A Father's Promise and A Baby for the Rancher
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Mindy Obenhaus
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Chapter One
Laurel Donovan had no reason to be anxious. After all, she’d been contemplating this day for weeks. Yet as she maneuvered her fourteen-month-old daughter’s stroller along the tree-lined streets of Bliss, Texas, Monday morning, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen. Something big and life altering.
Breathing in the crisp spring air, she cast the ridiculous notion aside and listened to Sarah-Jane’s happy babble instead. Laurel had never expected to be a mother, because to do that one typically had a husband, and Laurel wasn’t prone to romantic relationships. Matter of fact, they scared her. She’d had enough rejection for one lifetime.
Unfortunately, she was human. And two years ago, the only faith Laurel had was in herself. But Sarah-Jane was a perfect example of what the pastor always said about God turning even our biggest mistakes into our greatest blessings.
Being a single mother wasn’t easy, though, especially when you had no family. And while Laurel’s grandmama Corwin had cared for her after her mother passed away, Sarah-Jane would have no one if anything happened to Laurel. She’d become a ward of the state, and Laurel couldn’t let that happen. She had to do everything in her power to make sure her daughter would be taken care of by people who loved her, whether she was with Laurel or not.
The late-April sun warmed her face as they approached Rae’s Fresh Start Café in the heart of Bliss. The breakfast, brunch, lunch and specialty coffee place had become a daily staple for Laurel even before Sarah-Jane was born. No one but Rae could make decaf coffee taste as good as its caffeinated counterpart. And the amazing brew had sustained Laurel throughout her pregnancy.
Her daily visits had also provided her with three of the best friends she’d ever known. Thanks to Bliss’s ad campaign to lure younger folks to the aging town, Rae, Laurel, Paisley and Christa had arrived within a year or so of each other, all looking for a new beginning. And not a one of them had ever judged Laurel for being single and pregnant. Instead, they’d embraced her, walking with her through her pregnancy and beyond. Which was why Laurel had insisted on this morning’s meeting.
“G’morning, Laurel.” Rusty Hoffman paused his sidewalk sweeping in front of the Bliss State Bank building. “And how is Miss Sarah-Jane doing today?” Leaning against his broom, the stocky middle-aged man with brown eyes and black hair peppered with a hint of gray smiled down at her daughter.
“Happy to be outside and on the move.” Laurel pulled back the stroller’s canopy to reveal a wide-eyed Sarah-Jane staring blankly at the man.
“Well, I can’t say as I blame her,” Rusty said. “The Lord’s given us a fine morning.”
“He sure has.” Laurel took in the cloudless sky, grateful that God had led her to Bliss, where bankers weren’t too pretentious to sweep sidewalks and streets were built around two-hundred-year-old live oaks. Back in Dallas, they would have cut down the trees in the name of progress.
Laurel coaxed Sarah-Jane to wave goodbye before continuing across the street to the courthouse square. Brick buildings dating back to the late 1800s still lined two of the streets surrounding the square. Some had been painted in bright colors indicative of the Victorian era, while others remained in their natural state. Their charm, coupled with the ancient live oaks and magnolia trees that encircled the courthouse, were what had initially drawn Laurel to Bliss nearly two years ago.
After the death of her grandmother, a pregnant Laurel had been eager for a new beginning. Someplace she could call home. And like the town motto said, everyone needed a little Bliss in their life.
Her daughter chattered and clapped her hands as they moved off the curb to cross to the café.
“You know where we’re going, don’t you, baby?”
Laurel had been pondering her daughter’s future almost from the moment she’d discovered she was pregnant. And after a recent bout with the flu had Laurel envisioning all sorts of horrible scenarios, she was determined to take steps to ensure her daughter would be cared for. So today was the day she was finally going to ask her friends, all of whom were single, if they would consent to raise Sarah-Jane in the event anything happened to Laurel.
