Chapter Twenty-One
“Think it’s going to rain? I’d hate for the picnic to be ruined.” Abby uncovered the bowls Tate had deposited on the long table before he’d gone to join a group of men hovering nearby.
Hank stood with her hands on her broad hips, lips pursed as she surveyed the fluffy white clouds piling up on the horizon. “Yep, I’d bet on it. Before this day is over it’s gonna become a real toad choker.”
Mae skirted the woman’s mountainous bulk, shaking her head as she helped Abby with the food. “You say the same thing every Fourth, Hank. Don’t pay her any mind, Abby. If it rains at all, it won’t be until tonight.”
“I guess rain would be good for the drought, wouldn’t it?”
“Sugar, it’d have to rain steady for a couple of months to make a dent in this drought. Might give us a little relief from the heat, though.”
In a fit of patriotic pride, Hank had fashioned herself an outfit of red, white and blue. It looked like at least four large flags had given their lives for that dress. When she walked in front of the flag-draped bandstand, she was so well camouflaged that she virtually disappeared. Abby grinned as she watched the woman dab at her sweaty forehead with a hanky.
“Here comes Ida and that girl of hers.” Mae gestured toward the parking lot. “I heard that middle boy of yours was courting Claire, Hank.”
“’Bout time one of ‘em was courting somebody,” Hank growled. “At the rate they’re going I’ll be dead two years before I have any grandkids.”
“Well, look at the bright side.” Mae turned back to the table. “You can always spoil Abby’s and Tate’s. It’s gonna need a grandma.”
Hank’s round face brightened. “I think you’ve got something there, Mae.” She pulled Abby closer. “Let me have another look at you.” Nodding her head wisely she surveyed Abby’s stomach. “Just what I thought. You’re carrying high. That means it’s a girl.”
“Really?” Abby peered down at her front.
“No, it don’t,” Mae argued. “That means it’s a boy.”
“Bull puckey. I ought to know. I had three boys. Spread out behind with all of them.”
“And still going,” Mae mumbled.
Hastily, Abby intervened. “Doctor Spanos is going to do another ultrasound during my next appointment. We’ll know for sure then.”
“I’m not sure I trust those things.” Ida had arrived just in time to hear the last comment. “You remember that Davis girl from over near Two Forks, Mae? They told her she was gonna have a boy. Her and her man painted everything blue, bought a bunch of boy stuff, and then danged if she didn’t have the prettiest little girl you ever saw. Had to bring her home from the hospital in coveralls and a ball cap.”
Abby moved a little way down the table, letting the chatter of the women flow over her. Hank was right. The heat seemed even more stifling today than usual. The humidity was so high that it was like trying to breathe underwater. Even the shade of the trees provided only minimal relief.
She took the clip from her hair, ran her fingers through it, then twisted it back up and re-fastened the clip. It didn’t help a lot, but at least it got the loose strands off her neck.
Her gaze wandered around the park. It was filling up rapidly as the lunch hour approached. A country western band had drawn most of the teenagers to the bandstand, and she saw Buddy and Amy Fletcher standing together listening. Apparently Mr. Fletcher wasn’t near because he was holding the girl’s hand. Abby smiled then glanced toward the group of men, searching for Tate.
It only took a second to find him. He stood with his back against the trunk of a tree, knee bent as he propped one booted foot up beside him. He was nodding at something one of the men was saying, but he was looking at her.
When their gazes met, he winked and Abby’s heart did a rapid back flip. It still felt like this whole thing had been a dream. How could a man like him want someone like her? But he did. Even now she could see it in his eyes, in spite of the fact that they’d made love that morning. If he only loved her half as much as he wanted her, life would be perfect.
“Well, I think that about does it,” Hank said from beside her. “Dinner!”
The loud bellow aimed in the general direction of the men almost made Abby jump out of her skin. Carefully, she stepped out of the way of the small stampede Hank’s yell had precipitated.
“You look like you’re about to pass out from this heat.”
