanted to help. Cade took his son inside the pen but had him stand back until the calf was down. With Cade’s help, his son pressed the hot iron against the hide. Nothing prepared him for the smile on Brandon’s face when he completed the task.

  “Mom, did you see me? I did it. I branded that calf.”

  “I saw.” She held up the camera. “I even got a picture.”

  “Good. I can show it to Billy at camp. Take one of me and his father.” The boy was smiling as he stood next to his father.

  “Good idea,” Abby said as she snapped another picture.

  She continued to use the camera for a few more minutes, then wandered off to talk with a group of the older men.

  It didn’t take long for Cade to realize he wasn’t in shape for this. He’d worked out in Chicago, but he still had trouble keeping up with the other hands. But pride would not allow him to let his son know that he was a softy. He kept going until the last calf wore the Moreau Ranch brand.

  Late that evening, Cade groaned as he lowered himself into the spa next to the pool off the patio. Every muscle in his body ached. If he didn’t do something now, he didn’t think he would be able to climb on his horse tomorrow. That was too embarrassing to think about. Chance would never let him live it down. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the edge of the tub.

  There was a noise behind him, and he turned to find Abby. She was wearing a blue swimsuit, a short robe covering everything but those damn, long legs.

  “Cade. I heard the water, but I didn’t know anyone was out here.”

  He brought his attention to her hair knotted on top of her head. “I was hoping no one would find out,” he said. “I guess I’m not exactly in shape for this kind of work.”

  “Is that so? Not as macho as you thought.”

  “Woman, I never said I was macho. I just overdid it a little today.” His gaze flicked over her, and he wished the robe revealed more. “What are you doing out here?”

  “Oh, I couldn’t sleep and thought I—”

  “You’d sit in the spa for some peace and quiet. And I spoiled that.”

  “It’s okay,” she said. “You need it more than I do.” She began to back away. “I’ll use it another time.”

  “Hey, you can use it now. There’s plenty of room for both of us.” Was he crazy? He must be, but he found he would do anything to see her without the cover-up. “Don’t be shy.”

  Abby stiffened. “I’m not. But this isn’t a smart idea.”

  “Figure you can’t keep your hands off me, huh?”

  With that, Abby jerked her robe off. Cade swallowed. Hard. The royal-blue suit was one piece, but it was cut high on her thighs, nipping in at her narrow waist. Her breasts were full, and he could see the out
line of her nipples under the thin fabric. His breathing quickened.

  She placed her hands on her hips. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  Abby nodded and sat on the edge of the tub, then swung her legs around. Her mouth opened, and her eyes closed as she sank into the bubbling warm water. “Oh, this is wonderful.”

  If he didn’t know better, he’d think she’d planned this. “Yeah, the water is great.”

  All at once, her legs slid up against his. She jumped back. “Sorry.”

  Cade realized the only way he was going to survive this was to get his mind on something else. “I talked with Chance today. He and Joy have agreed to go in on the nature retreat.”

  “Oh, that’s great. Then we can start soon.”

  He held up a hand. “We still need to talk to Travis. I tried after dinner, but he’s a hard man to reach. I’ll call again tomorrow.” He looked at her across the tub. “You know, this venture is going to take a while to get going.”

  “I know. Thank goodness you sold the lakefront property, or Brandon and I would have to find another place to live.”

  Cade glanced away. He’d hoped that the property would have sold before now, but it hadn’t. “Well, you don’t have to worry about that. Now, with or without Travis’s approval, we can move ahead with your side of the project. That is if you still want the cottages built and open for business by next spring.”

  “I do. But I’ve been thinking that I should get a job until then. I mean, there’s not going to be any extra money coming in.”

  Cade tensed. He didn’t want her out working all day. He needed her here to help with the plans. “You let me worry about the money. Besides, I owe you seven years of back child support. You and Brandon won’t want for anything.”

  She shook her head. “You don’t owe me anything, Cade. I’m the one who kept your son from you.”

  “That’s not the point. I want to take care of my family.”

  “Brandon has had everything he needed.”

  “Except a father.” Cade regretted the words the moment they were out.