A Champion's Heart, page 7
Her head swiveled until she spotted him. A sultry smile spread across her face.
Oh, boy, here we go.
“Bishop,” she called, a little louder than necessary. “I thought I’d find you here.” She sauntered over to the booth. “I saw your truck outside. May I join you?”
Bishop gestured at the seat across from him. “Hi, Angela, have a seat.”
She slid in, leaning slightly forward to give him a good look at her ample cleavage. He fought rolling his eyes. Angela had been after him from the moment he’d tossed the first handful of dirt on Laura’s coffin. Even after ten years of him ignoring her, she hadn’t given up.
“You look positively glum this morning. What’s eating at you?” Angela waved to a waitress and shouted, “Can I get some coffee, please?”
The woman nodded and brought over a mug and a steaming pot of coffee. “Here you go, Ms. Settles. Would you like anything to eat?”
Angela eyeballed Bishop’s French toast with envy, then said, “The French toast looks scrumptious, but a girl must watch her figure. I’ll have two scrambled egg whites and a bowl of the fresh fruit you always have. Thanks, Beth.”
“My pleasure,” Beth said. Once she was behind Angela and facing Bishop, she rolled her eyes.
He nearly spewed his coffee. He grabbed a napkin, catching the liquid before it shot across the table. Beth’s laughter trailed behind her as she went to the kitchen to place Angela’s order.
“Goodness, are you okay?” Angela placed a hand over his.
He cleared his throat. “I’m fine. Just got a little choked up.”
She offered one of her radiant smiles. “As old as you are, and you still haven’t learned you can’t drink and breathe at the same time?”
He chuckled. “I guess not.”
“What brings you to town today?”
Bishop pushed away his half-eaten breakfast, suddenly no longer hungry. Next time, I’ll come in too early for her to be crawling around town.
“I came in for some special feed I’d ordered for the horses. And I needed supplies for a mare about to foal.”
“Ugh. Messy business, I’m sure.”
He knew Angela wasn’t fond of horses. He’d taken her for a tour of the ranch some time ago, and she’d acted like those beautiful creatures could give her the plague. Another strike against her in his book of many. He couldn’t figure out how to clue her in that he wasn’t interested without coming right out and saying it.
“It’s not so bad,” he said. “Sure, it gets messy, but you’re bringing a new life into the world. It’s kind of amazing, really.”
She curled her lip just before taking a sip of her coffee. Placing the mug down, she said, “To each his own, I suppose.”
“How’s the real estate business going?”
The corners of Angela’s mouth lifted upward. “Just peachy. I’ve got three houses under contract for this month, and I’ve gotten an offer on the old Baskin’s place.”
“Really? Full offer?”
“Pretty close. The farmhouse is so run down, and the barn needs work, so I’m not surprised someone isn’t willing to offer full price. I’ll take it to Loretta and see what she thinks.”
The Baskin farm bordered the back of Bishop’s property. He’d thought about making an offer on it himself, but the price was too high. He could use the extra pasture land. He really had no use for the barn or the house. Loretta Baskin had become a widow earlier in the year and had no use for the farm. She wanted to sell it as soon as possible and head down to Tampa to be with her daughter and grandchildren. Old Peter, her husband, had been a cruel man. Bishop hoped she could sell the property and finally have some happiness.
“If she doesn’t take it and drops the price, let me know. Has she said if she’d be willing to split up the acreage? I’d like some of the land for pasture.”
“She didn’t want to, but because it is taking so long to sell, she might reconsider. I’ll ask her this afternoon. By the way, it’s been a while since your girls and my Emma have had a play date. We should get them together soon.”
Oh, brother, here we go.
“I don’t know if you’ve heard or not, but Connie has been offered an opportunity to sing for the USO. She’ll be leaving in a few days.”
Beth, the waitress, placed Angela’s eggs in front of her just as Bishop finished his sentence.
Both women’s brows shot up in surprise.
