The Texan's Christmas (17 page)

“Yes, drill your oil well. Make lots of money.”

“You’ll make money, too. Have you forgotten that?”

“No, Cadde, I haven’t forgotten, but it just doesn’t mean that much to me anymore.”

Cadde watched him. “Isn’t it ironic that Kid Hardin can get any woman he wants, but he can’t get the one he loves?”

“Screw you.”

“Kid, get your head on straight and come back to work. Let things cool off for a while.”

He pointed a finger at his brother. “I remember saying that to you about two years ago, but I let you work through all that misery. Ah, forget it. I’m going to converse with the coyotes. They make more sense.”

“Kid…”

He walked out. The more he tried to get his head
straight, the more muddled it got. He pushed Cadde’s words away. Lucky said she needed time and he clung to that.

T
HE HOLIDAYS ARRIVED
. Lucky hated this time of the year. Her son had died on December twenty-third and she hadn’t celebrated Christmas since. But she did prepare a big Thanksgiving and a Christmas dinner for her dad. As she was writing out a grocery list, her dad came in.

“Whatcha doing, girl?”

“Sorting out what I’ll need for our Thanksgiving meal.”

“Ah, girl, you don’t have to do that.” He got a Dr Pepper out of the refrigerator. “Nettie invited us for dinner.”

“What? You never said anything.”

“I guess I forgot.”

“This is their family time and we shouldn’t intrude.”

“Nonsense. We’re going.”

“Dad…” The ringing of the phone cut her off. She reached for it. “Hi. Oh. Are you sure? Okay. What should I bring?” She frowned at her father as she talked.

Hanging up, she continued to frown. “You told Shay to call me?”

“No. They invited us.”

She wrinkled her nose as an unfamiliar scent reached her. “What’s that smell?”

“I don’t smell anything.”

She walked over to him. “Is that Old Spice?”

“Maybe.”

She smiled and hugged him. “I’m glad you’re happy, Dad.”

For so long he’d been a recluse and it was uplifting to see him changing before her eyes, getting out and seeing people. He was putting on weight and the shotgun wasn’t in the living room anymore. He must have put it in his room. She wasn’t sure what to expect next.

He limped to his chair without his cane. He hadn’t used it in weeks. “Oh, before I forget. After Thanksgiving dinner, we’re going to High Five for dessert and coffee.”

Protesting was out of the question so she didn’t, but she sensed she was being manipulated by a crafty old man.

The day turned out better than Lucky had even expected. She felt right at home helping Shay and Nettie in the kitchen. Darcy was a delight and Lucky couldn’t seem to take her hands off baby Cody. He was very affable and smiled a lot.

Later they drove to High Five. The Belle residence was packed with family, but she didn’t feel out of place like she thought she would. As usual the Belle sisters poked fun at each other and kept them entertained. The kids played out on the veranda, except Jacob and Cody, who were too little. Her dad and Nettie sat on a swing watching them. After helping Etta and Maddie wash the last of the dishes, she went into the parlor for a breather.

The men were talking cow prices and oil prices. Jessie sat on the sofa, looking miserable.

“Are you okay?” Lucky asked.

Jessie grimaced. “I feel like a beached whale. I don’t know if I’m going to make it one more week.”

“Can I get you anything?”

“No, thanks.”

Cadde sat by his wife and began to rub her back. That seemed to give her some relief.

Lucky found a chair and relaxed for a moment, but then Kid drew a chair close and joined her. He had Cody in his arms. They’d spoken when she’d first come in, but they hadn’t had a moment together.

“Look at this baby,” he said. “Don’t you think our son would have looked like this?”

Lucky drew back. Why was he asking that? She wanted to smack him. Instead, she bit her lip and replied, “Probably.”

Jacob noticed Kid holding Cody and he toddled over, trying to push the baby out of his lap.

“Hey, partner.” Kid reached out with one arm and pulled Jacob onto his knee. “We can’t be mean to Cousin Cody.”

Lucky watched in amazement at how easily he handled his nephews. Her father was right. He was good with kids. This was a whole other side to Kid.

Suddenly, he said, “We should be married with our own kids.”

She was so startled her throat closed up.

He looked at her. “Let’s forget the past and fly to Vegas. We could be man and wife by morning.”

“Are you drunk?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Your marriage proposal stinks.” She got up and went down the hall to the bathroom. She’d often dreamed of Kid asking her to marry him. The dream was nothing like reality, which sucked, to say the least.

