Lone Star Joy

by Kathleen Ball

  "You're okay?" Joy asked.

  Benji beamed at her concern. "Yes and best of all I was very clever."

  Joy looked at Stamos who nodded.

  "Benji was indeed clever. He told Wood and Jaime about Harriett and Mable's visit and all hell broke loose."

  "Yeah. They fighted and yelled. It was good fun," Benji enthused.

  "That's a good thing?" Joy asked, confused.

  "Of course," Benji said, nodding his head at her.

  "I don't get it."

  "Having Wood and Jaime at each other's throat should help," Stamos explained.

  "My father didn't know Jaime was shacking up with Bailey? Fireworks should be happening. Jaime never did anything my father disapproved of."

  "That's what we're hoping for darlin'."

  Chapter Twelve

  "What time is your doctor's appointment?" Stamos finished his breakfast. Once again, he had more of Dillon's food on him than Dillon actually ate.

  Joy laughed. "Not till one. Don't worry, I won't let you miss it. Why do you persist in feeding Dillon when you get so covered in baby food?"

  Stamos looked down at his colorfully blotched shirt. "I enjoy being a hands on dad. Worked a bit better before he was on this baby food. I noticed it stains."

  "Put an apron on. Dillon doesn't spit out his food at me." Her eyes met his shining ones and her heart melted.

  Stamos stood and took Joy's hand. He gave it a slight tug. "Come give me a great big hug, Mrs. Walker. I need you next to me."

  Joy laughed and shook her head. His sexy grin almost had her. "I'll give you all the hugs you need as soon as you change your shirt."

  "You are a hard woman, Joy. What Dillon must think?" he admonished, his eyes twinkling.

  "He thinks I'm wonderful." Joy grabbed a clean cloth from the table and began to wipe Dillon's mouth. He excitedly waved his hands in the air babbling.

  "No, if you listen carefully you'll find that he's saying, Mommy, be good to Daddy."

  Joy's heart expanded at their light banter. The last few days had been tense. Everyone had a different plan to get her father and brother in jail. Even George had been a constant presence. Joy loved the way he and Bea looked at each other. There were plenty of blushes between the two, and Joy wondered if Bea had been stepping out with George.

  "Go. I'll hug you in a bit."

  "Promise?" he asked quietly.

  "Always," she whispered back.

  Stamos took a step toward her and grabbed her around the waist. Joy was outraged as his brawny arms captured her into a big hug. He rubbed his chest against hers, causing her insides to spark. Stamos' lips on hers silenced any protest.

  Joy couldn't win. Right now, she didn't want to. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled his in for a deeper kiss. His tongue in her mouth made her moan in pleasure. Whispers of excitement flickered through her body. Her breasts became heavy and very sensitive. Flames were licking at her lower abdomen.

  Stamos made love to her mouth. His arousal pressed hard against her. Joy wanted him with a heightened sense of desire. She wondered if it was because of her pregnancy.

  The sounds of Dillon yelling "Da Da," broke them apart. The happiness in Stamos' eyes almost made her cry.

  "Did you hear him?" Stamos asked in amazement.

  "Sure did."

  Dillon seemed happy to be the center of attention again. He turned toward Joy and reached for her. "Ma Ma, Ma Ma."

  Joy gave Stamos a side-glance. "I'm sure he'll say, Da Da, again real soon."

  Stamos laughed. He kissed Dillon's head and Joy's cheek. "I'll be back for lunch."

  Joy felt abundantly content as she and Stamos left the doctor's office. It surprised her that Stamos had insisted on taking her. For a brief moment, she didn't want him to go. Her old fear of depending on anyone else came to the surface. Thankfully, a few deep breaths quelled it.

  Stamos looked so tall and proud beside her. He took her hand and winked at her, making her blush. His dark hair looked mussed from his fingers going through it the whole time. Joy smiled at him, trying not to laugh.

  "What?" Stamos asked, looking puzzled.

  "Nothing. Well your hair is a bit..." She burst out laughing, "It's sticking straight up."

  Stamos put his Stetson on and gave her a so there look. Reaching for her, Joy was positive he was going to kiss her right in the middle of town. Looking into his eyes, he told her of his love without speaking.

