Taming A Fortune

Chapter Four

After Toby finished overseeing the homework hour, he told the kids they could watch television before dinner. Then he went into the kitchen to check the pantry. It wasn’t as though his cupboards were bare. He could certainly rustle up something to add to whatever Angie planned to cook.

He’d no more than scanned the canned goods in the pantry when he heard a car pull up. Knowing it had to be her, he went outside to greet her.

As she climbed out of the driver’s seat of a black Toyota Celica that had seen better years, let alone days, she reached into the back for the first of two eco-friendly bags. Her hair had been pulled back in a ponytail when she’d been at Redmond-Fortune Air, but it hung loose around her shoulders now—soft, glossy and teased by a light evening breeze.

She wasn’t wearing anything different—just that black skirt and white blouse. Yet tonight, for some crazy reason, he found himself a wee bit... Hell, he didn’t know what to call it—starstruck, stagestruck, dumbstruck...?

“Here. Let me help you with those.” He reached for the bags, and she handed them over.

As they headed for the house, he said, “I’m sorry for not having stuff on hand to cook. When I lived by myself, I could go weeks without grocery shopping. But since the kids have been living here, it seems like I need to restock my fridge every other day.”

She tossed him a carefree smile. “You should probably shop at one of those warehouse stores where you can buy in bulk and use a flatbed cart to haul your purchases to the checkout line.”

“If I didn’t have to drive clear to Lubbock to find one, I would. But then again, the kids wouldn’t get to come into the Superette all the time and see you.”

Toby chanced a glance at the woman walking next to him, wondering if she knew the kids weren’t the only ones who’d miss seeing her.

“The kids are fun,” she said. “I like it when they come in.”

What if he didn’t have children? Would she like it when he came in?

“Nice house,” she said, as they entered the living room, which always managed to stay tidy because there wasn’t a television set or a video game in sight. “I’ve always liked the ranch style.”

Toby slowed his steps long enough to scan the white walls, the open-beamed ceilings, the distressed hardwood floors, the stone fireplace, as well as the leather furniture. “Thanks. I’ve been meaning to add a little color, maybe some Southwestern-style pictures on the wall, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet.”

“I’m sure the kids take up most of your free time.”

“You got that right.” He carried her purchases into the kitchen and placed the bags on the white tile countertop.

“What are we having?” he asked.

“Pizza. And just the way everyone likes it.”

“Great idea. But I’ve never told you my pizza preference.” There had to be some things even Ms. Google didn’t know, unless she was psychic.

She tossed him a breezy smile. “I’ll bet I even have your specific preference covered.”

Something told him not to take her up on any wagers or else he’d end up in some wacky competition with her, just like Mr. Murdock.

But then again, Toby had always liked a good challenge. And Angie Edwards would prove to be one heck of one—if he were to pursue her.

“Hmm,” she said, as she studied the directions on the box of instant bread-dough mix. “This might not be enough. Do you have any flour?”

“It’s in the pantry. I’ll get it. Is there anything else I can do to help?”

“You can wash the veggies, chop them up and put them in separate containers. Do you have a cutting board and knife?”

“Sure do.”

While Toby got busy on his assignments, Angie began kneading the dough. Next they sliced the pepperoni and grated the cheese. Before long, they were moving around the kitchen seamlessly, almost as if they’d worked together a hundred times.

“So let me ask you something,” Angie said.

Oh, no, here it comes, he thought. She wants to know why I keep showing up at her workplaces and inviting her to hang out with me and the kids.

“How do you do it?” she asked.

“Excuse me?”

“I couldn’t help noticing your refrigerator door. It’s plastered with papers—Kylie’s artwork, Justin’s B+ in spelling, the graph Brian created in math, not to mention that bulletin board with the YMCA flyers posted all over it. Then there’s a list of dance classes and the schedule for swim lessons. I’m amazed that a single dad is so supportive of his kids. But what really blows me away is that LEGO-themed calendar you have on the wall.”

“When I was a kid, our fridge was always covered in stuff like that. And my mom used to display all our awards and trophies throughout the house. She kept a bulletin board in the kitchen, too. Right next to the telephone. But why does the calendar surprise you?”

“Because almost every square this month is full. And just look at this list of YMCA classes. Nearly all of them are circled.”

