She knew too well what it was like to be alone, and pregnant. Maybe she could make a difference in Jody’s life.
“They’re here,” Kira gasped.
Trace went to the kitchen window in time to see two women get out of the car. He recognized Mrs. Fletcher, but his attention went to the young girl with her. She was tall and slender, her stomach protruding with the late stage of pregnancy.
“Do I look okay?” Kira turned to look at Trace, brushing at her blue print sundress. Her wheat-colored hair was pulled away from her pretty face.
“You look perfect,” he said truthfully. “Please, Kira, take a breath. She’s going to like you. Remember, though, this is an interview. We might not even find out anything today.”
He needed to stay calm, too. Mainly because he didn’t want Kira disappointed if things didn’t work out.
Her hand rested on his arm. “What about you, Trace? Are you sure this is what you want?”
He wanted whatever Kira wanted and a baby would be nice. “Yes, Kira, this is what I want. Now, we better go answer the door before they leave.”
Together they walked to the back door and opened it as the two women came up the steps. “Hello, Mrs. Fletcher,” Kira called.
The counselor smiled. “Trace, Kira, it’s nice to see you again.” She stopped on the porch to make the introductions. “This is Darcy Heaton. Darcy, this is Trace and Kira McKane.”
“It’s so nice to meet you, Darcy,” Kira said and took her hand. The greeting was repeated by Trace to the girl in her late teens or early twenties.
“Hello,” the girl said shyly. “You have a beautiful place here. I always wanted to live in the country.”
“I could show you around if you want,” Trace said. “We just finished the roundup this past weekend, and this morning shipped off the steers to the feedlot. But we have several horses.”
Darcy’s eyes lit up. “I love horses.”
“Then let’s go to the barn and I’ll introduce you to Thunder.”
Trace walked off with the young mother-to-be, followed by Mrs. Fletcher and Kira. Once inside the barn, he took Darcy along with him to see each animal. Thunder was willing to show off a little. Cal arrived with his mount, and Darcy was intrigued even more. They explained about the ranch operation, then Kira suggested they come into the house.
For the next hour, Kira found it easy to talk to Darcy as she and Trace showed her around the house. They sat down and had iced tea and cake while Darcy asked questions about the ranch. Then finally they ended up in the baby nursery. After a few moments Kira noticed that Trace and Mrs. Fletcher had wandered off, leaving her alone with the girl.
“This is a pretty room,” Darcy said as she touched the cradle. “I like the yellow.”
“Since I don’t know the sex of the baby, I think it’s a safe bet. But it’s a good color to add pink or blue to.”
Darcy nodded, eyeing the walls. “Do you want a boy or a girl?”
Kira couldn’t help but wonder if this was a test. “Honestly, Darcy, it doesn’t matter to us. We’ve tried everything for the last few years. We just want a baby to love.”
Darcy nodded, then suddenly she looked sad. “I want to keep my baby, but I can’t. My boyfriend, Wade, was in college.” She hesitated. “He was so happy when he got the news about the baby. We were going to be married, but then, he was killed three months ago in a car accident coming to see me.”
“Oh, Darcy.” Kira fought to keep from going to her. “I’m so sorry.”
A tear found its way down Darcy’s cheek. “I can’t raise my baby by myself. I have no family and it’s important to me to know my baby will be loved and in a good home.”
Kira felt a little shaky. “Your baby will be loved here. This home has seen several generations of McKanes. If you decide to let us raise your baby, he or she will be a McKane, too.”
Darcy looked thoughtful. “I never had much of a home growing up, so it’s important my little girl does.”
Kira’s heart tripped. “Your baby is a girl?”
“Is that all right?”
Tears filled Kira’s eyes this time. “A little girl is perfect.”
Just then Trace and Mrs. Fletcher walked into the room. He went to his wife’s side. “Is everything okay?”
She nodded. “Darcy’s baby is a girl.”
