Rescuing Her Ranch, page 8
“It wasn’t a bother. Really. I was heading back to the ranch, so this was on my way.” Macey glanced at the sleeping child, then refocused on Cole. “She’s very special. But I don’t have to tell you that, do I?”
Cole’s eyes drifted to his daughter and he shook his head. “I don’t deserve her.”
The tenderness in his eyes was nearly Macey’s undoing. She shifted her feet and searched for the right words. “You’re a great father, Cole. Anyone can see that. I’m sorry your uncle has you over a barrel. We both value family. Unfortunately, we’re on opposite sides of this case, trying to protect our own.”
Cole’s jaw tightened. He dropped his chin to his chest. “I wish I could make my uncle listen to reason. He’s so insistent on building this strip mall when he has half a dozen other projects he could be working on. Before you called, I was at the job site for a new apartment complex along the river.”
“You mean the Riverwalk Condos...or whatever they’re called? Those belong to your uncle?”
“Yes.” Cole gathered the take-out container and dropped it in the stainless-steel trash can on the other side of the sink. “I’d rather see him build more affordable housing, but he wants to offer luxury condos to the community. Aspen Ridge is a small ranching town. Not many people could afford the monthly rent, let alone buy one. But my uncle doesn’t see that.”
“Why do you work for him again?” Then she winced and held up a hand. “Sorry—I really need to mind my own business.”
He raked a hand over his face. “Quite honestly, right now, I don’t even have the time to look for a different position. I’m too busy juggling Wallace’s demands while trying to keep Lexi healthy. I’m not doing too hot of a job doing either right now.”
“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. Ear infections are a normal part of a child’s developing years. I had many ear infections as a kid and needed tubes. The antibiotic will kick in soon, and she’ll feel like her perky self tomorrow.”
“Lexi’s not like other kids.”
“I disagree. Lexi’s very much like other kids. She’s able to have a blessed life. Yes, Lexi is special. In spite of her NF1. She’s special for who she is. She’s kind, caring and so sweet.” Macey pushed away from the counter and poked him in the chest. “And you’re a major part of that. You’re raising such a wonderful little girl. I really admire the stellar job you’re doing.”
“Thanks, that means a lot.” Cole grabbed her finger, then wrapped his hand around hers. He took a step closer and looked at her with such light in his eyes that her breath caught. His eyes dropped to her lips.
She swallowed and slowly pulled her hand out of his warm grip. She took a very necessary step back and pulled in a deep breath to steady the rapid pounding against her ribs. She glanced at Lexi who continued to sleep. “Anybody can see how well you’re doing. It’s gotta be tough doing it on your own though.”
“We manage.” His voice sounded hoarse.
She returned her attention back to him. “Wyatt knows a thing or two about being a single parent after losing Linnea in childbirth. Like you, he’s been raising Mia on his own since the day she was born. And you both had to grieve your losses while parenting a baby. You should check out his support group.”
Cole tucked his hands under his arms. “I’ll figure things out one way or another. Just hopefully not at the expense of my daughter.”
She rested a hand on his shoulder. “Just know you don’t have to go it alone.”
Cole’s phone suddenly vibrated. He pulled it out of his back pocket, glanced at the screen and sighed deeply. Thumbing over the accept button, he answered. “Yeah, Wallace, what’s up?”
Macey couldn’t make out his uncle’s words, especially when Cole turned his back to her, but the way his shoulders bunched and how he dragged a hand over the back of his neck, it couldn’t be good.
Cole sighed again. “Well, no, it’s not life threatening, but she’s got a fever and an infection.” He paused as the other man’s rumble sounded through the line. “Okay, fine. I’ll see what I can do, but no promises. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Understood.” He ended the call and gripped the phone.
Was he about to launch it through the window?
“Everything okay?”
Cole ground his jaw and rolled his neck. “Wallace needs me back at the job site. I need to call my cousin and see if she’s available to watch Lexi.” He tossed the phone on the counter and dragged his fingers through his hair as he stared into the living room.
“You’re working in this weather?”
“We’re doing interior work.” He sighed. “Man, I really hate to wake her to put her back in the car again.”
Macey took two steps toward him and touched his back. “I’ll stay.”
Cole whirled around so quickly she jumped back. A frown deepened the lines between his eyes. “What?”
“I’ll stay with Lexi. Just tell me what time she needs to take her medicine.”
Cole lifted his hands. “I don’t know when I’ll be home. You had her this morning. Plus you have plenty of other things to do. I’ll call Piper.”
“Piper is just as busy running her business and caring for her own daughter. I planned to spend the full day with her already before we realized she was sick. But if you’d rather take her with you...” Macey lifted a shoulder as she left the rest of her words hanging between them.
Cole heaved a sigh and hung his head. “No, you’re right. Thanks. I guess I’m not so great at accepting help.”
She lifted an eyebrow. “You think?”
Cole showed Macey the antibiotic and how much to give his daughter. He pocketed his phone and fished out his keys. Then he strode to the living room and brushed a kiss against Lexi’s forehead. “I’ll be back as quickly as possible. Call if you or Lexi need anything.”
