Beau (Remington Ranch Book 4) (12 page)

~ ~ ~

Corinne smiled back at him. The more time she spent with him the more she liked him. She was a little surprised at herself that she’d been so eager to pull him down on the sofa with her when he’d kissed her. Was it just that it had been such a long time, or was it that he had some strong pull on her? She knew it was the latter. He was gorgeous, but it was more than that. Whenever he came close her insides melted, she started to forget everything, her inhibitions, her responsibilities, everything except the way he made her feel and her need for more. She didn’t want to have to just take his word for it for too long.

“What are you doing tomorrow?”

“Nothing exciting. Getting everything ready for Ruby to start school and me to start work on Monday.”

“What about tomorrow evening?”

She shook her head sadly. “We both need to get an early night. I want Ruby home.”

Beau laughed. “I thought we were talking about spending time together.”

She felt her cheeks color. She was still focused on how and when they could get time alone together. She laughed it off. “What can I say? I’m not normally this brazen. I blame you.”

“I take it as a compliment.” He smiled. “Unless you’re only after me for my body?”

“I’m not that kind of girl.”

His face was serious. “I didn’t think so. Do you mind if I ask you something?”

“What’s that?”

“Is Ruby’s dad in the picture at all?”

She shook her head. “No. He was, for a short time. But…” How to explain it? “David and I dated for a couple of years before I got pregnant. We knew we weren’t forever, but it was comfortable. When Ruby was born, we tried to make a go of it, but we were both miserable. We went our separate ways quite amicably. He used to see Ruby on the weekends when she was a baby. Then he met someone and got married, they had a baby of their own and that was it. We don’t hear from him anymore.”

Beau frowned. “Does he help financially?”

Corinne let out a short laugh. “Do you think I would have been working three jobs if he did? No. And don’t look at me like that. I know I could try to make him, but I don’t want to.”

“Why not?”

She shrugged. “As far as I’m concerned it’s me and Ruby against the world. I can take care of her. She doesn’t go short of anything. If he doesn’t want to contribute or be part of her life then I don’t want him to.” She ran a hand through her hair. “My family thinks I’m stupid. Carly’s husband James gets after me all the time. Things have been tight, but I just prefer it this way.” She looked at him. “Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to understand. It’s not a pride thing, it’s about Ruby and me and how we make our way in the world.”

Beau nodded. “I’m not going to claim to understand, but I think I’d feel the same way if I were you.”

“You would?”

“Yeah. I mean if the guy doesn’t want to be a part of her life then she’s better off that he’s out of it completely. What would you do if he did come around though? If he wanted to start seeing her?”

“I doubt that would ever happen. But if he did, I wouldn’t stop him. He’s a decent enough person and he is her father. I don’t believe you should ever stop a child from knowing their parents—if they want to.” She shrugged. “I don’t like the idea, but it’s not about what I want. It’s about doing what’s right for Ruby. Luckily, as I said, I don’t think it would ever happen. But you just never know.”

“And what if Ruby wants to see him?”

“Then I’ll ask him.” She frowned, wondering how it would feel if the day came when Ruby wanted to get to know her father. She knew it would hurt, but she also knew that she would do what was right for her daughter.

“Sorry, I sound like I’m interrogating you. I guess I’m just curious, I’ve never thought about that kind of situation before.”

“It’s okay. I try not to think about it most of the time. If it does ever happen I’ll deal with it. And the one thing you learn very quickly when you have kids is that you have to set aside what you want in order to do what’s best for them.”

“But so many people don’t seem to learn that. Your ex didn’t. He set aside what was best for Ruby in order to do what he wants.”

“I choose to believe that he has done what’s best for Ruby. He removed himself from her life.”

Beau smiled. “I guess so. You like to turn things around and see them in the best light possible, don’t you?”

“I do. Always. If you don’t, you just end up miserable over things you can’t change.”

“I admire that. I think I might need to take lessons from you.”

“Why’s that?”

He shrugged. “I will admit that I tend to get hung up on things I don’t like. I want to change them. To make them better.”

