Her Cowboy Savior (The Winchester Cowboys Series Book 2), page 4
“Did Dad go back out on the ranch?”
She grinned. “He said I was hogging the baby so he might as well.”
Carson chuckled. “I think I’m going to stick around the house for a week or two and help with Aria.” He paused, considering his next words. “I still think Haley’s running from someone, Mom. I put her phone’s SIM card into my phone, and it was blank. There was nothing on it, no calls, no contacts, nothing. It’s like she bought it because her usual phone could be traced.”
His mom’s brows drew together. “That’s terrible.”
“I’m not sure about it, but that makes the most sense since we can’t find any information about her family or her past in what she carried with her.” He sat down on the couch and sighed. “I’m worried that whoever it is might be coming after her. I don’t know what information she might have left behind. Without her memory, she’s incredibly vulnerable.”
He clenched his hands together. “It’s all supposition, but I don’t like it. I want to be close, just in case. Besides, I can help with Aria too. You’ve always got a lot to do around here, and Haley can’t take care of the baby on her own yet.”
“I’ll be glad to have your help. That way I can get out in the garden in the early mornings and let Haley sleep in.” She touched the tip of Aria’s nose. “I’ll bet this girl eats about every two hours, so we’ll be kept busy.”
He nodded. “You’re right. That’s her schedule.”
“We’ll make it work. And that reminds me. Can you go out to the storeroom and get the old oak rocking chair? We’ll put it here in the living room.”
“Sure, Mom.” It was a great idea. His parents could use it when his older brother Beau came with his young daughter and infant son too.
Carson saw it right away when he opened the double doors of the storeroom. His mom had used the chair when she’d cared for Beau’s daughter Cat four years ago, so it wasn’t too far to the back.
When he carried it inside, his mom said, “Put it there by my recliner. I’ll wipe it down in a little while.”
“I’ll do that. Just stay there.”
He got out the furniture polish and a soft cloth and carefully went over the rocking chair. It really was a beautiful piece of furniture—simple, but strong and well-made.
“Why don’t you go lie down, honey? You were burning the candle at both ends while you were at the hospital. You need your rest too,” his mom said.
He ran his fingers through his hair. “That sounds good. You sure you’re okay with the baby?”
She nodded. “We’ll be fine. Go on to bed.”
He peeked in on Haley on his way to his room. She was sleeping soundly. When he crawled into bed and laid his head on the pillow, his energy left him in a whoosh.
His mind began to fog with sleepy thoughts, and he sighed as his muscles relaxed, one after another. He thought of Haley asleep in her bed across the hall and smiled. All was well.
He gradually became aware that he was lying in a strange bed. He opened his eyes and realized where he was and why. He yawned and wondered if Aria was awake. At the same time, he hoped that Haley was still sleeping. She needed as much rest as she could get.
He rose and went in search of his mom. He found her in the kitchen, holding the baby in one arm while taking items out of the fridge with the other.
She looked up at him and smiled. “I’m glad you’re up. I need to start dinner, and little missy here is awake and didn’t want me to put her down.”
He chuckled. “She’s already got you wrapped around her little finger.”
His mom grinned. “She sure does. Little stinker.” She gently handed the baby to him.
He cradled her in his arms, overwhelmed by how tiny and precious she was. It was a sensation he felt each time he held her.
“I think we need to get one of those bouncer seats like Beau had for Cat so we can put Aria down when we need to,” he said.
His mom put several types of fresh vegetables on the countertop, then took out a package of thawed meat. “That’s a great idea.”
“I’ll go get one tomorrow. Can you think of anything else we need for her?”
“I saw the diapers you brought in, and that package won’t last long. Get more diapers and wipes too. And you may as well get some more formula while you’re at it. We have plenty of distilled water on hand, though. And get a nice little blanket as well. I’d like something soft to wrap her up in when I hold her.”
“I will. I’ll go as soon as Haley wakes up in the morning. I should only be gone a couple of hours.” He paused. “I’ll ask Dad to work close to the house. You know, because of what we talked about.”
She nodded. “I understand.”
“I’m going to take the baby out for some fresh air.”
His mom nodded as she brought out a big bowl for the salad.
Out on the front porch, he sat in the old wooden swing suspended from the roof. Each year, it got a new coat of wood preservative, and he’d played on the thing since he was a child. “You’re going to love this, Aria. I know my little niece Cat sure did.” He pushed the swing into motion, then settled back and relaxed.
Aria’s beautiful blue eyes stared up at him as her tiny lips moved in a sucking motion. He wondered if it was nearing time to feed her. “Are you hungry, honey?” He gently caressed her head. She seemed perfectly content, so he let the matter rest.
Black Angus cattle dotted the pasture across from the house. They grazed on tufts of little bluestem grass native to the region. He sighed as the peaceful scene calmed his soul. He loved being a rancher. He pitied his brother Beau, who’d had to make the difficult decision to move to San Antonio so that his little daughter could have the educational services she needed. Carson couldn’t imagine himself living anywhere but on the ranch.
Aria made a little squeak and brushed her half-closed fist against her cheek. Was she getting restless? Hungry? He waited a moment, but she didn’t fuss.
