Another Man's Wife

by Rebecca Winters

Rick had been right; his brother had undergone a complete transformation since he’d left Copper Mountain that morning.

  “I just got off the phone with her.”

  “Is she all right?” Nate’s voice was urgent.

  “She’s fine.”

  “Thank God.” He took a deep breath. “She seemed okay when I dropped her off, but after the hell I’ve put her through, it wouldn’t surprise me if she went into early labor. I couldn’t take that.”

  No…I don’t think you could.

  “We’ve been invited to dinner,” Rick murmured, watching carefully for his brother’s first reaction.

  “When?”

  “It’s up to you. I told her you’d call as soon as you got back from Denver.” He pushed away from the desk and stood up. “I’ll go find Nina so she can take her lunch break.”

  His words were wasted on Nate, who’d already unfolded the badly crumpled letter to find Laurel Pierce’s phone number. Rick paused at the door.

  “She mentioned we could bring our wives or girlfriends. Better make it Saturday night. That way we’ll have time to hustle up a couple of women.”

  Without waiting for a reply Rick hustled out of the office.

  Five minutes later Nate joined him in the rental shop. Instead of pitching in to help him put returned skis back in place, he prowled around like a hungry wolf.

  “What’s up?”

  “The line’s busy.”

  “Don’t jump to conclusions.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Just what I said. Her baby will come when nature intends. So, who’s the father?”

  “Spade,” Nate whispered.

  For everyone involved, Rick had to admit he was happy about that piece of news. “By what miracle?”

  During the lull between customers, Nate treated him to the full explanation.

  “That’s pretty miraculous, all right.”

  His brother nodded. “Under the circumstances, I don’t know why she’s even speaking to me.”

  “Neither do I,” Rick said, baiting him, “but for some reason she wants to see you again.”

  “Talking to me has brought back memories of Spade.”

  “I’m sure that’s part of it.”

  Nate darted him a puzzled glance. “What do you mean?”

  He was so quick to respond, Rick suspected Nate had feelings he didn’t even recognize yet.

  Like Nate, Rick had perfect vision. He’d only seen Laurel Pierce for a moment when she’d thrust that letter at him. The woman was a genuine knockout.

  “Nothing,” he murmured. “What did you think I meant?”

  After an extended pause, Nate’s eyes slid away. “I’m going back to the office to try her number again.”

  “You do that,” Rick said to his retreating frame.

  LAUREL WAS UPSTAIRS making the boys’ beds when the phone rang. Dropping Joey’s pillow, she hurried into her bedroom to answer it. However, when she picked up the receiver, she discovered her sister had already picked up the kitchen extension.

  Nate was on the line asking for her. Excited that he’d gotten back to her this fast, she said, “I’m here, Julie.”

  “Oh—good. I’ll hang up.”

  As soon as she heard the click, she said, “Nate?”

  “Hello, Laurel. My brother told me you called.”

  It was so wonderful to hear warmth instead of anger in his tone, she felt a wave of happiness wash over her.

  “Did he tell you I want both of you to come to dinner?”

  “You’re sure it wouldn’t be an imposition?”

  “I wouldn’t have asked if it was. Naturally, the invitation includes partners.”

  “Rick and I are still single. Since we only flew to Colorado for a family visit, we’d be coming alone.”

  That meant Nate would be leaving soon… Thank goodness Julie had encouraged her to make the call today.

  “I didn’t realize that. When I reached your brother at the ski shop, I assumed he worked there. How soon do you have to report back to the base?”

  There was an odd silence before he said, “I don’t.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Let’s just say everything’s uncertain at the moment.”

  “You mean about returning to Leeuwarden? Has your assignment changed since then?”

  “It’s a long story. Because of a family crisis, I resigned my commission in the Air Force, but it may have been premature.”

  Resigned? The legendary Hawk? She sank down on the side of her bed.

  “Depending on the outcome, I may go back in. Right now, all plans are on hold.”

  A top gun like Scott—or Nate—might lose his life for the Air Force, but he didn’t leave it of his own free will. Whatever had happened in Nate’s family must be extremely serious for him to even consider giving up a career that had defined his life….

  She wished she knew him better. There was so much he wasn’t saying. Maybe in time he’d feel comfortable enough to tell her what was wrong.

  “You must be climbing the walls with boredom,” she teased, hoping to add a little levity to the unexpected turn in their conversation. “You probably need a distraction. We’d better get you over to the house quick!” His deep chuckle informed her she was right. “How about tomorrow evening?”

  “That’s fine.”

  Good.

  “The reason it has to be soon is that you never know when this baby is going to make its entrance.”

  When she saw the doctor on Thursday, he might tell her she’d dilated another centimeter and he’d curtail her activities until the big event. She wasn’t about to take a chance on that happening. Who knew when she’d see Nate again otherwise?

  “For the moment, and I’m stressing that last word, all is quiet on the Western Front,” she whispered.

  He broke into uninhibited male laughter, the kind that resonated clear through her body. When it subsided, he said, “Tomorrow night it is. What time?”

  “Six? Is that too early?”

  “No, no. We’ll be there. I’m looking forward to meeting your family under more…favorable circumstances.”

