Triple Trouble (15 page)

“Hey, you two. What are you doing? Are you trying to stand up, Jackie?”

The gentle affection in his voice brought tears to Charlene’s eyes. She turned away, Jessie perched on her hip, and leaned over to fiddle with the tub, twisting the release to let the water drain. By the time she turned back, she had her emotions under control once more.

“I’ll get Jessie ready for bed. Would you like me to take Jackie or Jenny too?”

“No, I’ll bring them.” Nick slipped an arm around each baby and lifted them as he stood. The babies gurgled and shrieked as they rose.

“You’re a brave man,” Charlene said in an effort to lighten the moment. “Neither of them are wearing diapers.”

“I like to live dangerously,” he replied with a half grin.

Later, when the girls were tucked into bed, Nick and Charlene stood in the hall outside their room.

“I think I’ll read for a while before I go to sleep,” she murmured.

“Wait.” Nick caught her arm as she turned away, stopping her.

The feel of his warm fingers and palm on the skin of her bare arm sent heat shivering through her veins, making her heart beat faster. But the moment she stopped and turned back, he released her.

“Yes?”

“I meant to talk to you about this earlier, but after I spoke with Sanchez, I forgot….” He paused, thrusting a hand through his hair. “I want to take the girls to a party celebrating the reopening of Red. The Mendozas are longtime friends, and most of my family will be there. And I’d like you to come with me.”

Charlene’s brain stopped functioning. Had Nick just asked her out on a date? Then she realized he’d said he wanted to take the girls. He needed her help.

“Of course,” she replied. “When is it?” She calculated swiftly when he told her the date. The opening would be before Amy’s sister arrived to take custody. They said good-night and Charlene headed down the hall to her room. She wanted time to come to terms with the sadness she felt, knowing that her time with the triplets would soon end.

She suspected Nick would miss the babies as much as she would.

Charlene knew the dinner at Red Restaurant wasn’t a real date. It was a family affair, a chance for Nick to introduce the triplets to his extended family and friends. Despite sternly lecturing herself that she was accompanying them as an employee only, the evening of the grand reopening found her standing in front of her open closet, torn between choosing a sexy black cocktail dress or a less glamorous gown.

“Oh, get over yourself,” she muttered impatiently. She scanned the contents of the closet and took a dress from a hanger. The black-and-white print was less likely to show food stains if one of the triplets tossed dinner at her, and the modest, scooped neckline wouldn’t expose too much skin if one of the girls tugged it lower. She stepped into the dress and pulled it on, zipping the side before standing back to look in the mirror. The dress was comfortable, the fitted waist and full skirt with its just-above-the-knee hem pretty but less figure-revealing than the bodyhugging, midthigh hem of her favorite little black dress. But the one I’m wearing is far more practical for an evening spent with three oneyear-olds, she told herself. She consoled herself by choosing frivolous, black, strappy sandals with three-inch heels before she slipped black pearl studs into her earlobes. Experience told her to skip a necklace, since the triplets delighted in playing and tugging on her jewelry. Instead, she settled for the matching black-and-white pearl ring. Then she caught up a black clutch evening bag, tucked a few essentials into it, and left the room.

She heard LouAnn’s distinctive raspy voice, followed by Nick’s quick laugh, and followed the sound to the living room, pausing on the threshold. LouAnn sat on the ottoman, her skinny frame bent at the waist as she supported Jenny. The little girl was on her toes, wobbling back and forth with a delighted grin. Jackie and Jessie sat on the carpet, watching Jenny with fascination. All three of the little girls were dressed in matching blue jumpers with white knit blouses beneath, the neat Peter Pan collars edged in blue embroidery. They wore cute little patent-leather Mary Jane shoes with lace trimmed, pristine white socks. Each of them had a white satin bow in their black hair. They looked adorable. Charlene purposely saved the best part for last. Her gaze found Nick, standing next to the stereo system. He wore black slacks that she was sure must have been tailored for him, a black leather belt and a white dress shirt with the cuffs folded back to reveal the gold Rolex on his wrist.

He looked over his shoulder at LouAnn, smiling as he watched her encourage Jenny. Then he looked past her and saw Charlene. His smile disappeared. His gaze ran from her face to her toes, then back again and something hot flared in his dark eyes.

