Her Cowboy Savior (The Winchester Cowboys Series Book 2), page 5
“I agree. If you look closely, it’s not too hard to spot.”
“I don’t understand why you didn’t address the letter to your own manager in accounting. Wouldn’t that make more sense?” he asked.
“I was wondering about that too. Maybe that person wasn’t in the office, and I felt the matter was too important to sit on. After all, it’s summer, and people go on vacation,” she said.
“Hm. You could be right.” He handed her back the papers. “We need to follow up on this. I think the likely guess is human trafficking, don’t you?”
She nodded. “Yes, because of the amount of space they left in the containers.”
“Come on. Let’s get a glass of iced tea.”
As she stood up, her knees buckled. She gasped, suddenly feeling lightheaded.
Carson grabbed her arm and steadied her. “This has been a lot to take in.” He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and started slowly toward the kitchen.
When they got there, he pulled out a chair and eased her into it.
She sighed. “I’m feeling better now. I don’t know what that was all about.”
“It’s a shock to find out something like that.” He poured her a glass of tea and set it on the table in front of her. “Nothing a good glass of Texas sweet tea can’t fix,” he said gently.
She smiled. “Right.”
After pouring himself a glass, he took the chair beside her.
“I’d like to look up that company. Can I borrow your phone?” she said.
“Of course you can, but I have a better idea. Why don’t we look at baby clothes? Getting your mind off what we were just talking about might be a good idea.”
“You’re right. I’ve obviously had enough of that subject for now.”
He took his phone from his pocket and opened his Amazon account. “You remember how to search?”
“It can’t be that hard.”
He chuckled and pointed to the screen. “Type what you’re looking for into that search bar.”
She took the phone. “So, preemie girl’s clothing.”
“That sounds about right.”
Seconds later, she said, “Oh, Lord, I need to narrow this down.”
“You’re going to need preemie outfits for about a month, right? Or do you think it’ll be longer?”
“A month is about right.” She thought for a moment. “So, a few onesies and zip-up pajamas, and I also need some burp cloths and baby washcloths.”
“Great,” he said. “Just search for those.”
A moment later, she grinned. “These are cute.” She showed him a package of three pink-and-white onesies.
“I like those.”
Next, she searched for the pajamas. It took a little more work to find what she wanted, but she soon had four zip-up outfits ordered too. Then she found some soft burp cloths and infant washcloths before completing her shopping.
“Done?” Carson asked.
“I think that’s enough.”
“Okay. I’ll put in the order. The stuff usually arrives in a few days. It’ll tell me in a minute when to expect them,” he said.
Debra walked in and stopped at the table. “What are you two up to?”
“We just ordered some preemie baby clothes for Aria. The newborn stuff that Haley brought is too big for her right now,” he said.
“That’s great, son.” She patted Haley on the shoulder. “Your little one is such a good eater, she’ll be in those newborn sizes in no time at all.”
“Debra, I’d like to give Aria a bath. Could I do it here in the sink?” Haley asked.
“Of course, honey. I’ve got some baby wash here that you can use too. Let me go get it.”
“I’ll help you bathe her,” Carson said. “Let me get a towel.”
He stood up, but before he could leave, she clasped his hand. “You’re such a sweet man. I’m so lucky to have met you.”
He squeezed her fingers. “I feel like the lucky one.” His gentle smile sent tingles racing through her chest. Was he as attracted to her as she was to him?
“I’ll be right back,” he said.
She headed for the living room, warmed clear through and so very happy.
Carson held Aria as Haley filled the kitchen sink with warm water. Aria was wide awake and moved her tiny fists around so emphatically it made him grin. They might have their hands full giving her a bath.
When the water was deep enough, Haley said, “Let’s get her onesie off.” She took her from him and laid her on the table. Aria immediately began to fuss.
Carson went over, laying his hands on either side of her head and talking soothingly to her. Her fussing quieted, but she still wriggled as Haley quickly removed her outfit. He kept his palm on her little back as Haley carried her to the sink, which seemed to make her feel more secure.
As Haley lowered her into the warm water, the baby relaxed, her tiny legs unfolding and beginning to float.
The sight of her like that went straight to his heart. He said, “I can wash her while you hold her upright. And I know we don’t want to get her navel area wet.”
“That would be a big help.”
He rolled up his sleeves as Aria enjoyed her bath. Her face was completely relaxed as her eyes explored her surroundings. Carson squeezed baby soap into his palm and rubbed his hands together, then said, “Okay, raise her up some.”
Haley gently lifted Aria’s body above the water.
He rubbed his hands over her little legs and feet, paying attention to her tiny toes. Then he rinsed them as Haley lowered the baby back down into the water. “Now for the rest of you.” He added more soap to his palms, then ran his hands over her tummy and under her arms. After washing her arms and in the little folds of her neck, he said, “Okay, let’s turn her over.”
Aria fussed at this, but quieted as soon as she was in the water again. She looked so tiny and fragile that his heart skipped a beat. He had to protect this baby at all costs.
He scooped up water and wet her back. She seemed to enjoy it, so he went ahead and wet her hair the same way. Then he gave it a quick wash, using a cup to rinse the soap out.
