Under the Midnight Stars (28 page)

To her disappointment, all was quiet. There weren’t even any signs of the usual breakfast having been prepared. But seeing that the new hat she had bought for Colt was no longer sitting on the kitchen island where she’d left it, she knew he had been there.

“Hmm.” She frowned. Just then she heard a beeping coming from outside. It sounded as if a semi truck were backing in.

She rushed out of the kitchen door and crossed the patio to the side of the house. To her surprise she found a long white horse trailer filled with horses.

“I can’t believe it.” She beamed merrily. “We finally have horses again!”

Colt hopped out of the passenger side of the truck wearing his new black hat, and quickly headed her way.

“That’s right.” He grinned proudly.

When he reached her he tipped his hat back and enveloped her in his arms. Then he planted his lips on hers, kissing her as if he hadn’t seen her in months.

His kiss instantly awakened her inner desires. Between her morning sickness and emotionally healing from the recent tragedy, their intimacy had been placed on the back burner. And apparently it was driving them both crazy.

Colt lowered his hands to her rear.

Brielle giggled and pushed him away.

He sighed and settled for placing both hands on her abdomen instead. “Did you two sleep well?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “We did. And I see you found your present.” She gently tapped the front of his hat, pushing it back down into place.

“I sure did. Thanks, baby. And I have something for you.”

She smiled with anticipation. “What is it?”

Jack came into view around the back of the trailer and handed her a paper bag. “It’s food,” he replied. “Now get your heinie outta the way so I can lower the door.”

“Food?” She snatched the plain brown bag from Jack and opened it, savoring the aroma. “Mmm, smells delicious. Thank you.” She smiled at Colt.

“You’re welcome.” He winked.

“What is it?” she asked, placing her nose in the bag and inhaling deeply again.

Jack frowned his impatience. “It’s biscuits and gravy, ham, and eggs. Now scoot!”

Brielle squinted her eyes at her brother before hurrying to the patio table to enjoy her food. She couldn’t wait to dig into her favorite breakfast meal. Though she had recovered completely from the flu, her morning sickness had continued to plague her for the last week and a half. Until finally, not more than two days ago, she had survived the entire day without vomiting, and she was still holding strong.

Pulling the food container from the bag, she opened it and eagerly dug into hearty meal, watching as Colt and Jack opened the trailer door and began to lead the horses down the ramp.

The first horse to descend to the grounds of its new home was golden in color with a white stripe down its face. Its mane and tail were a few shades lighter than the body.

“Oh, she’s beautiful!” Brielle stood with her hand over her heart as awe filled her chest. She couldn’t believe that after two years of emptiness, their home was serving its purpose again.

“She’s yours.” Jack grinned, leading the mare by her bridle. “Colt picked her out for you.”

“That’s
my
horse?” She hurried to Colt and threw her arms around his neck. “She’s so beautiful! Thank you, Colt!” She crushed his lips with hers.

He kissed her back, chuckling. “That’s the present I was talking about. The food was from Jack.”

Brielle pulled away and turned to her mare. Reaching out slowly, she stroked the smooth hair of her face. “Hi there, girl.”

A soft vibration came from the mare’s closed mouth. She turned her muzzle into Brielle’s hand, relishing the attention.

Jack grinned. “She likes you.”

Brielle smiled. “Good. Because I like her too.”

She remembered the last day she had ridden a horse. As free as a bird she flew across the countryside, along the creek, up and around the rolling hills, to her favorite spot atop one hill in particular. It stood high above the others, with a multitude of vibrant wildflowers scattered about the soft grass. Under a large oak, perched upon a boulder, she stared out over the valley, mesmerized by its beauty. The ranch looked as tiny as a miniature model built for toy trains.

Sadness filled her heart as she recalled returning home from her ride that same evening. Her mother was on her way out to visit a friend in the hospital. She’d made beef stew and biscuits for dinner. Later that night, her father came to her room and told her of her mother’s passing. After that, she never rode again. And she missed it dearly.

She sighed and shook the memory away. “I can’t wait to ride her.”

Colt wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, planting both hands over her womb. “Not for another eight months, I’m afraid.” He merrily kissed the nape of her neck.

Brielle giggled as his whiskers tickled the sensitive area.

