A Family With the Cowboy (The Westons of Montana #1)

Chapter Fourteen

B y the time Laura and Molly had walked around the block, she was shivering from the cold. Picking up Molly, she walked faster. “Let’s get home. It’s the perfect day for getting back into bed and reading. There is still soup…”

As they neared Vivian and Aiden’s house, she noticed the truck driving down the street. Her heart missed a beat. If she wasn’t mistaken, it was Hayden’s truck. Arlene’s front door opened and her neighbor came rushing out, pulling on her coat as she ran down the stairs.

Laura’s heart tripped. Something was wrong. As the truck turned and parked in the driveway in front of Vivian’s and Aiden’s house, she ran closer, Molly still in her arms. Something was wrong. Luke or Hayden…

She and Arlene reached the truck simultaneously. Laura put Molly down. Arlene opened the door on the passenger side and hugged Luke. “Luke, sweetie…” she cried.

Hayden came around his truck, looking grave and shaken.

“What happened?” His mouth opened and closed a few times. He was clearly deeply upset. Without thinking, Laura stepped closer and hugged him. “What happened?” she asked against his chest.

With a groan, he pulled her closer and pressed his face into her shoulder. Stroking his back with her one hand, she tried to convey how much she’d missed him, how sorry she was for whatever has happened.

“Hayden…” Arlene’s voice finally penetrated the bubble Laura was sharing with Hayden.

He stepped closer to his mom, giving her a hug before he took Luke’s hand. “Doctor Vivian is going to make sure Luke here is okay. We had a scare just now, didn’t we, buddy?”

“Jessie was hurt.” Luke sniffed. “I tried to grab her away from the wheel of that man’s truck, but…” Tears streamed down his face.

Laura crouched down and hugged him. “I’m so sorry you had to see that. Let’s make sure you’re all right and then we’ll find out about Jessie, okay?”

“Will you come with me?”

“We’re going to crowd poor Doctor Vivian’s office. But I’ll phone later to find out how you are, okay?”

“’Kay.”

The front door opened and Vivian stepped out, smiling. “Good morning. Come on in. Hi, Luke.” She held out her hand to the little boy.

“She’s so good with kids,” Arlene said while Vivian spoke to Luke. “You go with them, Hayden. I’ll tell Laura what happened before I join you.”

Hayden’s gaze met hers briefly before he turned and walked into the house with Vivian and his son.

“Willow called a few minutes ago,” Arlene said, dabbing at her eyes. “Tim Higgins arrived on the ranch this morning…” She quickly explained what had happened. “Will you excuse me, please? I want to hear what Vivian says.”

“Of course. We’ll talk later.”

With a wave, Arlene disappeared into the house and closed the front door. Molly was now also shivering. “Let’s go home, sweetie. I hope Luke is okay. He’s so pale.”

With her mind racing in circles, she walked home. The house was nice and warm inside. Molly immediately stretched herself in front of the fire.

Laura couldn’t settle down. The long list of things she should be doing was out of her mind. All she could think about was Luke. He was so pale. And then there was the memory of Hayden’s arms around her, his warm breath on her neck. The whole incident probably only lasted a few seconds, but she remembered everything.

With a groan, she walked toward the kitchen. Warm tea sounded nice. She couldn’t believe what Tim Higgins had done. If she remembered correctly, he was the same man who’d hit Hayden at the Winter Ball. The guy was obviously unstable. Why would he do something like that?

While the kettle heated, she looked out of the window. Hayden’s truck was still parked in Vivian’s driveway and there was no sign of Arlene.

*

It was only when they were leaving Vivian’s office that Hayden’s heart settled down. He’d convinced himself Luke had somehow been injured and had waited for Vivian to give the verdict. Why was his son so pale?

He’d been really scared, Vivian explained, but she’d checked all his vitals and was satisfied that his heart rate and his blood pressure were fine, and he wasn’t in shock. Apart from a scrape on his one knee, he was unharmed. The color had returned to his face and over the last few minutes, he’d stopped asking about Jessie.