By this time, Aria had begun to fuss, wriggling to get loose from her momma. He picked up the towel. “I’ll dry her off. I think our girl’s had it.”
Haley chuckled. “I don’t blame her. It’ll be much nicer once we can submerge most of her body. She really seems to love the water.”
He bent and kissed Aria’s forehead as she lay snuggled in his arms in the thick towel. Happy now, she looked up at him with her big blue eyes. He smiled down at her as they walked back to the bedroom. She was a beautiful baby, and holding her touched his heart in a deeply profound way. He didn’t understand it, but he welcomed the feeling.
He laid Aria on the bed and gently dried her off.
Haley got out the onesie that she’d liked earlier, tiny socks, and a diaper and ointment. “Let’s hope she doesn’t fuss while I dress her. She’s so happy right now,” Haley said.
“I’ll try to keep her calm while you work.”
He began to stroke the baby’s head as Haley put her diaper on.
Aria made unhappy squeaks and grunts but didn’t cry as he caressed her head and brow during the process.
But as Haley picked her up to put on her onesie, she began to fuss.
“There, sweet girl. Almost done,” he said softly, standing next to Haley as she bent over the bed.
As soon as Aria was dressed, Haley handed the fussing baby to him. “I think she likes your voice. Could you possibly walk with her for a few minutes while I clean up after her bath?”
“Of course.” He cuddled Aria to his chest and began to hum one of the lullabies he remembered from childhood.
She immediately calmed, turning her face to the side and closing her eyes.
“I’ll bet your chest vibrates when you hum like that. She can probably feel it,” Haley said. “No wonder she loves it when you hold her.”
He smiled. “That’s a good point.” He kept humming as he walked out into the living room and sat down in the rocking chair. He gently patted Aria’s back and heard the tiniest of sighs. His heart panged with a sense of utter joy.
A few minutes later, Haley walked in and handed him a bottle. “Would you like to feed her? If not, I’m happy to.”
“No, I’d like to.” He changed Aria’s position and cradled her in his arms. When he touched the nipple to her lips, she latched onto it hungrily. He grinned and shook his head. She reminded him of the little piglets they raised.
Haley sat down on the couch and leaned her head back, closing her eyes and heaving a long sigh.
“Tired?” he asked.
She nodded. “It doesn’t take much to wear me out these days. And my headache’s back with a vengeance.”
“Damn. Did you take your pills?”
“Yes. They should kick in soon, I hope.” Then she asked, “Where’s Debra?”
“Mom and Dad went for a drive. They do that sometimes,” he said. “It’s their alone time. They’ve always done it.”
She glanced at him, a bemused smile on her face. “It’s so amazing to see how much in love they still are. I think it’s sweet.”
“I do too. I hope I have a marriage like theirs someday.” Aria was still sucking hungrily on her bottle, and the corner of his mouth lifted. Her determined expression was so cute.
Haley closed her eyes again, and Carson kept silent, wanting her to rest and hoping her headache would get better. The rocking motion relaxed him. He was still tired from his time at the hospital, and he let his eyes shut as he kept the chair moving.
Aria finally finished the bottle and let it slide from her mouth. He put her on his shoulder and patted her back, hoping she burped quickly.
It took five minutes of gentle pats, but she finally made the sound he’d been waiting for. He rose and went to Haley’s bedroom. Moving slowly, he laid Aria in the cradle on her back, waiting almost a minute to be sure that she’d fallen back to sleep.
Haley walked up beside him and whispered. “You’re so good with her, Carson. Thank you.”
He turned to thank her just as she slipped her arms around his waist and hugged him. Surprised, it took him a second to hug her back.
She nestled her head against his chest and sighed. “I don’t know what I’d do without you right now. No matter what happens, you just step right up.” She looked into his eyes then. “It means the world to me, and I want you to know that.”
He smiled. Holding her close was such a precious feeling. “Haley, I don’t want you to worry about anything. I can only imagine what you’re going through right now, and I’m here for you, no matter what.”
She stood on her tiptoes and drew his face down to her, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. “Like I said before, you’re very special.”
She stepped away then, and the sudden emptiness of his arms made his heart pang. He watched her walk out the door, knowing one thing for certain. He wanted her to remain in his life—and little Aria too.
Chapter Five
His heart still beating hard from their hug, Carson found Haley in the living room. “How do you feel about taking a long, hot shower? It should make you feel a lot better.”
She rubbed her forehead, smiling tiredly. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
“There’s shampoo and conditioner in the shower. Just bar soap, though. When I go to town for diapers and stuff tomorrow, why don’t you come along and get the toiletries you need?”
She nodded. “I’d like that. I need to get another pair of shoes, too. Then I can toss those bloody ones.”
While she headed for the shower, he sat down on the couch and got out his phone. A few seconds later, he had Harbor Tech Manufacturing Solutions pulled up. As he read more about it, his concern increased. A far-reaching business this size could easily have organized crime or cartel connections.
He went out on the porch for some fresh air and to think. Something had to be done to find out why Haley had left home so quickly and if she was still in danger. He just wasn’t sure how to proceed.
