Harlequin American Romance May 2014 Bundle: One Night in Texas\The Cowboy's Destiny\A Baby for the Doctor\The Bull Rider's Family (17 page)

She hobbled into the kitchen for the phone.

Angie lifted an eyebrow at Hardy. “Mr. Fix-It?”

He stepped closer to her and her breath caught in her throat at the gleam in his eyes. “That’s me. Got anything you want me to fix?”

My heart.

“Daddy, Uncle Bubba wants to talk to you,” Erin called.

Hardy grinned. “See. It’s working.”

* * *

B
UBBA
HAULED
THE
Camaro to his station and had it running the next day. Erin was beside herself with anticipation. Bubba even washed it and cleaned it up. Angie expected a phone call at any minute that Bubba had whacked Hardy over the head with a wrench, but it seemed the D.A. had won over her brother.

Angie and Peyton took the girls to a mall in Temple to get outfits for the parade. Hardy gave her his credit card to buy whatever Erin wanted. At first she refused, but then she relented and took the card. Erin was his daughter, too. She had to remind herself every now and then.

The girls settled on red cowboy boots, white skirts, blue T-shirts with The Fourth of July written on them, a red sash for their waists and white hats. The day of the parade Erin could hardly contain herself. Hardy picked Erin up early and Angie was surprised to see Judge Hollister sitting in the passenger seat. Hardy helped Erin into the small backseat and then waved to Angie.

As they drove away, Angie felt a pang. She didn’t know what it was at first, and then it hit her. It was the first step of letting go and sharing Erin with her father. She went into the house, feeling lonelier than she ever had. She didn’t have time to have a meltdown because she and Peyton were in charge of drinks and popcorn.

The festive day passed quickly, as most of Horseshoe was there to celebrate. Angie held her breath as she waited for the line of cars and makeshift floats to make the trip around the square. She kept looking for the red Camaro and when she saw it, she had to fight not to cry.

Erin and Jody sat side by side on the back of the Camaro just like beauty queens, waving. Judge Hollister waved to the crowd, also. It was a defining moment, and everyone in Horseshoe knew it. The Hollisters were introducing Erin as part of the family.

The whole Wiznowski family was manning a kolache booth. All the grandmothers were there, including Helen and Ruby. Five generations were present. Later they would take a photo to commemorate the occasion.

The square was a hive of activity. People were barbecuing, selling hot dogs and hamburgers, drinks, cotton candy, hot pretzels, funnel cakes and much more. Patsy and Peggy were face painting. There was a forty-two-domino tournament and games for the kids to play. Country music played in the background.

Angie and Peyton sold drinks and popcorn and never had a moment’s break. It was hot and people were thirsty. There were several booths sponsored by the city, and all proceeds went to the Horseshoe school district to fund a swimming pool for the kids. Last year they’d made enough to renovate the gym.

As Angie filled cups with ice and soft drinks or water, she kept looking for Erin. She wanted to make sure Erin wasn’t getting too much sun, but she was sure Hardy would take care of her. She just didn’t like being away from her daughter.

At lunchtime, she went searching for Erin. She had to be tired by now standing on the crutches. Angie found her with Jody by the Camaro with Hardy, the judge and several members of the city council. They were discussing the trailer park and the Cleck child who had died. It was a sad situation.

She walked over to Erin and Jody. “Sweetie, come get something to drink and eat. It’s too hot out here for you, and I want you to sit down for a while.”

“Mama, I’m with Daddy,” Erin said in a voice that denoted Angie was embarrassing her.

Erin had never spoken to her that way, and it took a moment to gain her perspective.

Hardy walked over. “Erin, go with your mother.”

Erin hung her head. “Yes, sir.”

Angie found a spot under a huge oak tree and made Erin sit down in the shade. Her cheeks were red from the heat and her T-shirt was sweaty.

Peyton brought plates of hot dogs, chips and cookies for the girls and also one for Angie. Erin drank almost a bottle of water and then she lay on the grass with her head in Angie’s lap. Her daughter was unwilling to admit she was tired. She just wanted to spend time with her father and Angie had to try to adjust.

The afternoon passed quickly. A small band was setting up on the courthouse steps. The booths started to close, and everyone gathered for the evening’s entertainment. Erin and Jody sat in lawn chairs by the paved entrance to the courthouse where people would dance.

