Orchard Valley Brides

“Luke,” Sherry broke in, pretending to be offended. “Do you mean to tell me this was all prearranged between you and Luke?”

  “Well…”

  “Did you?” Sherry could have sworn Cody was blushing.

  “This all came about because of you and the fuss you made over wanting romance. Luke got a bit whimsical and thought he’d like to do something special for his anniversary. Then he got worried that Ellie wouldn’t go because she wouldn’t want to leave the children. It’s hard to be romantic with a couple of kids around.”

  Sherry looked at Christina Lynn and Philip and smiled. “They didn’t seem to deter us.”

  “True, but we’re the exception.” After a pause he said, “Put your head back on my shoulder.” He slid his arm around her. “It feels good to have you this close.”

  “It feels good to me, too.”

  He kissed the crown of her head. Sherry closed her eyes, never dreaming she’d fall asleep, but she must have, because the next thing she heard was Luke and Ellie whispering.

  She opened her eyes and her gaze met Ellie’s. “They were a handful, weren’t they?” she asked with a smile.

  “Not really,” Sherry whispered.

  “All four of you are worn to a frazzle. Even Cody’s asleep.”

  “I’m not now,” he said, yawning loudly.

  Ellie removed Philip from Sherry’s arms, and Luke took his daughter from Cody’s. They disappeared down the hallway to the children’s room, returning soon after.

  “How was your dinner?” Sherry asked.

  “Fantastic.” Ellie’s eyes were dreamy. She sat in the rocking chair while Luke went into the kitchen. He reappeared a few minutes later carrying a tray with four mugs of coffee.

  “I can’t remember an evening I’ve enjoyed more.” Ellie’s hand went to her throat and the single strand of gold Luke had given her for their anniversary. “Thank you, Sherry.”

  “I’ll be happy to watch the kids anytime.”

  “I don’t mean for watching the kids—I…I certainly appreciate it, but there’s more. Luke told me I should thank you because it was Cody talking to him about love and romance that made him realize he wanted our anniversary to be extra-special this year.”

  Luke stood behind the rocking chair and leaned forward to kiss his wife’s cheek.

  “I think it’s time we left,” Cody suggested, “before this turns into something, uh, private.”

  “You could be right,” Sherry agreed.

  With eyes only for each other, Ellie and Luke didn’t seem to notice they were leaving until Sherry was out the front door.

  “Stick around, you two,” Luke protested. “You haven’t finished your coffee.”

  “Another time,” Cody answered, leading Sherry down the steps.

  “Night,” Sherry called to her friends.

  “Night, and thanks again,” Ellie said, standing in the doorway, her arm around her husband’s waist, her head against his shoulder.

  Cody escorted Sherry to her car, then hesitated before turning away. “I’ll see you soon,” he said, frowning.

  She was puzzled by the frown. She watched as his gaze swung back to Luke in the doorway and then to her again. Then he sighed and stepped away.

  Sherry would have given her first month’s wages to know what Cody was thinking.

  “Dad was furious with me,” Heather said when she stopped in at the clinic the next afternoon. Doc was out doing house calls, like the old-fashioned country doctor he was.

  “Hi, Heather,” Sherry greeted her. “Why was he mad?”

  “He told me I had the worst sense of timing of anyone he’s ever known. First the night he brought you the candy and flowers, and then when you were watching Christina Lynn and Philip.”

  “It’s all right,” Sherry assured her. “Your father and I’ll get everything straightened out sooner or later.” But Cody hadn’t said anything about marriage lately, and Sherry was beginning to wonder.

  “I’m not supposed to butt into Dad’s business or yours, and I don’t mean to, but I hope you decide to marry us. I don’t even care about the babies so much anymore. I really like you, Sherry, and it’d be so much fun if you were always around.”

  “I’d enjoy that, too.”

  “You would?” Sherry instantly brightened. “Can I tell Dad you said that, ’cause I know he’d like it and—”

  “That might not be a good idea.” Sherry removed her white jacket and tossed it in the laundry hamper. She was finished for the day and eager to see Cody.