  "I was hoping to find you here," Jaime said, stopping before them with Bailey on his arm.

  "It's not a good time," Stamos growled.

  "Joy, I know you have no reason to trust me, but I need to talk to you. I think I can help," Jamie pleaded.

  Joy looked from Stamos to her brother. It could be a set up. "Why don't we talk at Harriet's Tea and Yarn shop?" she suggested, feeling Stamos stiffen next to her.

  "Thanks. I'll meet you there in a few. I don't want us seen together."

  Joy nodded and they walked away. She took a fortifying breath and turned to hear Stamos out. To her surprise, he looked pleased. "Okay, what's up?" she asked.

  "I'm hoping that there is a severe crack in Jaime and Wood's relationship. Maybe cracked enough that we can use it to our advantage."

  "If they'd just leave us alone," Joy replied.

  "The problem, my love, is that they won't."

  Joy nodded as she took Stamos' hand. Smiling at him, she pretended that she hadn't a care in the world while they strolled toward Harriet's shop.

  The bell over the door rang out when they entered. The whole room grew silent as the patrons stared. Joy wanted to melt into the wooden floorboards.

  There were about five tables all around with different colored tablecloths, dotted around the store. On the walls were shelves and shelves of yarn in brilliant colors. Behind a counter was an area for tea making. It was charming.

  Harriett held onto the top of her long black hair as she rushed toward her two new customers. "I'm so glad you decided to visit."

  "Thank you," Joy said, feeling awkward. "Maybe we should leave."

  "Oh no you don't. Come, I'll introduce you around."

  "Actually, Miss Harriett, we're having one of those mood swing type of days. A quiet table with herbal tea and a few tea cakes would be best."

  "Of course. Let me get you settled."

  Joy smiled at Harriett as she walked past Stamos and kicked his shin. "You'd be surprised that men get the same mood swings. Why, Stamos here was about to cry until I suggested coming in here."

  "I've heard of that. You poor dears. I'll have that tea right over for you."

  Stamos' eyes narrowed as he held out Joy's chair. "Man mood swings? Really? Why don't you just castrate me?"

  Joy laughed hard. Tears ran down her face. "I guess I did play it a bit thick."

  "You think? The whole town will know that I'm a teary-eyed cowboy with mood swings."

  "I'm sorry." She tried to keep a straight face, but failed miserably.

  The bell over the door rang, causing them to let go of all merriment.

  Jaime and Bailey walked into the teashop and were quickly blocked from walking any further by Harriett.

  "It's all right. I want to talk to him, Harriett," Joy called to her.

  Joy couldn't hear, but she thought Harriett growled at the couple. It felt nice to have friends. Jaime looked anxious approaching their table, followed by a very frightened looking Bailey.

  "Hi," Jaime greeted, smiling at Joy.

  "We are not here for niceties," Stamos warned. "Sit down and say what you want to say then get out."

  Jaime's eyes narrowed a bit, but he sat down, nodding to Bailey to do the same.

  Joy could see Bailey's annoyance, but she didn't care. "So what did you want to talk about?"

  "Dad is trying to kill me," Jaime hissed, as sweat formed on his brow.

  "Oh is that all? No big deal, big brother. Just be quicker than your assassin."

  Bailey gasped and Jaime's mouth dr
opped open. "I thought you could help," he whined.

  Rage filled Joy's heart upon hearing his words, but when she looked at him all she felt was pity. Their father had duped him. Joy had her suspicions that Jaime knew more than he'd let on, but he'd been young when Daisy had been murdered.

  "Why don't you just tell us what's going on?" Stamos asked.

  Joy could hear the irritation in his voice and she put her hand on his muscled thigh. He grabbed it and held on.

  "Dad upped my life insurance policy. I was almost run down by a car last night. He's out of his mind."

  The fear in Jamie's eyes was familiar. Joy had seen the same fear in her own eyes, many times. "Did you report it to the police?"

  Jaime's eyes grew wide. "Are you kidding?" he asked, incredulously.

  Stamos cleared his throat. "I don't know what you think Joy can do for you, Jaime. She had been fighting to stay alive for nine years. A lot of it has been due to you. I can't wrap my mind around the fact that you threw your sister under the bus."