She looked up as Tate took her arm. “I’ll be fine.”
He shook his head. “Why don’t you go spread the blanket out under a tree and sit down? I’ll bring you something to eat.” He brushed a strand of sweat-damp hair away from her face. “Go on. I’ll only be a minute.”
“Okay.” She smiled at him and picked up the blanket they had brought. As soon as it was spread, she sank down on it with a sigh of relief and kicked off her sandals. She had to admit, it did feel good to sit down.
“Here we go.” Tate sat down beside her and handed her one of the plates heaped with food.
“Thanks.” She dug in and they ate in silence for a few minutes. “Hank thinks it’s going to rain today.”
Tate paused long enough to glance at the sky. “Storm is more like it, but it won’t be until later tonight.”
Abby looked at him curiously. “How do you all know this?”
He grinned at her. “Well, Hank would probably tell you she knows because her knee hurts when it’s going to rain. Tom Jenkins would say it’s because the frogs are croaking louder or the flies are biting. But the truth is, it’s just common sense and a lifetime of watching the weather. When you have heat like this combined with a lot of humidity, something has to give.” He pointed to the clouds with his fork. “Those are cumulonimbus clouds. They’re anvil shaped and stretch for miles into the air. Those are the ones you get lightning, thunder, hail and sometimes even tornadoes from.”
“Tornadoes?” She looked anxiously at the clouds.
“Don’t worry. Those don’t look that bad. Probably just get some wind and rain.”
“If you say so.”
He leaned over and kissed her. “I say so. Feel up to taking a walk through the midway later? Maybe I can win you a bear at one of the games.”
“I’d love to, but I suspect it would be easier to just buy a bear.” She grinned at him.
“Have a little faith in your husband, woman,” he growled at her.
“Why should she?” Joe plopped down on the blanket with them. “She probably knows you can’t hit the broad side of a barn. Don’t worry, Abby. I’ll be happy to win that bear for you.”
Tate arched an eyebrow at him. “Want to put your money where your mouth is?”
Abby groaned. “Will you two cut it out? I don’t care if you win a bear or not.” Both men ignored her words.
“Ten bucks says I win and you don’t.”
“You’re on.” Tate slapped Joe’s outstretched hand.
“Later,” Abby said firmly. “After it cools off a little.”
* * * * *
Tate sat perfectly still, only his hands moving as he rubbed Abby’s feet. Whether from the heat, the pregnancy or a combination of both, they were a little swollen. Abby had fallen asleep five minutes into the massage, but he didn’t stop. It was as good an excuse to touch her as any.
He studied her face while she slept, ignoring the mobs of people that ebbed and flowed around them. She had become so much a part of him in the last few months that only now did he realize how much she’d filled out. He doubted she’d ever carry an extra pound, but the gauntness of her body had become rounder, softer. No longer did dark circles lie beneath the long lashes that brushed her cheeks. He had seen women that might be considered more beautiful than she was but Abby had a quiet elegance that was rare and special.
She must have been tired to fall asleep amid all the noise. A tickle of unease furrowed his brow. Something was bothering her and whatever it was, she didn’t want to talk about it. He’d lost count of the times he’d looked up to find her watching him, a pensive expression on her face.
When he asked her point-blank if something was wrong, she just smiled and told him no. It was beginning to scare him. Surely she wouldn’t do anything stupid. She had to know how much she needed him to take care of her and the baby. That was why she’d agreed to marry him in the first place.
No. He shook his head silently. They had gotten so close, things had been so perfect the last few months, that he had to believe he was just imagining a problem where there wasn’t one.
“Is she okay?”
He glanced up as Joe stopped next to him. “Yeah. I think she was just tired.” Both men kept their voices low. “The nap should help.” He looked back at Abby. Her lips were turned up at the corners.
“You two can stop whispering. I’m awake.” She pushed herself up on her elbows and looked around. “Is that a breeze I feel?”
“Yes.” Tate rubbed her leg. “The storm is getting closer. May not wait until tonight after all.”