Once she closed the door behind him, Macey moved to the recliner. Polly jumped off the couch and into her lap while Lexi continued to sleep soundly.
Sure, she could’ve used the time to take care of things at the ranch or do more planning for the Sweetheart Ball, but she really felt for the guy who carried the weight of his world on his shoulders.
Clearly, he needed help but was too stubborn to ask.
Her phone buzzed. She pulled it out of her pocket and saw her twin brother’s face on the screen. She answered, “Hey, Bear. What’s up?”
“I’m headed into town to file a police report. Can you keep an eye on Tanner and Mia so Wyatt can go with me?”
“Police report?” Her eyes skated to Lexi who struggled to sit up again. “What’s going on?”
“While out riding the line, I found some fence posts had been pulled up and tossed. Some trees had been chopped and left lying to rot in the snow. The barn at South Bend’s been spray-painted.” Bear’s voice thundered through the phone line.
“Spray-painted?” Macey groaned and cradled her head in her hand. The Sweetheart Ball is in a couple of weeks. Kind of tough to paint over it in the middle of winter. “Does this have anything to do with Crawford’s crew Wyatt had seen on Saturday?”
“When we questioned them, they said they were just looking around. Wyatt and I believed them and reminded them to get permission so they didn’t get charged with trespassing.”
“Then who could have done it?”
The line went silent. Had their call gotten dropped?”
“Mace, Cole Crawford’s hat was found behind the barn along with an empty can of spray paint.” Bear’s voice lowered to the point where she wasn’t quite sure she’d heard correctly.”
“Cole? No way. He has enough on his plate without sneaking over to cause damage. Besides, Bear, you know Cole wouldn’t do anything like that.” A chill slid down the back of her neck. Macey had an idea of who was really responsible.
“Now you’re defending the guy?”
Macey turned away from the couch and lowered her voice. “Bear, come on. He’s one of your best friends. Of course, I’m defending him. You should be too. He wouldn’t hurt any of us on purpose.”
“He’s involved in taking our land, remember?” Her brother’s growl reverberated through the phone.
“He’s working for his uncle. That’s different.”
“Whatever. Can you help or not?”
“I can’t. I’m caring for Lexi right now. Where’s Mom?”
“She’s at the diner, helping Aunt Lynetta. One of the servers called in sick.”
“That’s right—I was there earlier until Cole needed help again with Lexi.”
“All right. I’ll see if Ev’s home from school. Maybe she can help.” Cole blew out a breath. “Listen, it may be best if Cole didn’t come around the ranch for a while. Until this thing gets figured out.” He hung up before she could protest or even say goodbye.
Macey dropped the phone in her lap and buried her face in her hands.
No matter what happened between her and Cole in the past, she trusted her instincts on this one.
If only she could be in two places at once, but she’d given her word to Cole and couldn’t back out. Especially with Lexi being so sick.
Problem was she couldn’t shake the betrayal that seeped into her heart from not being able to help her family. Or the way Cole and his daughter were becoming more and more important to her.
She needed to be careful because somebody was going to end up hurt.
“What’s wrong, Macey?” Lexi peered behind the curtain of Macey’s hair.
She straightened, pushed her hand away from her face and smiled at the little girl standing next to her. Macey pulled the child onto her lap and pressed her lips against Lexi’s forehead. Still warm, but not as high as it had been.
“Nothing, sweetheart. How are you feeling?”
Lexi rested her cheek against Macey’s chest. “My ear still hurts. But my belly is hungry.”
“Would you like some pancakes?”
Lexi sat up and nodded, her feverish eyes bright again.
“Let’s warm your food. If you feel up to it, we can play a game or read a story once you’re done eating.” Lexi scrambled off Macey’s lap, then she stood and held her hand out to the little girl.
Lexi took it and they headed into the kitchen. “Okay. Where’s Daddy?”
“He’s working. That’s why I’m here.” Macey removed the take-out box from the fridge and retrieved a plate from the cabinet.
“I love you, Macey.” Lexi wrapped an arm around Macey’s leg.
Blinking back a rush of tears, Macey crouched in front of Lexi and pulled her into her arms. “I love you too, sweet girl.”
The more time she spent with Lexi, the less she wanted Cole to find someone more permanent. And her heart would break all over again when she lost another child she loved who wasn’t hers.
* * *
Cole needed a break, even if it was only for the rest of the evening.
He blew out a breath and rubbed a fist over his sternum, hoping to alleviate the pressure building behind his ribs. With Wallace’s attitude getting crankier and his demands increasing, working for him was getting harder.
Knowing Macey would be at his condo when he returned home filled him with more excitement than it should have.
Home.
When was the last time he really considered his condo a home? Sure, he kept it neat and clean for Lexi, but even he could see it lacked a feminine touch.
What would a home be like with her in it?
Don’t even go there, man.
He and Macey were just now mending what he’d broken years ago. He wasn’t going to do something stupid and destroy their friendship a second time.
As he unlocked the door, music and laughter greeted him. He pushed the door open quietly.
