Quade's Babies - Brenda Jackson [32]
The stubborn part of Quade felt he didn’t owe these men any explanation, especially if Cheyenne hadn’t given them one. But then another part—the one that understood the role of a protector—could accept how they felt and didn’t mind stating his case. Who knew? They might eventually become allies instead of enemies and help in his cause.
Mimicking their stance, Quade placed his arms over his chest, as well, sending out a strong message that he was not easily intimidated. “Trust me, I would have come sooner had I known.”
Chance Steele lifted a dark brow and dropped his hands to his sides in surprise for the second time that night. “You didn’t know?”
“Didn’t have a clue.” Quade decided not to go into any details.
“And when did you find out?” The one Quade knew to be Morgan Steele asked.
“A few days ago. I saw her, pregnant, on the cover of a magazine.”
The four nodded as if they were familiar with that particular magazine. “And after finding out, you came directly here?” Sebastian Steele asked.
“Yes.” Quade then felt it was his turn to ask a question. “At any time did Cheyenne mention who had fathered her babies to you?”
All four men shook their heads but it was Donovan Steele who spoke. “No, she’s been withholding your identity. We figured she must have found out that you were married or something.” He then frowned. “Are you married?”
It was Quade’s turn to shake his head. “Not yet, but I hope to marry pretty soon.”
Chance Steele lifted a brow. “Cheyenne?”
“Yes,” Quade said, dropping his hands to his sides, loosening up somewhat.
It was Sebastian who chuckled. “Good luck. Cheyenne’s stubborn as hell. She likes her freedom and detests anyone telling her what to do.”
Quade rubbed a hand back and forth across his chin in frustration. “I gathered as much.”
“But you did ask her?” Morgan wanted to know.
“Yes, several times, but she turned me down each time.”
“But you won’t give up,” Donovan said. It was more a statement than a question.
“No, I won’t give up,” Quade stated, determined. “I’m a Westmoreland and one thing a Westmoreland does is take responsibility for his actions, no matter what they are. Had I known about Cheyenne’s pregnancy, we wouldn’t be standing here having this conversation now, trust me.”
For some reason, he felt they did trust him, or at the very least they were beginning to. “So, do you have any ideas that might help change her mind?” he asked.
It was Sebastian who chuckled and then said. “Prayer might work.”
Cheyenne shifted positions in bed and seconds later her eyes flew open.
She glanced at the digital clock on the nightstand and when she saw it was almost ten at night, she kicked the covers off her and quickly swung her legs off the bed, wondering how she could have dozed off.
The moment she stood, she remembered. Quade. The kiss. Him leaving to go outside for his gear and condoms. She inhaled deeply thinking he never got the chance to put the condoms to any use. She had passed out on him. She hadn’t known how tired she was until she had lain on the bed.
Wondering just where Quade was and knowing that she needed to check on her babies, she straightened her clothes and raked several fingers through her disheveled hair in an attempt to make herself presentable. Leaving her bedroom, she began walking down the hall toward the nursery. As she walked, Cheyenne swore she could hear male voices speaking in a hushed tone.
Raising a confused brow, she turned and continued walking and, when she entered the living room, she came up short. Quade and her cousins were sitting at her dining-room table, and of all things, they were playing cards. What on earth! When did her cousins arrive? Quade had to have been the one to let them in. Did they know who he was? And just what had Quade told them about their relationship?
She passed through her living room and stood at the entrance to her dining room, not yet noticed by the five men. When a few seconds passed and they still hadn’t noticed her she cleared her