“Is that better?” Nick asked his wife, two weeks later, as he adjusted the pillows and heating pad behind her.
Sage nodded, turning to make sure the heating pad against her lower back was set on the lowest setting. Satisfied, she settled back into the cushy nest he had made for her. “Oh, yeah...” She gave his hand a squeeze and sighed luxuriantly, leaning back to wiggle her toes. “I can feel myself beginning to relax already.”
Aware she only seemed to get sexier the further into her pregnancy she got, he lifted her hand to his lips and rubbed his lips across her palm. “I can think of another way.”
She turned their twined hands over, and bent to kiss the back of his wrist with sensual accuracy. “You already gave me a back massage.”
His body stirred. Lower still, he felt himself hardening. “Another way...”
“We did that, too,” she reminded him. When they had turned in, the night before, and awakened this morning.
As if he could forget how good she felt, wrapped in his arms, her body pliantly entwined with his. He met her smile indulgently. “So how is Little One today?”
Sage curved a hand protectively over her rounded tummy. “Sleeping, I think, after being up most of the night.” Which, he knew, had become typical in her third trimester.
But with only five and a half weeks left before the due date, it was something she swore she could handle. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then stretched out next to her on the queen-sized bed that never seemed quite big enough. “Is that why you were so restless?” he asked, wishing he could take on some of the discomfort of pregnancy for her.
She nodded, sweeping her hair into an untidy knot on the top of her head. “I’m sorry if my tossing and turning kept you awake.”
He wouldn’t trade his time with her and their child for anything. Being awake with her just made him more present. But knowing she still wanted and expected them to keep things easy and casual, he shrugged off her restlessness and only said, “Gives me a chance to cuddle with the two of you.”
Sage moved her head to rest against his shoulder. “You’re getting pretty good at that.”
He chuckled. “Nice to know...” He lifted his arm, shifting his body to accommodate her already cozily ensconced form, until he had brought her all the way into the curve of his body, without moving her off the pillows and heating pad that brought relief to her aching lower back.
Sage caressed her delectably rounded tummy. “I just wish I knew how to communicate to Little One it’s time to do another 180 degree turn.”
Nick had been doing some reading while he was away. The more he learned about breech presentations, and pregnancy and birth in general, the more worried he became. He’d never known so many things could go so wrong. But he had also made it his business to learn what to do in case of an emergency.
Knowing a positive attitude couldn’t do anything but help, whatever the outcome, Nick soothed calmly, “There’s still time for it to happen naturally. In any case, we’ve got a great hospital, with doctors and nurses that are prepared to handle everything.”
Deliberately, Sage shook off her fear. Smiled, and said, “So true. And in fact...” She chuckled softly as her brows knit together in surprise. “I think someone else very important wants to weigh in on this discussion.” She took his hand and put it just beneath her breasts. Just that suddenly, he felt it, too. A kick or punch...then another...
“See, even Little One is saying we should follow the doc’s advice and try to relax about everything, so...”
Sage put a hand behind her, and awkwardly scooted toward the opposite side of the bed. She threw her legs over the edge, as restless now as she had been ready to take it easy a few minutes ago. “I think the best thing we can do is to stay busy. Because...”
Knowing how difficult it could be for her to change positions, he rose and walked around to assist her to her feet.
“It seems as if the more active I am, the more active Little One is.”
Her delicate fingers encircled his bicep as she steadied herself. Lifting her face to his, she said, “And, the more likely he or she is to turn...”
Belatedly, Nick realized they should have gone out to the ranch to sleep the night before. Sage would have had much more room to maneuver in his king-sized bed. He also knew, now that she was starting to get closer to delivering, that she wanted to stay in town, near the hospital, as much as possible, just in case. “Is this your way of saying you want to tag along while I do inventory at Monroe’s?”
She beamed. “How’d you know?”
Because like me, when we do have the opportunity to be together, you seem to want to be together nonstop. And that, too, was something new. Before they’d married, they’d both cherished their alone time, too.
“You sure you shouldn’t stay here and rest, while I go look at the sales results?” He knew there were some problem areas with the current stock of Western wear. Apparently, the sales staff didn’t have the same feel for the projected marketability of items as he did. Hence, they wanted him to review the orders for summer. Make sure they were as on track as they should be.
But none of that was Sage’s problem. Protecting herself and her baby was her first priority. And the two of them, were his. Sternly, he reminded, “After all, this is your only full day off, every week...” And only because The Cowgirl Chef was closed. “Maybe you should take advantage of the quiet and just lounge about while I work.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t really feel like napping.” She sashayed closer. “And since I don’t think you’ll have me climbing up on ladders to check the stock on the higher shelves...”