Wyatt and his guys had to work because there was a lot of drinking during the picnic, which made some people rowdy, but he came over for the dance and Peyton was thrilled. J.W. went home with his grandmother, and Angie and Peyton found seats near the girls. Hardy and Wyatt stood behind them. When the music started, Wyatt and Peyton were the first to get up. Then Wyatt danced with Jody.

“I want to dance with my daddy,” Erin whined.

“Sweetie, you can’t. Maybe next year. You’re getting tired and cranky and I want the whining to stop. You’ve had a big day.”

Erin leaned over into Angie’s lap. “I’m sorry, Mama. Can we go home now?”

Before Angie could reply, Hardy walked up to Erin. “Stand up,” he instructed. Erin did as he asked. “Now put your arms around my neck.” He leaned forward and Erin once again did as asked. Hardy lifted Erin from the lawn chair into his arms. With his arms around her waist, they moved to the music playing in the background. The smile on Erin’s face said it all. Angie felt a catch in her throat.

After the song died away, Hardy brought Erin back and sat her in her chair.

“Now you have to dance with Mama.” Erin pointed to Angie.

Angie shook her head. “No. I’m too tired.”

Hardy reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet. She had no choice other than to make a fool of herself or dance. She danced. He pulled her against his firm body and clasped his hands at the small of her back. Her lungs burned from holding her breath at the sweet desire that ran through her.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she went with her emotions. The side of his face rested against her forehead. His five-o’clock shadow felt wicked against her skin. The band played on as the moonlight cast its magic spell. Hardy smelled of barbecue, cigars and heaven. Yes, heaven had a scent, and it flooded her system with an aching need.

Hardy pulled her closer and she was aware of every inch of his masculine body. Her hands entwined in his hair at his nape. She was spellbound. She should step away, but she wanted something she found hard to deny.

“This is nice,” Hardy whispered. “This is right.”

Words clogged in her throat, and she didn’t respond. She was glad when the George Strait song ended. But Hardy didn’t release her and the band broke into “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks, and Angie’s heart squeezed with anguish. What if Hardy never knew how much she loved him?
What difference would that make?
the cynic in her replied.

Angie was glad when the song ended. She hurried back to her daughter. The band played “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and the younger folks took over the dancing.

Erin was half-asleep. Hardy carried her to the Camaro and drove her home. Angie packed up her stuff, said goodbye to Peyton and followed them. She unlocked the door and Hardy carried Erin to her bedroom.

“I can walk,” Erin complained.

“You’re half-asleep and I’m afraid you’ll trip,” Hardy told her.

Hardy laid Erin on the bed and kissed her cheek. “Good night, sleeping beauty.”

“I had a good time, Daddy. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I love you, Daddy.”

Angie stood next to Hardy, and he tensed. It was the first time Erin had said the words without them being a response to Hardy’s
I love you.
She wanted to say something, but she waited for him because it was his moment.

“I love you, too. More than I can ever tell you.” His voice was hoarse.

“We’re cool, huh?”

“So cool.” He kissed her one more time and walked out of the room.

Angie hurriedly undressed Erin because she was dozing off even as she worked with her. She pulled a T-shirt over Erin’s head and tucked her in. She was out for the night.

The moon was full and Angie hadn’t turned on any lights when they had come in. She walked into the kitchen and jumped as she saw a figure by the sink. She let out a deep breath when she saw it was Hardy.

“I thought you had gone.”

“Let’s get married. I want us to be a family.”

Angie sighed. “Hardy, we’ve been through this.”

“Don’t you want to make a home for Erin?”

“I have made a home for Erin.”

“But I’m not in it.” His words were sharp. Angie held her tongue because they were both tired and she didn’t want to say anything she’d regret tomorrow.

“I thought we decided to do away with the guilt card. Just because Erin said she loved you is not a reason for us to get married.”

“It’s more than that and you know it. When we were dancing tonight, you felt it and I felt it. We belong together. Those old emotions are still there.”

“Hardy...” She didn’t know what else to say.

“How do you know you won’t make a politician’s wife? You’re a social person. Every time you go out, people gravitate toward you. They want to talk to you and you respond in kind. And I never said I don’t enjoy being at home. I can help with Erin, the yard and the house. You just have to give us a chance.”