Jack led the horse into the large corral built alongside the new barn and returned.

“All right, baby, you better scoot back. Jack’s horse’s been a little agitated,” Colt warned.

Brielle went back to the table to finish her breakfast and watch the show.

Jack ascended the ramp and brought another horse out of the trailer. The mighty gray stallion neighed his disapproval while he thudded his hooves and tried to pull away.

“Easy there, boy.” Jack soothed. He firmly guided the horse down the ramp and into the corral.

“Oh Jack, he’s beautiful too,” Brielle exclaimed in awe. She pushed her empty breakfast container aside and rushed to the trailer, eager to see the next horse. It was a jet-black stallion standing proud and tall.

Leaving the stallion in the trailer, Colt raised the door and latched the locks into place. “Do you like him? That one’s mine.”

“He looks like a warrior,” she replied.

“Yeah, he’s high-strung, but he seems to like me. I’m gonna take him over to my place now.”

“All right. I’ll go with you.”

Colt frowned. “Actually, baby, I have some things to take care of. I’ll come back for you tonight.”

Brielle’s heart sank. She took his rejection personally. After all, she was carrying his child. What was so pressing that she couldn’t just go with him, make mad passionate love to him, and mull about his farm for the rest of the day?

Hiding her humiliation, she simply shrugged. “Whatever. Take your time.”

Jack raised his eyebrows knowingly at Colt.

Colt placed his hands on both sides of her face and caressed her cheeks with his thumbs. “Don’t be upset, Brielle,” he said in a soothing tone. “I’ll be back before you know it. I just have to take care of some things.” He leaned down and kissed her softly.

Brielle accepted his gentle kiss. But she wanted more. A
lot
more. How was she supposed to ignore the sensual ache he’d just awakened? She wrapped her hands around the back of his neck and took control of their kiss, smashing her lips to his fervently. Then she slid her tongue into his mouth, while pressing her groin to his.

Colt tightened his grip around her waist and welcomed her bold passion.

“Y’all are grossing me out!” Jack interrupted as he passed by.

Colt broke free from her lip-lock and smirked. “My pregnant horny woman.”

“I’m glad you finally understand,” she said softly.

Colt kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m sorry I have to leave you for the day.”

She lowered her head and sighed — her attempt to lure him in sexually had failed.

“Do you trust me?” he whispered.

She nodded. “I trust you. I’m just gonna miss you is all.”

“I’ll miss you too, baby. I’ll see you in a bit, okay?”

“All right. But you’d better hurry. Every ounce of me is aching for you.”

Colt grinned devilishly. “You don’t know how hard you just made it for me to leave you for the day. But I’ll see you soon.”

He gave her one last passionate kiss, drawing her close, before pulling away. Then he headed around the other side of the trailer, to the front of the truck.

Sexually frustrated, Brielle watched as Colt disappeared around the front of the brand-new black diesel. She furrowed her brow. “Jack? Whose truck is that?”

“Mine. I traded my car in last night.”

“What? But you loved that car!”

“Yeah, but it’s kind of hard to haul supplies in a sports car, Brielle. I like my truck better.”

“Yeah, I guess…” She let her voice trail off as she watched Colt drive away. To keep her mind off of her heavy heart, she decided to assist Jack.

She and Jack spent the rest of the afternoon taking care of the horses. Jack filled their trough with water while Brielle fed them apples for treats. Then they bathed and brushed them before introducing them to their surroundings.

It was midafternoon when Sheriff Richard Collins pulled up to the ranch house in his squad car. Spotting Brielle and Jack in the barn, he went to them. “Jack, Gabby.” He nodded.

“Mr. Collins,” Jack replied warily.

Brielle patiently waited for him to state his business, the happy excitement of the day dissipated.

Richard eyed the horses and smiled. “Looks like you got yourself some fine horses.”

Jack nodded. “Yep.”

Richard sighed uneasily. “I suppose you’re both wondering why I’m here?”

Worried, Brielle spoke up. “Is it because of Billy? He’s not being let out, is he?”

Richard shook his head. “No, Gabby. I’m certain he’ll be going to prison for a long time.”

She nodded and crossed her arms over her chest.

Jack placed a reassuring arm around her shoulder.

