Country Frost (King Creek Cowboys #8)

Chapter 7

7

“ T hank you for saving me from social media hell.” Late morning sunlight, chased by cool air, poured into the house as Leeann held the front door open for her sister, Haylee. “You look ready to burst.”

“I feel like it.” Haylee rested her hand on her huge belly as she waddled into the living room. “I don’t know if I can wait for Christmas for this little guy.”

“So, you think it’s a boy?” Leeann moved a footrest near the couch as Haylee eased into it.

Haylee sighed as she sank against the couch cushions. “I wish I knew, but Tyson has wanted it to be a surprise from day one.”

“That’s so cute.” Leeann grinned.

“Don’t let him hear you call him that.” Haylee put her feet up on the footrest. “Heaven forbid you call a cowboy ‘cute.’”

Leeann tried to think of cute associated with Porter, but the two didn’t work well together. Maybe that would change if he was an expectant dad.

“You have a faraway look in your eyes.” Haylee cocked her head. “Are you thinking about that cowboy, Porter? ”

“Yeah—that cute and Porter go together about like jalape?o jelly and cream cheese.” Leeann settled back in her recliner. “You wouldn’t think the two would go together, but man, are they delicious.”

Haylee rested both hands on her belly. “Are you saying Porter is delicious?”

“In an untamed bad boy cowboy kind of way.” Leeann crossed her legs at her knees. “I mean, he’s all scruffy and tough, but then you should see him with his little sister—he’s a big cream puff when it comes to her.”

“I’m sensing a food theme here.” Haylee smirked. “By the way, do you have any pecan sandies? I’m dying for some.”

“You know it.” Leeann got up and headed for the kitchen. She and her sisters had always kept their favorite cookies in the cupboard and their preferred kinds of ice cream in the freezer.

She returned to the living room and handed Haylee the package. “Have at it.”

“You’re a lifesaver.” Haylee rested the container on her belly as she retrieved two, then set the package aside.

“You have that beautiful bloom that expectant moms have.” Leeann shifted and sat cross-legged in her recliner. “Goodness knows we’ve seen it in all of the McLeod moms.”

Haylee finished eating a cookie and then held up the second one as she spoke. “Do you think Jill and CJ will start a family in the near future?”

“They both want kids.” Leeann shrugged. “It’s bound to happen sooner or later.”

“Then there’s you.” Haylee pointed at Leeann with her pecan sandie. “Jill said you want a houseful. I never knew that you were nuts.”

Leeann laughed. “Yes, a big family. Maybe not eight like our parents had, but you never know. ”

“Do you think Porter would be on board with that if you two ended up together?” Haylee bit into the cookie she’d been waving around as she spoke.

“I dunno.” Leeann sighed. “God, it’s too soon to think that way, but at the same time, it’s something I really want. So, if things work out, I hope he wants several rugrats.”

Haylee grabbed the bag of cookies and pulled out another. “If he doesn’t, would that be a deal breaker?”

With a groan, Leeann tilted her head back and looked up at the popcorn ceiling before meeting Haylee’s eyes again. “I really don’t want to say it would be because I like Porter a whole lot. But then, having a big family has been one of my dreams.”

“You’ve nailed one of your aspirations.” Haylee nodded toward the box of Leeann’s copies of Chasing Secrets . “You’re an author.”

“You missed the word ‘successful.’” Leeann smiled. “I’ve achieved my goals of selling a book and having one published. But the next milestone is making a living at it.”

Leeann waved all that away and went on. “As for the big tough bad boy, we’re getting too far ahead of ourselves. I need time to get to know Porter, and we’ll see how it goes.” She placed her forearms on the overstuffed armrests. “I can tell you with certainty, however, that he’s dad material. You should see him with his little sister.”

“I’d like to meet him.” Haylee placed her palms on her belly. “There goes junior, happily kicking my bladder.” She raised one of her hands. “Help a sister up so that I can make it to the bathroom before I pee myself?”

