Wade (Big Sky Lawmen Book 2)

by Vanessa Devereaux

  “She’ll be better behaved next time the two of you meet.”

  “I’m sure she will. I think I should buy myself a new pair of jeans before I see Grans, or she’ll think I don’t have any clean clothing since I moved out of her place.”

  Wade laughed. “Just an excuse to go into the clothing store.” Sophie gave him another playful kick to his shin.

  “Okay, let me pay for this breakfast, and we’ll be on our way.”

  *****

  One thing Wade hated was being seen in a woman’s clothing store. Sophie had been somewhat of a tom-boy when she’d been a kid, but as soon as she’d become a teenager, she’d gotten into dresses, skirts and pumps. He guessed it was Emily’s influence on her because she was always impeccably dressed. And come to think of it he’d only known her grandmother wear jeans on a couple of occasions.

  Sophie had grabbed a handful of them from a display on the back wall of the store and was now in the fitting room while Wade waited by the rail of t-shirts. He pushed his hat back on his head wondering just how long she was going to be. How hard was it to decide if a pair of basic jeans were okay? They all looked the same to him, and usually he was in and out of the store with his new pair in less than ten minutes.

  The assistant walked over to the fitting area and pulled back the curtain where Sophie was in the middle of pulling on a pair of tight fitting jeans. She wore pink lace panties the same color as her t- shirt. Her legs were tanned. Her cute ass with its cheeks slightly hanging down under the border of the lace held him spellbound. He should have looked away, but he couldn’t. She turned slightly offering him a glimpse of the front of those lace beauties and the pubic hair that lay underneath them.

  Wow, he had an instant hard-on. Almost took his breath away and it hurt like hell. He leaned against one of the fixtures and took a deep breath because his own jeans were strangling his balls.

  It wasn’t too surprising because Sophie had been the reason for his very first erection. They’d been swimming in the lake just outside of Glacier Valley where they had always gone to cool off on hot summer days when they were kids. They usually swam naked, but as they got older they both knew they had to put swimwear on. Sophie had just turned fifteen that spring, and to this day she didn’t know it but curiosity had gotten the better of him. She thought she was removing her swimsuit without him seeing her. However, Wade had hidden behind a bush and spied on her. When she’d peeled the straps down off her shoulders, rolled it over her chest, and he’d noticed she had boobs. His jaw had dropped, and something funny had happened in his crotch. Then when she taken off the suit completely, he’d spotted something completely different about her. A thatch of blond curls at the top of her thighs. All his blood had rushed at full speed into his penis. A few seconds later his dick had gone hard and risen up toward his belly.

  His dad had given him the talk about what would happen to him when he got aroused by a lady, but Wade had never realized this was what happened to your penis when you looked at a cute girl.

  Sophie had walked over to him five minutes later when he’d still been aroused. He had to hide from her so she didn’t notice his swimming trunks and the huge bulge they weren’t doing a good job of hiding.

  Wade looked down. The same huge bulge he had today. A lady walked by and gave him a sideways glance. He nodded and decided to put his cowboy hat over the front of his crotch just in case someone thought he was some pervert who stood in the lady’s department, ogling women’s clothing and getting an erection in the process.

  “So what do you think of these?”

  He jumped. He realized Sophie was now standing just a few feet from him.

  Sexy was what sprang to mind when he saw the jeans riding low on her hips, her belly button on full display. All he could think about was what underneath those pants and how he’d love to take them off her, part her legs, and dive deep inside.

  The explicit thoughts weren’t doing anything to help his hard-on subside. And if things couldn’t get any worse, her nipples were pushing through her t-shirt, too. She was wearing a bra; he knew that because he could see the outline of its straps on her shoulders. Maybe Sophie had large nipples.

  Yeah, you had to think about that to make things worse.

  “You okay? Because you’re starting to sweat.” asked Sophie.

  “Am I? I guess so. And yes, those jeans look…”

  “Look what?”

