Cowboy Come Home (11 page)

Griffin stood, handing Caroline to Camille. “Finish your breakfast and I’ll drive you to the bus stop. We might even let the twins ride with us, since they’re not sick yet.”

“We’ll need the bath stuff and lotion for the girls, Griff,” Camille reminded him.

“I’ll get someone from the drugstore to bring out what you need,” Doc suggested. “We can just put it on the regular bill.”

With a nod of acknowledgment, Griffin rounded up the three boys and headed out to the truck.

“There’s coffee already made, Doc. Would you like a cup?” Camille offered.

“Don’t mind if I do. No, stay down, I’ll get it. This little lady is just about asleep,” he added as he stood and placed Torie in the daybed, tucking her blanket around her. “Can I get you a refill?”

“Yes, please.”

He returned with two cups of coffee.

Caroline, too, was falling asleep, and Camille laid her down. Then she turned her attention to Elizabeth, still gnawing on a piece of toast. As she cut up some banana for the little girl to eat, Doc asked, “So, what do you think of the newest Randall?”

Many answers went through Camille’s mind. Finally, she chose the most innocuous. “He’s a fine man. Quite like his cousins, in spite of never having met them until recently.”

“He sure looks like Jake, don’t he?”

“Yes, he does.”

“I remember Margaret, his mother. A strongheaded little lady if there ever was one. Spoiled by her daddy. She cut a wide swath through the men when she reached puberty.”

Camille offered a polite smile in return but said nothing. She was uncomfortable discussing Griffin and his mother.

Doc didn’t seem to notice her unease. “Yeah, she was real popular with the men. Though not with the ladies. Her pa couldn’t see that she was hurtin’ anyone. He held Gus to a much higher standard.”

“A lot of fathers favor their daughters.”

“Yeah, but they exercise a little more discipline than her old man did. It sure caused everyone a lot of heartache in the end. Has Griff said who his daddy was?”

She looked up, surprised by the question. “No. I don’t think he knows.”

“Does he want to know?”

“Doc, you’ll have to ask Griffin that question. We haven‘t—I mean, we aren’t—We haven’t discussed things like that.”

“You’re right, of course. Maybe I’ll wait until Jake gets back before I speak to Griffin.”

“Do you know who he is?” she asked, suddenly realizing the significance of his questions.

“Maybe. There were a few rumors. And hindsight is always better. We’re a small community here, you know.”

“Yes. I think you’re right. Wait for Jake’s return. Griffin seems to be willing to hang around for a while, so—”

“Juice!” Elizabeth demanded, since Camille seemed to have forgotten her.

“Oh, okay, Elizabeth.” She got up from the table to refill the child’s glass, automatically checking on the other two, sleeping nearby. It gave her an excuse not to comment on Griffin’s plans. As she returned to set Elizabeth’s glass on her high-chair tray, she heard the truck returning.

“Griffin and the twins are back. I don’t think—”

“No, I won’t say anything now,” Doc agreed, much to her relief.

From what little she’d heard Griffin say about his father, she didn’t think he would be interested in hearing Doc’s opinion. Better to discuss it with Jake first.

Griffin entered with a twin on each hip, a smile on his lips, and Camille felt the attraction to him growing. “Did Toby get off to school okay?”

“You bet. These two little monsters cried to get on the bus, too. But I promised them a cookie when we got back to the house. I know it’s bribery, but—”

“It works,” Doc assured him with a grin. “I wouldn’t mind having one of those cookies myself.”

“I’m sorry, Doc, I didn’t think to offer you one. Griff, could you...?”

“Coming up. Come on, Richard, Russell, you have to sit at the table for your cookie. And I’ll pour you some milk.”

“Cookie!” Elizabeth declared, not about to be left out.

“I hope our supply lasts until their parents get back,” Griff said.

Doc asked about the vacationing Randalls, eager for news, and Camille told him about the phone calls. Then he asked about Red and Mildred, as if he had all the time in the world.

Camille enjoyed his presence. His expertise reassured her that the children were okay. And he provided a nice buffer between her and Griffin. One they needed after last night.

Finally, however, he stood. “Well, I’d best be on my way. You give me a call if you have any questions, Camille,” he ordered. “And I’ll get some things sent out from the drugstore.”

