WARRIOR'S BRIDE

by Nina Bruhns

  He turned and sat against his desk, massaging his neck. "Lindsay, I really don't need this bullshit right now."

  "Help me, Cole. Daddy will disown me if he finds out. He thought I was away at college. I have no idea who the kid's father was, except he was obviously Indian. Help me find out. Please?"

  Cole smoothed down his tie and let out a long breath, cursing long and hard. Damn. Damn. Damn. This was way more involved than he wanted to get. But when he thought of the boy, his heart just wouldn't let him turn his back.

  "Send me a list of potential candidates. No promises, but I'll see what I can find out."

  * * *

  Katarina bit off the thread after finishing one last throw pillow, tossed it next to its mates on the sofa and stood back to admire her handiwork.

  The worn area rug in the living room had been replaced with a new handmade one she had bought at a local weaving guild. She'd looked everywhere for coordinating fabric and, when she found the perfect match, had sewn curtains for all six windows, and today she had finished a dozen cozy throw pillows for the sofas and Cole's chair. The room looked even better than the guest room, which she'd redone last week. She smiled in satisfaction.

  She checked the clock on the mantel. She had an hour to spare before she had to start dinner. Today she was trying her hand at fajitas—Cole had mentioned a few days ago how much he liked them. But they seemed pretty easy to make, so maybe she should get in some study time beforehand. Or maybe…

  Her gaze skittered to the phone in the kitchen, and instantly she was deluged with uneasy emotions. She had put off this call as long as she could, but it couldn't be put off any longer. Her hand shook slightly at the thought of dialing the familiar number. But today, when she felt so good and had accomplished so much, surely today she would be strong enough to do it.

  Resolutely, she walked to the phone, picked it up and dialed. All too quickly a brisk, feminine voice said, "Hello," sounding like she was next door instead of three thousand miles away.

  "Hi, Mama."

  "Katarina, is that you?"

  "Yes, Mother."

  "You'll have to make it fast, dear. I'm just on my way out the door. Frazer is taking me to the opening of that new show everyone's raving about. You've seen it, of course, since it was in L.A. last month. I have a fabulous new—"

  "Mama, I got married a few weeks ago. I just thought you might like—"

  "Married! Well, congratulations, dear, it's about time you came to your senses and married David. After all, you've been with him for years now—"

  "I told you I left David last year. My husband's name is Colton Lonetree."

  "Don't be ridiculous. David was perfect for you. He gave you direction. Left him? How could you? He was practically the most eligible bachelor in Los—"

  "He didn't love me."

  "Love? Pshaw. There are more important— This is just typical of you, Katarina. You never think before you leap into something. So tell me, who is this man you've married? Hilton something? What does he do? And why wasn't your own mother invited?"

  "It's Cole. Colton Lonetree. He's a—"

  "Is he some sort of foreigner? Lonetree doesn't sound like an English name to me."

  "You'd like him. He's very nice. Handsome, too. He's Native American, from down—"

  "Native American! You mean a … a—"

  "A lawyer, Mama. You always wanted me to marry a lawyer. And now I have."

  "Well. Then I guess he must be—"

  "I'm going to have a baby, too. Isn't that wonder—"

  "A baby!?"

  "—ful? It's a boy and he's due next week. We're so thrilled… Mother?"

  "When did you say you got married?"

  "A few weeks ago. I'm sorry I didn't call sooner—it was all pretty sudden. It was a courthouse wedding, but very nice. Alex had everyone back to the house afterward and she made this delicious chocolate wedding cake—"

  "Oh, Katarina, what have you done?"

  "It would be really nice if you could come out after the baby's born and meet him and Cole. I know you'll like—"

  "I just can't believe it. Forced to get married in this day and age. Well, you'll simply have to do the best with the situation you've made for yourself. I only hope to God you won't be too miserable. At least he's a lawyer."

  "His house is really cute, too. It has the prettiest yellow kitchen. With white trim. Just like we used to have when Daddy was—"

  "It sounds delightful, dear. Uh-oh, I hear Frazer calling. Got to run. Congratulations, Katarina. I hope you'll be very happy. You'll let me know how it goes, won't you? Ta ta for now!"

