Chapter 11
“I’m nervous.” Miranda held a hand to her tingling belly as she spoke to Justin while he drove the distance to Kit and Carter’s ranch.
Justin glanced from the road to Miranda and smiled. “Don’t be. They’re easy to be around. You’ll like them both, I promise.”
“I’m holding you to that.” She returned his smile. “Is Kaycee staying with someone?”
“Shari is there with her.” He turned his head. “Kaycee would rather stay home alone, but that’s not happening for a while. I’m the overprotective dad, I guess.”
“I would be, too,” Miranda said. “Overprotective mom, that is.”
He looked back to the road. “We’re here.”
She pressed her hand tighter against her belly as he turned off the highway and onto a dirt road leading to a sprawling ranch house. They passed beneath a sign with Superstition Springs Ranch across it, then Justin drove up to the house and parked next to two other vehicles.
He climbed out of the truck and helped Miranda down from her side. He took her hand and led her up a walkway, past an old wooden wheel with spring flowers popping up around it and a variety of cacti. When they reached a huge wooden door, Justin pressed the doorbell.
A moment later, a man as tall as Justin opened the door, wearing a big grin.
“Little bro.” The big man patted Justin’s shoulder as he smiled at Miranda. “Howdy, ma’am.”
She laughed. “It’s Miranda and not ma’am if you want to keep your teeth.”
Justin’s brother chuckled, as did Justin, who introduced her. “Carter, this is Miranda Hawthorne.” He turned to her. “This is my big brother, Carter.”
Miranda took Carter’s hand and smiled. “Great to meet you.”
He gave her hand a comfortable squeeze. “Pleasure to have you here, Miranda.” He released her hand, stepped back, and made a motion for them to go through the doorway. “Come on in.”
Miranda felt more at ease but continued to hold Justin’s hand until they stood in a large, beautiful living room.
“Kit’s in the kitchen.” Carter inclined his head toward a doorway. “I’ll let her know you’re here.”
He strode out of the room and Miranda released Justin’s hand. She moved toward one of the several western-themed oil paintings on the walls. This one had a cowboy lassoing a long-horned steer in a desert setting.
“These rival the work we saw when we went on the artwalk.” She looked at Justin. “They’re beautiful.”
Justin moved up beside her. “Kit filled the place with western art after she and Carter married. She has a good eye for that kind of thing.”
“I agree.” Miranda let her gaze drift around the room at the bronze pieces as well as the heavy wood and leather furniture. She moved toward another painting, this one of a cowboy astride a bucking bronco. “These are so lifelike. They’re fantastic.”
Carter returned through the arched doorway. “Kit will be right out.”
“Your artwork is amazing.” Miranda smiled at him. “Just beautiful.”
“Kit’s doing.” Carter grinned. “I have zero decorating talents.”
A woman with butterscotch-colored hair pulled back in a stylish messy bun walked through the doorway. She wore a blue apron with the words, “I’d tell you the recipe, but then I’d have to kill you.”
“Hi, Justin.” The woman turned to Miranda and held out her hand. “I’m Kit.”
“I’m Miranda.” She took Kit’s hand, “Great to meet you.” She pointed to Kit’s apron. “I value my life, so I won’t ask for any recipes.”
Kit looked down and laughed. “I forgot I had it on.” She inclined her head toward the archway. “Come on into the kitchen and we can talk while I finish up dinner.”
Miranda glanced at Justin before she followed Kit. They walked through a pair of swinging wooden doors and into a huge kitchen with two long wood tables with bench seats, and a smaller corner table. A large island in the center had stools along one side. The kitchen had double ovens and two refrigerators.
“It smells wonderful in here.” Miranda placed her hand on her belly, this time from hunger rather than nerves.
“Have a seat.” Kit gestured to the stools. “Thirsty? I’ve got fresh squeezed lemonade.”
“Sure.” Miranda sat on one of the stools while Kit grabbed a glass and filled it with lemonade from a pitcher out of the fridge.
Kit handed the icy cold glass to Miranda before setting the pitcher on the island. “Justin can’t stop talking about you.”
The comment caught Miranda off guard as she accepted the glass from Kit. “Oh” was all she could think to say, but her skin tingled at the thought of Justin talking about her. She took a drink of the lemonade to avoid saying anything in response to the comment. “This tastes wonderful,” she said instead.
“Justin’s a sweet guy.” Kit opened the oven on the left and checked inside. A wave of heat reached Miranda. “You couldn’t do better.” She grabbed a pair of potholders and pulled out a casserole dish and rested it on a trivet on the counter. She closed the oven door and turned back to Miranda. “All of Carter’s brothers are great. I love this family.”
