The Texan's Bride (12 page)

But the niggling doubt remained.

T
HE NEXT DAY THE PREGNANCY
was confirmed. Jessie and Cadde were beside themselves with joy. The baby was due in early May. Jessie was unprepared for Rosa’s reaction. She screamed, she cried, she laughed and immediately went to town to buy yarn to start knitting baby things. Even Myra was happy for them. Jessie lived in a bubble of happiness and nothing and no one was going to burst it. Not even her doubts.

Mirry was much better and Gavin removed the doughnut. It gave them a chance to talk.

“I’m sorry, Jessie, about the bill. It got mailed by mistake.”

“It’s fine, Gavin. You saved Mirry’s life.”

“I shouldn’t have said what I did about your husband. I was way out of line and I apologize.”

“Thank you, but I was thinking, for all concerned, that I need to find another vet.”

“Jessie, please don’t do that.”

She looked into his worried eyes. “I have to. Please understand.”

He sighed. “I do.” They hugged briefly. “I wish you all the best, and I hope we can remain friends.”

“That would be nice.”

They parted as friends and Jessie was happy about that.

T
WO WEEKS LATER SHE WAS
in town and stopped by Cadde’s office, as she often did. Chance and Kid were with him.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“You’re not interrupting,” Cadde said, and got up and kissed her.

Kid snapped his fingers. “Wait a minute, Jessie, I have something for you.”

Cadde groaned, his arm tightening around Jessie. “I don’t even want to imagine what that might be.”

Kid came rushing back. “I thought you could put this on your Suburban.” He handed her a bumper sticker.

Jessie stared at it. In big blue letters was written:
Baby and Boobs on Board. For a moment she was speechless.

Cadde jerked it out of her hand. “She’s not putting that on her vehicle, you idiot.”

“Why not?” Kid wanted to know. “It’s fun. It’s a laugh. Doesn’t anyone around here laugh anymore?”

Chance looped an arm over his brother’s shoulder. “Let’s go and I’ll explain tact versus tacky to you.”

Jessie took the sticker from Cadde, walked over and kissed Kid’s cheek. “I’ll think about it, and thank you for thinking of me, boobs and all.”

“Now there’s humor.” Kid pointed a finger at Cadde.

For the first time Jessie felt like a Hardin, a real member of the family.

After the brothers left, Cadde said, “You’re not putting that on your vehicle.”

She lifted an eyebrow at his stern tone.

“Please don’t put that ridiculous sticker on your car.”

“That’s better.” She went into his arms and his hands trailed from her back to her pinned-up hair. “Oh, no, mister, I have a lot to do today.” She pulled back. “I have to decide on a color for the baby’s room. I’m thinking creamy pale yellow. What do…” Her hair tumbled down her back and Cadde’s lips blazed a path from her ear to the corner of her mouth. “Cadde, oh…Cadde.”

She forgot about colors. She forgot about everything, but the man holding her, kissing her, driving her crazy. As she gave herself up to a fun afternoon she thought there had to be love in this much happiness.

There just had to be.

S
EPTEMBER FADED INTO
O
CTOBER
. Cadde asked that she think about stopping her volunteer work at the center until after the baby was born. She agreed. She didn’t want any stress in her life.

She felt she owed it to Fran to tell her in person. As she suspected, Fran was happy for her and wished her only the best. Jessie stopped short when she was leaving Fran’s office. Nina stood in the hallway, within ear-shot of Fran’s door. Had she heard what Jessie had told Fran?

“It’s not what you think.” Nina immediately went on the defensive.

“I’m not thinking anything. I’m just surprised to see you.”

Fran came up behind Jessie. “The counselor that Nina and Vernon are working with told Nina to leave when Vernon gets in one of his moods.”

“That’s what I did,” Nina said rather hotly. “He didn’t hit me and he wasn’t drunk.”

“I’m glad you found a way to work things out.”

