Black Hills Angel (Black Hills Series) (24 page)

"Mom, Dad, this is Andy Martin and her beautiful little girl, Harper." Matt sidled next to Andy and wrapped his arm firmly around her waist. He ignored the stiffening of her spine. "Andy, these are my parents; Travis and Lacey Johnson."
Breathe. Breathe.
He wasn't sure if he was trying to remind himself or Andy. They both seemed to wait on a precipice.

"You didn't say she was so lovely, Matt. You might find a fight on your hands from every cowboy in these parts." Travis Johnson stepped forward to take her hand and kiss her cheek. Matt's father was warm and inviting; on more than one occasion he was also an accomplished flirt. Andy was sucked in. Matt watched his mother weigh and measure the girl he brought home. Far be it from him to remind his mother that Andy was the first girl he had
ever
brought home. He wanted to think she would be the last, but even he knew it was a treacherous landslide.

"Good morning, Andy. I am so glad that you could come visit. You do have a cute little girl." Lacey Johnson seemed to bypass Andy and attach firmly to Harper. Cooing and tickling Harper, his mother scooped up the baby to lead them all inside. She had put together a breakfast for everyone. Matt kept ahold of Andy's waist and he shared speaking glances with Nora and his father. He hoped he wasn't wrong about bringing Andy and Harper with him.

***

If Matt didn't have her waist pulled snuggly against his side, Andy wasn't sure she could have walked up the stairs and into that house. Oh, it was beautiful! It wasn't the house that caused such unrest in her body, but the woman who ruled there. Lacey Johnson. Matt's mother was petite with long dark hair pulled into an elegant twist. She wore jeans, boots, and a long sleeved button up shirt. Normal attire for a rancher's wife, but it was the way she carried herself that scared Andy. This was Lacey's domain. This was her family. Andy was sleeping with her son. It all felt terribly taboo now that she stood in the middle of a gorgeous hardwood and stainless steel kitchen. Andy swallowed hard.

"Just be yourself." Nora whispered into Andy's ear and Andy offered a small uncertain smile. She couldn't seem to make herself move any further than the doorway. Her eyes took in the shining row of cabinets, gleaming white crockery and plates displayed by the glass doors. The granite countertops reflected the drop-lights. It was a kitchen made for a large family. Andy loved it.

"Well don't just stand there in the doorway. Come on in." Travis, Matt's father, waved them over to the oval oak table that seated six. Matt pulled out a chair for Andy and Travis pulled one out for Nora. Lacey was bouncing Harper on her hip. Feminine blue eyes watched them all carefully, but Andy could have sworn Lacey watched her the closest.

"When is Garrett coming down? I tried calling him this morning, but he didn't answer." Lacey said as she bounced Harper, her eyes meeting Matt's. Matt kicked back, crossing a booted foot over a knee.

"I imagine he will be here tonight. There was some drama going on with Hannah. He wouldn't tell me what it was." Matt shook his head, grinning at his dad.

"Hannah is a lovely girl, but I don't think it will last with Garrett. He's restless." Lacey said as she circled the table to hand Harper over to Andy. Reaching up tentatively, Andy gripped her daughter and winced slightly at the weight pulling the skin over her ribs. The bruising was still tender. She shook her head when Matt moved to take Harper from her. She couldn't explain it, but she didn't want to let her daughter go from her arms. It would be similar to being set adrift without a flotation device.

"Garrett just hasn't found what he wants, Mom. I wish he were that lucky." Matt said to his mother; his hand sliding along Andy's arm and their fingers twining together. Lacey looked from her son to Andy and back again to Matt. His mother didn't miss that blatant claim or what he meant by it. Andy felt decidedly uncomfortable as two sets of blue eyes locked and held a conversation all their own. Travis shifted in his seat, reaching out for his abandoned cup of coffee. Nora pursed her lips and then took pity on Andy.