“There you are,” LouAnn said, breaking the spell that held Charlene. “Don’t you look nice.” She beamed and stood, picking Jenny up.

Charlene forced her gaze away from Nick and smiled at LouAnn. “Thank you.”

“And you’re right on time,” LouAnn continued, waving a hand in the direction of the mantle clock. “You all better scoot or you’ll be late.”

“She’s right.” Nick walked toward them, pausing to pick up Jackie and Jessie. “The car’s out front.” He stopped in front of Charlene. “If you’ll take Jackie, I’ll collect the girls’ diaper bag from the kitchen.”

“Of course. Come here, sweetie,” Charlene murmured, holding out her arms.

“I’ll meet you at the car,” Nick said, his face reflecting no emotion beyond casual friendliness.

“I’ll carry Jenny out and buckle her in,” LouAnn said, leading the way. “I would have been happy to babysit the girls for you and Nick tonight,” she continued as they followed the sidewalk around the front of the house and reached the SUV, parked on the drive in front of the garage. “But Nick said he wanted his family to meet them.”

“Mmm hmm,” Charlene murmured.

“I must say, I’m impressed by our Nick,” LouAnn chattered on as the two women tucked the girls in their car seats and fastened buckles. “He’s really stepped up to the plate to take care of these three. Not many confirmed bachelors would have changed their whole life to accommodate babies at the drop of a hat.”

Before Charlene could agree with her, Nick joined them. Moments later, the diaper bag was stored away, Jessie was buckled into her car seat, and the SUV was reversing out of the drive to the street.

LouAnn stood in the drive, waving good-bye as they pulled away. She’s right, Charlene thought as the house disappeared in the rearview mirror. Nick really has reacted in an exceptional way. If I were in desperate need of help, he’s the person I’d want on my side.

And as a woman, he’s the man I want in my bed.

The unbidden thought brought a flush of heat to her cheeks. She glanced sideways at Nick. Fortunately, he was looking at the street as he drove, otherwise she was sure he would have known she was picturing him naked.

Chapter Seven

N ick ushered the girls and Charlene into the courtyard of Red and her eyes widened in surprise. Holding Jessie in her arms, she turned in a slow half circle.

“They’ve restored it just as it was,” she exclaimed with delight. The square patio was tucked into the center of the building, edged on all sides with the dark walls of the restaurant. A fountain dominated the middle of the area. Its trickling water splashed against blue-and-white Mexican tiles, greeting diners with soft music. Several fan trees dotted the space, their green ribs draped with strings of tiny white lights. Tables were scattered around the courtyard, the underside of their colored umbrellas sporting more of the small white lights. Before the fire, the courtyard had boasted masses of old bougainvillea; these new plants were smaller, younger, but still colorful with bursts of vivid fuchsia, purple and gold. “This has always been one of my favorite restaurants in Red Rock, and I was hoping the new version would have the same feel.”

“They wanted to rebuild as close to the original restaurant as possible,” Nick confirmed. “The basic structure is an accurate replica, but some of the furnishings were irreplaceable. A few of the antiques dated as far back as 1845, when President Polk welcomed Texas into the Union.” He nodded at the fan trees. “The trees and bougainvillea will need a few years to reach the size of the originals.”

“But they will—in time,” Charlene said.

“Nicholas!”

Charlene and Nick both turned to find Maria Mendoza moving quickly toward them, her husband José following more slowly.

Nick’s face eased into a broad grin.

“How’s my best girl?” he teased, bending to kiss the older woman’s cheek. She laughed and shook her head at him, the silver streaks in her black hair gleaming when the strands shifted against her shoulders. “Always the charmer.” She beamed at Jackie and Jenny. Perched on Nick’s arms, they each clutched a handful of his shirt in a tiny fist as they eyed her with open curiosity. Her gaze moved to Charlene and she lifted an eyebrow, a gleam of speculation in her dark eyes. “And who is this, Nicholas?”

“Charlene London, I’d like you to meet Maria and José Mendoza, the owners of Red and our hosts for the evening.”

The adults exchanged pleasantries before Maria nodded at the triplets. “And are these adorable little girls your daughters, Charlene?”

“They’re mine.” Nick laughed when Maria’s eyes widened with surprise. “Temporarily. I’m caring for them until their aunt arrives. Charlene took pity on me and agreed to help.”

