McCade's Wish (The McCade Family Series Book 2) (5 page)

“Everything will be fine,” he said, squeezing her hands in reassurance. “The only thing we have to worry about is Trey’s ego swelling out of control because, for once, all of his preparation for gloom and doom is going to come in handy.”

She nudged Cole with her shoulder, but couldn’t hold back a smile at the suffering in his tone. Trey’s smug grin was sure not to help.

“I was making some hot chocolate. I’ll finish it up and bring in some cookies,” Gen said, heading back for the kitchen.

Adrienne rolled her hand over, lacing fingers with Cole for an appreciative squeeze.

“Thank you. I better help Gen.”

He opened his mouth, reluctance clear in his expression, but glanced at his brother and swallowed whatever he’d wanted to say. Patting her hand, he let her go.

Gen looked up from pouring hot chocolate when she came in. “Are you okay?”

“Of course. Why do you ask?”

“You’ve been quiet and pensive all day.”

“Pensive?” Adrienne asked, arching an eyebrow at her friend.

“Yes, pensive. Men are brooding, women are pensive,” she said with a grin as she arranged mugs on a tray.

“I’m fine,” she said, opening another cookie tin to add variety to the platter. “I want to be sure of my decision before I answer Cole, one way or another, and be sure of my reasons. I don’t want to jump at the easy answer on the rebound and have both of us regret it.”

Gen turned; worry lining her face, but she nodded. “You’re right. I hadn’t really thought of it in that context. As much as I want you for my sister, I don’t want either one of you getting hurt.”

“Your brother-in-law is a good man. I don’t blame you for being protective,” Adrienne said, picking up the full platter. “But either way, you will always be my sister.”

Gen blushed a little as she motioned to precede her out of the kitchen. Her words were soft and wistful, but cut right to Adrienne’s heart. “I know, but as selfish as it is, if you marry Cole all the people I love in this world would always be right here together like tonight.”

Her step faltering, Adrienne blinked back tears. She didn’t have a reply for that, but couldn’t deny that it sounded like heaven.

Get your ass up, boy.
The growl of his daddy’s voice jerked Trey from sleep. Jostled from her cocoon, Genevieve protested sleepily. His heart pounded loud in his ears. Only the howl of the wind rivaled it in the quiet house. He sloughed a shaky hand over his face. His father had been gone two years, but his voice had been so clear. Easing his arm free of Gen, he slid out of bed and tucked the covers back around her.

“Are you okay?” she asked, rubbing her nose into his pillow.

“Yeah. Go back to sleep, darlin’. I’m just going to check the fires,” he said, patting her bottom in reassurance.

Yanking on a pair of pants and a thermal shirt, he jogged down the stairs. The hardwood was cold on his bare feet, and he wondered if that was why his daddy’s voice had roused him. He’d insulated the pipes under the house well, but it was always a risk if the temperature dropped too far. The fireplace in the living room still boasted a healthy bed of coals. Sliding the shield aside, he added a couple of logs to get things going. Straightening, he padded into the kitchen. Brute raised his massive head from his cozy spot by the stove; his thick tail thumped a greeting on the floor.

After giving the dog’s ears an affectionate scratch, he stuffed the stove full again. Rubbing the back of his neck, he looked around the house. Nothing seemed out of place, but he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong. Going to the window, he peered out into the darkness. The wind whipped the snow in driving sheets so even the barn wasn’t visible. Closing his eyes, he let his forehead rest against the window.

He flinched as the wind cried his name. A low growl rumbled from Brute’s chest and he stood up, the fur on his nape standing on end. Frowning, Trey stared at the dog. The big beast trotted to the door and looked back at Trey expectantly.

“It’s just the wind. You don’t want to go out there.”

Brute whined, snuffling around the door. The uneasy feeling persisted and Trey cursed as he pushed off the window frame. Sliding his bare feet into his boots against the swirling snow, he opened the door. Brute brushed past him, bounding over the drift in front of the door to disappear into the white out. Trey hesitated in closing the door. He squinted against the bits that stung his cheeks and strained his ears. Brute barked.

Whirling, Trey grabbed his coat off the hook and stepped out the door. His hand closed around rope that led to the barn.

“Brutus!” he bellowed.