  "Bye, Mama. I love you."

  * * *

  Chapter 12

  « ^ »

  Cole pulled the truck into the driveway and parked behind the Camaro. He jumped out and strode up the walk, wondering what surprises were in store for him today.

  Rini always had something going—in three weeks she'd practically redecorated his entire house. He was worried that she was endangering her health, but besides that, he honestly didn't know when she found time to do it all, between classes and studying half the night. He'd never seen anyone work so hard in all his life.

  He hadn't meant for it to be like this. He didn't like it. But the more he tried to discourage her, the more she would do.

  He flung open the front door and called out, "Rini?"

  "In here," she called from his room. Her room. Whoseever the hell room it was.

  Sighing, he slipped off his shoes and tossed his briefcase onto the easy chair before going to her. He stopped in the doorway. Except for their wedding night and those few minutes the second night, he hadn't set foot in his old room since she'd moved into it. "Hi."

  "Hi. I got some things."

  "So I see."

  His bed was piled high with baby things. On the floor sat an infant car seat and a big narrow box containing an unassembled crib. Rini had scrounged up his toolbox from the garage and now sat next to it, ripping open the carton. She looked mighty uncomfortable.

  "Here—" he quickly squatted down by her "—let me help."

  "It's okay, I can manage."

  He grasped her hands. "No one doubts that, darlin'. Why don't you relax on the bed and watch?"

  Her fingers tightened briefly around his and she squeezed her eyes shut. He could see the dark smudges under them.

  "The stuff for fajitas is ready. I should set the table."

  "Dinner can wait. Come on. Sit." He led her to the bed and cleared a spot. "Are you having more contractions?"

  She lifted a shoulder. "The usual. But my back is killing me. Too much shopping, I guess."

  "Doing too much everything, I guess. I'll run a nice warm bath for you tonight." Before she leaned back against the headboard, he propped pillows behind her. "I've been wondering when you were going to get baby things."

  She lowered her gaze as she rubbed her stomach. "I was hoping you'd go with me. But you've been so busy."

  He stopped and looked at her, guilt washing over him once more. "You should have said something."

  "I know you're trying to tie things up at the office before next week. I didn't want to be a bother."

  "You're not a bother, Rini. Ever." He cleared his throat. "Look, I know we didn't exactly get off on the right foot, but we're a family now." He got up and paced over to the box holding the crib. "We have to learn to work together. For the baby's sake."

  When he glanced back, Rini's eyes were closed and there was a hint of melancholy in her face. "I know. You're right."

  He shrugged off his jacket and hung it over the doorknob, then opened the carton and began taking out crib pieces. Her gaze followed him as he worked. He put the crib together and then set it up in a corner of the room.

  "Nice crib." He surveyed his finished handiwork and watched her pull a thick pad and sheet out of a bag. He took them and made up the miniature mattress. Rini fastened some colorful bumpers around the perimeter. He couldn't believe that soon
a new baby would be sleeping there. His baby.

  He slipped his arm around Rini and they both stood for several minutes gazing at the crib, contemplating what was to come. Without thinking, he reached over and put his hand on her stomach. He felt the muscles ripple, growing rock hard under his fingers. "Another contraction?"

  She nodded. "How about some dinner? I'm starved. Then I need to get all this stuff put away. I should do some studying, too, but I'd like to get that baby quilt finished."

  He shook his head. "What you need is some sleep."

  She smiled, heading for the kitchen. "Too much to do."

  * * *

  The next morning Cole woke to the sound of Rini's moans. He opened his eyes and stared at the pillow in the still-strange bed for a moment, getting his bearings. The moans fit right into the pleasant dream he'd been having, but when he reached for his wife she was nowhere in sight. When another soft moan floated down the hall, he shot out of bed and ran to her room.

  "Are you all right?" He approached the bed where she lay tangled in the sheet, the Pendleton blanket in a heap on the floor beside her.

  Her eyes had been closed but sprang open at his words. "Cole!" Her hand went to her brow. "I had the strangest dream. I dreamed a Sherman tank was driving laps over my stomach. Ow!"

