Betting on Texas (13 page)

“How gracious of you.” Mable shot Jesse another warning
glare.

“I also want to plant some crops in a section of the south
pasture and eventually open up a vegetable stand of some sort here, along with a
collectable shop or maybe an antiques store. I had my heart set on a clothing
boutique in town but I changed my mind. I’d rather open something here on the
ranch. I know it might take a few years to actually turn a profit, but I think
we have a chance.”

“Miranda,” Jesse said, joining her at the door, “I appreciate
your ambition, but all of your ideas take money and plenty of extra hands. Not
just Aaron’s.”

“Aaron is all I can afford,” Miranda said. “And even that might
be a stretch.”

“Why does it have to be Aaron?”

“Why do you still hate him after something that happened ten
years ago?”

“Because he’s doing it again!” Jesse flew out the door and
stomped off to the stables.

“What is his problem?”

Miranda turned to see Mable shaking her head.

“Just when I thought you two were on the right track, you
messed it all up by bringing Aaron into this.”

“With all due respect, I’m doing what you suggested. That Jesse
and I work together. I’m offering him a chance to stay on the ranch. What is so
wrong with hiring Aaron?”

“Child, for starters, he has a reputation with the ladies.”
Mable cleared the dishes from the table as she spoke. “And while Jesse respects
him as a horseman, he doesn’t want to be in competition with you for your
affections.”

“Aaron’s past or present personal life is none of my concern.”
Miranda shrugged. “I know where I fit in. It’s as his friend and only as a
friend. Why should I care if Jesse has a problem with this?”

“This isn’t the big city, Miranda. It’s a small town. Here in
Ramblewood, people care about each other’s feelings and opinions. Especially
when they live together.”

Live together? There’s a rumor in the making. “We don’t live
together,” Miranda stressed. “He has the foreman’s house, I have mine.”

“Well, you might as well be when he lives only fifty feet from
you.”

“So what?”

“All right, time to lay it on the line,” Mable said. “Have you
paid him yet for the work he’s done here?”

“I gave him the check from the sale of the horses.”

“That’s paying to feed those animals. Have you paid him
anything else?”

“No, I—”

“No, you haven’t. You haven’t discussed it with him. And it’s
fine because he’s not complaining. He loves this place. He’d give his life for
this land.”

“I understand, but—”

“It’s backbreaking work, every day,” Mable interrupted. “But he
gladly does it. It’s in his blood. Now you want to bring in someone he can’t
stand. You need to respect how he feels about it.”

“I understand,” Miranda interjected. “But I also understand I
need to do what’s best for the ranch. And he needs to respect my intentions, as
well.”

What was wrong with everyone around here? Miranda figured they
would have been happy to hear her plans to get the ranch running well again. She
had so many other ideas she wanted to talk over with Jesse. Although she knew
their time together was limited, she wanted his opinion. She hoped he would be
so enthralled and proud of her, he’d want to stay.

Miranda looked for Jesse in the stables. She found him,
kneeling on the floor, a stall door laid out before him.

“Can we talk for a minute?”

“A minute. I’ve got work to do and I’m sure you have something
to do in the house.”

“Jesse, what am I supposed to do here?” She lightly touched his
arm so he would look at her. “You tell me if you win this bet, the ranch is
yours and I’m gone. I won’t let it happen. So when I win, you’ll leave. Your
decision, not mine. What choice do I have but to hire someone I feel comfortable
being around? Did you expect me to hire a stranger?”

Jesse stood and kissed her softly on the mouth.

“I don’t want to lose anything.”

Miranda understood the underlying meaning of his words. Not
only did he want the ranch, he wanted her. What she couldn’t figure out was why.
Was it out of jealousy of Aaron or did he truly have feelings for her? After his
impromptu proposal last night, she bet on jealousy and her being the easiest way
to gain ownership of the ranch. If they were married, he would have everything
he wanted.

She’d only known him for a week, but she couldn’t deny her
attraction to him. He was stubborn and obstinate. So was she. He loved Double
Trouble and wanted to return it to what it once was. So did she. They shared so
much in common, yet she didn’t know if she could trust him.

Trust had always been an issue with her. Her mother was too
irresponsible to ever trust. When Claire’s illness set in, her mother relied on
her for everything. Miranda was there for her one hundred percent. There was no
thank you. No I love you. No nothing. Only demands. Knowing her mother wouldn’t
be around much longer, Miranda did all she could to make her comfortable. No
matter how hurtful her mother’s words were.

