Unbridled (Unlikely Lovers)

by Brooks, Cheryl

  “That’s not how I heard it. He’s going to get his car washed and clean it out before the date. I think he’s going to get her some flowers, too.”

  “Sounds like you two had a private chat during the driving lesson.”

  “Oh, yeah. He’s quite a talker when you get him behind the wheel.”

  “I know. It’s weird. When he’s a passenger, he hardly ever says anything. Just listens to music or plays video games—or talks to himself. He hardly ever initiates a conversation unless he’s driving.”

  “You know, he’s really serious about Tabitha. I almost hate to mention this, but he was trying to come up with baby names.”

  “Oh, God. I am so not ready for that. I hope Tabitha has sense enough to wait a little while—at least until she finishes school. He did say she was studying to be a chef, didn’t he?”

  “Yeah, but he’s ready right now. Boy, when he makes up his mind to do something…”

  “Believe me, I know. He never acted like he wanted to learn to drive until he got sick of dealing with the people who were taking him out twice a week. Half the time they didn’t show up, and he didn’t like their cars or their driving. After that, there was no stopping him.”

  “He, um, asked me a few other things, too.”

  Miranda looked like she was about to cry. “Oh, don’t tell me it went beyond kissing.”

  “Well, yes, it did. He’s got a general idea about how to make babies, but he did ask me a few questions concerning the, um, finer points of how it’s done.”

  “And what did you tell him?”

  “That I needed to talk to you first. After all, I’m not his father.”

  “I’m sure you’d be better at telling him than someone else.” Frowning, she stared at the floor for a long moment. “Was that something you were looking forward to doing someday?”

  “I did think about it when he came over on Monday night. Honestly, I don’t mind talking to him about it, but, like I said, he’s your son.”

  She shook her head. “That’s not what I meant. You do realize if you stick with me, you’ll never have any children of your own, don’t you?”

  Travis had wondered when she’d finally get around to that. “Yes, I do.”

  “And it doesn’t bother you?”

  “Let me put it this way. I’m in love with you, Miranda, not with any children we might or might not have together. If fathering children was my only goal, I’d have done it by now. Besides, I can’t think of a better son than the one you have, and I’d be honored to have him as a stepson.” He paused, chuckling. “He’s one of the coolest guys I’ve ever met.”

  Miranda ducked her head, shielding her eyes with her hand, but she couldn’t completely hide the tears rolling down her cheeks. With a sob, she fell against him. “I love you so much.”

  Travis wrapped his arms around her, planting a kiss on the top of her head. “Could you say that again?” he whispered. “No one’s told me that for a very long time.”

  Pulling away, she sat up, wiping the tears from her eyes. “I find that so hard to believe—like the time you told me your life was lonely and incomplete and that you weren’t happy. You’re the most lovable man I’ve ever known. I don’t understand why you aren’t taken, why you don’t already have a wife and a whole passel of kids.”

  He smiled ruefully. “I’m glad you think I’m so lovable, but there have been plenty of others who would disagree. I had to meet the right person before any of that could happen—and that person is you.”

  She inhaled a shaky breath. “Promise me you won’t disappear. I keep feeling like I’ll blink and you’ll be gone.”

  “I’ll do the best I can to be here for you. This is where I want to be, and I’m so glad you were here for me to find.”

  “Pinch me,” she said. “Hard enough to leave a mark. I have to know this is real.”

  “No.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “You’re going to have to settle for kisses. I’m not about to leave a mark on you. You’re perfect just the way you are. Besides, you get hurt often enough without any help from me.”

  “True. I’ll have to be more careful.”

  “You do that, Miranda. I want to keep you around for a very long time.”

  “Yes, and don’t forget, I’ve got nearly ten years on you already.”

  “Oh, hush up and kiss me.”

  “My pleasure.”

  * * * *

  Miranda’s first night back at work went smoothly enough, or would have if they’d been busier. A quiet night with soundly sleeping patients gave Lola and Dana more opportunities to pump her for information. Dana giggled and teased. Lola, on the other hand, was positively gloating.

