After soaking Cooper from head to foot, she watched him go into the barn Cold chills ran through her at the thought of both of them getting hurt, or worse. Grim determination made her aim the hose and soak the outside of the barn. She'd never fought a fire before. She wasn't sure she was going about it right, but she didn't have time to deliberate.
Silence sliced the air, as the blazing fire raged. Josh coughed.
At least he was all right for the time being.
"Stay down low, Josh," she ordered.
"The smoke's bad, Mom."
"I know, honey, just hang on!" she pleaded with raw desperation.
The hose was barely long enough to reach the door of the barn, and she pulled, struggling to get closer. Cooper disappeared through the smoke and flames. "Oh, dear God," she whispered as some of the old timber from the barn collapsed. "Don't let the trees burn."
Cooper came running out, coughing and staggering to the ground. Angela moved toward him, unconsciously spraying him with water.
"I can't get up there."
Angela's eyes rounded, fear gripped her. "Oh, God no, Coop!"
"No, sweetheart," he grumbled almost to himself. "I'll get a rope."
"No, you rest, I'll get it," she hollered and scrambled to the tiny shed that housed the small farm equipment. It was dark but she knew instinctively where everything was. The ropes lined one wall. She grabbed two. It seemed like an eternity before she reached Coop's side again.
"Good, here, take the hose. If I can get a rope tied to the pulley, he can swing down out of there. Better soak it good though, honey, for safety sake."
"Yes, of course. It might work. It has to!"
He tried to flash her a quick smile as he dashed closer to the barn door and began throwing the rope toward the loft.
"Josh, you've got to catch the rope, and tie it to the pulley. Then swing down," Cooper ordered grimly.
"Okay, but hurry," Josh said through a hacking cough that echoed in Angela's head like a siren going off.
The barn was going up in flames like a cinder. They had to work fast or...Angela couldn't allow herself to think about the 'or else'.
Cooper swung the rope in a big loop, and threw it high. The first time Josh missed it and almost fell out. Angela bit her hand to keep from screaming.
"Okay, Josh, take it easy, don't reach for it. Let me get it to you."
Josh nodded. The next throw was closer and Josh managed to pull it to him. He waved at Cooper and began tying it in a big knot like Cooper had taught him. He could barely reach the pulley. Several times, he reached out to it and nearly sent himself flying out the loft backwards.
Cooper kept talking to him, trying to keep him clear-headed and steady. "Just concentrate on the pulley and the rope. Don't step out any further."
Hay scattered from the loft as he finally made the knot and secured it. All the while Cooper was instructing him. Josh didn't falter.
"Okay, Josh, grab the rope and let yourself down as easy as you can. I'll be here on this end to catch you. Don't be afraid, son."
Josh smiled and nodded. Slowly, he grabbed the rope and began to half swing, half slide down the rope. Midway, he let go. Cooper broke his fall and they both ended up in a big pile on the ground. Angela ran to them, hugging them both to her, kissing them all over, unmindful of the soot that covered their bodies.
"Thank God," she whispered.
Full of soot and grime, the three of them walked to the house, and sat down on the porch. They watched the fire burn out.
"Well, it's into the tub with both of you. I'll get the iodine for those knees," Angela insisted with a big smile.
Cooper nodded to Josh and ruffled his hair.
When Josh headed inside, Cooper glanced wickedly at her. "Wanna join me?"
Angela smiled wearily. "Another time, maybe."
His eyes held hers for a long moment, and then he smiled. "I'll hold you to that, woman."
The next morning Angela stood on her front porch and gazed at the black mess staring back at her. They had been lucky, no one was hurt and the hundred-year-old pecan and oak trees were until intact. The house was untouched largely due to the fact that the wind hadn't been blowing.
"You know, I don't think I ever appreciated this place as much as I do right now," Angela said as Cooper brought her a cup of coffee. She took the steaming mug from his hands and sipped.
"We were lucky, Angel. God smiled on us," Cooper said matter-of-factly.