"Would you like to see the horses, Andy? Dad always keeps some in the barn." Nora stood, sliding back her chair and jerking her head towards the door. Andy swallowed and nodded. It was a challenge reclaiming her hand from Matt's death grip, juggling Harper and standing all at the same time. Thankfully no one said anything else before she left with Nora.

Coarse gravel crunched underfoot as they walked across the yard to the large, red barn that loomed broadly in the morning sun. Andy shivered and decided to grab her sweatshirt from the truck. It was a cool fall morning in South Dakota, but oh, was it beautiful! The leaves were turning their various shades of gold, green and red. A few cottonwood trees were intermeshed with the plentiful pine trees. Shrugging into her sweatshirt and then putting a cotton coat on Harper, Andy dared look at Nora. Matt's sister met the gaze with frankness. It was honestly something Andy treasured in her new friend.

"Your relationship with Matt isn't going to be an easy sell. He is her baby and no girl will ever be good enough for him." Nora tilted her head and shrugged her shoulders. Andy felt the pit in her stomach return as they set off towards the barn again. Andy couldn't fault Lacey for being defensive. A mother only wanted what was best for her children.
Am I good enough for him?

"She's doing what she thinks is best. I might not be right for him. I don't think I know the answer for sure." Andy confided without stopping. Harper pulled on her hair, stuffing the end in her mouth. Nora helped pull the long hinged door open and they slipped through without letting the warm air out. Instantly Andy was hit by strong hay and deep horse smells. The avenue stretched between the two sides of stalls. A tack room was on the left. It was filled with saddles, bridles, lead ropes, and other necessities. A couple of rubber buckets sat outside the door with various brushes and another with grain. Matt's dad must have been doing some chores before they arrived.

"Here is Quinter Pete. Don't ask me where his name came from since he is nearly as old as I am." Nora patted the big red nose fondly. Andy and Harper hung back. Quinter Pete snuffled and nudged Nora's shoulder. "Sorry, bud, no treats right now. I haven't raided the sugar bowl yet."

Andy watched the relationship between animal and friend. It was mesmerizing how that big horse was so gentle and loving. The camaraderie made her feel less agitated and more hopeful.

"He is beautiful and
BIG
!" Andy chuckled when Quinter Pete huffed. Nora patted his nose again.

"You should see his lady friend. Come over here." Nora led them across the avenue towards another stall. Before they reached it, a tan muzzle nudged forward and then a very sleek head cleared the door way to watch them approach. Andy fell in love.
Horsey love.
Large brown eyes blinked as the horse waited for them to come over. "Hello there, Miss Sioux."

"Miss Sioux? As in the Sioux Indians?" Andy asked as she shuffled a bit closer to the horse.

"Yep. Miss Sioux is a decade younger than Quinter Pete there, but she's every bit as gentle. She is Matt's pride." Nora smiled, brushing the blonde hair out of Miss Sioux's face.

"May I touch her?" Andy asked, her nerves flickering in and out of whether to be afraid or not. The big brown eyes told her not to be. Nora smiled.

"Of course. Now hold out your hand and let her smell you. Horses can learn a great deal by smell." Nora took Harper from her. Andy held out her hand as shown and smiled broadly when Miss Sioux snuffled warmly against her skin. The velvet of her nose tickled and soothed at the same time. Instantly there was this connection with an amazingly understanding animal and Andy's irritations quieted.

"She's amazing. I've never been around horses before. I always thought they looked rather intimidating." Andy graduated to running her fingertips up along the ridge of Miss Sioux's nose. The mare's ears twitched and shifted as she listened to them talk.

"Some can be. The horses my brothers will be riding in the Buffalo Roundup tomorrow morning will be rowdy and touchy. Young stock is more suited to the hell fire run across the prairie." Nora supplied and Miss Sioux huffed testily. Andy chuckled.

"I don't think she likes that idea." Andy marveled at the feel of horse hair and the soft velveteen of lips and nose. The quietness slipped into other veins of her mind and body.
Horse therapy.
Now she could see the value in it. She would have to slip out to the barn as often as she could to see Miss Sioux while she was here in Hot Springs.