Another bark sounded like it was coming from down the drive. Swallowing hard, he cursed and glanced back at the house. Already, the outline was faint. Following his tracks back to the porch, he followed the wrap-around over-hang to the front door and set off down the drive. A sharp crack split the night air over the howling wind. There was no lightening. That was a gunshot. Trey held his breath, listening. Two more and then, after a pause, a forth shot was fired. His blood ran cold. It couldn’t be. That was the combination his daddy had put in place years ago. A McCade was in trouble.

He stumbled back to the porch, bellowing before he even got through the door.

“Cole!”

His snow covered boots slid on the stairs, and he let his hands fall to the threads in front of him, scrambling up like a kid.

“Cole!”

The master bedroom door flew open and Genevieve stepped out, eyes wide with fear.

“What’s—”

“Cole!” he yelled again, brushing past his wife and almost running Adrienne down when she stuck her head out.

“Jesus, what?” Cole grumbled, rubbing at his eyes as he stumbled into the hall.

Trey stopped dead in his tracks. Cole was safe. Then who the hell was outside? Was he losing his mind? Brute had heard it too.

“Are you okay?”

He looked up at Cole again, his mind racing. He shook his head.

“Daddy’s voice woke me up. I went downstairs, and I swear I heard someone yell my name. Brute heard it too. He insisted on going out. I followed him a little ways and I heard gunshots, a McCade in trouble, one shot, pause, two in succession, pause, and another one.”

“Have you been nipping at the sauce? I’m right here and Daddy’s been dead for two years.”

“I know what I heard.”

“You told me about the signal shots on the ride back after you rescued me from the wild pig,” Gen said, pushing under his arm to snuggle close. “Who else knows about them? What about neighbors or friends?”

Trey frowned and shook his head. His daddy had drilled the signals into their heads from the time they could hold a gun. No one outside the family would-- His head snapped up and he nudged Gen away from him to run for the stairs bellowing again.

“Nate!”

He heard Cole curse and scramble for clothes. Skidding into the kitchen, he methodically grabbed the necessary winter gear. His hands shook as he wrapped a scarf around his neck and pulled his hat over his ears. Checking the beam from the heavy flashlight he spun for the door, nearly bowling Gen over. He caught her upper arms, lifting her off her feet to spare her toes as he stumbled.

“Sorry, darlin’,” he mumbled, setting her aside.

She followed him to the door. “What can I do? You can’t see out there.”

“I’ll be okay. Get a light and stay at the front door to help me find my way back. Tell Cole that Brute went down the drive.”

“Trey, please! Can’t you take a rope like you did for the barn?” she asked, clutching at his arm.

“I don’t have anything of length here at the house, and I’m not taking the time to go to the barn,” he said, brushing her hand away. “Now, do what I told you.”

“Yes, sir.”

He softened at the hurt in her voice and pulled her back for a quick kiss. “I’m sorry. Just get the light and have Adrienne build up the fire and get blankets ready.”

She nodded and pulled free to run to the mudroom for a light. She stopped in the doorway and looked back.

“I love you. Come back to me.”

He nodded grimly and stepped out the door. His earlier footsteps were already blown full. His jaw set and he pulled his hat lower.

“Nate!” he yelled. “Brutus?” He strained his ears, praying for the slightest sound above the screaming wind. He struggled through the drifts. His youngest brother was shorter than he or Cole. Some of the drifts would be nearing chest high on the slighter man. “Nate! Come on, Brute. Where’re you boy?”

Two sharp barks answered and Trey snorted. Typical, the dog listened better than his brothers. Forcing one foot in front of the other, he struggled forward, trying to find his bearings blind. He stumbled, his knee striking something jagged buried under the snow. Cursing through his panting breaths, he groped in the snow. It was the boulder that sat at the edge of the yard. He glanced toward the house. He couldn’t even make out the roofline. He took a deep breath and turned back toward the drive.

“Brute! Nate!”

“Trey.”

The call was weak, but it was there. He wasn’t crazy. Trey’s heart pounded as he pushed through the snow. “Keep talking, Nate. I’m coming.”

“I’m tired.”

“Pansy ass,” Trey panted. “Just keep talking.” He ground his teeth as he pushed on. The voice was so quiet. Where the hell was he? Mama would never forgive him if he let something happen to the baby. Squinting against the gusting wind and snow, he prayed. What would Daddy do? How was he supposed to find him in this shit? 