Despite the earlier problems she faced when she arrived,
Ramblewood felt like home. Miranda needed a place to call home more than
anything. The town was small and intimate, the complete opposite of Washington,
D.C. She was becoming who she always wanted to be. A small town girl, living in
wide-open spaces. Working hard and doing something meaningful with her day.
Actually making a difference.

“Forgive me,” Miranda said. “But I don’t know how to trust you.
I don’t know how to trust anyone anymore.”

Jesse wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
“You will, in time.”

He kissed her with more urgency. The heat from his lips crushed
against hers as they parted for him. She felt wanted right now. It was a feeling
she didn’t want to lose. More than once this week she found herself admitting
she needed this man before her. And she needed him in more than one way.

Chapter Nine

By the end of the following week, summer was in full
swing. Miranda worked by Jesse’s side every day. She’d even convinced him hiring
Aaron was a good idea. He had turned out to be a godsend in the end.

It became apparent Aaron was only interested in Miranda as a
friend. Aaron sought her advice on matters of the heart and she went to him for
house renovation ideas. Jesse felt like a heel for thinking the worst of him all
this time. He finally broke down and apologized to both of them for his actions
at Slater’s Mill the week before.

Double Trouble may have consumed Aaron’s days, but his new
girlfriend, Kiley West, occupied his nights. And with Aaron occupied, Jesse had
more one-on-one time with Miranda. She had no plans to lose the bet and wasn’t
about to give up Double Trouble. He had to work fast if he planned to sweep
Miranda off her feet in a few short weeks.

Miranda’s riding skills improved each day. Jesse felt
comfortable enough to allow her to saddle her own horse. After the one time she
didn’t double-check the cinch, she learned her lesson fast. He still couldn’t
get the image of Miranda, the saddle slipping sideways, and her landing on the
ground out of his mind. She was stunned but amused. Luckily, she didn’t get
hurt. Graceful the woman was not.

Miranda continued to exceed each challenge he threw her way.
She seemed to enjoy the hard work and by Thursday morning, she beat him to the
stables.

At night, everyone pitched in and helped Miranda renovate the
house. The living room was now a light café au lait color. Jesse and Aaron
installed white bead board around the perimeter of the room to add more of the
cozy charm she wanted. Miranda picked out a sofa and love seat at Mayfield’s
pre-Fourth of July sale and a bedroom suite for one of the spare bedrooms at
another yard sale. He had to admit, she was thrifty. She managed to furnish the
entire house in less than two weeks, without breaking the bank.

When Aaron wasn’t working the ranch or out with Kiley, he was
in the midst of constructing a magnificent bookcase to house Miranda’s
ever-growing collection of romance novels. She snatched them up by the dozen for
a steal at yard sales. She said she never allowed herself to believe in romance
before now. Jesse liked to think he had a little something to do with it.

“I’m heading to Slater’s tonight if you care to join me,” Jesse
asked as he filled one of the water troughs.

“I’d love to. I need to go over some picnic details with
Vicki,” Miranda said.

“I have to admit, curiosity is getting the best of me. I should
have stipulated you had to plan this party without help.” Jesse laughed.

“Well, you didn’t and I have a million ideas. All I’ll tell you
is this year it starts in the morning and runs all day.”

True to tradition, all of Ramblewood was invited. Excitement
spread from neighbor to neighbor while the townsfolk anxiously awaited the
event. Jesse hoped the picnic would finally put to rest the rumors he’d started
before Miranda came to town.

Miranda, with the help of Vicki’s mother and friends, planned a
surprise baby shower for her new friend. It was her way of saying thank you for
not judging her as so many others in town had. No thanks to Jesse, of
course.

At Slater’s Mill that evening, Miranda blended in like a
Ramblewood regular. A stranger would never have guessed she wasn’t born and
raised here. She had more of a relaxed aura in recent days. They joined friends
at a table near the dance floor.

“Your plans for the picnic all sound so wonderful, Miranda.”
Vicki rubbed her belly. “I hope I can hold out long enough to make it.”

“I thought you had a few more weeks to go.”

“I do. I just feel different lately. Then again, I’ve never
done this before. This could be normal for all I know. The doctor told me
yesterday I still wasn’t ready.”

“You’re still coming out to the ranch tomorrow afternoon,
right?” Miranda questioned.

“Of course. We only have a week left to get everything
ready.”

Vicki refused to sit at home and let life pass her by. She
feared she’d miss something good if she wasn’t around. Pregnant or not, she was
religiously at Slater’s Mill every Friday night. With her high-spirited outlook
on life, Jesse teased he wouldn’t be at all surprised if she gave birth on the
dance floor and then did a cheer afterward.

