If her mother ever found out that her apartment had been broken into, she’d fight tooth and nail for custody of Bridget. And by leaving her daughter behind while she settled in, she’d played right into her mother’s hands. She’d have to call and arrange for a cleaning service to tackle her apartment before she headed home if her mother really did intend to accompany them.
She grabbed her cup and stood to face her mother. “It’s a perfectly safe and quiet area. I own five acres at the edge of town so there’s plenty of room for Bridget to play. There is no stench. I run a clean practice. And Bridget loves animals, as I do. If we ever get a mean one, she’ll stand clear. Any other concerns before I go in to see my daughter?”
Allison didn’t wait for an answer. She walked in, placed her cup on the counter, and went straight to Bridget’s bedroom. She was still asleep and looked so angelic and contented lying there. Allison didn’t have the heart to disturb her rest, so she sat in the rocker, prepared to wait until her daughter woke up. What a surprise that would be for Bridget—for her to wake up and see Mommy, not Grandmom.
She smiled as she glanced around the room. Bridget had wheedled some new posters out of her grandmother. One was of three cute kittens, another of Barbie in a princess gown, and the third was of the ever present Dora and Boots, this time in roller skates. Bridget’s room was bright and colorful, as a child’s room should be.
Would she like her room at the apartment? A community playground was a short walk from the clinic. Bridget would love that. She’d always loved the outdoors, even on the coldest days in winter. It was a big change and she dearly hoped her daughter would adapt to life in Fort Macleod. But what if she didn’t? What if she preferred to stay with her grandmother?
“Mommy!”
Her daughter’s excited shout drew Allison’s attention as nothing else could. She jumped up and leaned over to envelop Bridget in a loving embrace. “Hi, honey. I’ve missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” Bridget said as her little arms wound around Allison’s neck. “I missed you bunches and bunches.”
Allison sat on the edge of the bed and grinned. “That much, eh?”
“Yep. Are you staying home wiff me?”
“Well, I came home to see you and help you pack. Our apartment is ready, and I had the man build you a brand new room.”
“But what about Grandmom? She’ll be lonely wiffouts me.”
“Your grandmother is coming with us to see the apartment and visit a while. She’ll be fine.”
“Okay. When do we go?”
“In a few days. We need to give your ankle a chance to heal.”
“It’s lots better, but Gram won’t let me walk on it.”
Bridget’s pout was almost her undoing. She loved this child so much. “Are you still dizzy?”
“No. The doctor was real nice, Mommy. He gave me some stickers, and Grandmom gots a paper to get medicine for me. I’m all better now.”
“Glad to hear it. So, what would you like to do?”
“Can we go outside?” she asked, a hopeful expression on her face.
“I don’t see why not. Do you use crutches or just hop around on one foot?”
“Gram carries me. She thinks hopping is dangerous.” Bridget curled up her nose in distaste, and Allison knew just how she felt.
“Hmmm. I could hold up your injured side while you hop on your good leg. Unless you want me to carry you,” Allison said as she stood.
“No way.” Bridget laughed, threw back the blankets, and scrambled to the side of the bed. “Ready, Mommy.”
She reached up her arms, and Allison held her as she steadied herself on one foot.
“Let’s go.”
They made steady progress up the hall considering that they giggled and laughed the whole way. Bridget hesitated briefly when her grandmother came into view, but with a little squeeze on Bridget’s arm to show her support, they made it past the woman’s frowning countenance and out onto the patio.
****
Three days after he’d sent Allison away, Jack still felt miserable. He couldn’t even work up any enthusiasm for being home. His mother was in her element with him home again and not allowed to do anything. She fussed over him, prepared his favorite foods, and sat and chatted, keeping him company. It was almost enough to make a grown man cry. And since Allison had left, tears were always close to the surface. Sleep was elusive, but it was his only means of gaining some peace and quiet.
“I think I’ll try to sleep now, Mom. You can go keep Lucas company or do whatever needs doing.”