Miranda smiled. Kit was so personable, and Miranda could tell she was easy to be around. “I understand you were a gourmet chef in L.A.”
Kit shrugged. “That seems like a lifetime ago. But I love to cook and experiment. Tonight, you’re a guinea pig.”
“I’m game.” Miranda laughed. “I enjoy trying new foods.”
“Good thing.” Kit smiled at her. “Otherwise, you might starve around here.”
“How did you get from a gourmet kitchen in L.A. to a ranch in Arizona?” Miranda asked.
“I had a life change and decided I needed to get away from the city. I wanted to be closer to what I remembered as a kid when I went to visit my grandparents on their little farm.” Kit reached into a lower cabinet and pulled out two serving platters. “I saw an ad for a ranch cook. Against his better judgment, Carter hired me, and along the road I fell hard for him.”
“What a cool story.” Miranda braced her forearms on the island and leaned forward. “When was that?”
Kit grabbed a serving bowl out of the fridge that looked like it had orange and red fruit in it. “Gosh, I think it’s been almost two years now.” She set the bowl onto the island.
“Justin mentioned you’re in the process of adopting twins,” Miranda said.
Kit beamed. “We can’t wait until the babies are born.”
“Do you know the birth mother?” Miranda hoped she wasn’t asking too personal of a question.
Kit shook her head. “Hold on. I need to pull the polenta medallions out of the oven.” She grabbed the potholders and brought out a cookie sheet and set it on a pad on the counter near the stove before shutting the oven. She turned back to Miranda. “We’ve never met the birth mother, but we are updated on the status regularly. She’ll be induced in two weeks if the babies don’t come before then.”
“That’s wonderful.” Miranda thought about what it would be like to have a baby…with Justin? Her cheeks burned and she took a long drink of her lemonade to cool off. “Do you know yet if you’re going to have girls or boys or both? Justin said his mom and grandma can’t wait to find out.”
Kit laughed as she used a spatula to move the medallions to one of the serving platters. “They ask regularly. Carter and I decided we want to wait until the babies are born to find out.”
Miranda rested her chin on her palm. “That’s awesome.”
“Time to get the prime rib out of the oven.” Kit opened the oven door on the right and delicious smells of cooked meat filled the room. She pulled out a pan and placed it on the granite countertop, then closed the oven door.
After she retrieved a carving knife, Kit sliced the prime rib and put it on a serving platter. “Dinner is ready to be served.”
“I can help.” Miranda slid off the chair.
“I’ll get Carter to carry out the prime rib.” Kit went to the door and called out to her husband. She returned and pulled off her apron, then hung it on a hook near the pantry.
“You can take in the citrus and prickly pear salad.” She pointed to the bowl she had removed from the fridge.
Carter and Justin came through the doorway. Justin smiled at Miranda and warmth flowed through her.
They carried the food into the dining room, the table already set for four. Carter retrieved the pitcher of lemonade and one of iced tea while they seated themselves. When he returned and scooted his chair up to the table, Kit pointed out the side dishes. “We have polenta bites with wild mushrooms and fontina, roasted root vegetables with rosemary, and citrus and prickly pear salad with fresh mint.”
“That all looks and smells amazing,” Miranda said as Carter served the prime rib, and Kit smiled.
Miranda was so aware of Justin sitting close beside her that she had a hard time thinking straight. She did everything she could to pull herself together so she could actually focus on their hosts.
Justin served the polenta bites and added the colorful root vegetables and salad to her plate as well when she nodded an emphatic, “Yes.”
Miranda tasted the tart but slightly sweet prickly pear and citrus salad. “Fabulous.” She looked at Kit. “If I cooked, I’d ask you for the recipe.”
“But then I’d have to kill you,” Kit said with a laugh.
Miranda grinned. “It works out for the best this way.”
Carter caught Miranda’s gaze. “Justin tells me you use horses to work with kids and adults with disabilities.”
“I’ve been doing this for eight years, almost nine.” Miranda speared a chunk of roasted parsnip. “Like I told Justin, it is the most rewarding career I could ever have chosen.”
“It’s great you’re helping Kaycee,” Kit said. “She’s such a good kid.”
Miranda chewed and swallowed her bite of parsnip. “She’s doing well. It won’t be long before she’s riding again.”
“Kaycee is excited about her new little cousin.” Justin cut into a piece of prime rib. “She wants to babysit as soon as the twins are here. I won’t let her stay home alone until she’s thirteen, but she’s responsible and I know she’ll do just fine.”
Kit laughed. “We’ll have to wait until the babies are old enough to leave with a sitter. Kaycee should be over thirteen by then. Of course, we’ll have to see if she can handle two babies at once.”
Miranda cut into the tender prime rib. “You have a nice ranch.”