Nate let out a startled cry and Trey broke into an awkward lope, fear making his heart skip a beat.

“Nate!”

“Call your crazy dog off! Let go, mutt.”

Stopping, Trey let his hands rest on his hips, sucking in air. He chuckled at the helpless absurdity. He was running blind. “That dog’s smarter than you and I are. Come on, Brute. Bring him to me,” he said.

“Hey!”

“Relax and let him drag you,” Trey ordered and whistled sharply. “Come on, Brutus.”

He turned at a shout behind him. His flashlight’s sweep highlighted only flying snow. Cole bellowed again, his worry carrying in his voice.

“Go back! I’ve got this,” Trey yelled, praying he was right. “How’re you doing, Nate?”

“Cold. Damn co-cold.”

They sounded closer. “Good boy. Come on, Brute,” Trey said, urging the massive dog on.

Swinging the flashlight in front of him, he searched its limited beam. He fell as something hit the back of his leg, buckling his knee. Rolling over, he tried to sit up and was pushed back into the snow as Brute landed on his chest, nuzzling worriedly at his face. Trey hugged the big beast.

“I’m all right, buddy. Good boy,” he crooned, ruffling the dog’s ears.

“Me or the dog?” Nate asked, sounding sleepy.

Pushing Brute off him, Trey crawled to his brother. “I was talking to the dog. You’re a dumbass.”

“Can we talk about that in the house?” Nate mumbled, sounding as if his tongue were thick.

Swallowing his worry and anger, Trey whipped off his scarf and turned to the dog. Tying it around Brute’s neck to fashion a leash, he awkwardly hoisted Nate over his shoulder and stood up.

“Porch!” he ordered.  

Brute spun and started to bound through the snow. He came up short as soon as the scarf tightened and came back to Trey’s feet.

“What’re you doing?”

“Shut up. I’m trying to save our asses,” he snapped and looked back down at the dog, rubbing his broad head. “I know it’s confusing, buddy, but I need you to lead us back to the house. Come on. Porch!”

It took several starts and stops but the dog finally got the hang of it. Trey stumbled in his wake, trusting blindly in the animal’s senses. The added weight made the trek more difficult and Trey’s legs were getting numb. He stumbled, coming down on one knee. Brutus circled back, whining and nuzzling his face. Pushing to his feet, he patted the dog’s head.

“It’s okay, buddy. Porch!”

Trudging on, he continued to pray. Daddy had woken him up. He had to be looking down on them.

“Trey!”

Gen’s voice cut through the wind. It was beautiful. He didn’t have the breath to bellow an answer, but Brute barked and tugged more insistently on the scarf, trying to urge him on. Gen yelled again. He shifted Nate higher on his shoulder and hurried his step as much as he could.

“Almost there,” he panted.

Nate didn’t answer. Grimacing, Trey plowed through another drift. The scarf went slack. His heart pounded as he waited for Brutus to lunge forward again. The dog circled him, nosing at the back of his thigh. He took a blind step and hit his shin on the porch. Cole suddenly appeared in front of him, taking Nate’s limp body off his shoulder. Trey struggled up the couple of steps to the porch, the glow of light finally cutting through the white. Genevieve grabbed his arm, pulling him through the doorway. Limbs leaden, he tripped over the threshold. His boots slid on the foyer’s wet floor and he hit his knees. Gen and Brute pressed worriedly to him. The door closed behind them and his shoulders slumped in relief.

“Let’s get both of them in by the fire,” Adrienne said briskly, lifting his right arm to drape it over her shoulders.

Somewhere he found the strength to smile and shake his head at the absurdity of the petite woman moving his bulk. She smacked his arm and he chuckled before Cole came back and nudged her aside to help him stand. Gen pushed under his other arm, hugging his waist as they moved to the living room. He staggered and groaned as he sank down in a chair by the fire.

“We need to get the wet clothes off them,” Gen said, already tugging at his heavy coat. “Adrienne, help Cole with Nate, please.”

Nate mumbled a protest, staring at the strange woman pulling at his clothes.

“Relax. Lucky for you I’m very good at undressing men,” Adri teased.

