Chapter Twenty-Four

Ian was sleeping peacefully on the sofa and dreaming about big breasted women when the shrill ringing of the telephone had him jerking awake. He tried hard to ignore it but by the third ring he was sitting up and throwing his legs over the couch irritably.

"Is somebody gonna get that?!" he called out and then it rang a fourth time and he cursed when he remembered that Cavanaugh and Nicole had gone to town to run errands and Andrew was outside moping.

Ian got to his feet and went into the kitchen. He jerked the phone off the wall and held it to his ear and tapped his foot impatiently as he waited for whoever it was to speak.

"Hello....?" a woman's voice came to his ear.

"Hello," Ian mimicked.

"Um...Is Nicole home?"

Ian shook his head, "She and Cav went into town to run some errands."

"Does she have her cell phone with her? I tried calling it and she didn't answer," the woman asked.

Ian frowned as he scratched at his stomach and looked longingly back at the couch, "What's a cell phone?" he questioned. He heard a long sigh on the other end of the line.

"Never mind. Do you know what time she may be home?"

"Soon I hope. She was bringing food," Ian replied as his stomach growled.

"Okay well, I'm just going to come over then and I'll wait for her if she's not back. If she gets back before I arrive can you tell her that Leslie is coming over to talk?"

"Leslie?" Ian asked with a frown. "The working mom who has someone else caring for her child and likes to accuse women who are doing her favors of whores who are having wild parties with lots of different men?"

There was a loud cough on the other end of the line and the woman's voice was barely more than a squeak when she said, "Yes."

Ian shrugged, "Okay, I'll tell her." He hung the phone back up and flopped himself back down on the couch to continue with his beauty sleep.

***

"I'll tell you what, it sure would be nice if fresh fruits and vegetables were this easy to come by back in 1875," Cavanaugh stated as he grabbed a bag of green apples and put them in the cart.

"I miss the way things were when my mom and dad were both alive," Nicole admitted with a sigh as she moved the cart down the aisle. "We always grew huge gardens and we would plow, plant, hoe, harvest and then spend weeks canning what we weren't going to use right away. We had a huge cellar full of enough food to last for months."

"I believe you'd fit right in back in 1875. You're more frontier cowgirl than most of the women from that time," Cavanaugh said with a smile.

Nicole felt pride fill her. She liked knowing that Cavanaugh was impressed by her, "I've actually always said that I was supposed to have been born back then. I've always felt a bit out of place with technology. Though I would probably miss indoor toilets and XM radio the most if it was gone."

"XM radio?" Cav asked with a frown.

Nicole laughed lightly, "They play music all the time." she replied Cavanaugh nodded, "I play the guitar and the piano," he admitted and then he grinned and leaned closer to her ear. "Just don't tell my brothers." Nicole tried desperately to ignore the trembling in her legs that his breath on her skin caused, "It'll be our little secret," she assured him. "So where did you learn to play?"

"Just something I learned to pass the time after my family was gone and I actually ended up enjoying it," Cavanaugh replied with a shrug. He grabbed a box of rice crispy treats and tossed them in the cart, "Andrew says these are his favorite."

"That's funny because he told me potato chips are his favorite," Nicole replied as she tipped her head to indicate the three bags she had tossed inside.

Cavanaugh laughed, "He'll be miserable when he goes home without all this stuff."

Nicole felt her chest hurt at the thought of all the McEllis boys being gone from her life. Sure Ian got on her nerves, Andrew was slowly destroying her house and Cavanaugh her sanity but she loved each and every one of them. She knew her life would never ever be the same without them here. Then again maybe she was what Cavanaugh was supposed to find and he wouldn't leave her.

"And what will you miss the most?" she asked Cavanaugh as she slid a twelve pack of soda under the cart and then headed toward the checkouts.

Cavanaugh found his eyes roaming over her as she walked ahead of him. She was wearing what she called yoga pants and a pink t-shirt. Her hair was up in that ponytail she was so fond of and her face was make-up free and shining.

Her. Cavanaugh McEllis was going to miss her.

