Dakota Springs Read online

  So they’d ironed out rules and gathered all the information they could find on ménage relationships. He’d been surprised to learn that they were more prevalent than either one of them had ever suspected. They’d learned a hell of a lot, especially about themselves.

  What they’d heard and read about taking a woman together kept him awake at night, hard as hell, aching for Lizzy.

  All that had been put on hold when they’d learned she’d gotten married.

  As soon as her parents had told them about the divorce, they’d immediately let it be known that they wanted her and that both of them loved her. At first there had been a lot of awkward silences but as the folks of Dakota Springs got used to it and saw how anxiously they both waited for her the awkwardness ended. Glad now that they’d done it in time for the shock to wear off, he watched Elizabeth now as old friends greeted her.

  Watching her smile and laugh, he nearly burst with pride. His little Lizzy had grown up, and he was falling in love with her all over again.

  Chapter Four

  Elizabeth wanted to scream.

  Walking around town with Hayden and Chandler proved to be more nerve-wracking than she could have imagined. By staying close, they gave the image that the four of them had already become a family.

  She was stopped often by people she’d known her entire life but hadn’t seen in years. She did her best to ignore Hayden and Chandler as they stood by waiting patiently for her to finish her conversations. Sometimes they would join in, but often they just greeted the other person and stood next to her with a hand on her arm or shoulder and talked with Angie.

  They made sure that everyone they came across, from the teller at the bank to the butcher, knew that she and Angie were with them.

  Their possessive attitudes had her grinding her teeth.

  She cut her errands short and headed toward the pharmacy to get a few items she would need and let the rest wait for another time.

  Trying to concentrate on her purchases and not on Hayden trailing slightly behind her, she listened, reluctantly amused as Angie tried to convince Chandler to buy her some candy in the next aisle. She couldn’t see either one of them, but from the tone of her daughter’s voice, she knew the expression on Angie’s face.

  “But I been good. I like this kind. Mommy lets me have it. If you get it for me, I’ll be good.”

  Hayden’s lips touched Elizabeth’s neck. “Angie’s quite the little negotiator, isn’t she? I’m going to put her in charge of sales.”

  Fighting her body’s response to having him so close, Elizabeth turned away to reach for a bottle of baby shampoo to add to her basket. “Chandler’s going to fall for it. I just hope he doesn’t let her eat too much.”

  Hayden chuckled next to her ear. “Of course he’s going to fall for it. We’re both going to do our best to spoil both of you rotten. Don’t worry. He won’t let her have more than a piece or two. We have to take care of our girls. Speaking of taking care of you, are you on the pill?”

  Looking around frantically to make sure no one had overheard him, she smacked him in the stomach. “Hayden!”

  He rubbed his stomach absently as he reached for another bottle of the same baby shampoo. “Chandler and I have both had physicals. The doc has our permission to show the results to you whenever you want to see them. Do you or Angie have any health problems?”

  Knowing what he was asking regarding her, her face burned. “No, we’re both fine. I had myself checked regularly since the beginning of my marriage and one of the reasons I never slept with him again. I didn’t want to catch anything. And Angie’s always been healthy as a horse, thank God.”

  Turning, she continued down the aisle, a jolt of heat going through her when Hayden wrapped an arm around her from behind and bent to whisper in her ear. “Are you on the pill, baby?”

  Elizabeth tried to pull away, but Hayden wouldn’t let her. Already her nipples beaded, desperate for his touch, the underside of her breasts tingling where they rested on his forearms. “No. Okay. I’m not. Now let go of me.”

  “Be still. One more question. Do you want to get pregnant right away or would you rather wait a few months?”

  Her stomach clenched as his hand covered her abdomen. Closing her eyes, she imagined what it would be like to be carrying their child. Her panties grew damper just picturing them in bed together, their heat wrapped around her, inside her. Oh, God. Pushing out of his arms, she took several shaky steps, needing to put some distance between them. Swallowing heavily, she struggled to keep her tone cool. “I have no intention of getting pregnant again.”