Angela eyed him closely, putting her arm around his waist. "I haven't thanked you for saving Josh. If you hadn't been here I hate to think what might have happened. I wouldn't have had the sense to do what you did."
"Don't underestimate yourself. That was your son we're talking about. You'd have found a way." He pulled her close. She sighed heavily and he looked down into her face. "Don't worry. We'll rebuild. It was just a barn. It might have been the house."
"I couldn't have taken that," she frowned.
He turned her face up to him, tapping her nose with a finger. "Oh, yes, you could. You're stronger than you think."
"My, what confidence you have in me, Mr. Johnson."
"That's right, Mrs. Johnson."
A warm feeling assailed her as she hugged Cooper closer. They had only been married a little over six months, and she until felt like a newlywed.
She grinned at the memory of the small wedding, right here in her home. Just a few friends, and Cooper's mother and brother attended the ceremony.
Brag had mellowed, Angela mused, and Mrs. Johnson welcomed her into the family with open arms, glad that Cooper had finally found a wife.
She felt a pang of regret that she couldn't get the nerve up to invite her own parents. Cooper had wanted them there. She had too, but...
They smiled into each other's eyes now.
That same weekend, Angela had just finished the breakfast dishes and was about to feed Partner when she noticed a cloud of dust roaring up the long road in front of her house. She called to Cooper and Josh but they had disappeared right after breakfast without a word.
She covered her eyes from the morning sun, and watched. It was a crowd of cars. She recognized every one of them except one.
Greg and Maxine led the bunch of them. Now, what were they doing out here? She figured Greg was in Washington by now, since he had just won the election.
"Good morning, what a surprise. What's going on?" she asked looking from one to the other as they all pulled into her drive and started piling out of their cars. Greg and Maxine were wearing faded blue jeans. Something was definitely up.
Maxine grinned and hugged her. "Greg had this wonderful idea to have an old fashioned barn-raising. Isn't it marvellous? And talk about getting the community together. He's a genius, Angela. Oh, and look." She produced her left hand and a big shiny ring that was at least a carat diamond.
Greg shot her a guilty look, as if to apologize. Angela smiled at him to let him know there were no hard feelings. Perhaps he had learned a lesson from their experience. Angela wasn't surprised, but she pretended to be. Later, she would tell Greg how proud of him she was. Maxine would make the perfect politician's wife, and she had known it all along.
But Angela wasn't prepared for half the town showing up with building supplies and ready to work. She hadn't seen this many people since Greg won the election.
"This is all so unexpected," she began. "I don't know how we'll ever repay you."
"Don't you worry, we'll put it on your bill!" cried Bill Munson, the hardware store manager. The crowd laughed.
The last car pulled up slowly, almost hesitantly. Angela watched out of the corner of her eye. She was sure she didn't recognize the car.
But the people getting out of it were no strangers. She gasped. The lady wore a red, gingham shirtwaist dress, and the man was in a pair of well-worn overalls. It looked like he came prepared to work.
Angela's mouth flew open, as Cooper and Josh came round the other side of the house with big smiles on th
eir faces, as though it had been their idea. She looked from them to her estranged parents who stood at the edge of the crowd. Tears welled in her eyes as a sad smile broke across her face.
"Mama, Daddy," Angela cried weakly.
Tears fell down her cheeks as the older couple came toward her with arms outstretched.
They ran to her at last, hugging and kissing her. The years dissolved. Face to face with her parents, Angela could only rejoice.
"Oh, we've wanted to come for so long. Ever since Cooper and Josh began visiting us months ago. What a wonderful man you've married. He made us see our silly pride meant nothing."
Angela choked on her words. "Oh, this is so wonderful. I can't believe it. I've wanted to—. I'm so sorry. I love you both so much. Please, come in, come in." Then she paused at the doorway. "But how did you know we were married? They visited you…?"
"Oh, yes, honey. Coop's been by almost every week since long before you two were married," her father said, as he went to shake hands with her husband. "Good thing somebody in this family has some sense. I'll be in directly now, Josie."