  “Made for you.”

  “Okay, these jeans it is. You sure you’re feeling all right? Your voice even sounds funny, too.”

  “Never better.”

  “I’ll just go get my old jeans and my purse, and I’ll be right back.”

  He watched her walk away. Her butt wiggling a little more with each step.

  Wade rushed over to the cash register.

  “Can you tell me where there’s a restroom around here?”

  *****

  Sophie walked out of the dressing area to find Wade gone. She walked up and down and then back around again, but he was nowhere to be seen. Thinking maybe something urgent had come up and he’d needed to leave, she walked toward the cash register.

  “You were shopping with that cute guy, weren’t you?” asked the assistant.

  “Yes, but I seem to have lost him.”

  “He said to tell you he had to use the little boy’s room and he’ll be back shortly, and to wait for him.”

  “Okay, then I might as well pay for my jeans while I do that.” Sophie put her old ones on the counter.

  “No need because the gentleman’s already picked up the tab for them. In fact, here’s the receipt and his credit card he forgot to take because he seemed to be in a rush, and by the look of his face, pain, too.”

  Sophie didn’t like the sound of that. Maybe that’s why he’d been sweating earlier. She needed to check on him.

  “Which way are the restrooms?”

  “Over to the left at the back of the store.”

  Sophie put Wade’s credit card into her pocket and headed there. She approached the men’s bathroom and knocked on the door.

  “Wade, it’s Sophie. You okay in there?” She put her ear to the door, but there was no response.

  Next time she tapped louder. “Wade, you still in there?”

  “Yep, Soph, and I’m okay.”

  “Anything wrong? The assistant said it looked like you were in pain. Anything I can do to help?”

  “No, no, I’m fine, really I am. Breakfast just disagreed with me, that’s all. I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “I’ll be waiting.”

  Sophie decided to check out some of the pillows and comforters while she waited for Wade. Maybe she’d take some of these back to Seattle for clients who wanted a Western theme. She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see him heading her way looking flushed in the face. He slipped his hat on.

  “Sure you’re okay?” she asked him.

  “Never better. I got it all out of my system in the restroom.”

  “Before I forget, here’s your credit card.” She handed it to him. “And it was naughty of you to pay for these.”

  “Think of it as my homecoming gift to you.”

  “Well, thank you. And I might have to do some bending and stretching to get them worn in. You don’t think I should have opted for the next size up do you?” She turned around and bent over slightly. “I’d hate to rip them.”

  “Soph, I think they’re perfect. They fit you like they were custom made. Now, let’s get going so you can see Emily.”

  *****

  Sophie took an instant disliking to the police station as soon as she stepped over its threshold. In fact, despite being born and raised in Glacier Valley, she’d never been inside it. Her nose twitched. It smelt of cleaning fluid, if she wasn’t mistaken. It was cold, stark, and yes, she could do lots with it to brighten it up. Poor Grans being in this awful place all night for something she didn’t do.

  Wade put his hand in the small of her back and encouraged h
er to walk towards the reception desk where a police officer was writing on a sheet of paper.

  “Good morning. I’m wondering if Emily Richardson will be allowed a visitor. This is her granddaughter, Sophie, who’s come all the way from Seattle to see her.”

  “Sophie, yes. Your grandmother’s been talking about you non-stop,” he said.

  Wade nudged her, and Sophie smiled.

  “Yes, I think we can allow you to visit. She’s with her attorney at the moment, but once he’s done I don’t see any problem with you visiting but only for ten minutes or so.”

  Sophie nodded.

  “If you’d like to wait over on that bench, I’ll call you when we’re ready.”

  Sophie went ahead of Wade, and they both sat.

  “If you have other things to do, I’ll be fine by myself,” Sophie said.

  He patted her on the back of the hand. “Nothing more important than being here for you and Emily. You’re my family, just like Pop and my sister.”