  Hayden inclined his head in that arrogant way he had of implying that he’d granted permission even though she hadn’t asked for it. “All right, baby. We’ll wait a few months, but Chandler and I are anxious to have more children and we’re not getting any younger. It’ll be better for Angie if the children are close in age. We’ll take care of it.”

  Elizabeth opened her mouth to deliver a scathing comment she hadn’t quite thought up yet, but Hayden had already walked away.

  She went back to her shopping, wishing with all of her heart that she could truly believe she could have both of them. Even now they treated her like the girl she’d once been instead of the woman she’d become.

  Hayden came back around the corner, smiling as he listened to Angie’s chatter in the next aisle. He dropped several boxes of condoms in her basket before taking it from her. “What else do you need?”

  Ignoring him, she dropped a children’s pain reliever into the basket, frowning when he added another. “Hayden, why the hell are you adding another of every single thing I put in the basket? One is enough. I can always come back when I need more.”

  “One for your parent’s house and one for the ranch. That way you and Angie will have what you need while you’re there.”

  “Hayden—”

  Come and get the rest of what you need. Martha will have lunch ready by now.”

  “Hayden, I still have something to do. I never agreed to have lunch with you today.”

  Chandler met them at the end of the aisle with Angie in his arms. “We’ll do whatever you have to do and then we’ll go out to the ranch. Right, Angie?”

  Elizabeth watched in amazement as Angie giggled, tucking her head against Chandler’s neck. “She doesn’t let anyone but me or my parents hold her.”

  Chandler grinned, kissing Angie’s hair. “And me. Are you about done? Angie’s getting hungry.”

  Elizabeth gestured toward the pharmacist. “Mr. Wilbur has a ‘Help Wanted’ sign in the window. I need to talk to him about a job.”

  Chandler frowned. “Who the h—” He shot a glance at Angie. “Who’s going to watch Angie while you’re working?”

  Hayden gripped her elbow and headed toward the counter. “You already have a job, taking care of Angie.”

  “Taking care of Angie doesn’t pay the bills. Would you two mind watching her for a few minutes so I can talk to Mr. Wilbur?”

  Hayden led her to the counter and started to unpack their purchases from the basket. “There’s no need. We have a job for you at the ranch.” He lifted a hand when she opened her mouth to speak. “We’ll tell you all about it over lunch.”

  Elizabeth’s face burned when he pulled out the boxes of condoms. Shooting a glance at Mr. Wilbur, she leaned close, whispering to Hayden. “Do you have to buy those now?”

  Hayden’s lips twitched. “We’re gonna need ’em soon. Besides, it wouldn’t matter if I bought them now or later. Mr. Wilbur’s gonna know who they’re for.”

  “Mommy, can I have a choc’late?”

  Elizabeth smiled at her daughter who was held securely in Chandler’s arms and wearing a smear of chocolate on her mouth. “It looks like you already have. Oops. I forgot to buy wipes.” She went to get them and came back just as Mr. Wilbur had begun bagging their purchases. Opening the package, she pulled one out, setting the package on the counter. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

  �
��Hello, Elizabeth. Your daughter’s a real beauty. She looks a lot like you did at that age.”

  Smiling, Elizabeth finished and turned to the pharmacist, who also happened to own the drugstore. “Thank you, Mr. Wilbur. It’s nice to see you again. I see you have a sign in the window. I wanted to talk to you about—”

  Hayden nudged her aside. “No. He’s not hiring you. Nobody in town’s going to hire you. Chandler, grab some more of those wipes.”

  Mr. Wilbur’s hair had turned mostly gray in the years since she’d gone, but his eyes still twinkled. He smiled broadly as he finished ringing up their purchases. “How does it feel to be back home? These two have been bears since you left. When’s the wedding?”

  Elizabeth clenched her jaw. “There’s not going to be—”

  Hayden held out the money, putting a hand over hers to prevent her from opening her purse. “As soon as we can rope her in. She doesn’t believe that we’re both in love with her.”

  Chandler snuck Angie another small piece of chocolate that Elizabeth guessed she wasn’t supposed to notice. “She doesn’t believe the people in Dakota Springs will accept it. We’re just going to have to convince her.”

