High Lonesome (12 page)

“No,” she pouted. “I’m tired, and I want to hear the troll story right now. It’s my favorite.” She took a defiant stance and stuck out her bottom lip.

“Willow, you’re being rude,” Scott chastised.

“Honey, I came over to visit with your father for a little while. You go on to bed and he’ll come tuck you in later.” Joanna patted the child on the bottom and gave her a tiny shove. “Night, night, now.”

Willow crinkled her nose and stood in the middle of the room with her arms folded across her chest.

Joanna didn’t budge either. The two stubborn females glared at one another.

Beth stood and took Willow’s hand. “Sweetie, if you put this puzzle and the cards away, I’ll read the troll story to you. Is that a deal?”

Willow’s eyes brightened at Beth’s offer. “Deal!” She scooped the puzzle pieces into their cardboard box and returned it and the Old Maid cards to the game cabinet. “They’re put away now. I’m ready to go read the troll book. Let’s go, Beth.” She grasped her hand. “Good night, Daddy.”

He bent to give her a kiss on the cheek and whispered in her ear, “I’ll be there soon to tuck you in, baby.”

“Take your time, Daddy. Beth is going to read to me! She’s the nicest lady on Earth.”

Scott’s brows knitted in a warning. “All right. Tell Doctor Coleman good night.”

Although it was less than enthusiastic, she obeyed. “Good night, Doctor Coleman.”

“Good night, Willow.”

As Willow and Beth walked by Scott, he mouthed, “Thank you.”

After they’d left the room, Joanna cleared her throat. “What was that all about, Scott?”

“Pardon me?”

“Was that woman trying to show me up?”

“Show you up? What are you talking about? She offered to read my daughter a story after you refused to.” Without intending to, his voice cut.

Joanna narrowed her eyes. “It’s obvious she’s infiltrated herself into your daughter’s life. I warned you something like this might happen.”

Scott shook his head. “Infiltrate is not the term I’d use. She likes Willow. She enjoys spending time with her. And I think she wants to pay me back in some way for my hospitality.”

“I like Willow,” Joanna said without passion. “I just don’t know much about children.”

“It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out how to please a kid. No pun intended.”

“So now you’re taking
her
side?”

Scott rolled his eyes. “Not again. Can we please move on to something else?”

Joanna pouted for a minute. “Sure. Now that they’re gone, come on over here and give me a little sugar.” She glided onto the leather sofa and reached for his hand. He hesitantly sat next to her.

“Kiss me,” Joanna purred, puckering up. She planted a hard kiss on his lips, but when the return peck was less than fervent, she frowned. “I touched warmer cadavers in medical school.”

“Sorry, Jo. I’m thinking about Beth’s prognosis.”

She crossed her arms. “I don’t believe this, Scott. I wish you’d spend less time thinking about
her
and more time thinking about us.”

“I’m sorry.” He smiled. “I’m glad you came by.”

“You are? Really?” She brightened.

“Sure. I’ve been thinking about you.” The statement wasn’t altogether a lie.

“Good. I’ve started to wonder since she arrived. What’s going to happen to her now?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, there’s nothing obvious on the CT scan. Like I told her, she’s just going to have to wait it out and see if her memory returns.”

“I guess that’s what she’ll do then. Buddy called a while ago. He’s gotten a ton of leads from people claiming to know her, but none are panning out so far.”

“Is she going to keep staying here?” Joanna rubbed her hand up and down his thigh.

“Yeah, but you might be happy to know she’s now staying in the guest room.”

“I am. You know, I was thinking you could set her up in one of the cabins. That way she could have even more privacy. Your house can get busy with guests coming and going.”

Scott saw through her true intentions, but he didn’t feel like arguing. “All the cabins are booked starting next week.”

“Oh.” Joanna didn’t bother to hide her disappointment. She removed her hand from his leg. Unable to bite her tongue as usual, she said, “Do you mind if I ask how long you’re planning on letting her sponge off you? I know you bought her a closet full of clothes. I saw Sherry Martin.”