Halfway across the street, the hairs on the back of her neck suddenly prickled, and a sense of dread had her feeling as though she was moving in slow motion. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a red Crown Victoria rounding the corner. Another glance had her realizing it was coming straight toward her and Sarah-Jane.
She tried to run but couldn’t seem to make her feet move.
“Look out!” she heard someone yell.
Fear tried to close in around her, but she couldn’t allow that to happen. She had to protect Sarah-Jane.
As the car inched closer, she propelled Sarah-Jane toward the curb. The stroller had barely left her grip when the vehicle struck Laurel. She rolled onto the hood of the car, only to tumble off again when the driver slammed on the brakes a split second later.
Air whooshed out of Laurel’s lungs. She lay there, momentarily dazed, the shaded asphalt cool beneath her fingers and cheek. Her breath returning, she mentally evaluated her body parts, then opened her eyes and lifted her head to see people gathering on the sidewalk.
A man with dark hair knelt beside Sarah-Jane’s stroller, concern marring his handsome features as he talked to her. And he—looked familiar.
The car door creaked open then, and a woman shrieked.
“I killed her! Oh, help me, I killed her!”
Laurel knew that voice just as well as she knew the vehicle that had struck her. She rolled onto her back as the ninety-three-year-old shuffled alongside her in tennis shoes that were whiter than her hair.
“Mildred Godwin!” Laurel ground out the name.
“Ack!” The woman, who was so small she could barely see over the steering wheel, pressed a hand to her chest. “You’re alive! Thank You, Lord! You’re alive!”
“Mildred—” Laurel sat up, grateful the nonagenarian had a tendency to drive at a snail’s pace. Though in the moment, it had seemed much faster. “—you know you’re not supposed to be driving. How on earth did you get your keys? I thought your son locked them up.”
“Ladies—” Drenda Kleinschmidt, owner of Bliss Antiques and Gifts and wife of Laurel’s pastor, helped Laurel to her feet “—are y’all all right?” Concern filled her blue eyes as they assessed Laurel.
“I’m fine.” Laurel continued to wait for Mildred to respond about the keys.
Instead, the older woman pursed her bright red lips together and looked away, suddenly sheepish.
“Mildred...?” Hands on her hips, Laurel was not about to budge until she had an answer. The woman was a hazard to the entire town.
“I—” The woman lifted one slight shoulder. “I had an extra set.” She glanced at Laurel. “And my Muffy was hungry for some of that special cat food. You know, the kind they advertise being served in a crystal bowl. Muffy loves it so much, and I was all out.”
“That is no excuse. You could have killed me and my daughter.” The mere thought had Laurel pressing a hand to her stomach.
A siren wailed in the distance, and Mildred’s hazel eyes went wide. “They’re comin’ for me.” She latched onto Laurel’s arm with a death grip. “Please, don’t let them take me. I’d never survive in jail. I’m just an old woman. Please.”
“Mildred, I highly doubt you’re going to jail.” Drenda, the epitome of a sweet spirit, wrapped an arm around the older woman and patted her frail shoulder.
Confident that Drenda could handle things from here, Laurel pried Mildred’s surprisingly strong fingers from her forearm and started toward her daughter. Her steps slowed when she, again, laid eyes on the man beside the stroller.
The sun glinted off his dark hair, and when he looked up, his gaze locked with Laurel’s.
Her breath caught in her throat. Why would he be in Bliss?
She absently rubbed her left temple. Maybe she’d hit her head, after all, because she was obviously seeing things.
“Laurel!” From out of nowhere, Christa and Paisley rushed toward her.
Behind them, Rae paused beside the guy at the stroller. She said something to him, then proceeded to unhook Sarah-Jane and pick her up.
“We just heard what happened.” Christa’s hazel eyes surveyed Laurel from head to toe. “Are you all right?”
“Yes, I just—”
Things grew quieter as the police cruiser pulled up and that obnoxious siren finally stopped.
All of this chaos was making Laurel’s head swim. “I just want to see my daughter.”
Paisley slid an arm around Laurel’s waist. “Of course, you do, darlin’. Come on.”