He caught her in his arms and spun her around. “Definitely not.” He dipped her playfully, righted her slowly.
“Then, I think I’ll be perfectly safe, tagging along with you and lending a hand. And—” she pirouetted as he spun her around one last time, and then rose on tiptoe, to kiss him slowly and leisurely “—let’s not forget, spending time with my favorite guy, to boot.”
* * *
THE WORDS ECHOED in Nick’s head long after they were spoken. Favorite guy. The endearment had been said with affection, he ruminated as they showered and dressed, and walked the short distance to Monroe’s. So why was it rankling?
Maybe because he had figured they’d be really and truly married by now. Able to confess how much they had come to mean to each other. Because unless he was wrong, and he admitted ruefully he had been wrong in the past when it came to matters of the heart, Sage was as head over heels for him as he was for her. And had been for a while now...
Mistaking the reason behind his concern, Sage asked as they reached Monroe’s, “Are you really worried about how the store has been doing in your absence?”
Yes and no, Nick thought, as he punched in the security code and let them in the back way. “Actually, sales have been good overall, but then, they always are, given what we carry.”
She waited while he swung the door wide and held it for her. “The essentials for every working rancher. Male or female.”
“Right.” He closed the door behind them and hit the lights. “We price merchandise fairly every day, so we don’t do big sales.”
Which meant business was reliably steady, all the time.
Sage stopped abruptly in the middle of the store. Stood, with her hands on her hips. “Do you know that man, standing on the sidewalk, peering in?” she asked.
Nick turned to the front windows and saw a trim, fortysomething man with a long brown braid, and a stone-colored Resistol hat. His shirt and jeans were nothing out of the ordinary, but the handcrafted solid silver-and-gold belt buckle holding together his rich leather belt radiated pure artistry.
“Yes, I do,” he answered in surprise, staring at the noted silversmith. Although what Ed Durango would be doing here, on a Sunday afternoon, no less, was a mystery. Curious, Nick went to let the Santa Fe businessman in.
“Glad I finally tracked you down.” Ed shook Nick’s hand.
Nick rocked back on his heels. “I wasn’t aware you’d been looking for me.”
Ed Durango frowned. “I left a dozen messages for you with Everett and MR. Never got a return call.”
Not good. And not surprising, unfortunately, given MR’s need to control every tiny little aspect of the launch.
Figuring he would deal with that later, however, Nick asked kindly, “What’s the problem?”
Ed rubbed his jaw. “Maybe you can tell me,” he countered grimly. “I don’t understand why Upscale Outfitters sent back the entire order of custom belt buckles.”
Inwardly, Nick reeled. “I didn’t know we had.”
“Well, you did. And now I’m not going to get paid.”
Nick bit down on a string of swear words. Resolved to get the other side of the story before he acted, however, he said, “Can you give me a chance to make a call?”
Ed nodded.
Nick took his phone out of earshot, while Sage chatted up Ed. As usual, MR answered right away. He did not like what he heard. Taut with anger, he returned to the noted craftsman. “Apparently, some changes were made without my knowledge.”
Ed frowned. “Can you do something about it?”
Reluctantly, Nick explained he only had a 49 percent share in the new business, and had apparently been outvoted on a matter he had not even known was up for discussion. “But I’ll make some calls and do everything I can for you,” he promised.
Sage lifted a hand, looking like the down-to-earth hedge-fund heiress she was. “I know a family who owns a chain of jewelry stores in Dallas,” she said, looking from Nick to Ed Durango, and back again. “I know they’re always looking for high-end gifts with a Western flair. Particularly with Father’s Day coming up. Perhaps if I put in a word...?”
“I’d appreciate it,” Ed said, handing over his business card. “I really can’t afford this kind of a loss.”
* * *
“THANKS FOR DOING THAT,” Nick said, when the silversmith had left. “Ed and I go way back. I met him several years ago, when he came to see if I would carry his belt buckles in Monroe’s. The quality is far superior to anything I’ve ever seen, but it was way too pricey for the average cowboy.”
“I’m guessing several thousand per buckle.”
“As a starting point, since they’re all solid silver and hand-engraved, and accented with 14-carat gold. Anyway, that’s exactly the kind of item Upscale Outfitters should be carrying, so when we met with him in Santa Fe we placed a very large order. Enough to carry his company for the year.”
Sage shook her head in sympathy, her heart going out to Nick. “And now it’s been canceled. Without your knowledge. For heaven’s sake, why?”
“MR and the partners decided the store was too Southwestern, so they called in upscale buyers from LA and NYC to consult. They’ve apparently made changes to the inventory. Not with just Ed Durango, but others. MR tasked Everett with sending me a list.” Grimacing, he shoved his hands through his hair. “I’ll have to personally call them all...”