***

Matt bit the inside of his cheek as Andy got up with Harper and left to see the barn with Nora. For a moment he applauded Andy's bravado even though he knew it hurt her to do it all alone. Once the door swung shut, Matt turned his attention back to his mother. She was going to make things more difficult than they needed to be. Andy and he had to find their rhythm.
If you still have one.
He didn't like the reminder. His dad got up to get a fresh cup of coffee. His mother just watched Matt, trying to read something into nothing, he supposed.

"I didn't bring her down here to feel inferior, Mom." Matt's voice was soft, but his blue eyes scalded. Lacey held his gaze for a moment longer before shrugging. "You didn't even give her a chance! Already you have tried and convicted her of something you know
nothing
about." Matt's voice rose as his anger did. His dad ambled back to the table and set down a mug of coffee in front of Matt. Wisely, Travis knew not to get into the middle of it unless strictly necessary.

"I have done nothing of the sort. Andy seems like a nice girl, but she has a child with another man." Lacey gestured emphatically as if talking to a small boy. Sometimes she just didn't see him as an adult.

"Yes, she has a daughter who is amazing! We all do things we cannot take back, but I am glad she has Harper. Andy is a great mother." Matt defended, rubbing his palms on his jeans. The friction took his mind off hitting something. Lacey narrowed her eyes.

"A good mother would want a father for her child. You are a good boy, Son. You have a business with your brother. You do well for yourself. Someday a third of this ranch will be yours too. It's nothing to sneeze at!" Lacey tried to ignore Matt's disgusted grimace. Matt was horrified that his mom would go to such lengths without knowing Andy as a person.
Is she ever going to be able to win?

"Damn it, Mother! Listen to yourself! I find one shred of happiness and you want me to throw it away. Well I won't do it." Matt got up from his chair, sliding it back with his legs. Travis took a sip of his coffee as if there were nothing more going on in the room than a normal conversation. Matt felt some irritation at his father for not standing up for him or Andy.

"I'm only trying to protect you. You have such a good heart and I'm afraid you won't see this coming. She's lost her job. She's moved in with you and Garrett at the house. You got her a car." His mother ticked the points off on her fingers and was startled when Matt grabbed her hand. His blue eyes were a furnace about to explode. Matt held himself in check, barely. His heart hammered in his chest.

"Stop. Just stop. You know nothing about any of it!" He took his hand away from his mom, taking a deep breath as he put some distance between them. He walked a few feet and leaned his back up against the counter. Lacey's eyes never left him. He wasn't sure he wanted to explain all of this, but clearly his mother wasn't going to give Andy a chance if he didn't.

"Andy lost her job, because of my ex-girlfriend, Monica. She started stalking me and ruining my chances with any girl I talked to. So she started stalking Andy and Harper." Matt blew out an aggravated breath, took his hat off and ran his fingers through his hair. "So I moved them into my house because it wasn't safe to leave them alone. Andy wasn't comfortable with it, but I couldn't let her go at that point. It snowballed from there. Monica is the reason Andy was in the hospital." Matt looked up from the floor to see his parents' collective focus on him. His dad's face was drawn and watchful. His mother's eyes widened, but she gave nothing more away. He continued.

"Andy was hit by a car and Monica was driving. Harper and Nora were there too, but they weren't hurt. Luckily, Andy wasn't majorly injured. Only a concussion and a few bruised ribs." Matt felt the anger slip out of his grasp and fall away as he said the last words. His mother's face blanked and his father shook his head. The kitchen was quiet and tension stretched out for a good many minutes before his mom spoke. This time she was hesitant and anxious.

"I didn't know that part. I'm sorry, Matt. I still don't think she's the right girl for you." Lacey shook her head, pressing her lips in a line. Her son looked at her in astonishment. His face reddened.