“What?” Beth said, her expression full of hurt. “She never told me.”
He winced. He’d just let the cat out of the bag, and Connie would have his hide for doing so before she could tell her friends. But, by his reckoning, she should have already told Beth, who was her best friend. “To be honest, it was just finally decided a few days ago. She probably will tell you today. I know she’s coming into town later with Darbi and the girls.”
“Darbi?” Angela pounced. “Who is Darbi?”
Bishop nearly laughed. He pictured her as a submarine shooting to periscope depth and jabbing the instrument up through the waves, her radar turned on full blast.
He sat back with his coffee. Beth shoved Angela over and sat beside her in the booth.
“Spill,” Beth said.
He grimaced inwardly. He should have kept his mouth shut, but the jig was up. “Darbi Brennan is the nanny Connie hired to help me with the girls while she’s gone. She signed a fifteen-month contract with the USO. She leaves for New York in a few days, then goes on to tour once rehearsals are over. I’m not happy about it at all, but she’s excited. Gives her a chance to show off her talent.”
Beth placed a hand to her heart. “She’s always wanted to perform. Good for her.” She removed the hand from her heart and then placed it over Bishop’s. “I know you’re going to miss the heck out of her. Are you okay?”
Angela glared at Beth, a lioness protecting her territory. “Don’t you have tables to wait on?”
Beth glared back but patted Bishop’s hand, then rose. “Call me if you need anything while she’s gone.” She walked behind Angela and stuck out her tongue.
He nodded. “Thanks, Beth. I will.”
Angela’s hand replaced Beth’s. “Whatever are you going to do, Bishop? What do you know about this nanny? Where did Connie find her? And how can she just go off and leave you and the girls like this? It’s terribly selfish of her, don’t you think?”
Actually, the thought had occurred to him when he’d first heard about Connie’s scheme, but to hear someone else say Connie appeared selfish set off a fierce protectiveness in him. “Actually, I’d say it’s high time Connie did something for herself. She’s sacrificed her life for the last ten years to help me with the girls, and I’m afraid I’ve been the one to hold her back.”
Have I? The thought struck home in a way it hadn’t before. Listening to Angela berate his sister for caring more about herself than the family made him realize he’d been the selfish one.
“What nonsense. When Laura died, you couldn’t take care of all those babies by yourself. You were gracious enough to be housing Connie at the time. It was the least she could do to step in and help you. I’m surprised she wants to leave the girls. This just doesn’t sound like her.”
Bishop stared at the woman across from him. Hearing her words made him feel even more like a fool for reacting to Connie wanting, no, deserving to have this chance. “Angela, our parents had died. Connie had nowhere else to go, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way than for her to live with Laura and me. She didn’t have to step in and do what she’s done all these years, but out of the goodness of her heart, she did. I don’t know what I would have done without her, but it’s not fair of me to hold her back. Besides, she’s seen to my needs. She’s hired Darbi, who I’m sure is more than capable.”
He wasn’t sure he believed his own words, but they sounded okay. Maybe he was adjusting to Connie having this opportunity after all. He just wished he liked Darbi better, but he wouldn’t let Angela know his feelings.
“Do you know what you need?”
“No, Angela. What do I need?”
“You need a wife. You should get back into the dating scene. You’re quite handsome. Women fall all over you.” She leaned forward again, giving him an ample view of what lay inside her low-cut neckline. “A wife could solve all your problems. Connie could go on and do her thing, and you’d have someone to help you while you played with your horses.” Her lip curled again with disgust at the mention of his Arabians.
Her fingers began to stroke his palm. He removed his hand from the table, huffing out a laugh as he did so. “It would take some woman to fill Laura’s shoes. She’d have to love what I do as much as I do. I don’t think there are too many women around who’d be willing to put up with my travel schedule or the amount of time I’m in the barns.”