  “Told you he was interested in you,” she said with a knowing smile. “You wouldn’t listen.”

  “Have a heart, Lola. I had a concussion. He remembered everything, but I’d forgotten all of it.”

  “That would be weird,” Dana agreed. “Sort of like waking up—”

  “—in Vegas married to a complete stranger?” Miranda finished for her. “Yeah. A lot like that, only I didn’t even know we were married. Well…not married, exactly, but you get the idea.”

  Lola sniffed. “So, when’s the wedding?”

  Miranda snorted a laugh. “You mean mine or Levi’s?”

  “Yours, of course.”

  “I’ll let you know when he asks me.”

  “Sounds to me like it’s a done deal,” Lola said.

  Since there isn’t much nurses won’t discuss with each other, Miranda had told them both everything she could remember. “I’m still waiting to be asked.”

  Dana giggled. “Bet he does something really romantic.”

  “You mean like flowers, candy, and a ring?” Miranda scoffed. “I doubt it. Besides, Levi already did the proposing for him.”

  “But you haven’t said yes, have you?” Lola pointed out.

  “No, but I didn’t refuse, either. Still, we’ve only been together for two weeks. Don’t you think it’s a little soon to be talking about marriage?”

  Lola frowned. “Usually doesn’t take me very long to decide.”

  “And you have such a terrific track record,” Dana said with a snicker. “Not sure you’re the best source for reliable statistics.”

  “I never said it was the right decision,” Lola said. “It’s just that I make up my mind fairly quickly.”

  “And we’ve seen the results of using that method.” A call light went off and Dana got to her feet. “I’ll get that.”

  “It’s my patient, Dana,” Miranda said. “I’ll get it.”

  Anything to escape this inquisition…

  * * * *

  Miranda thought it best to skip her riding lesson on Tuesday morning. Travis would’ve helped her hitch up the trailer, but hauling herself up on top of Kira using anything less than a stepladder still seemed impossible. She’d just gotten back from the barn when Christina called.

  “Hey, girlfriend, I’ve got a meeting in Pemberton later this afternoon, so I’m headed your way. Want to meet somewhere for lunch?”

  Miranda had an idea Christina would be fishing for the latest on Mark, but for once, she had news of her own. “Sounds great. I’ve got a lot to tell you.”

  “Really? What’s up?”

  “Oh, the usual. Broken ribs, a concussion, a new boyfriend. Levi’s got a girlfriend, too. He’s even been on a date.”

  “Hold on, back up for a second. You’ve got a boyfriend? Really? Anyone I know?”

  Ordinarily, this would’ve been unlikely given that their only mutual male friend was Mark. Travis was the lone exception. “One of your rejects, actually.”

  Christina gasped. “Not that little Travis guy?”

  “What do you mean, little? He’s taller than I am.” At roughly five-ten, Christina was taller than a lot of men—Travis, included—which was something Miranda hadn’t considered when she’d been matchmaking. Yet another reason never to try that again.

&n
bsp; “Never mind. Not important. So, you’re saying you’re hurt?”

  In Miranda’s opinion, Travis was the most important thing that had happened to her in years. She started to argue, but figured that a boyfriend discussion would eventually lead to Mark, and she really didn’t feel like rehashing the same old shit. “Slipped and fell during that ice storm we had weekend before last. Travis was here and has been helping me out ever since.”

  “Helping?” Christina scoffed. “Not sure that makes him a boyfriend.”

  “Yeah, well—trust me, he’s been doing a lot more than that.”

  “And you don’t think he’s boring?”

  Miranda bit back a scathing retort, opting for the simple truth. “He’s probably the least boring man I’ve ever known.” Closing her eyes, she counted to three. “Where do you want to meet for lunch?”

  After they’d agreed on a time and place, Miranda switched off the phone, grumbling. She should be thanking her lucky stars that Christina hadn’t liked Travis, but she couldn’t help resenting her attitude toward him.