“No, you’re not,” Nina snapped. “You have no idea what my life is like.”

Fran intervened. “Jessie has been nothing but nice to you. What’s with the attitude? Every time you come in here you ask for Jessie.”

“I’m sorry.” Nina wrapped her arms around her waist and Jessie saw she was trembling. “I’m on edge. I need a cigarette.”

“Cathy might have one, but you know the rules. You can’t smoke in here. You’ll have to use the patio.”

Nina turned and walked off.

“What did I do?” Jessie asked, rather befuddled at Nina’s reaction. “She seems to hate me.”

“I think she’s jealous because you seem to have it all.”

“Me?” Jessie asked, more confused than ever. “She doesn’t know anything about my life.”

“She wants to be like you, beautiful, composed and in control.”

Jessie wanted to laugh at the description. She wasn’t in control of anything and any composure she had was pure strength of will.

Fran turned her toward the door. “Go home and don’t worry. You know the women here have big problems.”

But Jessie did worry and she discussed it with Cadde. He was just glad she wasn’t going back to the center. As the days passed she forgot about Nina and concentrated on getting ready for the baby. Cadde kept saying it was too early and she needed to slow down. Against every instinct in her, she took his advice. But she couldn’t resist the occasional outfit or toy. Mainly because she spent a lot of time in baby stores. Rosa had knitted enough blankets to last the baby’s lifetime.

Cadde and Kid painted the baby’s room. She wasn’t allowed to smell the fumes. One wall was a soft yellow and another a pale mint-green. They had to paint the yellow wall four times before they got it the color she wanted.

Kid pointed the roller at her. “This is it, woman. I’m beginning to look a little yellow.”

They all laughed and Jessie knew this was what it was like to be a part of a family—a real family.

N
OVEMBER ARRIVED BEFORE
they knew it. Cadde wanted to spend Thanksgiving at High Five ranch so she could meet all of his extended family. Rosa and Felix went to visit Felix’s sister in San Antonio. They hadn’t seen their families in years. Myra reluctantly agreed to go with them.

Meeting so many people at one time was overwhelming, in a good way. Everyone was so nice, especially Aunt Etta and Uncle Rufus. They made her feel welcome. They made her feel at home. She met Chance’s wife, Shay, for the first time and they instantly formed a connection. They planned to meet for lunch one day.

She was drawn to the kids like a magnet and she carried Skylar’s and Cooper’s one-year-old son around as long as he would let her. Soon he wiggled out of her arms to play with his cousins.

She wondered what her and Cadde’s child would be like. Would he or she be a little terror like Caitlyn’s twins? Or angels like Maddie’s kids? Or sweet and adorable like Skylar’s daughter Kira? Or spunky like Darcy?

At that moment she caught Cadde’s eyes across the room. He smiled, walked over and kissed her cheek. She yearned to hear “I love you” but what he said was, “Having a good time?”

She couldn’t believe how much the lack of three little words could hurt. It wasn’t important, she told herself.

But she couldn’t explain it to her heart.

C
ADDE HATED SHOPPING
. He bought his shirts, jeans and boots from the same store. It was easier that way. These days he found himself shopping more than usual, mostly in a jewelry store. He was buying Jessie an engagement ring for Christmas and it had to be the right one. After looking until his head was spinning, he settled on a platinum round cut diamond to match her wedding band.

While he was looking, he couldn’t help but notice all the Christmas decorations and an idea came to him. This Christmas would be special.

He walked through the back door with a smile on his face. “Rosa, where’s Jessie?”

Rosa closed the oven and wiped her hands on her apron. “In the living room. We’re having pot roast for supper.”

“Smells good.”

Rosa stared at the silver wrapped gift in his hand. “It’s a little early for Christmas.”

“It’s never too early.”

Rosa’s eyes narrowed. “You two aren’t going to miss supper again, are you?”

They’d gotten caught up in the moment a lot of evenings and missed suppertime. Then they’d sneak down
stairs to eat what they could find—just the two of them. He found he liked it that way.

