Take Me Again (24 page)

"Quite a goose egg you got there, dearie,” he said. “Nearly half a horseshoe by my reckon.” He was exaggerating, of course, since the tip of the horse's hoof connected with her forehead. He was correct about the swelling. Add the black and blue coloring and the knitted stitches across her forehead and she looked like she was preparing for Halloween.

"Damn horse,” Dolan muttered more to himself than anyone else. “Are you warm enough?” He checked the blanket for the nth time, cocooning her. She pulled her arms from beneath to break the stifling feeling that began to surround her. Her mind was whirling, pulse racing with his nearness. There was so much they needed to discuss, but it would have to wait until they were alone. For now she focused on not allowing anyone else to know that there was more on her mind than a bump on the head.

"How is Dawn's Break?” she asked, wishing Dolan would quit fussing over her. It bordered on embarrassment as he stood sentry next to her. Yet there was no denying his attentiveness touched her heart. The roguish rake had a domestic bone. Every woman's dream come true, including hers.

Courtney walked toward the window seat and sat. “Her ankle swelled a little. She has some scrapes and bruises, but Dr. Zimmerman thinks she'll do just fine. Everyone was more concerned about you. You gave us quite a scare."

"I'm so sorry. I looked away for only a second.” Dolan placed a warm palm on her shoulder and squeezed. She glanced up at him and saw guilt swimming in his eyes. It wasn't his fault, it was hers. Hell. This whole mess was due to her need for adventure. But what an adventure it had been. The peaceful sensation that swept over her vanished when the unthinkable invaded her mind.

Was he doing all of this because he felt responsible for her accident? Men had no problem using the “L” word when it suited their purpose. The thought made her stomach roll and none too quietly.

"Hungry?” he whispered.

"No. Thank you."

"You haven't eaten today,” he insisted.

"Neither have you.” She grew quiet when she realized all eyes were on them. Beth had joined Courtney on the window seat. They smiled knowingly at her. Evidently this domestic side of Dr. Crane they had never seen.

He must have felt their stare because he changed the subject. “Can I get anyone something to drink?"

Courtney and Beth shook their heads. Their inquisitive gazes pinned on his every move as he fondled Tracy's hair between his fingers. Beth giggled and whispered something Tracy couldn't hear.

Great. Rumors would be flying by this evening.

Dr. Zimmerman tapped his cane on the floor. “I'll take a scotch. It's after twelve,” he rationalized. “I consume a little from time to time for medicinal purposes."

Yeah right.

Tracy couldn't help smiling. “I'll take one of those too.” She could use a stiff drink or two.

"When did the doctor say you could come back to work?” he asked.

Muscles rippled beneath Dolan's T-shirt as he walked toward the kitchen. Damn the man was good-looking. “Maybe a week. I'll know more after I see a doctor next week. Anyone you would suggest?"

Dr. Zimmerman was providing a rundown of the doctors in Santa Ysabel when Dolan returned. He handed Dr. Zimmerman his drink before he went to her side and handed her a glass. She took a sip and puckered at the tart flavor.

Lemonade?

She looked askew at him. “Yuck!"

"No alcohol per your doctor's instructions,” he chided, returning to his place beside her.

Wonderful. Now he was her guardian? Men could be so pushy, especially this hardheaded one.

Rapping on the front door pulled his attention from her and to whoever stood on the other side. He excused himself. Quickly she disposed of her glass on the end table. She hated lemonade.

Female laughter caught her attention as Caitlyn and Cord stepped into the room holding a beautiful leafy plant. As Cord approached, saw her head, he flinched. “Ouch.” Setting the fern next to the fireplace, he drew nearer. “That looks like it hurts."

"Thank God you're okay.” Caitlyn pushed the baking pan she held into Dolan's empty hands. “I brought you a chicken casserole. It just needs to be heated, three-fifty. You can do that, can't you, Dolan?” She winked at Tracy and then leaned close to give her a gentle hug.

Chicken. Who would have guessed? Tracy silently chuckled. She liked Caitlyn, even if she had a poultry fetish. “Thank you."

Dolan caught her eye and his smile sent warmth through her veins. She couldn't help wondering how this would play out. He was everything she'd dreamt of. A man who cared and made her body burn, but more importantly he was willing to raise Sheldon. He had even offered to welcome her mother into his home. But was it for real?