“You think that’s too many?”

“Not for the kids. It’s great for them. But the YMCA is in Vicker’s Corners, which is a bit of a drive from the ranch. And I’m worried about you. I was an only child, with two parents. And it was all they could do to get me to school, the sitter and to any medical appointments.”

“I have to admit, it’s tough sometimes.”

She crossed her arms, as if she was going to scold him, but she smiled and her eyes sparkled in mirth. “Toby, you’re doing it to yourself. It’s only April, and you have them in swim lessons? It’s not even summer vacation yet.”

“I know, but Justin can’t swim. And he wants to go to camp in June. So I figured we’d better get started on those lessons so I won’t have to worry about him.” Toby shrugged and added, “Besides, I don’t mind running them around. They’ve had it rough ever since their mom died. And they’ve missed out on a lot of things—like parents and a happy home. I just want them to see what it’s like to have a normal family life.”

“I think that’s wonderful. So don’t get me wrong. I’m happy for them. And I think it’s awesome that you’re providing them with so many opportunities, especially when you’re the only one available to drive them back and forth. It’s just that I know how much you must be sacrificing, and I’m not even talking about the cost of those activities.”

Toby thought about the old beat-up car sitting in his driveway and the fixer-upper granny flat in which she lived. Apparently money was an issue for her.

He was pretty sure that Angie couldn’t care less about his family’s financial situation—or rather, the wealth most folks seemed to think they had by way of their rich relations. But he had reason to believe her mother didn’t feel the same way.

So just in case he’d misread Angie, he figured it wouldn’t hurt to let it be known that if a woman was looking for a wealthy “catch,” she wouldn’t find him living on the Double H Ranch.

“I want the kids to stay busy, even if that keeps me hopping. I hired a foreman early on to take on a lot of my work and responsibilities, which put another strain on the finances, especially since the Double H doesn’t bring in that kind of money yet. So I’ve had to scrimp in other ways.”

“Yes,” she said. “I know.”

He cocked his head slightly. So he’d been right? She was not only smart, but a psychic, too? No, that couldn’t be right.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

She pointed to the bag of flour on the counter, which he’d picked up at the Superette because it was half the price of the name brand.

“Oh. You mean because I bargain-shop.”

She laughed. “You didn’t get a deal. That flour is too inferior for any proper baking, and it was aging on the shelf. So the price was discounted, but it still isn’t selling—except to people who don’t know anything about cooking.”

“Oh, yeah? It seems to work well enough.” Toby reached into the bag, grabbed a handful of flour and blew the mound directly into her pretty little upturned face. “See? It’s light and airy.”

“Oh, you...” Angie sputtered through the white dust covering her lower face, then quickly picked up a mushroom she’d been chopping and threw it directly between his eyes.

The vegetable struck him dead center. He laughed, and she reached into the bag of flour—no doubt wanting to dust his face a ghostly white, just as hers was.

He grabbed her wrist to stop her, and she twisted, trying to pull free. Then, as their eyes met, she stopped. He stopped. For a moment, everything stopped—time, breathing, heartbeats....

No, not heartbeats. He could feel her pulse pounding in her wrist, under his fingertips.

Their gazes remained locked, and something passed between them. Before he could figure out just what the heck it was, Kylie ran into the kitchen, breaking the tension, as well as the silence.

When she spotted Angie, her eyes widened. “What happened to your face? It’s a great big mess.”

“I know.” Angie laughed.

So did Toby. “She might be a champ at playing Ms. Pac-Man, but she’s no match for Mr. Ranch-Man.”

“Cute,” Angie said. “Very cute.”

He tossed her the dish towel closest to him. She caught it, then walked to the sink, dampened it and wiped off her face.

“Is dinner ready yet?” Kylie asked.

“Almost, honey.” Angie grabbed a slice of Kylie’s favorite American cheese. “Snack on this and I’ll call you guys in just a couple of minutes.”

“Okay.” Kylie took the cheese, then dashed out of the kitchen and back to the family room.

Deciding to get their earlier conversation back on track, Toby said, “Actually, just to set the record straight, the Horseback Hollow Fortunes aren’t rich like our cousins from Red Rock, Atlanta or the U.K. So taking on the kids did put me in a financial bind at first, but not for long. Someone apparently wanted to help out and donated money to cover those expenses and then some.”