"Tylenol." he stated instead and he heard her laugh lightly. Nicole was loading things onto the moving countertop when she cursed under her breath and turned to look up at him.

Cavanaugh raised his brow, "What?"

"I forgot milk. Can you go grab a gallon?"

Cavanaugh nodded and headed off around the aisles and toward the back of the store where the giant coolers were. He was limping worse today because he hadn't taken any more of those Tylenol. He didn't want to spoil himself and get used to not having pain when the pain would simply return once he was home.

Cavanaugh walked up to the cooler that held the milk and then pulled off his hat and scratched his head. There was pink milk, brown milk and white milk. There was milk that said 'whole', '2%' and 'skim'..... What the hell kind of milk was he supposed to get and what did people need with so many damn kinds of milk?

"Excuse me?" Cavanaugh turned and saw a woman smiling at him as she moved between him and the cooler and opened the door. She grabbed a gallon of the 2% milk and then looked up at him, "You're not from around here are you?" she asked as she batted her lashes and smiled.

Cavanaugh shook his head as he plopped his hat back on his head, "No, ma'am, I'm not," he replied as he reached out and opened the cooler. He took out a gallon of the same milk the woman had, deciding that was a safe bet and was about to turn and walk back to the front of the store when the woman reached out and laid her hand on his arm.

"How long are you in town for?" she asked with a sultry smile. Cavanaugh shifted his feet uncomfortably and shrugged, "I ain't for sure, ma'am." he replied, eager to get away from her and back to Nicole.

"Are you around for that rodeo next weekend?"

Cavanaugh shook his head, "No, ma'am." he replied. "If you'll excuse me, I'm sure the lady of the house would like for me to get this milk up there to her." He saw the disappointment cross her pretty features before he turned quickly and limped his way back toward the front of the store and Nicole.

As he walked he realized that for the first time in the last few years when a woman had been interested in him he hadn't worried about betraying Leah, instead he had been worried about hurting Nicole.

***

Nicole was wondering what exactly was taking Cavanaugh so long as the cashier neared the end of her items on the conveyer belt. She wondered if she was going to have to go searching for the cowboy when she heard a throat clear behind her. She turned to see Brian standing beside the cashier. Clearly he had come in the doors, seen Nicole and made a beeline for her lane.

"You look like you've been hit by a bus," Nicole stated dryly, thankful that the cart was between them so she didn't have to worry about him coming at her the way he had just last night. That and when Cavanaugh came back the cart would also prevent the cowboy from once again attacking her dimwitted ex.

Brian ran his hand over his blacked eye and swollen jaw and nodded, "I feel about the same," he replied. "I thought about calling the police, you know, but I didn't because I figure I probably deserved what happened after what I did to you all those years ago."

"How generous of you," Nicole replied with a forced smile. "Now why don't you go buy a raw steak to throw over that eye and leave me alone?"

"I want to talk to you first," he countered.

Nicole glanced at the cashier. She was a young girl, probably fresh out of high school and she was trying to pretend she was too busy working to hear their conversation but Nicole knew she was listening to every word.

"What?" Nicole asked with a sigh as she looked back at Brian.

"I know I was a real jackass back when we were together. I never should have been unfaithful to you, especially when you were going through all of that with your mother."

Nicole wanted to say something very nasty at that point about how he not only cheated on her while she was losing her mother but he was also doing it when she lost her father! But she knew that would only serve to make her sound bitter and jaded and honestly she was getting tired of holding on to the past hurts and being angry. She was ready to simply let it all go.

"Is there something else you want to say, Brian?" she asked impatiently.

He nodded and gripped the edge of her cart, "I was a terrible person, Nicole. I should have left you long before I started seeing Lisa since I knew that I was falling in love with her. I hate what I did to you, Nicole."

Nicole stared at him with shock. Never before had he offered any sort of remorse, regret or apology for what he had done and Nicole didn't really know what to say, "It's in the past, Brian." she said with the shrug of one shoulder.