“How long did I sleep?”
“About an hour. Feel better now?”
“I’m feeling the distinct need for a stuffed bear.” She grinned at them. “Shall we?”
Tate held his hand out and helped her to her feet, waiting while she slipped her sandals back on. “One stuffed bear coming up.” He dropped an arm around her shoulders and steered her toward the midway, Joe taking up a position on her other side.
* * * * *
Abby tossed the remains of her caramel apple in the trash can, shutting her eyes briefly as a gust of wind blew dirt and grit into the air. A poster flew by only to catch on the edge of the stand before it tore lose and spun high above the crowds. Squeals echoed from several women as they tried to hold down the skirts of their dresses. The muted rumble of thunder could be heard even above the noise of the celebration.
Chill bumps raced over her skin at the sudden difference in temperature and she glanced at the booth where Tate and Joe were concentrating on knocking down a row of ducks with guns that looked tiny in their hands. She waited until Tate put the rifle down and reached for another dollar, then touched his arm. “Tate, maybe we should head back and start packing up.”
He tilted his head back to look up at the rapidly darkening sky. “Okay, just one more round and we’ll go. I think I’ve got it figured out now.”
Picking up the gun, he took careful aim. There was a sharp ping and one of the ducks went down. With only a slight hesitation, he pulled the trigger again. The second duck went down. He threw Abby a grin of triumph and aimed again.
Abby laughed with delight when the third metal duck lost its fight for life. “You did it!”
“Damn.” Joe glared at Tate. “You just got lucky.”
“Luck had nothing to do with it. Pure skill. Now pay up.”
Joe grumbled as he pulled out his wallet and handed over the money.
Tate stuck it in his pocket. “Okay, sweetheart, pick your bear.”
“That one.” She pointed to a deep purple bear and the attendant handed it over. It was huge, its fake fur velvety soft, and she hugged it tightly before standing on tiptoe to kiss Tate. “Thank you.”
“Hey, I tried, you know.”
She grinned at Joe, then kissed his cheek. “Thank you for trying.”
“Watch it, Blackburn. That’s my wife you’re flirting with.”
Joe rubbed his jaw gingerly. “Don’t worry, Hoss. I still remember how hard your fist is.”
Another gust of wind hit and lightning split the sky. This time all three of them looked up as thunder cracked.
Tate’s hand closed around her arm. “Come on. If we don’t hurry it’s going to be raining before we get to the truck.”
Apparently everyone else in the park had the same thought. Hordes of people blocked the midway, all heading in the same direction. In spite of the two men protecting her from the crush, she felt smothered. Tension began to build inside her and she clung to her bear with a death grip as they moved slowly through the crowd.
“This way.” Tate pulled her through an opening, weaving his way clear with Joe following. “We can get through between these booths.”
She took a deep breath of the cooler air, then shivered. A huge drop of rain hit the dirt in front of her and splattered in all directions. Another landed on her arm, stinging with the force of its fall. In front of them a fork of lightning arched to the ground and thunder shook the area.
“Damn, we aren’t going to make it to the truck!” Tate was yelling to be heard above the wind. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” she nodded in case he couldn’t hear her. “Just keep going.”
“Tate!” Buddy appeared out the gathering darkness. “I’ve already loaded everything. I’m getting out of here.”
“Amy?”
“She left with her folks,” the teenager yelled back, one hand battling the wind to hold his hat in place.
“Okay, be careful. We’re right behind you.”
Rain was hitting all around them now and she felt Joe’s hand on her back to steady her as Tate rushed them forward at a half-run.
“The truck’s over this way. We’re almost there.” The words were barely out of his mouth when the sky opened. With a crashing roar, the downpour swept over them, drenching them to the skin in seconds.
A gasp tore its way from Abby’s throat as the icy water hit her. Her foot hit a spot of mud and she slid a step before Joe caught her.
“Tate!” The voice was high-pitched, frantic. “Please!”
