True Blue Cowboy

by Debra Holt

  “I might have told Aunt Nan when I called earlier to make the reservation that this was a special occasion. Which it is.”

  “If you thought I would expect anything… it really wasn’t necessary to go to any extra…”

  “You never expect more, do you?” The question was an odd one and caught her off guard.

  “Why do you ask that? I’ve never been one to want more than what I already have. It’s been a good life so far.”

  “Maybe it’s just that I expect more for you.” His reply was cryptic. “At any rate,” he changed the tone as he lifted his champagne glass toward her, “here’s to an even better life ahead…for the both of us.” She stayed silent as she took a sip of the bubbly liquid.

  The meal was excellent, as usual. Chance had their signature T-bone steak, and she had ordered the pork ribs. Fresh vegetables, from the garden on the grounds of the restaurant, were cooked to perfection. As the meal progressed, Josie actually found herself surprised by the way they had settled in to a conversation. Chance seemed to lead them into subjects that wouldn’t spark any debate between them. He made an obvious attempt to keep things easy, although Chance seemed to be at ease wherever he was. She envied him that ability.

  Josie’s gaze fell on the pink rose, and her mind flashed back on the prom night again. She had been on cloud nine for days. It had taken a month for her to get up the courage to ask Dev to take her to her prom. To her absolute astonishment, he had said yes. She agonized for days over finding the right dress and having her hair and nails done in town and being just perfect for him. Then she had been stood up.

  Dev had gone to a bachelor party for one of his older college buddies and had been too plastered to drive. Chance had shown up on her doorstep, corsage in hand, and had taken her to the prom. He had done his best to cheer her up. The other girls all thought it was super cool that she had such an “older” and “sexy” date. She only knew the date she wanted hadn’t felt it was important enough to show up for her. She begged off early in the evening with a headache, and he took her home. It hadn’t been the evening of her dreams…her silly adolescent dreams. Dev had taken off on one of his long trips after that night. He hadn’t even said goodbye. That had been left to Chance to handle also.

  “Something made a cloud darken those silver eyes of yours just now. What’s wrong?”

  Chance always could read her even when she tried her best to elude his instinctive gazes. He never allowed her to get away with much over the years. He kept her grounded whenever she ventured too far out in her crush on his brother. She had fancied herself madly in love with Dev. Chance had figured that out almost before she had.

  He never warned her off his brother. But he never tried to cover for his brother’s weaknesses either. He had allowed her to have her foolish dreams and was there when she needed someone to tell her to get over it and get back to her studies or to work. He waited patiently for her response even now.

  “Just thinking about things from long ago. Just memories.”

  “These things can keep us grounded. It can also hold us back. The key is to recognize the difference.”

  “More ‘Chance words of wisdom.’”

  “Are you mocking me?”

  “No. I’m just stating a fact. My father always said you were young in years but old in wisdom. He usually said that right after you had to rescue me from one thing or another. It got really old, really fast, always hearing how great you were. My dad would have loved to have had you for a son. That was a fact I had to come to terms with early on. I will admit it made me angry more than a time or two. I guess that’s a big reason why I wanted to be mean to you and push you away…keep you off our land. Then I wouldn’t have to compete with you, too.”

  “Well, he’s getting me as a son-in-law soon. I think he might approve, wherever he and Mama Dianne are right now. And you were his greatest joy…you had to have realized that. I know he might not have said so in flowery words, because that wasn’t his way, as we both know. But the sun rose and set with you. No one was prouder of the way you stepped forward and worked beside him, trying to absorb all that you could.”

  “Yes, I suppose I just felt so inadequate at times in comparison to others…to you. They thought you were special from the beginning.”

  “Too bad their daughter doesn’t.” He spoke the words with a lift of his mouth into a half-grin. “That was meant to get a smile out of you, in case you missed it. I admit I might be a bit rusty in the joke department, but you could take pity on me now and then and give a little smile.”

  She looked at him then. Really looked at him. Chance…special? Hanging the moon? Wow. The moon suddenly didn’t seem so far out of reach. What happened? Maybe it was the champagne? Whatever it was, it was scary, and left her breathless and feeling strange sensations deep within her core.