  “I thought your friend Carrie was going to come by with you,” she said.

  “She couldn’t. That’s why I can’t show you the way I want my hair cut.”

  “Oh, well. I’ll see the magazine another time.”

  “Especially if you’re going to stay around.” Heather pressed her books against her as her eyes grew wistful. “I can hardly wait for you to move in with us.”

  “I didn’t say I was moving in with you, Heather. Remember what Ellie told you at the picnic?”

  Heather rolled her eyes in exasperation, as if reciting it for the hundredth time. “If I interfere with you and Dad, I could hurt more than help.”

  “You got it.”

  Before leaving the clinic, Sherry ran a brush through her hair and touched up her makeup. “You’re sure Janey and your father are expecting me tonight?”

  “Of course. Dad specifically said I should stop by today and invite you, but if you can’t come, that’s fine, too, ’cause Slim’s in town and he can take me home.”

  The phone rang just then, and Sherry let Mrs. Colson answer it. The receptionist came back for Sherry.

  “It’s a nice-sounding man asking for you.”

  This surprised Sherry. The only “nice-sounding man” who interested her was Cody Bailman, but Mrs. Colson would have recognized his voice.

  She walked into her office and picked up the receiver. “This is Sherry Waterman.”

  “Sherry, it’s Rowdy Cassidy. I know it’s short notice, but I was wondering if you could fly to Houston for dinner tonight?”

  “Fly to Houston? Tonight?”

  “It’s Norah’s birthday, and I’d love to surprise her.”

  “But there isn’t a plane for me to catch, and it’d take you hours to fly to Pepper to get me.”

  “I’m here now, at the airstrip outside town.”

  “Here?”

  “Yeah, I flew into Abilene this morning and I got to thinking on my way home that I should bring you back with me. I know it’s a lot to ask, but it’d give Norah such a boost. She loves Texas, but after your visit, she got real homesick. It’d mean a lot to her if you’d come and help celebrate her birthday.”

  Sherry hesitated and looked at Heather, not wanting to disappoint Cody’s daughter, either. “I need to be back by nine tomorrow morning.”

  “No problem. I can have one of my staff fly you back first thing. What do you say?”

  “Uh…” Sherry wished she had more time to think this over. “Sure,” she said finally. “Why not?” Norah was her best friend, and she missed her, too.

  They made the arrangements to meet, and Sherry hung up. “You heard?” she asked Heather.

  Heather lowered her head dejectedly.

  “It’s for a surprise birthday dinner. Norah’s the reason I moved to Texas, and she’d do it for me. Besides, you said Slim can take you back to the ranch.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “How about if you stop by after school tomorrow?” Sherry asked, hating to disappoint Heather. “It’d be even better, wouldn’t it, because Carrie might be able to come.”

  Heather nodded, but not with a lot of enthusiasm. “You’re right. It’s just that I was really looking forward to having you out at the ranch again. I think Dad was, too.”

  “There’ll be plenty of other times, I promise. You’ll explain to your father, won’t you?”

  Heather nodded. Sherry dropped her off at the feed store, where Slim’s pickup was par
ked. She stayed long enough to be sure the older man was available to drive Heather to the ranch.

  From there she drove to the landing strip. Rowdy was waiting for her, and after greetings and hugs, Sherry boarded his company jet and settled back in the cushioned seat.

  “So how’s Pepper been treating you?” Rowdy asked.

  “Very well. I love Texas.”

  “Any progress with that cattleman?”

  She smiled. “Some.”

  “Norah’s going to be glad to hear that.” He grinned with satisfaction. “She’s going to be very surprised to see you, but even more surprised to see her father. He arrived earlier this afternoon. My driver picked him up at the airport and is giving him a quick tour of Houston and Galveston Island. If everything goes according to schedule, we should get to the house at about the same time.”

  “You thought all this up on your own?”

  “Yep.” He looked extremely proud of himself. “I talked to Norah’s father a couple months back about flying out, but as I said, having you join us was a spur-of-the-moment idea. Norah’s going to be thrilled.”