Carter nodded. “Can’t ask for anything more.” He smiled at his wife, his expression softening with the obvious love he felt for her. “I have everything I could ever ask for or need.”
Kit smiled back at him, her own love clear in her gaze. “Our little one will just make our life together even more precious than it already is.”
The love these two had for each other sent Miranda’s own emotions reeling. What would it be like to have something like these two did? Something so beautiful it made her heart hurt.
Could she have that with Justin? She wouldn’t let herself look at him, afraid he would see the question in her eyes. It was too soon to be thinking of things like that. But seeing Kit and Carter together made her wonder what the future could hold for her. She didn’t have that before. Was it in her future?
Without meaning to, she glanced at Justin and saw him watching her. His expression was intent, serious, like he was thinking the same thing. Was he? Did he have the same questions she did?
Miranda’s cheeks flushed and she looked away and focused on her plate. “I think if I’m not careful, I could eat at least three servings of this dinner.”
“I do have dessert prepared for after dinner,” Kit said with a grin.
“Dessert?” Miranda looked at Kit with interest. “I’m definitely leaving room.”
Kit laughed. “You don’t know what it is yet.”
Miranda nearly snorted her response. “If it’s dessert, I am so there.”
“Where are you from originally, Miranda?” Carter looked at her with interest.
“Texas.” Miranda pushed back bad memories. “I absolutely love it in King Creek.”
Kit tipped her head to the side. “Do you have family here?”
“No.” Miranda cut into her prime rib. “My only family is my mom and dad, and they’re still in Texas.” She jabbed her fork into a piece of the beef. “They just called yesterday to let me know they’re coming to visit in a couple of days. I’m so happy they’ll be here.”
That was the truth, for the most part. Her only concern was her parents pressing her to go back to Craig, something that would never happen.
“How wonderful.” Kit lowered her glass of iced tea. “I have a small family, too. I don’t get to visit with my mom and sister often since they live in San Francisco, but it’s always good to see them when I can make it there, or they come to visit us in Arizona.”
“That’s good news,” Justin said. “I’d love to meet them.”
Miranda forced herself to not hesitate. “I’m sure they would enjoy meeting you.” Truth was she wasn’t sure at all since her parents were so intent on her getting back with Craig. Actually, she was sure her parents wouldn’t be happy.
Too bad for them. They’d have to get used to the idea of her seeing Justin.
“How long are they staying?” Kit asked.
Miranda chewed and swallowed the delicious bite of prime rib she’d just taken. “Less than a week. Mom planned to call the King Creek Inn to see if they have availability.”
“It’s tough to get a reservation there without booking in advance,” Carter said. “But you never know.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” Miranda reached for her lemonade. “Mom is resourceful, so if she wasn’t able to get a reservation there, she’s bound to have found something else.”
“Have you made plans to take them anywhere in particular?” Justin asked.
Miranda sipped her lemonade and lowered her glass. “They sprung it on me at the last minute and I haven’t had a chance to think about it.”
“The King Creek Cowboy Museum is nice.” Carter looked thoughtful. “The Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix is another great place to go.”
“We liked the OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale,” Kit said. “The Renaissance Festival is also going on right now in Gold Canyon.”
“Of course, there are hundreds of great restaurants around too,” Justin said. “I have a few I can recommend.”
“Perfect.” Miranda smiled. “You all did the thinking for me.”
They chatted a little more about sights to see in the Phoenix Metro area. After they’d had a chance to let dinner settle, Carter and Kit went into the kitchen to bring out dessert.
They returned with flaming dessert in water goblets.
“Banana flambé.” Kit placed a goblet in front of Miranda, then Justin. “I hope you like bananas.”
“Love them.” Miranda watched the blue flames dance on top of her dessert. “Looks yummy.”
When they were all seated and the flames died out, Miranda dug into her dessert. She brought up a spoonful of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate, and banana, and slipped it into her mouth. The flavors swirled over her tongue and she almost gave an orgasmic moan of delight.
“Utterly amazing, both dessert and dinner.” Miranda gave a happy sigh when she finished her banana flambé. “You are a fantastic cook, Kit. Er, chef.”
Kit laughed. “I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it.”
“Do you prefer wine or whiskey?” Carter asked Miranda.
“Wine,” Miranda said.
Carter and Kit insisted Justin and Miranda relax in the living room as they cleared the table. It wasn’t long before they returned to the living room with bottles of wine and whiskey, and four glasses. Kit and Miranda each enjoyed a glass of merlot while Carter and Justin had whiskey.
Miranda thoroughly enjoyed her evening with Justin’s brother and sister-in-law. They ended up staying well into the evening, Miranda having had two glasses of wine while Justin kept his consumption at the one whiskey.
