A Texas Bond

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “Hold up, partner.” Ross climbed out, heard a click, then helped Mason out, but held on to the child’s hand.

  “Let’s go.” Mason tugged toward the barn structure.

  “Slow down, Mase. We’ve got all afternoon,” Stacia cautioned as she helped Madison out of the car, then opened the hatch and pulled out a large drawstring bag stuffed to the brim with something.

  “He’s always in a hurry.” Madison rolled her eyes. But Stacia must not have seen since there was no admonishment.

  “I guess the pool is in the barn?” Ross took the bag. Felt like towels.

  “It is.” Stacia rounded the car holding Madison’s hand. “They have an outdoor pool on the other side of the putt-putt course and I think it’s still open, but all three of us burn easy, so we usually stick with the indoor facilities for swimming since we’re in the sun during mini golf.”

  He matched her stride, probably making them look like a family. If only they could be. If only his folks lived right down the street and they could all visit whenever they liked, sharing the twins without disrupting their lives.

  As they reached the barn, glass doors offered a glimpse of a pool with lots of slides and chutes on one end. Inside, a teenage girl stood in a booth near a turnstile entry.

  “Let me get this.” Ross fished his wallet out of his back pocket.

  “You don’t have to do that.” Stacia dug around in her huge beach bag–style purse. “Two adults, two kids. All day please.”

  The girl quoted a price.

  “I want to.” He slipped the bills through the window.

  “Thank you.” The girl smiled. “Once you change, you can come back here to put your things in a locker if you like.”

  “Thanks.”

  They entered through the turnstile one at a time.

  Stacia dug in her purse, then doled out the twins’ swimsuits. “Now go change, but no running.” Her tone turned stern. “Remember last time you ran, Mason, and the lifeguard made you sit in the corner.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Everyone else is already here.” Madison scanned the pool.

  Stacia waved at someone. “We’ll wait right here until you’re both changed.”

  The kids scurried into dressing rooms with individual doors and Ross followed the direction of her gaze. Two couples. He’d seen them all at church. The women had huddled up with Stacia at church Sunday and Wednesday. And he’d gotten the distinct impression they’d been talking about him. Maybe from the furtive glances cast his way.

  “Remind me what your friends’ names are. I remember Jayda and her folks, but I can’t come up with their names.”

  “Larae and Rance Shepherd. Her mom and mine were friends, so we’ve been friends forever. The brunette is Lexie Parker and that’s Clint Rawlins, her fiancé. Lexie’s folks work at Larae’s ranch, so Lexie and I became friends through Larae.” Her attention turned to the pool. “With Jayda, the biggest boy in the kiddy pool is Cooper and the little girl with him is Charlee. They’re Clint’s nephew and niece.”

  He’d never get all the names straight. “Did you know they were coming?”

  “Since Veronica reworked her schedule so she can be in the store on Saturdays until we get the B and B order finished, I called them last night. Even though Jayda’s a couple of years older, Cooper is about the same age as the twins, and I think Charlee is three, but they all play well together.”

  Ross took a minute to scope out the place.

  Kids flew down the slides and chutes landing in giggling splashes. On the other end of the pool, there was plenty of room for swimming, along with a small kiddy pool and a second large pool for adults. A few swam, but most sat in lawn chairs circling the kids’ end, either watching their children or reading. Four lifeguards were stationed high on their perches, two per pool at each end, totally focused on their jobs.

  “This place is really something.”

  “Until a few years ago, only guests at the dude ranch could get in. But the owners opened the activities to the public and expanded since. The indoor pool is new, along with outdoor bowling and putt-putt.”

  “And you like putt-putt.”

  “I stink at it, but it’s fun. The twins get bored with it before we get through the whole course.”

  “Maybe we could come sometime without the kids.”

  The dreamy look on her face said she was tempted. But then she frowned. “I don’t have time and besides I like spending my time outside of work with the twins.”

  Minutes later, the twins exited the changing rooms. Mason started to run, but obviously remembered her orders and slowed his pace. Both handed Stacia their clothes.

