Читать книгу Colton 911: Target In Jeopardy - Carla Cassidy - Страница 13

With a groan, Avery pulled the black-and-white-checkered maternity blouse over her head and threw it on the bed to join the others she’d tried on and then rejected.

Clad in just her black maternity slacks and a bra, she went back to her closet to make yet another selection. She knew she was being utterly ridiculous. It was just dinner at the Bluebell Diner. Any one of the blouses on the bed would have been just fine to wear for the meal out.

Still, she was ridiculously nervous and determined to look her very best. It wasn’t just a meal out, it was the first time she would spend real time with a man who would be in her life in one way or another for a very long time to come. Unless he chose not to be.

“Somehow, some way, everything is going to be okay, right, Lulu?”

The black toy poodle sitting in the doorway of her room barked happily at the sound of her name. At the same time the babies kicked, and it felt as if they turned somersaults in her belly. She had yet to pick out names for them, which was probably a good thing, since now Dallas might want to be a part of that process.

Aware of time ticking by, she focused on the clothes in her closet once again. Her gaze landed on a pink-and-black-striped blouse. The last time she’d worn it she had gotten several compliments. She yanked it from the hanger and then pulled it on over her head. She closed her closet door to insure she wouldn’t change her mind yet again.

As she went into the adjoining bathroom to put on her makeup, she fought against a new flurry of nerves. Despite the fact that she and Dallas had been intimate with each other, he was a virtual stranger to her.

What if they really didn’t like each other? What if their views of life were completely different? What if they clashed in every area that was important? After having time to digest the news of her pregnancy, would he resent her for getting pregnant? Would he feel like she was somehow trying to trap him?

It wasn’t like she was asking him to marry her. In fact, that was the very last thing she wanted. Losing Zeke had changed her, made her reluctant to ever care deeply about anyone ever again. She had no desire for a partner or to be married, but these babies were part of her, they were her family, and she would shower them with all the love she had in her heart.

She tried to tamp down the concerns about Dallas as she applied her eye makeup and then added pink-tinted gloss to her lips. She ran her brush through her hair and then spritzed on perfume and called herself ready.

She left the bathroom and went into the living room and sat on the edge of the sofa. He should be arriving within the next fifteen minutes or so. Lulu sat at her feet, gazing up at her adoringly.

She picked up the dog and then looked around, assured by the neat-and-tidy condition of her living room. She’d spent the morning cleaning, to make sure the house was in tip-top shape just in case Dallas came in.

She’d bought the three-bedroom ranch house right after she’d learned she was pregnant. She hadn’t wanted her babies to be raised in the small apartment where she’d been living at the time, and in any case, she had been thinking about purchasing a house.

The minute she’d seen this place she’d known it was a perfect fit. Not only did it have the three bedrooms and a big eat-in kitchen, but it also had a large fenced-in backyard that would be perfect for growing children.

Every move she had made, every decision she’d reached in the last seven months had been in what she believed was the best interest of her little family.

Family. She felt as if she’d lost every member of her family, and having these babies had been her chance to create a new family unit for herself.

It was impossible to think about family without thinking about Zeke, and thoughts of him always brought a sharp grief that even after a year still had the ability to almost take her breath away.

If only she had done something differently. If only she had—

The ring of her cell phone pulled her from her thoughts. She set Lulu on the floor and dug in her purse for the phone. She looked at the caller identification and then answered. “Hi, Chad.”

“How’s our pregnant lady?” Chad Ruland asked.

Avery smiled at the sound of her fellow prosecutor’s deep voice. “The pregnant lady is doing just fine.”

“I’ve got Danny here with me and he’d like to talk to you.” Danny Jenkins was a file clerk, and he and Chad had been wonderfully supportive throughout her pregnancy.

A knock sounded at her door. “Chad, I’ve got to go. Tell Danny I’ll call him later.” She rose from the sofa as nerves fluttered wildly inside her. She and Chad said their goodbyes.

“You be good while I’m gone,” she said to Lulu. She grabbed her purse and then opened the door. “Hi,” she said.

Jeez, Dallas looked so darned hot in a pair of black jeans and a long-sleeved black polo shirt that emphasized his broad shoulders and flat abdomen. He looked like a cowboy in a pinup calendar, and she looked like a pink-and-black-striped beached whale.