When they made their goodbyes, Kit hugged Miranda. “I hope we can get together again soon.”
“I’d like that,” Miranda said. “I’ve had a wonderful time.”
Carter gave Miranda a big hug, too. “Great to get to spend some time with you, Miranda.”
She smiled. “Yes.”
Justin received and gave hugs before they returned to the truck and headed home.
Miranda looked at Justin. “Is the rest of your family as great as Carter and Kit?”
He placed his hand over hers. “I like to think so.”
She smiled. It had been a terrific evening, Carter and Kit having put her at ease almost immediately. It had felt so relaxing being with them. So comfortable. She hoped she’d have the opportunity to spend more time with them.
Now she had to bring up something a little more nerve-wracking. “I mentioned my parents will be here Thursday.”
He nodded. “I’d love to meet them.”
Miranda cleared her throat. “I have to warn you. They think I should get back with Craig, so they probably won’t approve of you.”
He glanced at her. “Even after what your ex did to you?”
“They don’t know about that.” Her voice came out low. “I didn’t tell anyone. I guess because I was embarrassed, but also because I didn’t think anyone would believe me. My parents have known him since we were in elementary school, and everyone loves him.” She sighed. “He’d always been a good guy—until he lost his job and started drinking. He became a stranger to me because I’d never seen him like that. He wasn’t the same man I grew up with and married.”
Justin looked like he was considering what she’d said. “Do you think maybe they have the right to know?”
Miranda’s cheeks burned. “Honestly, I didn’t want everyone else’s perception to change about the person they love and care for. I guess I’ve held onto what he used to be when it came to everyone else. I was the only one affected by that change.”
“If he does eventually move on, that could happen to the next woman.”
She bit her lower lip. She hadn’t thought of that. “You could be right, but it’s not up to me to make sure all his future relationships are sound. I can only take care of myself, and I did what I thought was right for me.”
Justin glanced at her. “I’m not judging you, Miranda. It doesn’t seem to be fair for you to have carried this burden alone.”
She remained quiet for a moment. “I know you’re right. My parents would struggle with it, but in the long run they would believe me. I’m afraid of what my dad might do though.”
“What do you think he’d do?”
She pushed her fingers through her hair. “He’d go right up to Craig and light him up a blue streak. Craig wouldn’t know what hit him once my dad got through telling him where, when, and how.”
Justin gave her a little smile. “Your dad sounds like a good man.”
She laughed. “You’re right, he is. Mom’s a good woman, too, but on the pushy, commanding side.”
“I’d still like to meet them,” Justin said.
She hesitated. “You’re sure?”
“A hundred percent.”
“Okay.” She blew out her breath. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
He smiled at her. “Consider me duly warned.”
She relaxed in her seat. Maybe it would be okay. Maybe her parents would let go of their hope she’d get back with Craig. If not, she’d have to tell them why she left him.
“What does your dad like to talk about?” Justin asked.
“Fishing, the Dallas Cowboys, and traveling around the U.S.,” Miranda said. “He’s a big history buff.”
“We have a lot in common,” Justin said.
She smiled. “That’s true.”
“And your mom? What does she like?”
Miranda looked thoughtful. “She’s not your typical mom. She’s not into crafts, she doesn’t do horses or fishing. She shops.”
“Not sure I’m any good when it comes to that,” Justin said. “Unless it’s livestock and supplies, I’m out of my league.”
“Definitely not those things,” Miranda said. “Mom’s a shopping champ. Clothes, purses, furniture, décor, and kitchen gadgets. She is a fabulous cook.”
Justin laughed. “I’m striking out all over the place.”
“The best thing is to get my dad on your side.” Miranda grinned. “Win over Dad and you’ve won half the battle.”
Justin pointed to the sky. “A shooting star.”
She looked through the front windshield. “I see it.”
“It’s lucky to see a shooting star.” He flashed her a grin. “Make a wish.”
She closed her eyes and made the most schoolgirl wish she’d ever made. That things would work out with her and Justin.
“Done.” She opened her eyes and smiled.
He answered her smile. “What did you wish for?”
“Ha.” She shook her head. “No telling about wishes.”
He gave her a cocky grin, as if he knew exactly what she had wished. Her whole body tingled in response.
She looked at the clock that showed it was almost nine-thirty. “When do you need to be home?”
“I told Shari I’d be back by ten-thirty.”
She gave him what she hoped was a sexy look when he looked at her. “Then you have a little time to spare?”
Hunger flared in his gaze. “Seems I do.”
She turned her palm face up and he linked his fingers with hers and squeezed.
Her belly did an amazing number of flip-flops as they neared her home. It had been a great evening, which was going to turn perfect by the time the night ended for them.