“All right, dear, but if you need me, holler.”
He smiled at her. “I will. Thanks for taking such good care of me.”
Winnie beamed a bright smile as she got to her feet. “It’s what mothers do best. None of us enjoy having our kids sick or injured.”
“Well, you’re one of the best. Good night, Mom.”
“Sleep well, Jackie.”
He closed his eyes and waited for his bedroom door to close behind his mother. When the sound didn’t come, he squinted his eyes open to see that she’d left it open a crack—to hear him better, most likely. His mother really was one of the best.
What kind of mother was Allison to stay at her lover’s side when her daughter needed her? It was unthinkable. He enjoyed her company, sure, but a hurting child deserved to have her mother by her side to comfort her and dry her tears.
Heck, he was a lot older than Allison’s daughter was and he still enjoyed his mom’s pampering … most of the time. And he had to admit that he wasn’t the best patient either. He’d been so upset that Allison hadn’t told him about her little girl until it came to crunch time. Would she have ever told him? Yeah, she would have had to if she’d intended to bring her to Fort MacLeod. He’d wondered about the two bedrooms in her apartment, but he figured she’d only wanted a spare in case friends or family came to visit. Yeah, right.
Bridget. A beautiful name for a little girl. He wondered if the child was as lovely as her mother.
Allison was an ambitious woman, intent on making the best of her practice. As much as he hated to admit it, it made sense to leave her daughter behind while she got things set up here. And she worked long hours at the clinic. Who would she have to babysit? Hell, she couldn’t even find a receptionist, let alone someone willing to babysit at odd hours.
Or was she dating him with an eye to the future? Did she think he’d play house just so she could work? What about the work he intended to do on his family’s ranch? He couldn’t have a six-year-old trailing behind him. She might get hurt.
His mind traveled back to a time when he’d followed his father everywhere. No matter what he was working on, his dad had managed to keep an eye on him and keep him out of trouble. He remembered sitting in front of his father to go riding. That horse had been so big and him so little. Riding it had made him feel like king of the world. Those were special times engrained in his memory. Could he do the same for Bridget? Would he even have the chance?
He’d been quite rude in sending Allison away, but he’d been hurt by her lack of trust. And he’d explained about Loreena’s baby. If she was pregnant, it certainly wasn’t his. Allison knew that. So why had she thrown it up in his face?
Damn! He had more questions than answers. He’d just have to wait until Allison got back to supply the answers he needed. If she came back. But what if she didn’t? He didn’t even know where she was from. At least, if she’d mentioned it, he didn’t remember.
She’d be back. She’d worked too hard to get her place up and running to abandon it now. But who was running the clinic in her absence? She wouldn’t just lock up and take off without making arrangements of some kind. Would she?
Ugh! He was driving himself crazy. When had his head started aching again? He needed to calm down. Relax. They’d straighten things out when she came back. Now that he was used to the idea, he was actually looking forward to meeting her daughter. He liked kids, although he hadn’t planned to
have any for years to come. And he certainly hadn’t planned on falling in love. But wasn’t that just like life—to kick you in the ass just when you thought you had things all mapped out?
He closed his eyes and thought how much he missed her. Images came to him sharp and clear. Allison, serious in her role at the clinic. Laughing over something he’d said. Awed at the magnificence of the surrounding countryside. Her eyes blazing with passion when they’d made love. And it was love. He knew that now, but would he ever get the chance to tell her after sending her away? In his heart, he knew he’d done the right thing, but he missed her so much.
Please come back to me, Allison. I lied. I do need you.
Chapter Fourteen
Jack was restless. He hated lying in bed when there was work to be done. Doc had said he was allowed to get up and move around after a couple of days, so he washed and dressed and made his way downstairs. He walked into the kitchen to see his mother standing at the stove and Lucas sitting at the table.
“Good mornin’. What are you doin’ up?” Lucas asked as Jack pulled out a chair and sat.
“Got tired of lying around.”