  “Thank you.” She folded the clothes, slipped them in her bag.

  “Can we go in now?” Mason begged.

  A sudden panic filled Ross’s chest. “Don’t y’all need life vests or something?”

  “We know how to swim,” Madison assured him. “Aunt Stacia got us lessons here when we were three.”

  “In that case, I can watch them while you change, then we’ll swap,” Ross suggested.

  “You go ahead. I’m not planning to swim.”

  “Why not?”

  “Don’t worry about it. Go change.”

  “You have to come swim with us, Aunt Stacia.” Mason tugged on her hand.

  “Did you bring your suit?”

  “Yes.”

  “But you’re not planning to swim.” He peered at her. “Let me guess. You think I might abscond with the children while you’re in the dressing room.”

  “What does abscond mean?” Madison looked from Ross to Stacia.

  “Come swim with us, Aunt Stacia.” Mason tugged toward the changing rooms. “Please.”

  “Three against one.” Ross raised one eyebrow at her. “The twins can get in and I promise I’ll be right here watching them when you get back.”

  “Please, Aunt Stacia, please,” both kids pleaded in unison.

  “I promise.” He tried to muster up all the sincerity he could.

  She scrutinized him, her gaze narrowing to a warning slit, then glanced at the twins and back at him. “Right here.”

  “You have my word.”

  “Y’all can get in. But be careful and watch for other swimmers and sliders.”

  “Yay.” The twins headed to the pool and Ross turned to watch them.

  “I’ll be right back.” She watched until both kids were safely in the water, then glanced at both lifeguards. “And you better be here.”

  “I will.”

  She scurried over to her friends and spoke. Probably something like, “If that guy tries to leave with the twins, nab him.” Then she hurried toward the dressing rooms. If she wasn’t careful, the lifeguard would put her in the corner for running.

  He focused solely on the twins, intent on nothing happening during his watch. Maybe Stacia would trust him if he nailed this task.

  * * *

  Even though she’d enlisted Rance and Clint’s help in watching the kids, Stacia changed into her one-piece as fast as she could and didn’t even take the time to fold her clothes. In a wad, she stashed them in the bag, opened the door and scanned the pool. Mason and Madison were climbing a ladder to one of the tube slides and Ross was right where she’d left him.

  What would she have done if they’d been gone? Her heart sank to her stomach. She still didn’t trust Ross, but with Rance and Clint on notice, he wouldn’t have gotten far.

  Even though her suit was modest, she always felt strange wearing it in public. She wrapped a towel around herself, tucked it in under her arm and headed toward him. Though she was slim, she always felt self-conscious since getting a sunburn that never turned into a tan was her best event. It simply peeled away leaving permanently milky white skin with more freckles. Thankfully, with the indoor pool, she w
ouldn’t have to worry about sunblock until they went outside later.

  “Your turn.”

  “That was fast.” He pointed a finger at her. “You have trust issues.”

  “Only where you’re concerned.” But in truth, she trusted few. She focused on the kids, ignored him until he sauntered away.

  Madison slid down the slide, screaming all the way and ending with giggles when she entered the pool with a splash.

  “Come on in, Aunt Stacia,” Mason hollered, as he entered the tube.

  She waited until he came out the other end and surfaced. “I’m waiting for your uncle, so I can put all our stuff in a locker.”

  “At your service.” Ross strolled up beside her. “Want me to get the locker?”

  Blue jean cutoffs. No shirt with his clothes rolled in a bundle under one arm. Muscled arms and chest. Not from the gym, but hard work. What would it feel like to be safe in those arms?

  “Stacia?”

  “Hmm?”

  “The locker.”

  “I’ll do it since I’ve done it before. You have to fill out a form.”

  “And you don’t think I can handle that?”

  “Just go on in. I’ll be back in a minute.” She forced her gaze to stay on his as he handed over his clothing, boots, keys and wallet. Tried to ignore the tingle caused by his hand grazing her arm, as she headed for the booth. By the time she filled out a form and stashed all their possessions except for their towels, her heart was still hammering.