She bit her lip and gauged her next words. “We’re two very different people and we want different things out of life. In six months you’ll feel differently. In a year you’ll know that I’m right. In two years you’ll thank me for not keeping you from pursuing your dreams.”

Stepping closer to her, he tucked stray strands of curls behind her ear. Her body trembled. “Dreams change, Angie.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to be the reason for your dreams to change, because years down the road you’ll blame me. It’s time for us to go our separate ways. Our time has passed.”

He stepped away. “I know what I want in my heart. It has taken me eleven years to figure that out. Now it’s time for you to figure out what you want because I’m not changing my mind. The next move is yours.” He walked out the door.

She stood in the kitchen with tears rolling down her cheeks.

When would the heartache be over?

Chapter Sixteen

Life settled into a routine and Angie and Hardy treated each other cordially. He talked about child support. She refused to listen. To keep from the disagreement turning into a full-blown argument, Hardy set up an account for Erin with Angie as signee. The money was there if Erin ever needed it. Angie didn’t fight it. She knew taking responsibility for his child was important to him.

Hardy was at the house every day after work and Angie made a point of leaving so he could spend time with Erin. It worked better for her that way. Hardy didn’t say anything. As he said, the next move was up to her.

They went to Temple to see the doctor for Erin. The doctor deemed her healed, and she walked out without her crutches. Their daughter couldn’t stop giggling. The doctor only asked that she take it easy and not do anything really strenuous for a while. Erin was excited to be on her own again.

Angie and Peyton decided to take the girls to Six Flags Over Texas at Arlington so they could have some fun for the summer.

The girls had a fabulous time, especially since they stayed in a hotel that had a pool. Angie and Peyton even rode some of the rides and the girls laughed at them. It was a vacation about pure fun. On the way home, they stopped at a mall and shopped for school clothes. They were sunburned and happy when they pulled into Angie’s driveway. Peyton and Jody waved goodbye and headed home to J.W. and Wyatt.

Erin had talked to Hardy several times, telling him everything she was doing, and she called as soon as they entered the house. Angie went to unpack. The vacation had been good for her. Her perspective was changing and she wasn’t clinging so hard to the guilt.

School started, and Hardy arrived to take Erin on her first day. It was a frenzied morning of “what to wear?” Finally, Angie picked out an outfit and made her daughter keep it on. She modeled it for Hardy.

His eyes caught hers over Erin’s head. “Beautiful,” he said, and she had the insane thought he was talking about her. She quickly brushed it away.

With school back in session, their days fell into a routine. Hardy took Erin to school and Angie picked her up. They spoke very little and Angie missed spending time with him. She missed him.

* * *

A
S
DAYS
TURNED
into weeks, Angie showed no signs of changing their relationship. Hardy decided not to run for judge. His dad just shook his head and walked away. The judge was spending a lot of time in Austin with his lady friend, and Hardy was grateful for the diversion. He knew his dad hadn’t given up on him, but Hardy was in control of his life now, or more to the point, Angie was. He had a feeling he was going to spend the rest of his life watching her out of his window.

At the end of October, Hardy realized the holidays were drawing near and he wanted to spend them with Angie and Erin. The ranch was lonely with no one there. As the days continued to pass, the loneliness became part of him. But he’d wait forever if he had to. Until she believed that he loved her.

* * *

T
HE
BAKERY
WAS
busy as the people of Horseshoe grabbed something before heading to work. Last year they’d bought the building next door and expanded the bakery and made a bigger office for Angie. She had a private entrance, and she liked it that way.

The scent of vanilla and apples greeted her as she entered her office.
Oh, yeah.
The smell of the bakery was pure heaven. She’d brightened her office with terra-cotta walls and ivy and a ficus plant. Since it was Friday, she turned on her computer and settled in to make out the payroll.

“Is Erin in school?” Her mother walked in with a big apron covering her dress and a hairnet over her hair.

“Of course.”

“You used to bring her to the bakery so we could see her before she left for the day.”

“Her father takes her to school now.”

“Oh, yeah. Mr. Hollister.” Doris tapped Angie on the shoulder. “I have to admit that Mr. Hollister is a good father. When are you going to marry him? You need to be a real family. Erin deserves that.”