“Hi,” he replied. “Are you all ready to go?”

Lulu gave a cheerful bark, her tail wagging in anticipation of meeting a new friend, but Avery quickly stepped out of the house and then closed her door behind her and made sure it was locked.

“Sounds like you have a friend in there,” he said.

“I do. A friendly little poodle named Lulu. She’s two years old and a complete sweetheart. It’s a nice evening,” she said, changing the subject as they walked toward his truck, parked in her driveway. The air was just a bit crisp, cooler than usual for early September.

“It is,” he agreed. “Fall seems to be arriving a bit ahead of time this year.”

“That’s okay with me. Out of all of the seasons, fall is my favorite.”

“I like it, too. Are you hungry?”

She laughed. “I’m always hungry. Eating for three is a responsibility I take very seriously.”

“Well then, let’s get the three of you fed as soon as possible,” he replied with an easy smile. He opened the passenger door for her and then helped her inside.

His smile had gone a long way in easing some of her nerves. This dinner wasn’t supposed to do anything but allow them to get to know each other better. It was a first date without the expectation of any romance.

Even knowing that, she couldn’t help the way her heart beat just a little bit faster in his presence. Hormones, she told herself...crazy, pregnant hormones. That had to be why a pleasant energy raced through her as he got into the truck, bringing with him a scent of minty soap and a clean, fresh-scented cologne.

“It looks like this is a nice neighborhood,” he said, as he backed out of her driveway.

“It is nice. I bought the place soon after I found out I was pregnant, so picking a good neighborhood and a nice house was very important to me.”

“I’m sorry you’ve had to go through so much of this process alone. Do you have family here?”

Her heart constricted. “I have my father, but we aren’t really close.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thanks, but it is what it is.”

“By the way, congratulations. I heard through the grapevine you got your man yesterday.” He shot her a quick glance. “I’m not surprised. You were quite passionate in your closing argument.”

She smiled. “I’m quite passionate about getting bad guys behind bars, especially drug dealers.”

By that time they had arrived at the restaurant. The Bluebell Diner was located on Main Street, along with the general store, Lone Star Pharma, a corner store and Kain’s Garage. There were also various other kinds of businesses on the main drag, like a grocery store and an ice cream parlor.

Since it was Friday, the parking spaces in front of the diner were all full. It was definitely a popular place for the people in Whisperwood to dine, especially on the weekends.

“Why don’t I drop you off here at the door and I’ll find a parking space down the block,” he suggested.

“Oh no, that isn’t necessary,” she protested. “Walking is actually good for me.”

“If you’re sure...”

“It’s fine,” she assured him. “I could use the exercise.”

He found an empty space in the next block and they got out of the truck to walk back to the diner. As they went they chatted about the storefronts they passed. She pointed out the boutique where she had bought most of her maternity clothes, and he told her where he bought his cowboy boots. They both agreed that Edwards’s Ice Cream Parlor was a favorite place to visit.

Within minutes they entered the busy diner. The air inside smelled of simmering meats and baked goods, of rich sauces and vegetables. Avery’s appetite came to life. The sounds of people talking and laughing and the clinking of glass and silverware filled the room.

They wove their way to the back and quickly staked claim to a blue-and-white-gingham-tablecloth-clad booth. “At least the noise level is a little less intense back here,” he said, once they were settled in.

“You do realize you’re going to be the object of gossip after this evening,” she said. She’d been acutely aware of the curious stares that had followed them from the diner’s front door to their booth.

“Gossip has never scared me,” he replied easily, and then frowned. “Does it bother you?”

“Heavens, no. I’ve been the subject of town gossip since the moment my pregnancy started to show and there was no man in my life,” she replied.

“Then I have a feeling the two of us are going to generate a lot more gossip in the future,” he said drily.

“I’m happy to keep the busybodies busy.”

He grinned at her. “I like the way you think.” His grin was a wide, warm one that shot an unexpected heat through her.

Thankfully, at that moment Susan Blake, one of the waitresses, appeared at their booth. She greeted them and handed them each a menu. “How are you folks this evening?” she asked pleasantly.

“We’re good,” Avery replied.

“What can I get you both to drink?” Susan asked.

