Married in Texas, page 28
“Dad!”
“All right, all right,” Cody said impatiently. “I’m coming.”
Sherry got to her feet, not wanting him to leave. “I’ll be over at the ranch one afternoon this week,” she volunteered hastily. “That’ll give us both time to think about what we want.”
Cody smiled and briefly touched her face. “I’ll do what I can to keep Heather out of our hair.”
“I heard that!”
Cody chuckled and, leaning forward, kissed Sherry gently on the lips. “Your kisses are sweeter than any chocolate-covered cherries.”
“Hey, Dad, that was good,” Heather announced on her way through the door. “I didn’t help him with that, either,” she told Sherry.
Nine
“I hate to impose on you,” Ellie said for the third time.
“You’re not imposing,” Sherry insisted also for the third time. “Christina Lynn and I will get along fine, and Philip won’t even know you’re gone.” As if to confirm her words, Christina Lynn crawled into Sherry’s lap and planted a wet kiss on her cheek. “Now go,” Sherry said. She stood up, with the toddler tucked against her hip, and escorted Ellie to the door. “Your husband wants to celebrate your anniversary.”
“I can’t believe he arranged all this without me knowing!”
Luke appeared then, dressed in a dark suit, his hair still damp beneath his hat. His arm went around Ellie’s waist. “We haven’t been out to dinner in months.”
“I know, but...”
“Go and enjoy yourself,” Sherry insisted. The more time she spent with Luke and Ellie, the more she grew to like them, individually and as a couple. Luke wasn’t as easy to know as his wife, but Sherry was touched by the strength of his love for Ellie and his family. Luke had called her on Tuesday morning to ask if she’d mind staying with the children Wednesday night while he took Ellie out for a surprise dinner to celebrate their third wedding anniversary. Sherry had been honored that he’d want her to look after his kids. He then told her there wasn’t anyone he’d trust more.
Later, when she arrived at the ranch and Ellie was putting the finishing touches on her makeup, Luke had proudly shown Sherry the gold necklace he’d purchased for his wife. Sherry suspected her friend would be moved to tears when she saw it and told him so. Luke had beamed with pleasure.
“If Philip wakes up,” Ellie said, “there’s a bottle in the fridge.”
“Ellie,” Luke said pointedly, edging her toward the door. “We have a dinner reservation for six.”
“But—”
“Go on, Ellie,” Sherry urged. “Everything will be fine.”
“I know. It’s just that I’ve never left Philip before, and it seems a bit soon to be cutting the apron strings.”
Sherry laughed and bounced Christina Lynn on her hip. “We’re going to have a nice quiet evening all by ourselves.”
“You’re sure—”
“Go,” Sherry said again. She stood on the porch with Christina Lynn as Luke and Ellie drove off. The little girl waved madly.
For the first half hour, Christina Lynn was content to show Sherry her toys. She dragged them into the living room and proudly demonstrated how each one worked. Sherry oohed and ahhed at all the appropriate moments. When the toddler had finished, Sherry helped her return the toys to the chest that Luke had made for his daughter.
Having grown tired of her game, Christina Lynn lay down on the floor and started to fuss. “Mama!” she demanded as if suddenly realizing that her mother wasn’t there.
“Mommy and Daddy have gone out to eat,” Sherry explained patiently. Thinking Christina Lynn might be hungry, she heated her dinner and set the little girl in her high chair. But apparently Christina Lynn wasn’t hungry, because the meal landed on the floor in record time.
“Mama!” Christina yelled, banging her little fists on the high-chair tray.
“Mommy’s out with Daddy, sweetheart.”
Christina Lynn’s lower lip started to wobble.
“Don’t cry, honey,” Sherry pleaded but to no avail. Within seconds Christina Lynn was screaming.
Sherry lifted her from the high chair and carried her into the living room. She sat in the rocker trying to soothe her, but Christina Lynn only wept louder.