Just then, his phone rang. It was Cooper.

“That’s Uncle Coop,” Luke said, without looking at Hayden’s phone. “Jessie will be okay.”

“Hi, Coop,” Hayden answered.

“Jessie is fine,” Cooper said. “But I have an idea Luke knows that.”

Resignedly, Hayden shook his head. “I’m not even going to ask how you know or he knows, but he’s just told me.”

“And Luke’s okay?”

Hayden chuckled. “He’s okay. Next time, I’ll skip going to the doctor and just ask you or Willow.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Still grumpy?”

Hayden glanced in the direction of Laura’s house. Those few seconds he’d held her in his arms would forever stay in his heart, but nothing had changed. Everything inside him was urging him to go to her, talk to her, kiss her, but he couldn’t give her what she wanted.

“Nothing has changed. We’re on our way.”

“You sure you don’t need to make another stop?” Cooper asked.

“Good-bye, Coop.” Shaking his head, he took Luke’s hand. “Let’s go home.”

“Can I go and tell Miss Anderson I’m okay?”

“I don’t think…” Hayden began.

“Wonderful idea,” his mom interrupted. “She was so worried.”

He could easily ignore his mother, but ignoring his son’s pleading eyes was more difficult. “Okay, but we can’t stay, okay? Get in the truck, let’s go.”

“’Kay.” Luke sighed.

Minutes later, he parked in front of Laura’s house. His mother and Luke got out.

Laura’s front door opened before his mom could knock. She’d probably heard the truck’s engine.

“Luke!” she cried and crouched down. “I’m so happy to see you. Come on in.”

“Dad says we can’t stay,” Luke said.

Laura’s gaze met his for a brief second, but it was long enough for him to see the hurt.

Laura looked at Luke again. “You okay?”

“I’m okay.”

Laura held out her arms. “May I please hug you? I’ve been so worried.”

Luke fell into her arms and hugged her tightly. Hayden had to swallow against the lump in his throat. It was the way Luke used to hug his mom.

“…a book for you,” Laura said, before she disappeared into the house.

His mother looked at him, shaking her head. “I can’t decide whether you’re stubborn or dumb or both.”

Before he could react, Laura was back with a few books for Luke. Inhaling deeply, Luke took them from her. “Thank you, Miss Anderson.”

“You can bring them back after the break.” She smiled.

“Laura, I’d like to come in if I may?” his mother asked. “I want to ask you about that knitting pattern I got from you. We have our knitting group again tomorrow night and I’ve been struggling,” she explained to Hayden.

Laura didn’t meet Hayden’s eyes. “Of course. Come on in, I’ve just made tea.”

Ignoring Luke’s pleading eyes, he took his son’s hand. “I have to get back,” he said, without looking at Laura or his mom again.

Even before he’d started the truck, the front door was closed. Irritated, he reversed the truck.

“You like Miss Anderson,” Luke said.

“She’s nice.”

“She likes you too.”

“How do you know?”

Luke gave him a look, one he’d seen before in his sister’s and brother’s eyes. He just knew.

Frowning, Hayden stepped on the gas. He hadn’t picked up before today that Luke seemed to have Willow’s and Cooper’s ability to see beyond the ordinary. For the past two years, he’d just concentrated on putting one foot before the other and dealing with his grief.

He wasn’t as freaked out by Willow’s ability as he used to be when they were kids. Although, to be honest, he was still uncomfortable talking about it. He’d long ago realized to trust his sister’s gut, though, since she was always right. And Cooper had this thing with animals. Horses, cattle, dogs, cats, even wild animals all had a special bond with his youngest brother. Cooper also knew things. He just wasn’t as vocal about it as their sister.

So what did he do? Talk to Luke about it? Talk to Willow? Maybe Laura…?

He quickly dismissed the thought as soon as it popped into his mind. Although she occupied his thoughts every waking moment of his day and even while he was sleeping, he should stay away from her.

