The Sheriff's Mail-Order Bride (The Watson Brothers #2)(11)
Chance threw him a look of comprehension. “Okay, I get it almost. But I was in the limelight and couldn’t face the idea of settling down with one of the empty-headed hangers-on that followed me around the circuit.” He pushed off another bale and stood up, rubbing his recently healed hip. “You, on the other hand, work in an industry that involves down-to-earth people. I mean, think about it. Who wouldn’t love a lawman?”
“I’m not looking for love.” It hit him as the words fell from his lips. It was companionship he wanted more than anything. Someone to talk to at the end of the day and share the highlights with. Romance was a bonus if it ever happened. Besides, he didn’t believe love could hit him twice in one lifetime.
“Well what the heck are you getting married for then? You can find someone to chat with at the bar after work.” Chance shook his head. “I don’t get it. You’re younger than me and love kids, so why not go for the real thing?”
“It worked for you didn’t it? I see the way you two look at each other. If you can find the right person by placing an ad and saving yourself all the hassles, then so can I.”
Fisher wriggled to get down and Rory concentrated on lifting him from his shoulders. He could chastise himself later after he’d had a talk to Gina and decided what they were going to do. He put the child on the ground and watched him wobble around on little legs, exploring the barn. The chickens ran for cover when he headed their way.
“He’s never seen anything like this before.” There was a sense of wonder in Gina’s voice.
“I feel sorry for kids not brought up in the country. They miss out on so much, to my way of thinking.” He risked a glance at her. She was mesmerized by her son walking around the barn exploring anything that moved. A shadow slunk through the door and shot over to Fisher.
Before Gina could launch herself to protect her child, Rory grabbed her by the arm restraining her. “It’s okay, that’s Sherbet, Callie’s dog. She won’t hurt him, I promise.”
Gina gripped hold of his arm, her body tense, and watched as the dog sniffed Fisher’s feet, making him squeal with laughter. He grabbed handfuls of fur, leaning down to try and put it in his mouth, making the anxious mother hurry to his side.
“No, honey. Please don’t eat the doggy.” She dropped down to her knees and stroked Sherbet. “See, stroke her like Mommy does. Nice Sherbet.”
Fisher plonked down on his butt and grinned, holding his arms out for the dog to be put on his lap. Rory came to the rescue and encouraged Sherbet to lay with her head on the chubby little legs. “He’s never had a dog this close before, and his favorite toy is a scruffy little dog.”
“Best mix ever, kids and dogs.”
“Hey, who’s stealing my dog?” Callie waltzed into the barn, her broad accent thick.
Rory stood up and held out his hand for Gina to rise and meet his sister-in-law. “Callie, this is Gina, and the little pint-sized munchkin on the floor is Fisher. He’s taken a shine to Sherbet.”
Callie hurried over and held out her hand. “Hey, welcome to the ranch. Rory never told us he was having company or I would have baked a cake.” She snorted, slapping a hand on her denim-clad thigh.
“You liar. You hate cooking but thanks for the sentiment.” He avoided the questions in her eyes and bent to pick up the baby instead. It would seem that her husband had left the decision to him to tell anyone about what he’d done. “Is it okay if I put Gina and Fisher in the room next to mine?”
“Sure. Do what you like. How many times have I told you this place is yours as well?” She whistled and held out her arms. Sherbet launched herself up and licked her chin. Callie stepped closer to Rory and Fisher, letting the boy pat the dog again. “Did you want us to get a cot or something for this little guy?” She directed the question to Gina.
“No, thank you. I have a collapsible one in the car I take with me everywhere. He’s happier with his own things.” She glanced at Rory. “I’d better get him changed, and a bath would be a good idea if you don’t mind.”
“Sure. Let me give you a hand to unpack the car.” He nodded at his sister-in-law and followed Gina out of the barn. “Catch you up at the house later.”
He handed Fisher to his mother when they reached the house and started hauling bags from the back of the car and placed them on the porch as she watched. When the car was empty, he opened the door to the house and ushered her inside. “Let me show you the bedroom and bathroom so you can get him organized.”
Rory walked her through the kitchen and pointed out the lounge on the way to the stairs. When they reached the top, he walked past his bedroom and opened the door of the empty guest room, holding it wide for Gina to enter. She glanced at the large queen-size bed and walked over to the open door of the en-suite bathroom. “This is lovely.”
“I’ll bring up the rest of the stuff if you want to get him bathed. There’re towels and everything you’ll probably need. If you want anything, you only have to ask.”
“Thanks.” She smiled quickly and turned away. Rory headed back down the stairs and grabbed the rest of the bags, placing them on the end of the bed before carrying up the Pack ’n Play. He unzipped the bag and looked at it, trying to figure out how it worked. There weren’t any directions but he was willing to give it a go. After all, how hard could it be? He pulled the legs hoping they would slide out and open the whole thing up. No such luck. Not willing to break anything, Rory decided to leave it to the expert.