Having the Rancher's Baby (8 page)

Cole smiled, not appearing the least affected by her father's remark. So much for him disarming Cole.

“Vi's definitely a catch,” Cole remarked.

A catch? Dated and chauvinistic remark aside, if she was such a catch, why hadn't he asked her out so that they might get to know each other better?

Annoyed at both men and determined not to let it show, she asked, “Mom, Dad, can I get you something to drink? I have diet soda in the fridge or iced tea.”

“Your father thought we might drive into Scottsdale for dinner at that seafood restaurant he likes.”

“Why don't we have dinner at the café? It's closer, and the food is good.”

“Come on, Vi.” Her father put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “This is a celebration. Your mother and I are going to be grandparents.”

She rolled her eyes at his use of her childhood nickname. Now Cole would think it was perfectly acceptable.

In the end, Violet agreed to the seafood restaurant, if only to keep the peace. Her father insisted on driving and taking the rental car, a luxury sedan. She slid into the backseat, assuming Cole would join her. Instead, her mother climbed in.

Violet wasn't at all comfortable watching the backs of her father's and Cole's heads, and strained to hear their conversation over her mother's chatter. Finding it impossible, she scolded herself for worrying too much and concentrated on her mom.

“Did the doctor have good news for you at your follow-up visit?”

“All is well. She gave me another ultrasound. I made copies of the image if you want one.”

“Of course I do.” Her mother reached across the seat and patted Violet's knee. “How's your morning sickness?”

“Easing up a bit.”

Violet relaxed. Her mother's enthusiasm, and her father's, too, such as it was, pleased her. They might not approve of all the decisions she'd made in her life, but they truly did want a grandchild and would love the baby with all their hearts.

She heard the tail end of something Cole said to her father. It sounded as if they were discussing the weather, except that made no sense. Her dad couldn't care less about anything to do with cattle ranching. She supposed he was simply trying to get along with Cole. He'd made an effort with Denny, too.

“I spoke to your grandmothers,” her mother said. “Both of them. And your aunt Sylvia. They're thrilled and insist on invitations to the shower.

“Mom, I wish you'd wait awhile longer before telling people.”

“Oh, darling. You're having a baby. You can't expect me to keep quiet.” Her mother went on, not hearing a thing Violet said. “Naturally, you'll have to fly to Seattle for the shower. I was thinking—”

“I'm not going to Seattle.”

“You can't expect your grandmothers to fly here. At their ages?”

Cole glanced at Violet over his shoulder, his expression questioning.

“We'll talk about this later, Mom.” She gnawed on her lower lip in an effort to remain calm.

This passive-aggressive push-pull was as typical for her mother as unnerving people was for her father. Both of them went after what they wanted with little regard for others.

Violet distracted herself by concentrating on her father and Cole, who, of all things,
were
talking about the weather. Her gut screamed that her father was up to something, and she hoped Cole didn't walk into any traps.

When they arrived at the restaurant—finally—it was to learn they already had a reservation, thanks to a call her father had made earlier. She should have known he'd get his way. He always did. The hostess escorted them to a table facing a huge picture window, through which could be seen a dazzling view of the desert at sunset.

Cole requested a beer. Her mother's frown was fleeting but unmistakable. In her opinion, beer was a blue-collar beverage. She'd selected an expensive red wine for herself, while Violet's father ordered a single malt scotch. Naturally.

“Do you have sparkling water?” Violet asked the waitress when it was her turn.

Small talk continued while they enjoyed the view and perused the menus. Violet couldn't shake the feeling that all was not well despite appearances to the contrary. Her parents smiled a bit too brightly and talked a little too loud.

“I understand you're a rodeo champion.” Violet's mother addressed Cole. “How exciting.”

“Champion is a stretch, ma'am.”

“Call me Julia. Please.”

“Thank you.”

“But you have won rodeos?” She tilted her head inquisitively.

Violet cringed. Why did her mother always have to push?

Cole, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind the line of questioning. “I can claim a few of the gold buckles on display at my grandparents' home.”

“Gold buckles? For belts?”

“It's a coveted award in rodeo, Mom,” Violet interrupted.

“Ah. How nice.”

“You attend college, young man?” her father asked.

“Mostly the school of hard knocks, of which I've had my share.”

Her father cleared his throat.

By some miracle, Violet managed to keep her mouth shut for the most part during the remainder of the dinner, though it wasn't easy. Not soon enough for her, their server swooped in to clear the plates. Violet was eyeing the door when her mother insisted on dessert.

“You must try the cheesecake. It's their signature dish.”

While they waited for dessert, the moment Violet had been dreading most arrived. Her father cornered Cole.

“If you don't mind me asking, what are your plans regarding my daughter?”

“Dad!” Violet's hands flew to her face.