“Thanks, Doc. We really appreciate it.”

As he turned toward the door, Griffin halted him. “There’s just one thing, Doc.”

“Yeah?”

“I think I should tell you I’ve never had chicken pox.”

Chapter Nine

“L
ord have mercy, boy, why didn’t you say so?” Doc demanded.

Griffin sighed. He’d debated even mentioning the fact, because he figured adults didn’t catch chicken pox. “I hoped it wouldn’t matter. Can adults get it?”

“Yes, they can. And it can be a lot more serious than it is with the kids.” Doc came back to Griffin’s side and reached out to feel his cheek, then look into his eyes. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.”

“Well, listen up. If you start feeling bad, no macho stuff. You hit the bed at once and stay there.”

Griffin must’ve shown his skepticism.

“How serious will it be?” Camille asked, her eyes wide with concern.

“It can make a man sterile if he’s not careful,” Doc said gruffly, frowning at Griffin. “You hear me? And call me at once.” His last order was directed at Camille.

“I will, Doc, I promise.”

Doc said his goodbyes and left. The only noises in the room were the children’s. Neither Griffin nor Camille spoke.

“Cookie!” Elizabeth shrieked, reaching for the plate again.

The twins took up her cry, and Griffin looked at Camille. “Do we let them have another one?”

“I don’t think it will hurt. After they each take one, put the rest away. Maybe if they can’t see them, they won’t want any more.”

Griffin did as she asked, but he recognized the same theory she’d tried last night. If the kids were as crazy about the cookies as he was about wanting Camille, he didn’t think hiding them would work.

Camille suggested he stay in the den with the three that were well, while she cleaned the kitchen and kept an eye on the two that were sleeping.

Griffin did as she suggested, only stopping by his bedroom to get his laptop computer. He could work on his stock portfolio at the same time.

Half an hour later, Camille came to the door of the den. “Everything all right?”

“Yeah, but I need to talk to you.”

He’d debated this move almost the entire time since he left the kitchen. A stock he’d been keeping an eye on seemed ready to make a big move. He’d decided to place some of his money in the stock, and some of the Randall Corporation money that Jake had insisted he invest for them. He felt he should do the same for Camille.

But in view of her past experience, he wasn’t sure she would trust him.

“Cammy,” he began, unconsciously calling her by her nickname, “there’s this stock I’ve been watching. I think it’s going to go up quite a bit. I’m putting money in it and, well, I want to invest some of your money, help you get back some of what you lost.”

She appeared stunned by his words. “You want me to invest more money in the stock market, after what happened to me?”

“I’m good at what I do. I wouldn’t steer you wrong,” he assured her. For some reason, it was important to him that she trust him.

Camille had to say no. “Even if I wanted to, I don’t have enough to make a difference. Besides, we both know there’s always a gamble, even if the stockbroker is honest.” She paused but couldn’t keep from saying softly, “I do trust you, Griff. I believe you’re honest. But I’m not investing in the market again, not unless I’m in control.”

“We’ll pretend you gave me the money. You can pay me back later if it pans out.”

“Griff, no. I won’t let you do that.”

“Cammy, I’m not your fiancé. I won’t lose your money.” He reached out to take her hand. “Remember what I said last night? I analyze. I deal in facts. I know what I’m doing.”

Camille stared at him. She could use an increase in her financial state, but she wasn’t taking pity from this man.

“Thank you, but I don’t need charity.”

“You’re being bullheaded.”

She gave him her sweetest smile. “It takes one to know one.”

“What can I do to convince you?”

“What can I do to convince you that leaving the Randall family would be a mistake?”

He appeared stunned by her question. “The two have nothing in common!”

“Yes, they do. We each have a prejudice, me against investing in the stock market, you against families.” With an ironic curve of her lips, she walked out of the room. If she stayed any longer, she would be too tempted. To trust Griffin, not the stock market.

Griffin stared at the door, willing her to return. But nothing happened. Ridiculous female! Determination surged through him. He’d prove her wrong. He’d set up the account in her name, loan her the money and when it surged, as he expected it to do, he’d prove his point.

Then she’d have to acknowledge he was right...without him having to do the same. His thoughts skittered away from the Randall family and his leaving. Of course he would go. There was no reason to wonder if Camille was right, after all.