“Well, that’s a good thing. If you’re talking about things that you
can
change, it’s just knowing the difference. If you can’t make something better, then all you can do is find a better way to look at it and move on. If you can make it better, then you should.”

He smiled. “I feel as though I should write that down.”

She laughed. “Sorry I didn’t mean to get all philosophical on you.”

“I’m glad you did.” He checked his watch. “I should probably get going.”

“Oh. Okay.” She had to wonder if she’d said something wrong.

He smiled. “Can I see you tomorrow?”

“I’d like that.”

“Me, too. I’ll call you in the morning.” He leaned in to kiss her, making her want to ask him to stay. She didn’t, but she wanted to. Instead she walked him to the door.

“Drive safely.”

“I will.”

Once he’d gone she went to check on Ruby. She was fast asleep, her bear clutched tight to her chest. She smiled. Glad that she and Beau had hit it off so well. Maybe things were starting to go right now. She could only hope so.

The next morning Beau decided to stop in to see his folks. He’d said he’d call Corinne, but thought he may as well call her once he was already out at the ranch.

His dad was sitting at the big table in the kitchen when he walked in.

“Morning, son. It’s good to see you back down here again.”

He smiled. “It’s good to be here.”

His dad grinned. “You don’t know how good it is to hear you say that.”

He smiled and took a seat at the table. “Things seem to be changing, or maybe it’s me. I don’t know. Maybe I’m hitting an early midlife crisis or something…”

“Or maybe you’ve just been working too hard for too many years.” His mom appeared at the top of the stairs from the basement and smiled at him. “And now you’ve found a reason to relax a little and have some fun.”

He shrugged. He didn’t know what to say, and he knew she would have a lot more to add.

“Are you back to ride Troy, or to see Corinne?”

He smiled. “I came to see you guys.”

His dad laughed, “Since we’re right next door to Corinne?”

“Well, it helps, but I’ve been meaning to come see you anyway. There’s something I want to talk to you both about.” He felt bad that his dad looked wary. “Am I really that bad?”

His dad shrugged. “You’re not bad at all, son. I just know how you get about the division of the ranch. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, I really don’t. But at the same time, I have to do what I believe is right.”

Beau nodded. “I know that, Dad. I think I’m starting to see where I’ve been going wrong.”

“Oh, Beau!” His mom was smiling.

He held up a hand with a rueful smile. “I only said I’m starting to see. I’m not quite there yet. So if you don’t mind I’d rather avoid that subject for a while longer.”

His mom’s face fell, but his dad nodded his understanding. “I’d call that progress, at least.”

“Thanks, Dad. Me too.”

“So if that wasn’t what you wanted to talk about, what was?”

Beau couldn’t help the big smile that spread across his face. “Well, it’s kind of to do with all that.”

“Just tell us,” said his mom.

“Okay. Since Mason and Gina are going to be moving in here after the wedding. What are you guys planning to do?”

“We’re going to Arizona for the winter. You know that.” His dad had that wary look again. Beau just wanted to see him smile, to look happy.

“I do, but what about when you come back in the spring?”

“We’re going to look into getting a place up in town.” His mom smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

His dad looked away. Beau knew that he didn’t like the idea at all. “We’ll figure something out.”

“Well, I have a suggestion.”

His mom laughed. “Are you going to sell us a house?”

He shook his head. Was he really that bad that his own parents thought he wanted to make a profit on them?

“Go on, son,” said his dad.

“I don’t want to sell you a house, no. What I’d like to do is give you the cottage.”

They both stared at him. His mom recovered first. She pointed out across the creek to where the roof of the cottage was just visible. “That cottage?
The
cottage. And you want to
give
it to us?”

He nodded.

His dad grinned. “Are you serious?”

He nodded again. “I thought you might like the idea. I know you don’t want to be up in town. This way you‘d still be right here, but not in the middle of everything. You can be as involved as you want to be, or not if you don’t.”

His dad reached across the table and gripped his arm. “Thank you! That is best solution possible!” He sighed. “You have no idea how happy that makes me.”