Darcy went to Mrs. Fletcher. “I’ve decided.”
The counselor sobered. “Are you sure, Darcy?”
“I’m sure.” The pregnant girl placed her hand protectively on her stomach. “Trace and Kira, I want you to be the parents of my baby.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
IN LESS than five weeks they were going to be parents.
The next evening, Trace glanced at Kira across the truck’s bench seat as they rode into town. She hadn’t stopped smiling since the announcement from Darcy. He wanted this for her, but it was all happening a little fast.
Just a few hours ago they’d all sat down at the kitchen table, Mrs. Fletcher laid out what Darcy would need. Top of the list was paying for the birth mother’s medical bills. When the counselor gave him the approximate amount it nearly staggered him. Where was he going to get that kind of money? Thoughts of his brother’s offer came to mind, but he quickly pushed them aside and turned his attention back to Kira.
Last week they were barely talking, now they were going to be parents. He let out a breath. No matter what she said about doing this on her own, he couldn’t just walk away from her or this child. Somehow he had to figure out a way to keep her.
“Trace?” Kira’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“No, just a little overwhelmed.”
He looked at his wife who was all dressed up for their night of celebration in town. Jody’s idea and treat. Kira looked beautiful dressed in a silky blouse that outlined her full breasts, and a flowing skirt that hit the middle of her shapely calves. Even her feet looked sexy in a pair of high heeled sandals. She was distracting as hell. How was he supposed to live with her for the next six months, and not touch her, or kiss her?
“If it’s the money, I planned to use the savings in the teachers’ credit union.”
Trace knew Kira had the account since before they’d married. He’d insisted it was hers. “I think you should hang onto it for now. I’ll talk to Jarrett. He wants the southern section back. He’ll pay well for it.”
Kira turned toward her husband. “No, Trace. You wanted to keep that land, if just so he wouldn’t develop it. Besides, I’m the one who asked you to do this.”
He worked to control his anger. “We both wanted this adoption, Kira.”
Tears welled in Kira’s eyes. “Oh, Trace. You don’t owe me this.”
He pulled into the restaurant parking lot and shut off the engine. “Look, Kira, you already refuse to take anything from me, I sure as hell can at least help with this.” And he was going to do a lot more whether she liked it or not. There was a child involved now.
Kira sat there staring out the windshield. She had hoped they could work this out, but Trace hadn’t said much during the discussion with Lucy Fletcher. He hadn’t expressed to her that he really wanted to be a family. Okay, she’d pushed him into this. And she hadn’t a choice but to offer him a six-month deal.
If they couldn’t make their marriage work, there would be a child involved then. At least this way, Trace could move on and have a family of his own.
She turned to him. “Thank you, Trace, for today. I promise I won’t ask anything else from you.”
“Ah, Kira.” He reached for her and drew her against him. “You can ask me for anything.”
She closed her eyes, reveling in their closeness, letting herself dream. The same dream she’d carried around since childhood. To have someone love her enough to always be there. She’d thought it was Trace, but in the end he would leave her like everyone else.
“We’re going to make this work, Kira,” he whispered in the darkness as he drew her cl
oser. “You’re going to have a baby.”
Her heart gave a jolt as she raised her head. The truck was dark enough she couldn’t see his eyes, but she felt them on her. “I wish I could be what you needed, too, Trace. I wish—”
Suddenly her words were cut off when he cupped her face and his mouth came down on hers. She only moaned as his lips coaxed hers until she gave in and opened so he could deepen the kiss.
He finally pulled back, his breathing labored and her hand felt the pounding of his heart. “Don’t ever say that, Kira. You’re everything a man could want.”
“I couldn’t give you a child,” she managed to whisper.
He started to speak, but headlights from another car drew them apart. “We better go in,” he said.
Trace climbed out of the truck and took the time to cool off as he walked around to the passenger side and helped her out. Their eyes locked in the dim parking lot. The mountain air hadn’t helped—he wanted to kiss her again, then turn around and take her back home. Show her how much she meant to him.