“Water is fine for me,” Avery said.

“I’ll take a cup of coffee,” Dallas added.

“I’ll be right back with those drinks and to take your food orders.” With that, Susan left their booth.

Avery opened the menu and Dallas did the same. She was acutely aware of the man across from her even as she studied the food offerings.

His energy wafted across the table to her. He seemed to command the space around him. He had a quiet confidence about himself that was vastly appealing to her.

But did that confidence manifest itself in arrogance? Was he a control freak? Was it his way or the highway? So far there had been no indication that he was any of those things, but time would tell, and it was important for her to learn exactly what kind of a man he was and what kind of a father he would be.

“What looks good to you?” His gaze held hers over the top of the menus. His eyes were like crystal blue waters, waters she had easily drowned in seven and a half months ago, but certainly wouldn’t be drowning in again.

“Everything looks good to me,” she replied with a small laugh. “Actually, I think I’m going to go with the chicken-fried steak and mashed potatoes. The kids seem to crave comfort food lately.”

“Have you had any strange cravings like I’ve heard pregnant women do?” he asked.

“Green olives with potato chips,” she confessed. “I never really liked green olives before I got pregnant, but now when I snack I want olives and salt-and-vinegar potato chips.”

“An interesting combination,” he replied.

“Some people might say it’s a gross combination,” she said ruefully. She was rewarded by his laughter. It was a wonderful sound, deep and rich, and she immediately wanted to hear it again. “So, what are you ordering?” she asked him.

He closed the menu. “I’m having the meat loaf special. I’m pretty fond of comfort food, too.”

Susan returned to their table with their drinks and then took their food orders and disappeared once again. Dallas stared down into his coffee cup for a moment and then gazed at Avery.

“When you found out you were pregnant did you, uh, consider other options?”

“No,” she replied firmly. “I never considered anything other than having the babies. I was at a place in my life where I wanted to start my family, but not only did I not have a significant other in my life, I didn’t really want a significant other. These babies felt like a gift from heaven to me and I never considered anything but giving them life.”

“I feel like they’re a gift from heaven, too. Uh...did you have morning sickness?” He looked slightly uncomfortable and this time his smile was sheepish. “I don’t mean to pry. I just feel like I’ve missed out on so much.”

“Dallas, I don’t feel like your prying, and please feel free to ask me whatever you want to know. I’m an open book.” Actually, she was glad that he wanted to know what he’d missed so far about her pregnancy.

Maybe that meant he really was planning on sticking around and being in the babies’ lives. “I was one of the lucky ones who didn’t have much morning sickness. I have had some heartburn, but nothing really severe.”

She didn’t want to share with him the moments of intense loneliness she’d suffered during the last seven and a half months, a loneliness that had surprised her.

It had to be because she didn’t have Zeke in her life anymore. Zeke, who would have made an awesome uncle. She didn’t want Dallas to know that there had been lots of times she’d desperately wished somebody special was around to share the wonder of pregnancy with her.

There had also been moments when she’d felt bad that her babies would not have a father in their lives. She had been acutely aware that it was a choice she had made for them and not a choice they would have made for themselves.

“That’s good. Overall, how are you feeling?”

“Totally fat.” She laughed. “I know it’s all baby fat, but it’s starting to get difficult to get comfortable and by the end of the day I usually have a backache. But it won’t be long and they’ll be here, and I know the minute I hold them in my arms I’ll forget any aches and pains I’ve had.”

Once again his gaze held hers intently. “I just want you to know that from here on out, you aren’t alone in this. From here on out, Avery, I intend to be by your side. And you don’t look fat, you look pregnant and pretty.”

“Thank you,” she replied, as the warmth of a blush filled her cheeks.

His words found that empty well of loneliness inside her and filled it up. They also brought unexpected tears to burn her eyes. She’d thought she was fine and strong to have the babies by herself, and she would have been. But it was nice that he was here now, nice that she didn’t have to go through the rest of this all alone, and that there was a real possibility her babies would have their father in their lives.

Thankfully, at that moment Susan arrived to deliver their dinner, and Avery managed to get her crazy emotions under control.

The main thing she had to remember was the handsome, seemingly kind and slightly shy man across from her was only with her for one reason...because she was pregnant with his babies.