He got out his phone and called Beau. Having his big brother as his best friend was an amazing thing. Beau already knew about Haley from a brief phone call Carson had made from the hospital early on, but they hadn’t touched base with each other since then.
As expected, he got Beau’s voicemail. His brother was a loan officer at a bank and usually busy during the day. “Hey Beau, just checking in. I’ve brought Haley and the baby here to Mom and Dad’s house. I knew she’d need help with the baby while she was recovering. She still has no memory of her past, and I’m worried that she’s running from someone back in Houston.”
He paused. “Anyway, everything’s going great here. We all just want Haley to rest and get better. She still has bad headaches all the time.” He realized that he was rambling. “Bye for now. Love you, brother.”
He disliked talking to voicemail and grimaced as he put the phone back into his pocket. The swing had slowed while he was talking, and he pushed it higher again.
What had gone wrong for Haley before she’d set out from home? They had to find out.
Aria’s mouth puckered, and she made frantic sucking motions. Then she twisted her head to the side and gave a mewling cry—which then turned into a howl.
“I think you’re hungry, sweetie. Let’s take care of that.” He stopped the swing and strode into the house with the bawling baby. He hoped Aria hadn’t wakened Haley with her cries.
When he got to the kitchen, his mother was already making the bottle. “Thank goodness,” he said, and sat down at the table.
She handed him the bottle, and he put it in Aria’s mouth. Still howling, she took a second to realize what had happened, then she closed her lips around the nipple. It was suddenly quiet. He sighed. “Lord, it’s going to take me a while to get used to her crying like that.”
His mom chuckled. “She’ll do it for a wet diaper too, so just get ready. It’s the only way babies can communicate at first.”
“It escalated so fast, though. I was already getting up, and she started screaming bloody murder anyway.”
“Yep. She’ll get better, though, as she realizes that we’re going to tend to her needs quickly.”
He smiled down at Aria as she took her bottle with half-closed eyes and a blissful look on her face. She was adorable.
Haley walked into the kitchen looking much better than she had before her nap. She smiled at the baby. “I thought I heard my hungry daughter yelling for food.”
Carson chuckled. “Sorry about that.”
“I was ready to get up anyway, don’t worry.”
“How’s your head?” Debra asked.
“Much better. My headache’s almost gone. Better than it’s ever been.”
“It’s about time for your medicine again, isn’t it?” Carson asked.
She looked at her phone. “Yeah, in a few minutes.”
“Let me fix you a piece of bread and butter before you take it. You don’t want to get in the habit of taking that pain medicine on an empty stomach,” Debra said.
“Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”
While Debra fixed her snack, Haley went back for her medicine.
When she returned, she also brought the ice packs. “I’ll put these back in the freezer, if it’s okay.”
“Thank you, honey.” Debra put the saucer with the bread and butter on it and a glass of milk on the table.
While Haley ate, Carson said, “Mom and I were talking, and we think we should buy a bouncer seat for Aria so we can put her down when we need to. Do you know what we’re talking about?”
Her brows drew together. “Hm, I’m not sure.”
“Here, let me show you a picture.” He quickly found one on Amazon and handed her his phone.
She studied it for a moment, then said, “That looks great. I’ll give you the money for it, of course.”
“We figured we’re also going to need more diapers, wipes, and formula, so I’ll pick that stuff up too.”
She handed his phone back. “Thank you, Carson. I’m embarrassed that you’re having to do all this for me.”
“Now, don’t you feel like that,” Debra said. “You need time to get on your feet, and we’re here to help you do that.”
He smiled. “Mom’s right. Your job is to get better. I’m just happy that your head feels better. That’s huge.”
“Well, thank you both for all you’re doing for me. And Debra? That bed’s wonderful. I really slept well.”
Aria finished her bottle, and the nipple slipped from her slack mouth. She was fast asleep.
He smiled down at her. “She’s a beautiful baby, Haley.”
Haley touched his arm. “Thank you, Carson. You’re so good with her.”
He covered Haley’s hand with his. “I’m glad you’re both here.” He let the warmth he felt show in his eyes. “By the way, I’m going to be sleeping in the bedroom across from you so I can help with Aria during the night.”
Her eyes widened. “Really? But you need your sleep too.”
He shook his head. “Not like you do. I want you to rest as much as you can.”
She squeezed his arm. "I don’t know what to say.”
Her touch sent little tingles skittering up his arm. “You don’t have to say anything. That’s what I’m here for.”
She smiled, and he recognized the same warmth in her gaze. Was she just being friendly, or was she attracted to him too?
Chapter Four
After a wonderful dinner, Haley insisted on helping everyone else with the cleanup. It was done in a matter of minutes, and she smiled at the antics between Landon and Carson. The youngest Winchester brother had been mostly quiet after the frenzy of everyone filling their plates, but it had been obvious from what little he’d said that he was as kind as Carson.
When everyone headed for the living room, she said, “I think I’ll go in and unpack. I don’t even know what’s in those suitcases.”