  Ross was in the water up to his shoulders on one side of the tube slide. Since the pool was only four feet deep, he must be squatting or on his knees. At least, she couldn’t see the rest of him. What was wrong with her getting so distracted by him?

  “Come on in, Aunt Stacia,” Madison squealed as she slid down again.

  Stacia walked over to the side, slipped off her towel, sat down and dipped her toes in the water. Not too hot, not too cold as usual. She slid into the pool with a relaxed sigh.

  “Watch me slide!” Mason disappeared into the tube. Seconds later, he popped out the other end with a splash. “Did you see?”

  “I did.”

  “You have to come closer.” He was always convinced she couldn’t watch unless she stood near the end.

  She knee-walked over to the side of the slide opposite Ross with the water swirling around her neck.

  “Do they ever do anything other than slide?”

  “Eventually. Sometimes we play Marco Polo if it’s not too crowded.” There were only six other kids at the moment. Jayda and Cooper took turns with the twins on the tube slide since Lexie had taken over Charlee duty in the kiddy pool. Two older kids took turns on the bigger slide next to them, and two boys tossed a ball back and forth in the swimming end.

  “Is it always this peaceful?”

  “Depends on the time of day. Usually this early, it’s not crowded. More people come after lunch and in the summer, most people go to the outdoor pool.”

  A huge splash sounded behind them and they both turned.

  Water cascaded their faces as a boy surfaced after an obvious cannonball.

  “Is it just me, or is he too old for the big kid pool?”

  “Maybe he’s really big for his age?” Along with rambunctious—and no parents seemed to be watching him. “It’s hard to say. But if he gets out of hand, the lifeguards will take care of it. They’re really good about keeping things safe here.”

  “Still, we better keep an eye out. Brutus could hurt someone.”

  She chuckled at the nickname. But the big kid was living up to it as he grabbed the smaller kids’ ball and turned it into a game of keep away against their will.

  The lifeguard blew a whistle. “Give them their ball back, Jimmy.” His voice came through a megaphone.

  The twins and their friends slid several more times, but then Brutus joined them, causing more wait time in between slides, especially since he ran in front of the smaller children and ended up with more turns.

  Another whistle blew. “Jimmy, no pushing other kids aside. Wait your turn. One more infraction and you’re out.”

  “Let’s play Marco Polo.” Mason swam for the other end of the pool. “Come on Cooper.”

  “Okay. Come on, Uncle Ross, you can play too.” Madison followed, her strokes smoother than her brother’s. “Come on Jayda.”

  Stacia stood and started after them, glad to escape Jimmy.

  “Jimmy wait! Watch out, miss!” A whistle blew the alarm.

  Something slammed into her back just above her waist. She pitched forward, tried to scream. But nothing came out. She couldn’t breathe.

  Strong arms came around her, kept her from going under. “I’ve got you.” Ross pressed her face into his chest. “Kids, get out of the pool, and stay where I can see you.”

  “Aunt Stacia!” Madison screamed.

  Panic squeezed her empty lungs.

  “She’ll be okay.” Ross sounded so calm.

  “I’ve got Madison and Mason,” Larae called. “Don’t worry.”

  “Relax,” Ross murmured near her ear. “Just got the wind knocked out of you. Try to take some deep breaths.”

  Blessed oxygen returned as her breathing stabilized. But now that her chest didn’t hurt, her back sure did.

  “Ma’am, are you all right?” The lifeguard had entered the pool, not the young college-aged girl, but a man.

  “I think so.” She pressed her hand against her back. Madison and Mason sat on the side of the pool, their faces panic-stricken.

  “I’m so sorry, ma’am. I thought he’d wait until you got past the slide.”

  “I’ll be fine. I shouldn’t have walked in front of it.”