“That’s amazing. What a generous gift.”

“It certainly was. I wish I could thank them, but it was an anonymous donor.”

“Could it have been their father or maybe one of their long-lost relatives?” she asked.

Toby snorted. “I doubt that. I’m more inclined to think that it was one of my long-lost family members.”

“Who? Or would you rather not share that with me?”

“My best guess and number one suspect is James Marshall Fortune, Sawyer’s father and my mother’s brother. I think it was his way of indirectly giving my mom some of those shares of stock she returned to him last year. But I’m not going to push too hard to find out. If the donor wants to remain anonymous, then I’ll respect that.”

“Nevertheless, I still think it’s wonderful that someone wanted to help the kids.”

“That’s how I see it, too. The money was actually given to me through an attorney in Lubbock, along with a note saying that it was to offset the costs I incurred by taking in the kids. But that I should spend it as I saw fit. That’s what made me think the donor had to be my uncle.” Toby raked his hand through his hair. “I wrestled with my pride for a while and was tempted to refuse it. But then I realized the kids really deserved it. And it would provide a better life for them. So I decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“I assume it was a substantial amount.”

“Enough to see them each through high school and to pay for their college. So I put the money into a trust fund for them. It’s invested and provides a monthly income that helps cover their expenses and pays for extra things like swim lessons and dance classes. Summer camp, too. Stuff like that.”

“Wow. That’s awesome.” She tossed him a dazzling smile, then added, “You’re awesome, Toby.”

Angie gazed at him as if he’d just been awarded the Medal of Honor. And while he found her admiration touching, it also felt undeserved. So he lobbed a playful smile at her in return. “Yep. A horrible bargain shopper, but an awesome man.”

Toby leaned toward the bag of cheap flour again and Angie threw up her arms in protection. “No, no, I give up. You are not only a good man, but a fine steward of your money. You make excellent shopping decisions. You should be on that coupon show on TV.”

“Now I know you’re full of it,” Toby said, laughing along with her.

Teasing had been a way of life in the Fortune Jones household, and he liked that Angie was the kind of woman who found it so easy to banter.

“Okay,” she said. “The ingredients are all set.”

“Do you want me to call in the kids?”

“Go right ahead. I’ll turn on the oven and get the drinks.” Angie went to the refrigerator door, paused and stared at the most recent flyer. “Speaking of saving money, it looks like they’re offering two free weeks of classes at the Y this month. Maybe I should check into that. I’ve always wanted to see what yoga is all about.”

Toby didn’t know if she was talking to him or to herself, but apparently there was yet another interest she wanted to add to what had to be a lengthy list.

She tossed him a pretty smile. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll become a yoga instructor someday.”

“Speaking of people who run around too much,” he said, returning her smile with a teasing grin, “what about you?”

“Me?” Angie tilted her head slightly and furrowed her brow. “What about me?”

“You seem to change jobs a lot. Why not find a good, full-time position and stick with it?”

“I will someday. But I want something that I can feel passionate about. Maybe, if I keep trying different things, I’ll eventually find the career I’m best suited for.”

He hoped she came across it soon—for her sake.

And maybe for his. She really was easy to talk to, and the kids adored her. If she were more settled, he’d like to see where this relationship—if he could even call it that—would go.

But he couldn’t risk allowing himself or the kids to get too close to someone who could be gone working on an oil rig or joining the military or going to cosmetology school or wherever the wind took her next month.

Unless, of course, Angie had already worked on an oil rig and had crossed that off her to-do list.

If he didn’t have the kids and didn’t need her help, he’d...

He’d what? Cut her loose?

That might be the wisest thing to do.

So why did he feel like reeling her in?

Because she was beautiful. And fun to be around. In fact, if he didn’t have the kids to think about, good ole dependable Toby might even consider doing something wild and crazy—like having a one-night stand or a weekend fling with her.

Talk about something totally out of character for a guy like him.

But yeah, if he were footloose and fancy-free, that was exactly what he’d do.

As he took another glance at Angie, saw the glimmer in her eyes, caught a whiff of her citrusy scent...