  "What's happening?" He leaned over the bed, alarmed by the expression of surprise and pain on her face. "Woman, talk to me!"

  "I'm awake, but the tank is still there." Her eyes widened and she clutched her stomach. "Oh, Cole. I think this is it."

  He looked at her, shocked. "You're kidding, right? Tell me this isn't happening a week early."

  She shook her head, obviously reluctant to believe it herself. "No. First babies never come early. Besides, it can't be time. I haven't even packed." She lifted her hands tentatively, then smiled. "See? All gone."

  Breathing a sigh of relief, he plunked himself down on the side of the bed. "Had me worried for a minute there." He glanced at the alarm clock on her nightstand. "Time to get up, anyway. Feel like some breakfast?"

  She scooted to a sitting position, pulling the sheet with her, and grimaced. "Oh, man. Do the tread marks show?"

  He shot her a look, frowning. "Still hurt?"

  She smiled weakly. "Only when I breathe." She held out her hands. "Help me up? Maybe I can walk the kinks out."

  This was not good. Something was wrong; he just knew it. "Maybe you should call the doctor."

  "I'll have a walk around the house first. Are you making eggs? I'm starving."

  Grinning, he rose. "I'll take that as a good sign. Scrambled okay?" He helped her to her feet and caught her staring at his attire.

  "Silk boxers?" She reached out and fingered the fabric.

  He felt his grin turn lopsided. He loved the feel of the cool, slippery material against his bare ski, found it extremely soothing and sensual, but hadn't ever admitted it to anyone before. "Why should women have all the fun?"

  She grabbed his arm to steady herself, her face scrunching up in a wince of pain. "Yeah, this is fun. I'll trade you anytime."

  Instantly, the playfulness was forgotten. "Rini, these contractions are coming pretty close together. Are you sure it isn't time?"

  After a moment, she took a deep breath and smiled bravely. "Yeah, it's time. Time for breakfast."

  He chuckled and headed for the kitchen. "Yes, ma'am." If there was one thing he'd learned in the past weeks, it was if she was hungry, the kid didn't stand a chance. Baby might as well make himself comfortable and wait out breakfast.

  As he prepared the eggs and set the table, Cole could hear her moving around, to the bathroom and back to her room, then walking in circles in the living room. He seemed to recall something from childbirth class about changing activities to determine if labor was real or false. Since she had been lying down, walking around should either make the contractions go away or speed them up. Either way they'd know.

  He scrubbed his face with his hands. Hell. He wasn't ready for this. He went out to get her. "Breakfast is ready."

  "Cole?"

  He sought her eyes. "Yeah, babe?"

  "They're not going away."

  Cole nodded numbly. "Okay. What do we do now?"

  "Eat," Rini answered.

  He cleared his throat. "Right. I'll be right there." Splashing his face with water in the bathroom, he took a good look in the mirror. "Hey, Dad." He squeezed his eyes shut and groaned. Nope. He definitely was not ready for this.

  When he joined Rini in the kitchen, she was helping herself to a second plate of eggs.

  "Should you be eating?"

  "I have a feeling I'll be needing all the energy I can get. Besides, this could take days."

  He looked at her nervously. "Have you called Alex?"

  "Yeah." She bit her lip. "Brad says she's on her way to San Diego for a business meeting."

  His fork clattered to the plate. "Get her back!"

  Rini shook her head. "She doesn't have a car phone. I left a message in San Diego, but by the time she makes the three-hour drive, gets the message and turns around, it could be all over."

  "Aw, hell."

  She looked up. "You can do it, Cole. You went to class."

  "Me?" He surged forward. "I went one time! My God, Rini! I don't know the first thing!" He fell back into his chair, running a hand over his forehead. "What if I screw up?"

  She raised a brow at him, then wrapped her arms around her stomach as another contraction took hold. "Comfort and encouragement," she rasped. "That's all you need to think about."

  He was on his knees at her side in a second, anxiously searching for something useful to do to help her. He couldn't even hold her hand because she was busy using it to rub her belly. He drilled his fingers through the sides of his hair. "Relax, take a deep breath and think about waves."

  "I think it's a little early for that, Cole. I still have to pack."