  To say that Norah was thrilled—or surprised—was putting it mildly. As Rowdy had predicted, David Bloomfield arrived within minutes of her and Rowdy. They’d waited in the driveway for him, and the three of them walked into the house together.

  Rowdy stood in the entryway and, his eyes twinkling, called, “Norah, I’m home!”

  Norah appeared and Rowdy threw open his arms. “Happy birthday!” he shouted and stepped aside to reveal David Bloomfield and Sherry, standing directly behind him.

  “Daddy!” Norah cried, enthusiastically hugging her father first. “Sherry!” Norah wrapped both arms around her, eyes bright with tears.

  “You thought I forgot your birthday, didn’t you?” Rowdy crowed.

  Norah wiped the tears from her face and nodded. “I really did. I had the most miserable day. The kids were both fussy, and I felt like I’d moved to the ends of the earth and everyone had forgotten me.”

  “This is a long way from Orchard Valley,” her father said, putting his arm around his youngest daughter, “but it isn’t the end of the earth—although I think I can see it from here.”

  Norah chuckled. “Oh, Dad, that’s an old joke.”

  “You laughed, didn’t you?”

  “Come on in and make yourselves comfortable,” Rowdy invited, ushering them into the living room. “I certainly hope you didn’t go to any trouble for dinner,” he said to Norah.

  “No. I was feeling sorry for myself and thought we’d order pizza. It’s been that kind of day.”

  “Good—” Rowdy paused and looked at his watch “—because the caterer should get here in about ten minutes.”

  Norah was floored. “Is there anything else I should know about?”

  “This?” He removed a little velvet box from his pocket, then put it back. “Think I’ll save that for later when we’re alone.”

  David laughed and glanced around. “Now, where are those precious grandchildren of mine?”

  “Sleeping. They’re both exhausted. But if you promise to be quiet, I’ll take you upstairs for a peek. How long are you staying? A week, I hope.”

  David and Sherry followed Norah upstairs and tiptoed into the children’s rooms. Sherry was fond of David Bloomfield and loved watching his reaction as he looked at his grandchildren. Sherry remembered several years back, when David had suffered a heart attack and almost died. His recovery had been nothing short of miraculous.

  By the time they came back downstairs, the caterer was there and the table had been set for an elegant dinner. The candles were lit, the appetizers served and champagne poured.

  “Rowdy did this once before,” Norah said, reaching for her husband’s hand. Rowdy brought her fingers to his mouth and brushed his lips over them. “He wanted something from me then. Dinner was all part of a bribe to get me to leave Orchard Valley and be his private nurse.”

  Rowdy laughed. “It didn’t work. Norah didn’t believe I loved her, and I can’t say I blame her, since I didn’t know it myself. All I knew was that I couldn’t imagine my life without her. You led me on quite a merry chase—but I wouldn’t have had it any different.”

  “Are you trying to bribe my daughter this time?” David asked.

  Rowdy shook his head. “Nope. I have everything I need.”

  The shrimp appetizer was followed by a heart-of-palm salad. Norah turned to Sherry. “How’s everything going with you and Cody?”

  Sherry shrugged, unsure how much she should say. “Better, I guess.”

  “I have to tell you, I got a kick out of your last e-mail. He actually proposed to you by saying he wanted to cut to the chase?”

  “Sounds like a man who knows what he wants,” Rowdy commented.

  “Cody’s come a long way since then. He’s trying to understand what I want, but I don’t think he’s quite figured it out.” She lowered her gaze and sighed. “Currently he’s suffering from the effects of poison ivy. He ran into a patch of it while picking wildflowers for me.”

  “Well, as you say, he’s certainly trying hard.”

  “I wish now I’d been more specific,” Sherry said, smoothing her napkin. “I love Cody and I want romance, yes, but more than that, I want him to share himself with me, his thoughts and ideas, his dreams for the future. What worries him most is the fear that if he loves me he’ll lose his identity. He says he isn’t willing to let any woman put a collar around his neck.”

  “Sounds reasonable,” David said.

  “He’s really a darling.” Sherry wanted to be sure everyone understood her feelings.