  Sophie squeezed Wade’s hand. “Speaking of your sister, how is she?”

  “She and Pop finally reconnected. She lives in Boulder these days. Her husband works in a law firm there, so they see us a couple of times a year. And she’s expecting again.”

  “How many will that be?” Sophie asked.

  “Her fifth. She’s hoping, and I think her husband is praying, that it’s a boy this time, so they can quit making babies and don’t have to keep moving to bigger houses to accommodate them all.”

  Sophie laughed. “I’m sure your dad is happy that he gets to see his grandchildren now.”

  “Oh, yeah, never been a prouder grandpa. He even has one room full of dolls and strollers for them to play with when they visit. I always say to him what if my kids are boys.”

  They looked at one another, and Sophie felt a sudden sadness wash over her. Kids. The ones she and Wade were supposed to have, but never would. And the depressing thought that maybe he’d have children with Cathy. She couldn’t stand the thought of that, seeing them, looking at their faces and seeing his smiling back. Just as well she lived miles away in case that ever came true.

  A man who Sophie recognized as Richard Martin, her grandmother’s attorney, headed their way.

  “Sophie, so good to see you, and, Wade, I heard you were back living in Glacier Valley.”

  They both stood, and Wade shook his hand. “Only wish we were all meeting again under better circumstances,” Wade said.

  “I’ve visited with Emily and suggested I speak with one of the attorneys I went to law school with. He’s from Bozeman, and he’s excellent with criminal cases like this.”

  “Can she come home?” asked Sophie.

  “She’ll be arraigned later today, and I’ll ask for bail; but that’s ultimately up to the judge to decide. Now I believe you wanted to pay her a visit, which you can do straight away. And don’t worry, she’s in good spirits. Emily’s always been a tough old gal.”

  Sophie saw a police officer signaling to her to walk over to him.

  “Go on, Soph. I’ll wait here and talk to Richard while you see Emily,” Wade said.

  She could barely put one foot in front of the other as she attempted to make her way over to the desk.

  Sophie finally managed to get her legs moving and hurried over to where the officer stood by a large black door.

  “You can spend ten minutes with your grandmother, but if you need more time you’ll need to come back during regular visiting hours,” he said, signaling for her to go ahead of him once he opened the door.

  “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

  Sophie felt like the ceilings and walls were closing in on her as he led her along a narrow passageway. She heard voices and what sounded like heavy metal doors opening and shutting, and then footsteps.

  The officer opened another door and signaled for her to go inside where her grandmother was already sitting at a table. Sophie almost cried when she saw her Grans’s hair so unkempt. She’d obviously tried to tie it up like she always wore it, but tendrils had fallen around her face. And her bloodshot eyes told the whole story. She looked sad and tired. Sophie hadn’t seen her quite like this since the day Sophie’s parents had been killed.

  Grans stood as soon as she saw Sophie. Sophie wanted to be strong, didn’t want to upset her, but she couldn’t help it. She burst into tears.

  “Oh Grans, how could this have happened to you?”

  “Sophie, no, no crying today, honey. Please don’t be upset because I know I’ll be out of here soon, and this whole misunderstanding will be history.”

  She put her arms out to Sophie and brought her in close. “It’s wonderful to have you home, my darling. I can’t wait to get home and make all your favorite pies and cakes. Oh, and your favorite macaroni and cheese.”

  Sophie laughed and wiped away a tear with the back of her hand. She could taste and smell it right this minute.

  They both sat but held hands across the table.

  “I’m so sorry that I had to drag you all the way home like this,” Emily said.

  “It’s no problem. I’m here as long as you need me.”

  “Did you rent a car at the airport?”

  “No, Wade kindly picked me up.”

  “Are things okay with the two of you? When I asked him to call you, I completely forgot that you hadn’t spoken since…”

  “I know what you’re about to say. Don’t worry. You did the right thing. We’ve put it all behind us.”