  "What?" He looked at her uncomprehendingly. "Oh." He grinned sheepishly. "I was talking to myself, not you."

  She let her breath out in a laugh. "Jerk."

  He pained her teasing smack on the shoulder and caught her hand in his. "Do me a favor?"

  She nodded, her face glowing with the quiet excitement of what was happening.

  "Pack your damn bag so we can get to the hospital? I'd just as soon not have to deliver this baby myself."

  With his help she stood, then reached up and gave him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. "As soon as I take a shower."

  He groaned.

  After pacing for what seemed like hours, Cole at last hefted the small overnight bag Rini had thrown together before getting in the shower. "Finally! Is this everything?"

  "Got the car seat?"

  "Yep."

  "Blanket and an outfit for him?"

  "From the dresser like you said." Putting a hand on the small of her back, he firmly guided her toward the front door. Even after a warm shower, she looked drawn and pale, with lines of discomfort etched around her mouth. "Come on, let's go. The contractions are practically knocking you over now." He was about to have a nervous breakdown trying to get her to the car. Every time they got close, she'd remember something else. He had visions of having the baby on the corner of Colorado and Fair Oaks.

  She gasped loudly.

  He dropped the bag and grabbed her. "What? Are you okay?"

  "My legs!"

  "What about them? Do they hurt?"

  "I forgot to shave my legs!"

  He dropped his forehead to hers in relief, desperately fighting back the aggravation. "The baby won't care, and I promise not to look." He retrieved the bag from the floor. "We're going now."

  She clutched his arm, the pain in her face evident. "But I—"

  "Now, Rini. We're leaving now."

  She stopped walking for a minute, closing her eyes and breathing through the contraction, leaning into him. "I guess I can't put it off any longer. But I'm scared, Cole. So scared."

  He swallowed hard and put his ar
ms around her. "I know, honey. I'm here for you. I'll take care of you and the baby, you can count on that." He lifted her into his arms and carried her the rest of the way to the truck, then hurried around to the driver's side before remembering. "Jeez, the pillows."

  * * *

  It was a nightmare seeing her work so hard. It definitely put a whole new perspective on those hours of pleasure they had enjoyed nine months earlier. It was a wonder women ever wanted to have sex.

  Cole sat on the hospital bed with Rini in his lap, just as they'd learned in childbirth class, coaxing her to relax her back against him between the steadily mounting waves of contractions. The bandanna he'd tied around his forehead to catch the stinging drops of perspiration before they hit his eyes was soaked.

  Suddenly, she demanded, "Dammit, Cole, how could you do this to me?" She went limp in his arms, grabbing a short time to rest. "Why the hell didn't you use protection?" Her tone was sharp and accusatory.

  Stunned, he saw the two delivery nurses glance covertly at each other in amusement. One of them checked her watch, while the other hurried out of the room. "I…" He cleared his throat, unable to think of an appropriate response. Hell of a time to bring up this topic. "I…"

  "Oh, now there's a brilliant comeback." Rini's voice, dripping with sarcasm, tightened along with her stomach muscles. "Well, I hope it was worth it, sweet cakes. Seducing an innocent— Aaahhh!" She moaned as the next contraction hit.

  What the blazes was with her, anyway? Suddenly he remembered the instructor's words. When she starts swearing and calling you names… He nearly drooped with relief. "Almost through, darlin'. Just hang in there for a few more minutes." He kissed the top of her head and counted slowly as she struggled to relax through the peak.

  "You hang in there if you want to," she gasped. "I want a C-section."

  The door swung open and Dr. Morris stepped smartly over to the bed. "What's this nonsense about a C-section?" She checked the array of monitors, then stood with her arms crossed and a stern smile on her face. "You're doing great. This'll be over in no time."

  "Easy for you to say," Rini grumbled, collapsing against Cole's chest.

  The back of her hospital gown was damp with sweat, as were her face and neck. The fragrance of her shampoo mingled with the sweet tangy scent of hard physical work. He held her close, supporting her as she caught her breath, and gradually realized that her horrific contractions had slowed considerably. It had been several moments since her body had clenched in pain.