“If we’re…busy, you and Felix go ahead and eat. We’ll eat later.”

“Whatever makes you and Miss Jessie happy. I’m just so excited about the baby.” She reached for something on the counter. “Look what I made today.”

Cadde gazed at the tiny yellow booties. “That’s very small.”

“Baby’s feet are tiny like a doll’s.”

He didn’t know. He’d never been around babies, especially newborns. Not for the first time he realized how fast his life was changing and soon he would be trying to put his son’s or daughter’s feet into those booties. The thought was a little frightening and the magnitude of what he and Jessie had created hit him—a life—a tiny helpless baby who would depend on them totally.

“Yeah,” he murmured. “That’s a little scary.”

“Pooh.” Rosa waved his nervousness aside. “After a couple of days, you’ll handle that baby like a pro.”

Cadde nodded and walked through the dining room to the living room. Jessie was standing in front of the big windows, her arms outstretched. Stepping off several spaces, Mirry under her feet, she turned and stretched out her arms again. Her stomach pushed against her knit top. Her clothes were getting tight but he thought she never looked more beautiful. She was absolutely glowing.

“What are you doing?”

“Cadde. You’re home early.” She rushed to him and
he looped one arm around her, the other he held behind his back. He kissed her slow, taking his time.

She ran her fingers through his hair. “Now that’s a welcome home kiss.”

“What are you doing?”

“Oh.” She glanced toward the window. “I’m trying to figure out how big of a tree we can get in here. We have an artificial one in the attic that Rosa and I put up every year. After Daddy died, I didn’t even bother, but this holiday I want a huge live one, maybe seven, eight or nine feet tall.” She poked him in the chest. “And you and I are going to pick it out tomorrow so we can get it up early. What do you think?”

“Sounds good to me.” He held out the gift. “I bought something we can put on it.”

Her eyes opened wide and she sat on the sofa, ripping off the paper with a you-shouldn’t-have look. He sat beside her. When she saw the silver baby ornament her mouth formed a big O.

“Read what it says on it.” He could hardly contain his own excitement.

“Baby’s First Christmas in Mommy’s Tummy. Love, Mommy and Daddy.” A tear slipped from her eye.

“Jessie.”

“I’m not going to cry.” She swiped at her cheek. “This is so beautiful and…wait a minute. Did Barbara buy this or did you?”

“I did and I had the jeweler engrave those words on it.”

“Oh, oh.” More tears followed.

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. “Are you okay?”

“Yes. Why?”

“You haven’t been weepy for days and I’m concerned because you haven’t said a lot about your mother.”

She sat up. “There’s nothing to say and I can’t do anything to change the past. So I’ve decided not to stress over it.”

He touched her cheek, needing to reassure her that he was always here for her.

Fingering the ornament, she said, “We’re going to put this at the top of the tree right under the angel because it’s so special.”

“Mmm.”

“Do you think we can get the tree tomorrow?”

“Sure. I’ll come home about four.”

She looked at him with those black eyes, so deep, so gorgeous. “You’re coming home early a lot these days.”

“Chance and Kid are taking up the slack.”

They were finally drilling in Louisiana after a ton of paperwork and permits. Kid was at the site and Chance flew over every couple of days. Cadde wasn’t on the phone constantly wanting news and he wasn’t fretting about the cost or the probability that they could hit a dry hole. He had more important things on his mind.

“Really?” She arched a dark eyebrow.

“They need to get more involved because I’m taking time off when the baby comes.”

The eyebrow lifted higher. “You’re joking.”

“No. I mean, we’re going to have a newborn in the house. Have you ever held a baby?”

Her eyes grew thoughtful. “No.”

“I haven’t, either. We’re going to have to take classes or something.”

“I have some dolls in the attic. I can get one down and we can practice.”

“I’m not playing with a doll.”