“One’s full of your clothes, and the other has clothes for Aria in it. Why don’t I come with you and put away the baby stuff while you deal with yours? It’ll go faster that way,” Carson said.
“Oh, would you? I’m so tired that I’ve been dreading unpacking all day.”
“Come on. It’ll be over and done with before you know it.” He led the way to her room and put both suitcases on the bed.
She gasped when she saw the contents. “What a disaster!”
He touched her arm. “I have some thoughts on that.”
She looked up at him, her heart beginning to race at his serious tone. “You do?”
“I don’t know for sure, of course, but I’m worried that you were running from someone, and you packed like this so you could leave as quickly as possible. It explains why you didn’t bring anything for the baby except clothes. You must not have had time.” He paused for a moment. “It also explains the blank phone. You must have ditched your old phone and bought that one so you couldn’t be traced.”
Her heart pounded. Was it true? Had she been running from danger? God, why couldn’t she remember? “This is awful. How can I find out if someone’s after me?”
He grimaced. “I’ve been wondering that myself for days. I looked in your bags when I first got to the hospital, hoping to find a clue to lead us to your family. When I saw this mess, I felt sure something was wrong.”
Her legs suddenly felt too weak to stand. She dropped onto the bed, gripping her hands together. “What if they find me?”
“Hold on. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You’re here—where no one would ever expect you to be—so we can assume that you’re safe, at least for now.” He paused. “But we’re going to do everything we can to find out what happened—why you might have been afraid. Okay?”
She nodded, her heart still pounding so hard she could hear her pulse in her ears.
He squeezed her shoulder. “Now, why don’t we tend to these suitcases? Let’s get our minds off what we can’t change.”
She nodded and stood up. He was right. It was a one-in-a-million chance that she’d ended up here at Carson’s ranch. No one would ever think to look for her here.
“Mom said there’re plenty of hangers in the closet.”
“Thanks. I think I may need to get the wrinkles out of some of these before I wear them, though.” She was surprised by the variety in what she found. It seemed that she’d especially liked bright colors, although there were items in black too. She’d also packed several pairs of regular jeans, along with two pairs of maternity jeans. Unfortunately, there were no shoes. She was stuck with only the pair of tennis shoes that she’d had on in the accident, and they had bloodstains on them. Another pair was definitely in order.
After a couple of minutes, Carson said, “These little clothes are cute. It’s obvious you knew you were having a girl. Almost everything has pink on it.”
She went over to see what he was folding and smiled. “Oh my goodness. They are cute.” She picked up a little onesie that said, “Momma’s Little Darling” on it. “I love this one, and it’s newborn size too. I’ll put it on her after her bath.”
Then she looked at it a little closer. “I don’t know, though. She’s so tiny.” She glanced at Carson. “Maybe we should buy her some preemie-sized clothes for now. What do you think?”
“That’s probably a good idea.”
“You looked up that bouncer thing on Amazon, right?”
He nodded. “Would you like to order the baby clothes there?”
“I have no idea if I have an account with them. Would you mind if we used yours?”
“Of course we can. Let’s finish this, and then we’ll start shopping.”
A few minutes later, as she drew out the last piece of clothing from the suitcase, she noticed a slit on the inside of the pocket meant for lingerie. Curious, she slipped her fingers inside—and frowned. Why were there sheets of folded paper hidden in her suitcase? She pulled them out. “Carson? I’ve found something.”
He shut the drawer on the baby’s dresser. “All done.” As he walked over to her, he said, “What’s up?”
She unfolded the papers, desperately hoping that they would answer her many questions. “I found these inside a slit in the fabric of my suitcase, like I was trying to hide them.” They appeared to be paperwork for shipping containers, complete with itemizations of their cargo. They were from a Houston-based company called Harbor Tech Manufacturing Solutions.
Carson looked at the papers over her shoulder. “Why do you think you had these? Do you think you might have worked at this place?”
“Maybe I did. And look, there are,”—she stopped and counted—“six containers over the past year that are circled.”
She flipped back to the cover letter and read it from the top. When she finished, she said, “I did work there. I signed the letter. It looks like I found discrepancies in what was shipped and what should have been shipped, and they’re big. And the problem’s regular as clockwork, every two months, and it’s from the same shipper.”
She glanced over her shoulder at Carson. “What could it be? The shipper only sends a quarter of the merchandise. That leaves the container three-quarters empty. Why would they do that?”
“It doesn’t make sense, unless they’re putting something else in the container that’s off the books. Something illegal,” he said.
“You mean, like drugs? That’s a hell of a lot of drugs.” Her stomach clenched. Was she running from a drug cartel?
“Drugs or worse. It could be human trafficking.” His eyebrows drew together. “God, I hope it’s not that.”
She looked more closely at the documents. “These pages look like the originals, and the letter’s to the shipping operations manager. It looks like I was a staff accountant.”
She shivered. What exactly had happened? “If I didn’t give the guy the letter, then why was I running?”
Carson shrugged. “I don’t know, but at least we have a place to start looking now.”
She handed him the papers, and he flipped through them slowly. “Surely your accounting supervisor knew about this? I mean, how could he or she have missed it?”