“I live to serve the pregnant women of our family.” Leeann laughed as she got up and helped Haylee up from the couch. “Not much longer.”

“Junior’s Christmas due date is two and a half weeks away.” Haylee hurried toward the bathroom. “I don’t think I can wait that long.”

Leeann’s phone dinged, and she pulled it out of her pocket. She smiled when she saw a text from Porter.

I’ll call you at 5:00 this evening if that works for you.

She typed back, Perfect. Talk with you then. After she closed out the messaging app, she slid her phone back into her pocket and waited for her sister.

“Why do you have a silly grin on your face?” Haylee returned and walked to where Leeann stood. “Something to do with a certain sexy cowboy?”

“He texted that he’s calling me later this evening.” Leeann felt a little giddy. “Jeez, it’s like I’m sixteen again.”

“Man, I miss this.” Haylee hugged Leeann and then released her. “All the times we’d sit around and talk about boys.” She shook her head and gave a dramatic sigh. “Next thing you know, I’ll be talking about boys that spit up and poop in their diapers.”

Leeann started giggling. “Oh my God. The image.”

“Glad to brighten your day.” Haylee laughed and patted Leeann’s shoulder. “Sunday morning, Tyson and I will bring over our extra car for you to drive until you buy a new one since your insurance won’t cover the rental for much longer.”

“You two are lifesavers.” Leeann smiled. “Shopping for a car during the holidays would be tough with everything that goes on.”

“No rush on getting it back to us,” Haylee said. “We don’t need it any time soon. We might sell it.”

“Thanks, sis.” Leeann hugged her sister. “Tell Tyson how much I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome”. Haylee drew back. “I gotta run. I promised Tyson that I’d make him sour cream chicken enchiladas tonight.” She smirked. “It’s that or Spam and cheese sandwiches. We need to hire a chef. ”

“That’s what you get for not taking domestic science in school.” Leeann walked her sister to the door. “You might have learned to cook.”

“Nah.” Haylee waved that away. “If Mom couldn’t teach me, no one could.” She flashed a grin at Leeann. “But I did buy a recipe book, and Tyson and I have been making an effort to cook real food. Now that we’ll have a family to think about, we'll need to.”

“Good plan.” Leeann held the door open. “I’m glad you’ve finally seen the light.”

Haylee gave an impish smile. “But gauging by our brothers and their families, the kids will likely live off mac and cheese, dino nuggets, and ramen. So, we’re good for a while.”

“Too true.” Leeann followed her sister onto the porch. “Be careful going down the steps.”

“Don’t worry.” Haylee gripped the rail as she walked down. “My ankles are swollen, and I’m not the steadiest woman in the world right now, so I’m hanging on for dear life.”

“Good girl.” A breeze caught hair that had escaped from Leeann’s braid, blowing it across her face. She pushed the strands away. “Give Tyson my love.”

“I will.” Haylee waved and headed down the sidewalk.

Leeann stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She missed her sisters, and now that it was just her, she sometimes felt a little lonely.

Enough of that. She straightened her spine, went to the TV, and turned on the all-Christmas music channel. Flames around a log crackled on the screen, and Santa Baby, sung by Eartha Kitt, came over the speakers.

Leeann sang the sensual holiday song with Eartha as she headed for the kitchen. Forget social media—she was making Christmas cookies .

Wearing fuzzy red slippers and red PJs decorated with white snowflakes, Leeann headed for her small living room. With a red-and-green frosted cookie in hand, she settled onto her couch to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas! It was the 1966 version that had been adapted for television. In the Grinch universe, this one was her favorite.

Porter was supposed to call any minute now, but she’d be prepared to watch TV if he didn’t.

She munched on her cookie, found the show on her favorite streaming service, and was prepared to click the Watch Now button when her phone rang. She looked at the screen and smiled when she saw Porter’s name. She hurried to swallow the last bite of her cookie, then pressed the connect button.