Christa took the lead, parting the group of onlookers who’d gathered. Unlike in Dallas, things like this didn’t happen in Bliss every day, so, naturally, all of the commotion had garnered quite a crowd. By noon, the entire town would likely know what had happened, and the story would, no doubt, make the county’s weekly newspaper.
“Sarah-Jane is perfectly fine.” Rae bounced the child in her arms. “All the commotion had her fretting for a little bit, but that’s all.”
Laurel reached for her daughter and hugged her to her chest. “Thank You, God for protecting my baby.” Tears spilled onto her cheeks of their own volition. Burying her face in Sarah-Jane’s neck, Laurel breathed in her sweet fragrance. Everything really was all right.
Except...
Lifting her head, she looked at Rae. “Where’d that guy go?”
“What guy?” Rae tucked a strand of brown hair that had escaped her messy-yet-oh-so-cute updo behind her ear.
“The one by Sarah-Jane’s stroller. Tall, dark hair. You were talking to him.”
“Oh, that was my brother Wesley.” She waved a hand. “He went back to the café to keep an eye on things for me. He was actually on his way to the hardware store when he saw you push Sarah-Jane out of harm’s way, and, thankfully, stop the stroller before it hit the curb. That was some quick thinking on your part, by the way.”
“Wait.” Laurel was growing more confused by the second. “That was your brother?”
“Wesley, yes. I told you he was coming to visit.” Rae’s brow puckered. “Are you sure you’re okay, Laurel?”
Wesley was Wes? If that was the case, then, no, she wasn’t okay. Because, unbeknownst to him, Wes was Sarah-Jane’s father.
Wes Bishop needed purpose in his life, and since he’d retired from the navy two years ago, that purpose had been lacking. He wanted to help others, to serve—which was why he’d contracted with the Servant’s Heart relief organization to manage their shelter construction program in Iraq. From the moment his friend and former master chief, Eddie Perkins, had presented him with the opportunity, Wes had been all in. Yet when he agreed to come to Bliss, Texas, to visit his sister, Rae, before leaving, he never imagined he’d find his past. A past void of any kind of relationship with God. Yet even though they’d known each other for only one fleeting night that never should have happened, Laurel had left an indelible impression on his heart.
He pushed through the door of his sister’s café, still not quite believing what he’d just witnessed. Everything had been such a blur out on the street. The stroller, the car, the woman. Yet while he thought he recognized the voice, he hadn’t been certain until Laurel’s gray-green eyes collided with his. In that moment, his heart stopped as unwanted emotions washed over him. Excitement, regret... Yeah, he had enough regrets to choke a horse.
Giving himself a stern shake, he decided to keep busy by gathering up the half dozen white coffee cups that had been abandoned when the local ranchers got wind of the accident and rushed outside. According to Rae, her Fresh Start Café was their morning gathering place. Check the herd, then head to Rae’s for coffee, discussions of the weather and the latest gossip.
Well, they would have had plenty to gossip about if Wes had acted on his instincts. When he realized it had, indeed, been Laurel out there, the urge to protect and comfort her had surged within him. Instead, he tamped it down and forced himself to return to the café.
Thankfully, she was all right. And her spunk was, obviously, still intact. The way she laid into that elderly driver... He couldn’t help chuckling. Not that he didn’t feel for the old lady, but it sounded like she had it coming.
Moving behind the antique wooden counter, a remnant of the building’s former life as a saloon, he set the cups into the gray bin designated for dirty dishes, guilt tightening his gut. He should not have been so happy to see Laurel. Not only was he moving overseas in just a little under a month, but the woman had a baby. Something that had initially given him pause. But the little thing couldn’t have been more than nine or ten months old. Not that he knew much about babies. Still, there was probably a husband in the mix. Yet that didn’t stop Wes’s pulse from kicking up a notch when Laurel’s gaze met his. The same way it had the first time he’d met the confident—not to mention beautiful—accountant with long, honey-blond hair and eyes that sparkled when she laughed.