He cared about her only because she was carrying his children. She had to remember he wasn’t with her because he had any kind of a romantic interest in her.

* * *

As they ate their meal the conversation stayed light and easy, even though there were a hundred things Dallas wanted to know about Avery.

He told himself he had to be patient. He didn’t want her to feel like he was coming at her with all his questions at once. He certainly didn’t want to force anything. He just wanted this new and unusual relationship to grow naturally.

It would be great if they could become good friends for the sake of the babies. In truth, he felt like that was vital. They would be sharing custody, and as the twins grew older it would be imperative that he and Avery be a united front in terms of discipline and everything else.

He smiled inwardly at his own thoughts. The babies weren’t even born yet and he already had them as teenagers who might need parental control.

One thing was for certain. She’d said she looked fat, but that wasn’t true. She made a beautiful pregnant woman. Yes, her belly was big and round, but that was the only place she looked like she’d gained weight.

Her skin looked warm and so...so touchable, and she also appeared to glow from within. The black-and-pink-ink blouse made the green of her eyes appear clear and bright. But her beauty had nothing to do with the relationship they needed to build.

“Tell me more about your job,” he now said. “How long have you been a prosecutor?”

“Only for the past year,” she replied. “Before that I was a defense attorney.”

“What made you change?” he asked curiously.

Her green eyes darkened with shadows just before she gazed down at her plate. She took a moment and then looked back at him. “Whether anyone wants to acknowledge it or not, there’s a growing drug problem in this town.”

She paused and then continued, her eyes showing a blaze of passion that vanquished the shadows. “Everyone says drug abuse is a victimless crime, but that’s so not true. I’ve seen the devastation left behind in families when somebody overdoses and dies. I’ve seen families torn apart by a drug addict who is stealing from them and lying to them to support a habit. My mission now is to see that when the police arrest drug dealers, they stay behind bars.”

“A noble mission,” he replied. What he didn’t say was that there was a lot more going on in Whisperwood than drug sales. There was no reason to include murder and a serial killer in their conversation, and potentially change the positive vibe they had between them right now.

Still, she looked wonderfully attractive with that blaze in her eyes and her cheeks flushed with her emotion. She’d looked that way when they had made love. He glanced down into his coffee cup and shoved the inappropriate thoughts out of his head.

As they finished the meal they each talked more about their jobs. She told him about some of the more colorful and funny things that had happened in her work in court.

In turn he told her about some of the rescues he’d been a part of after the hurricane’s floodwaters had swept through the vicinity. “We’re still doing cleanup in several areas.”

By that time they had finished with their dinner. “Are you up for dessert?” he asked.

“Oh no, I’m too full of mashed potatoes and gravy to even think about dessert,” she protested. “But you feel free to order some.”

“No, I’m good to go.” He signaled to Susan for their tab.

“I’m happy to go dutch,” she said.

“That’s unnecessary,” he replied.

“Dallas, I’m used to paying my own way.”

He smiled at her. “For tonight please allow this army sergeant turned cowboy to buy your dinner.”

“Okay, and thank you. But if we go out to eat again, then you must let me pay my own way.”

“I see a lot of meals out in our future,” he replied.

“Or maybe I could cook for you,” she replied.

“Are you a good cook?”

“I think I am. I don’t do anything too fancy, but I can put a pretty decent meal on the table.”

At that time Susan returned to the table with their tab. Dallas paid cash, left a tip and then he and Avery got up from the booth.

She walked ahead of him past the other booths still filled with diners. She had reached the last one when a young man suddenly got up and slammed into her side, nearly knocking her into a nearby table.

“Hey,” Dallas said. He grabbed Avery to him, grateful that she hadn’t fallen.

“Sorry,” the man muttered. “I didn’t see her.” He stared at Avery for a long moment and then slid back into his booth as one of the young men with him snickered.

“It’s okay,” Avery said, and moved out of his embrace. Dallas followed her to exit the diner.

“Are you sure you’re all right?” he asked with concern as they walked toward his truck.

“I’m fine,” she replied.

“What a creep,” he said. “He could have seriously hurt you.” He thought of that moment when the man had held Avery’s gaze. “Do you know him?”

“Unfortunately, I do. His name is Joel Asman, and he runs in the same crowd as Dwayne Conway.”