  She smiled into the phone. “You’ll like Mike and Joey. Just be prepared for a thousand questions, and remember my nephews are down on girls.”

  “How old are they?”

  “Eight and ten.”

  “Sounds normal for their age. Which boy is which?”

  “Joey’s the younger. He plans to be a test pilot for the Air Force.”

  “What about Mike?” She thought she could hear him smiling back.

  “He’s gotten past that stage. At the moment he wants to be a pro golfer.”

  “Where did that come from?”

  “Brent. He might’ve turned pro if he hadn’t met Julie.”

  “Now you tell me.”

  “Tell you what?”

  “I came close to being decked by a lethal weapon on the dance floor.”

  It was her turn to laugh. “I guess he could do some damage with that golf arm if he wanted to.”

  “He would’ve had every right.” Another pause. “I’m sorry about the other night, Laurel. All of it.” She could still hear his pain.

  “Will you stop?” Her hand tightened on the receiver. “I know how sorry you are, but I honestly haven’t given it another thought. You’re beating yourself up for no reason.”

  “You’re a remarkable person.”

  I could say the same thing about you.

  “I’m a woman on the brink of becoming a mom. It puts everything else in perspective.”

  “And no wonder… Are you frightened?”

  He demonstrated a surprising sweetness she hadn’t noticed in many men.

  “I think every pregnant woman experiences some fear. The thought of being responsible for another human being is quite daunting.”

  “Yes, it would be.”

  “However, now that I’ve reached my ninth month, I have to admit all I can th
ink about is getting this show on the road. A ride in an F-16 might just do the trick, but since you don’t have a plane to call your own right now…”

  “There’s no back seat in an F-16, but if there was one, I’d be so panicked I’m afraid I’d go into a dive I couldn’t control.”

  “We’d make a pair, all right,” she said before joining in his laughter. “I guess I’ll just have to stay weighted to the ground until the blessed event.”

  “Are you having a boy or a girl?”

  “I’ve decided to find out when he or she is born.”

  “That’s worked for centuries.”

  “Both families are upset with me. The parents, I mean.”

  “It’s your baby.”

  “Exactly. Thank you for backing me up. Anyway, I’m looking forward to seeing you and your brother tomorrow night.”

  “We’ll be there. Thank you, Laurel.”

  “You’re welcome. Bye.”

  Pleased with the arrangements, she hung up the receiver and walked back to the boys’ room. Julie had finished making the beds. She looked up.

  “I heard a lot of laughter coming from your room. Do you know how good it sounded?”

  “It felt good. He and his brother are coming at six tomorrow night.”

  “Are they bringing anyone?”

  “No. I didn’t think Nate was married yet, and he confirmed it. His brother’s single, too. According to Scott, there were several women who wanted to become Mrs. Hawkins, but it didn’t happen.

  “Julie, help me plan a menu! I want it to be special.”

  “When it comes down to it, most men love plain old roast beef with mashed potatoes and gravy.”

  “You’re right. I think beef tenderloin and your homemade rolls.”

  “And Mom’s gelato for dessert,” they said simultaneously.

  Laurel realized she hadn’t laughed this much in more than a year.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “WELCOME TO BUNDLES OF JOY. Can I help you gentlemen?”

  “I’m looking for a baby gift. Something in white or yellow since I don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl.”

  “Were you thinking along the lines of clothing? Or a blanket to wrap the baby in?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Give me a moment and I’ll gather some things to show you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Hey, Nate,” Rick called to him. “Look at this.” Nate wandered over to his brother. “A baby monitor. It tells the parents what their child is doing from another room.”

  “How would you ever get any sleep?”

  “That’s what I’m trying to figure out.”

  Nate had been a lot of places around the globe. He’d done a lot of unusual things in his life. But he’d never shopped in a store devoted to babies. Judging by Rick’s reaction as he moved from one display to another in wonder, this was a new experience for him, too.

  “Here we are.” The clerk caught his attention again. They both went back to the counter, where she held up a little white fleece sleeper outfit with feet.

  “Are you sure you’re not showing us doll clothes?” Rick teased the woman.

  She laughed. “I can assure you this was made for an average-size newborn. It’s soft, lightweight and washable. See these mitts? They’re sewn in to fit over the baby’s hands so their nails won’t scratch their faces.

  “To go with it is this lovely pale-yellow chenille blanket with fringe. It too is washable and makes a wonderful wrap because it aligns itself to the baby’s body.”

  The picture of Laurel Pierce’s pregnant figure outlined in the wind refused to leave Nate’s mind.

  “You’ll notice the yellow stitchery on the embroidered portion of the sleeper matches it.”

  Nate plunged his hand into the cotton fabric. The softness sold him.

  “I’ll take both.” He reached for his wallet and pulled out a credit card. “Will you wrap them as a gift?”

  “Of course. We have some little courtesy cards right here. Go ahead and pick something you like.”

  There had to be several dozen. He thumbed through the selection until he came to one that stood out. “For your highflyer.”

  Reaching for a pen on the counter, he made a minor insertion above the “For” and the “your.” Now it read, “For the son or daughter of your highflyer. God keep you both in His care. Nate.”