The coffee table, which was covered with a Chutes and Ladders game, a couple of books and a paper pad with an assortment of markers, had been pushed away from the couch. Upbeat children’s music blasted from Macey’s cell phone. She held on to Lexi’s hands, then twirled her, causing more giggles to erupt from his daughter. Then Macey gathered Lexi into her arms and kissed her on the cheek. Polly jumped and barked at their feet.
“Looks like someone’s feeling better.” He pressed a shoulder against the door frame.
Both heads jerked up. Lexi pushed out of Macey’s arms and raced across the room toward him with Polly at her feet. “Daddy! I missed you.”
“I missed you too, peanut.” He gathered her close, smelling the scent of her still-damp hair. “You must be feeling better.”
Lexi nodded. “Uh-huh. Macey said dance parties always make her feel better, so we tried it. Guess what?”
“What?”
“It did! Macey is so smart.” Lexi wriggled out of his arms.
Cole released his daughter, scratched Polly’s chin and captured Macey’s gaze. “Yes, she is.”
Closing the door behind him, he toed off his boots and lined them up next to Macey’s. Then he shrugged out of his Carhartt jacket and hung it in the closet next to hers.
Side by side.
Partners. Help mates. What would that be like? With someone like Macey.
No.
With Macey herself.
He ran a hand over his head, smoothing down his hair and moved closer to Macey. “How’s it going?”
She shut off her phone and pocketed it. Then she gathered the markers, paper pad and shoved the game pieces into their box. She put everything where it belonged on Lexi’s toy shelf. Then she moved the coffee table back in place.
Finally, she straightened and shoved her hands in her front pockets, her arms stiff. She cocked her head, the laughter gone from her eyes. “As you can see, Lexi’s feeling a little better. I think it’s more from the pain reliever though. She ate her pancakes, took her medicine and had a bath after her fever broke. Then we played a game, read a story, drew pictures and danced to music.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”
She nodded, then moved past him toward the door. He caught her arm. “Hey, you okay?”
She glanced at his hand and he dropped it. She shook her head. “No, not really.”
“What’s going on?”
Lexi ran over to her toy shelf and grabbed the paper pad. “Daddy, I drew a picture. Wanna see it?”
“Sure, Lexi Lou.” He knelt on one knee in front of her.
She cocked her head and gave him a stern look. “Silly Daddy. I’m Lexi Jane.”
He gave a damp curl a little tug. “My mistake.”
She pulled out a paper and held it up. “Look. It’s you and me and Macey. And I drawed a heart too.”
Cole took the picture, his heart twisting. Three stick figures with oversize heads and legs coming out of their necks stood side by side holding very large hands with each other.
“Do you like it?” She bounced on her toes, her eyes wide and eager.
He wrapped an arm around her tiny waist and drew her to him. “I love it. It’s the best picture I’ve ever seen.”
“Macey said that too.” Lexi threw her arms around his neck, nearly knocking him off balance.
From the corner of his eye, he could see Macey edging closer to the door.
“Hey, squirt. I need to talk to Macey a minute, then we’ll put this on the fridge, okay?”
“Okay, Daddy.” Lexi dropped the picture on the coffee table, then burrowed under her mermaid blanket. Polly curled up next to her.
He straightened and turned as Macey buttoned her coat and shouldered her tote.
“Hey, what’s the rush? I was hoping we could talk for a few minutes. I had an idea for the ball that I wanted to run by you. Why do I sense you’re angry at me?”
She crossed her arms, the sweetness she displayed around Lexi dissolved from her face. “Missing anything? A hat perhaps? Maybe some spray paint?”
He cocked his head. “What are you talking about?”
Macey pulled her phone out of her back pocket and pointed it at him. “Bear called and said someone vandalized ranch property. A worn Colorado Rockies hat was found at the scene, along with an empty can of red spray paint.”
Cole’s eyes widened and he held up his hands. “Mace, I promise you—I had nothing to do with that. But I will look into it and see what I can find out.”
He cupped a hand over his eyes. He’d spent so much time at the Riverside Condos job site that he hadn’t been in his office much this week. Was his hat still on his desk when he stopped in before he’d headed to the job site? He couldn’t remember.
What other surprises were in store for him today?
Her shoulders sagged as she pressed a shoulder against the coat closet door. “That’s what I told Bear.”
He folded his arms over his chest. “If that’s what you thought, then why accuse me?”
Her head lifted, her eyes challenging him. “I didn’t accuse—I asked if you were missing anything.”
His eyebrow shot up. “Well, your tone and posture are quite accusatory.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s just this whole land battle is exhausting.” Polly pawed at Macey’s leg, and she stooped to pick her up. She buried her face in the dog’s neck.
“It doesn’t have to be.”
Macey set Polly on the floor and stood. Her chin lifted as her eyes scraped across his. “If we give in, you mean?”
Cole nodded, even though he knew it wasn’t the right answer.
“If we sell, then what do we do when the next developer wants to take a different piece of our ranch? Little by little, we’ll be out of a place to live. We need to stop it from happening from the very beginning.”
“Sometimes private land is essential for public domain.”
“Sure, when it comes to the health and welfare of the community, but a strip mall? Seriously? That’s just Wallace being greedy and going after my dad because of a grudge.”