Brian nodded, "Yes it is and I want you to really understand that when you say it. I hate seeing how miserable you are now. I hate knowing that I made you that sad. Knowing that I took away your only chance for happiness."

Suddenly Nicole's shock was replaced with temper. How dare him! He was such an arrogant, cocky, egotistical bastard that he honestly seemed to believe the bullshit he was spouting.

Before she could reply a gallon of milk was laid on the conveyer belt and Nicole felt Cavanaugh's long, strong arms wrap around her waist from behind. His chin rested on the top of her head and Nicole suddenly forgot what she and Brian had been talking about.

"I don't know, Brian, I think Nicole still has a damn good chance at happiness." Cavanaugh stated, his slow drawl washing over her.

Brian snorted, "Do you know what you men have done to her reputation? Has she told you that every parent she was babysitting for has let her know they will no longer need her services?" he demanded of Cavanaugh.

"No she didn't," Cavanaugh admitted and then he shrugged, "However, I don't think that Nicole and her well being are any of your damn business anymore, partner. As a matter of fact I'm pretty damn sure you gave up the right to have a say a long time ago. Don't you go worrying your head about her now. She don't need you anymore."

Nicole felt Cavanaugh's arms tighten around her and his lips brushed against her hair. Her heart nearly thudded right from her chest and she was sure that Cavanaugh would feel the way her knees weakened.

Brian stared hard at them both for several moments. The dinging of the scanned groceries the only sounds in the store. Finally he nodded, though he looked as if he were in pain as he did so, "Take good care of her. She's a special woman." he stated grudgingly and then he turned on his heel and quickly left the store.

Cavanaugh released his hold on Nicole and she took several seconds to ensure her legs were going to hold her up before she turned to face him, "What was that about?" she demanded and he raised his brow and shrugged.

"It shut him up didn't it?" he asked.

Nicole glared at him. So it had all been a put on? All just to shut Brian up? Her heart was still pounding. Her legs were weak. And her skin was tingling from his touch. Nicole paid the cashier and then grabbed the cart handle in a white knuckled grip. She strode angrily from the store with Cavanaugh limping heavily as he struggled to keep up with her fast pace.

"Nicole, is there something wrong?" he asked and she snorted as she got to the truck and began tossing bags into the bed.

"Don't you ever try to 'help' me again." she snapped. "I don't need another man that lies to me, uses me or doesn't mean what he says."

Cavanaugh stood there awkwardly as he watched her putting bag after bag in the back of the truck. She was right. She didn't need a man who lied to her but had that been what he'd been doing? He watched the graceful way she moved even in her temper and he willed his heart to come to life for her and he was certain he felt it sputter several times before giving up.

But he hadn't really been lying. He did care about her. He cared about her a lot and he also didn't think that Brian had been her only chance at happiness. He could make her happy just so long as she could settle for part of him.

"Nicole, could you turn and look at me please?" he asked gently and she did. He saw the tears in her green eyes and cursed them. "I'm sorry I hurt you but you're wrong. I wasn't lying in there. I care about you."

Nicole shook her head and shouldered her purse, "But you don't want a real relationship with me." she stated.

He sighed because it was true. He wanted to be around her; as a matter of fact he suspected that he might even need to be around her. She made him laugh. She made him feel better and more alive. He wanted her body. He wanted to make love to her but he was fairly certain that he couldn't love her. Not the way she wanted.

"Let's just get these groceries back to the house before the meat spoils," Nicole said quickly and she walked to the other side of the truck. She took a few moments to compose herself before climbing in. Nicole was no stranger to pain and she had already made up her mind that she would wait as long as it took for Cavanaugh to let himself fall for her. Though she hadn't realized the wait was going to hurt quite this bad.

***

Ian stepped out on the porch when he heard a vehicle pulling up. He hoped it was Nicole; he was starving to death.

Instead it was a small silver car and he recognized it as the car that little girl's mother had driven. Ian didn't care much for children. They were loud, messy, needy and they asked close to a million questions an hour. The only children he had ever really liked were Susie and Timothy and that was only because they were his kin.