  “Here we are.” The clerk had entwined a baby rattle in the ribbon.

  “That’s perfect.” He handed her the enclosed card. “Would you tape this to the package please?”

  “I’d be happy to.” After the woman had attached the card, she put the package in a sack and they left the shop. When they reached the car park Nate checked his watch.

  “We’re going to have to step on it. We’ve only got a half hour to get across Denver and we’ll be fighting five o’clock traffic all the way.”

  “Relax. I’ll get us there on time.”

  “I’m holding you to that.”

  “I do believe you’re nervous. How did you ever end up as a pilot?”

  “How about concentrating on your driving?”

  “She’s forgiven you, man.”

  “I don’t see why,” Nate lamented.

  “Because she’s an understanding woman.”

  “She’s courageous, too.”

  “Yeah. She had guts to confront you in the state you were in.”

  Nate grimaced. “That goes without saying, but I’m talking about the baby.”

  “Women have them every day.”

  “Not in her circumstances.”

  “She appears to be managing fine. Otherwise how do you explain the way she was enjoying herself on the dance floor the other night—before she saw you, I mean?”

  Any reminder of that painful encounter increased Nate’s guilt. “It’s all a big cover-up. She and Scott had something special.”

  “Maybe so, but it’s been close to a year since she was with her husband. It looks like she’s chosen to go on living.”

  “How the hell do you do that when you’ve been madly in love?”

  “I don’t know, and I pray I never have to find out,” Rick muttered. “I suppose we could ask Dad when he gets back from his honeymoon.”

  That was another painful subject they hadn’t touched on since the newlyweds had been dropped off at the airport.

  “Sorry, Nate. I didn’t mean to bring that up. But the situation isn’t the same. Dad’s not having a baby.”

  “At least not that we know about.”

  “Jeez.”

  “WHAT DO YOU THINK?” Laurel asked as she walked in the kitchen to get the Caesar salads from the refrigerator. “It was either the beige-on-black print or the green two-piece.”

  Her sister looked up from the gravy she was stirring. “Pregnant or not, you know that’s my favorite outfit on you. Black’s your best color. Mike had just entered the kitchen, and Julie turned to him. “Aunt Laurel has the salads made. Will you please put them on the dining room table?”

  “Joey has to help, too.”

  “He’s already filling the glasses with ice. As for you, young man, all you’re supposed to say is ‘Yes, Mother.’”

  “Sorry. Yes, Mother.”

  “Be sure to place them above and a little to the left of the left fork.”

  “I know where they go from the last time we had a party.”

  “Just making sure,” she teased.

  Laurel watched him take two plates into the other room with the greatest of care.

  “You’re such a wonderful mother, Julie.”

  Her sister scoffed. “You heard Mike just now.”

  “But you don’t let him get away with anything. You’re constantly teaching, yet you do it with kindness and love. I’m getting nervous. I’m afraid I’ll never be the kind of mom you are.”

  “After observing all the mistakes I’ve made, you’ll be much better.”

  “I’ve been with your family far too long,” Laurel
said. “When you and Brent invited me to stay with you for a while, I’m sure you never dreamed I’d still be here.”

  She waited until Mike had returned for more salads. When he’d left the kitchen she said, “Julie, if I asked you a question, do you think you could be honest with me? Even if you thought it would hurt me?”

  “If you’re going to ask whether it’s all right if you settle in Denver after the baby’s born, Brent and I already discussed it months ago. In fact Brent was the one to bring it up. You know his Realtor friend, Jed?”

  “Yes?”

  “Brent asked him to keep an eye out for a condo you might like. Someplace close to us. Does that answer your question?”

  Tears smarted Laurel’s eyes. She was so touched, she couldn’t talk.

  “Good evening, ladies!” The subject of their conversation breezed into the kitchen, looking smart in his tan suit. He kissed his wife’s neck. “What can I do to help?”

  “Hey, Mom?” Joey burst in right behind him, carrying the empty ice bucket. He put it on the counter. “There’s a car in the driveway. Should I get the door?”

  “Why don’t we leave that to your Aunt Laurel.”

  Laurel felt Brent’s inquisitive gaze on her as she dabbed at her eyes. Later she’d thank him for being the best brother-in-law on earth.

  “Come on.” She reached for Joey’s hand. “We’ll greet our guests together.” They passed Mike on his way back to the kitchen for the rest of the salads.

  Joey was so eager he ran ahead and opened the door on two surprised men who hadn’t rung the bell yet.

  Her nephew stared up at Nate in awe. “I know who you are.”

  Nate grinned. “You must be Joey.”

  “Yup. And you’re Uncle Scotty’s best friend, Hawk!”

  “That’s right.”

  “His real name is Nate, Joey. And please say hello to his brother, Rick.”

  “Hi, Rick.”

  “Hi, yourself.” The handsome man in the stone-gray suit was grinning, too.

  “Come on in,” Joey piped up. “We’ve been waiting for you all day.”

  The innocent remark reminded Laurel that she was standing there mesmerized by the sight of them, just like her nephew. The blood rose to her cheeks before she had the wits to invite them inside.