Inevitably her crying woke Philip. With Christina Lynn clinging to her leg, Sherry took the whimpering infant from his bassinet and changed his diaper. Holding him against her shoulder, she gently patted his back, hoping to urge him back to sleep.
That, however, proved difficult, especially with Christina Lynn still at full throttle. The little girl was wrapped around Sherry’s leg and both she and Philip were wailing loudly enough to bring the house down. Sherry was in despair, trying to soothe both children to no avail.
That was how Cody found her.
She didn’t hear him come in, so she was surprised to discover him standing in the hallway outside the children’s bedroom, grinning hugely.
“Hi,” he said. “Luke told me you were sitting with the kids tonight. Looks like you could use a little help.”
“Christina Lynn,” Sherry said gratefully. “Look—Uncle Cody’s here.”
Cody moved into the room and dislodged the toddler from Sherry’s leg, lifting her into his arms. Christina Lynn hid her face in his shoulder and continued her tearful performance.
“What’s wrong with Philip?” Cody asked over the din.
“I think he might be hungry. If you’ll keep Christina Lynn occupied, I’ll go heat his bottle.”
They met in the living room, Sherry carrying the baby and the bottle. Cody was down on the floor, attempting to interest the toddler in a five-piece wood puzzle, but the little girl wanted none of it.
Philip apparently felt the same way about the bottle. “He’s used to his mother nursing him,” Sherry said. “Besides, I don’t think he’s all that hungry, after all. If he was, he’d accept the bottle quickly enough.”
She returned it to the kitchen and sat down in the chair with Philip, rocking him until his cries abated. Christina Lynn’s wails turned to soft sobs as she buried her face in the sofa cushions.
“You’ve got your hands full.”
Sherry gave a weary sigh. “Imagine Ellie handling them both, day in and day out. The woman’s a marvel.”
“So are you.”
“Hardly.” Sherry didn’t mean to discount his compliment, but she was exhausted, and Luke and Ellie hadn’t been gone more than a couple of hours. “I don’t know how Ellie does it.”
“Or Luke,” Cody added. He slumped onto the end of the sofa and lifted an unresisting Christina Lynn into his arms. She cuddled against him, and at last silence reigned.
“Come sit by me,” Cody said, stretching his arm along the back of the couch.
Sherry was almost afraid to move for fear Philip would wake up, but her concern was groundless. The infant didn’t so much as sigh as she tiptoed over to the couch. As soon as she was comfortable, Cody dropped his arm to her shoulder and pulled her closer. It was wonderful to be sitting with him this way, so warm and intimate.
“Ah, peace,” he whispered. “Do I dare kiss you?”
Sherry smiled. “You like to live dangerously, don’t you?” She raised her head and Cody’s mouth brushed hers. Softly at first, then he deepened the kiss, until she was so involved in what was happening between them she nearly forgot Philip was in her arms.
She broke off the kiss and exhaled on a ragged sigh. “You’re one powerful kisser.”
“It isn’t me, Sherry. It’s us.”
“Whoever or whatever, it’s dangerous.” She nestled her head against his shoulder. “I don’t think we should do that again.”
“Oh, I plan to do it again soon.”
“Cody,” she said, lifting her head so their eyes could meet, “I’m not here to, uh, make out with you.”
“Shh.” He pressed his finger to her lips.
She pressed her head against his shoulder again. His arm was around her. She enjoyed the feeling of being linked to him, of being close, both physically and emotionally. It was what she’d sought from the beginning, this bonding, this intimacy.
When she felt his breathing quicken, she straightened and read the hunger in his eyes, knowing it was a reflection of her own. Cody lowered his mouth to hers, claiming her with a kiss that left her weak.
She was trembling inside and out. Neither of them spoke as they kissed again and again, each kiss more potent than the last. After many minutes, Sherry pulled back, almost gasping with pleasure and excitement.
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” she whispered. Each held a sleeping child. They were in their friends’ home and could be interrupted at any time.
“I can’t believe it, either,” Cody agreed. “Damn, but you’re beautiful.”