“Oh, please,” she begged, mischief in her voice. “I could take a picture for Chance and Kid, even the board. Wouldn’t that be lovely?”

“No.” He tickled her rib cage and she lay back, laughing and squirming. He pressed her into the cushions and supper was forgotten once again.

T
HE NEXT MORNING
, J
ESSIE FED
Bambi and watched her for a while. The fawn was getting big and fat. She needed to cut back on the cream. Her animals were all fat because she wanted them to be well cared for. The horses were in the pasture and when they saw her they would trot to the barn for feed. Her animals had always brought her so much joy, but now her interest was elsewhere. She wasn’t planning on taking on any new ones just yet. Her focus was on Cadde and the baby.

After lunch she had Felix get Christmas decorations out of the attic. She sat in the living room sorting through them. Pausing over ornaments in a box, she wondered if her mother had wanted to buy her a first Christmas ornament. Probably not. Her father hadn’t, either. They were too busy thinking of ways to claim her.

Jessie sat back on her heels. That sounded bitter and maybe she was—just a little. What type of woman had
a baby for money? Those who desperately needed it, she answered her own question. And some no doubt had changed their minds, like Angela. Once giving birth and holding her child, she couldn’t let go. Jessie understood that.

But there was still a niggling doubt. What if Cadde…

Her cell buzzed and she quickly clicked on when she saw the caller ID. “Hey.” His strong, familiar voice buffeted all the concerns in her head. “What are you doing?”

“Sorting through decorations to put on the tree.”

“I’ll be home earlier than four.”

“Ah, you can’t wait to see me.”

“That’s about it.” She heard him laugh. “Bundle up. It’s getting cold outside.”

She clicked off and leaned against the sofa. Cadde had told her he wasn’t good at voicing his feelings, so she was going to take him at his word and go on the way he made her feel—over-the-top crazily happy in love. The doubts were just because she was so inexperienced. She felt Cadde’s love in his touch, his kiss and in the way he held her. It was there and it was enough.

Picking out a Christmas tree was going to be so much fun. She’d try her best to not be too indecisive. She… Her cell buzzed again.

Her heart skipped a beat because she thought it was Cadde again. It wasn’t. She clicked on.

“Hi, Fran.”

“Jessie, I hate to bother you.”

“It’s no bother. Is anything wrong?”

“Nina’s been here for over a week. Vernon beat her up pretty bad. Toby has bruises, too.”

“Oh, no.”

“Nina’s reached the end of the line and she had to make choices she didn’t want to. She met with a lawyer who does work for the center. She filed for divorce. We’re trying to get her and the kids to her aunt’s. Is that plane ticket offer still on the table?”

“Sure. I’ll get my credit card.” She scooped up Mirry and headed for the stairs.

“Vernon’s lawyer got him out of jail this morning and he was served with divorce papers. I want Nina out of the way before he goes into another rage.”

“Why can’t they keep him locked up?”

“He has rights and just happened to get a lawyer who’s a bigger slime than he is.”

Jessie found her purse, fished out her credit card and gave Fran the information she needed.

“Thanks, Jessie.” A long pause ensued. “Nina asked for you.”

“Fran, I don’t think…”

“I know, sweetie, don’t worry about it. I’m getting her out of Houston as fast as I can.”

Jessie sat on the bed for a minute and wondered how someone’s life could get so screwed up. She could only hope Nina made better choices for her children’s sakes.

Her cell buzzed and she clicked on with a smile.

“I just passed a Christmas tree lot and they have big trees. Want me to get one?”

“No.”

He must have heard the sadness in her voice. “What’s wrong?”

She told him about Nina. One of the things she loved about their relationship was that they could talk about anything.

“Put it out of your mind because it seems as if the authorities have it handled.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll be there soon.”

Noticing the time, she changed into heavier jeans, but found she couldn’t button them. “You’re really growing, my precious,” she said to her stomach, and reached for a maternity pair she’d bought. They felt much better.