The couch dipped as Caitlyn sat, empathy in her expression. “How are you doing?"

Tracy pulled her feet beneath her, making more room. “As long as I don't touch my head, I'm fine.” Her pain appeared centralized around the injury. Plus she had no headaches or blurred vision. Of course, her entire body ached, but that was probably due to the impact of the fall. In fact, at the hospital when she changed into her clothes, she had noticed a large bruise on her hip. It hadn't looked any better when she donned the white satin and chiffon slip and cover-up Dolan had insisted she change into when they arrived.

"I hear your nephew and mother arrived. Dolan picked them up at the airport.” She waited a heartbeat before saying, “So?” Tracy could tell by the smile on her new friend's face, she was bursting at the seams for information.

Thump. Thump
. Saved by the bell, or should she say knock. Someone else announced their arrival by pounding on the door. Dolan opened it and Sheldon shot by him, his little feet moving like lightning as he ran around the couch and straight into Tracy's arms.

Laurie was close behind him, but she pulled to halt in front of Dolan.

"Hi, Dr. Crane."

Tracy rolled her eyes. Here they go again.

She hugged her nephew close. “This is my boy.” Pride filled her chest as she pulled him into her lap. “Sheldon, I want you to meet Mrs. Daily."

"Cait,” she said warmly. “What a gorgeous young man."

"Thank you,” he said, giving Tracy another reason why she thought he was the most wonderful child in the world.

The noise level in the room elevated as her uncle Carl, carrying a large sack, entered. “I hope you're all hungry.” The scent of fried chicken filled the room. “Laurie, get your butt into the kitchen and help me.” He was followed by her mother, who had a big chocolate cake in her hands.

Laurie frowned at her father's words, shoulders dropping as she sulked all the way into the kitchen.

It looked like a party was about to break out.

Before the door closed, Rowdy waltzed in. He shook hands with Dolan, and then he headed straight for her. “You okay, baby?” Neither his endearment nor his caring expression escaped their watchful audience.

A hush fell over the room.

An awkward moment ensued until Sheldon jumped off her lap. “Nana, can I have cake?” Chocolate was his favorite. Without waiting for a response he took off for the kitchen.

Rowdy turned to Caitlyn. “I hear you and Cord finally got hitched.” As Cord joined them, they drifted away from the couch.

"I'd better go help,” Dolan said.

"We'll help, too,” Courtney offered. Both women stood and followed him into the other room while Dr. Zimmerman continued to rock, sipping from his glass with a look of amusement on his weathered face as he looked from Rowdy to her.

His previous words came back to her.
Not much goes on around here that I'm not privy to.

She couldn't help wondering if his knowledge expanded beyond the office. Did he know about the threesome arrangement she had with Dolan and Rowdy? Dolan's reputation appeared to be well known. Lost in thought, she didn't hear her mother's approach.

She sat at Tracy's feet. “How are you feeling?"

Tracy was getting a little tired, her eyelids growing heavy. “I'm good."

Her mother looked around the room. “Is the crowd bothering you? Would you rather sleep?"

In Dolan's bed? Probably not a good idea.

"There's plenty of time to sleep.” She reached out and took her mother's hand. “It's wonderful having you here."

Lois glanced at Dr. Zimmerman. In a hushed tone, she asked, “Are you good with this arrangement?"

"Truthfully?” Tracy paused. Her heart leaped when Dolan entered the room holding Sheldon in his arms. “I don't know.” Instead of cake, the boy held a plate overflowing with food, too much food for such a little guy.

Dolan set Sheldon on his feet and her nephew went to her side. Displeasure twisted his small features.

"What's wrong?” she asked.

"Have to eat ‘fore cake."

She reached out and stroked his arm. “Who says?"

He jutted a finger toward Dolan. “Him."

She stifled the chuckle that tickled her throat. “You know, honey, he's right. But that's a lot of food for a little boy.” Dolan couldn't possibly think Sheldon could eat all of that.

Her nephew pushed the plate toward her. “It's for you."

"Me?” She swung her feet toward the floor and sat up before she took the plate.

Sheldon frowned at Dolan. “
He
says you gotta eat.” It appeared the two of them had gotten off on the wrong foot. Evidently, chocolate cake stood between them.

