Roz Denny Fox (24 page)

“No. I’d have to be gone too long. I can’t—
won’t
—leave Hayley alone. She’s too far along in her pregnancy to be doing what she’s doing.”

“A break will do you both good,” Nell advised gently. “Go on up to Phoenix. Buy Hayley a present while you’re there. Or get her something for the baby.”

His face lit up for the first time in a week. “A cradle. Early on she talked about wanting a cradle. I’d hoped to build her one. I haven’t had time. I’ll buy one. And a really nice maternity dress. One suitable for the harvest dance.”

Wade grunted and stomped off. Nell hid her concern. “I’ll go see her a few times while you’re gone, Jacob. I’ll take her some acorn squash.”

“And milk,” Jake reminded her, heading to his room to pack. “She’s looking so peaked. Mom, she’s got it in her head that all I want is access to the spring. I’ve told her I love her a hundred times. She doesn’t call me a liar, but she might as well. Her eyes say it loud and clear.”

“I wish I could advise you, son. Hayley’s distanced herself from Eden and me, too. She’s never had a family, Jake. Maybe we overwhelm her.”

“I don’t think it’s that. But I’m telling you right now, so clue Dad in. When I get back, I’m pitching a tent at her site until she’s ready to stop and go have the baby. I’ll pay Dillon to do my chores and keep an eye on Art Wahl. I want that house finished in time to bring Hayley and the baby home from the hospital.”

“Oh, Jacob. Seeing you like this breaks my heart. I’ll talk to her. Plead with her. There’ll be frost soon. Maybe by the time you get back, she’ll be ready to give up. At least move her trailer to the Triple C.”

“Or not,” Nell whispered to the four walls after Jake left.

B
EEF BIDS WENT SMOOTHLY
. Jake managed to shave three days off his trip; instead of a week, he’d been gone four days. Though he was eager to get home and shed the trappings required for wheeling and dealing in the stockyard, he took the time to swing by his mother’s shop. She and Eden were both busy with customers. Although he was anxious to hear about Hayley and also to see her, he nevertheless cooled his heels until one of the women was free to talk.

He’d gone into the back room and helped himself to coffee, and now stood over Eden’s workbench, studying her latest designs, when his mother joined him.

“Isn’t that ring gorgeous? Too bad it’s presold, or I’d buy it for myself. Eden’s having the time of her life with Hayley’s opals. I heard her tell a dealer yesterday that the fire and the passion of these stones inspires her creativity.”

“I’m glad for Eden and for Hayley. How is she, Mom?”

“Still at the site and not at the Triple C, if that tells you anything. I tried, Jacob. So did Eden. Art Wahl phoned Dillon. He said it’s impossible to finish your house before late January. Over the weekend Eden helped me paint Dillon’s old room. We papered one wall in a nursery print. The antiques store down the street had a crib and chest they’d taken on consignment. Solid maple. Fabulous condition. I hauled them home. Wade helped me wrestle the pieces into the house. He only grumbled a little.” Nell smiled, then sobered. “Hayley cried when I told her what I’d done. But she kept saying I shouldn’t have and refused to even come back with me to look at the room.”

Jake’s expanded lungs deflated like a pierced balloon. He pressed the heels of his palms to his forehead, shut his eyes and massaged the deep furrows away. “Why is she being so stubborn if Eden’s sales are taking off? I know she was fretting about not having enough money to take proper care of the baby until she can open the mine again—but that shouldn’t be a problem now.” He shook his head. “She can’t seem to trust anyone but herself to provide for them.”

“You told her you love her. I said we’d welcome her at the ranch. Dillon’s old room is ready and waiting. I hate to say it, honey, but the rest is up to Hayley.”

“I know.” Jake turned bleak eyes her way. “I’m going home to change out of this suit and give Dad the check from the sale. Then I’m going to see her.”

“Did you find a cradle?”

“Yes. That’s one less item she needs to save up for. I bought other stuff for the baby, too. Two of everything a kid needs in the first week of life, or so the clerk at the store said.”

“Oh, Jake. That was sweet of you.” Nell smiled at her son through misty eyes. “I wish your love was reciprocated. Over the years I’ve watched so many local girls toss their hearts at your feet. I never thought I’d be sorry you hadn’t caught and held on to one. Now I am. If you’d chosen one of them, you wouldn’t be going through this heartache.”

Jake hugged her awkwardly. “I distinctly remember you telling me hearts go their own way—regardless of what the mind says.”

Nell slipped out of his arms and blotted her eyes with the sleeve of her blouse. “That was when Eden chose Dillon and I knew you were dreadfully hurt.”

“I got over Eden. She and Dillon are right for each other. Hayley…” He tried to articulate how this was different, but words failed him.

Nell’s every feature conveyed sympathy.

Eden bounced into the room and stopped inside the door, darting a puzzled glance between the two. “Oops. Sorry if I’m interrupting.”