“Jack, you’re not supposed to be up,” said his mother, shaking the spatula at him.
“I’ll be careful. A man can only spend so many hours on his back.”
Lucas chuckled. “I can’t readily agree with you on that one, Jackie.”
The old codger still had it in him. Jack grinned while his mother blushed a pretty pink. “Yeah, but I can’t even do anything about that. No unnecessary movement.”
“Speaking of which, I’m surprised Allison hasn’t been around. Is she sick?” his mother asked.
“No, she had a family emergency and had to go home for a few. Not sure when she’ll be back.”
“Oh. I hope everything is all right,” Winnie said as she expertly flipped the bacon.
“She’s fine, but she has a daughter, Bridget. The girl fell and needed her Mom.”
“A daughter? Allison never said a word,” Winnie stated.
“I know. It was quite a surprise for me, too.”
“Have you heard from her?” Winnie asked.
“Not a word, but I suppose she’s busy.” Jack needed to change the subject. Talk of Allison was only making him miss her more. “I smell bacon. What else are we having?’
“Eggs, toast, hash browns, and gravy. Lucas, pour Jack a coffee, please.”
“Sure thing, Luv.” Lucas stood and crossed the room to do his wife’s bidding.
“Thank you,” Jack said when Lucas set the cup in front of him. His mother made the best coffee. He lifted the cup and took a welcome sip. “It’s good to be dressed and sitting at the table. Makes me feel almost normal.”
“That’s all well and good, but after you eat you’re going right back upstairs. The doctor said five more days bed rest, not two,” said his mother as she set loaded plates in front of him and Lucas.
“We’ll see. This looks and smells delicious. Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome. Now eat up,” she said as she returned with her own plate.
“Hot diggity dog. I get a decent meal. Thanks for coming home, Jackie.” Lucas grinned and grabbed his fork, ready to dive in.
“Enjoy it. You’re back on heart healthy rations for lunch and dinner.”
“Ah, Winnie. Don’t spoil it for me.”
Jack and his mother both laughed at Lucas’s put-upon expression. Jack had never seen him pout before and thought it funny that a grown man would.
Since his heart attack, his mother had watched Lucas’s diet very carefully. Not an easy task, Jack knew, because of his stepfather’s love of sweets and anything greasy. This morning’s feast must seem like manna from heaven to Lucas.
“You’d better eat up before she changes her mind,” Jack teased, amused when Lucas took him at his word and began shoveling it in.
“Careful you don’t choke at the rate you’re stuffing it in,” said Winnie.
Lucas must have decided she wasn’t about to take his plate away as he slowed down and seemed to savor the meal.
Breakfast finished, Winnie rose and grabbed the coffee pot. “Anyone for a refill?”
“Sure, Mom.” Jack held up his cup.
“Nah, I’ve had two already. I need to see that the men have their chores done. They tend to slack off if’n I’m not right on top of them.”
“Now, Lucas. You know we have a good crew of wranglers. Look at how much help they were when you were laid up,” Winnie said.
“True, but a man’s gotta keep his hand in. Ain’t that right, Jack?”
“I can’t argue with you there, but Joe’s a good foreman. He keeps the men in line.”
“As he should. Anyway, I’m off for some fresh air.” Lucas stood and leaned over to plant a kiss on his wife’s cheek, then walked to the door, grabbed his Stetson, and went outside.
Jack got a whiff of cool morning air when the door opened. “It would be nice to go outside for a while. What’s the harm in me sitting on the rocker?”
“Well, none I suppose, but the doctor did say bed rest,” replied his mother.
“On days like this I always did sleep better on the porch.”
“All right. Let me grab a pillow and blanket for you. It wouldn’t do you any good to catch a chill.”
Jack pushed back from the table and crossed the kitchen. The worst injuries he’d received in the crash, other than the need for brain surgery, were his left arm and leg. He had to admit that it did hurt to walk, even with the walking cast. He managed to get to the rocking chair on the porch without too much trouble, but the effort did tire him out.