Angie gritted her teeth and was prevented from answering by AnaMarie entering the room.

“Mama, I need you in the kitchen. We have a big order to get out for the volunteer fire department and the Lions Club in Temple.”

“I’m coming.”

AnaMarie arched an eyebrow. “Saved you. You owe me.”

“You name it.”

AnaMarie chuckled and went back to the kitchen.

Before Angie could get back to work, Peyton came into her office from the bakery. J.W. was in his stroller, munching on a tea cake.

Peyton sank into a chair across from Angie’s desk. “I’m taking kolaches over to Wyatt and Stuart and thought I’d say hello. How are things going?”

“Good.” Angie knelt down to kiss the baby, and he pointed a finger covered with cake at her. “He gets more adorable every day.”

“Of course he does. He takes after his mother.”

Angie laughed and resumed her seat. Doubts and insecurities kept taunting her. She looked at her friend, needing answers.

“When you left Horseshoe, what made you come back? How did you know that you wanted to live here instead of your old life in Austin?”

Peyton flipped back her long blond hair. “I must say it was an experience to get arrested and spend time in jail for a spoiled, pampered rich girl. It was the best thing that happened to me, though. I woke up and saw that the world didn’t owe me a thing. I grew up. When I went back to Austin, I wasn’t the same person. I left my heart in Horseshoe—with Wyatt.”

“I know. You told me that, but what I’m asking is what gave you the courage to come back even after Wyatt told you it was over.”

“It was simple. I was miserable without him, so I came back with my heart in my hand. I took a risk. That’s what love is. You have to take a risk. If it’s real, it’s not a risk it all.” Peyton reached over and gave the baby a piece of tea cake he’d dropped on the stroller tray. “Tell me about Hardy.”

Angie moved the papers around on her desk. “He wants us to get married and—”

“What are you waiting for?”

“Love. Real love. I want him to love me more than anything on this earth. I don’t want him to marry me because of Erin.”

“Angie, open your eyes. The man is at your house every day. He’d do anything you asked. Everybody can see the way he feels about you—why can’t you?” Peyton held up a hand. “Please don’t tell me you’re not good enough or not pretty enough or I might jump across this desk and smack you.”

Angie laughed in spite of herself. Peyton could always cheer her up. “I’ve made so many mistakes.”

“Oh, please. Like no one ever makes mistakes. If you love Hardy, you’d better do something about it. No.” Peyton shook her head. “I know you love him. You’ve never stopped, even though you won’t admit it. So get your butt over to the courthouse and tell him that. For heaven’s sakes, it’s time for a little happiness. Take a risk.”

Long after Peyton had left, Angie thought about what she’d said. She wasn’t ever going to get over him, so she had to have the courage to tell him how she felt. Maybe...

She grabbed her purse, locked her office and walked across the street. Today she was taking a risk.

* * *

O
N
THE
WAY
over, she reminded herself that nothing had changed. Hardy hadn’t once said that he loved her. Maybe she wouldn’t get the whole fantasy, but she knew one thing: she loved him and couldn’t live without him. If that made her weak, then so be it. She wanted her family together—the three of them.

People who worked at the courthouse were leaving for the day. She spoke to several as she went inside. The place smelled of old paper, dust and time, which she realized didn’t have a smell. It was more of a feeling that she was walking in places where so many other people had walked before.

She took the stairs up to the second floor where the D.A.’s office was located. Alice was standing at her desk, getting ready to leave.

“Oh, Angie, you startled me. I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

“Is Hardy in?”

She glanced nervously toward Hardy’s closed door, and Angie thought for a moment that maybe he was with someone.

“Yes, but...”

“But what?”

“He’s not in a good mood.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not, either.” She walked toward the door and placed her hand on the knob. Taking a deep breath, she turned it and went inside.

Hardy sat at his desk. His sleeves were rolled up to the elbows and his hair was mussed, but what caught her attention were the worry lines on his face.

He got up the moment he saw her. “Angie, something wrong? Where’s Erin?”

“Today is dance day. Peyton took the girls.”

“I forgot.” He seemed to relax.

She gave the room a quick glance. It was the first time she’d been in his office, and it was larger than she’d expected. It was paneled in dark wood, and he had a huge mahogany desk with two leather chairs in front of it. A brown leather sofa occupied one wall with end tables and lamps with horse sculptures as the base. A laptop, papers and folders were on his desk. Her eyes froze on one item: a picture.