Nearly blinded by the deluge, Abby didn’t see the blonde until she staggered right into Tate’s arms.
“Diane!” Abruptly, he released Abby’s wrist, trying to support the blonde as she collapsed against him and slid to the ground.
“Help me, please.”
“Diane, what’s wrong? What happened?”
Other people were stopping in spite of the rain, a small group gathering around. Diane was oblivious to all of them, her hands clutching Tate’s shoulders as he knelt next to her in the mud.
“He hit me.” Her voice scaled up on the end. “He wouldn’t stop. You have to make him stop, Tate.”
Abby tried to still her pounding heart as Joe knelt beside them, his hands running over Diane’s arms and legs. One of her eyes was swollen shut and a thin trickle of blood mixed with the rain at one corner of her lips.
Diane ignored him, her gaze fixed on Tate. “Don’t let him take me back. Promise me you won’t. He’ll kill me.”
“Let’s put her in my truck. I’ll take her to the hospital. Doesn’t look like anything’s broken, but we need to be sure.”
“No,” Tate’s voice lifted above the pounding rain. “I’ll take her.” He lifted Diane into his arms and started toward the truck.
Abby stood rooted to the ground, her eyes never leaving his retreating back. Inside, she was as cold as the rain that beat over her.
“Abby?”
She was only vaguely aware of the crowd dispersing, barely aware that Joe was talking to her. When he pulled on her arm, she allowed herself to be led, unresisting, to his truck.
Not until he pushed her inside and slammed the door did she realize that she was still clutching the bear. It was a sodden lump of cotton now, its fur leaving streaks of purple where it dripped onto her leg. Very carefully, she let it drop to the floorboard and used her foot to push it aside.
“Here.” Joe had pulled a blanket from behind the seat. “Put this around you until I can get the heat going.”
Numbly, she did as he told her, knowing that it wouldn’t help. She was never going to be warm again.
“Abby, are you okay? You’re white as a sheet. Don’t worry. We’ll be at the hospital before you know it.”
“No.” His words galvanized her into speech. “Don’t take me there. Take me hom…” She swallowed hard against the pain paralyzing her throat. “Take me to the ranch.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I’m positive.”
He started the truck. “Maybe you’re right. You need to get out of those wet clothes. We can call the hospital from there.”
She didn’t bother to answer, just huddled deeper into the blanket as he drove through the rain. She knew what she had to do. Had known all along this day would come. But that didn’t make it any easier, didn’t stop the agony that filled her or the tears that wet her face.
“Abby.” Joe glanced at her. “You know Tate had to take her to the hospital don’t you?”
“Do I?” She reached up and wiped the tears away.
“You saw what kind of shape she was in.”
“Yes, I saw.”
“Then what’s wrong?” He touched her cheek.
Abby took a long breath, eyes shut while she gathered her courage. “He made his choice, Joe. And he chose Diane.”
“What are you talking about?” He sounded alarmed.
Pulling the blanket tighter around her, she glanced at him. “You could have taken her to the hospital. There were ten other people there who could have done it. He wouldn’t let you. He had to do it himself. He didn’t even look around, didn’t say a word to me. He forgot I was there. The only thing he was thinking about was Diane. He still loves her.”
She looked out the window, watching as the truck turned into the long drive leading to the ranch. The rain had already slowed into a steady drizzle.
“You said it yourself. Tate is torn between his responsibilities. I’ve always wondered what would happen if he thought she needed him more than I did. Now I know. I guess I’ve always known. I just didn’t want to admit it.”
“Well, hell.” He braked to a stop in front of the house. “Why are you the only person in the state who ever listens to me?” He ran a hand through his wet hair. “Abby, it’s you he loves. I’d stake my life on it.”
She gave him a wan smile. “No, he doesn’t, Joe. He wants me. There’s a big difference. And it’s a difference I can’t live with anymore.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to be making a few choices of my own.” She reached for the door latch. “Starting right now. I guess you could say it really is Independence Day.”