Scott wriggled off the sofa and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Joanna, I’m starting to grow tired of this game you’re playing. It wasn’t a closet full of clothes, and even if it was, it’s none of your business how I spend my money, and it’s certainly none of Sherry Martin’s damn business. This discussion is over.” He sauntered to the ceiling-to-floor rock fireplace and hiked his boot against it. He hadn’t intended on speaking harshly to her, but the same conversation was beginning to wear thin. And since Beth came into his life, he had little patience for Jo.

She didn’t speak for a moment. Puckering her lips, he could tell she considered her next move. When she strolled over and tucked her arms around his waist seeking reconciliation, Scott refused to budge.

“Let’s not fight, darlin’,” she purred. She reached around to squeeze his butt, causing him to jump. “I’m sorry. I won’t bring it up again. Cross my heart. Can we please kiss and make up?”

When she started to suck his earlobe, Scott eased away, uninterested in making up or making out.

Jo backed up and glared. “That’s not exactly what I call making up.”

“Beth could come back into the room anytime,” he offered as an excuse.

“Fine!” She rolled her eyes and stalked across the room. “I had another reason for coming over anyway. I wanted to remind you about the ribbon cutting ceremony tomorrow night at the hospital. Is your dark suit clean?”

He leaned his head against the mantle and closed his eyes. “With everything going on, I completely forgot about the dedication,” he groaned.

“Well, you’re still coming, aren’t you?” Joanna’s eyes grew wide. “You know how much this means to me. I’m on the board. What will it look like if my boyfriend doesn’t show up?” Her voice suddenly rose to a shrewish shriek.

“Calm down,” Scott said, taking a step toward her. “Of course I’ll be there. I promised you I’d go, and I’m not a man to break promises when I make them. You know that.”

“Thank you,” she said, calm again. “Meet me in the lobby of the new wing at seven o’clock. Okay?”

“I’ll be there.” He sighed, determined he’d end things with her after the dedication.

She strode back to him, put her hands on both sides of his face, and kissed him again. “And,
please
, get a haircut and shave before tomorrow night. You look like Grizzly Adams.” She reached for his hand and dragged him to the front door. “I don’t want to leave. I wish I could stay.” Her lower lip plumped.

Scott looked away. “Joanna…”

“I know. I know. That woman and Willow are both in the house. I lose out again. At least I’ll have you all to myself tomorrow night.”

He felt like a royal jerk as he told her goodbye and watched the taillights of her car fade in the distance. After locking the front door, he tiptoed to Willow’s room and stood at the doorframe. His heart constricted at the sight before him.

Beth was stretched out on Willow’s bed with her head resting against the headboard. Willow was snuggled in the crook of her arm, and both of them were sound asleep. A book lay open in Beth’s lap. Scott stood there for a while, imagining what it would be like to see the two of them that way every night.

He also allowed himself to wonder how it would feel to have Beth lying in his arms. Kissing her good night, and making love…Waking up next to her warm body each morning.

It’s no use hoping for something that’s not going to happen. When someone comes for her, she’ll leave and I’ll never see her again
.

He turned and stomped up the stairs to his bedroom. He knew Beth would stir before long and find her way back to the guest room. There was a night light in the hallway to guide her way.

But how would he sleep when he couldn’t get her beautiful face out of his mind?

Chapter Six

Willow crossed the finish line with her little legs pumping and hair flying out from under her pink hat. Midnight’s black mane flapped with the wind. He snorted with glee as if he recognized he had just run a good race.

“What’s my time, Daddy?” she yelled the moment the bay skidded to a stop. Scott pressed his finger down on the stopwatch.

“Twenty-three point three three six!”

“Yee haw! I’m getting better.” The seven-year old waved her hat in the air and bent to nuzzle the gelding’s neck.

“Is that good?” Beth asked. “She looks ecstatic, so it must be good.”

“It’s good,” Scott replied, beaming with pride.

“It’s pretty darn close to being a winning time for pole bending in the Little Wranglers competition.”

Willow walked Midnight to the gate and gave Scott a high five. He and Beth were standing side by side. “What do you think, Beth? Do you think my horse and I can win at the rodeo?”

“I sure do. I’ve never seen any rider fly as fast as you.”

Willow giggled. “I bet you’ve never even seen a rodeo before!”

“Okay. I’m busted. But I still think you’re the best.”

“I love you,” Willow blurted. “I wish you were my mommy.”