“Hi, Porter.” Leeann knew she had a smile in her voice. She hoped she didn’t come across as too excited.

“How was your day?” He spoke in his normal gruff tone, which was sexier than hell on him.

“Great.” She shifted on the couch so that her legs dangled over the arm and propped a pillow under her head. “Haylee came over for a little while, and it was good to see her. I miss my sisters now that they’re no longer living with me, even though I could go see them pretty much any time.”

“I believe you said she’s expecting.” He sounded interested, which was a good sign.

“Due on Christmas Day.” Leeann shifted. “But to look at her, I don’t think she’s going to make it that long.” She smiled. “That’s going to be one big baby—McLeod males tend to be at least eight pounds.”

“Can’t imagine.” A wince was in his voice. “I’ve never been around babies.”

“I bet you’re a fast learner.” She wiggled her slipper-covered foot. “You’re doing a great job with Ashley. ”

He audibly blew out his breath. “Most of the time I think I’ve got it all wrong.”

“Trust me, every parent feels that way.” Leeann lowered her foot. “She’s your little sister, so it’s a bit different, but the fact is you’re raising a child who’s becoming a young woman. You’re bound to feel intimidated when you’re so new at it.”

“I wish they came with instruction manuals,” he muttered.

“It doesn’t work that way.” Leeann laughed. “But if you ever have questions, just ask. I’ve got sisters and nieces, and I was once a young woman. You could say I have some insight.”

“I just might take you up on that.” He sounded tired. “There are things about girls that I’m not prepared to deal with.”

“Trust me.” Leeann changed her phone to her other hand. “You’ve got the hang of it. You’ll do just fine.”

“I looked up the Christmas tree permits for the Bradshaw Mountains, and I’m gonna buy one,” he said. “While I’m at it, I can get one for you, too, if you’d like.”

“Thank you, but I’m going to get a small live tree from the plant nursery.” She swung her legs off the couch arm and sat up. “I’ll give it to one of my brothers or sisters for their ranches after the holidays.”

“Are you up for a trip to the mountains next Saturday?” he asked.

“That will work.” She curled up on the couch. “I’ll do writer stuff on Sunday.”

“I’m glad you’re coming, Leeann.” The rough, sexy way he said her name made her sigh. “What kind of writer stuff?”

“Thanks to my day job, I don’t have much time to work on social media during the week, so I’ll have to face that.” She played with the end of her braid. “I also received bookmarks and pens with my name and website address, and I want to organize them with postcards for the signings. ”

He chuckled. “When do you have time to breathe?”

“After I write the following chapter in my next novel.” She sighed. “Finding time to do it all while working is a challenge.”

“I’ll just bet,” he said. “You should be proud of yourself.”

She held her hand to her belly as it twinged. “My book comes out the day of the first signing, and I’m so nervous.”

“You’ll do fine,” Porter said. “It’s one hell of an accomplishment.”

“Thank you.” She pictured the yummy man on the other end of the line and smiled. “How’s work going for you?”

“It’s going.” In her mind, she could see him shrugging as he said the words. “I’ve shod a lot of horses this week, and I’ve been working on building up this ranch.”

She looked at her fuzzy slippers. “I’d say between being a farrier, ranching, and raising a pre-teen, you’ve got your hands full.”

“All in all, I can’t complain,” he said.

“What do you have planned for this week?” She rested her elbow on the couch arm.

“Ash has a doctor's appointment in the morning, and I’m taking her to lunch after,” he said. “She wants to go to that pizza place in King Creek.”

“Gus’s Italian food is great.” She studied her fingernails—she was due for a manicure. “Me, I’m having lunch in the hospital cafeteria with a fellow X-ray tech. I’m envious.”

“I’ve had my share of hospital food,” he said. “Can’t say I blame you.”

She smiled. “Considering you were a bull rider, you’ve likely had more than your fair share of hospital visits.”

“Yeah, but the leading up to it part was a hell of a lot of fun.”