  “You love him?”

  Sherry nodded. “I did almost from the first.”

  “Let me talk to him,” Rowdy offered.

  “It wouldn’t do any good,” Sherry said. “His best friend, who’s happily married, already tried, and Cody just thinks Luke’s lost his marbles.”

  “He’ll feel differently once he’s married himself.”

  “Didn’t you tell me Cody has a twelve-year-old daughter?” Norah asked.

  Sherry nodded. “I don’t know a lot about his marriage, just enough to know they were both pretty immature. His wife was killed in a car accident years ago.”

  “And he’s never thought about marrying again until now?” David inquired.

  “Heather had a lot to do with his proposal, but—” She stopped, remembering how Cody had told her that the first time he’d asked her to marry him had been for Heather’s sake, but now it was for his own. “With time, I believe he’ll understand it isn’t flowers that interest me or serenading me in the dead of night—it’s trusting and sharing. It’s a sense of belonging to each other.”

  “It’s sitting up together with a sick baby,” Norah murmured.

  “And loving your partner enough to allow him to be himself,” Rowdy continued. “And vice versa.”

  “And looking back over the years you were together, knowing they were the best ones of your life,” David added thoughtfully.

  Sherry hoped that eventually Cody would understand all of this. His mother had asked her to be patient, and Ellie had given her the same advice. It was difficult at times, but she held on to the promise of a future together.

  Sherry left early the next morning. Norah walked out to the car with her, dressed in her robe, her eyes sleepy. “I wish you could stay longer.”

  “I do, too.”

  “If you ever want to get away for a weekend, let me know, and I’ll have Rowdy send a plane for you.”

  “I will. And thank you.”

  The flight back to Pepper seemed to take only half the time the trip into Houston had. She glanced at her watch as she walked to her car, pleased to see she had plenty of time before she went on duty at the clinic.

  Driving down Main Street, Sherry was struck once more by the welcome she felt in Pepper. It was as if this was her home and always would be. The sight of Cody’s pickup in front of the clinic came as
a surprise. She pulled around to the back of the building, parking in her appointed slot, and hurried inside.

  Cody wasn’t anywhere in sight. “Mrs. Colson,” she asked, walking out to the reception area. “Have you seen Cody?”

  “No, I was wondering that myself. His truck’s here, but he doesn’t seem to be around.”

  Stepping onto the porch, Sherry glanced around. A movement, ever so slight, from Cody’s truck caught her eye. She ran down the walkway to discover Cody fast asleep in the cab.

  “Cody,” she called softly through the open window, not wanting to startle him. “What are you doing here?”

  “Sherry?” He bolted upright, banging his head on the steering wheel. “Damn!” he muttered, rubbing the injured spot. He opened the door and nearly fell onto the street in his eagerness.

  “Have you been drinking?” she demanded.

  “No,” he returned angrily. “Where the hell have you been all night?”

  “With my friend in Houston,” she told him, “although where I was or who I was with is none of your business.”

  “Some hotshot with a Learjet, from what I heard.”

  “Yes. As I understand it, Rowdy’s a legend in the corporate world.”

  “I see.” Cody slammed his hat onto his head. “What are you trying to do? Make me jealous?”

  “Oh, for crying out loud, that’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever said to me, Cody Bailman, and you’ve said some real doozies. Rowdy’s married.”

  “So you’re flying off with married men now?”

  “Rowdy’s married to my best friend, Norah. It was her birthday yesterday, and on his way home from Abilene, he decided to surprise Norah by bringing me back with him.”

  Cody frowned as if he didn’t believe her. “That’s not the story Heather gave me. She said I had to do something quick, because you were seeing another man.” Cody paced the sidewalk in front of her. “This is it, Sherry. I’m not willing to play any more games with you. I’ve done everything I can to prove to you I’m sincere, so if you want to run off with a married man at this point—”

  “I didn’t run off with a married man!” she said hotly. “For you to even suggest it is ridiculous.”

  “I spent the entire night sleeping in my pickup, waiting for you to get back, so if I happen to be a bit short-tempered, you can figure out why.”