Cowboy Lullaby (The Boones of Texas 6)

Chapter Thirteen

Tandy measured out the pancake mix and dumped it into the bowl. She smiled at Pearl, sitting among a pile of plastic bowls on the floor, and started whisking the ingredients together. She’d woken up to Pearl’s sweet gibber-jabber over the monitor. As hard as it was to leave Click sleeping, she figured he could use a break.

Pearl’s delighted “Ta-dee” had been the best good-morning she’d ever heard. All through her diaper change, Pearl had babbled and smiled with such happiness that Tandy had no choice but to be cheerful, too.

That was exactly how she felt. “Cheerful,” she said to Pearl. “You wanna help me cook, Pearl?”

Pearl smiled up at her and whacked one of the plastic bowls with the rubber spatula Tandy had given her. She giggled at the sound it made, repeating it again and again.

“Like that?” Tandy said, giggling right along with her.

Coffee was brewing. Click liked his black. She preferred a little milk and sugar, but they were both running low.

“Once we’re done cooking, we need to

go shopping,” Tandy said. “The cupboard’s almost empty.”

There was plenty of baby food, but not much else. Pearl might do just fine on mashed sweet potatoes and ham, strained peas and blended beef. But Click needed something a little less...pureed.

“Go go go,” Pearl chanted.

“Yes, we can go together,” she said, glad it was Sunday. “No work for me.” She peered out the window at the yard. Banshee sat, regarding the herd of goats. “We’ll need to get Banshee something to eat, too.” If she could get Click’s help, she wanted to sift through the cabin’s wreckage and see what might be rescued.

She poured some batter on the griddle, the sizzle telling her it was just the right temperature. Her stomach growled.

“Yum-yum?” Pearl asked.

“Yes, ma’am. Cooking some yum-yum for you and me and Daddy. Then we’ll go see what we can find,” she told Pearl, glancing at her cabin again. If she were lucky, she might find some clothes. And her favorite pair of boots. Poor Banshee loved his bed. If the wind hadn’t carried them away, maybe she could bring them here. If this was where she was planning on staying. With Pearl. And Click.

She stared at the pancake batter, the edges searing golden brown.

This morning, the sun had spilled into her bedroom and she’d stayed perfectly still. Not because of the sunrise or the majestic view out her window. No, it was because Click held her. His hand rested against her belly, his long fingers splayed wide. His head rested by hers, his steady breathing brushing her ear. There was no room between his chest and her back. He’d pulled her tight and pinned her close. Exactly where she’d wanted to be.

If Pearl hadn’t stirred, she’d still be there.

“Mew-sik, Ta-dee?” Pearl asked.

“You want to sing?” she asked. “After I finish cooking, I’ll show you my guitar—” But her guitar was in the cabin. “I’ll play the piano for you.” She scooped the pancakes off the griddle and poured four more on.

“Sing?” Pearl asked, humming. “Peez?”

When she’d found out she was expecting, Tandy had written a dozen songs to sing to her baby. Mostly lullabies, meant for quiet moments. But not all of them. It had been a long time since she’d sung them, but now, smiling into Pearl’s eager eyes, she wanted to sing them.

“My baby likes pie, sweet cherries and cream. It tickles her tummy and tastes like a dream.” She rubbed her tummy, making Pearl smile. “My baby likes pie, apple tart and green. Sticky on her fingers, she licks them all clean.” She pretended to lick her fingers. This time Pearl giggled. Tandy winked, flipping the pancakes before continuing.

“My baby likes pie, berry red and black. Sugary goodness, keeps bringing her back.” She stooped and hugged Pearl, earning her a kiss. “My baby likes pie, pumpkin gold and spice. With a dollop of whipped cream it sure tastes nice.” She touched Pearl’s nose. Pearl touched Tandy’s nose. “I better get the pancakes off the griddle or they’ll burn, pretty Pearl. Okay?”

Pearl nodded.

“You sure are an agreeable little thing,” Tandy said. “Anyone ever told you that?”

Pearl nodded, her gaze fixed on Tandy’s face.

“I thought so. You make my heart smile, little cuddle bunny.” She bent down. “You know that?”

Pearl hugged her again. “Ta-dee.”

“A serenade, pancakes and the prettiest ladies in the great state of Texas,” Click said, shaking his head. “I don’t know how I ever got so lucky.”