  Mr. Wilbur chuckled. “She’s giving you a hard time then?”

  Hayden accepted the change, smiling down at her. “Sure is.”

  Elizabeth glared at Hayden. “She’s standing right here, you know?”

  Chandler grabbed another wipe to erase traces of the last piece of chocolate. “Grouchy, too. She must be hungry.”

  “I wanna see the horse and the puppies!”

  Chandler lifted Angie high above his head. “You betcha, baby. Let’s go.”

  Walking back to her parent’s house, Elizabeth tried to pick Angie up, but she wanted to walk holding Chandler’s hand.

  Chandler’s smug smile made her want to hit something.

  She and Hayden strolled behind them. “Hayden, I don’t have time to go to the ranch. I need to look for a job.”

  Hayden’s wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “You’re in luck. We’re hiring.”

  “Damn it, Hayden.”

  Hayden put a finger over her lips, gesturing toward Angie. “Watch your language. She’s a tattletale.”

  Angie skipped ahead, not at all interested in the park they came to. “I wanna see the puppies and the horses.”

  Everyone they passed smiled indulgently at seeing the four of them together. Elizabeth found herself watching closely for any sign of disgust or censure. To her amazement, she saw none.

  Hearing a squeal, Elizabeth turned and found herself nearly strangled by a very pregnant woman. “Patty?” Hugging her back, they both started talking at once. Patty Fisher, Patty Conner now, had been her best friend from kindergarten until Elizabeth left town eight years ago. They hadn’t been in touch since right after Angie was born. They talked for several minutes, making arrangements to meet later in the week for lunch to catch up.

  Patty sobered. “Elizabeth, we were all sorry to hear about your divorce, but I’m so glad that you decided to come home.” She smiled, showing her dimples. “These two grouches have been driving everyone crazy waiting for you.”

  Chandler chuckled. “Lizzy doesn’t believe that. You look beautiful, Patty. Only a few more weeks, huh? Give me your bags. I’ll put them in the car for you.”

  Patty grinned and turned over her shopping bags. “Yes. I can’t wait and neither can Brian.” She turned to Elizabeth. “We had such a hard time getting pregnant. I had two miscarriages. We’ll have trouble believing it until we have her in our arms.”

  Elizabeth jolted at Angie’s frightened cry. She spun and started toward her, but Hayden got there faster. To Elizabeth’s astonishment, her daughter flung herself at Hayden, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck as he straightened.

  “He’s gonna get me!”

  Hayden lifted her high in his arms as a big dog ran up to them, his leash trailing behind. “It’s okay, baby. He won’t get you. I’ve got you. Shh.”

  Chandler raced up, placing himself between the dog and the women. “Hey, Buster. It’s okay, Angie. Buster gets loose from Charlie all the time.” He bent to pet the large dog, grabbing his leash.

  A little boy about ten years old came running up. “I’m sorry, Mr. Scott. Buster got away from me again.” He looked up at Angie, who’d plastered herself to Hayden. “It’s okay. He won’t hurt you. I promise. You wanna pet him?”

  Angie didn’t answer. Instead, she tucked her face back into Hayden’s neck.

  Hayden rubbed her back, crooning softly to her as he held her securely against his chest. The play of emotion on his face as he held Angie close brought a lump to Elizabeth’s throat.

  Chandler handed Charlie the leash. “It’s okay, Charlie. Angie isn’t used to dogs. We’re taking her out to the ranch to see the new puppies.”

  Charlie grinned. “I’ll bet she’s happy she gets the pick of the litter, huh?”

  Bending, Chandler whispered. “She doesn’t know.”

  The little boy turned red, shuffling his feet. “Sorry, Mr. Scott.”

  Chandler ruffled his hair. “No harm done. You’d better start eating more if you’re going to be strong enough to hang on to Buster.”

  “Momma says I’m eating her out of house and home. Are you and Mr. Scott both really gonna be her daddies?”

  Elizabeth’s face burned, but none of the others seemed to see anything wrong with the question.

  Chandler glanced at her and nodded. “Yes.”