"Really, Mom?" Matt refrained from saying any more. He jerked his hat back on and headed out the door. He made sure to slam the screen door in his wake. Saying more at this point would have been hard to take back. He just needed to work off his frustration and so he headed for the wood pile. Splitting a cord or two of wood with an ax would sweat out his anger. He could think of another way to sweat out his emotions and his groin tightened in response.
Well hell!

Chapter Twenty Two

Whack. Slap. Whack. Slap.
The sounding repetition made Andy pause as they walked out of the barn. She looked around the ranch yard, wondering where and what that sound was. Nora sighed and shook her head. Andy raised a brow, her heart clamoring in her chest. The frayed nerves Miss Sioux had soothed were now jumping again.
Damn it.

"Matt is chopping wood." Nora jiggled Harper and the baby gurgled in her happy way. Andy kept looking around to see if she might catch a glimpse of him. Suddenly her simmering nerves were boiling in desire. She wondered if he were chopping wood without his shirt. She wondered what his muscles looked like all bunched and poised to swing the ax. She could remember the way his Wranglers hugged his hips and long legs.
Oh shit!
Andy nearly groaned aloud. Her body craved his in the most carnal way.

"Should we see if he needs any help?" Andy mumbled as she halted in the clearing. She missed Nora's amused smile and the knowing look Nora shared with the baby. Harper cooed.

"He only chops wood like that when he is angry. It's best if we leave him to it. Besides you and your bruised ribs are supposed to be taking it easy." Nora chuckled. Andy narrowed her eyes.
Nurse Nora returns!
Andy contemplated seeking Matt out, but Nora was right. There wasn't much she could do with her ribs still healing.

"What should we do then, if I cannot help here?" Andy wanted to add finding something to do
away
from their mother, but she didn't want to hurt Nora's feelings. Nora surprised her though.

"Let's take Matt's truck and we can get you settled at my house." Smiling, Matt's sister started in the direction of the red Chevy truck. Andy furrowed her brows, but followed behind. Nora lifted the door handle to put Harper in her baby seat.

"Doesn't anyone lock their car doors here?" Andy asked the first question that popped into her head. She opened her door to find the keys dangling in the ignition. Nora chuckled from the back seat.

"Nope. Someone might need it." Nora climbed into the driver's seat and turned the key. The truck roared to life. Andy was floored by the revelation that someone would willing leave their vehicle for someone else to borrow.
Grand theft auto!

"Well what if Matt needs his truck and we have it?" Andy pulled her seatbelt into place and clicked it into the lock. Nora shook her head. Her blue eyes were patient with Andy's questions.

"He won't. Besides we have to come back for dinner tonight. You can meet Randy and hopefully Garrett will be back to take some steam off of Matt's neck with Mom." Shifting the truck into gear, Nora pulled onto the road and gave it some gas. Andy sat back and wondered how much of a fight Matt actually had with his mom. She knew it was about her and their relationship.
Whatever that is, exactly.
No definitions came to mind at the moment. She did promise herself to try to get along. This was all a test and if she wanted Matt in her life, she would have to pass it. Suddenly it seemed like a bigger hill than she had originally thought to climb.

Nora's house was only a couple of miles down the road from her parents. It was a small white cottage with blue shutters and a blue door. The yard was outlined with a white picket fence and towering pine trees in the rear. The little white house nestled against the dark green backdrop and Andy felt a pang of jealousy.

"Well here we are. Home sweet home." Nora parked the truck in front and unbuckled her seat belt. Andy peeked over the seat to find Harper asleep again. She sighed. She could use a nap too. It had been an early morning and she didn't sleep as well with her ribs hurting like they did.

"It's beautiful, Nora. You are so lucky to have a home of your own. I don't know that I would like to live so close to your parents." Andy grinned in a cheeky manner and Nora laughed, nodding her head.

"I know, trust me. They respect my privacy for the most part." Nora grinned and lowered her voice conspiratorially, "But it's not like they don't know who is coming and going from here."

The ladies laughed at that and moved to get out of the truck. Andy felt stiff. She stretched gingerly as Nora got Harper out of the car. Harper shrieked in protest and continued until Andy took her.