Richard cleared his throat. “I know you’re busy with the new horses and all. I won’t keep you. I just wanted to say … that I’m sorry for everything.”

Brielle and Jack stared at him blankly, neither knowing how to react.

Richard sighed. He shifted his boots uneasily. “No, that’s not what I wanted to say.” He removed his hat and smacked his hand across the brim in frustration. “I just wanted to say that I’m truly sorry for what my son has done, and for all the pain and suffering he’s caused you both. It’s unforgivable, I know. And that’s not what I’m asking for. Hell,
I’ll
never be able to forgive him. It’s just, you two deserve some sort of an apology. And I feel, well, being his father and all, that maybe an apology from me might help in some speck of a way. I know it can never change anything, or make anything better. But I had to say my peace, and just let you both know that—” He swallowed back the forming tears. “—that I was here when you two were brought into this hell of a world. And I watched you grow up into fine, honorable young adults. And I’m here for you. You may not accept the offer, but if you ever need anything … I’m here for you.”

Brielle knew that Richard was feeling some sort of sorrow for losing his wayward son, but she hadn’t realized that her and Jack’s sufferings had been included in that sorrow. And despite everything, she respected Richard. Even so, she didn’t know what to give him at this point. The pain in her own heart was too raw. She needed time to heal.

She smiled. “We appreciate it, Mr. Collins.”

Richard nodded and looked to Jack.

Jack remained silent. He simply nodded.

Richard nodded and exhaled as if he’d been holding his breath. “I’ll let you two get back to it,” he replied with disappointment. “Sorry for bothering you.” With that, he placed his hat on his head and left.

Brielle watched as the lonely man walked away, head down, back to his empty life. She felt bad for him. She felt bad for her and Jack. She felt helpless. “You know, you could’ve said something, Jack.”

Jack hung his head. “I know. But what in the hell was I supposed to say?
Thanks for apologizing for your psychotic son?
” He threw his hands out before landing them on his hips. “Besides … it’s a little bit of a shocker to look up and see Billy’s dad staring at you.”

“I know…” Brielle agreed. “I know.”

After the horses were tended to and in their stalls, and still no word had come from Colt, Brielle and Jack decided to have lunch at the diner. It was already late afternoon, and aside from them, the diner was empty. Brielle slid into a booth next to the window. Jack sat across from her.

“I wonder what Colt’s doing?” Brielle said, forlorn.

Jack smirked. “Maybe he’s taking care of business at the garage?”

“I’m part owner.” She pouted. “Why wouldn’t he let me be there too?”

Jack rolled his eyes. “I didn’t say that’s what he
was
doing, I just said maybe. I’m sure he’ll call you as soon as he’s finished with whatever it is he’s doing. Now are you gonna order or what?”

Brielle hadn’t noticed Amy standing beside her, waiting to take her order. A sudden uneasiness overcame her. It was the first time she’d seen her since that day in the hospital. She knew that Amy had only been a victim of Billy’s control, but she had also willingly placed herself in that position. Amy could’ve sought help, but a part of her had needed Billy. And that part of her scared Brielle.

“Amy.” Brielle averted her eyes, studying the menu even though she had it memorized. “I’ll take a cheeseburger with fries and a lemonade.”

“I’ll take the same thing, Amy, but with a cola instead. Thanks.” Jack smiled.

Amy smiled uneasily. She opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something else, but instead she gathered the menus. “I’ll bring the drinks right out,” she said dimly before she walked away.

Brielle frowned at Jack. When she spoke her voice was but a whisper. “This is awkward.”

Jack shrugged. “You’re the one who wanted to come here,” he whispered back. “Anyway, she didn’t have anything to do with Billy being the rotten apple. She looks kind of pathetic. Maybe you should try being nice. You two were friends at one point. Remember?”

“It’s not like we went shopping together. We were mostly just friends at work. Anyway, that was before she started dating…” She couldn’t bring herself to say his name. “You know.”

Jack’s expression softened. “Yeah, I know. But you saw that black eye she sported right after they started dating. She was probably scared of him. And she had good reason to be.”

Amy arrived with their drinks. “Here you go.” She set the glasses on the table. “Your food should be ready shortly. Emmit started cooking the burgers as soon as he saw you pull up. Do you need anything else?” She looked at Brielle, her sad eyes full of hope.