“I feel neglected.” Jesse pulled Miranda to her feet. “Ready to
take a spin with me on the dance floor, sugar?”

“Why, Mr. Langtry, I never thought you’d ask,” Miranda replied
in her best Southern accent as she batted her eyelashes.

Vicki leaned toward Aaron. “So, when do you think the wedding
will take place?”

Aaron laughed. “At the rate they’re goin’, I’d say no later
than fall.”

* * *

“E
VERYTHING
IN
PLACE
for the baby
shower tomorrow?” Jesse pulled Miranda closer.

“All set.” Miranda beamed. “As long as Brandon doesn’t catch
on.”

“I have it covered. I told him I needed some advice on
expanding the business. He already has some ideas. Very good ones. We should
really look into it.”

“That’s if you win the bet.” Miranda swayed to the music. “I
have my own plans, too. The magazine I’m reading says I need to turn the soil
over soon in order to get it ready for next spring.”

“Magazine, huh?” Jesse laughed. “We’ll talk about fiction
versus reality later. Brandon will love this joint baby shower idea of yours. He
feels left out of the whole experience, as he puts it.”

“I’m a firm believer a baby shower should involve the father.
It’s his child, too.”

Those words were music to his ears. He watched Brandon’s
enthusiasm grow with each passing month. Jesse wasn’t sure who was more excited,
Vicki or Brandon, but he was certain when Miranda was carrying his child, he’d
be there every step of the way. He laughed at the ease with which she fit into
his thoughts. The more time he spent with Miranda, the more he wanted to marry
her. And not just for the ranch.

“Something funny?”

“Have I ever told you how incredible you are?”

In the dim light of Slater’s Mill, he could see a hint of red
spreading to Miranda’s cheeks. “Jesse” was all she whispered as she laid her
head on his chest. It was all he needed...for now.

* * *

T
HE
RANCH
BUSTLED
WITH
activity the
following afternoon. Miranda and Vicki’s mother, Ethel, fixed the salads while
Mable put the finishing touches on her chocolate chip pecan pies and peach
cobblers.

Bridgett arrived with a helium tank and balloons along with an
assortment of pastries from The Magpie. Kiley brought cartons of handmade shower
favors, which almost fell to the ground when Aaron snuck up behind her and
kissed her neck.

Jesse and Aaron offered valet parking so they could hide
everyone’s car behind the main barn. The guests began to arrive around noon
followed shortly by the guests of honor.

“Surprise!” everyone shouted.

Vicki began to cry with Brandon not too far behind her. Their
parents escorted them to two chairs on a small platform, decorated in pink and
blue.

“I can’t believe you did this!” Vicki said to Miranda. “I had
no idea!”

“It was my pleasure.” Miranda hugged her friend. “You can’t
have a baby without a baby shower, now can you?”

“Just think,” Jesse whispered in her ear. “It could be us
someday.”

Before she could respond, he was gone.
Was
that an offer?
They may have grown closer over the past week, but
they hadn’t shared anything more than a few kisses. At this rate, she’d be happy
if he agreed not to leave at the end of their bet.

The party was a success. While Miranda and Vicki waved goodbye
to the last of the guests, Jesse helped Brandon load the gifts in the truck.
Mable drove her sister home and Miranda bustled about cleaning up.

“I don’t know how to thank you, Miranda.” Tears welled in
Vicki’s eyes. “This was all so...so...so thoughtful.”

“Don’t you start crying,” Miranda said as she hugged her.
“You’ll get me started.”

“Honey,” Brandon called to his wife. “I’ll be out back. We’re
going to take a look at one of the horses.”

“Okay, dear.”

“Sit down, leave all this to me,” Miranda said as she pulled
out a kitchen chair. “Let me fix you a nice cup of decaf.”

Miranda took out her notebook of ideas she had for the Fourth
of July picnic. Mable and Vicki filled her in on the traditional meals and
activities but she wanted to add some new ideas to put her own spin on
things.

“I think I covered everything,” Miranda said as she poured more
coffee.

“It sure looks—” Vicki winced and her hand flew to her belly.
“Whoa.”

“Are you okay?” Miranda rushed to her friend’s side.

“Whew!” A look of relief washed over her. “I think so. It took
me off guard. I think it was all of the excitement. Either that or gas.”

“Are you sure?” Miranda asked as she glanced at the clock on
the wall.