“The man you put behind bars.”

“Right.”

By that time they’d reached the truck, and he helped her into the passenger seat. “So, you think he bumped into you on purpose?” he asked. The man had had punk written all over him, from his greasy dark hair to the snake tattoos that had decorated his skinny arms.

“It’s possible, but really, it’s no big deal,” she replied.

Anyone who would push a pregnant woman was a creep in Dallas’s eyes. Hell, anyone who would push a woman at all was a major creep.

Within minutes they were back at her house. He walked her to the front door, where she paused to dig keys out of her purse, and then she turned to look at him. “Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?”

“If you’re up for it then I’d love to,” he replied. He wouldn’t mind getting a look at the space where she lived...where his children would live.

She opened the door and immediately a little black dog was dancing at her feet, while barking doggie happiness. “I’m sorry,” she said. “She loves people. She’ll calm down in just a minute.”

He bent down to pet the little black ball of energy. “What’s her name again?”

“Lulu,” she replied. “Lulu, enough. Let’s go into the kitchen.”

As he followed her through the living room and into the large kitchen, Lulu ran ahead of them. “Have a seat and I’ll get the coffee.”

He sank down in one of the chairs at the round oak table and looked around. Yellow-and-white gingham curtains hung at the large window. Yellow wooden signs with happy and optimistic sayings decorated the wall. The room felt warm and inviting.

She placed a pod in the one-serving coffeemaker on the counter and then got out a tea bag and filled a cup with water.

He continued to look around the room. A back door held a little doggie door. “Do you have a fenced-in backyard?”

“Yes, it was one of my requirements when I was house-hunting.” She placed the cup of water into the microwave and then turned to face him.

“I had three basic requirements when I started looking for houses. I wanted at least three bedrooms, an up-to-date kitchen and a fenced-in backyard. Cream or sugar?”

“No, black is fine.”

As she set the cup of coffee in front of him he caught a whiff of her enticing perfume. It instantly evoked memories of the night they had spent together, a night that he now knew had had life-changing consequences.

He watched as she grabbed a doggie treat out of a drawer and gave it to Lulu. She then took her cup out of the microwave, grabbed a saucer with the tea bag on it and joined him at the table.

“From what I’ve seen of it, you have a very nice house,” he said.

“Thank you. When you finish your coffee I’ll show you the nursery.”

The nursery. His heart swelled at the very thought. He still hadn’t completely wrapped his head around the fact that he was going to be a father. “I’d like that,” he replied.

An awkward silence ensued. She laughed suddenly, a melodious sound that made him want to join in. “I feel like I should be telling you my favorite color and what my sign is. You know, the questions most people ask when they first meet in a bar.”

“We didn’t ask each other those questions on the night we met,” he said.

Her cheeks turned a becoming shade of pink. “As I recall, we didn’t do much talking at all that night.” She took a sip of her tea and then stared down into her cup.

“So, what’s your sign?” he asked, breaking what might have become an awkward silence. She looked back up at him and he offered her a wide grin.

She laughed and the awkward moment between them passed. “I’m a Libra. What about you?”

“A Pisces.”

She frowned. “Does that mean we’re supposed to get along?”

“I have no idea. I don’t know anything about the Zodiac signs, but it doesn’t matter what our signs say, we are going to get along,” he replied firmly. “Now, what’s your favorite color?”

“Coral. And yours?”

“I’ve never really thought about it before, but I guess I’d say a light blue.” It was another superficial conversation that didn’t answer the questions he had about her, but hopefully she was feeling more comfortable with him with every minute they spent together.

She shifted in the chair and released a sigh that sounded tired. He finished his coffee and stood. “I should go and let you get some rest.”

“Before you do, let me show you the nursery.” She rose from the table and gestured for him to follow her through the living room and down a hallway.

The first doorway they passed, on the right, led into a bathroom. The second room, on the left, was being used as a home office. She went into the bedroom across the hall.

The minute he stepped into the room, his heart expanded in his chest, making any conversation momentarily impossible. There were two cribs, one with pink bedding and one with blue. Both had mobiles dangling dancing bears. The curtains also had a border of dancing bears. It was a delightful and joyous room.