Well, heck. If he had a babysitter willing to spend the weekend at the ranch with the kids, he just might consider taking Angie for a night or two on the town in Lubbock anyway.

* * *

The pizza-making station had been a smashing success. Altogether, they’d created three medium lopsided pizzas, one supersized with only meat, and one that was perfectly formed with every single topping.

Once the homemade creations came out of the oven, the kids could hardly wait for them to cool before they scarfed them down.

“Thanks for dinner,” Toby said. “It was awesome.”

“It sure was,” Justin said. “I never made pizza before. It was fun.”

“I’m glad you liked it.” Angie turned to the boys. “Hey, guys. I don’t suppose I could get you to do me a favor. After we get the kitchen cleaned up, I was hoping you’d teach me a few tricks on your PlayStation. I need a crash course.”

“Sure!” Justin turned to his older brother, and the boys pumped their fists in the air.

“Seriously? You want a lesson from the kids?” Toby asked. “And why the big rush?”

“Mr. Murdock won his grandson’s PlayStation from him in a poker game.”

Toby lifted his eyebrow. “He gambled with a kid?”

“Long story. Anyway, he’s been beating me left and right on Madden.”

“Oh, great,” Toby said, a spark of humor in his tone. “I thought I’d brought in adult reinforcement, but I’ve ended up with a fourth kid.”

“Come on,” Justin said. “Let’s go, Angie.”

“We have dishes to do first,” she reminded him.

“No, you go ahead,” Toby said. “I’ll take care of the cleanup.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“After you pulled off such a successful dinner? Heck no. Besides, I’d hate to see Mr. Murdock get the best of you again.”

She laughed, then took off with the boys.

Twenty minutes later, Toby reminded them that it was a school night.

“Aw, man,” Justin said.

Angie wrapped her arms around his shoulders and gave him a squeeze. “You heard what Toby said. Maybe I’ll come back another night, and we’ll play again.”

Toby let the kids stay up long enough to eat a bowl of ice cream topped with fresh strawberries for dessert. Then it was time for them to go to bed.

Overall, it was one of the best evenings Angie had ever had. At least since... Well, since she’d had dinner with Toby and the kids a couple of nights ago at The Grill.

Kylie approached the chair where Angie was sitting and placed a hand on her knee. “Will you read my Disney princess book to me before I go to bed?”

“I don’t mind.” Angie looked at Toby for the ultimate okay.

“It’s all right with me. Each night at bedtime, I read a story to her. After that, I read a chapter out of Treasure Island with the boys. We’re at a pretty exciting part, so it’ll be nice to get back to where we left off.”

What a nice family ritual. Angie was glad she’d been given a chance to take part in it.

By the time she’d read the princess story twice, gotten Kylie two glasses of water to drink and checked in the closet and under the bed for dragons three times, Kylie finally drifted off to sleep.

As Angie quietly sneaked out of the little girl’s room, she wondered if she should wait for Toby, or just let herself out. Fortunately, she didn’t have to make a decision.

Having finished his bedtime duties, Toby was already back in the living room, picking up ice-cream dishes and putting the sofa cushions and throw pillows back in place.

“Listen,” he said, “I can’t thank you enough for your help with the kids. When I do handle bedtime by myself, it takes another hour.”

“The kids really are amazing.” And Angie meant that from the bottom of her heart. She couldn’t believe her mom had referred to those sweet, adorable children as “rug rats.”

“Look at you,” Toby said. “You’re the one who’s amazing. I can’t believe how quickly the kids have taken to you. Brian even talked to you about the girls in his class, and Justin didn’t try to sneak off to the barn once while you were here. And Kylie... Well, I can’t even tell you how great it’s been for her to be around a woman. My mom and my sisters help out whenever they can, but they’ve got such full schedules and lives.”

Did he think Angie didn’t have much of a life? Or was she reading too much into what he was saying?

“Anyway,” he said, “you’re great with kids. Are you planning to have some of your own someday?”

“I haven’t really given it much thought.” She’d never been around children all that much. And her mom hadn’t made any big deal about motherhood—or parenthood, for that matter. So she’d never really considered it one way or the other.

She did have to admit, though, that being around Toby’s kids had made her see motherhood in a brand-new light.