He grabbed a rag and returned to the now-empty table to wipe it down. He was glad Laurel had found happiness and no longer had to face the world alone. A husband, family... It fit her. And Wes respected her too much to ever reveal their secret.
Still, it might be best if he steered clear of her to prevent any awkward situations. Besides, he didn’t need the onslaught of what-ifs that were bound to invade his thoughts. There were no what-ifs in his world. He’d determined a long time ago that he would never marry, never have a family... Those were things he didn’t deserve. Not after what he’d done to his parents.
The café door opened, and Wes jerked his head up to see Rae and two other women bustling Laurel and her baby inside. Just what he didn’t need.
“Paisley, pull out that chair for her,” Rae instructed the tall redhead. “Laurel, I want you to sit down so we can make sure you truly are all right.”
Still holding her child, Laurel complied. “For the thousandth time, I’m fine.”
A woman with chin-length brown hair pulled out the industrial-style metal chair beside Laurel and sat down. “You say that now, but sometimes things are delayed.”
“Christa is right.” The other woman with long red hair and a syrupy southern drawl peered down at Laurel. “Even if there’s nothing evident now, don’t be surprised if you wake up sore tomorrow.”
Smiling, Laurel reached for the redhead’s hand. “I appreciate y’all’s concern. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“All right, what can I get for everyone?” While Rae awaited orders from her three friends, Wes glanced from the exposed brick wall opposite him to the wooden stairway at the back of the space. If he were quick enough, he might be able to escape to Rae’s apartment upstairs.
Just then, Rae turned his way. “Wesley, come over here. I’d like you to meet my friends.”
Great.
Rag in hand, he sucked in a breath and forced his feet to move across the old wooden floor to join his sister at the front of the restaurant.
“Ladies.” Nodding, he skimmed the three faces around the square table, trying not to linger on Laurel’s. Still, he couldn’t help noticing that she did seem a little shaken up, amplifying his concern for her well-being.
“So, Rae’s little brother finally comes to Bliss.” The cute no-nonsense woman with short brown hair smiled up at him. “Christa Slocum.”
“Christa owns Bliss Hardware,” Rae added.
“That’s good to know.” He rocked back on the heels of his cowboy boots. “I’m going to be helping Rae make a few changes to her apartment—painting, removing a wall—so I’ll likely be paying you a visit.”
“Well, I appreciate the business.” Her hazel eyes drifted to Rae. “Almost as much as your sister will appreciate having that kitchen wall gone.”
“That’s for sure.” Rae motioned toward the next woman. “This statuesque redhead is Paisley Wainwright.”
More reserved than Christa, the stylishly dressed woman simply smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Wesley.”
“You’ll find folks lining up down here every day for some of Paisley’s decadent desserts,” Rae added.
Wes looked from his sister to Paisley. “Sounds like I’m in the right place, then.”
“And our heroic Mama Bear—” Rae set her hands atop her friend’s shoulders “—is none other than the fabulous Laurel Donovan.” His doting sister reached for the baby’s cheek. “Along with Sarah-Jane.”
Laurel Donovan. At least he got her last name this time. Albeit her married name.
“Laurel.” He nodded, not knowing what else to say. He certainly wasn’t about to let on that they already knew each other.
She tilted her head, sending her long hair spilling over one shoulder as she peered up at him curiously. “It really is you.” The corners of her mouth lifted ever so slightly. “For a second, I thought I’d hit my head.”
“It’s a wonder you didn’t.” A nervous smile played at his lips. “Things could have turned out a lot worse.”
A baffled Rae looked from Wes to Laurel and back again. “Um, why am I getting the feeling you two already know each other?”
Laurel continued to watch him with those eyes that lived in his memory, as though studying every nuance of his face. “We met in Las Vegas a couple of years ago. We were both there for conventions.”
Something Wes would never forget. Watching a frustrated Laurel plop down on the edge of that hotel pool in her all-business dress had been intriguing, to say the least.