After a lot of hugs and kisses, Angela and her mother talked as the men began their tasks on the barn. Everyone in town seemed to realize the importance of this reunion and left Angela alone.
Food was being brought in from every neighbor. Angela felt pre-occupied. Her thank you's would have to wait.
How strange to have held such a grudge for so long, and to be able to let it go so easily. Why had she waited so long? So terribly long. And she owed one man a lot more than her thanks.
She was talking and laughing, and watching her mother as they worked in the kitchen together, side by side. Her mother! What a beautiful woman she was. What a beautiful word.
"You know, Henry kept us informed about you and Josh. He was so good about that. Bless his heart." Her mother quickly flicked a tear from her cheek.
"He did? He never let on." Angela chuckled, trying not to let the emotions cloud her vision.
"He wouldn't."
"You really like Coop, Mother?"
"Like him? Why, dear, he's a saint. Your father swears he's the son we never had. And he's so good with Josh. Josh just idolizes him."
"I know." Angela reflected with a huge smile. "And not without good reason. I love him so much."
"And to think the two of you practically grew up together. All this time. 'Course he always was a hard working boy. A little too hard working."
Angela nodded. "Yes, he was. And, as I remember, back then he wouldn't give me the time of day. I was scared silly of him."
"He was a wild one back then, but at least he sowed his oats."
Angela's bright smile travelled over her mother, noting the age that had made its tracks over her delicate features. Until a fine figure of a woman, though. Her waistline was until well defined, and her features unmarred from years of work in the sun.
Josh ran in and grabbed a glass of water, winking at his grandmother. "I'll be back, Grandma."
"I'll be here, hon," she said and winked back. "He's a fine boy, Angela. You did a good job. And honey…we were wrong…so wrong. Can you forgive us?"
"There's nothing to forgive, you only wanted my happiness, like any good parent would. But I'm very glad I listened to my own heart this once…"
"Me too, oh yes, me too."
Strange how the bitterness had faded and how only gladness to be together again mattered. And this was all thanks to one man. One very fine man.
Angela peeked outside to watch the construction going on and spotted her dad and Cooper side by side, working and talking at the same time. Even Greg joined in their conversation.
Maxine had struck up a conversation with Pat. Angela would have given her eyeteeth to hear what they were saying. But the way Maxine blended in, it was easy to see she would make Greg a fine wife. It was a day Angela wouldn't soon forget.
That night, Ed and Josie offered to take Josh home with them and show him their prize bull and new puppies. Josh was eager to go. He practically packed his own bag.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Much later that same evening Cooper came in tired and hungry. Angela warmed his food and they ate in almost total silence. When she gathered the dishes in the sink, he grabbed her and pulled her out of the kitchen, down the hallway, and into the bathroom. She started to object, but he silenced her with a kiss so sweet and intense, she couldn't object if she wanted.
When they reached the bathroom, he shut the door with his boot heel and turned to look at her. With a sexy grin, he began taking her clothes off. First her shirt, then he reached down for her shoes. Then ever so slowly, her jeans. He seemed to derive great pleasure from taking that zipper down, she noticed.
"Why, Mr. Johnson, what do you have in mind?"
"Something I promised myself we'd find time for. A bath together. Now," he whispered coming closer and looking directly into her eyes. "I've undressed you," he said letting her delicate lace bra and silk panties fall to the floor in a wisp. "It's your turn."
She giggled. "You're asking for it," she warned playfully as she began unbuttoning his shirt, and spread it away from him, marvelling at the big, warm chest he offered her as a pillow. But not to be distracted, she gently reached for his jeans.
"Uh huh, the boots first, Angel."
"Oh, sorry." She smiled sexily, turning so her bare back was against him, as she reached for his leg and grabbed his boots. Every move she made was calculated to give him complete pleasure.
She tossed them in the air one by one, and they landed with a loud, resounding thud.