  “Wow! Cool. Two dads. I have to go. My mom’s waiting for me.”

  Elizabeth looked up to see a woman waving in the distance. She waved back as Hayden and Chandler each lifted a hand in acknowledgement.

  Patty touched Elizabeth’s arm. “There are times I wish I had another man around the house and times I want to kill the one I have. You’re a braver woman than I am to take on these two. Don’t forget our lunch date.”

  Elizabeth answered her, not quite sure what she said, but it must have been the right thing because Patty just smiled, nodded and walked away. She turned back to find both Hayden and Chandler watching her intently. “Are the two of you out of your minds?”

  Chandler put an arm around her shoulder, nudging her along. “Come on. We’re all hungry. We can talk all you want back at the ranch.” Sobering, he slowed, allowing a little more distance between them, Hayden and Angie. “Did you have any problems when you were pregnant with Angie?”

  “No, everything went perfectly.”

  Chandler smiled and picked up the pace. “She sure is a sweetheart. Was she close to your husband?”

  Averting her eyes, she shook her head. “No.” Smiling as Angie attempted to talk Hayden out of another piece of candy, she lowered her voice. “Don’t believe that angelic face. She has her moments.”

  Chandler chuckled and bent to brush her lips with his, sending her heart racing. “All females do. That’s what makes them so irresistible. We’re already wrapped around her little finger and the stinker knows it. Didn’t your husband feel the same way?”

  “No.” Not wanting to talk about it, she hurriedly changed the subject. “A good father has to learn to say no.” Horrified at what she’d said, she looked away from his questioning look. “I meant in general, not you specifically.” Damn, she hated when they made her so nervous her tongue ran away with her. She scrambled to find something else to talk about, but he had her too flustered to think. The hand caressing her waist moved to her hip, pulling her even closer.

  “Hayden and I will be good fathers to Angie, Lizzy.”

  Elizabeth shook her head. “I told you I wouldn’t get married again.”

  Chandler led her up the driveway to her parent’s house to put her things away while Hayden took Angie and the other bag to the car. Once inside, Chandler pinned her against the wall and bent to kiss her deeply. “Of course you’ll marry us. We’ve just got to convince you. Let’s get to the ranch. I’m starving.” Pressing a
gainst her mound, he nibbled at her lips. “And not just for lunch.”

  Uncomfortable and more than a little aroused, she pulled away and went to her bedroom. Something felt wrong and it took her a few minutes to discover what had happened. “That bastard!”

  Chandler came rushing in, scanning the room. “What is it, Lizzy?”

  Elizabeth looked around, opening the closet to look inside but she knew she wouldn’t find it. Pointing to the window, she answered before she thought about the consequences. “That window was closed when I left. The air conditioner is on. And my bag is missing.”

  She knew damned well she’d left it on the chair beside the window, but continued to look for it until Chandler grabbed her arm. “Someone broke in here and stole your bag? Is anything else missing?”

  After searching the house, they ended up back in the kitchen. “I don’t think anything else is missing, but I’ll have my mother check.” Plopping into the kitchen chair, she ran a hand tiredly over her face. “I doubt if they would take anything else. They thought they had what they wanted.”

  What the hell could she do now? She couldn’t very well allow anyone to break into her parents’ home, but if she called the sheriff, she’d have to tell him the truth. How would she keep Angie safe when they discovered they hadn’t gotten what they were after and come back?

  She should have known better.

  “Damn it, Lizzy. What’s this all about? What was in the bag?”

  Chandler’s harsh tone finally penetrated.

  Trying to remember what she hadn’t yet put away, she frowned. “Uh, just a couple of sweaters and some toiletries.”

  “What did you mean, they thought they had what they wanted? What did they think was in the bag? Who the hell are they anyway?”

  Seeing Hayden approach the back door, she stood. “I have to go shut the window and call my mother.”

  “To hell with that. We’re calling the sheriff.”

  “I can’t, Chandler.”

  Hayden looked in before opening the back door, keeping Angie from seeing inside. “What’s taking so long? You two better not have started something—”