gaped at her mother. “Mama, do you really think I would turn around and get pregnant again?”
“We’re a very fertile family,” her mother said. “Colton is likely quite the virile male and—”
Stacey covered her ears. “I don’t want to discuss this anymore,” she said. “It’s not like Colton and I have lots of opportunities, between him living at his parents’ house and me living at mine. Add in a baby and, oh, my gosh—”
“It’s not that I don’t approve of Colton because I very much do,” her mother continued as if Stacey hadn’t spoken. “I just don’t want you to get into a situation where—”
“Stop,” Stacey said. “Stop, stop, stop. Please.”
Her mother pressed her lips together. “I like Colton,” her mother said. “I like him better than I ever liked Joe. Your father does, too.”
“Did you run into anyone interesting at the store?” Stacey asked because she had to change the subject, and it seemed that her mother knew everyone within a thirty-mile radius.
“As a matter of fact I did,” her mother said. “Laurel Fortune was buying avocados in the produce department when I was there. She’s such a sweet girl. Gave me a hug right away. I asked her how married life was, and she said the married part was great, but that she and Sawyer are very upset about the recent accident at their flight school.”
“Oh, that’s right. Did she say how Orlando is doing?” Stacey asked.
“He’s still in the hospital, but they think he will recover. It may take a long time. She said how thankful she and Sawyer were that you were able to come and help stabilize Orlando until the paramedics arrived.”
“I was glad I could help, but I was very concerned when I left,” Stacey said.
“Don’t dare tell anyone, but Laurel confided in me that the investigation has just started, but she and Sawyer are worried that it may not have been an accident.”
Stacey gasped. “Oh, no. That would have been horrible. She thinks someone may have deliberately done something to cause the crash?”
“They don’t know, but they’re suspicious. Not everyone is happy about Fortunes coming to Horseback Hollow,” her mother said, a worried expression on her face.
“Oh, that’s ridiculous. It’s not as if the Fortunes are trying to take over the whole town. And why would they? They’re all about making money, and there’s not that much money to be made in Horseback Hollow.”
“The Fortunes aren’t all about money,” her mother corrected her. “They’ve made the best from their opportunities and profited from them. Don’t forget they are very active in charitable causes.” Her mother took a breath. “And there’s the fact that my brother James tried to give me a huge sum of money, although I probably shouldn’t bring that up because the whole subject can get some people worked up.”
Stacey couldn’t help thinking of her brother Chris, who was still upset that her mother hadn’t accepted the Fortune money; but she didn’t say it aloud because she didn’t want to add to her mother’s misery.
“Stacey, are you angry that I turned down that money?” her mother asked in a quiet voice.
Surprised that her mother would ask her, Stacey shook her head. “You did what you thought was right. Do I wish I had the financial assurance to make sure that Piper will always have what she needs? Sure, but I know I can take care of that. Maybe not right now, but I’ll make it happen. In the meantime, Piper and I both have something much more important than money. We have your love and support, and that’s worth far more than money.”
Her mother sniffed and walked across the room to hug her daughter. Stacey closed her eyes at the sensation of her mother’s loving arms around her. This, more than anything, was what she wanted to be able to give Piper the rest of her life.
“It makes me so proud to know what a good heart and soul you have. It makes me feel as if your father and I did something right,” Jeanne said.
“Mama, I can assure you that I’ll make plenty of mistakes, but you gave me a good heart and a strong sense of right and wrong. I also appreciate the value of hard work. Piper and I will be fine,” she said, thrilled because she was finally starting to believe it.
* * *
Colton put on his tie and jacket and took one last glance in the mirror. This would be his first planned, semiformal evening with Stacey and Piper. He wanted it to go as well as possible. He hoped Piper was in a good mood because that could make a big difference.
He strode toward the front door.
“Woo-hoo, you look great,” his mother called.
Colton smiled and turned to meet her gaze. “Thanks, Mom. You look great yourself.”
“Well, thank you, sweetheart,” she said, and moved toward him to give him a kiss on his cheek. “You going to pick up Stacey and her baby?”
“I am,” he said. “I’ll see you at the wedding and reception.”
“You look good,” his mother said. “She’s a lucky girl.”
“Thanks,” he said. I’m a lucky guy.
He drove to the Joneses’ ranch and knocked on the door. He waited a couple moments, and Stacey finally answered the door.
“Sorry,” she said. “I haven’t been feeling great, and it took extra time to get Piper ready. The great news is she seems to be in a good mood.”
“I’m all for Piper being in a good mood,” he said, and studied Stacey for a moment. “You look a little pale. Are you sure you want to go?”
“I’m sure,” she said. “This will pass. I probably haven’t had enough water. I’ve been busy all day long.”
“If you’re sure,” he said.
“I’m sure,” she said and smiled. “Let’s go.”
Colton helped Stacey and Piper into Stacey’s car, then got behind the wheel. He drove down the driveway of the Joneses’ ranch and turned onto the main road. Stacey’s silence bothered him. He drove a few miles down the road.
“I need you to stop,” Stacey said. “I feel sick.”
Colton immediately pulled to the side of the road. Stacey stumbled out of the car and got sick on the side of the road. He wasn’t sure if he should comfort her or leave her alone. After a few moments, she got back in the car.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I should go to the wedding. I think I caught a stomach virus from the little boy I was tutoring. Please take me back home,” she said, and leaned her head against the headrest.
“Right away,” he said, and made a gentle U-turn in the middle of the road. He took a quick glance at her and saw that she was taking deep breaths. He pushed the button to lower the passenger window.
“Thank you,” she said.
Colton