“I'm not sure what you mean by plans, sir,” Cole said evenly.

“Are you getting married?”

This was going from bad to worse. “Dad, it's none of your business.”

To his credit, Cole remained unfazed. “We haven't decided yet.”

Lines of displeasure creased her father's brow. “Why not? Don't you think it's the right thing to do?”

Violet beat Cole to the punch. “I'm not ready. For marriage.”

“Need I remind you that you're having a baby?”

“No, Dad, you don't. I'm pretty aware of it every morning when I toss my cookies.”

“No reason to be crass,” her mother admonished, then changed tactics. “You must understand that we're concerned.”

“A man takes responsibility for his child,” her father said.

“That's enough.” Violet placed her hands on the table as if to rise. What Cole said next stopped her.

“I agree, sir, and, I assure you, I will take responsibility. However, I would think at this time you'd be more concerned about Vi's health than her marital status. She did just have a recent scare. Stress isn't good for her or the baby.”

Violet swallowed a gasp. Not many people stood up to her father.

“You're right.” Her mother patted her hand. “Violet's health is what matters the most.”

Their server returned, carrying dessert. Violet couldn't have been more grateful for the interruption. When the check came, Cole tried to pay. Her father wouldn't hear of it and practically snatched the black tablet holding the bill out of Cole's hands.

“My treat,” he insisted.

Cole's jaw moved very little when he spoke. “Thank you, sir.”

Another tactic of her father's. Engage the other person in a power struggle and win. He practically gloated.

She'd never admired Cole more than tonight. “Thank you for not losing your temper,” she murmered, as he pulled her chair out.

“No reason to.”

Further talking was impossible as Violet's mother came over and linked arms with her. Violet suspected the move was intentional.

“You don't mind if I steal her from you? We haven't seen her in almost a year, and I miss her terribly.”

Cole graciously stepped aside.

Once again, they drove with the men in front, the women in back.

“Cole seems like a nice young man,” her mother said.

“He is. Very nice. You and Dad, not so nice.”

“Don't be angry. We just want to be sure.”

“Of what?”

“Well, you know.”

Violet gritted her teeth. “No, Mom, I don't know.”

“That he's right for you.”

“And if you're not sure? What then? Are you going to forbid me from seeing him?”

“We'll talk more tomorrow.”

“He's my child's father, whether you like it or not.”

Her mother removed her electronic cigarette from her purse, probably in preparation for the moment they arrived at Violet's house, where she could stand outside and enjoy it. “Let's not ruin the evening.”

Ruin the evening? As if it wasn't ruined already. Violet considered arguing. Only she wouldn't. Not in front of Cole.

Ten years away from home, and nothing had changed. Was it any wonder she refused to move back to Seattle?

Chapter Eight

Cole refused to abandon Vi and leave her to fend for herself in this pool of sharks.

Okay, sharks was a gross exaggeration. Despite her parents' inexcusable behavior, they genuinely loved their daughter. But they were so intent on taking a piece out of each other, they failed to notice how much their actions affected the people around them. Especially Vi.

When the four of them arrived at her house, Cole made sure to accompany her inside. Julia turned to him, a sweet-as-pie smile on her face, her hand extended for a shake.

“It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope to see you again before we leave.”

Somehow, he doubted it. On both counts.

Before he could answer, Vi cut in. “Cole's not leaving.”

Julia blinked in surprise. “He's not?”

Damn straight.

“Not yet,” Vi said. “It's still early.”

“Oh.” Julia's hand fell limply to her side, but she recovered quickly and stepped in front of Cole. “I was hoping your father and I could visit with you for a while. It's been so long.”

“You can,” Vi said. “We'll all visit.”

On a different day, Cole might have let himself enjoy this small victory. Tonight, however, Vi's motives probably had more to do with using him as a buffer between her and her parents than desiring his company.

Not that he blamed her. He hadn't endured such an awkward and uncomfortable dinner since last Thanksgiving, when both fractions of the Dempseys were joined together for the first time. To compare Vi's family to the days following his father's death was saying a lot.

In the living room, everyone located a place to sit. Vi's Siamese greeted them with a loud meow. She reached down to pet it, and when the cat persisted meowing, headed to the kitchen, presumably to refill the food dish.

Cole stayed behind with her parents. Squaring his shoulders, he readied himself for whatever came next.

Edgar leaned back in Vi's recliner. “With beef prices on the rise these days, cattle ranching must be quite profitable.”

“Prices are going up, but trust me, it's not because ranchers are raking in the money.”

“Someone is.”

Cole ventured a guess at what Vi's father was implying. “If you're questioning my ability to support my child—”

“Now, now. No need to get defensive.”

“I'm not. Just being honest.”

“In that case,” Julia interjected, “let me ask this. Can you afford the kind of upbringing he or she deserves?”