“…it will be with someone who wants to be with me, always.” Laura’s words echoed in his mind. And that was the problem. He couldn’t give her want she wanted.

It had only been two weeks. He should give it time.

*

“So, do you have big plans for your week off, or are you going to spend it reading?” Arlene asked as she and Laura settled in front of the fire with their tea.

Laura laughed. “That does sound wonderful, but I do have things I want to do around the house. That wall, for instance,” she said, pointing toward the one wall opposite them, “needs a different color, I think. And then maybe add one or two kitchen cabinets. I was wondering if you can recommend someone?”

“Ooh,” Arlene said, taking out her phone. “I do know of someone you can ask. Tanner Olsen. Let me phone him immediately…”

“No, really, that’s…” Laura tried, but Arlene was already talking on the phone.

Within minutes, she put her phone down with a smile. “He’s on his way. Get a quote, see if you like him, but I know his mother. They’re good people. So, Laura,” she said, putting her cup down. “You and Hayden? Is there something between the two of you?”

“Wow.” Laura smiled, shaking her head. “You really get to the point, don’t you?”

“Life is so very short, my dear. If you have something to say, say it. I’d like to think we’ve become friends. You do like him, don’t you?”

“Yes, I like him. I like your whole family. I’m looking forward to tomorrow night. I haven’t seen Ellie since last month. Have you finished reading Pride and Prejudice for the discussion?”

Arlene sighed. “Okay. You don’t want to talk about it. I get it. It just breaks my heart when I see two people who should be together, but who are so scared to take a chance, they walk away.”

“Hayden is still mourning his wife and brother. Besides, he’s made it clear he’s not looking for anything permanent.”

“Really?”

“His words. Now about Pride and Prejudice …”

Fortunately, this time, Arlene let her change the topic of conversation. She’d hoped—she’d really, really hoped—the hug Hayden had given her meant something, but he had been worried about Luke, and she’d offered a shoulder. That was it.

This was a clear sign that she should stop dreaming about the cowboy with the sad eyes. He’d have to come to grips with his demons all by himself. She couldn’t do it for him.

Minutes later, there was a knock on the front door.

“That’s probably Tanner,” Arlene said, as she put down her cup. “I’ll leave you two together.” Her eye twinkled. “Have I mentioned that he’s very attractive?”

Laughing, Laura moved toward the front door. “I thought Janice was the matchmaker in town.”

“Just saying,” Arlene chuckled, as Laura opened the door.

The guy standing on her porch was indeed attractive. Tall, well-built, blonde hair, brown eyes, wide shoulders, and a lopsided grin—he was the quintessential handsome guy. But there were no crackling vibes and not even one butterfly in her tummy stirred.

Molly ran closer, barking furiously.

“Molly!” Laura cried and quickly picked up the dog. “Sorry about that.”

Grinning, he cautiously put out a hand to Molly, but she growled and showed her teeth.

Arlene introduced them. “Laura, Tanner. Tanner, Laura. And this fierce protector is Molly. Thanks for the tea, my dear. Oh, and Tanner—Laura is new to town. I don’t think she’s been to Rocco’s Italian Restaurant yet.”

“Arlene!” Laura cried out, but Arlene was already briskly walking away.

Tanner grinned. “Great idea.”

Groaning, Laura opened the door wider. “Seriously, you don’t have to. And I actually have been there recently. It seems everyone in town is trying to be a matchmaker. Come on in.”

“I’ve seen you around town and was still trying to figure out a way to meet you when Arlene phoned. Let’s look at what you need done and then we can talk about going out to dinner soon?”

By the time Tanner was leaving, Laura was excited about the project. Tanner obviously knew what he was talking about and had even offered to paint the wall for her, free of charge. She would pay him, nonetheless, but she appreciated the nice gesture to a stranger. His suggestion of freestanding cabinets she could move how and when she wanted to made sense.

Molly hadn’t warmed to the stranger, though. Laura eventually had to put her in the bedroom. Since then, the little dog’s heart-wrenching barks, mixed with indignant yelps, hadn’t stopped for a moment.

