The Fifth Season (25 page)

“I can’t believe you’ve sold River Run.”

“After Nate signed the papers over, it was mine to do whatever I wanted with.”

“But why?”

Emma shook her head and grimaced at how horrible the past weeks had been. “I don’t want River Run. The only thing that matters is Stone. Give me his address.”

“Okay.” Alexa handed over the piece of paper.

“How’d you track him down?”

“He called.”

Emma refused to allow any anger or hurt to penetrate this moment. She didn’t expect him to call her, no – she needed to tell him so many things first, prove to him that he was the one she chose. “I see. You didn’t say anything about me, did you?”

“No, I didn’t.” Alexa wagged a finger under Emma’s nose. “Even though every little nerve demanded I spill.”

“Thanks for being a good friend.”

“I don’t understand you.”

“Well, I guess that makes two of us.”

“Have you spoken to Nate?”

“No ma’am, and I don’t intend to either. He doesn’t deserve any part of River Run or any part of my life.”

“That’s rather harsh.”

Emma shook her head. “He should’ve told me the truth, given me the advantage I needed to help Stone. I’ll take responsibility for my inability to trust completely, but I’ll be damned if that man gets off scot-free.”

“You don’t really mean that, do you?”

“Yes and no. Time heals everything, Alexa. It’ll heal me too. But right now Nate Connor has no claim on my life or my affection.” Now, if she could convince Stone of her love, maybe everything would work.

“How’s the baby?”

“Better. I still need to be off my feet most of the day. But the doctor says everything looks just fine.”

“So what’re you going to do with this?” Alexa tapped the piece of paper she’d handed to Emma.

“Letters. I’m going to write lots of letters. I had my first ultrasound yesterday and the picture is going to be winging its way to…” She looked at the address in her hand. “Utah? What the heck’s he doing in Utah?”

“I haven’t a clue, but by the address it looks like he’s ranching.”

“A hidden talent I didn’t know about?”

“Honey, all the Connors are born to ranch. It’s a genetic thing.”

Emma laughed and felt the sunshine kiss her skin. Spring bloomed across the range and life blossomed within. “I can do this,” she said.

“I know you can.” Alexa agreed.

“Ready to go look at my new home?”

“Only if I drive. I’m not going anywhere in that pickup truck of yours.”

“Actually,” Emma laughed, “I was hoping you’d offer. I’m not very graceful these days.”

***

Emma enjoyed the freedom of the convertible. Alexa maneuvered along the back roads with ease born from familiarity. The wind nipped at their noses, but they both refused to put the top up.

“This is closer to our ranch than to River Run.” Alexa said.

“Yeah, I know. I did that on purpose. Besides it has a huge barn for the animals.”

“Oh, aren’t they staying at the resort?”

“Nope. They weren’t for sale.”

“I’m going to be nosy and ask what the final sales price was.” Alexa had to shout above the wind. Emma grabbed her ponytail, trying to control the wisps from catching her eyes.

“Nine million.”

Alexa slammed on the brakes. “Holy bat-guano, Emma. I can’t believe that.”

Emma smiled. “Yeah, it’s wonderful isn’t it? What do you think Stone’ll do with all that er…” she frowned then smiled again. “Bat-guano?”

“Send it back.” Alexa pushed down on the accelerator again and the car sped around a sharp corner.

“That’s what I’m hoping for, with him attached to the other end.”

“Oooh boy, lot’s of challenges heading in that boy’s direction.”

“He can handle it. Here it is.” Emma pointed to the left and Alexa pulled the convertible onto a gravel drive. They drove in silence as the car hummed quietly along a serpentine path. Topping the ridge, Alexa gasped in surprise.

“Oh Emma,” she said. “This is beautiful.”

“Yeah, I think so.” The two of them climbed out of the car and walked toward the sprawling cabin. Emma pulled a key out of her purse and they entered the glass and timber home.

She’d not bought any furniture yet, but one of the local galleries already delivered and installed her new light fixtures. She’d chosen a rustic décor, native to the area. Chandeliers made of antlers hung in the foyer and the dining room. Emma clapped her hands in delight when she saw them.

“Aren’t they cool?”

Alexa laughed and nodded in agreement. “What’s really cool is this view.”

