Free Heavenly Angel by Heather Rainier Page B

protectively in front of Michael as he squirmed in Angel’s lap. “Listen, I have some news for you. You’re going to be here for a special occasion.”
    “This have anything to do with the ‘perfectly lovely young woman with the perfectly gorgeous long hair and perfectly perfect hourglass figure’ that Mom has been going on and on about?” Joaquin asked with obnoxious emphasis in an imitation of their mother’s voice. If she’d been there, she’d have popped him good for his disrespect.
    “Mom has been talking about her? She only saw her a couple of times at the hospital after I got shot.”
    “Yeah, about your records with girlfriends—?”
    “This one is completely different. What did Mom tell you?”
    “That she was shy and innocent, respectful and very beautiful.”
    “She’s all of those things. I’m riding with her precocious two-year-old right now.”
    “She has a baby?”
    “Long, long story. So Mom liked her?”
    “Yeah, I think that’s another reason why she was nudging me to visit with you.”
    “Nudging you? Why?”
    Joaquin chuckled. “Why do you think ?”
    Angel was taken aback by the thought, though not necessarily offended. He recalled his mom hinting to him when he was in the hospital that Joaquin might be taken with her also if he were to meet her. His only concern was how Teresa would react, knowing that his mother was suggesting that she might like Joaquin also .
    “You still on the horse?”
    “What? Yeah! I’m just wondering what she would think about that. She was raised in a sheltered environment.”
    “Yet she has a two year old? Boy or girl?” Joaquin asked with interest.
    “Boy. He’s a real pistol, too.”
    “Awesome. So you’re going to ask her? When?”
    “Tomorrow morning.”
    “I’m looking forward to meeting her. I’m glad you found a nice one. That Patricia was an evil bitch.”
    “Wish I’d known how evil. I would have given her the boot before she had a chance to use her gun on me and Ethan. Speaking of which, the guys are looking forward to the visit. Jack talks like you’re already working here, and we damn sure could use the help.”
    Angel grimaced at the little intake of breath from in front of him. “Um! You said a bad word.”
    Joaquin snickered into the phone. “You’re going to have to watch your mouth now, Daddy.”
    “Sorry, buddy,” Angel said to Michael then to Joaquin he said, “Yeah, I am going to have to watch it.” He didn’t respond to Joaquin’s crack about being a daddy now because he didn’t mind one bit. Despite the years and miles, Joaquin was close to his brother and immediately picked up on that.
    “Man, she must really be something.”
    “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. You’ll see in a little while. She’s good friends with Grace. That’s how we met.”
    “Jack, Ethan, and Adam’s new wife?”
    “Yeah, she’s another keeper.”
    “From the sound of it, you must be rolling in available women. I may fit in just fine out there.”
    “One thing. She’s shy, so no teasing. Give her a chance to get to know you.”
    “Gotcha. Does little mister like horses?”
    “Loves them, why?”
    “They’ve got a western store here that I’ve stopped at before. I thought it might be nice to not come empty-handed for Christmas, you know?”
    “Sure. What did you have in mind?”
    “Hat?”
    “Covered.”
    “Boots?”
    “Covered.
    “Chaps?”
    “Covered that today.”
    “You probably got spurs, too?”
    “Yep.”
    “Horse and saddle?”
    “Funny.”
    “Belt?”
    “Bingo. He’s two years old, average size.”
    “How about your lovely lady? Jewelry?”
    “Sure. Surprise her. You’re gonna make all kinds of brownie points around here. So I’ll see you after supper?”
    “Yeah, depending on how busy the store is right now.”
    “Be careful. You remember how to get here?”
    “Yeah, I think so,” Joaquin said sarcastically. “I’ll call if I get hung up.”
    Angel ended the call, and