There was also a changing table with boxes of disposable diapers on top, and a rocking chair in one corner with two teddy bears on the cushioned seat. He realized the idea of the babies hadn’t actually been real to him until this very moment.

This room was where his babies would sleep and dream. This was where their diapers and clothes would be changed. This was where they would be rocked and loved, and hopefully there would be nights when he was in that rocking chair with both his babies in his arms.

A wealth of emotion swept through him, one that made him feel both incredibly strong and achingly vulnerable at the same time.

“It’s a really nice room,” he finally managed to say. As he gazed at Avery he felt a closeness to her that wasn’t reflective of the rather superficial relationship they’d shared so far.

He had the unexpected desire to pull her close to him, to feel her heart beating against his own. He wanted to stroke her back and make her feel cherished. Although they had not intended to make new lives on the night they had slept together, they had, indeed, made two little new lives.

Instead of following through on his inappropriate impulse to pull her into his arms, he smiled and stuck his hands in his pockets. “You’ll let me know if there’s anything else you need for in here?”

“Trust me, there isn’t a thing more I need.”

“Then I think it’s time I get out of here so you can get some rest.”

They walked back down the hall and to the front door. “Thanks for the coffee.”

“Anytime,” she replied.

“How about tomorrow evening I pick you up and take you to my place? I’ll provide the meal.”

She frowned. “That means you will have paid for my dinner twice.”

“Avery, do we really have to keep score?”

“No, we don’t,” she replied with a laugh. “And I’d love to go to your place tomorrow evening.”

“Great, then how about I pick you up around five?”

“Sounds perfect to me.”

Minutes later he was in his truck and headed home. Home was the Colton ranch, over a thousand acres of rich, fertile pastureland owned by his father, Hays, and his mother, Josephine.

When he’d gotten out of the army and returned here, he’d laid claim to an old foreman’s cabin, which had needed lots of repairs. The hard work had been welcome to keep his mind off the pain of loss that still ached in his heart. When he wasn’t helping with search and rescue, he’d worked on the old place until it had become a decent space to call home.

Now all he could think about was how he needed to turn the small spare bedroom there into a nursery of his own. He’d need two cribs and all the items it took to keep two babies healthy and happy.

Although he and Avery hadn’t even touched on the custody issue yet, he wanted to share the babies from the moment they were born. It was important he bond with them right from the get-go. He only hoped Avery would be on the same page as him when it came to custody.

Avery. There was still so much he had to learn about her, but he’d enjoyed his time with her tonight far more than he’d anticipated. He found her so easy to talk to, and with a great sense of humor. He hadn’t expected that.

He pulled up in front of the cabin, where he’d been living for the past three months since he’d returned to Whisperwood from his base in Houston.

The cozy place was sheltered from the winds by tall trees on either side, and there was a small porch on the back that faced more woods. It was not only a quiet, peaceful place, but was also a bit isolated, which he didn’t mind.

When he’d first come home, his grief still a living, breathing thing inside him, he hadn’t wanted to be around people except those who needed him in the rescue efforts. But with his family it was impossible to stay isolated for long. They absolutely wouldn’t allow it.

He parked his truck in front and then went inside. He turned on an end table lamp and instantly his gaze fell on a framed photo of Ivy.

She was in her army uniform and she appeared to be gazing at him in silent accusation. He sank down on the brown leather recliner and picked up the photo.

It had been a little over a year since her death, and yet the pain of her loss felt as fresh as if she had died yesterday. He’d known her for three months before they had gotten married. Some people might have said they rushed things, but he had known it was right on the day he had met her. They had been married for three years when she’d been killed.

They’d dreamed of creating a family together. The plan had been that once both of them were out of uniform for good they would buy a house and work on making their first baby. But an IED in Afghanistan, where Ivy had been serving her last tour of duty, had ended not only their hopes and dreams, but also her life.

He ran a finger over Ivy’s face in the picture. Her short brown hair emphasized her big, soulful brown eyes. “I have to get along with her,” he whispered to her. “Avery is nothing more than the mother of my children. You have my heart, Ivy, and you’ll always have it.”

He set the picture back on the end table. He hoped he and Avery could become good friends for the sake of the babies. But there would never again be a woman in his life who was anything more than a friend, because his heart had been buried along with his wife.