Turning away, she continued. “I mistook him for a waiter and asked him to bring me a soda.”
“Oh no.” Christa put a hand to her mouth to cover a chuckle.
“In her defense,” he said, “we were at the pool, and I was wearing shorts and a polo shirt. So it was an honest mistake.”
“It wasn’t until I attempted to pay him that I realized he was another guest.” The color in her cheeks heightened, just the way it had that day by the pool.
Again, she looked up at him through those thick lashes he remembered so well. “I never dreamed that Rae’s Wesley could be the Wes I’d met that day.”
Hands perched on her hips, Rae continued to watch the two of them. “Yeah. Talk about a small world.”
Laurel averted her attention then. “You’ll have to excuse me. I think I need to go home.”
“I don’t like the sound of that.” The redhead promptly stood to help Laurel. “Are you feeling ill? Why don’t you let me drive you?”
“Just a little shaky. But a ride would be wonderful.” Standing, Laurel held her daughter close and offered a weak smile. “I think I just need to rest for a little bit.”
“Let me get that stroller for you.” The one who owned the hardware store shot to her feet and started for the door. “Pop the hatch on your SUV, Paise.” She waved toward Rae. “I’m going to head on back to the store.” She continued outside, pausing to grab the stroller that now sat in front of the window and aimed it toward a silver SUV.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital and get checked out?” Rae visually scrutinized her friend.
“No, I’m okay. Just a little overwhelmed, that’s all.” Laurel glanced from Rae to Wes. “Thank you for coming to my daughter’s aid out there.”
“No problem. I’m glad I was there to help.” Watching her, he wondered if she really was okay. Like her friends had said, sometimes things were delayed. She was obviously still dazed.
No wonder Rae watched her like a hawk—or an overprotective mother—until Laurel again gave Rae her full attention. “I just need to rest for a little while.”
“All right, sweetie.” Rae gave her a quick hug and kissed the baby’s cheek. “I’ll be by to check on you later.”
Rae watched as the women emptied out of the shop before moving behind the counter to start a fresh pot of coffee. “I guess you and Laurel didn’t stay in touch, huh?”
“Why would we?” He pushed in the vacated chairs and gave the table a quick wipe with the rag he still held. “We only met once.” Not that he wouldn’t have contacted her if he’d known how. Then again, with all of his regrets about that night, it was probably just as well.
“When was that again? That the two of you met.”
“A couple of years ago.” He started toward the counter. “Not long after I got out of the navy.”
“I see.” As the coffee brewed, filling the café with its enticing aroma, Rae narrowed a scrutinizing gaze on him.
“Why are you looking at me so weird?” Moving behind the counter, he handed her the rag.
One capable shoulder lifted. “No reason.” She leaned her backside against the counter. “So, did anything happen after you and Laurel met, or did you just shake hands?”
He shot her a warning look. “We had dinner, all right.” They were two lonely people in need of a friend. Laurel was easy to talk to. She made him smile. And stirred feelings in him that he’d never had problems ignoring before. “There’s no need to worry, though. I promise not to reveal anything to her husband.”
“Husband?” Rae’s expression morphed into something incredulous. “Laurel isn’t married.”
“She’s not?” Why did that bit of information spark hope inside him? “I mean, I just assumed, with the baby and all.”
Rae continued to study him. “And all, huh?”
“What is up with you? Why are you giving me the third—?” Wagging a finger toward her, he dared a step closer. “Wait a minute. I don’t know what kind of cockamamie ideas are rolling around that pretty head of yours, Rae, but if you’re trying to play matchmaker, you can just forget it. Yes, Laurel is a sweet person. And, yes, she’s attractive, but I’m not interested in a relationship with Laurel or anyone else.”
Scowling, she crossed her arms over her chest. “Because you think you’re not worthy of a family.”
“No, because I know I’m not. Now, if you’ll excuse me—” he turned and started toward the stairs “—I have a wall to destroy.”