“What kind of upbringing is that?” Cole asked. He might not be rich, but he wasn't on the brink of poverty, either. Rodeoing had provided him with a decent living. And if his brothers bought out his share of the ranch, he'd have more than enough money to support his child for years.

“Violet's child shouldn't lack for anything.”

He faced Julia. “Excuse me, ma'am, but no child should.”

Edgar cleared his throat yet again. “Vi tells me your grandparents own a large horse ranch in California and that you plan on running it when you retire from rodeo.”

“I may. I'm not sure.”

Cole and Josh weren't the only ones in line to inherit a share of their grandparents' ranch. They had grown up with four cousins, as well.

Plus for all Cole knew, his grandparents could decide to sell their ranch after they retired and spend the money traveling the world. They'd certainly earned it.

“What aren't you sure of?” Vi asked, entering the room.

Edgar squirmed.

Cole couldn't explain why, but he came to the older man's rescue. “Your father and I were discussing cattle prices.”

“I can't believe you still have those cats,” Julia said, when Vi sat on the couch beside her. “Tell me you'll find homes for them before the baby's born.”

“I love my cats.”

“They're dangerous to newborn babies.”

“Mom, that's an old wives' tale.”

“I think you should ask your doctor.”

Cole wasn't fooled. Julia had purposely steered the conversation away from Edgar's questioning. He found that very interesting. For two people whose marriage was supposedly over, they appeared to look out for each other.

Vi managed some of her own conversation steering. “Anyone in the mood for coffee?”

“I'd rather have a scotch,” her father said.

“No, Edgar.” Julia might have been scolding a recalcitrant child. “You have to drive us home.”

Home being the resort in Scottsdale.

“Don't harp on me.”

She exhaled sharply and turned her back on him.

“Doesn't matter, Dad,” Vi said. “I don't have any scotch.”

“What about whiskey?” he grumped.

“You aren't going to make me drive,” Vi's mother scolded. “I can't see well at night.”

“I'd be happy to take you to the resort, Mrs. Hathaway,” Cole said.

“I told you to call me Julia.”

Edgar narrowed his gaze at Cole. “Are you implying I've had too much to drink, young man?”

“Not at all, sir. I'm merely offering to drive Julia.”

“I'll take care of my wife.”

“Mom, Dad.” Vi visibly struggled to control her temper. “Please don't argue.”

Cole stood, went over to her and held out his hand. “Let me help you with that coffee.”

She gave him an appreciative smile, as if he had, in fact, rescued her from a school of sharks. In the kitchen, he stayed close to her side and would have liked to kiss her if the timing wasn't off.

“Hang in there,” he said.

“They're impossible.”

“They mean well.”

She laughed. “You can't seriously be defending them. Wasn't my father asking you about your ability to support the baby when I walked in?”

“I might want to know the same thing if I was in his shoes.”

“You wouldn't be that rude.”

“Who's to say what I'd do?” Cole reached into the cupboard for mugs while Vi readied the coffeemaker.

“I just wish they were more supportive. Isn't it enough that I'm happy with where I live and what I do?”

“Don't look at me. My mom would do cartwheels in the street if I came home and went to work for my grandparents.”

That made her smile. “I'm not getting rid of my cats.”

As if in answer, the tabby stepped out from beneath the table and blinked at Cole with marginally less antagonism.

“Cut your parents some slack. At least they care, unlike my father.” Cole put an arm around Vi's shoulders. “Besides, they'll be gone by Monday.”

Whatever her parents were whispering about, they quieted the moment Cole and Vi returned to the living room, each of them holding two steaming mugs of coffee. Vi set her pair on the coffee table, while Cole delivered a mug to her father, receiving a gruff “Thank you” for his efforts.

They'd barely had a second sip when Julia broached the subject of Vi moving back to Seattle.

“It only makes sense,” she argued. “Won't you please consider it? The house is huge. You and the baby would have plenty of room. And since you and Cole aren't getting married...” She let the statement dangle.

Cole had stated his position at dinner. He wasn't about to repeat himself.

“I'm staying in Mustang Valley,” Vi said firmly, to his vast relief.

“Sweetheart, I can't bear the thought of my first and only grandchild growing up without me nearby.”

“You could move here after the divorce.”

Julia let out a startled gasp.

Edgar burst into laughter. “She's got you there, Julia. Throwing a wrench into your perfectly devised scheme.”

“I have no idea what you're talking about.”

Edgar turned to Vi. “She wants you and the baby to move in with her because she thinks that will force me to give her the house in the settlement.”

Julia scowled. “Nonsense.”

“We both know I'm right.” Edgar sat up straighter, his laughter fading. “We're selling the house.”

“But I love it.”

“You'll find another one you love. Smaller. More affordable.”

“You're only doing this to get back at me.”