"I only have two bedrooms, but I made up the sunroom for you. There is a daybed and a crib set up in there. You can just pull the curtains and close the door when you want some privacy." Nora winked at Andy and Andy couldn't help but blush. There was no missing what Matt's sister implied. A giddiness built in her stomach at the thought of some
alone
time with Matt. She wanted so badly to put their relationship to rights and continue on as if nothing had happened, but the truth remained. Something had happened.

"Thank you for letting us stay here. I hope my coming here hasn't caused any rift in your family." Andy looked apologetically at Nora, but true to nature, Nora shrugged her shoulders.

"Mom will have to let Matt grow up at some point. I don't think she had truly considered Matt's feelings in all of this. She doesn't know you yet either." Nora grinned, setting the suitcase down in the sunroom. Andy couldn't help but give an answering grin.

She looked around the length of the sunroom. It was longer than it was wide; encased with windows. The sunshine warmed the room up nicely. Painted in a light shade of green and decorated with beautiful photos of landscapes, horses and cowboys, Andy felt at home. The daybed looked so inviting with its cream duvet and fluffy white pillows. The coffee table had been pushed to the wall and now became a place to put diapers, wipes, and other baby stuff. Harper gurgled, taking in the atmosphere and approving.

"It isn't a big home, but I'm glad you are here. Drew should be home soon. He stayed last night at a friend's house. It gave Randy and me a rare night alone." Nora giggled like a schoolgirl. Andy smiled.

"I can't wait to meet him. He sounds like quite a catch if he has waited this long for you." Andy stood in place, swaying from side to side. Harper leaned her head against her mother's chest.

"He is a unique man. Randy has taken a bunch of crap from me over the years and still he wants to marry me. I almost can't quite believe it." Nora smiled, her eyes troubled. The clouds that crossed her features were from another time, but she was haunted by the secrets she had never shared. Andy knew how tiring and secluding keeping secrets could be. She wondered if she should suggest that Nora share hers with Randy.

"I think we are led to find our significant others. Call it
angels
or
divine intervention
, but someone is watching out for us." Andy smiled softly, running her hand over Harper's back. She meant what she said. As hard as it was to admit, Terrell Harper came into her life and gave her a precious gift. She had honored him and his presence by keeping their daughter, even though it had cost her so much.

"I've heard of guardian angels, but I never thought much of them. I suppose you might be right. Randy has always been there. Lord knows, I tried to chase him off several times and he came back." Nora shook her head, rubbing her upper arm in agitation. Andy nodded. Harper slumped against Andy's chest. Looking at the crib all made up, Andy placed her daughter in it. Covering Harper with a soft baby blanket, Andy followed Nora out of the room and into the small living room and kitchen.

"You know, Nora, I think I might need some help." Andy looked up to find Nora looking intently at her. "Matt didn't come right out and say it, but I think making my peace with your family is part of my test for our relationship." Furrowing her brow in thought, Andy took a seat on the couch. Nora sat in the recliner and leaned back against the plush cushion.

"It makes sense. He isn't going to force you to be where you don't want to be. Our family is very close and I think it would tear him apart if he couldn't share that with you." Nora met Andy's eyes and smiled encouragingly. Andy nodded, understanding how close she used to be with her parents. It was a bond she wished she could get back, but it didn't seem likely.

"I feel like we need to get to know each other as we are. This whole time there have been so many barriers that kept throwing us together and then tearing us apart. I want to know Matt as a person and I'd like for him to get to know me." Andy took a breath and marveled at the weight that was starting to shift. Sharing her thoughts and feelings with Nora made them seem less daunting. Perhaps it was a mountain she could climb after all.