The house was nestled high upon a hill top. The entire back wall made of glass. It looked over the valley of Jackson Hole with the Grand Tetons framing the vista to the left and the ski slopes dominating the right. Gently flowing pastures rolled down hill until they were divided by one of the many tributaries from the Snake.

“I hope this all works.” A sudden sense of dread, invading her good spirits.

“You’ll make it work.”

“Yes,” she agreed. “I will. I don’t care what anyone else needs, I’m going for what I need.”

“Which is?”

“Stone Connor. I need Stone.”

“Good girl.” Alexa walked back outside and headed to the car. “Come on kiddo, it’s time to get you back to bed.”

Emma smiled and as much as she hated leaving, she knew Alexa was right. Besides, in a few more weeks she’d be here permanently.

***

Curled in a tight ball, Emma pulled the covers up over her head, muffling her sobs. It didn’t help. She felt the weight of the bed give way and knew her father sat on the edge waiting for her to gain control.

“Is there anything I can do, child?” The lilt of his brogue soothed, but her heart still wouldn’t cease its endless ache.

“No, Papa. Thanks though.” She held tight to the sheets he tugged away from her.

“You need to be strong. If not for yourself, then do it for the wee bairn who has yet to see the light of day.”

“She’ll only be coming into a life of misery. No father and a mother too heartbroken to live.”

Her father’s soft chuckle didn’t endear him one bit. “Stone’ll come around.”

“I’ve been mailing letters every week since May. It’s the end of August and not a word. I thought he’d at least come home to check on his baby, but no. Nothing.”

“He has a lot to work through. The Congo hasn’t been kind to him and facing down the man who held me captive must’ve taken a toll. His emotions were so raw.”

Emma nodded. “I know. If I could do that day all over again, I’d have gone after him.”

“You might’ve lost the baby.”

A dark thought crossed her mind, but her heart caught it and banished it. She hadn’t risked the baby, and that had been the right decision.

“I’ve moved my stuff into the guest room downstairs.” Hugh said.

Emma sat up and dried her eyes. “Why? Is Nate giving you a hard time?”

“No. But we both decided that seeing you’re coming up on your due date, it’d be best if someone stayed here.”

“You both decided?” Emma allowed a brief burst of bitterness to escape. “Haven’t I made it clear that I’m in charge of my own life? I don’t want to be responsible for anyone else.”

“Whoa, child. I’ll be fine just by myself and so will Nate. We don’t want you to care for us. Let us care for you.” Hugh scooted closer and wiped a hand across her face.

She reached up and held on. “I’ll be okay. It’s just all these hormones.”

“I know you miss him.”

“I do. I never realized how much I loved him until he left.”

“You only have a few weeks left before your daughter is born. Why not try and carve a little happiness out of those days?”

Emma nodded. She knew her father was right. But every time a flash of the future, empty of Stone, crossed her mind, it rendered her senseless. She’d done everything but pound on his door. She’d do that too, if the damn doctors would let her out of bed. The placenta privia hadn’t corrected itself in her second trimester like they’d hoped, leaving her confined to limited activity and no stress.

“I’ll try, Papa. Please don’t worry.”

“I can worry, it’s my right. I might have missed a great part of your life but I’m here now. My little granddaughter will be raised like a good Irish lass.”

“But she’s American.” Emma laughed at her father’s expression.

“Bite your tongue.” He stood and patted her cheek. She noted the healthy glow to his skin and how his figure had filled out. It hadn’t taken long for her to overcome the mixed feelings of resentment and love. Love won out. It wasn’t her father’s fault she’d made a bed of nails to sleep in.

“Is Tilly here yet?”

“Not yet. Isn’t this her morning off?”

“Yes, that’s right.” She was still amazed at how Tilly had stepped up and taken over. The woman refused to work for the new owners of River Run, and in a weak moment, Emma offered her a position of personal assistant. She helped around the house and basically performed all the duties Emma’s current incapacitation wouldn’t allow. She’d never regretted the decision.

“Would you mind fixing me a cup of tea?” In reality, Emma craved solitude, not tea.

“Of course. I think I remember how to boil water.”

“Papa…” He made her smile and for that she was grateful.

“I’ll be back.” Hugh left her room, and she sank into the comfort of her pillows. Closing her eyes, she fought against the next wave of despair.