  The hottest, most perfect man in the world, and she thinks he’s boring.

  * * * *

  Miranda arrived early and was waiting at a table sipping her tea when Christina arrived with a potted shamrock and what appeared to be a permanent pout. “I figured what with broken ribs and a concussion, you could use a little luck.”

  “Thanks, it’s lovely, but I’m not sure I need it. My luck is better than ever.”

  She frowned. “Wish I could say the same. I take it you’re happy with Travis?”

  “Extremely. You really missed out on a good one.”

  “No, if you’re happy, I’m fine with that. Just don’t know what you see in him.”

  Evidently, she’d never received the naked waiter treatment.

  Christina sat down, flipping her hair back over her shoulder. “I, um, don’t suppose you’ve heard anything from Mark, have you?”

  Miranda’s only surprise in being asked that question was that it hadn’t been the first thing out of Christina’s mouth. “Not lately. If you’re looking to get him back, I think it’s pretty hopeless.”

  She heaved a sigh. “I was afraid of that. I’m sorry to keep badgering you, but you’re the only one I can talk to about him.”

  “You mean that in all the time you were together, you never met any of his friends—or his family?”

  “Yes, but they’d probably take his side. You’re more…neutral.”

  She had a point. Mark had actually been Kris’s friend, with the result that Miranda had been much closer to Christina in recent years. “I’ll talk to him, but I can’t promise anything.”

  “I know you can’t. And I know I should forget him, but I can’t seem to find a reason to. At least, not yet.”

  “I take it you haven’t met any hunky lawyers since the breakup?”

  “Tons of them. Too bad they’re all such cocky bastards.”

  “I suppose the criminal element doesn’t appeal to you, either.”

  Christina’s chuckle didn’t quite fit with her demeanor—seeming more akin to gallows humor than genuine mirth. “Have you ever fallen for any of your patients?”

  “Point made, but what about victims or their families?”

  Christina arched a brow. “Need you ask?”

  “Okay, I realize neither of us sees people at their best, but I haven’t been looking. You, I presume, have.”

  “Not really—except to compare them to Mark, and they all come up lacking.”

  Mark was a handsome devil—even Miranda couldn’t argue that point—but he was no Brad Pitt. She smiled to herself. And he’s certainly no Travis York.

  In the end, although she knew it wouldn’t do a damn bit of good, she promised to talk to Mark.

  With plenty to report for once, Miranda carried most of the conversation during lunch. Christina seemed happy for her and Levi, but her underlying gloom persisted.

  Seeing no point in putting it off any longer, Miranda called Mark as soon as she and Christina parted company. As she’d expected, Mark was happier than ever and had no intention of going back.

  “She’ll get over me eventually,” he said. “All she needs is someone new.”

  “Easier said than done. I tried to fix her up with a friend of mine, but she’s still comparing every guy she meets with you.”

  “I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it. She’ll find someone. She’s too beautiful not to.”

  “I hope you’re right. I think she’s finally figured out that her work isn’t everything.”

  “Wish she’d done that sooner,” he said with a wistful note to his voice. “We probably would’ve been married with a couple of kids by now. As it is, well…”

  “Yeah. It’s too late.”

  He paused for a moment. “Do you think I should talk to her myself? Somehow, I think it would be a bad idea. I mean, I’ve already asked Brittany to marry me.”

  “And?”

  “She said yes.”

  This isn’t going to be pretty. “I’m very happy for you, Mark. And you’re right. It probably wouldn’t be a good idea for you to talk to Christina right now. I’ll tell her.” Miranda sighed. “I’ve done it before. I can do it again.”

  “Thanks, I’d appreciate that.” Clearing his throat, he went on, “So, how are things with you? Still raising horses and nursing the sick?” The shift in his tone from subdued to brisk spoke volumes. As far as he was concerned, Christina was ancient history.

  “Among other things.” Feeling like a broken record, she wound up repeating most of what she’d told Christina. “I love him to pieces, Mark. He’s the one—it’s that simple.”