Beau had to swallow the lump in his throat. He hadn’t had any idea that it would mean so much. He could see his dad’s eyes were shining. His mom had tears rolling down her face. She came and hugged him. “Oh, Beau. That’s a lovely idea. We must buy it from you though.”

He shook his head. “Nope. It’s my gift. You guys have always done so much for me, this is finally something I can do for you.”

“But…”

“Monique.” His dad gave her a stern look. “I’m so proud of my boy that he’s able to do something like this and more so that he wants to. We need to accept in the spirit that’s it’s given.”

His mom smiled through her tears. “Thank you, Beau.”

Beau had to blink away tears of his own. To hear his dad say that he was proud of him meant the world. That was all he’d ever wanted; to make them proud of him.

The back door opened and Mason came in. He stopped when he saw all the tears and smiles.

“Is everything okay in here?”

Beau smiled at him. “Everything’s just great.”

“Good. In that case I’m not even going to ask.”

Beau was grateful for that; this was a moment he wanted to share with his parents, just him and them for once. He knew Mason didn’t mean it, but he always seemed to walk in and steal the limelight. His dad smiled at him and nodded; it seemed he understood.

“Let’s just say that today is a great day. Your brother just made it one.”

Mason grinned. Beau was pretty sure he knew what was going on. “Beau seems to be going from strength to strength at the moment.”

That took him by surprise, and put him immediately on the defensive. “What do you mean?”

“Just that you’ve made Mom and Dad’s day today. I think it’s fair to say that you made Ruby’s night last night. You seem to be a little ray of sunshine these days, spreading joy and happiness wherever you go.”

Beau had to laugh at the way he put it. He shrugged. “What can I say?”

“Don’t say a thing,” said his dad. “Just keep at it. It suits you.”

“It does?”

His mom nodded and came to hug him again. “It really does. It’s so nice to see you starting to relax and enjoy life.” She gave him a sly smile. “And I have to tell you how cute it was to see you with Ruby last night. You’re a natural.”

Beau swallowed. “I’d hardly say that. We got off to a pretty rocky start.”

“Yeah, but you’re making up for it fast. The kid adores you!”

“And her mom does.”

Beau turned to look at Mason. He didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t used to opening up to anyone. He’d been getting a bit better lately, but opening up to the three of them at once seemed a bit overwhelming.

His mom smiled and came to the rescue. “And who can blame them. Would you like to bring them up here this afternoon?” She rubbed her hands together. “I’d love to get to play with the little one. I’ve been wanting to invite them up here, but your father says I need to give them time to settle in.”

His dad laughed. “Corinne needed a little time to find her feet and get settled in, that’s all.” He looked at Beau. “Maybe your mom could spend some time with Ruby this afternoon and you could spend some time with Corinne?”

Beau couldn’t believe that he felt heat in his cheeks. He didn’t think he’d ever blushed in his life! But it felt as though they all must know that he’d been hoping to get Corinne to himself, and the thought of them all knowing why was just a little embarrassing.

His mom clapped her hands together. “Oh, say you’ll ask her, Beau! That would be wonderful! I’ve been getting all broody with your brothers settling down.” She shot a look at Mason. “But since they don’t seem in any hurry to provide me with grandbabies you might just beat them all to it.”

He stared at her.

His dad laughed. “Don’t worry, son. Your mom just wants a kiddy to play with. Don’t take her words too seriously, just make the most of the offer.”

He couldn’t take her words too seriously. He couldn’t even contemplate them right now. That he could provide her with a grandchild? In the form of Ruby? That would mean…He shook his head. Nope. Not going there. Better to do as his dad said and focus on the possibility of getting Corinne to himself for a few hours this afternoon. He smiled. “Thanks. I’ll ask Corinne.”

~ ~ ~

Ruby squealed when she saw the truck pull up outside. “My Beau’s here!”

Corinne took a look through the window. He’d said he’d call, she hadn’t expected him to just show up. She was glad he had. Her cell phone rang and she picked it up from the table.

“Hello?”

“Hi, it’s me.”