Cole shot her a look and Gen choked. Trey just shook his head. Adrienne had the good grace to blush, but smiled saucily.

“That didn’t come out exactly right.”

“There is more than one way to take that?” Cole asked, arching an eyebrow at her.

Adrienne wisely kept her mouth shut; concentrating on stripping Nate’s wet icy clothing away. Still shaking her head at her friend, Gen knelt at Trey’s feet and tugged at his snowy boots. Her hands slipped and she tumbled backward, landing on her bottom.

“Go grab me the jack, darlin’.”

She blushed and scurried to the kitchen without a word. He patted his leg, calling Brute to him. Untying the scarf, he rubbed the dog’s head.

“I owe you,” he said. The beast seemed to smile at him, tongue lolling out.

The boot jack clattered at his feet and Gen set a steaming carafe of coffee on the side table with a stack of cups. Pushing himself up, Trey levered off his boots and kicked them aside. Gen nudged him back down in the chair, tugging off his shirt and rubbing at his wet skin with a fire-warmed towel.

“Pants next, big man,” she muttered and reached for his buttons.

“There’s nothing under these jeans, darlin’,” he warned with a tired smile. Pins and needles were starting to burn his skin. That was a good sign.  

“Then it’s a good thing Adri is so familiar with the male physique,” Gen said, pushing his hands away.

“These are the 1930s, Trey. I promise not to swoon and I’m fairly sure the rest of them have seen what you have.” 

“I wasn’t too worried about your sensibilities, Adri, but my beautiful wife has a possessive streak,” he drawled.

“I, for one, don’t want to see it,” Nate said weakly.

“Then close your eyes. I’m cold and wet because of your dumb ass.”

The surge of annoyance helped chase some of the exhaustion sapping his muscles and he levered himself to his feet.

“What in the hell were you doing out there?” Cole asked, yanking Nate’s boots off.

“Merry Christmas to you too.”

“Don’t give me your shit. I agree with Trey for once. You’re a dumbass. Did you forget what a blizzard was, city boy?”

“I was tired of sitting at the train station. It let up. I thought I could make it from town.”

“Well you almost thought wrong!” Trey snapped, shielding his modesty with a quilt, while Gen toweled him off.

“I’ll get you some clothes,” Gen said and started to turn for the stairs. Trey caught her arm.

“Put some warm, dry clothes on before you come back down.” He shook his head when she opened her mouth. “Did that sound like a request, woman?”

Her mouth snapped shut and she nodded before rushing for the stairs. He watched after her in regret. She was holding it together, but the strain was clear on her face.

“Why didn’t you tell us you were coming?”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“Well, you sure as hell did that.”

“Can’t all this brotherly love wait until he’s feeling a little better?”

Trey’s head whipped around and he pinned the songbird with a glare. “His lips are flapping, he ain’t dying.”

Adrienne’s lips set in a line of disapproval as she carefully toweled Nate off and helped Cole wrap him in warmed quilts. Trey was glad to see the boy was starting to shake again. Their mama had always said it was a bad sign when they stopped shivering. Tightening the blanket around his waist, Trey walked into the office. He shook off the chill, missing the fire’s comfort as he groped in his desk drawer for the bottle of whiskey. Making his way back to his chair, he added a generous dollop to his coffee and handed the bottle to Cole.

“Take a drink, dumbass. Maybe it will help warm you up,” Cole muttered after splashing some in Nate’s coffee.

Gen reappeared in warm pajamas and a robe, slippers on her feet. Handing him dry clothes, she passed some to the others before picking up a damp towel and mopping at the puddles on the floor.

“Everyone is going to be okay, darling,’” he said, catching her arm again and pulling her close.

She nodded, but the arms that tightened around his waist told a different story. She clung to him.

“Why don’t you go get changed. I’ve got him,” Cole said to Adrienne.

She hesitated, looking down at Nate. Trey’s eyes narrowed as she stroked his youngest brother’s cheek. He saw Cole’s jaw tighten.

“I’ll be right back, handsome.”

“I’ll be right here,” Nate said, offering her a little smile through the chattering of his teeth.

“Unless I throw your ass back out in a snowdrift,” Cole muttered.

Adrienne gave him an exasperated look as she stood and grabbed up the clothes Gen had brought down.

“Don’t be childish.”