Instead he escorted her toward the restaurant. Once inside the high-end steak house, Kira excused herself to go to the ladies’ room.
“I’ll check on our reservation,” Trace said and went to the desk to speak to the young girl. “McKane.”
“Oh, Mr. McKane. Your table should be ready shortly, Mr. Rhodes from EnRockies is waiting in the bar.”
Trace quickly realized the girl’s mistake; it wasn’t the first time he’d been mistaken for his brother. Jarrett must be having a business meeting. “There must be a mistake. My wife and I have a reservation tonight. We’re Jody Campbell’s guests.”
The young girl look flustered. “Oh, you’re the other Mr. McKane.”
Great. Now, he had the distinction of being the other brother. “I’m Trace McKane,” he said as Kira returned to his side.
“Yes, here it is.” The hostess smiled, embarrassed. “Your table is ready now, Mr. McKane.” She called for a waiter, and he escorted them to a circular booth. Kira slid into the seat, and Trace was close behind her. After ordering cocktails, they were left alone.
Kira looked at him. “Is everything okay?”
He nodded. “Just a mix-up with the reservations. Seems Jarrett is here for a meeting.”
“Wonder who Jarrett’s wining and dining tonight.”
Trace wondered, too. “Have you ever heard of a company called EnRockies?”
She frowned. “That’s the name of the energy company drilling for natural gas in the area.
“Why would Jarrett be having a meeting with them?”
Kira shrugged. “Probably trying to lease them office space in town.”
“Maybe.” But an odd feeling gnawed at Trace. If the real estate business was so bad why would his brother want the land back? Something wasn’t right.
“I can’t believe he’s looking to buy part of the ranch back.”
“I don’t want you to worry about it, Kira.”
“How can I not? You could possibly lose part of the ranch.”
“McKane Ranch is a big place. Dad meant for it to be divided between Jarrett and me, anyway.”
Kira didn’t look convinced. “That’s great if he wanted to ranch, but we both know he’ll develop the land if the price is right.” Sighing, she leaned back. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I don’t know your brother that well.”
“He’s my half brother. And don’t be sorry, Kira. It’s true. I’m surprised Jarrett has stayed in Winchester Ridge. Of course he’s made a good living being the hometown hero.” A title he was all too familiar with having grown up in his older brother’s shadow, the best quarterback to ever play at Winchester Ridge High School. “Who wouldn’t trust him?”
Kira couldn’t believe Trace could still be jealous of Jarrett. “He’s a little too smooth for my tastes.” She looked down at her husband’s hands. His palm was rough from hard work, but could be so gentle, remembering his touch against her skin. “I prefer the rugged type,” she continued, unable to stop herself. “A certain cowboy got my attention from the first day I arrived in town.”
Trace’s intense gaze locked with hers. “I guess I owe my brother for taking you to lunch.” He leaned in closer to her. “That day I walked into the diner and saw you, you took my breath away.” His voice turned husky. I don’t have all the smooth words and moves, Kira. I’m just an ordinary guy who works hard to make a living.”
It had always amazed her that he never knew the effect he had on people, on women. “Nothing about you is ordinary, Trace McKane.”
He looked embarrassed.
She nodded. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, Trace. You deserved to know about my past.”
Her keeping that secret had hurt him, but he understood why she found it difficult to open up about it. He also knew how hard her life had been. The toughest part was knowing she had a child out there that she couldn’t see. The only child she would ever give birth to. “I hated that you couldn’t come to me.”
The waiter dropped off their drinks, and asked for their order. Kira decided on the salmon, and Trace a steak. The waiter picked up their menus and left them alone.
Kira lowered her voice. “I know I should have trusted you, Trace. But at the time, I was made to feel ashamed about what happened, and the only way I could put it behind me was to bury it. I never planned on meeting you. When we started dating everything was so perfect. I was afraid I would lose you if you learned I gave up my baby.”