Inside the bathroom, she felt faint and dabbed her face with a damp washcloth. What was wrong? Kid was doing what he did best—kidding—and aggravating her.

Bile rose up in her throat and she sank down by the commode and lost her dinner. Had she eaten something bad? She washed out her mouth and blotted her face again. Then she sprayed the room with deodorizer. The scent made her nauseous again. What…? She thought for a moment and then it hit her. This feeling was familiar. She couldn’t be.

No, no, no!

She couldn’t be pregnant.

T
HE NEXT MORNING
L
UCKY
was sick again and she knew she was pregnant, but she had to be sure. She drove into Giddings to buy a pregnancy test. An hour later she sank to the floor in the bathroom and wrapped her arms around her waist. Her life had come full circle. Twenty years, maturity and age hadn’t made a difference. She was still making the same mistakes.

Yet this was not a mistake. She placed her hand over her stomach. This was a second chance to be a mother. A second chance to correct all the choices she’d made. She was thirty-eight now, and that would be a factor in her pregnancy, but she would embrace it with all her heart.

She couldn’t shake that feeling of déjà vu, though. At eighteen she was on the verge of starting nursing school, as she was now. Was she doomed to repeat the same mistakes? No, she would not hide in shame this time and she would do everything right with the pregnancy. And she would tell Kid. She wouldn’t keep it from him. But she had some things to do first.

She made a doctor’s appointment in Brenham and had the pregnancy confirmed. The baby was due in early June. She already knew that.

By the end of the week she was ready to tell Kid. He was back at work because Jessie had given birth to ten-pound four-ounce Cadde Thomas three days after Thanksgiving. Cadde took off to spend time with his wife and sons. Even though Kid was back at Shilah, he still came home to High Cotton every night. Her father brought home all kinds of tidbits about Kid—seemed he’d given up his bachelor pad in Houston. That surprised her but every day she was finding out new things about Kid and they were all good.

They’d started the oil well and it was located at the back of the Hardin property. A road had been built on the left side of Chance’s house to get to it. A wooded area blocked the sight of the road so it wasn’t intrusive. Late at night the hum of the rig could be heard across High Cotton. The Hardin boys were definitely back.

Kid was on the site most days, but she wasn’t sure he was there today. She sat on the stoop, Ollie by her side, and tried to figure out a way to contact Kid. Her father was going to be late. He and Nettie were going to a school event of Darcy’s. This was the perfect time.

Abruptly the sound of a helicopter whirled through the sky. She could see it as it hovered and slowly descended. Was it Kid? She waited a few minutes and poked in his number.

“Hey, Lucky,” he answered.

That teasing masculine voice did a number on her senses. “Could…could you come over for a few minutes?”

“I’ll be right there.”

In less than ten minutes, she saw his truck coming up the lane. Ollie barked. “Shh,” she said. “It’s just Kid.” That was a mouthful. The man who, after all these years, could turn her inside out, flip her world into a tailspin and have her smiling all the while, was here.

Her muscles tensed.

He got out of the truck and, despite the cool December breeze, walked toward her without his hat. He was probably afraid of Ollie stealing it again.

Kid’s hair curled into his collar and her eyes were glued to his handsome face. Was she always going to feel giddy when she saw him?

He plopped down beside her. “What’s up?”

She noticed he had a baseball in his hand. “What’s with the baseball?”

“Oh.” He twisted it. “I bought it right after you told me about the baby. I intended to put it in the basket on his grave. See.” He held out the ball. “I wrote
Hardin
on the leather. That’s who he is and I wanted him to know that.”

With a Magic Marker no less. Her dad would laugh at that. Or maybe not. “But you decided against putting the ball in the basket?”

“Well, late one night I came here to do exactly that, but standing there in the dark I knew I was being immature. I told my son I wouldn’t leave it there until his mother approved.”

“Oh.” He’d surprised her once again.

He looked at her and his dark warm eyes made her weak. “You’re beautiful,” he said, “and sexy as hell.”
He touched her cheek with the back of his hand. “Your hair is getting longer. Are you letting it grow?”

She should get it cut, but she kept putting it off. It had nothing to do with him liking it longer…or maybe she was lying to herself. Again.

“I…I just haven’t had time.”

