Montana Cowboy Daddy (Wyatt Brothers of Montana #3) - Jane Porter Page 0,9
the road Monday.”
“Yes, you do. Right after you take the test.”
Billy closed his eyes and pressed two fingers to his brow, pressing back against the dull thudding pain that had been there all evening. “I know you’re angry, and disappointed—”
“Mistakes happen, Bill. It’s what you do after the mistake, that’s what I’m concerned about.”
He gave her a fierce look. “I know my responsibilities. If Beck is mine, I’m taking him with me. I won’t be leaving him behind or pawning him off on someone else. If he’s my son, I’ll be the one raising him.”
“Good. That’s all I wanted to hear.”
Chapter Two
No one even mentioned the snow, not during dinner, or over cake and coffee while Melvin opened the gifts his grandsons had for him. It wasn’t until Erika had risen at the very end of the meal and helped carry dishes into the kitchen that she noticed the strange lavender white light outside. It was night, and dark, but the kitchen window over the sink revealed a pale glow. She leaned closer to the window and stared out, taking a moment to realize it was snow. Thick, white snow covering everything.
Tommy joined her at the sink, scraping the remnants of cake off the dessert plates before tackling the plates she’d carried in. “It’s been coming down steadily all evening,” he said.
“I had no idea,” she answered.
He submerged all the plates in the hot soapy water filling the sink. “If you don’t have four-wheel drive, you might be stuck here tonight.”
She frowned. “Surely it’s not that bad.”
“Go have a look.”
Erika exited the mudroom door and stepped out onto the porch, taking in the landscape that now was white. The thick snowflakes were still falling, a steady silent flurry from the sky. She glanced at Sophie and Joe who’d joined her outside on the porch. “It’s beautiful,” she said, her voice low, a hint of wonder in her voice.
“Another California girl,” Joe said, wrapping his arm around his wife’s shoulders.
“I still love it,” Sophie said with a smile. “But after a year, I’ve learned all the downsides. Fortunately, we don’t have to drive anywhere tonight, not like Sam and Ivy.”
“Or, Erika,” Joe added, looking to Erika. “It’s going to be tough for you to get down the mountain tonight.”
“That’s what Tommy said,” she answered, chewing her bottom lip. “I don’t suppose there are four-wheel drive Ubers—”
“Come in, and close the door,” Summer called from the house. “It’s cold. No need to heat the outdoors.”
Sophie and Joe exchanged quick smiles even as they headed back in. Erika followed them, feeling somewhat scolded. But returning to the kitchen she found Summer seated at the kitchen table, rocking the baby carrier that had been placed on the table. Beck was awake and gazing up at all the people in the room.
“Had you checked into a motel yet?” Summer asked Erika.
Erika shook her head. “Not yet. I have a reservation in Marietta, but we came straight here. I hadn’t expected to be here so long.”
“Have you paid for the room yet?”
“No, but they’re holding it—”
“That’s fine. We’ll call and get it canceled. You’ll stay here tonight.” Summer gestured to Tommy. “Go bring in their luggage. Get the keys, find out what they need.” She looked at Billy. “Billy, show them to Sam’s room and point out where everything is. Make sure she gets fresh towels and you might need to turn on the little heater that’s in the closet, to make sure Sam’s room warms up.”
“That’s really not necessary,” Erika protested weakly. “I appreciate the offer of hospitality, but the last thing I want to do is—”
“No trouble at all,” Summer interrupted. “It’s dangerous driving and that little baby doesn’t need another accident.”
Erika opened her mouth to protest, but closed it without saying anything, because Mrs. Wyatt had made an excellent point. Beck had survived one deadly crash. The last thing he needed was another tragedy. “Perhaps I could go with Sam and Ivy… aren’t they heading down to town soon?”
“They’re heading to their ranch, but it’s the opposite direction of Marietta. No sense putting them in harm’s way, either.”
Erika nodded, because of course Summer Wyatt was right. “I wouldn’t want to do that, no.”
“I can drive her down in my truck, Mom,” Billy said, his deep voice pitched even lower. “Tommy and I could get her car down to her sometime in the morning.”
“That’s a good idea,” Erika said quickly, latching onto the possibility.
“Unless it doesn’t stop snowing and then she’s trapped without a