His mother came out with the pillow and blanket, but she also held a huge bath towel.
“What’s that for?” he asked as she covered him up and placed the pillow under his arm.
“It’s to keep your head from moving if you doze off. Brogan has something similar in her car seat and it works pretty good.”
He watched, amused, as she unfolded the towel and rolled it up. Then she tucked it around his head.
“There. Comfy?” she asked.
“Couldn’t be better. Thanks, Mom.”
“Need anything else before I go in to clean the kitchen?”
“Nope, I’m good. It feels fantastic to be outside.”
“You never were one to stay put. Holler if you need me.”
He nodded and closed his eyes. He was so tired. Images of Allison walking away had tormented him most of the night. In his dreams, he reached out and pulled her back to him. Reality wasn’t as forgiving. When he awoke, she was still gone and he was alone.
The fresh morning air went a long way to making him relax. Although, when he thought about the last time he had fallen asleep on the porch, he got a mite antsy. Whoever was out to cause trouble for him wouldn’t be brave enough to attack in broad daylight. Would they?
He opened his eyes and scanned the surrounding area as much as he could without moving his head. No one was in the yard, yet he had the uncanny sensation of being watched. He slowly took in every remembered detail of the ranch yard and buildings. Nothing had changed, and he didn’t see anything out of place. Still, the feeling persisted.
Unwilling to test the theory by falling asleep outside, he gathered up the blanket and pillow and crossed the porch. A sudden chill had him wrapping the blanket around him as he walked to the door. He pulled the screen door open and stepped inside as a shot rang out, splintering the wooden frame of the screen door.
Not move my ass! He slammed the inside door shut and hollered, “Mom, stay away from the windows. We have a shooter.” He glanced around, but she was nowhere in sight. “Mom?”
“I’m upstairs, Jackie. Figured I’d make your bed since you’re not in it. Be right down.”
Jack grabbed the phone and collapsed on one of the kitchen chairs before dialing Michael’s number. Delayed reaction set in and he began to shake.
“Grayson here.”
“Mike, s
omeone just took a shot at me.”
“Anybody hurt?”
“No, but it was a close call.”
“I’ll be right there. Lock the door and don’t let anybody in.”
“I can’t. Lucas is over at the barn.”
Just then, the door opened and Lucas rushed in. “You okay, boy?”
“Yep, he missed.” Then to Michael he said, “Lucas just came back in the house. We’ll lock up until you get here.”
“Good. I’m on my way.”
The dial tone buzzed in his ear, and he passed the phone to Lucas. “Can you hang this up for me? I don’t think I could move right now if I wanted to.”
“Where’s Winnie?” Lucas asked as he placed the phone back on its base and locked the kitchen door.
“Upstairs. She’s fine.”
“Good. The wranglers are out searchin’, but it’s hard to tell which direction the shot came from.”
“I don’t know either. It happened so fast. The bullet hit the frame on the screen door as I was coming back inside. That was too close for me, so I hightailed it inside and shut both doors.”
“That quick thinkin’ might ‘a saved your life. I thought you were goin’ back to bed.”
“I guess I should have. I just needed to breathe some fresh air.”
A car pulled to as stop near the house and they both froze, unable to move.
Lucas pushed to his feet and peeked out the window. “It’s Michael. I’ll let him in.” Lucas walked over to the door, unlocked it, and Michael entered.
“Hi, I passed some wranglers on my way in. They out searching for the shooter?” asked Michael.
“Yep, the men headed out as soon as they heard the gunshot.”
“I hope they realize the shooter might still be out there. They’d be easy targets,” Michael said.
“I reckon they’ve figured that one out,” Lucas said.
“Jack, you said the shot splintered the screen door. Can you show me where?”
“Open the door and look at the edge about level where my head would be,” Jack said. He didn’t have the energy to move.
Cowboy Dreamin' (Thunder Creek Ranch Book 8) Page 14
