The Texan’s Bride(56)
“Sure. I’ll get my credit card.” She scooped up Mirry and headed for the stairs.
“Vernon’s lawyer got him out of jail this morning and he was served with divorce papers. I want Nina out of the way before he goes into another rage.”
“Why can’t they keep him locked up?”
“He has rights and just happened to get a lawyer who’s a bigger slime than he is.”
Jessie found her purse, fished out her credit card and gave Fran the information she needed.
“Thanks, Jessie.” A long pause ensued. “Nina asked for you.”
“Fran, I don’t think…”
“I know, sweetie, don’t worry about it. I’m getting her out of Houston as fast as I can.”
Jessie sat on the bed for a minute and wondered how someone’s life could get so screwed up. She could only hope Nina made better choices for her children’s sakes.
Her cell buzzed and she clicked on with a smile.
“I just passed a Christmas tree lot and they have big trees. Want me to get one?”
“No.”
He must have heard the sadness in her voice. “What’s wrong?”
She told him about Nina. One of the things she loved about their relationship was that they could talk about anything.
“Put it out of your mind because it seems as if the authorities have it handled.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll be there soon.”
Noticing the time, she changed into heavier jeans, but found she couldn’t button them. “You’re really growing, my precious,” she said to her stomach, and reached for a maternity pair she’d bought. They felt much better.
She slipped on a white cashmere turtleneck sweater, socks and leather boots. That should be warm enough.
Mirry lay on her pillow and Jessie leaned down. “Cadde and I are going to get a Christmas tree. I’ll be back later.”
Mirry gave a low bark.
“Okay.” Jessie went into the bathroom for soft dog biscuits and gave Mirry two. The dog would chew on those for a couple of hours.
When she reached the kitchen, Rosa gave her the once-over. “You look so happy.”
“I am.” Jessie smiled.
“I bought a quilting frame at the craft store. I’m going to set it up and see if I can make a quilt for the baby.”
Jessie didn’t know how to tell her that Aunt Etta was also making a quilt, so she didn’t. She placed a hand on her stomach. This kid was going to be one warm baby.
“Felix is at the barn and I’ll close my door so you and Mr. Cadde can have time alone.”
“Thanks, Rosa, but Cadde and I are leaving as soon as he gets here.”
“Oh, then I’ll have lots of time.”
Jessie went into the living room to continue sorting the decorations. Myra interrupted her.
“Hey, kiddo, how’s happy-ever-after going?”
“Great. We’re getting a tree this afternoon.”
“You got the big guy to go Christmas tree shopping?”
“Yes, and don’t say anything rude.”
“I’m not, and I personally want to thank you and Cadde for getting Mama off my back about marriage and babies.”
“You’re welcome, but love is really wonderful. You should try it.”
“Please.” Myra dragged out the word. Jessie could see her with her hands on her hips and that kick-ass expression on her face. “I’ll pass. Oh, I have to go, court is reconvening. Call when you’re in town and we’ll do lunch.”
After she clicked off, she thought about the L word again and wished she hadn’t. Placing her hand over her stomach, she refused to think negative thoughts. She wasn’t letting anything ruin this day.
Studying the decorations, she decided to do the tree in red and silver to match the ornament Cadde had bought. They would have to stop for some ribbon. He was going to love that.
As she pushed boxes aside with her foot, there was a knock at the door. It had to be Cadde. He must have bought a tree. If he did, she was going to be so mad. She swung open the door with a smile, not even looking through the peephole. A man she didn’t recognize stood there and he reeked of alcohol.
“Are you Jessie Hardin?”
“Who are you?” she asked instead of answering, and had a sinking feeling this wasn’t good. She tried to slam the door, but the man pushed it aside.
“Please leave,” she said, backing up.
He followed. “Where’s my wife?”
“Who?”
“My wife, Nina.”
Everything clicked into place. This was Vernon, but Jessie didn’t know how he’d found her or why. “Please leave,” she said again.
Before she realized his intention, he slammed a fist into her stomach. Pain ripped through her and she staggered backward. “Rosa!” she screamed.