Sage followed him back to the office, where the facts and figures awaited him. “I’m guessing these are all alterations in inventory that you don’t agree with.”
Nodding tersely, he slipped behind the desk and turned on the computer. “Then again, I don’t know that much about what the socialites and inherited-money crowd buys.”
“So you have to trust your partners,” she guessed.
“I’ve put in too much time, effort and energy in this venture not to. But I hate letting the artisans and vendors I’ve personally contracted to do business with down.”
Sage hated to see him betrayed, too. But there wasn’t a whole lot she could do to help. Except be there for him.
* * *
“NICK WENT BACK to Dallas?” Lucille asked the following day, when she arrived to help Sage set up the nursery.
“Early this morning.” Usually he left late Sunday evening, but this time he had delayed until the last possible moment and departed Monday morning. Part of it had been what she sensed was his reluctance to go back and deal with MR and the partners. The other half had been his continuing concern over her and the baby.
“How’s Little One?” her mom asked sympathetically.
Sage sighed. “Still breech.”
Lucille hugged her. “How’s your back?”
With a shrug, Sage admitted, “Always kind of achy and uncomfortable, but the stretching and the prenatal yoga classes are helping.” As was Nick’s doting care. There was literally nothing as heavenly and soothing as one of his back massages. Except maybe a back massage followed by a hot lovemaking session...
Now, if only they could be together more than just the weekend, life might really start to be as perfect as she wanted it to be...
“Ready to get started?” Lucille paused at the sight of the blanket and pillow Sage had forgotten to take off the sofa.
Sage lifted a hand, before her mother could read anything further into it. “I couldn’t get comfortable last night, so Nick finally came out here to give me a little more room.”
Her mother scanned Sage’s queen-sized bed, where the covers were already neatly in place. Stacks of freshly laundered infant wear, blankets and crib sheets laid out.
“Nick’s a big man.”
No kidding. And handsome and sexy and kind and loving, to boot. “Six foot four.” As well as way too big for her bed, even without her pregnant self in it. Casually, she told her mom, “I’ve been thinking about getting him a king-sized bed for Father’s Day, for my apartment.”
It would take up most of her bedroom, but they’d be able to sleep together just as comfortably here as they could at his ranch house. Always a plus. And still have their baby nearby.
“Your apartment,” Lucille echoed, as if she had never heard the phrase.
Sage returned her mother’s odd look. “Yes. The one we’re standing in? You know, the one Dad gave me...”
Her mother did not look any happier.
Sage went still. “What about that bothers you?”
For a moment, she thought her mother wouldn’t reply. Which again, was no surprise, since they had made a promise to each other, when the big scandal with the family foundation had hit the previous summer, to stop arguing so much about inconsequential things, and do their best to simply love and support each other.
Finally, Lucille said, “You want to give each other more furniture? For Mother’s Day? And Father’s Day?”
Why did everyone think it strange Nick had given her a set of ergonomic cooking stools for Mother’s Day? she wondered. What should he have given her? A diamond engagement ring—albeit, a little belated?
“That was a sweet and thoughtful gift, Mom,” she defended hotly. “Mine would show him that I care about his physical comfort, too.”
Lucille shook her head as if that would clear it. “Physical comfort...” she repeated.
“Yes, Mom, what’s wrong with that?” Sage winced at her snappish tone, aware her pregnancy hormones were getting out of whack again. Plus, the stress of the argument was causing her back to begin to ache!
Her mother’s expression gentled. “I know Nick is concerned about you, sweetheart, and that you are equally concerned about him.”
“Good.” Because they were.
“What I’m curious about is, what kind of a Faustian bargain did you make?”
Sage flushed.
Her mother went on, “I never hear you say you love each other. For heaven’s sake, you didn’t even allude to it on your wedding day!”
So what? Sage tried not to huff. “Love isn’t everything, Mom.”
Lucille disagreed. “Then you married for what? Expedience? Propriety?”
Sage really didn’t want to get into this, but since her mother had brought it up, she had no choice but to remind archly, “You were the one who didn’t want me to have a baby on my own, if you remember.”
Lucille laid a hand across her chest. “Because I wanted you to have it all, Sage. The kind of romantic love and friendship that provides a foundation for a solid, enduring family.”
The implied criticism stung.
Sage folded her arms in front of her and propped them on her rounded belly. “What makes you think Nick and I don’t have that?”
Lucille picked up the diaper hanger and began filling it. “The fact that the two of you are still maintaining separate residences, with no apparent plans to merge into one. You still haven’t told me—even now—that you love the man you’ve chosen to have a baby with.”
