Page 65 of A Cowboy's Trust

With a laugh, she climbed into his lap and kissed him senseless. Things might have gotten out of control if not for the pillow that whacked into his head a few moments later.

“No sexy tomfoolery from you two,” Julia growled. “I don’t need to see it.”

Tansy twisted in Jake’s lap, holding tightly to his shoulders as she made a face at her friend. “You said you wanted to be distracted.”

A second pillow followed the first. “Playing cards, you heathen.”

“Fine. I’ll save it for later.” Tansy waggled her brows at him. “If that’s okay with you.

“Excellent by me,” Jake assured her.

The next hours were filled with good company and great food. The only one who seemed even the slightest bit put out was Zach. When Jake poked him about it, the other man sighed. “I was hoping the excitement of the day would send her into labour,” he admitted.

After a wonderful evening, they headed home. Only a few lights shone in the windows, glowing warm yellow in the darkness.

The ranch hands and Logan waved goodnight, heading to their dorms. The ladies slipped from Aiden and Petra’s truck, Declan bringing up the rear with Jinx and Dixie.

Jake shared Zach’s tidbit with Tansy as they left his truck and walked slowly toward the High Water ranch house.

“Julia would have loved to go into labour. She’s worried she’ll have the only forty-five week pregnancy on record.”

“Zach does like setting records.”

Her laughter echoing in his ears, Jake swooped Tansy into his arms. He stopped in place and leaned down to kiss her. A hit of the heat that constantly flared between them struck, but mostly this time it was about what they’d just shared with family and friends. The new closeness that kept building.

A moment later, she hummed happily. “Nice homecoming.”

He caught her fingers in his and strolled them toward the door. “It was a good day. Ready for a good night?”

“Always.” She raised a brow. “Full week ahead, though, so I can’t stay out all night.”

“Too bad. I’ll have to make sure I work a little faster?—”

“Jake? Is that you?”

He jerked to a stop, hauling Tansy with him.

It couldn’t be.

Yet five feet ahead of them, rising from the bench to stand in the porch light, was Melissa. She waved, the dark bags under her eyes completely out of place from the beautifully manicured face she usually presented to the world.

He was ready to demand what the hell she thought she was doing showing up uninvited when a little boy stepped out from behind her. More than a toddler, but not old enough to behiskid. A sad little white face with eyes full of fear.

A quiver in her voice, Melissa rested a hand on top of the kid’s head as he stood beside her. “I need your help, Jake. I don’t know where else to go.”

15

May and Helen had eyes full of questions, but their mouths stayed firmly shut. Considering they’d recently arrived, they knew the rule was to keep their noses out of others’ business unless invited, and they vanished back to their room after quietgood nights.

Jinx stared at the little boy for the longest time before giving Petra and Tansy hugs. “Do I need to give up my room?” she asked quietly.

“No,” Petra assured her. “That’syourroom, and Dixie’s. Lock your door, and let us figure it out, okay?”

Jinx nodded then snapped her fingers. Dixie came alert, gliding silently at her heels as the teen slipped away.

Before Jake could demand what was going on, Tansy spoke. “Are you hungry? When did you two last eat?”

Melissa considered, but it was the little guy’s expression that clearly answered the question. Jake gestured to the main table. “Sit. Food first, then you can explain.”