They didn’t speak for a few minutes, just sat and savored the silence and each other.
“Sherry, listen—” Cody began.
He was interrupted by the shrill ringing of the telephone. Philip’s piercing cry joined that of the phone. Christina Lynn woke, too, and after taking one look at Cody and Sherry, burst into tears and cried out for her mom.
Cody got up to answer the phone. He was back on the couch in no time. He cast Sherry a frustrated look. “That was my daughter. She heard I was over here helping you babysit Christina Lynn and Philip, and she’s mad that I left her at home.”
“I think,” Sherry said, patting Philip’s back, “she got her revenge.”
Cody grinned. “It was selfish of me not to bring her, but I wanted to be alone with you.”
“We aren’t exactly alone,” she said. She looked down at Luke and Ellie’s children, who had miraculously calmed again and seemed to be drifting off.
“True, but I was counting on them both being asleep. Luke thought they’d be and—”
“Luke,” Sherry broke in, pretending to be offended. “Do you mean to tell me this was all prearranged between you and Luke?”
“Well...”
“Did you?” Sherry could have sworn Cody was blushing.
“This all came about because of you and the fuss you made over wanting romance. Luke got a bit whimsical and thought he’d like to do something special for his anniversary. Then he got worried that Ellie wouldn’t go because she wouldn’t want to leave the children. It’s hard to be romantic with a couple of kids around.”
Sherry looked at Christina Lynn and Philip and smiled. “They didn’t seem to deter us.”
“True, but we’re the exception.” After a pause he said, “Put your head back on my shoulder.” He slid his arm around her. “It feels good to have you this close.”
“It feels good to me, too.”
He kissed the crown of her head. Sherry closed her eyes, never dreaming she’d fall asleep, but she must have, because the next thing she heard was Luke and Ellie whispering.
She opened her eyes and her gaze met Ellie’s. “They were a handful, weren’t they?” she asked with a smile.
“Not really,” Sherry whispered.
“All four of you are worn to a frazzle. Even Cody’s asleep.”
“I’m not now,” he said, yawning loudly.
Ellie removed Philip from Sherry’s arms, and Luke took his daughter from Cody’s. They disappeared down the hallway to the children’s room, returning soon after.
“How was your dinner?” Sherry asked.
“Fantastic.” Ellie’s eyes were dreamy. She sat in the rocking chair while Luke went into the kitchen. He reappeared a few minutes later carrying a tray with four mugs of coffee.
“I can’t remember an evening I’ve enjoyed more.” Ellie’s hand went to her throat and the single strand of gold Luke had given her for their anniversary. “Thank you, Sherry.”
“I’ll be happy to watch the kids anytime.”
“I don’t mean for watching the kids—I... I certainly appreciate it, but there’s more. Luke told me I should thank you because it was Cody talking to him about love and romance that made him realize he wanted our anniversary to be extra-special this year.”
Luke stood behind the rocking chair and leaned forward to kiss his wife’s cheek.
“I think it’s time we left,” Cody suggested, “before this turns into something, uh, private.”
“You could be right,” Sherry agreed.
With eyes only for each other, Ellie and Luke didn’t seem to notice they were leaving until Sherry was out the front door.
“Stick around, you two,” Luke protested. “You haven’t finished your coffee.”
“Another time,” Cody answered, leading Sherry down the steps.
“Night,” Sherry called to her friends.
“Night, and thanks again,” Ellie said, standing in the doorway, her arm around her husband’s waist, her head against his shoulder.
Cody escorted Sherry to her car, then hesitated before turning away. “I’ll see you soon,” he said, frowning.
She was puzzled by the frown. She watched as his gaze swung back to Luke in the doorway and then to her again. Then he sighed and stepped away.
Sherry would have given her first month’s wages to know what Cody was thinking.
* * *
“Dad was furious with me,” Heather said when she stopped in at the clinic the next afternoon. Doc was out doing house calls, like the old-fashioned country doctor he was.