Why hadn’t he answered?

Where was he?

Rolling over, she gasped as a sharp pain knifed through her lower belly. Emma sat up and took several deep breaths. The pain receded, and she lay back down. She didn’t think it was labor pains, because she’d been suffering from Braxton Hicks for the past month. This felt more like a slice. Probably gas, she decided trying to remember what she’d eaten yesterday.

After a few moments of rest, Emma figured that’s exactly what it’d been and sat up carefully. Her hair lay plastered to her head from the sudden hot flashes she experienced in the middle of the night.

The phone rang and Emma answered, a slight flutter to her pulse. Maybe it was him.

“Hello?”

“Emma sweetie, I’ll be over shortly. Do you need anything?”

“No, Tilly, but thanks.”

“What’re you doing?”

“I’m about to take a shower. I feel yucky after last night.”

“Oh those hot flashes again? You know you really need to read that chapter again in the book I gave you. It’s very informative.”

“Why bother?” Emma said under her breath. Tilly’d become a virtual Einstein on pregnancy.

“What was that?”

“I said,” she spoke louder, “I gather.”

“Okey dokey, I’ll be there soon.”

“Tilly?” Emma suddenly regretted her snotty thoughts.

“Yes?”

“Thank you. You’re an angel.”

“Don’t you blubber at me I’m doing my best with this new leaf, but blubbering and hugging and heart to heart talks won’t make it any easier.”

Emma laughed for the second time that morning. Maybe things were becoming easier. Maybe.

Stepping from the comfort of her bed, she waddled to the bathroom. Ugh, she couldn’t wait to see her feet again. Ignoring the huge hippo reflected in the mirror, Emma made her way to the shower.

She turned the knob and went to pull her nightgown over her head.

Another pain stabbed across her belly, but this time it drove her to her knees. The sound of the showerhead spurting water pounded against her brain, mimicking the throbbing fire attacking her insides.

Placing a hand upon the tiled wall, Emma inhaled and exhaled trying to use the Lamaze method of pain control. Her vision dimmed, and she fought to remain conscious against the pain.

Calling for her father, she swore when her voice came out a pathetic whimper. Another flash of pain and then a warm river of moisture trickled down her legs.

Reaching down, she lifted her night gown. Thick ribbons of red pooled on the white tile. Emma’s heart seized and the next stab of pain had her screaming at the top of her lungs. She heard her father’s footsteps bounding up the stairs as she slid down to the floor, no longer able to battle against the treachery of her body.

Chapter Seventeen

Stone stared at the television. With half his mind numbed by beer, he didn’t care what the newscaster discussed. Twisting his head, he counted the empty bottles that lined the coffee table. Almost finished the twelve pack. Another night drowned and finished.

A fist struck his door. He ignored the hammering and popped the top off another icy bottle.

“Stone,” a familiar voice called from outside.

His gut twisted. The past slammed into him, and he bit down on his hatred. Closing his eyes, he swallowed the emotion away and stared at the television.

“Go away.”

“Open this door or I’ll kick it down.”

“Go away.” Didn’t anyone know how to leave a man alone?

The sound of a heavy kick and splintering wood echoed through the dilapidated shack. He leapt off the old, moth-eaten recliner and bowed back to shoot a fist straight into his father’s nose.

“Hold up, son. I’m not here to make peace with you so don’t go getting all defensive.”

Stone narrowed his gaze, fist still in the air and growled. “Whaddya want?”

“Look at you.” His father shook his head in disgust. Stone felt a sharp pang of shame then blasted it away with an angry bolt of betrayal.

“Don’t like what you see? Go away.”

“No,” Nate shook his head. “Unfortunately it looks damn familiar to me, seems I used to look into that face a lot about twenty years ago.”

Stone glanced at the lopsided, cracked mirror hung on one wall. His hair was long and unkempt, greasy after several days of work in the field. He hadn’t bothered to shower. His full beard and mustache cloaked his face in black whiskers. He glared at his father.

“Get out of here, old man.”

“Emma needs you.”

Taking a swig of beer, he choked, spewing the carbonated liquid through his nose. “Yeah, right.”

“She’s…”

“Why would she want me? You’re all she needs.”