  “Good,” Emily said, pushing a sliver of hair behind Sophie’s ear. “He’s a good man, and I hope you can be friends again.”

  “I think we already are.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. And how is Mountainview running this morning?”

  “Looked like Julie had everything under control. I said I’d take over once I got back from town. Oh, and the horse, the one you took in, Wade found out why she’s been off her food. She’s pregnant.”

  “Well, I’ll be darned. I’ve been around horses all my life, and even I didn’t spot that.”

  “Wade’s the original horse whisperer.”

  Emily leaned back and laughed. “Looks like I’ll have another mouth to feed and soul to look after, so it’s even more important I get out of here soon.”

  “Richard Martin told me you’ll go before the judge later this morning, and he’ll ask for bail.”

  “I can’t see why they wouldn’t let an old lady out.”

  “You’re not old, Grans.”

  She slapped the back of Sophie’s hand. “If I’m not already, I’m getting there, honey.”

  The police officer opened the door and told Sophie time was up.

  “I’ll be at the arraignment and ready to take you home,” Sophie said, standing.

  “Come here; let me give you a hug again.”

  Sophie threw her arms around her grandmother and started crying again but didn’t let Grans know. She quickly turned and left the room.

  When she got back to the reception area, Wade was drinking a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Oh Wade, just get me out of here, please.” With that she burst into tears again, and Wade wrapped his arm around her and led her back out into the sunshine.

  “Let’s go sit in my SUV for a bit,” he said.

  He opened the door for her, and she slid inside. He got in beside her, rummaged through his glove compartment, probably looking for some tissues for her, when a box of condoms fell out and landed on her right foot.

  She bent over, picked up the box and handed it to him, wondering if he used them with Cathy or if they’d been there for some time. She tried to shake the image of him making love to another woman out of her mind because she was depressed enough already.

  “Thank you,” he said, throwing them back into the back of the glove compartment and slapping it shut. Neither of them said another word but sat looking out of the window.

  “Wade.”

 
“What, Soph?”

  “Would you hold me?”

  “Sure.”

  He slid over toward her and threw his arms around her. She rested her head down on his chest, tears splashing onto his shirt. A wet patch formed, and she made a circle around it with her pinkie.

  He stroked the back of her head, and she suddenly felt like she wanted to go to sleep in his arms. Just being with him made everything seem better. He’d always made her believe miracles could happen any time and any place.

  Sophie had never ever forgotten the day when she was six and Grans had called her in after she’d been playing outside on her swing. Her parents had flown to Idaho for a meeting for her dad’s business, and her grandmother was looking after her.

  “What is it, Grans?”

  She could tell her grandmother had been crying and had wondered if she’d done something wrong.

  “Now, come and sit down here with me, and I want you to be a big strong girl. Can you do that for me?”

  Sophie had nodded, planting her butt on the spot of the couch Grans tapped.

  “I have some sad news to tell you, and I’m sorry to say it’s going to change things for you.”

  “What is it, Grans?”

  “Oh Sophie, there was a plane crash and…”

  Sophie had known something bad had happened because Grans was crying, and she knew her parents were flying home on a plane that day. It was their plane that had crashed. She’d tried to run away so she didn’t have to hear it, but Grans had held her hands preventing her from doing so.

  “I know you’re a big brave girl, and you can understand what I have to tell you. There was a snowstorm, and the wing of the plane got ice on it, and it fell from the sky. But don’t worry because your parents and the other passengers on board didn’t know anything about it. They didn’t suffer one tiny bit, and now they’ve all gone to heaven.”

  “But that means I won’t see Mom and Dad until I go to heaven, too.”

  “Oh Sophie. I’m so sorry.”

  She’d finally managed to pull away from her grandmother and run out of Mountainview. She had run a mile down the road not stopping until she arrived at Wade’s house. She banged on the door until Bob opened it.

  “Well, look who it is. Come in, little lady.”