Her mother rose from the couch. “Come on, grandson. Let's go fix you a plate."

Dr. Zimmerman pushed from the rocker. “I think I'll join them."

Alone, Dolan sat next to Tracy. “You look tired.” He brushed a fallen tendril from her forehead and away from her wound near her hairline. The tremor that shook her didn't go unnoticed. Did his touch affect her as much as hers did him?

"I'm fine.” The dark circles beneath her eyes revealed differently. Even still she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.

His palms itched with the need to reach out to her. “You need to eat.” It was killing him not to touch her, take her into his arms and hold her as she drifted off to sleep.

She looked down at the laden plate. “I can't possibly eat all this."

"Try,” he coaxed.

She cocked a brow. “Or what? I don't get any cake?"

Was she upset with him? He pushed his fingers through his hair. “I'm sorry. I just thought he should—I don't think your nephew likes me."

Laughter danced in her eyes. “Cake is pretty important to a three-year-old."

Relief brushed over him. He would have to be blind not to recognize she adored the boy. Sheldon could very well be the key to her heart. Dolan wanted that key safely in his possession. “Eat."

She picked up a fried chicken leg and handed it to him. “Only if you help me."

A smile tugged at his mouth as he accepted her offering. He waited until she took a bite before he did. A mixture of spices and the succulent juice of the chicken burst upon his tongue. He had never tasted anything so delicious. “Damn. That's good."

She finished chewing and then swallowed. “It's Mom's special recipe."

Not thinking, he said, “We'll have to get the recipe.” He didn't miss her expression as it grew serious. The distance between them thickened.

Setting the plate on the end table, she turned around and a sober expression fell across her face. “I have to consider Sheldon. What's right for him. He needs a stable environment, a mother and father who he can count on."

He placed the chicken leg on the plate. “What exactly do you think I'm suggesting?"

"Well.” She floundered for only a moment. “For me—us to move in with you, here.” Wariness shadowed her eyes, uncertainty lurking in their depths. “What will people say? How will their comments affect Sheldon? Our careers?"

He wanted—expected so much more, especially from her. He wanted her heart and soul. “I don't want you to just occupy the rooms in this house.” His voice rose with frustration.

Uncertainty darkened her eyes. “Then what do you want?” Her voice trembled as color dotted her cheeks with what looked like embarrassment.

This conversation was not going in the direction he had anticipated. “You. A home."

Silence stretched between them.

"Dammit, Tracy.” Nervously, he flexed his fingers then curled them into fists to keep from reaching for her and giving her a firm shake. “If I have to get on my fuckin’ knees, I will. I want you to marry me."

Several gasps from across the room made him freeze. This couldn't be happening. Slowly he turned around.

Holy shit.

Half their visitors stood just inside the living room holding plates of food and expressions of surprise.

Carl looked as if someone had just jabbed him with a cattle prod, while his daughter's expression was as if the world had come to an end. Courtney held her hand over her mouth. Cait's eyes beamed with excitement, while Lois's grew moist.

Cord shook his head. “Damnedest proposal I've ever heard."

Cait elbowed him in the side. “Shhh..."

"Proposal?” Dr. Zimmerman asked strolling into the room, carrying a plate in one hand, his cane in the other.

"Dr. Crane just proposed to Dr. Marx,” Courtney whispered.

"Atta'boy."

"What's going on?” Beth asked, stepping into the room.

Dr. Zimmerman headed for the rocking chair. “We're having a celebration. Dolan and Tracy are getting married."

"Married?” Rowdy repeated, entering with Sheldon beside him.

Dolan braved a glance toward Tracy. Slack jawed, she looked stunned, flinching when all the women descended upon her. How it happened he wasn't sure, but they maneuvered him off the couch, surrounding her. Everyone chatted at once.

A slap on the back jerked him out of his stupor. “Congratulations.” Rowdy extended his hand. He saw no animosity on his friend's face as they shook hands.

His felicitations were followed by Cord's and the rest of the men, except for Carl who frowned. “You better do my niece right, Crane."

"I will,” Dolan responded, wondering if he'd get the chance. Tracy still hadn't agreed to marry him, even if everyone else had assumed her answer was yes.

He felt a tug on his pant leg and looked down. Big innocent eyes looked up at him. Something took hold of his heart and squeezed. This little guy would be his son.