She shuddered. “You have a point about the barns, but you could hire more people to do the work for you. It would free you up to do more with a wife and your daughters.” Her voice grew sultry. “I’ve been so lonely since Frank left. Emma and I rattle around in our big old house, just the two of us. I can imagine how you must feel. Do you ever get lonely, Bishop?”
Oh, boy. Wow, look at the time.
“I’m too busy to get lonely, Angela.” He glanced at his watch. “I need to go. It was good seeing you. I’ll pick up your breakfast.” He snatched the bills from the table and scooted out of the booth.
Disappointment flooded Angela’s expression, like a fisherman whose big catch had just wriggled off the hook. “I meant what I said about getting the girls together.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you could work something out with Darbi. Give the house a call in a day or two. Let things settle in a bit for her.”
Angela gave him a tight-lipped smirk. “I will. But rest assured, we’ll be out to see you soon.”
He had no doubt. As cold as he often was to Angela, it still surprised him how she continued to pursue him. “I’ll see you around, then.”
Angela pouted. “I hope so. Thanks for breakfast.”
“My pleasure.” He fought the shudder from the lie he’d just told, then went to the register and paid the bill. He needed to call Connie and warn her. Beth knew her news, and Angela would be on the prowl to check out Darbi. He wasn’t sure if he felt too bad about the second part. If Darbi could hold her own with Angela Settles, it would earn her some brownie points. Should be an interesting game to watch.
Chapter Eight
Darbi waved goodbye to Connie as she climbed into Bishop’s truck for him to take her to the airport. She’d said goodbye earlier to the triplets before they’d left for school. It had been a teary parting, but the girls were excited for her.
Darbi swiped a tear from her own cheek. Her stomach did a little flip at the thought of being left alone in the house with Bishop. If she made him angry, would he put her out? Connie assured her he wouldn’t, but with her all the way in New York, how could she stop him? The last few days had been calmer between brother and sister, so maybe she had nothing to worry about. Bishop seemed somewhat resolved at Connie’s leaving, but Darbi knew he still didn’t like it. She’d do her best to keep order and handle the girls so he could manage his business.
She’d been there two weeks and hadn’t yet been out to the stables. She’d been too afraid she’d run into Bishop. She’d only met his partner once or twice. Maybe he could show her around one day. She’d love to see the horses. Arabians were her absolute favorite breed. Smaller in stature but with tremendous endurance and speed, they were a wonderful horse to watch race. As another bonus, they were generally very sweet in temperament.
She owned one of her own and missed the mare dreadfully. Perhaps she’d wander out later this morning. It would take Bishop at least two hours to get to the Tampa airport and back. She added it to her mental to-do list as she walked back into the house. First, she wanted to do a little decorating. Darbi loved fall and the beautiful change of leaves in Ireland. It didn’t exist here, and it made her a bit homesick. So, the last time she and Connie had gone into town, Darbi had used some of her own money to buy some autumn decorations.
Eager to get started, she went to her room and pulled out her purchases. There were three autumn-themed arrangements with cornucopias filled with artificial fruit and leaves blazing with fall colors of scarlet, orange, yellow, copper, and gold. She placed one on the kitchen table, one on the dining room table, and one in the family room on the coffee table in front of the large wrap-around couch.
She’d purchased strings of fall leaves, and she hung those in various places from the doorframes in the house. Not low enough to be tacky, but just enough to sway in the breeze when the AC turned on. She placed tiny gourds of green and orange, some striped, some solid, around the house in sets of three on top of fake straw. She did an entire arrangement of pine cones, fake straw, gourds, and colorful autumn leaves in each of the girl’s rooms. She knew they’d love them. Perhaps when they got home today, they may have more ideas for the decorations she had left over. Finally, she lit some fall-scented candles. One was Pumpkin Spice, another was called Autumn Breeze, and a third named Pine Forest. When the candles warmed and the scents combined, it reminded her of being home, standing out on her own back porch. She didn’t understand how these Floridians got by without the richness of this season. The warm weather was nice, but, in Darbi’s opinion, nothing topped a brisk fall day.