“You’re not. I’m headed home,” Jake said briskly. “Then on to see Hayley.”

“Tell her the customer who just left ordered an opal pendant for each of her five sisters.” Flinging her arms aloft, she danced around the room. “Our winter visitors are really going for the opal jewelry. Wait until I exhibit at the gem show this spring. Will you ask Hayley if she’s still interested in becoming my apprentice? If not, I’ll place an ad in next month’s
Rock and Gem
magazine. At the rate I’m selling, I’ll need to start training someone soon.”

Jake stroked his chin. “Before Hayley has the baby? I know she wants the job, but she’s facing so many big decisions all at once, I don’t think she knows which way to turn. She’s sort of hung up on the cost of living here, too. If it wouldn’t put you in a bind, could you cut her some slack?”

“Sure.” A puzzled look settled between her brows as Eden looked at Nell. “What’s with the cost of living? Are you going to charge her rent?”

“Hayley turned down my offer of a room. I was disappointed, to say the least. I didn’t let you know because I’m still hoping Jake can change her mind.”

“Don’t count on it.” He heaved a sigh. “She’s one stubborn lady. But if Dillon and Dad can spare me around the ranch between now and the harvest dance next weekend, maybe I can help Hayley dig enough ore to satisfy her. That’s a couple of weeks earlier than she intended to shut down. As far as I’m concerned, any days she lops off would make me worry less about her health and welfare.”

“You’ve got to admire her guts,” Eden said. “She’s out to here.” Eden linked her fingers approximately eighteen inches away from her flat belly. “Most women would have called it quits already.”

Totally in agreement, Jake turned to go. “Oh, hey,” he said, poised at the door. “I take it there’s been no further evidence of Hayley’s ex?”

“He’s still out there bumbling around.” Nell combed a hand through her short curls. “Link Thompson bought a bull in Nogales on Saturday. He told Dillon there were two men in the café attempting to throw some official weight around. They mentioned Ben O’Dell and you in the same breath. Link’s ears perked up. He said he didn’t like the way they acted, so he kept his mouth shut.”

“Nogales, huh? How long before they stop at the recorder’s? Don’t those dudes have jobs? How can they afford to keep searching?”

“People with vengeance on their minds make the time, Jake. I don’t like them including you in this. It’s not your fight,” his mother reminded him. “There’s plenty to keep you busy at the ranch. But I suppose any hope of getting you to stay at the Triple C is just wishful thinking.”

Jake didn’t even bother to reiterate his decision to devote his days to Hayley; he knew his mother had read his intentions. She’d know where to find him during the hours he wasn’t asleep. If he thought Hayley wouldn’t pitch a royal fit, he’d roll out a sleeping bag in front of her door and spend his nights at the Blue Cameo, too. But he was positive she’d never go for that.

Jake missed the days he’d been out of the saddle. He’d have preferred to ride Mojave to Hayley’s, were it not for the gifts he’d bought. This once, he’d drive his pickup over the longer bone-jarring route. After today, he’d ride his horse.

The sun was on the wane by the time he actually pulled in and parked next to Hayley’s truck. Jake was surprised to see her in camp rather than up the mountain digging. She appeared to be sitting in her lawn chair, staring into the fire, one hand aimlessly stroking Charcoal.

In spite of her added bulk, she’d moved fast enough to grab the shotgun before Jake even got out of his vehicle. He recognized her gun as the weapon with which she’d first greeted him. This time, though, even his dog stayed close to Hayley and snarled.

Jake approached with his hands up and laughter in his voice. “Except for the fact that I’m not riding Mojave, this is déjà vu.”

“Jake! I didn’t realize it was you.”

Was that relief he heard in her voice? Maybe absence
had
made her heart grow fonder.

“Your truck’s hidden by mine. I didn’t know who or what to expect. I suppose this is like the first day you rode in and surprised me. I was looking smack into the sun then, too. Could hardly see you.”

Jake could see her well enough, though. She looked beautiful, but more tired than when he’d last seen her. “Knocked off early, huh? Is that a case of while the cat’s away the mouse plays?” he joked.

Charcoal, having identified Jake, raced around in circles, wagging his tail.

Hayley set aside the gun and raked twitchy fingers through her hair. “About an hour ago Charcoal alerted me to another visitor. One of your co-op cops. I wasn’t sure if he was gone or not. I left my tools at the mine and decided to light a fire and sit a spell. I thought you might be him sneaking back.”

“Co-op cops? You mean Westin?” At first Jake’s gut tightened. Then he relaxed and dropped to his haunches beside the fire. “John and Marsh Rogers would be into their roundups. I imagine they needed to open the valves to release water.”

“That, and to dispense advice.”

“Such as?” Jake brushed dog hair off his hands.

She settled gingerly down on the chair, taking care not to meet Jake’s eyes. “Nothing. His message was personal.”