There amid his work was a photo of her and Erin. She couldn’t tear her eyes away.

He came around the desk. “Are you okay? You’ve never been to my office before.”

“Yes.” Her eyes strayed back to the picture. “Where did you get that?”

“I took it with my phone. The guy in the photo shop at the pharmacy made them for me.” He motioned to another wall. “I picked out the best, and the guy touched them up.” There were more photos of Erin. Angie was at a complete loss, and words stuck in her mouth like scratchy wool. She was there for a reason and for a moment she couldn’t remember what it was.

It was understandable for him to have pictures of Erin. But he had a picture of her. That had her speechless and giddy all at the same time. She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry, and she knew this was a defining moment for her.

Before she could find the right words, he said, “I was talking to Wyatt, and he’s thinking of taking Jody to the football game tonight. I thought I’d take Erin, too, if that’s okay with you?”

“Uh...sure.”

“It’s been a hell of a day and I could use a distraction.”

“What’s going on?”

“CPS took Nelda Cleck’s five other children and she’s trying to get them back. Her lawyer was just here and wanted me to put in a good word for her. I told her the D.A.’s office had little to do with that, but I would make sure that Nelda’s home life was investigated thoroughly. The children are not going back into an abusive home. Nelda needs to understand her children come first.”

He was clearly upset with the situation and she couldn’t blame him. Not for the first time, she realized how stressful his job was.

He ran his hands through his already tousled hair. “People somehow don’t understand the value of a life. The lawyer had the gall to even ask me to go easy on the boyfriend, saying Nelda assured her he didn’t mean to hurt the little boy. It was an accident and she pleaded for me to reduce the charge to involuntary manslaughter. I told her the murder charge stands. She left in a snit.”

She could feel his pain. Even in a small town like Horseshoe, there were still heinous crimes. “I’m sorry,” was all she could say.

“I just keep thinking about that day I hit Erin with my truck. She could’ve died. I could’ve killed my own child, and I’d be no better than the boyfriend.”

“Don’t say that. Erin is fine. Stop doing this to yourself.”

He gave a deep sigh. “It’s been a long day. I’m looking forward to getting out of the office and spending some time with my daughter.” He shuffled some papers into a folder. “Is there a reason you came by?”

“Uh...it can wait.” This wasn’t the time to declare her love or talk about the future. And she was beginning to wonder if there ever would be.

“Erin gets home about six from dance, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll pick her up about six-thirty.”

Angie moved toward the door. With her hand on the knob, she stopped. She was taking the easy way out, like always. This was her future, and she’d told herself a million times she would make better decisions. She took a deep breath and turned back.

She cleared her throat. “There is a reason I stopped by.”

He looked up and at his tired eyes her courage sank to the bottom of her stomach.

“Uh...you said the next move would be up to me.” The brightening of his eyes rescued her courage and bolstered her resolve. “I wanted to tell you...that...I love you.”

“What?” He stood so fast his chair went flying backward. “Does this mean...?”

“Yes. It means I will marry you.”

He frowned. “For Erin?”

She shook her head. “You and Erin have a good relationship. I don’t need to marry you for that. I love you. I’ve loved you since I was eighteen years old, and I think it’s about time to admit that and to start our life together.”

He came around the desk and stood about a foot from her, staring into her eyes. “Say that again.”

“I love you.”

He gathered her into his arms and kissed her. All her doubts and insecurities disappeared. She kissed him back with all the fervor of her unrequited love.

“I love you, too,” he whispered against her mouth, and then he just held her, rocking her gently from side to side. “Now...you were saying something about marriage.”

She reached up and kissed his neck. “Yes, I’m ready to take that leap.”

“You’re not worried about being a politician’s wife?”

She rested her head in the curve of his neck. “A little, but I think I can handle it as long as you love me.”

“I love you. We’ve wasted too many years and I don’t want to waste one more minute.”

She squealed, threw her arms around his neck and met his kiss with excitement, desire and passion. Gently moving her around, he fell backward onto the sofa, his lips never leaving hers. He pulled her down, and they lay entwined, heart against heart, their bodies melting together. Oh, yeah, this was what she wanted. All of him. Forever.