“Shay and Nettie cut hair. I could ask them if you want.”

“You want me to get my hair cut?”

“Doesn’t matter to me. I love it short, long, even bald. You’re still my Lucky.”

My Lucky.

“Do you mind if I put the ball in the basket?”

“Ah…no.”

He stood and held out his hand. “Come with me.”

Without a second thought she put her hand in his and they walked toward their son’s grave. As they did, Lucky realized she hadn’t been there for a while and she’d finally stopped grieving. That painful emptiness was gone.

Kid squatted at the small grave. He didn’t even look at the headstone. “Hey, son, it’s Dad. I brought the baseball, just like I promised, with your mom’s approval.” He placed it in the basket and froze as he finally saw the headstone. His hand shook as he touched the word
Hardin
engraved across the bottom.

He glanced at her. “You put my name on it.”

Her pulse quickened at the joy in his eyes. “Like you said, he is a Hardin.”

“Thank you.” Kid got to his feet and gathered her
into his arms. “This is the best Christmas present I’ve ever gotten. Thank you, Lucky.”

She’d done the right thing. She burrowed closer loving his tangy masculine scent and strong arms.

“I’ve asked myself a million times what kind of father I would have made at eighteen, but I know now I would have been a good father no matter what age.”

This was it. She had to tell him now. She stepped back to get the words out. “You’re going to get the chance to prove that.”

“What?” His brow creased. “I can’t. Our son is gone.”

“I’m pregnant.”

His eyes shot wide with disbelief. “What? We’re having another baby?”

“Yes. It’s due in early June.”

“Oh, my God! This is great.” He grabbed her and just held her for a moment. “Wait a minute. How long have you known?”

“A week. It’s just like before. I was stressed about you being back and I wasn’t paying attention to my cycle. I’m all set to go to nursing school and I’m pregnant again twenty years later. I must have a very hard head because I never learn.”

“Okay, listen. You’re going to nursing school. I’ll help with the baby. But first we have to get married as soon as possible.”

Have to?
Something about the way he said the words didn’t set right. “I don’t have to do anything. My only concern is taking care of myself healthwise and making
sure my baby is born safely.” She turned and marched down the hill, fuming.

“Lucky.” Her name carried on the cool breeze.

He caught her on the front porch. “Okay. That came out wrong, but marriage is the next step. I don’t see it any other way.”

“Then maybe you need glasses. I’m not marrying you because I’m pregnant.” She pulled away, went inside, slammed the door and locked it.

“Lucky!” He beat on the door. “Don’t do this.”

She put her hands over her ears and went into her bedroom. When she finally heard the sound of his truck leaving, tears ran down her cheeks. Why couldn’t he have said the right words?
I love you and can’t live without you.
That would have healed all the old wounds. Not
have to.

Maybe she was acting irrational. Her head spun, her heart ached and all she could hear was
have to.

Not any time soon, Kid Hardin.

W
HEN SHE HEARD
O
LLIE BARKING
, she knew her dad was home. She sat on the sofa and tried to erase all signs that she’d been crying.

“Hey, girl.” Her father paused as he looked at her. “Are you sick or something?”

It was a good time to tell him. “Or something.” She made a face.

“What does that mean?”

She took a quick breath. “I’m pregnant.”

“Uh…” Clearly that wasn’t the answer he was ex
pecting. He eased down by her. “Baby girl. Baby girl.” She went into his arms and cried on his shoulder. “Shh, now.” He stroked her hair.

She pulled herself together. “It seems like my past is repeating itself.”

“Mmm…and with the same man. I knew I should have killed him.”

“You’re not killing anyone. It takes two people and I wanted it as much as he did.”

He didn’t say anything for a few seconds. “What do you plan to do?”

“Kid said we have to get married.”

“Good.” He nodded. “That’s what you need to do.”

She gritted her teeth. “I’m not marrying him because I’m pregnant.”

“What?” His eyebrows knotted together. “Girl, you need to think about this.”

She jumped to her feet. “Oh, you men are all alike.”

“What did I do?”

She turned at the bedroom door. “The baby shouldn’t be a reason to get married even if you and Kid think so. I’m thirty-eight years old and when I get married it will be about love and only love. And a little romance wouldn’t hurt.”

She slammed the door, fell across her bed and cried. Just because she wanted to.

