Her Cowboy Savior (The Winchester Cowboys Series Book 2), page 8
Some time later, when Carson slowed the swing to a stop, Aria had fallen asleep.
“I’ll put her to bed,” he whispered.
Haley nodded, feeling as if she’d been in a stupor.
As he walked into the house, she rose and stood at the corner post by the steps, looking down the drive at the big red barn. Remembering their first kiss in the tack room made her lips tingle. She touched her mouth, wishing that she could kiss him again.
Her attraction to the sweet, handsome cowboy was growing stronger every day.
He came outside a moment later and stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
She leaned her head back against him and sighed.
He kissed the top of her head. “Feel better?”
“Yeah. The swing’s so relaxing. At least it is when you have someone else to keep it moving.”
He chuckled. “Right.” He tightened his arms around her. “I’ve always loved that old swing. It’s been there forever.” He kissed her temple. “Would you like to take a ride in the truck? I’d like to show you around the ranch.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“Let me just go ask Mom to watch Aria.”
When he returned, he had a small cooler with him. He clasped her hand. “Come on. I can’t wait to show you around.”
As they drove slowly through the first pasture, she said, “I expected this road to be bumpier. How do you keep it so nice?”
“We originally made these pasture roads with a bulldozer, so they’re smoother. We use a blade on the tractor for regular upkeep.”
She nodded. “My headache appreciates that.” She pointed to the cattle in the pasture. “What made your family decide to raise Black Angus?”
“They’re the perfect breed for this country. They’re sun-tolerant, and they’re low maintenance, which means they do well on the natural grass and on the wheat we plant.
She nodded. “They’re certainly nice-looking animals.” She turned to the pasture on the other side of the truck. “This land is beautiful. I can see why you love this place.”
In the next pasture, which was only partially cleared, he stopped under a large copse of oak trees and turned off the truck.
“These trees are magnificent,” she said as he opened his door.
“They’re the reason that we didn’t completely clear this pasture. We couldn’t bear to cut these old fellows down.” He walked around to her door and opened it. As he helped her down to the ground, he said, “This is the Lost Lady Pasture.”
She glanced up at him. “That’s a strange name.”
He retrieved two sodas from the cooler and led her over to one of the trees. After opening her can, he handed it to her. “The story is that, back in the days when this area was first being settled, a woman new to the area went missing here. They worried that the Native Americans had taken her, but two weeks later, they found her lost and wandering, nearly dead. She’d stayed alive by drinking rainwater that had gathered in some natural rock formations. I’ll show you where, if you like. It’s not hard to get to.”
“That sounds like fun.”
She touched the rough, gray bark of the beautiful old oak tree. “I’m so glad you didn’t cut this down. It would’ve been a crime. These trees are breathtaking.”
He smiled at her, and the look in his eyes sent a shiver racing through her.
“I had an ulterior motive for bringing you out here today.”
She smiled up at him. “You did?”
“Oh yeah.” He kissed her then, slowly and thoroughly, leaving her breathless.
She slid her arms around his neck, kissing him back, covering every inch of his lips and sliding her tongue inside his mouth.
He groaned and held her tight, his lips hard and insistent on hers.
She hooked her calf around his, pressing her body against him. Suddenly he drew back, his breath coming fast as he smiled down at her. “This ground’s hard as a rock.”
She exhaled deeply and chuckled. “Because that’s where we were headed.”
He picked up their soda cans, and they walked back to the truck. As he helped her up into the seat, he said, “I could come to you tonight.” He handed her the seat belt, then frowned. “Wait, you’ve just had a baby. You’re probably not ready. Can you even...”
She caressed his cheek. “I’d love to be with you. Honestly, I don’t know anything about that myself.”
“How do you feel?”
She could sense that he was a little uncomfortable. “Not bad. I didn’t have an episiotomy. Aria was small. Why don’t you give me your phone, and I’ll see what the restrictions are.”
“Good idea.”
When he got back into the truck, she said, “This has reminded me. I need to find doctors for Aria and myself so we can get our checkups. Everything’s been so hectic I haven’t done it.”
“Mom can help with that,” he said as he started the truck.
While he drove slowly back to the house, she looked up several posts.
“Find anything?” he asked.
“Looks like the earliest that I can have intercourse after a vaginal birth is two weeks. One post even says longer.”
He nodded. “Anything else?”
“Yeah. There are several other things, but I think I’m okay because my bleeding’s already stopped, I don’t have any abdominal pain, and I’m not running a temperature.” She glanced up at him and smiled.
He pursed his lips. “Let’s see. You got out of the hospital yesterday, which was the twelfth day after the birth. This is the thirteenth day.” He said, “I’m fine with waiting longer than two weeks. Anticipation just makes things better.”
She smiled. “I’m glad you always see the bright side.”
He reached for her hand. “Always.”
She chuckled at the roguish look on his face. Then she squeezed his hand. “Do you know how special you are?”
He shook his head and gave her that sweet smile again.