“They’re beautiful,” Maria enthused. “Aren’t they, José?”

“Yes,” the older man agreed, exchanging a very male look with Nick. Over six feet, José towered over his diminutive wife.

“What about your girls? Are they here?” Nick asked, glancing over the crowd.

“All three of our daughters and their husbands are here. Plus Jorge and Jane, of course—and even Roberto,” Maria added with a proud smile.

Before Nick could comment, a waitress rushed up and whispered to José. He frowned and touched Maria’s arm.

“I’m afraid we’re needed in the kitchen—small emergency.” He clapped Nick on the shoulder and smiled at Charlene. “Have fun, you two, enjoy your meal. I’m sure we’ll see you later.”

He ushered Maria away, following in the wake of the harried-looking waitress.

“I hope everything’s okay,” Charlene commented.

“I’m sure it’s nothing José and Maria can’t handle,” Nick said. “Let’s go inside and find a table—and some food.”

They wound their way through the growing crowd on the patio, but it took them several moments to enter the restaurant. Nick seemed to know everyone present, and all of them wanted to say hello and ask about the triplets. At last, they crossed the threshold and stepped inside the main dining room. Charlene was happy to see that here too, every effort had apparently been made to replicate the original ambiance and decor. Bright Southwestern blankets were displayed on the walls, together with paintings depicting battles between Mexican General Santa Anna and the Texans. A portrait of Sam Houston dominated one wall, next to a collection of period guns and a tattered flag in a glass case. Guests sat or moved from table to table, visiting and eating beneath the glow of colorful lanterns hung from the ceiling.

“What a beautiful room,” Charlene said. “Filled with beautiful people,” she added with a smile.

Nick grinned back. “That’s my family—the Fortunes are a handsome lot, aren’t we?”

Charlene rolled her eyes. “And modest too.”

He laughed out loud and shifted Jenny higher against his shoulder. “Yes, ma’am.” He nodded toward an empty table just left of the center of the big room. “Let’s grab a seat over there.”

No sooner had Nick and Charlene settled the three girls into wooden high chairs and given their order to a waitress than Patrick Fortune and his wife Lacey stopped to say hello.

“It’s a blessing you were available to help Nick with the babies, Charlene,” Lacey said when introductions had been made all around. “We raised triplets too—three little boys. My goodness, what an experience that was!”

“Oh, yes.” Patrick’s eyes twinkled and he winked at Charlene. “I remember those days well—looking back, I’m amazed we survived it. Very little sleep, nonstop changing diapers and bottle-feeding—not to mention that the boys had an uncanny ability to synchronize catching colds and earaches.” He shook his head. “Taking care of three babies is above and beyond the call of parenting duty.”

“But they’re worth every moment,” his wife said fondly, slipping her arm through the crook of his elbow and laying her head on his shoulder.

“We realized that quite quickly,” Charlene assured her. The two women exchanged a look filled with understanding. If all Nick’s relatives were as genuinely likeable as the Mendozas and this couple, Charlene thought, she could easily understand why the Fortunes held such a powerful and respected position in the community of Red Rock.

Across the room, Maria Mendoza chatted with her cousin, Isabella, having left José

to finish dealing with a minor menu mix-up in the kitchen.

“Nick seems very happy with his new family, doesn’t he?” she said, smiling fondly at the gathering of Fortune family members at the table where the three little identical girls held court.

“Yes, he does,” Isabella agreed, her gaze following Maria’s. “I never would have imagined Nick being comfortable with children, but he’s clearly enjoying them.”

Just then, one of the little girls tugged the white satin bow from her hair and tossed it at Nick. It bounced off his sleeve and landed in his water glass. The adults at the table burst into laughter.

Maria and Isabella chuckled.

“They’re darling little girls,” Maria said. She sipped from her champagne glass and eyed Isabella over the rim. “I’m so glad you could be here tonight—I’ve been meaning to get in touch with you. I’d love to have you sell some of your blankets and tapestries at my knitting shop.”

Isabella’s eyes widened. “What a lovely compliment, Maria. Especially since I know how carefully you plan your displays at the Stocking Stitch. But are you sure my work will be a good fit?”

“Without a doubt,” Maria said promptly. “Your tapestries will be an inspiration for my customers.”