K
ID WAS LATE FOR THE MEETING
with Cadde and Chance and he didn’t care. He was going to be a father again. He was ecstatic, so why was Lucky shutting him out now?
She’d put his name on the headstone. She’d forgiven him and said she’d think about giving him a second chance. But when he’d suggested marriage she’d said no. Why? They needed to be together to raise their child. Damn! He wasn’t ever going to figure Lucky out and it wasn’t for lack of trying.

He was going to be a father. Everything he’d ever wanted was right here in High Cotton. How did he make Lucky see that he was here to stay—for her
and
the baby?

Cadde’s house was quiet as he walked through the back door. He went toward the study and he could hear Cadde and Chance talking.

He plopped into a chair.

“You’re late,” Cadde said.

“So? I’m sure Chance has brought you up to speed. Everything’s going smoothly with the oil well. Hell, look out your back door. We’ll reach the desired depth in a couple of days.”

“Keep your voice down,” Cadde whispered. “Everyone in the house is sleeping.”

“Why? It’s late in the afternoon.”

“Because we’re not getting any sleep. Jacob’s not adjusting well to the baby. He’s waking up in the middle of the night and climbing out of his crib. Mirry starts barking like crazy because she knows he’s not supposed to do that. It wakes the baby and us. Then Jacob wants to get in our bed. And he doesn’t want Jessie or me to hold the baby.”

“He’ll adjust,” Chance said.

“I don’t know.” Cadde shook his head. “I don’t think I ever adjusted to Kid.”

“Funny.”

“What’s wrong with you? You haven’t put your boots on my desk in months.”

“I have other things on my mind instead of aggravating you.”

“Like what?”

Kid leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “I’m going to be a father.”

Cadde pointed a finger at him. “I told you your past was going to catch up with you. Who is it?”

Kid got to his feet and lost whatever cool he possessed. “If that’s what you think of me, I’m outta here for good.”

Chance beat him to the door and stood in front of it. “Calm down. Cadde’s sleep deprived. He doesn’t know what he’s saying.”

“I’m sorry, Kid,” Cadde apologized. “I didn’t mean it to sound like that.”

“Why can’t either of you take me seriously?”

Chance patted his back. “Because you’re always joking around and you’re never serious.”

“I am now. Lucky’s pregnant and I told her we have to get married and she said no.”

Chance frowned. “You didn’t say it like that, did you?”

“What?” He had no idea what his brother was talking about.

“You didn’t tell her that y’all
have to
get married.”

The moment Chance said the words Kid knew he’d made a big mistake. He ran his hands over his face. “Oh, no.”

“Of the three of us I thought you were the one with the romantic, sensitive side. When Shay was pregnant, she needed to know she was beautiful and wanted. Even after Cody was born, she went through all kinds of moods and it all had to do with me loving her. We made special times for us. That’s what she needed.”

“Oh, God, I have to go.”

As he went out the door he heard Cadde say, “Think I’ll go lie down with my wife.”

Maybe one of these days the Hardin boys would get it right. Kid planned to do that real soon.

H
E WANTED TO GO TO
L
UCKY’S
but decided to wait. He had an idea.

Aunt Etta could not have been more excited about the baby. When Kid told her he needed her help she was happy to be of assistance. That night, sleep evaded him and he got up early to finish his plans. The morning light spurred him into action. He called Chance to tell him he wouldn’t be back until after Christmas. Like the sensitive, understanding brother he was, he didn’t ask questions. He just told Kid to be happy.

Kid had discovered Bud’s new daily habit was to visit with Nettie, so that’s where he went. He knocked and went in to see Bud and Nettie sitting at the table drinking coffee. Cody was in his high chair eating a cut-up banana, smearing it on his tray, face and clothes.

Kid kissed the top of his head. “Hey, buddy.”

Cody smiled at him.

“Bud, could I talk to you a minute?”

“No. You made Lucky cry and I’m not happy with you.”

Nettie gathered the baby out of his chair. “Franklin, you be nice. I’ll get Cody cleaned up.”

Kid sat across from Bud. “Did she cry long?”

“I don’t know. She’s mad at me, too.”

“Why?”

“Because I told her you two needed to get married. It’s been twenty damn years. It’s time.”

He could imagine Lucky’s ire when she heard that.

“Has Lucky put up a tree yet?”

“Nah. She never puts up one.”

“Why?”

Bud’s eyes narrowed on him. “She didn’t tell you?”