Cole opened his mouth, a hot retort obviously on his tongue, but snapped it back shut. He watched Adrienne leave the room and then looked back down at their little brother.

“Rein in the dimples, pretty boy, before I rearrange those classic good looks.”

Trey rolled his eyes and pulled Gen closer in his lap to mutter against her temple, “Look out, darlin’, we’re about to have a battle of the egos. Hide the mirrors.”

“What did I do?” Nate asked.

“You mean besides panicking the big guy, rolling our asses out of bed before the crack of dawn, and nearly killing yourself with stupidity?” Cole asked, sarcasm dripping from his normally easy going tone.

“Lord, you’re starting to sound as much like Daddy as Trey does. I said I was sorry,” Nate said sulkily.

“Actually you haven’t, but do you have any idea what Daddy would’ve done if you’d pulled something that stupid?” Trey asked.

“I made it. What’re you getting so bent out of shape about. I’m tougher than I look. I’m still a McCade in case you’ve forgotten.”

“You just don’t get it, boy. If Gen hadn’t insisted on letting Brute in the house you might’ve died. Even if I had heard you,” Trey stopped and shook his head.

Gen’s arms tightened around him. “You both could’ve died,” she whispered.

“That didn’t happen. You’re stuck with me.”

“It was so hard to just stand there and hold the light. When Cole came back without you…” Gen swallowed audibly and pressed her nose against the side of his neck.

“Your sweet wife showed a bit of that temper redheads are famous for,” Cole said with a big grin. “She pretty much told me to get my ass back out there and not to come back without you.”

“Yeah, well my little firebrand has taken a shine to me,” Trey said with a chuckle, and kissed the top of Gen’s head.

“Who is he and what has he done with Trey?” Nate asked in a loud stage whisper.

Cole laughed but Adrienne’s return distracted him from any answer he might have had. The look on Nate’s face wasn’t any less poleaxed. Trey sighed. There was something about the green silk kimono robe that prodded the imagination, no matter how much it covered. The petite brunette pulled a padded footstool over to perch near Nate’s head. Cole crouched next to her, as if warning Nate away. It didn’t work.

“I think I’m in love,” Nate said softly.

Adrienne laughed and stroked his cheek again, her hand coming to rest on his forehead to check for a fever. “I think you better ease up on the Irish coffee, handsome.”

Trey snorted at the goofy grin on the boy’s face and shook his head. The glower Cole was giving the younger man warned this was going to get ugly if he didn’t step in. Tilting Gen back from his chest, he brushed strands of copper off her face and gave her a gentle kiss.

“Since we’re all up, why don’t you ladies see what you can rustle up for breakfast? Cole and I can keep an eye on the dumbass.”

Gen tilted her head, leaning her cheek into the palm of his hand and he found himself humbled by the pure love that shone from her face.

“I’ll always come back to you,” he said, his voice sounding hoarse in the quiet. “You can’t get rid of me that easily, woman,” he added, trying to lighten the moment.

Her face lit in a smile and she cupped his cheeks to give him a slow kiss. “Then I’m a lucky woman.”

Trey grinned and lifted her to her feet. “I’m the lucky one, darlin’.”

Adrienne stood and leaned over Cole’s shoulder, pressing her cheek to his. “Aren’t they adorable?” she whispered loudly.

“Not as adorable as you,” Cole answered easily.

Adrienne squeezed his shoulders and kissed his cheek with a laugh before straightening and following Gen to the kitchen.

“She called me handsome,” Nate said with a goofy grin.

“She also told you to back off on the sauce,” Cole said dryly.

“Who is she?”

“Genevieve’s friend from New York.”

“She’s an angel.”

Trey snorted and stood to pick up the bottle of whiskey. “No more of this for you.”

Cole laughed and tugged the quilt higher around their shivering brother. “You’re lucky you almost froze to death. If you were healthy, I’d have to kick your ass for ogling my woman.”

“Your woman? She stripped off my clothes and called me handsome.”

“I saw her Nurse Nightingale routine. We were all worried about you. Don’t read too much into that.”

“Does this mean you aren’t worried about me anymore?” Nate teased.

“Keep flirting with my woman and I’ll throw you back out in the snow.”

“What if she flirts with me?”