“Cowboys.” She rolled her eyes and looked at the ceiling. “How you all think getting bucked off the back of a two-thousand-pound beast is fun, I’ll never know. ”

“Don’t knock it ’til you try it, hon.” She heard the amusement in his voice as he spoke.

“No, thank you very much. I got thrown off a horse once when I was a teenager and have the scars to prove it.” She winced at the memory.

“We can compare scars,” he said with obvious humor.

“Ha.” She laughed. “There’s nothing to compare.”

“What do you say to heading up to Prescott early this Saturday?” he asked. “I could pick you up around nine, and we can make a day of it.”

“That’ll be fun.” She switched her phone to her other hand. “I can pack a lunch. Are you good with egg salad sandwiches? I can make that or tuna.”

“Ash isn’t keen on tuna, but she likes egg salad,” Porter said.

“Two sandwiches for you and one for Ashley, I’m guessing.” Feeling a bit chilly, she grabbed a lap quilt off the back of the couch. “I made Christmas cookies today, too.”

“My favorite kind of cookies,” he said. “Yeah, she can eat a sandwich and cookies, and she’ll be good. I’m fine with anything.”

“Like caviar and champagne?” she said in a teasing tone.

He let out a little groan. “Please, no.”

She laughed. “All right. I’ll stick to conventional fare.”

“Thank you kindly, hon.” He sounded like he was stifling a yawn. “It’s been a long day, and my bed’s calling me.”

“Have a good night, Porter,” she said softly. “I hope all goes well at the doctor’s tomorrow.”

“You and me both,” he said. “Good night, Leeann.”

He disconnected the call, and she set her phone on the coffee table. She had a cozy, fuzzy feeling inside. It was the most he’d ever said in a conversation, and it made her feel like he was warming up to her more and more .

And now she had a trip to the mountains with Porter and Ashley to look forward to.

She snuggled into the quilt and clicked the button to start streaming the Grinch movie, feeling anything but alone.

“There’s a slight growth in the tumor.” Scottsdale’s leading oncologist, Dr. Mark Perkins, leaned against his desk as he looked from Porter to Ashley.

Porter gripped his chair’s armrests as his gut tightened. His heart hurt as his sister’s face fell.

“However,” Dr. Perkins continued, “I still believe the new treatment measures are the best course of action. It’ll take time.”

“How long?” Porter tried to keep his features calm for Ashley’s sake.

The doctor took off his glasses and met Porter’s gaze. “It’s different for every patient. Some respond quickly to the treatment while others take significantly longer.”

The feeling of helplessness holding Porter hostage made him want to roar in frustration.

Dr. Perkins focused on Ashley. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay.” She shrugged. But then her expression grew hopeful. “Can I start practicing barrel racing? I really want to learn how.”

The doctor eyed her thoughtfully. “If you take it slow and for a limited time each day you practice, I don’t see why not.” He nodded in Porter’s direction. “Pay attention to your brother. I’ll leave it up to him to make sure you don’t overdo it.”

She brightened. “I won’t, and I promise to listen to Porter.”

Dr. Perkins held her gaze. “You’ve lost two pounds. Are you eating?”

“Yes.” She glanced at Porter, who waited for her to come clean. She looked guiltily back at the doctor. “Most of the time. ”

Porter cleared his throat. “Sometimes it takes some convincing to get her to eat dinner.”

Dr. Perkins focused on Ashley again. “You need at least three meals daily, and preferably three small snacks as well. If you need to eat earlier in the evening, you also have that option.”

“We’ll make that happen.” Even if he had to leave a job early, Porter would do it to make sure his sister was getting enough nutrition.

The doctor set Ashley’s chart on his desktop. “I anticipate better news regarding your health when I see you next.” He moved away from his desk. “I expect a full report on your diet and how you’re doing with moderation in your new sport.”

“Yes, sir.” Ashley nodded.

Porter got to his feet and put his Stetson on. “Thank you, Dr. Perkins.”