The golds, oranges, and reds of a darkening sunset made a spectacular sight. He leaned back in the comfortable padded chair and sighed. The gentle evening light gave the colors in the pasture a special glow. He loved this land. It fed his soul. He gazed at the grazing cattle and the horses walking lazily in the pasture by the barn. Danger seemed far away.
He closed his eyes and let the gentle evening breeze cool him.
He slowly became aware of the darkened landscape. He’d lost track of time and needed to check on Aria. He went inside and quietly opened the door to Haley’s room, but the baby was still sound asleep. He noticed the papers Haley had found in her suitcase lying on the bed and retrieved them.
As he shut the door quietly behind him, Haley walked out of the bathroom wrapped in his red-and-black-plaid robe. She plucked at it. “I hope you don’t mind. I didn’t pack one.”
He smiled. “You’re welcome to it. I forgot it was here.” The robe completely overwhelmed her tiny figure. She looked adorable.
“How’s Aria? She still asleep?”
“Yeah, I was just checking on her.” Then he said, “I looked up that place where you worked. Do you want to talk about it? If your head’s still hurting, we could wait.”
“No, now is great. My headache’s a little better.”
She followed him to the living room, and he sat on the couch so that they could look at the phone together. He opened the site again and handed it to her. “The company has four locations around the world.”
“Wow.” She began to read, biting her lip.
He waited quietly, letting her absorb the information. She flipped through several pages, where there were photos of the other locations. Finally, she said, “That place definitely has the resources to do what we think they’re doing. I wonder if the other sites are into trafficking too.”
“I was thinking about that. I’ll bet they do. Did you notice that they’re all in port cities?”
She grimaced. “I caught that. Yeah.”
“I think we’re at the point now that we should involve law enforcement, don’t you?”
Her eyes flicked to his, and he saw a spark of fear.
“You think so?”
Her voice quavered, and he put his arm around her shoulders. “Hey, we can wait a few days. You’re still getting your strength back.”
She nodded. “I’m just so tired right now.”
He saw her swallow hard and take a deep breath. Then she said, “I don’t feel we should just talk to the local sheriff. We need to speak with the branch of law enforcement that handles human trafficking.” She tucked a strand of her damp hair behind her ear. “That’s what I think, anyway.”
“That’s a good idea. Let me see what I can find out about that.” He did several searches and then said, “Okay, it looks like the FBI and the Texas Rangers take point on human trafficking in Texas.”
Haley pursed her lips for a moment. “I think I’d feel better talking to a Texas Ranger. They’re Texans, so I feel like I’d connect with them better. What do you think?”
He tightened his arm to reassure her. “This is about you, so you should decide, but I agree with you. A ranger is a good choice.”
She breathed out a long sigh. “Okay, when I’m feeling a little better, I’ll call the Rangers.”
“Good for you.”
The front door opened, and his mom and dad walked in. His mom said, “Well, look at you, Haley. I hope you took a good long shower. Do you feel better?”
Haley smiled. “I sure do. Thanks.”
“Did you all have a good time?” Carson asked.
“It was a beautiful sunset, wasn’t it, honey?” his mom said, looking back at her husband with an affectionate smile.
“It sure was. We had a nice drive.”
“Aria’s sleeping. She did great with her bath and then drank her bottle like a champ,” Carson said.
“That little one’s a keeper,” his dad said as he sat down in his recliner.
Haley smiled at the compliment.
“I’m going in to shower, you all.” Carson glanced at Haley. “Aria should sleep for a while longer.”
She smiled. “You take your time. I’ve got her if she wakes up.”
“If it’s okay with you, I’m going to move the cradle into my room tonight. I want you to get your sleep,” he said.
“Oh, you shouldn’t do that. You’re tired too,” Haley said.
He said, “I insist. You need to get your strength back, sooner rather than later.”
She looked like she was going to argue, but instead said, “You’re right. I do. Thank you, Carson. You’re very sweet.”
He smiled and headed for his bedroom. The quicker she felt stronger, the quicker they could contact law enforcement.
He made fast work of his shower, wanting to be there when Aria woke up.
When he walked back into the living room, however, Haley was rocking the baby and feeding her a bottle.
She smiled at him. “Somehow I never pictured you in shorts and a T-shirt.”
He chuckled. “Us cowboys gotta relax sometimes too.”
“You look cute, don’t worry.”
He laughed. “Good to know.” He sat down on the couch. “Mom and Dad go to bed?”
“Yeah, a little while ago.”
Watching Haley hold Aria snuggled in her arms filled him with warmth. “You’re a good momma, Haley.”
She looked up, a tender smile still on her face. “I don’t know. I feel like I have so much to learn.”
“I’m sure all new moms feel that way, but you’re good with her.” He loved the way she looked at her daughter. It was incredibly sweet, and he felt privileged to be a part of their relationship. “I’ll go move that cradle now, so we’ll be ready when she falls asleep.”
Haley looked as if she had something to say about that, but then pressed her lips together and nodded.
He quickly moved the cradle to the side of his bed, then brought the diapers, wipes, and ointment in too.
When he returned to the living room, Aria was just finishing her bottle.
