Cowgirls Don't Cry(54)

Giggles?

What the hell?

He poked his head in the bathroom door and saw Tell, on his knees in front of the tub, and Landon—


with Dalton’s help—was spraying Tell in the face with the hand-held shower sprayer. Tell, being even keeled Tell, just let them do it and laughed right along with them.

His brothers managed to get Landon diapered and in his pajamas without incident.

Dalton held Landon while the kid sucked down his bottle. Once he’d tucked the tyke in bed, Dalton and Tell asked if they could have Landon the following Saturday night. For the last of the McKay wild men to give up their weekend plans proved his brothers intended to be part of Landon’s life.

Maybe it was a little selfish, but his first thought was that he’d have Jessie all to himself for a night.

Jessie was washing dishes two days later when Keely barged into her house, demanding, “What the hell? Luke had a kid? I hate when nobody tells me this kind of shit.”


“Yes. Keely. Please. Why don’t you come in?”


“Shoulda locked the door if you wanted to keep me out. As soon as I heard I had to come over here and see—”


“About adding Luke’s illegitimate love child to your roster of nieces and nephews?”


“No. And wow, snippy much, Jess? I came to see if you’re okay.”


“I’m fine.”


Keely snorted. “Yeah, and you’re acting like it, lashing out at me for checking on your mental well being.”


Jessie blew out a breath. “Sorry. The shock hasn’t been easy, but I’m coming to terms with it.”


Which it, Jess? Luke’s infidelity? Or Landon’s presence?

Aren’t they one in the same?

“Have you?” Keely demanded. “Have you really?”


“Some days, yes. Other days I wonder what the hell I’m doing and who in the universe I pissed off to have to deal with this.”


“I cannot freakin’ believe Brandt expected you to help him. I cannot freakin’ believe you said yes.”


Keely paced to the kitchen and back. “Actually, I can believe you said yes.”


Did Keely think she was a doormat? Only one way to find out. “Why can you believe it?”


“Because you’re sweet, thoughtful, kind and generous.” Keely pinned her with a look. “Damn near annoyingly perfect in that nauseating girl-next-door way, to be honest, but I like you anyway, cuz.”


“Gee, thanks.”


“But mostly, you said yes because Landon is as innocent in this whole situation as you are.”


Keely’s insight always surprised her. “You want a beer while I’m spilling the gory details of lost innocence?”


“No.” Keely flopped on the couch. “I’ve got a late patient tonight so I have to head back to the clinic.”


“How was the honeymoon?”


“Amazing.”


“How’s Jack?”


Keely smirked. “Amazing.”


Jessie launched into recent events. Before she finished, Landon cried from his crib. “I’ll be right back.”


Landon had woken in a somber mood—not all cute smiles and sweet snuggles. Not knowing how he’d behave continued to be a struggle, so she hoped for the best and returned to the living room with Landon in her arms.

He shrank back as he spied Keely.