CAMILLE REAPPEARED at the door to the den an hour later, having resolved to keep their relationship on a friendly basis. Nothing personal. “The cleaning ladies came a few minutes ago. They’ve gone upstairs to make the beds and start the laundry, so I’m leaving the other two asleep in the kitchen.”

“Good. In a few minutes, I’ll take these three kids outside to work off some energy. Will Elizabeth like that?”

“I think she’ll love it. Little girls like going outside, too,” she assured him, amused by his uncertainty.

“I’ve never been around children at all,” he said, “so all I have are my own memories to rely on.”

“You’ve adapted quickly, Griff, and I appreciate your help so much. I expect we’ll be getting our daily call soon. I hope I can lie well.”

He studied her, and she wondered what he was thinking. He soon let her know. “I think maybe I’d better take the calls. You couldn’t fool anyone.”

“Griffin! I can, too.”

“Nope. Are we keeping Red and Mildred’s departure a secret, too?”

“I think we should. Don’t you? They would only worry. And if you take the call, they’re going to wonder why you aren’t out on horseback.”

“I’ll think of a reason.”

He didn’t have much time. The phone rang. With a smile in her direction, Griffin reached for the receiver. “Hello?”

Camille knew it was the Randalls because Griff smiled at her, nodding.

“Aloha to you, too. How’s the weather?”

“Daddy?” Richard asked, crawling from the end of the sofa, over Russell and Elizabeth to reach Griffin. Of course, as soon as the other two realized what he’d said, they were clamoring to talk to their parents, too.

“Wait, guys. Let Uncle Griff talk,” Camille urged, trying to hold them off Griffin.

“Yeah, we’re caught up on the chores and I thought I’d take some time to watch a few cartoons. I miss them, you know.”

Camille had to admit his casual tones were more convincing than hers would be.

“No, everything’s fine here. What could go wrong?” After a pause, he said, “No, he and Mildred ran into town to do a little shopping. Camille’s here to make sure I don’t do anything wrong.”

“Griff!” she protested, her arms full of two little boys and Elizabeth. “Oh, look, there’s Bert and Ernie!” she exclaimed, drawing the children’s attention back to the television.

Fortunately, her trick worked.

“Whatever you want to do, but there’s no need. We’re all fine here.”

Camille looked at Griffin. Were they thinking of coming home early? She hated to admit to herself how much better she’d feel if they did. Today was Tuesday and they weren’t due home until Sunday.

When he hung up the phone, she asked him when they were returning.

“They were talking about coming Friday, but I told them we were fine. They haven’t decided.”

“We’re not going to be fine if you get sick.” There. She’d admitted the fear that was building in her.

“I probably won’t get sick, Cammy. I’m a big boy. If I do, I’ll just take it easy.”

“If you do, you’ll go to bed at once, like Doc said.”

“Lady, you’re not big enough to make me.” He squared his jaw, the way all the Randalls did.

“Griff, surely you wouldn’t take a chance on—on becoming sterile. You’re so good with the children, you should have some of your own.” She’d even dreamed of his children, though she’d never admit that to him.

He shrugged his shoulders. “If I never intend to marry, I probably shouldn’t have children anyway.”

“That’s your choice, but I want it to be a choice, not a decision made for you by your stubbornness.”

A knock at the back door had her jumping up. The deliveryman from the drugstore arrived. Camille tipped him for his trouble, then opened the bags. Doc had sent the oatmeal-bath packages. Two dozen of them.

Camille wondered if he thought they’d need that much, but she figured better safe than sorry. Then she found the note.

This should be enough for a couple of days. When you need anything more, call the drugstore. Doc said you can bathe them in the oatmeal stuff as much as you want.

A couple of days? They’d all be shriveled up by then.

Two DAYS LATER, as she placed another order on the phone, Camille remembered her earlier thoughts. Yes, she felt like her hands were shriveled up from bathing so many children, but the baths soothed their irritated skin.

First the bath, then dotting their bumps with calamine lotion. Only Richard had not fallen from the ranks yet. He was upset that his twin didn’t feel well. He tried to get Russell to play with him, and Griffin took him in his arms, trying to explain the difficulty.