She glanced at the clock hanging above the kitchen sink. Only an hour had passed, so she still had time to scoot down to the stables and look around a bit. The phone rang. She checked the caller ID to make sure it wasn’t a solicitation call, and the digital readout said A. Settles.
Darbi answered. “Champions Grove, this is Darbi. How may I help ya?”
“Oh good,” a female voice on the other end of the line said. “You’re just the person I was hoping to speak to. I’m Angela Settles, a good friend of Bishop’s.”
Darbi winced at the emphasis placed on “good friend.” “Yes. What can I do for ya?”
“You’re the new nanny, right?”
“That’s me.” She wondered where this conversation would end up.
“My daughter, Emma, is good friends with Bishop’s daughters. I was wondering if we might set up a play date for them to get together soon. I’m a local real estate agent, so my schedule is flexible. Would this afternoon be a good time? I could pick them up from school and drop by, say, around three?”
Ah, so Ms. Settles wants to meet the new nanny. Scoping out the competition, I suppose. Well, why not?
“I suppose that works. Bishop won’t be here, though. He’s got plans this afternoon.”
“Oh, no problem. I can catch up with him anytime. We’re very close.”
Stakin’ out her territory. Darbi almost chuckled into the phone. “Fine then. I’ll text the girls to let them know. See you ’round three.”
“You have a delightful accent. I’m looking forward to meeting you. Till three, then. Bye.”
The line disconnected. Maybe I should’ve included a glass dome with my decorations and climbed underneath it like a bug under a magnifying glass. She hummed while she pulled on her boots. She supposed Bishop would be quite a catch. On a good day, he could be charming, his looks could stop a watch, and he was rich. All things most single women would consider a win/win combination. She hoped he treated Angela better than he’d treated her. Otherwise, he could kiss getting a second wife goodbye. She grinned, looking forward to meeting the woman who had her sights set on Bishop Champion.
She strolled down to the first set of stables closest to the house. When she entered, she breathed deep of the scent of horses, leather, and straw. She’d missed seeing horses every day and relaxed as she approached the first stall. A brown head popped out and nickered.
“Oh, aren’t you the loveliest,” Darbi crooned, taking the mare’s bridle in one hand and rubbing her forehead with the other. “Oops, and it looks like you’re about to be a mama soon. Bless you.” She scratched the horse behind her ears, and the mare nuzzled her neck. Darbi laughed.
“She’s Heaven’s Star,” a man’s voice said behind her.
Darbi jumped, causing the mare to shy away. “You just about scared me to death.”
“I’m sorry. I tend to walk kinda quiet. I’m Quinton Gates, Bishop’s partner.”
Darbi gave him a quick glance over. Tall, dark-haired, soft brown eyes, fantastic physique. Oh, I bet you’re the lady killer.
“Pleased to meet ya, Quinton. I’m Darbi.”
“The new nanny. Yeah, I kind of figured.”
She turned back to the horse. “She’s amazin’. When is she due to foal?”
Quinton shot her a surprised look. “How’d you know she was pregnant?”
“I’m no stranger around horses, but even if I were, it’s a bit obvious, don’t ya think?”
He laughed. “I suppose so. Any day, according to Bishop. This is his own personal horse. She’s a champion through and through and has given us one champion already, but this will be her last. She struggles with the delivery. Takes a lot out of her.”
Darbi placed both her palms on either side of the horse’s head and touched her forehead to Heaven’s Star’s. Able to sense the horse’s anxiety, she sent her calming thoughts. “She’s afraid to go through it again,” Darbi said.
Quinton’s jaw dropped. “How would you know? Isn’t this the first time you’ve seen this horse?”
“It is,” she replied. “I guess you could say I have a sixth sense where horses are concerned. I grew up around them.”
“She sure seems more relaxed,” he commented.
“I could help during the birth if you’d like. I miss working with the animals.”