His belt and jeans were next, and he wiggled out of them quickly to her delight. Slowly she slid all his clothing away. Her fingers slid purposely over the arousing parts of his body.
They grinned at each other in satisfaction. Then he gently pulled her into his arms, "Come here, Mrs. Johnson," he growled.
His voice sounded like a velvet whisper, as he led her to the tub, and ran the water. Holding her against him, he nudged her with his nose.
When the tub was nearly full, he guided her into the water, following behind and pulling her solidly against him. The water lapped against them as the room began to steam.
Holding her, he leaned back so she could feel the full brunt of him. She sighed contentedly, her head falling upon his shoulder. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the closeness.
They hadn't had a honeymoon but Cooper had made every day feel like one since they married. His consideration for her feelings didn't stop. He seemed dead-set on making her feel as loved as possible in every way. And he found the perfect way to make her happiness complete when he filed adoption papers for Josh, giving him his name.
"You're a very sexy man, Cooper Johnson," she purred softly into his ear.
"Am I?"
His hands slid around her, going up to cup her breast, then with exquisitely slow fingers, he circled the tips. They immediately tightened into hard little rose nubs.
She squirmed against him, pushing herself closer. "Oh, Mr. Johnson."
"Did I ever tell you what Josh said before he left tonight?"
"No, what?" Her voice was sultry, laced with the desire he was arousing.
"He said it looked like our family was already getting bigger, huh, Dad?"
Angela smiled as Cooper's lips came down against her temple. They were heating up the water with their lovemaking. He took delight in trickling rivulets of water over each rose-hued nipple, watching them tighten with pleasure.
"Maybe we should get busy making the family bigger, tonight," he whispered.
"Hmm, suits me," she replied, as his hand touched and retouched all her gentle spots.
He lathered a washrag and proceeded to wash her, slowly methodically working up a lather. Slowly, his hands went lower, to the moist heat of her, and he discarded the washrag entirely. She began to squirm and her hips thrust against his gentle assault. With each thrust his fingers went deeper inside the sweet treasure she offered him.
&nb
sp; "Oh, I want you, Angel."
"Hmm, I'm glad we agree," she murmured turning over so that she was on top of him. The water lapped against their actions.
"I could feel you before I ever touched you," he whispered into her ear. "At night," he nipped her earlobe, "I would lay in my bungalow, wanting you so badly, I could almost feel, almost see, the way you would be in my arms."
"What a dream lover you are," she cooed. Funny how the song seemed to drift into her head as she let herself go into that dream world.
Without warning he was inside her, but not rushing her, merely taunting her. His lips sought hers over and over. His teeth played with her bottom lip, sucking it into his mouth, and savouring it. His hands held her hips away from him, and then he drove her down so that he was saturated in her warmth. Angela moaned with the pleasures he created.
Her lips sought his nipples, fondling them with her tongue. She felt him jerk, and she giggled, delighted in the knowledge that she thrilled him so.
"Oh God, Angel, I wanted to make this last forever, but you keep doing things like that and I'll never make it."
She kissed him. "I can't help it, I'm addicted to the taste of you," she said with a playful giggle.
Suddenly, he rolled her over, and she was on bottom as his hands came under her, pulling her up to him, so tight that there was no air between them. Deeper and deeper he drove himself into her, sending her cascading into an unreal world where fairy tales do come true.
His love spilled into her with a force, and she groaned with contentment, as she met him full force. They collapsed against each other with delight.
Falling into a light sleep, only the cold water woke them. She started to get out, but he shook his head.
"Oh, we aren't through yet," he murmured at her ear, his lips slid over the back of her neck thoroughly before pulling her up in a standing position.
"No?"
"No," he said, turning the water on and letting the shower pelt against their bare bodies.
The look in his eyes searched deep inside her for her answer.
The room steamed once more, and so did their awakening desire. Angela smiled to herself; there was something wildly erotic about being naked in a shower with a man you loved. The water seemed oblivious to their plans.
Wandering Heart Page 17