She slipped on a white cashmere turtleneck sweater, socks and leather boots. That should be warm enough.

Mirry lay on her pillow and Jessie leaned down. “Cadde and I are going to get a Christmas tree. I’ll be back later.”

Mirry gave a low bark.

“Okay.” Jessie went into the bathroom for soft dog biscuits and gave Mirry two. The dog would chew on those for a couple of hours.

When she reached the kitchen, Rosa gave her the once-over. “You look so happy.”

“I am.” Jessie smiled.

“I bought a quilting frame at the craft store. I’m going to set it up and see if I can make a quilt for the baby.”

Jessie didn’t know how to tell her that Aunt Etta was also making a quilt, so she didn’t. She placed a hand on her stomach. This kid was going to be one warm baby.

“Felix is at the barn and I’ll close my door so you and Mr. Cadde can have time alone.”

“Thanks, Rosa, but Cadde and I are leaving as soon as he gets here.”

“Oh, then I’ll have lots of time.”

Jessie went into the living room to continue sorting the decorations. Myra interrupted her.

“Hey, kiddo, how’s happy-ever-after going?”

“Great. We’re getting a tree this afternoon.”

“You got the big guy to go Christmas tree shopping?”

“Yes, and don’t say anything rude.”

“I’m not, and I personally want to thank you and Cadde for getting Mama off my back about marriage and babies.”

“You’re welcome, but love is really wonderful. You should try it.”

“Please.” Myra dragged out the word. Jessie could see her with her hands on her hips and that kick-ass expression on her face. “I’ll pass. Oh, I have to go, court is reconvening. Call when you’re in town and we’ll do lunch.”

After she clicked off, she thought about the
L
word again and wished she hadn’t. Placing her hand over her stomach, she refused to think negative thoughts. She wasn’t letting anything ruin this day.

Studying the decorations, she decided to do the tree in red and silver to match the ornament Cadde had bought. They would have to stop for some ribbon. He was going to love that.

As she pushed boxes aside with her foot, there was a knock at the door. It had to be Cadde. He must have
bought a tree. If he did, she was going to be so mad. She swung open the door with a smile, not even looking through the peephole. A man she didn’t recognize stood there and he reeked of alcohol.

“Are you Jessie Hardin?”

“Who are you?” she asked instead of answering, and had a sinking feeling this wasn’t good. She tried to slam the door, but the man pushed it aside.

“Please leave,” she said, backing up.

He followed. “Where’s my wife?”

“Who?”

“My wife, Nina.”

Everything clicked into place. This was Vernon, but Jessie didn’t know how he’d found her or why. “Please leave,” she said again.

Before she realized his intention, he slammed a fist into her stomach. Pain ripped through her and she staggered backward. “Rosa!” she screamed.

“I’ll teach you to mess with other people’s lives. Nina’s a bitch stealing money out of my wallet for cigarettes. The house is a mess and when I say anything she spouts nonsense about her rights. Nonsense she got from you. She has no rights, you bitch,” he yelled, his face red. “I’m gonna teach you a lesson.”

Jessie kicked him in the shin and tried to get away, but he was too fast.

“Rosa!” Jessie screamed as Vernon drove a fist into her face. The blow knocked her to the floor and Vernon kicked her in the side with his shoe. “Rosa!” She held her hands over her stomach to protect her child, curling into a fetal position. “No, no, not my baby.”

He was about to drive a shoe into her face when Rosa came running. “Get away from her, you bastard!”

Vernon ran out the door and Rosa fell down beside her. “My
niña,
my
niña.
What happened?”

“Call Cadde,” she gasped, her stomach cramping. “Call the police.”

Felix came charging into the hallway with a gun, but it was too late.

C
ADDE WHISTLED AS HE DROVE
down the highway. He hadn’t done that in ages. This afternoon he was going to buy the biggest tree he could find. This was going to be a Christmas they’d never forget.