Standing beside Porter, Ashley seemed so small and fragile next to him.

They walked out into the bright December sunlight when they left the Scottsdale hospital.

“I miss snow.” Ashley surveyed their surroundings and then looked up at Porter. “Not a lot, but it seems like Christmas should be snowy.”

“Yep.” He headed toward his truck, keeping his strides shorter so that Ashley could keep up. “But one thing about it is I don’t have to shovel sunshine.”

Ashley laughed, then had a hopeful expression. “Do you think it will snow here at all this winter?”

“Not likely.” Porter shook his head. “From what I've heard, this area hasn’t seen any for about thirty years. Mr. Williamson said it’s only snowed around here eight times in the last century, and it was less than an inch each time.”

They reached the truck, and Ashley blew out her breath. “I really want to see snow. ”

“Tell you what.” He unlocked the doors with the fob. “We’re going to go Christmas tree hunting up north in the Bradshaws, and I heard they’ve got snow. How’s that?”

“Perfect.” She beamed and it was like a ray of sunshine to his heart.

The girl had been homesick since they moved to Arizona, and he’d do anything to make things easier for her and to make her happy.

“Ready for pizza?” he asked after they both had strapped on their seatbelts.

She nodded. “I ate a lot of pancakes for breakfast, but I’m ready for lunch.”

“Pepperoni,” she said as he drove out of the parking lot, “with extra cheese.”

“You’ve got it.” He glanced at her, and she gave him another smile that sent warmth through his chest.

As he drove through Scottsdale, she played on her phone, likely messaging her friends in Montana and watching video shorts. He didn’t know the first thing about most of social media. He had a Facebook account that he hadn’t looked at in more time than he could remember.

Over a decade ago, when he’d still been rodeoing, he’d kept in contact with fellow bull riders on his account and a girlfriend or two. But he’d been young back then, and his messages to others had been few and far between. It had been years now since he’d even logged into his account.

Porter pulled his truck onto the freeway and headed back to King Creek when his cell phone vibrated in its holster. He was tempted to throw the damned thing out the window. He’d answered it this morning, and this time, it had been a different, equally aggressive reporter calling about the same thing. What in the hell was going on?

He needed to contact his attorney, Hal Holbrook, to see if he had any suggestions on what to do. Hal was an old friend who wouldn’t charge by the quarter-hour for advice. Every now and then, he called to shoot the shit, and Porter always enjoyed talking with his friend.

As he moved his truck into the fast lane, his thoughts turned once again to Leeann and how he’d enjoyed their conversation last night. He wasn’t much for talking, but she managed to get more out of him than any woman ever had.

How much was too much to call a woman these days? He dragged his hand down his face. Not that he wanted to get chatty every night. But he would like to talk with her before their trip up north to Prescott this coming weekend. He’d text her and ask if he could call her Tuesday night.

Porter glanced at his sister and saw that she was still focused on social media. He turned his gaze back at the road again, wanting to tell her that she spent too much time on her phone, but she had little else to do right now. Once school started, he’d limit her phone time. He’d let it ride for now but encourage her to do more reading.

He glanced at her again. “Ash.”

“Hmmm?” She raised her head.

“What do you say to a trip to a bookstore after lunch?” He checked the road, then caught her attention. “There’s that little place in King Creek that just opened. Maybe you could find something new to read.”

She visibly perked up, and he focused on the road again as she spoke. “That would be great. I love bookstores.”

He cast her a smile. “Great. Pizza and books.”

“I love you, Porter.” She smiled back at him. “Thank you for everything you do for me.”

He made sure the road was clear before meeting her gaze for a moment. “I love you, too, kiddo. We do a lot for each other, and that’s what makes us a family. ”

“I’m glad you’re my family.” She leaned back against the seat, and he returned his attention to driving.

A lump formed in his throat. “Me too, honey.”

Hell, if Ashley’s comments didn’t make him feel better than any bull riding championship ever had.