Trace shook his head. “Like I said, Kira, that wouldn’t have happened.”
Kira still couldn’t believe it—they were finally talking. Maybe if they’d managed it sooner, he’d be moving back into their bedroom, and not the guestroom.
She suddenly heard someone say her name.
Kira looked up to see Jody arrive at the table. “I’m glad you made it.” The girl smiled, dressed in her uniform. A white Western blouse and black jeans.
“You didn’t need to do this, Jody,” she said.
“I know, but I wanted to thank you for letting me stay with you.”
“You should be saving your money.”
“I am. And I make good tips here. So order what you want—we get a discount on the food.” She glanced over her shoulder, then back at them. “I better get back to my tables. Have fun.” She hurried off.
“She looks so much better now.”
Trace stared after Jody. “You’ve given her hope.”
Kira turned her velvet-brown eyes to him. “So you don’t mind her staying with us?”
“She’s not around much to be a bother.” Although he’d like to have more privacy with Kira. “Besides, she needs us.”
She smiled. “Thank you.”
He hated her acting like a stranger. “Hell, Kira, it’s your home, too. It has been since the day I carried you over the threshold nearly five years ago.”
She glanced away. “Things are different now.”
He hated this time frame she’d concocted. “I don’t want to be different, Kira. I can’t walk away from the child, or from you. And I’ll be damned if I’m letting you. Not if there’s a baby involved.”
The rest of their meal was eaten in silence as was their drive home. Kira wanted to talk about what Trace had said, but he’d clammed up.
Men.
They pulled up at the back door and she climbed out of the truck, not waiting for him. Well, she wasn’t about to let him make a statement like that and refuse to explain.
They walked into the kitchen. “If you’ve changed your mind about the adoption, Trace McKane, you better tell me now.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Maybe because you said you weren’t going to walk away if there’s a baby involved.”
He glared at her. “That’s true. You seem to think that I can sign papers, then turn around and walk out the door.”
“No, I’m walking out the door,” she corrected. “The baby is the only thing I’m taking.” She ne
ver let herself feel the ranch belonged to her. “This is your place, your land.”
“Dammit, Kira. That’s what I mean. Why can’t you believe me? I don’t want you or the baby to leave.”
Her breath stopped as she replayed his words. But before she could speak the sound of a car distracted her. Soon Jody walked into the dimly lit kitchen. “Hi. You guys home long?” She smiled.
“No, not long,” Kira said. “Thank you again for dinner.”
“Yeah, thanks, Jody. Now, we all need sleep,” Trace said as he locked the back door, then came back and took Kira’s arm, leading her through the house to the stairs. Jody followed.
Kira’s heart raced as they made their way down the hall and Trace opened the master bedroom door. “Good night, Jody,” he called to her.
“Good night,” the girl called as she went to her room.
Once Jody was out of sight, Trace pulled Kira across the threshold and closed the door behind them. He pushed her back against the raised wood panels. The room was dark, but she could feel his rapid breathing on her face.
“Let me turn on a light,” she said, wanting to move away.
“No, Kira. It’s better like this.” He sighed. “I have something to say to you.”
She shut her eyes tightly and began to pray. “Please don’t say you’re not going through with the adoption.”
“No, I wouldn’t do that. It’s just not going to be your way. I want to negotiate a new deal. I want to be a father to this baby girl…and I want to be a husband to you.” There was a long pause. “With no time limit.”
Kira’s chest tightened. “What if it doesn’t work?”
“Then it won’t be because we didn’t try hard enough.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers.
She gasped. “Our track record isn’t good, Trace.” She slipped her arms around his neck, knowing she couldn’t let him go.
“At least we’d have tried,” He kissed the side of her neck as his arms wrapped around her waist. “And I want to try with you, Kira. And for this baby.”
The Cowboy’s Baby Page 10