Ian hadn't paid much attention to the woman named Leslie nearly a week ago when she'd been here and when she stepped out of the car he realized why. She was average height, she had mousy brown hair pulled back tight on her head, she was wearing baggy blue cotton pants and a matching shirt and she looked tired, ragged and run down.

She walked around the car and opened the back passenger door and Ian saw Madeline jump out, "Hi, Ian!" she called out.

Ian forced a smile, though he'd rather be sleeping, or eating, and waved, "Hey there, little one."

Madeline's pony tail bounced on her back as she skipped up to the steps, "Where's Andrew? I want to play!"

"I'll go get him," Ian replied and he poked his head into the house, "ANDREW!" he yelled and he saw Leslie wince and rub at her ear. "He'll be down in a second," Ian said with a shrug as he came back out and sat down on the rocking chair.

"Madeline!" Andrew exclaimed when he came down and saw her.

She squealed with delight and jumped into his arms, "Will you play with me?!" she asked excitedly and Andrew nodded and took her into the house.

Ian noticed that Leslie looked unsure and so he waved his hand toward the swing, "She'll be just fine. Andrew's harmless. Annoying, immature and childish but harmless," he assured her. She sat down and Ian took a closer look at her.

Her eyes were gray behind those long lashes and dark circles. Her skin was pale and she looked like she hadn't slept well in a while and she was skinnier than he preferred. She looked like it had been a while since she'd had a good meal and a good night sleep.

"Do you know how to cook?" Ian asked her.

She shifted uncomfortably and nodded, "Of course I do," she replied. "Do you know how long it will be until Nicole gets home?"

"Sure don't," Ian replied as he stretched his legs out, crossed his ankles and folded his hands behind him head, "I'm hungry," he added.

"You want me to cook for you?" Leslie asked, her gray eyes full of fear as she looked at him.

He wondered why in the world she'd be so afraid of him. Then he remembered something about her having a heavy handed husband, "Well you are a woman aren't you?" he asked.

She nodded, "Yes I am and that means I have to cook for my family. You are not my family."

Ian grinned and closed his eyes, "Touche'," He smiled and peeked at her, "That's French by the way."

***

"What in the world is Leslie doing here?" Nicole whispered as she and Cavanaugh pulled in and saw Leslie sitting up on the porch with Ian. Both of them appeared to have fallen asleep; Leslie in the swing and Ian in the rocking chair.

Nicole let her door slam as it shut and Leslie jerked awake and stood quickly, "You're back!" she exclaimed.

"You're here," Nicole replied.

Cavanaugh whistled loudly, "Ian, get your backside over here and help me carry these in."

"I'm tired," Ian replied without opening his eyes.

Cavanaugh picked up a rock and Nicole had a mental image of her window shattering as he released it but the rock sailed true through the air and bounced off the side of Ian's head.

"Ow!" Ian exclaimed as he jumped up and rubbed at his head. He fished his hat off the porch floor and plopped it over his neck length dark hair as he glared at his brother, "What the hell was that for?"

"You don't seem to be tired no more," Cavanaugh replied with a shrug and Nicole laughed while Leslie looked afraid that a fight was going to break out. "Now help me with these bags."

"But..." Ian started.

Nicole held up her hand, "The quicker you carry everything in, the faster I can cook you something to eat because I'm sure you've been complaining of dying of hunger all day."

Ian grinned sheepishly and nodded. He came down off the porch and headed toward the truck.

Nicole motioned toward Leslie to follow her, "Let's go to the back porch and have a talk." she said and Leslie nodded and fell in step behind her, "So what brought you out here? Where's Madeline?" Nicole asked.

"Madeline is playing in the playroom with, Andrew, I think is his name. Ian assured me it was safe and Madeline has been singing the brothers praises since Monday."

"What else has she been singing?" Nicole asked.

Leslie sighed, "Are they really from the past? Did they really just appear in your house?" she asked skeptically.

Nicole nodded, "Yes. Only three of them are left here. One was already sent back," she replied.