"I think you might be on to something there. I'm not saying there won't be less pressure here, but it will certainly be different. Things are simpler here. Time moves a bit more slowly and Matt loves it here. I think he would have stayed had Garrett not convinced him to move to Rapid City with him. This land speaks to people. It makes you ache for roots; a place to ground yourself. Maybe you could find that peace here too?" Nora looked through the windows and into the South Dakota landscape beyond. It was peaceful. Large pine trees, sweeping prairie grasses, and sparkling blue skies as far as the eye could see.
Breathtakingly beautiful.
Andy swallowed hard and tried to be honest with herself. Could she see living here with Matt forever? Did she want Matt forever? Her gut twisted in yearning and trepidation. It wasn't something she could say out loud just yet.

"If you don't mind, Nora, I think I will lay down with Harper. Maybe a nap will refresh my outlook on all of this." Andy stood as Nora nodded in agreement. It was definitely a gift to have a friend like Nora. She didn't judge and she understood Andy's need for quiet. Andy was certain she and Nora were more alike than either of them knew.

***

Matt's hands felt stiff from the repeated jarring of the ax handle against his skin. His shoulders ached as he straightened his back. Surveying the progress of his chopping rampage, Matt gritted his teeth. Two cords of wood hadn't been enough to dampen the angry fires. He still seethed underneath the surface. He hadn't expected his mother to be so judging and domineering towards the woman he brought home. He wanted to think that it was just Andy and had he brought anyone else home, his mom might be her sweet tempered self. He didn't know.

Matt was at a loss as to how to fix this problem. Andy was already on alert for anything to go wrong and his mom was all the reason she would need to leave. He couldn't let Andy leave. He needed her in every way and just remembering how he had mentioned his family being their test for success, well, it gave him cause to worry. If Andy wanted to walk away from him, he would let her go, but he didn't know if he could survive it.

"Penny for your thoughts, Son." His father chuckled when Matt jumped at the sound of his voice. Matt shook his head and sunk the head of the ax into a heavy log.

"Shit, Dad! Don't sneak up on a guy like that." Matt rubbed his palms on his jeans, glaring moodily at his father. Blue eyes sparkled with mischief as his father watched his son.

"Matt, a brass band could have snuck up on you and that is while they were playing!" Travis chuckled again at Matt's shocked look with eyes wide. "Care to tell me what has your attention so completely?" Travis looked about him for a seat and selected a large tree stump. Sitting down on it, he looked expectantly at his youngest child. Matt pursed his lips and then sighed, taking a seat on an adjoining stump.

"I don't even know where to start, Dad. I am so confused." Matt put his elbows on his thighs and rubbed his palms over his face. He took a deep breath and looked at his father.

"Love does that to a guy. Heck, I think it does it to everyone." Travis grinned proudly at his son. Matt huffed and tipped his head up towards the bright blue sky. The afternoon sunshine was slightly warmer than normal.

"Wonder if I should be scared that you have guessed so near to the truth?" Matt looked at his father, feeling the older man's understanding and amusement.

"Shoot, I knew the moment you stepped out of your truck. The way you hold her close to you, even when you aren't touching her." Travis narrowed his blue eyes at Matt. "Have you told her?"

"Yes, I told her after we had an argument. I'm not sure it was the best time to blurt out that I love her, but she knows." Matt remembered holding Andy to him as he prayed she would forgive him for making such a mess of finding out who Lance Harper was. He had been so afraid of losing her then and in all honesty, he was more in danger of losing her now. He swallowed hard.

"Has she told you how she feels? I'd bet she's just as in love with you as you are with her." Travis wiped the silly grin from his face and looked at his son's creased brow.

"It isn't whether we love each other, or not, Dad." Matt shook his head, trying to clear away the clutter before he made a mess of this conversation too. Travis looked at him thoughtfully.

"What is it then?" His father's voice was hushed, prompting without prying. Matt pursed his lips.

"It's just that we don't know each other. We've been trying to fight off one obstacle after another and I don't know if she can be with me here." Matt's words came out in a rush and he sighed. In an effort to create some clarity, it all sounded so juvenile.
You never were much for talking.
Matt groaned and leaned his face into his hands. His father chuckled in his
been there, done that
way.