  "She's survived," Jaime whined.

  Stamos shook his head, clearly disgusted. "Barely, and she has knife wounds and scars to prove it."

  "Are you willing to go to the police?" Joy asked.

  Bailey grabbed Jaime's arm. "No. Jaime, he'll kill you for sure. You know it's Joy he wants. We could lay low. We could move."

  Jaime looked as though he was going to agree with Bailey and Joy's stomach clenched. Looking around the shop, she noticed that everyone was silent and staring. She couldn't blame them. This was probably the most exciting thing to happen in the teashop in a long time.

  "We're done here," Stamos growled.

  "Wait," Jaime said his voice in a panic. "I do have some info for you, Joy. Daisy was in on it. She took out the life insurance policy for a million dollars. Dad told her that they would fake her death, and then the two of them could run off leaving you and me behind."

  Joy shook her head. "Greed got her killed. I don't feel sorry for her, Dad, or you. Especially not you, Jaime. I took the fall so you wouldn't go to prison. You left me there to rot. You are my big brother. I looked up to you and you never even wrote me a damn letter."

  "Joy," Jaime started.

  "No. You are on your own just as I was. Watch your back, Jaime. Wood is a sneaky bastard. He'd use Bailey to get to you."

  Joy was shaking from her outburst. Was she doing the right thing? It felt right after all she'd been through. Glancing at Stamos, she could see love and compassion in his eyes. Hell, she'd never have any peace if she didn't help Jaime.

  Taking a deep breath, Joy stared hard at Jaime. "We will figure this out together. I have a conscience." Seeing Jaime wince made her feel good. "If you mess with me in any way, I'll cut you loose and Wood is welcome to you."

  Jaime looked beaten and contrite. "I'll do anything you say, Joy. I should have had your back in the beginning. I was scared. That's my only defense."

  Stamos squeezed her hand lightly and Joy looked at him. Funny how she could read his face. Joy turned toward Jaime and nodded.

  "Here is the address of a safe house," Stamos handed Jaime a piece of paper. "Go there. Stay there. Contact no one. A man named Hoss will contact you. Do whatever he says. If you don't follow my rules, we can't help you. And for God's sake don't go home. I'll have Hoss bring you clothes and other necessities. First, drive out of town, make sure no one is following you, and drive to the Whiskey Barrel. Leave your car. A tan station wagon will be parked there."

  "A station wagon?" Bailey interrupted.

  "Bailey, shut up," Jaime told her, taking the keys from Stamos. "Thank you, both of you."

  Joy watched them walk out of The Yarn and Tea Shop, expelling a breath she didn't even realize she was holding. Joy was exhausted. Tears filled her eyes, too many emotions were involved. Somewhere along the way, she'd pushed her feelings about Jaime down into a hidden part of her heart.

  Memories of them together as children flooded her mind. She'd followed him everywhere and he didn't seem to mind. A few times his friends complained about having a tagalong and Jaime put them in their place. He'd been her protector, and then he'd been her accuser. The heartache she experienced was overwhelming and she began to sob.

  Joy wasn't surprised to find herself on her husband's lap. He enfolded her with his love and she felt safe and cherished. Wiping her tears away with Stamos' clean bandana, Joy became aware that she was the center of attention. How could she have broken down in public? She was losing her edge.

  "I'm fine," Joy announced, in a shaky voice and was glad when people turned away.

  "Ready to go home?" Stamos asked.

  "Always." She took the hand that he offered and they left.

  Joy watched out the truck window as the scenery went by. Her mind wasn't on what she was seeing. Anger burned through her veins. It would do no good to drag out and examine her feelings. Joy had the idea she was going to need her edge to survive the next few days. If that meant distancing herself from everyone then so be it.

  Her heart clenched as she thought of becoming her old self. The woman that didn't feel. The woman that didn't care. That woman was still alive. She needed to go back to her cold-hearted ways. She wouldn't be able to protect her family if she didn't. She had to get her edge back at all costs.

  Stamos looked at his wife for the millionth time that evening. Something was off with her. She shied away from his touch and frankly, it hurt. The more he studied her, the less he knew.

  Even little Dillon wasn't the recipient of Joy's loving attention. She let Bea feed him and when he called for her, she left the room.