“Hi, Heather,” Sherry greeted her. “Why was he mad?”
“He told me I had the worst sense of timing of anyone he’s ever known. First the night he brought you the candy and flowers, and then when you were watching Christina Lynn and Philip.”
“It’s all right,” Sherry assured her. “Your father and I’ll get everything straightened out sooner or later.” But Cody hadn’t said anything about marriage lately, and Sherry was beginning to wonder.
“I’m not supposed to butt into Dad’s business or yours, and I don’t mean to, but I hope you decide to marry us. I don’t even care about the babies so much anymore. I really like you, Sherry, and it’d be so much fun if you were always around.”
“I’d enjoy that, too.”
“You would?” Sherry instantly brightened. “Can I tell Dad you said that, ’cause I know he’d like it and—”
“That might not be a good idea.” Sherry removed her white jacket and tossed it in the laundry hamper. She was finished for the day and eager to see Cody.
“I thought your friend Carrie was going to come by with you,” she said.
“She couldn’t. That’s why I can’t show you the way I want my hair cut.”
“Oh, well. I’ll see the magazine another time.”
“Especially if you’re going to stay around.” Heather pressed her books against her as her eyes grew wistful. “I can hardly wait for you to move in with us.”
“I didn’t say I was moving in with you, Heather. Remember what Ellie told you at the picnic?”
Heather rolled her eyes in exasperation, as if reciting it for the hundredth time. “If I interfere with you and Dad, I could hurt more than help.”
“You got it.”
Before leaving the clinic, Sherry ran a brush through her hair and touched up her makeup. “You’re sure Janey and your father are expecting me tonight?”
“Of course. Dad specifically said I should stop by today and invite you, but if you can’t come, that’s fine, too, ’cause Slim’s in town and he can take me home.”
The phone rang just then, and Sherry let Mrs. Colson answer it. The receptionist came back for Sherry.
“It’s a nice-sounding man asking for you.”
This surprised Sherry. The only “nice-sounding man” who interested her was Cody Bailman, but Mrs. Colson would have recognized his voice.
She walked into her office and picked up the receiver. “This is Sherry Waterman.”
“Sherry, it’s Rowdy Cassidy. I know it’s short notice, but I was wondering if you could fly to Houston for dinner tonight?”
“Fly to Houston? Tonight?”
“It’s Norah’s birthday, and I’d love to surprise her.”
“But there isn’t a plane for me to catch, and it’d take you hours to fly to Pepper to get me.”
“I’m here now, at the airstrip outside town.”
“Here?”
“Yeah, I flew into Abilene this morning and I got to thinking on my way home that I should bring you back with me. I know it’s a lot to ask, but it’d give Norah such a boost. She loves Texas, but after your visit, she got real homesick. It’d mean a lot to her if you’d come and help celebrate her birthday.”
Sherry hesitated and looked at Heather, not wanting to disappoint Cody’s daughter, either. “I need to be back by nine tomorrow morning.”
“No problem. I can have one of my staff fly you back first thing. What do you say?”
“Uh...” Sherry wished she had more time to think this over. “Sure,” she said finally. “Why not?” Norah was her best friend, and she missed her, too.
They made the arrangements to meet, and Sherry hung up. “You heard?” she asked Heather.
Heather lowered her head dejectedly.
“It’s for a surprise birthday dinner. Norah’s the reason I moved to Texas, and she’d do it for me. Besides, you said Slim can take you back to the ranch.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“How about if you stop by after school tomorrow?” Sherry asked, hating to disappoint Heather. “It’d be even better, wouldn’t it, because Carrie might be able to come.”
Heather nodded, but not with a lot of enthusiasm. “You’re right. It’s just that I was really looking forward to having you out at the ranch again. I think Dad was, too.”
“There’ll be plenty of other times, I promise. You’ll explain to your father, won’t you?”
Heather nodded. Sherry dropped her off at the feed store, where Slim’s pickup was parked. She stayed long enough to be sure the older man was available to drive Heather to the ranch.