“Quit being melodramatic.”

Cole sensed Vi's trembling and saw the tears filling her eyes. He couldn't take any more, and obviously, neither could she.

“If you don't stop arguing,” he said, “you're going to have to leave. It's important Vi avoid stress.”

Edgar stiffened. “You can't be serious.”

“I'm very serious, sir.”

“How dare you talk to us like that.” Julia's heavily made up eyes widened. “We're Violet's parents.”

“Excuse me, ma'am, but you don't exactly act like parents.”

“That's enough,” Edgar barked.

“I agree,” Cole stated. “More than enough.”

Julia gasped so hard she started coughing. Edgar had apparently been stunned into silence.

Cole continued with as much congeniality as he could muster. “Edgar, Vi says you're an avid golfer. You'll need an early tee-off time. It's hot by noon this time of year.”

As expected, Vi's parents didn't stay much longer. After Julia's attempts to pressure her daughter failed, she decided she was tired. Cole doubted they were done, merely retreating temporarily so they could start fresh tomorrow.

He let Vi walk them to their car while he remained inside. She returned five minutes later.

She shut the front door, leaned her back against it and let her shoulders slump. “I know I shouldn't say this about my parents, but I'm so glad this night is over.”

“I'll leave now, too.” Cole moved slowly in her direction. “You really do need your rest.”

It wasn't his intention to kiss her. But she didn't move from the door, and lifted her gaze to study him. Cole was a lot of things, being made of stone not one of them.

Her green eyes glistened, drawing him in. He couldn't resist, not that he wanted to. He could, however, exercise restraint.

Dipping his head, he brushed his lips across hers. Briefly. He didn't dare risk more. Even so, the sensation was incredible. Enough to weaken his control if he weren't careful.

“Good night, Vi. See you tomorrow.” He reached around her for the doorknob.

She stayed his hand by taking it in hers. “Don't go, Cole.”

“Are you sure that's a good idea?”

“I am. You were sweet tonight, and my parents were awful.”

Ah. That was it. “You don't owe me.”

“Which isn't the reason I want you to stay.”

“What is?”

“You and I have made a baby together. But the truth is, we don't know each other very well.”

“True.” Cole was tempted to kiss her again. And again.

She smiled flirtatiously, causing his control to go from weak to practically nonexistent. No woman had ever affected him like Vi.

“I think we should get better acquainted.”

He was in complete agreement.

* * *

“
L
OOK
AT
THE
MOON
.
” Vi pointed to a corner of the star-filled sky. “It's beautiful.” When Cole didn't respond, she glanced over her shoulder at him.

He stood there, immobile.

“What's wrong?” she asked.

He looked around her back yard. “You have patio furniture.”

“Yes.” She laughed softly. “Lots of people do. It goes with the patio.”

“I had no idea.” When she sat, he did, too. “Adirondack chairs.” He slapped the wide wooden armrests. “I like them. They remind me of the beach.”

“See? We're learning new things about each other already. I have patio furniture, and you like Adirondack chairs. Now, look at the moon.”

He did, and nodded appreciatively at the nearly full sphere hanging as if suspended from invisible wires. A mild breeze sifted past them from the east. Vi had donned a lightweight cotton shawl, her sundress not providing enough protection against the falling temperature.

“You been to the beach a lot?” she asked.

“My mom used to take Josh and me to Ocean Beach every summer when we were kids. We'd rent a condo for two weeks. Had the time of our lives, next to rodeoing.

“It sounds fun.”

“For a while, I think I was thirteen, I wanted to be a surfer.”

Violet tried to imagine Cole on a surfboard, his blond hair long and wavy, wearing colorful swim trunks and saying things like “dude” or “gnarly.” She burst out laughing.

“What's so funny?” he asked.

“You liked surfing?”

“I
loved
it. But I wasn't very good.”

“I'm surprised, considering how athletic you are.”

“Rodeoing requires a different skill set.”

Another cool breeze wandered by. Violet took a moment to enjoy it. “This is nice.”

He reached across the space to capture her hand in his. “This is better.”

Yes, it was. Strong male fingers linked with her much smaller ones. The sight caused a stirring inside her that could only be called romantic.

She considered demanding the return of her hand, despite flirting with him earlier. She and Cole had yet to define their relationship or settle on a direction. Granted, he had initiated the conversation. Twice. But she'd insisted they postpone until her pregnancy reached that important first milestone, and then was frustrated when he didn't broach the subject again.

In a few days, she'd pass that milestone. Perhaps it wouldn't be tempting fate too terribly much if she and Cole made one or two small decisions.

“Do you think you might make Mustang Valley your home base?”

There, that wasn't difficult. It was also completely reasonable. Nothing like
Should we get married? Should we discuss visitation or joint custody?
Or,
How do you really feel about me?