  “We’ve had trouble with Jimmy all week, which is why I took on lifeguard duty. His parents are staying at the ranch and they send him down here by himself. He’s twelve, but he’s so big, and he won’t follow the rules.” Irritation edged the lifeguard’s tone. “But he’s out now. He can’t come back unless his parents come with him.”

  “Maybe we should go to the doctor, get checked out,” Ross suggested.

  “The ranch will pay for any doctor bills you incur. Just have them send me the bill.” The lifeguard offered his hand. “Chase Donovan, owner.”

  “I don’t think that’s necessary. I think I’ll just be sore for a few days.”

  “I’m really sorry this happened.”

  “It’s not your fault.”

  “I should have kicked Jimmy out before now. But I feel sorry for him. He craves attention and his parents don’t seem to give him any.”

  “That’s sad.”

  “Poor kid.” Ross frowned.

  “I’ve seen thousands like him here over the years.” Mr. Donovan sighed. “I’m just sorry you got caught in the crosshairs. I’m serious about the doctor. Go get checked out and give them the dude ranch number for the bill.”

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’m just glad it was me and not one of the smaller kids.”

  “It could have been much worse. Well at least take advantage of the hot tub. Works wonders on sore muscles.” Mr. Donovan scanned the swimmers lingering around the pool or with their parents. “I better get back to work.” He blew his whistle. “Y’all can get back in the pool now. All except Jimmy, you come with me.”

  The boy stood off to the side with one of the male lifeguards. He fell in step behind Mr. Donovan but mocked the way the owner walked. Obviously still not taking the situation seriously.

  She’d always wanted to relax in the spa, but she was always too busy on twin patrol. Standing at the side of the pool with Larae, Madison and Mason were calm now that they’d seen she was okay. Patiently waiting. Even though they had the owner’s okay to get back in the water, they were waiting for her.

  The round swell of Larae’s nine-month pregnan
cy lodged a twinge in her chest. Something she’d never have.

  “Here’s an idea.” Ross gripped her shoulders, turned her toward the large round tub full of bubbling water. “You go relax, I’ve got twin duty.”

  “But—”

  “You can watch to make sure I don’t abscond with Mason and Madison. And besides, you’ve got your posse over there watching me.”

  Oh so tempting. Especially since the spa was empty at the moment. She wasn’t the communal hot tub type, unless she knew the other people in it.

  “Okay, here are your choices—go sit in the spa while I swim with the kids, or I’m taking you to the doctor.”

  “I’m not going to the doctor.”

  “Then get in the spa.”

  She propped her hands on her hips. “You’re not the boss of me.”

  “No. But I am bigger than you.” A sly grin settled on his lips.

  “So you’re gonna bully me?” She pinned him with a narrowed gaze.

  “If that’s what it takes. Want me to carry you to the spa?”

  “You okay, Stace?” Rance asked.

  “Fine. Just lost my wind there for a minute.”

  Murmurs from the other parents caught her attention. She wouldn’t put it past Ross to make a spectacle.

  “All right, I’m going.” She walked over to the twins. “I’m okay.”

  “That was so scary.” Madison shuddered.

  “Yes, it was. New rule, if a kid like that gets in the pool, we get out, okay?”

  “Okay,” the twins echoed.

  “But do we have to leave now?” Mason asked.

  “No. I’ll go soak in the hot tub, so maybe I won’t be sore in the morning. Uncle Ross will stay in the pool with y’all.”

  “Yay.” Mason clapped his hands.

  She climbed the steps out of the pool, retrieved her towel and wrapped up in it, then padded over to the hot tub. As she stepped down into the warm water and shed her towel, goose bumps swept over her. Her neck and shoulders were a bit achy, similar to whiplash. She settled into the bubbling foam, with a pulsing jet between her shoulder blades and one on her back at the point of impact.

  What would have happened if Ross hadn’t been there? She’d have gone under for certain. Unable to breathe, would she have taken on water? With the twins still in the water, Larae would have seen to them and the owner would have come to her aid. But she and the twins would have been in a worse panic. And once she got her breath back, she probably would have wanted to leave, cutting the twins’ fun Saturday short.