  Naturally she was upset, but she was shutting him out. Stamos had a feeling that Joy was doing it on purpose. Sighing, Stamos looked at her again. Didn't she trust him? Didn't she know that he would keep her safe?

  "I'm going to sleep." Joy hastened from the room.

  She hadn't even looked at him when she hurried past him. Stamos felt gut-kicked. The way she emphasized sleep let him know that was all they'd be doing in their bed.

  He wanted to shake her. He wanted to make her wake up and live her life with him. She'd withdrawn into her shell and he hoped to God he knew what to do to get her back.

  The bedroom door was closed. Stamos opened it with a bit of hope that Joy would be waiting for him. Disappointment assailed him. She had her back turned toward him and her eyes closed. He could tell by her breathing that she was not asleep.

  Taking his clothes off, he eased under the covers. Reaching for her had been a mistake. The way she shuddered, stiffened, and moved away tore at his heart.

  Feeling lost and alone, Stamos stared into the darkness wondering how to fix whatever was wrong. Joy's breathing evened out and he knew she slept.

  Stamos tossed and turned, wondering what approach he needed to take. He could confront her, but somehow he knew she'd get her back up and he'd be no better off. What he needed to do was find evidence of her innocence and put her father and brother behind bars. He needed to do it quickly for all of their sakes.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Joy wiped the sweat off her brow with the sleeve of her shirt. Mucking out stalls was hard work, but that's what she wanted. She needed to keep herself busy and solitary.

  The long probing looks that Stamos kept giving her made her want to scream. Everyone had been giving her a wide berth all week. She hadn't heard a word about Jaime and truthfully, she didn't care.

  Joy knew that Stamos had had it with her. His tone of voice when he told her to clean the stall was anything but friendly. She hurt him and for that she was sorry. However, in her mind it was unavoidable. The walls around her heart she had put up through her time in prison were back. It was either that or break, and she could never break.

  Another shovelful went into the wheelbarrow. It was mindless work. Looking up, her heart stopped, and then it began to beat out of control. At the end of the row of horse stalls, stood her father. He glared at her as he raised his shotgun.

&nb
sp; Joy remembered the guns hidden in the wall, but she wasn't near them. Crouching, she ran as fast as she could to the loft ladder. There was a gun hidden in the hollowed out beam. If only she could get there in time.

  Almost there. Her calmness was her saving grace. She hit the side of the ladder with great force. Before she could grab the loaded gun, a shot rang out.

  Joy grabbed the gun and hit the ground. Everything happened in slow motion. Joy heard a heart-breaking scream as she dived for the floor. Nanny had come out of a stall and was shot. The cries wrenched her heart. Joy aimed the gun at her father. He aimed at her.

  He smiled as he brought the shotgun up to his shoulder. Joy rolled away and shot at the same time. He father dropped the rifle, looking shocked. He crumpled to the ground and lay on the dirt floor, unmoving.

  Joy immediately got to her feet and ran to Nanny. Oh God, Nanny had stood between her and a bullet. Tears filled her eyes as Nanny continued to scream. Joy prayed that she wouldn't have to put Nanny down.

  Kneeling next to the beautiful grey horse, Joy spared a glance at her father. Dead, he was dead. Not giving him another thought, she quickly assessed Nanny's gunshot wound. Crying in relief, Joy shrugged out of her blue shirt and pressed it to Nanny's front flank. The bullet had only grazed her, but there was a lot of blood.

  Tears poured down her face. She whispered to Nanny, waiting for help to arrive. She was so intent on Nanny it startled her when a coat settled around her shoulders. She knew from the masculine scent she loved, that it was Stamos.

  Leaning back, his arms went around her. Nothing ever felt so good. She glanced at her father and she observed David kneeling over him and then looking at Stamos shaking his head. Joy sensed a laugh trying to bubble within her. She didn't care that she had killed a man. She only cared about Nanny.

  "Here, let me keep pressure on her wound," Stamos offered.

  "No, don't take your arms away from me. I need to feel you holding me. I'm fine. I want to do this for, Nanny. She saved my life."

  "Don't you worry, Joy, I'm not letting you go, ever," Stamos said, huskily.