Sage didn’t know what to say to that.
Because although her feelings for Nick were deep and enduring, she also knew they had promised each other they wouldn’t muddy the waters with impractical, elusive emotions and “fleeting” romance.
She and Nick had sworn they would stay in the best-friends zone. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—risk changing that at this late date. Not when they both had a baby they already adored on the way.
Sage picked up a stack of newborn undershirts and carried them to the changing table–dresser. “I don’t know what to tell you, Mom,” she said stiffly, opening the drawer. “Except that what Nick and I have together works. And will continue to work.”
As long as they didn’t change the rules at this late date.
* * *
THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY, Sage walked out of her prenatal yoga class to find MR standing in the hospital annex hallway. Surprised, she walked over to greet the statuesque Dallas executive. “Nick’s not with me for this.”
MR’s glance raked the abundant maternal curves revealed by the clinging leotard and tights. “I know. He’s over at Monroe’s, with Everett and the PR people, getting photographed for the advertising backstory. I wanted a moment with you alone.” MR held out a chai iced tea. “It’s decaf.”
Sage slung her rolled mat over one shoulder, then drew the thigh-length jersey cover-up closer to her body, momentarily forgetting the sultry heat she would face when she exited the building.
“Where would you like to go?” she asked with a resigned sigh.
“I have an air-conditioned car and driver, waiting.”
Like that wouldn’t draw a lot of attention.
Reminding herself this was for Nick, not the venture capitalist who had been making him miserable, Sage forced a smile. “Sounds good.”
They walked in silence among the other pregnant women, until they got to the limo. MR gestured for Sage to go first.
Not sure she wanted to know what her rear view looked like, even with the cover-up, Sage climbed in.
The elegantly thin MR settled opposite her. “As Nick has probably told you, the grand opening of Upscale Outfitters will be on Saturday of Father’s Day weekend. Many local dignitaries and celebrities, including the mayor of Dallas will be invited. The ribbon cutting will be at 9:45 that morning. We’d like your family to attend, Sage.”
“Are you sure?” The store wasn’t that big. “There are a lot of us. Nick has a brother and three sisters, plus in-laws and—”
“We’re only talking the Lockharts, Sage.”
Sage just looked at her, sure MR had to be kidding.
She was not.
MR removed her black eyeglasses. “The Lockharts have ties to the Dallas community, and it’s those very wealthy customers we are coveting.”
“But it’s Nick’s venture. Surely his family should be there.”
“The Monroe clan is ‘small town.’ They’d feel out of place. Plus, they’d add no value.”
With effort, Sage managed not to tell MR what she thought of her. “Have you told Nick this?”
MR smiled tersely. “I was hoping, given your background, and position as his wife, that you could explain it to him.”
“I don’t agree with it. So, no. I’m not going to do that. It’s either both full families are invited,” Sage stated firmly. “Or no one is.”
MR shrugged. “If you choose not to attend...”
Sage lifted a silencing palm. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t be there. I will,” Sage told MR firmly. Nick was not just her best friend, he was her husband, and the father of her unborn child. She would support him all the way.
* * *
“SO. WHEN ARE you going to tell me what’s going on with you?” Nick asked later that evening as the two of them walked the town green, ice-cream cones in hand.
Sage’d had a craving for hand-churned butter pecan. Nick had selected chocolate almond.
“You’ve practically had steam coming out of your ears all evening,” he continued.
Sage hadn’t realized he had noticed. But then, Nick always realized more than she would have preferred. It was what had initially drawn her to him, and what kept her from completely lowering her guard, too.
He pushed on. “Did MR say something to upset you?”
She always upsets me. But I’m not about to upset you, too. “My lower back is bothering me,” Sage fibbed. For once, it wasn’t.
Nick squinted at her playfully, not fully buying it, but willing to play along—for the moment. “There’s a cure for that, you know,” he drawled.
Oh, she knew. Just thinking about making love with him again made her mouth water and her insides tingle.
“Ice cream first,” she said. Then they could go back to her apartment, or maybe his ranch...
Catching her coveting his chocolate, Nick switched cones with her. For a moment, they savored the flavors in silence. “So what else?” he said eventually.
I’m tired, she was about to fib, when she felt something weird inside her. Very weird, as a matter of fact.
Nick squinted. “Sage?”
She sucked in a breath, took his free hand and put it on her waist, left of her navel. “Feel that,” she whispered.
He went still. “Is that the baby?”
Sage nodded. “Kicking,” she whispered, almost afraid to move for fear she would stop whatever was going on inside her.
“Or punching,” she guessed with a grin. “And that can only mean one thing...”
Nick laughed, triumphant. “Little One is on the move!”