Scott’s gut gripped. He knew Willow was growing close to Beth, but his daughter’s heartfelt honesty startled him. He had no idea she felt that way. It just went to show, he wasn’t as in tune with her feelings as he should be. Willow needed a woman in her life, someone who would love her and care for her as a mother. The twinkling blue eyes that mirrored his gazed longingly up at Beth. Too tongue-tied to speak, he felt color flood his face.

Covering the child’s hand, Beth smiled and replied, “That’s such a sweet thing for you to say. You’re very special to me, Willow.”

Scott could see Beth didn’t know what else to say. It was an awkward moment. She’d been put on the spot, but she’d handled the situation with class and compassion.

He patted Willow on the knee. “That’s enough practice for one morning, honey,” he said, changing the subject. He offered her horse a treat. “Midnight needs his rest. Go put him in his stall. We’ll walk up and meet you at the barn.”

“Okay, Daddy.” Willow nudged her horse forward using her spurs. They were moving toward the barn when she got about fifty feet and stopped. Turning the horse in a circle, she shouted, “Daddy, are you going to kiss Beth now?” Then she threw her head back and laughed like a hyena.

“Go on, you squirt!” he hollered.

She spun her horse and kept laughing as she trotted down the path that led to the barn.

Scott flashed his crooked grin at and shrugged. “Out of the mouths of babes. Sorry about that. I don’t know where she comes up with some of the things she does.”

Beth smiled. “Don’t worry about it. She’s a sweetheart. Children say what they feel. Wouldn’t it be great if adults were half as honest as kids?”

Scott shoved his hands deep into his pockets and stared at the ground. He began them strolling down the gravel lane. “What she said just now…”

“I know what you’re thinking,” she interjected, “and I won’t let her get hurt. She’s an amazing little girl. I care for her very much.”

“I guess it’s natural for her to wish you were her mother. The two of you have gotten close in a short time. You act like a mother with her. Playing games, reading to her, watching her ride her horse…”

“I’ll talk to her, but I’ll be very gentle,” Beth assured him. “You know, you’re doing a wonderful job raising her. Don’t ever doubt that for one minute. She’s crazy about you.”

Scott thought about that for a moment. What Beth said was true. He was a good father, but he also knew little girls needed a female role model.

“I’ve had help,” he admitted. “My dad was a terrific grandpa to Willow when he was alive, and Carmen, of course, is like a granny or a crotchety old auntie. My little girl’s been surrounded by a lot of love.”

“It shows. That’s all a child wants and needs.” Beth stopped in the middle of the lane and faced him. “Scott, I don’t mean to change the subject, but I’d like to talk to you.”

“Sure. I’m all ears.”

She twisted her hands together. “I’m starting to remember bits and pieces about my life. It’s just as Doctor Coleman said. I’m realizing the flashbacks are more than dreams or hallucinations.”

“Tell me.” The sun was beating down on them, but neither noticed, nor cared. He wanted to hear what she had to say, even though he feared the words might turn his world upside down—again.

“I’ve been having more visions of a little girl. She’s got dark hair, just like mine, and she’s very happy. She giggles and smiles.” Beth paused. “I see myself pushing her on a swing. In one flashback, she was skipping around a garden picking flowers. I was reading to her in another.”

Scott’s brow knitted together. “Are you sure it’s you pushing her in the swing? Maybe she’s a neighbor’s child, or a niece.”

“No. I feel a connection to her. A very strong connection.”

A lump crawled up his throat. “Are you able to see her face in these visions?”

Beth took a deep breath before answering. “Yes. The last time, I saw her as clear as if I were standing right in front of her. Her hair is cut into a pixie style, and she has big brown eyes. There’s a dimple in each cheek and her eyelashes are long, curled up like a little doll’s. I think she’s my child. She looks like me.”

Scott rubbed his chin and stared into her eyes.

“There’s something else,” Beth said. “The man I told you about is in every flashback. He scares me. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s dangerous. He yells and is very angry. I think I’m connected to him, too, and he’s hurt me.”

Scott scowled. “How? Is he the one who beat you and left you in the desert?”

“I don’t know. But I had an actual memory this morning of being shoved by some strong hands. That could be how I got the knot on my head.”

Scott kicked the dirt with the toe of his boot. “Whoever he is, he’s a son of a…”