Her eyes teared up. Had she been a Christian in her life before? She hoped so. She now believed that God had put Carson on that road on the day of her accident. He’d sent the right person to save her—and not on just that day. He’d been her savior ever since.
Chapter Eight
Haley laid her fork across her breakfast plate and glanced at Carson. They’d agreed to tell his parents about their worries concerning her past. She’d been staying with the Winchesters for six days now and felt much stronger than when she’d first come home from the hospital.
Carson reached under the table and clasped her hand. “Dad, Mom: Haley and I think that she may have been running from some kind of trouble when she left Houston. We’re going to make some phone calls today and hopefully get some help.”
Ken’s eyebrows drew together, and he looked at Haley. “What kind of trouble are we talking about?”
Her stomach clenched. “It was obvious by the way my bags were packed that I left in a big hurry.” She wet her lips as she glanced at Carson.
He nodded his encouragement.
“I also found some papers hidden in my suitcase that point to something illegal going on at a company that I worked at. We’re worried that it represents human trafficking.”
“Oh Lord. That’s terrible,” Debra said.
“You think someone from this company may be after you?” Ken asked.
“We don’t know, but if they are, we assume that they have plenty of resources at their disposal,” Carson said. “A possible organized crime or cartel connection makes sense.”
“Damn, that’s dangerous,” Landon said.
Ken glanced at Debra, then back at Haley. “Who are you going to contact?”
“The Texas Rangers first. The Rangers and the FBI handle human trafficking in Texas.”
The worry on Carson’s parents’ faces broke her heart. And if there was danger, it could follow her here. She’d never forgive herself if something happened to these wonderful people.
Ken nodded. “That’s a good choice.” He looked at Carson and then back at her. “I’m real sorry to hear about this, Haley. You know we’ll do anything we can to help.”
Landon nodded. “Count me in too.”
Her heart melted. Even though he’d been warned of the danger, he would stand beside her. She blinked back tears. “I hope we’re wrong about all this and everything’s fine. But thank you, Ken. I appreciate your offer more than you’ll ever know.” She glanced at Debra and nodded. “Thank you, too, Debra.”
When she turned to Landon, his face was filled with determination. “Landon, thanks for standing by me.”
He nodded. “You bet.”
Debra’s smile was warm as she said, “You’re like family now, Haley. We’re here for you.” She rose from the table. “You all go on and make your phone calls. We’ll do the cleanup.”
Carson joined Haley on the couch, handing her his phone as he sat down. “Here you go. Let’s figure out the best way to contact the Rangers.”
She did a quick search. “Looks like their headquarters is in Austin. Let me see...” After looking at several more sites, she said, “It looks like San Saba County falls under the jurisdiction of the Waco Division Office.” She called the number listed and was quickly transferred to a ranger. When he came on the line, she said, “I hope I’m doing the right thing by speaking with you, Officer Danbury.”
“Why don’t you start at the beginning and tell me why you’ve called,” he said.
She began with her memory loss, then went on to tell him about their suspicions.
“So you’re surmising that you stumbled on evidence of illegal activity, which you think may be human trafficking?” he said.
“Yes. We’re basing that guess on the amount of space that would be left in the shipping containers and on the regular cycle of the shipments,” she said.
“And you feel that someone in the company may be aware that you discovered this information, and you may be in danger because of that?”
She cleared her throat. It did sound a little out there when the ranger said it. “Yes, sir, we do, based on the hurried way I packed and the fact that I took so little with me when I left.” Then she added, “Like I said, I was pregnant and due very shortly when I left. I should have been more prepared for that, and I wasn’t.”
“I understand.” He paused for a moment, probably to consider his options. “Listen, would you mind if I sent someone over to your house in Houston? We have a division office there, and we can make that happen pretty quickly.”
“That’s fine.” She read him the address from her driver’s license. “I still don’t know if I’m married, or if I live alone. I have no idea what my situation is. Can you find that out, too, while your guy’s there?” She hadn’t been wearing a ring, and there wasn’t a tan line on her finger from wearing one.
“I’ll have him look into it. And listen, I’d like to come speak with you further on this. Is tomorrow okay with you?”
She glanced at Carson, and he nodded.
“That’s fine. I’ll let Carson give you the address.” She handed the phone to him and began to shake. Now that the ball was rolling, the danger seemed all too real.
Carson ended the call and slid his arm around her hunched shoulders. He kissed her temple. “It’s going to be okay. We’re on the right track now.”
But she was filled with dread. Everything had been so perfect. Would she ever be safe again?
After lunch, Haley followed Carson out to the front porch swing. Leaning against him, she said, “I’m so relieved the insurance was able to get everything sorted out with my car. When they called yesterday I was glad to hear that they’re totaling it for sure, and they’re going to deposit the payment directly into my bank account.”
Carson kissed her forehead. “That’s great. I’m glad you finally got that all straightened out.”
She nodded. “Me too. Do you think we can go to Walmart this afternoon? I’d like to get a few more things for Aria, like a stroller so we can take walks.”
“Sure. I’ll bet she’d love going for rides in the stroller.” He bent and kissed the baby’s forehead. “You’ll love that, won’t you little girl?”