“Sure.” Vicki brushed it off. “Now, where were we? You’re okay
on food since everyone will bring a dish of some sort. And the boys are all
fixing barbeque.”

Miranda watched beads of sweat form on Vicki’s brow. As she
dampened a dish towel at the kitchen sink, she looked out the window for Jesse
and Brandon.

“Okay.” Vicki squirmed to try to get into a comfortable
position. “This isn’t fun anymore.”

Miranda stepped out on the porch and yelled for Brandon at the
top of her lungs. Panicked when no one appeared, she told Vicki she would be
right back and sprinted across the yard to the stables. Aaron grabbed Miranda as
she ran by, while Kiley appeared from one of the stalls, noticeably
disheveled.

“Slow down. What’s going on?”

“Where’s Brandon?” She was panting.

“They saddled up and took off about ten minutes ago,” Aaron
replied. “What’s wrong?”

“I think Vicki’s in labor.” Miranda wrung her hands.

“For heaven’s sake and you left her alone?” Aaron turned
Miranda around in the direction of the house. “Go back in the house and I’ll
ride out after them.”

“I’ll call an ambulance,” Kiley said as she reached for her
cell phone.

Miranda bolted through the kitchen door. Paper towels covered
the floor.

“I’m so sorry, Miranda.” Horrified her water broke, Vicki
frantically mopped the floor with her foot on the towels, while she braced
herself between the counter and a chair. “I had no idea.”

Miranda ushered Vicki over to one of the chairs and helped her
sit down.

“It’s okay.” Miranda laughed nervously. “But it seems Brandon
and Jesse took a ride. Aaron is looking for them now.”

“Of all the times... Oh!” Vicki stood up. “Oh, I don’t think
there’s time. This baby’s coming now!”

“Now?” Kiley shrieked from the doorway. “Right now?”

Vicki rattled off Brandon’s cell phone number, saying she hoped
he hadn’t left it in the truck. The women looked at each other when a ringing
sound came from outside. Well, it wasn’t in the truck, but the porch was no
better.

“Leave it to my absentminded husband,” Vicki joked through
gritted teeth.

“Maybe you should lie down,” Miranda said, afraid the baby
would fall out with the way Vicki was walking around the kitchen.

“I read walking helps aid the delivery process,” Vicki said as
she paced the floor.

“Well, stop aiding it!” Kiley shrieked. “Wait for the ambulance
to get here.”

“I think we should drive you to the hospital,” Miranda
said.

“Oh!” Vicki doubled over in pain. “There’s no time.”

“No time!”

Miranda gave Kiley a look that said “shut up” in no uncertain
terms. With a scared pregnant woman about to give birth in her kitchen, she
didn’t need a crazed buxom blonde flipping out on top of it.

“Miranda,” Vicki pleaded, “you have to deliver this baby.”

“Me?” Now Miranda started to sweat. “I never birthed a thing in
my life.”

“And I have?”

Don’t we need to boil water or
something?
Miranda ran through the episodes of
Maternity Ward
she had seen on The Learning Channel. They made it
look so easy on TV. If only Jesse or Aaron were here. With all the calving and
foaling they’ve done, they would be more help than she was right now.

“You’ll do fine,” Vicki reassured. “If Sally can do it, I know
you can.”

“Sally? Who the heck is Sally?”

“My...dog. She...had...puppies,” Vicki said through Lamaze
breaths. She braced herself between the arch of the living room and Miranda. “A
few weeks ago...by herself with no trouble. We can, ow, do this. It’s, ow,
perfectly natural.”

“Kiley, grab towels from the bathrooms upstairs and some sheets
from the linen closet. How long does it take Mable to drive her sister home?”
Mable always knew what to do in any given situation.

Miranda led Vicki to the living room. Upstairs they heard Kiley
slam doors and drawers trying to find what she needed. Another contraction swept
over Vicki.

Miranda looked at the kitchen clock.
Too
close. They are too close together.

“Where are those sheets?” she yelled to the ceiling above.

Loud footsteps bounded down the stairs.

“Here!”

Kiley tossed the sheets at Miranda as if they were on fire.
After they smacked her square in the face, Miranda shot her a look that would
have killed most people on the spot. She began to spread them out on the couch
when Vicki started to protest.

“I already made a mess out of your kitchen floor. I’m not about
to ruin your new couch.”

Miranda ordered Kiley to grab the shower curtain liner out of
her bathroom so they could use it under the sheets. They lowered Vicki onto the
couch as another contraction came. She squeezed the back of the couch as she let
out a scream of agony.