“I joked that the morning would have been much better with alcohol instead of coffee,” she revealed earning herself a frown. “Oh, don't be such a misery with a bug up your ass. Tasha said if we could convince you that alcohol in the day with a house full of babies was an option she'd pay for topless cocktail waiters to serve them, possibly on their naked bodies.”
“Did she now? Well don't be expecting that anytime soon or ever.” He frowned.
“There was something with Amanda but I think Tasha was fine,” Abby revealed, almost realising it for the first time.
“What? What happened with Amanda?” Jim was suddenly concerned because as far as he was aware any initial jealousy Tasha had felt towards Amanda was long gone and they were now friends, good friends, despite his reservations.
“Lucy said something about Trav. Something you don’t really need to know about.” Abby smiled. “But I pointed out he was my cousin and Amanda mentioned how he was when he first came here, how angry he was and Tasha looked awkward, like she was thinking about you and Amanda. I’m probably way off, but she did look distracted for a little while.”
“Thanks. I’ll see how she is later. She used to be jealous about my ex-wives, some more than others, including Amanda, but not for a while until things remind her of a time before us, me and her together.”
“It’s understandable though. I hate it when anyone mentions things involving Bobby and one of his exes and you can’t tell me that it doesn’t drive you crazy when she sees or speaks to Gerry or Jake,” Abby said bluntly.
“I get it Abby,” Jim replied with irritation at the reminder of Tasha’s past as well as the thought of his own hurting her. “Sorry, Abby. Thanks.” Jim smiled down at the empty bottle his son had just propelled from his mouth. “So maybe the bottle's okay when Momma's not around, uh?”
The little boy, relaxing back into his father's embrace began to gurgle and laugh up at Jim making him laugh down at his son in return. Glancing up at Abby, Jim decided she looked happier, relieved almost. Then he wondered whether he should give Bobby a heads up, maybe not. His brother had spoken to him, several times about adding to their family and seemed fairly certain that if Abby was receptive and willing, Connor would have a new cousin very soon. A loud burp from the baby broke the silence making Jim and Abby laugh and any tension left between them dissipated.
When Tasha still hadn't returned half an hour later and with Connor sleeping in his bassinet Jim was becoming restless.
“I might go and meet Lexi and head home,” announced Abby.
“If you should see my wife would you tell her to get her ass back up here, I miss her.”
“Come with me, bring Connor,” Abby suggested.
“No, he's just gone to sleep so I'd rather not disturb him.”
“I can watch Connor,” said Sandra from her position in the kitchen. “If you want me to.”
“Would you mind?” Jim was already on his feet and desperate to see his wife.
Sandra grinned. “My pleasure, you and Tasha hog his company too much.”
“We won't be long,” Jim assured her, heading for the back door. “I have my phone if you need me.”
“And Tasha took hers,” said Abby, following Jim towards the stables.
****
Tasha figured they’d been riding for about an hour and as they returned to the stable block she saw Jim standing against a fence smiling.
He grinned as the image of his gorgeous wife smiling and laughing came into sight, but as she saw him something else clouded her eyes. Something he didn't like and hoped he'd never see on her face again. Sadness. Sadness and fear.
“I thought you said Tasha was fine,” he accused.
“She was,” Abby replied with a frown.
“She isn't now and that is not because of Amanda.”
Jim stayed where he was, waiting for her to come to him. Abby headed over to where the three riders dismounted and tended to the horses. He recognised the horse Tasha was on; the very strong willed, potentially volatile chestnut stallion who had been known to throw riders before, including Jim and Travis. A frown creased Jim's brow at the thought that Tasha could have been thrown. He made a mental note to find out what she was doing on such an unpredictable animal. At least she wore a helmet, as did Lexi, whereas Travis was sporting a Stetson. Jim smiled as he considered he had indeed taken the cowboy out of Texas, but maybe you could never take the cowboy out of the Texan. Tasha was stroking her horse and seemed to be whispering to him as he became a little antsy. Almost immediately he calmed down and began nudging his head and nose at Tasha.
“I get that,” he said to himself, although he rarely calmed down when Tasha was stroking him and whispering in his ear, quite the opposite. She was usually responsible for him getting excited and at risk of him throwing her too, throwing her down, flat out before fucking her. He adjusted his trousers as his thoughts registered with his dick. Handing the horses over to the couple of assistants Travis had, the group of riders and Abby headed over to where Jim still stood.
“Hey, Jim, how you doing?” Travis wore his almost customary smile.
“Good thanks, you?”
“Yeah, good. Your lady rides well, she has a seriously good technique,” Travis’ words were innocent and intended as a horse riding compliment.
