Hero in Cowboy Boots: Chapter 6

I'm currently writing Chapter 17 of my book, Hero in Cowboy Boots, and I'm relying on several sources for criticisms of my chapters as I post them. I have two groups reading them in WVU, and I return the favor to them as they post their work. I'm hoping to finish the rough draft of this book soon, so I can finish the rough draft of my other book, A Door in Time.

In the meantime, I'm posting my rough draft chapters here as well. So if you read this, please be aware that the chapters may change somewhat as I incorporate the criticisms my readers suggest in the final draft. 

With that being said, here is my first draft of Chapter 6 of Hero in Cowboy Boots:

HICB Ch. 6 V.1 wc959

Backing up

“Mark, I need to ask you something.” Jayda looked down at little Mark, blushing. Her fingers were trembling on the baby’s blanket. She looked up at Mark and waited, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

Mark noticed the tears and instantly sensed that something was wrong.

“Yes? What do you need to know? I’m an open book,” his smile reassured her that he was there for her.

“Umm, I know we’ve only known each other for a couple of days…” Jayda looked down at her child, sleeping peacefully and making little sucking motions with his mouth. She was uncertain how to approach the subject in her mind. Would it offend him? Would it reaffirm how she was feeling? What will happen next? Will he reject her? Will he turn and walk away forever?

“Wow! Has it really been only two days?” Mark shook his head. “Somehow, it feels like we’ve known each other for years! What’s bothering you Jayda?” He sat down in the chair by her bedside and reaching overtook her nearest hand and squeezed it gently.

“Yes. It’s been a truly short time. And yet---somehow, it seems like we’ve grown closer than I’ve ever been to any man. Even when I was with Brad, I never felt like this---” Jayda shook her head, embarrassed.

Mark’s breath held “How do you feel, Jayda? What do you mean?” He stared into her eyes, soaking up the beauty of her tremulous smile.

“I just, I don’t know. I just feel like things are moving so fast. I don’t know what your feelings are---what your hopes are for us---do you understand what I’m saying?”

Mark’s face turned solemn. His feelings of confusion and disappointment were evident on his face.

“Are you---do you---are you wanting me to leave?” he stammered.

“Oh no! Certainly not! I just---I’m afraid. I’ve been burned---badly. I just feel like I need to protect my heart, and I don’t know what your intentions are or if I can trust you. I feel an attraction between us. I think you feel it too, don’t you? And I know you’ve been burned too. Do you think we’re moving too fast?”

Mark stared at her, deep in thought. His facial expressions changed several times as he thought about what she was asking. First, he appeared shocked, then angry, then gentleness came over him. He took her hand in both of his, gazed deeply into her eyes, and replied. “I know we both have been burned and both of us have trust issues. Perhaps we are moving forward too quickly and I’m thinking maybe we should put the brakes on a little. I don’t want to lose you forever. I care too much about you already for that. But maybe--This rocket is going to crash if we keep blasting forward like we are. If it’s all right with you, I’d like to start over and become great friends and just let it go whichever direction we want it to go.”

“I’d like that too,” Jayda grinned.

“Alrighty then.  Hi. My name is Mark, Mark Reeves. Nice to meet you. Do you live around here?” Mark shook Jayda’s hand and held it closely, gently in both of his.

Jayda giggled and answered, “Hello. I’m Jayda Michaels. I’m incredibly happy to meet you, too. And thank you for being my hero in cowboy boots.”

“My pleasure, Ma’am. Anytime.” Mark wanted to kiss those luscious lips but controlled that desire. Most friends don’t do that when they first meet.

“So,  uh---, can I still get a ride home from the hospital tomorrow?”

“Oh, most definitely. I’ve already bought a car seat, highchair, crib, and all the fixin’s for little Mark Lee. It’s all set up at your house. I was going to shop for baby food and all of that, but I didn’t know what brand or formula you’d be using for him! What---”

“Whoa, Cowboy!” Jayda laughed. “You’re doing it again! We were going to slow down, remember?” She giggled.  “You certainly didn’t need to spend all your hard-earned money “ She playfully slapped his hand. “What’s going on in that head of yours? Are you in love with my son?”

Mark’s face was stunned. “You know, you are right. I do love your child. I can’t believe that a little boy who can’t even see me well yet has captured my heart so fast. And his mom, well---”

“Mark!”

“I’m sorry, Jayda, but I’m not sorry. I’m nuts over both of you.”

“Well, you’re certainly nuts!”

Both laughed. His was a deep, masculine chortle. Hers was a light, tinkling, feminine sound, much like the sound of raindrops on porcelain.

“You know, I haven’t laughed this much in years,” Mark grinned. Then he stood and grabbed his hat. “I’d better get back to the farm. I’ve got animals to feed. Do you need anything from home?”

“No, I’m good. I’ve got my clothes to wear home and a couple of outfits for Mark Lee. The only thing we’ll need tomorrow might be more diapers and whatever formula Doc wants him to try. But don’t go buying anything. I have some questions for him before he releases me. And I’ll call you when I’m about ready to go. I don’t have a clear picture of what time that might be.”

“Ok. I’ll try to restrain myself.” Jayda laughed again at the pouty look on his face. He grinned back at her and headed for the door. “See you in the morning, Friend.”

Jayda waved and sighed as his footsteps were heard walking down the hall. Life certainly seemed more fun---now that she had a cowboy for a friend.