The light dawned on Jake. “So Ginalyn got around to complaining to her daddy about that night at the restaurant. I’m sure she bent his ear good. I hope you told him to buzz off. Hayley, you don’t have to take guff from them.”

She laced her fingers across her stomach. “I’m the gate-crasher. Your Ginalyn belongs here. I understand why Mr. Westin would take up for his daughter.”

“Forget him,” Jake said savagely. “John’s the outsider, if you want to get technical. You were at least born in Arizona. Westin blew in a few years ago from Virginia. And we know how much he cares about this land. He’s after a fast buck.”

“Jake!” Hayley sounded shocked.

He sliced a hand through the air as if to say the conversation was finished as far as he was concerned. Rising smoothly, he leaned over and dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. “I brought you some stuff from Phoenix.”

She tried to keep a childish anticipation in check. Few people in her life had ever brought her gifts. She couldn’t contain her curiosity and finally capitulated. “What? What did you bring? It wouldn’t be milk. Not from Phoenix.” She clapped her palms soundlessly, at last pressing her fingertips, prayer-like, against a quivering bottom lip. “I know, a new drill bit. You said mine is hopelessly dull.”

When Jake straightened and grinned, she started to rise. “Wait,” he told her. “Sit and relax. I’ll bring everything to you.”

“Everything? You bought more than one thing?” Sudden wariness extinguished the excitement from her eyes. “You shouldn’t spend money on me, Jake.”

He ho-ho’d merrily. “If I hadn’t shaved, you’d call me Santa.”

Hayley giggled in spite of herself. Before she could again deny his right to buy her presents, he jogged off. During their chatter, darkness had cloaked the area in and around the clearing. Both Jake and Charcoal blended with the evening shadows.

Hayley strained to see what Jake carried a few minutes later as he walked toward her again. Slowly. He’d brought something large, judging by the way he staggered under the weight. What on earth…?

“Close your eyes,” he ordered, still several feet from the fire.

“Honestly, Jake. Oh, all right,” she agreed when it became obvious that he intended to stay out of sight until she complied with his request. “Hurry. The suspense is killing me.”

One-handed, he untied the old quilt he’d wrapped around the cradle to keep it safe from dust. The layette had needed three department-store sacks, and they’d all been stuffed into the cradle. Still in his truck, inside a box from a Phoenix maternity store, was the dress he’d bought her to wear to the harvest dance. But that could wait.

“Can I look yet?” Hayley eyed him through splayed fingers.

“Okay, now.” Jake had removed the baby clothes from their bags and arranged them on the cradle mattress. He wished he’d taken time to tie on the bumper pads and put the brightly patterned sheet over the mattress. He gazed at the hodgepodge, wondering how it would look to Hayley. As if in answer, she suddenly burst into tears.

“Oh, Hayley! You hate it. The cradle’s nothing like what you wanted.”

“Noooo.” She kept shaking her head and wiping her cheeks. “I
love
it, Jake. In my whole entire life no one’s ever given me such a wonderful surprise.”

“Then why are you crying?” Jake was genuinely perplexed.

She ran a finger tentatively over the maple spindles. The cradle didn’t sway.

“There’s a metal pin at the foot.” Jake pointed to a ring. “Slide it out and you can rock the baby. Shove it in and it remains stationary. A good feature, I thought.”

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Hayley swallowed around the huge lump in her throat and picked up a tiny pastel undershirt. Refolding it carefully, she brushed at the front of her jumper. “I need to wash before I touch anything more. Jake, you bought too much. I’m only having one baby, you know.”

He knelt at her feet and solemnly tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “The clerk said this is barely enough to get started. Otherwise, you’ll be doing laundry every day. And that’s just for the baby, she said.”

She clamped her teeth over her bottom lip. “I know so little about caring for a baby. You must think I’ll be a horrid mother.”

“You’re going to be a great mother. Parents can’t do more than put their child’s welfare before their own. That’s what I see you doing, Hayley.”

Without warning, Hayley flung her arms around Jake’s neck. She kissed him soundly on his lips. As tears trickled down her cheeks, she peppered his face with soft, damp kisses.

“Hey.” He wobbled backward, dangerously unsteady. “We’ll be in a real mess if you tumble out of that chair and flatten me.” He laughed.

Smiling at last, she turned him loose. “Is that a nice way of saying you’d rather not have a hippopotamus land on you?”

“No way.” Jake scowled. “Will you quit putting yourself down? The only weight you’ve gained is baby. I don’t know where you get these notions. To me, you’re perfect exactly the way you are.”

Hayley blushed. “I’ve never met a man as intense over little things as you are, Jacob Cooper. You don’t really know me.”

“I know all I need to know.” Rising fluidly, Jake started for his truck again. “I have another package. If you want to wash up, do it while I’m gone.”

“More gifts?” She blinked. “Oh, Jake, no more, please. I’ll be indebted to you until I’m a hundred.”