  “You don’t know how much I’ve wanted to hear you say that. I feel the same way, myself.” He laughed. “Ain’t love grand?”

  Miranda couldn’t have agreed more, but she also had to tell Christina that Mark was gone for good.

  Chapter 31

  “I like crab!” Levi announced when he called on Thursday afternoon. “We went to Red Lobster last night. Tabitha taught me how to crack it. You dip it in butter sauce and it’s delicious!”

  Miranda had been lucky to get him to eat fried shrimp. Getting him to try crab was right up there with winning the lottery. “See? There are lots of good things to eat besides pizza and potstickers. If Tabitha is going to be a chef, she’ll probably want you to taste all sorts of new things.”

  “I’ll try, as long as it doesn’t have too much pepper.”

  “She can’t ask for more than that.”

  “Um, Mom, I called to tell you I won’t be coming home this weekend.”

  Miranda smiled to herself. “I kinda figured that.”

  “Travis said he’d be spending the weekend with you, so you won’t get lonely.”

  “Actually, I think he’s just going to come over to feed the horses in the mornings for me.”

  “No, he told me he was going to be there all weekend. He told me when we were practicing driving to Red Lobster.”

  “Is that why you aren’t coming home?”

  “Oh, no. I’m going to work Saturday and go out with Tabitha on Sunday.” He paused for a moment. “We might be going out tomorrow night, too. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know. I have to work.” Generally speaking, Levi was one of the more dedicated homebodies Miranda had ever met. To the best of her recollection, he hadn’t wanted to go out that often in his entire life. Carryout, yes, but going out to a restaurant? Rarely. “Seems like you’re going out an awful lot. That’s a little different for you, isn’t it?”

  “Yeah. I like going out with Tabitha. She talks to me and makes me laugh.”

  Looking back on all the relatively silent dinners in various restaurants over the years, Miranda couldn’t help being impressed. Evidently, finding the right dinner companion made all the difference in the world. “Still thinking about getting married?”

  “Not right now. Tabitha says we should wait a
while.”

  Miranda sighed with relief. “That’s probably a good idea.”

  “Travis thought so, too.”

  Good for Travis. “Did he tell you that when you were out for driving practice?”

  “Yeah, but he comes here to buy gas all the time. I call him, too. He gave me his cell phone number.”

  “I see.” Apparently, he’d found a new friend in Travis, which was…encouraging. “What do you two talk about?”

  “Oh, all kinds of things. Guy stuff.”

  Miranda went off in a peal of laughter. “That’s interesting. So, do you like having a man to talk to?”

  “Oh, yeah. And since he’s going to be my stepfather pretty soon—”

  Miranda’s heart took a nose dive. “Hold on there, Levi. He hasn’t asked me to marry him. You told me to marry him. It makes a difference.”

  “You mean he hasn’t asked you yet?”

  “No, he hasn’t.”

  “Well, when he does and you say yes, you’ll get married, and I’ll have a father again.”

  “It isn’t that simple.” If only it were…

  “Why not? You love him, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “And I know he loves you.”

  Miranda’s jaw dropped. “Did he tell you that?”

  Levi snorted a laugh. “No, but I’m not stupid.”

  “No, you aren’t. You’re a lot of things, Levi. Stupid isn’t one of them.”

  “Don’t screw it up, Mom. He’s a keeper.”

  Never having heard Levi use that particular term, Miranda was puzzled, especially since Jade had said the same thing.

  No, it wasn’t the cat. She’d only imagined that to be Jade’s opinion. Kira was the one who’d actually said it. Freaky. “What did you say?”

  “I said, he’s a keeper. You know…like when you catch a fish big enough to keep?”

  “Yeah…” Scratching her head, she tried to remember if Levi had ever been fishing in his life. She didn’t think he had—although he might’ve done some fishing with the Scouts. Her son’s reports on what he’d done at camp often amounted to more general statements like “We had fun” rather than specific activities. “Where did you hear that?”