Leslie ran her hands over her tired face and shook her head, "That just seems so crazy."

"Yes it does," Nicole agreed. "But I've been living with them, having my home destroyed, my alarm clocks shot and my cupboards emptied so I know it's really happening."

"I want to apologize for the way I acted Monday. I never should have accused you of what I accused you of. I didn't tell anyone and I didn't call the board."

"They found out anyway. I've lost all my kids," Nicole replied sadly. She had been receiving emails all week from angry parents.

"I'm sorry, Nicole. You are great with the kids and it really isn't fair." Nicole shrugged, "The brothers needed me," she replied. "So how are things with you, Leslie?"

"Not good," Leslie replied honestly as she relaxed against the cushion of the wicker couch.

Nicole thought it looked like it had been a long time since she'd slept, "Why?"

"I had to quit my job and Madeline and I have spent the last few nights at the motel in town."

"Why?!" Nicole demanded.

"Frank got let out."

"He's out of jail?" Nicole asked, an image of Leslie's abusive husband flashing through her mind.

"Yes," Leslie replied and Nicole could see the fear in her gray eyes. "He's out and when I said that he couldn't come near our daughter his mother kicked me out of her house."

"Have you seen Frank?"

"Not yet but I haven't slept at all. I keep waiting for him to show up at the motel...."

"You and Madeline cannot live in a motel," Nicole stated. "Come stay here. You'll be safe and you can work. Between me and the brothers, Madeline will be protected. Trust me when I tell you that Madeline would be safe left in any of the brother's care. They are good men."

"I trust you. You have taken care of Madeline since she was born and I know you wouldn't put her in danger. You know all about what we went through with Frank."

"Yes I do," Nicole replied. "And I can tell you now that we'll show the brothers a picture of him and if he happens to come by here they will make sure he leaves really fast. They are very protective."

"Are you sure you don't mind if we stay here? I hate to intrude on your life...."

"What life?" Nicole asked with a laugh. "I have no job, no boyfriend, no real friends, other than the cowboys destroying my house, and my calendar is pretty well clear. The more the merrier around here so we can liven this place up."

"Thank you," Leslie breathed out, her shoulders sagging with relief. "By the way what happened to the dark haired ones eye?"

"Ian? He got in a bar fight last night. Apparently he said some things he shouldn't have."

Leslie's eyes widened, "What about the other one? Cavanaugh? His jaw was welted..."

"They didn't fight with each other if that's what you want to know though they've come close a few times here. No, he got in a fight with Brian."

"Your ex Brian?"

"The one and only," Nicole replied with a smile when she remembered the way Brian's head had snapped back. "So you need to go and get your things and get back here. You'll be safe and so will Madeline."

"I know," Leslie replied. "The therapist finally got it through my head that not all men are like Frank."

"As a matter of fact most of them aren't," Nicole added. "Will you be okay going alone or do you need someone to go with you?"

"I should be okay," Leslie replied, though Nicole could see her doubt. She walked into the house and Leslie followed her. They found Ian and Cavanaugh in the kitchen putting groceries away. Nicole could hear Madeline laughing in the playroom.

"Ian, go with Leslie into town and get her and Madeline's things. They are going to come stay with us," Nicole saw him about to argue and she held up her hand, "If you go now, then the food will be ready when you get back."

Ian sighed and nodded as he headed out the door. Leslie paused and looked at Nicole, "Please keep an eye on Madeline. Frank...."

"Won't get his hands on her," she promised. Leslie nodded and followed Ian out the door.

"What's going on?" Cavanaugh asked.

"She and Madeline are going to stay here. Her husband is mean and he's been in jail for beating her up but he's out now and she needs a safe place. It'll be tight quarters and I'm afraid you'll have to move to the couch so that she and Madeline can have a room."

Cavanaugh nodded, "You make a habit out of opening your house to whoever needs it?" he asked with a smile as they went about putting the groceries away.

"If someone needs my help I give it. I've always been that way, it's the way my mother raised me," Nicole replied with a shrug.

Cavanaugh fought the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her, "It's a good way to be."