“Don’t worry about her. You worry about me, little brother.”

“You sound like Daddy and Trey,” Nate grumbled.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“And on that comment I’m cutting you both off,” Trey said dryly.

Walking through the foyer with a fresh cup of coffee, Cole was drawn to the window. He leaned against the jamb, staring out at the swirling wall of white. Standing on the porch searching the dark for any sign of his brothers had been agonizing. In those long minutes, he hadn’t needed Gen’s anger to make him regret his decision to return to the house. A grimace creased his face. Truth be told, he idolized Trey as much as Gen did. When his big brother had yelled that he had it, to go back to the house, Cole hadn’t even thought to question it. Trey was large and in charge. Everything about him inspired confidence he would get the job done. Cole sighed. Even so, he’d never been so happy to see anyone in his life as when Trey had stumbled up to the porch with Nate over his shoulder.

Adrienne’s laughter cut through the air. Cole pulled his stare from the window and glanced into the living room. What could the runt be telling her that was so hilarious? With their heads pressed together, the quiet murmur of their voices wasn’t carrying. Pushing away from the jamb, he strolled back into the family room to glare pointedly at their little brother. It was one thing to have to be jealous of Trey saving the day, but there was no way Nate should be rewarded for his stupidity. He was milking his misadventure for all it was worth, and Adrienne was proving to be a dedicated nursemaid. Nate yawned and Adrienne leaned forward to fluff his pillow and tug a blanket closer.

“Why don’t we give Nate a chance to catch a nap? We can go in the dining room and play some cards?” Genevieve suggested.

Trey looked as surprised by the suggestion as anyone. He met Cole’s eye. Nodding his agreement, Cole walked over to offer his hand to Adrienne.

“Don’t look so shocked. I’m not suggesting high stakes poker. I just thought it would be a way to pass the time,” Gen said, a slight blush staining her cheeks.

“It sounds good, baby,” Trey said, standing up with her in his arms. “I haven’t played cards since Daddy was sick. If you’ll bring up some cider, it will just take me a couple of minutes to pop us some corn.”

“I’m really not that tired,” Nate protested as Trey and Gen left the room.

Cole helped Adrienne smoothly to her feet. “Take a nap, runt. Maybe you can sit at the big kids table next time,” he said with a wink.

Adrienne laughed and wrapped her hands around his bicep as he led her into the dining room. She stretched as he pulled a chair out for her. He turned to light the oil lamps.

“I’m glad Gen suggested this. I needed a break,” she said with a guilty giggle. Her eyes darted to the doorway. “I’m trying to help her out, let her cuddle with the big man. The rescue this morning really shook her up. I think she thought she’d lost the big lug.”

Some of the tension eased from Cole’s shoulders and he reached out to rub the back of her neck. “That’s nice of you. I guess Gen and Trey share that trait. They both feel like they need to take care of the world.”

Adri nodded, head lolling back with a little look of pleasure as he massaged tired muscles. She seemed lost in thought for several minutes and he was about to ask if he’d put her to sleep when she spoke again.

“Even back in New York, penniless and starving, she was always trying to look out for others. It used to make me so angry, sad, and proud all at the same time to see her hand food or money she’d worked so hard for to someone else because she thought they needed it worse. That’s just who she is,” she said, casting another glance at the doorway.  

“Maybe that’s why they’re so good together. Neither one of them knows how to put themselves first, and this way they take care of each other,” Cole said with a grin.

“Oh, well said, cowboy,” Adrienne whispered, a radiant smile spreading across her face. “Who said Nate was the smart one?”

Cole snorted and rolled his eyes. “That was probably Nate.”

Adrienne smacked his arm gently and took the seat he held out for her as Gen came back with a jug of cider and glasses. A couple of minutes later, Trey plunked a bowl of popcorn in the middle of the table before retrieving a deck of cards from the cabinet. Easy laughter floated around the table as they went over the rules and dealt the cards. Cole looked around. Despite the weather and the close calls, Trey was relaxed and smiling. Gen was so good for him. This was nice. Adrienne caught his eye and winked. He grinned; he could get used to this. Picking up his cards, he leaned back in his chair and followed his big brother’s lead, pushing aside worries about the howling wind and faulty tangle of wires, and just enjoying the teasing and stories of childhood adventures.