She had to laugh. He mustn’t realize that they could see him. He would do in a moment though. Ruby was opening the front door.

“Oh!”

Corinne laughed again. “I thought you were going to call first.”

He laughed with her. “That’s what I am doing. I came by to see my folks and then came straight over. I realized when I pulled up that I hadn’t called first.”

“Well how about we hang up and you come on in?”

“Yeah. See you in a minute.”

She watched as he climbed out of the truck and Ruby ran up the path to meet him. Her heart did that weird little flip as she watched him pick her up and swing her around. She clasped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. Corinne sighed. She knew most relationships went through a honeymoon stage. She could only hope that Ruby and Beau weren’t riding for a fall. And what about her and Beau?

She smiled as he came in. “Does this little creature belong to you?” he asked. “I found it wandering around in your front yard.”

Ruby giggled. “I am not a creature! I’m a Ruby.”

Beau looked at her. “The creature talks and everything.”

Corinne laughed. “I’ve never seen one of those before, where do you think it came from?”

Beau shrugged. “Maybe we should take it up to the big house and see if it’s theirs?”

Corinne gave him a puzzled look, but Ruby was happy to play along. “To see your mommy and daddy?” she asked.

Beau nodded. “They have all kinds of creatures at their house. They might like to play with a new one.”

Ruby looked at Corinne. “Can we? Can we go play with them? They’re nice. I saw them last night.”

“I don’t know.” Corinne looked at Beau, trying to figure out what he was up to.

“I was just over there and my mom was asking after Ruby. She said she’d love to meet her properly sometime and have her over to play.”

Corinne’s heart raced. He had said he’d see what he could do to get them some alone time, but she hadn’t expected it to be today, and she certainly hadn’t expected his mom to mind her daughter so that they could sleep together! She wasn’t sure how she felt about that at all!

“Pleeasse, can we?” begged Ruby. “I want to go see them.”

Corinne nodded slowly. “Okay.” They didn’t have to stay for long and she didn’t have to leave Ruby with them. But it would be rude not to go if they were asking.

Beau caught her eye. “Are you sure? It was just an idea.”

She nodded. “No, it’s fine. It’d be nice to meet them properly.”

He grinned. “Okay. Let’s go.”

When they got to the ranch house they found Mrs. Remington in the kitchen. Whatever she was baking smelled delicious.

Ruby sniffed the air. “Yummy! Apple pie.”

Mrs. Remington turned and smiled at her. “Well, hello, Miss Ruby. Do you want to come help?”

Ruby looked at Corinne. She nodded and let go of her hand making straight for the kitchen table to get one of the chairs. They were big old wooden chairs, and heavy.

Corinne smiled to herself as Beau went to help. “Here, let me get it, pumpkin.”

He carried it over to the counter where his mom was rolling dough. “Thank you, Beau. Are you going to help too?”

He shook his head. “You know better than that. I’m good at eating it, not so much at making it.”

“I’m good at making it,” said Ruby. “I can help.”

“Yes, you can,” said Mrs. Remington. She looked at Corinne, “As long as your mommy says it’s okay you can help with another apple pie and a couple of batches of cookies.”

“Can I, Mommy?”

Corinne nodded slowly. This wasn’t what she’d expected. She’d thought they were going to visit for a while, not just drop Ruby off.

Mrs. Remington smiled at her, sensing her unease. “I’m sorry. I’m busy getting these done. If you don’t mind letting Ruby stay to help, I’d love to catch up with you later.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“No, thank you! I need an extra pair of hands. Ruby, could you pass me the flour please?”

Ruby grinned and handed it over.

“You two run along,” said Mrs. Remington. “Go have some fun. We’ll be busy here until at least five o’clock, if that’s okay?”

Corinne looked at her watch. It was only eleven! She and Ruby had to get ready for their new starts tomorrow. But what could she say? She smiled. “Thank you. Can I leave you my number in case you need me?”

“Of course you can.”

As she wrote it down on a piece of paper she felt a little silly, realizing that Beau’s mom would know how to get hold of him if she needed them for anything. She gave her an apologetic smile as she handed it over.