“So, how about Friday night?” He grinned as he walked out on to the porch. “I would really like to take you to Rocco’s. If you’ve been there, you’ll know the pizzas are great.”

“Look, just because Arlene…”

“I’d really like to take you. It doesn’t have anything to do with Arlene.”

“Okay, thanks. I love their pizza.”

“A girl after my own heart.” He smiled. “I’ll pick you up at around seven?”

“Thank you.”

With a smile, he turned around and jogged down to his truck.

Laura closed the front door. Tanner was a nice guy. It would be okay. Hayden was obviously so over whatever he’d felt for her, and it was time for her to move on too.

Happily-ever-after didn’t exist in real life—something she’d discovered when her mom died.

Molly was still barking. Laura quickened her steps and opened the bedroom door. Molly stopped mid-bark and jumped off the bed. Laura crouched down to pick her up, but she sidestepped her, and with another bark, stormed out of the room.

Only when she was satisfied the stranger had left did she return to Laura.

“That was very bad behavior,” Laura scolded.

Molly lay down on the floor and put her paws over her face. Laughing, Laura scooped her up. Why would Molly bark at Tanner? She should remember to leave her in the room again Friday night.

*

Tuesday night, they didn’t get any knitting or crocheting done at Ellie’s. Everyone wanted to talk about Tim Higgins and what had happened on Hayden’s ranch.

“I still don’t know why Hayden didn’t call the sheriff!” Annie said, clearly very upset after hearing the story from Willow.

Willow shook her head. “Hayden has always been a peacemaker. He had already decided not to press charges when Tim’s wife called him yesterday morning, crying and pleading her husband’s case. The ranching community of Marietta has always supported each other, so Tim’s behavior is so unexpected.”

“So what now?” Vivian asked. “He gets off scot-free?”

Willow grimaced. “Well, Tim and his wife are coming to the ranch on Friday. Hayden wants to talk to them and offer our help again. It was what Dad would’ve wanted, he says.”

Arlene patted her daughter’s hand. “So true. Your father always tried to settle conflict before it spiraled out of control.”

“And Becket and Cooper?” asked Annie. “Do they agree?”

Willow shrugged. “Becket isn’t very happy about the whole thing, but Hayden has convinced him to try. I’m also for it. Ranching is hard work. There’s no time for petty drama.”

Laura leaned back in her chair, listening to the conversation around her. On top of being handsome and gorgeous and sexy, Hayden was also a nice guy, as the incident with Higgins demonstrated. A nice guy who was clearly not interested in pursuing her any further.

“So, Laura,” Ellie interrupted her thoughts. “I’ve heard Tanner Olsen’s truck was in front of your house—you are a busy girl, it seems.” She laughed.

Laura blinked. To be honest, she’d already forgotten all about Tanner and the date she had with him on Friday. “I’m not even going to ask how you know,” she said. “My colleague, Maria, has warned me about small towns, but I hadn’t expected this intense scrutiny of my life.”

“Carol Bingley.” Arlene chuckled. “But she grows on you.”

“Tanner is making extra cabinets for the kitchen—” Laura began.

“And taking her to Rocco’s on Friday evening,” Arlene interrupted her.

“So what about you, Ellie?” asked Annie. “You’re so beautiful. I can’t believe you’re still single.”

Ellie avoided their eyes as she always did when anyone asked her about dating or relationships. “Let’s just say my experience with the opposite gender has been…really bad. It’s not something I’ll ever try again. I’m very happy all on my own. What I do need, though, are a few cats.”

“I’m positive Cooper can help you,” Willow said. “If I’m not mistaken, two stray ones have found their way to him during the past week.”

“Will you ask him, please?” Ellie said.

Surprised, Laura caught Willow’s eye. The cool and collected Ellie she’d come to know became agitated the moment she spoke about men.

Everybody had a story, a past hurt they were carrying around. She hoped at some point she’d be able to help Ellie with whatever hers was.