Haley smiled as warmth spread through her. He was wonderful with Aria, and it touched her deeply. “Do you think we could try to unlock my phone before we go?”
“Sure, let’s do that right now.” He slowed the swing to a stop. “Let’s go get it, and I’ll take out the SIM card.”
It wasn’t easy, but thirty minutes later her phone was unlocked.
She quickly chose a new passcode. Now she could use her phone again. “Thanks, Carson. I’m so glad you found that video.”
Then she looked at him and frowned. “Where the hell is my real phone, though?” Tears filled her eyes as the mystery of her past overwhelmed her.
He slipped his arm around her and pulled her closer to him on the couch. “We’ll figure all this out. Just hang in there. At least we have your phone working now.”
She nodded, unable to speak as worry warred with depression in her heart.
After a few minutes, he said, “Let’s ask Mom if she’s up to watching Aria, and then we can go.”
They found Debra in the kitchen pouring a glass of iced tea. Carson said, “Mom, we’d like to go to Walmart again. Do you mind watching Aria?”
“Of course I don’t mind. I have a list going. Would you all pick up some things for me while you’re there?”
“We’d be glad to, Debra,” Haley said and stepped forward. “Just give me the list. And please allow me to pay for the items.”
Debra handed her the slip of paper from under the magnet on the fridge. “Oh, that’s not necessary.”
“I know it’s not, but I’d feel a whole lot better if you’d let me contribute to my room and board.” She smiled winningly. “Pretty please?”
Debra laughed. “Fine. You two go on.” She reached for Aria. “When did she eat last?”
“About an hour ago,” Carson said.
It was a quiet ride into San Saba. Haley’s mind was on the conversation with Officer Danbury. Would he be able to do something about the danger she might be in? Could he get to the bottom of the mysterious entries in the company’s books? She shivered. The thought of someone coming after her gave her cold chills. How could they protect themselves from that?
Carson reached out and held her hand. The connection helped ease the panic creeping up on her. When she glanced at him, his smile was warm and reassuring, as if he sensed the direction of her thoughts.
When they arrived, they shopped for Debra’s items first. It didn’t take too long.
Haley glanced at Carson and said, “I’ll follow you to the baby section since you’re more familiar with the store. I’m all turned around.”
He put his hand on the front corner of the cart. “I think I remember where it is from last time we were here, but it’s not like I shop for baby things all the time, you know.”
She chuckled. “Smart aleck. For sure I want a stroller, and then I just want to look around. I know I’ll find some things that will make caring for Aria easier.”
In the baby aisles, they looked at various strollers before settling on a four-wheeled model with an adjustable backrest that made into a bed.
Carson pushed it back and forth. “This one’ll work well on the gravel driveway. You made a good choice, Haley.”
They strolled up and down the aisles, walking slowly and taking their time. After picking out a baby carrier and a few other items, they headed for the front of the store to check out.
On the way home, she was less haunted by the possibility of danger. Carson held her hand, and she looked out the window at the pastureland speeding by. Life seemed more normal after buying things for her baby.
She turned to Carson and smiled. “Thanks for taking me out today. I had fun shopping for Aria.”
He squeezed her hand. “I liked it too. And it’s nice to get away from home for a while.”
She nodded. “It is. I think I’m used to being busy. I’ve noticed I’m more anxious when I’m not taking care of Aria or helping your mom.”
“I’m glad you’re feeling better. How’s your headache today?”
She grimaced. “It’s worse this afternoon. I took some medicine while you were feeding Aria her bottle. I just wish there was something I could take that would make the headaches go away for good.”
He frowned. “I do too. I hope they go away on their own soon. The doctor thought that should happen. I’ve been praying for that, honey.”
Her lips parted. That was the second time he’d called her “honey”. She squeezed his fingers. “Thank you. I know that helps.”
He smiled. “You bet it does.”
When they got home, Carson carried their purchases into the house. Haley brought the lighter groceries into the kitchen. She didn’t see Debra anywhere, but she knew her way around by now, so she put them all away.
Looking out the window, she spotted Debra outside in the garden with Aria. Haley headed out the back door and walked over to her. “Let me take Aria. Looks like you have your hands full.”
Debra turned around and smiled. “She’s being good. I just decided that I wanted to make green beans for dinner, and I didn’t have any already picked.”
With Haley holding the baby, Debra’s fingers fairly flew across the vines, picking the long beans and tossing them into the basket on the ground.
“There, that should be enough. There’re more ready, but I’ll get them in the morning.”
She picked up the basket and glanced at Haley. “Shall I teach you to snap beans?”
“I’d love that.
When they arrived at the kitchen, Debra began washing the green beans.
Haley went into the living room and smiled as she found Carson putting the stroller together. She slipped her arms around his waist and gave him a hug. “You’re the best. What would I do without you?”
He slid his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. “I enjoy doing things for you.” He pulled back and cupped her face in his palm, his eyes warm and caring as he looked into hers. “We’ll take her for a walk this evening, okay?”