  “Is that why you tried so hard to push me away in the last months with your dad? Before he died? You saw me as a threat?” His question was direct, and his gaze did not waver from her. He deserved a direct answer.

  “Yes. I suppose it was. You were always around, helping out, and if you were always there, then how could he see what I was trying to do? Sounds silly and childish now, and I realize I probably was that at times. I tried so hard to be so adult and in control of things that I ended up looking mean and inadequate. He saw that.”

  “Your dad knew how hard you tried, and he saw you succeed more than you know. He wanted to be able to protect you from the callous things other ranchers would say about a young female not being able to hold her own in a ‘man’s world,’ which angered him. He took on a few of them a time or two at our cattlemen’s meetings. He was a good man, a good father. You were lucky.”

  Instinct told her that he might have often compared her father and his in his mind. And knowing what she knew of the elder Braxton, she realized that maybe Chance spent so much time with her parents and helping them for another reason…because he found something he lacked in his life. And that made her feel even more selfish. She kept her gaze averted to the darkness outside the window. No matter how much one might wish for it, you could never make time go in reverse…get a second chance to go back and rewind the past. She finished her second glass of champagne to fortify herself for the trip back to the ranch.

  “I promised to have you home before too late, so we better be on the road.” Chance brought her back to the present and gave her something real to concentrate on, and she was grateful. There was a definite chill in the night air as they exited the building…which took a while as they were stopped at quite a few of the tables along their way.

  Josie shouldn’t have been surprised as Chance returned handshakes and quick quips with the other diners…many of whom were neighbors or business acquaintances she recognized…some she didn’t. She also noted the looks given to her companion by more than a few of the younger females in the room. Those gave her pause, too…in an odd sort of way. She might have taken him for granted over the years, but Chance was certainly of interest to the women around them. Of course she wasn’t jealous.

  Josie bundled her coat around her tighter as she snuggled against the leather seat a few minutes later. Chance noted the movement and turned the heater up a notch. There was a half-moon visible through the moon roof of the vehicle, and Josie found herself feeling an odd sense of peace as she looked upon the scenery outside her window. In her hands, she held the single rose…a souvenir of a most unusual evening. Chance turned on the radio, and soft, country instrumentals filled the empty spaces. There wasn’t any need to make conversation between them.

  It seemed no time at all they drew up in front of the house. Chance switched off the ignition but made no move to get out. Instead, he released his seat belt and ran a hand over his head…a movement Josie had seen many times and had come to realize usually preceded his having something to say that wasn’t something she might be in agreement with. Josie sat up straighter in her seat…waiting.

  “I spoke to Phillip today, an
d he’s aware of our decision. I then paid a visit to the bank and squared away some things there so that there will be operating capital in the ranch account beginning tomorrow. My final stop was at the church with Reverend Morrison. He and Edna are taking vacation to visit their grandkids, but he scheduled us the minute he returns. He’s agreed to marry us at the ranch in three weeks’ time. Unless you want a full church wedding…then we can certainly plan on that. I know some women put a lot of store in big weddings with all the trimmings. If you want that, then we’ll make it happen. It’s your decision.”

  “Three weeks? So soon?” She had no idea it would all happen so fast. Deep breath.

  “There’s no need for a prolonged engagement. Is there?”

  “I suppose not,” she replied, thinking how surreal the whole conversation was once again. “There’s no need for a big wedding. It’s not like this is a real proposal and marriage.” She realized what she had said after it was too late. Chance didn’t respond right away. He simply opened his door and got out of the vehicle. She watched him walk around, and then he was at her door, holding it open for her. His expression was unfathomable in the darkness. She slid out and walked toward the house. A hand on her arm stopped her as she reached the porch. She turned to the tall man.

  “Look Josie, I realize that this isn’t following the norm of most engagements. I apologize that I didn’t take more time and try to make it more special for you. For instance, right now, I’m sure there’s a more romantic way to do this, but I doubt you want to hear such things from me. My mother only had a simple gold band, so I have no special family heirloom to pass on to you. I picked this out this afternoon. The fire in it reminded me of your eyes…more often than not when I’ve done something to rile you…or kiss you.”

  Josie’s gaze dropped quickly to the hand he raised between them and the velvet jeweler’s box open to display a solitaire in an oval halo that was definitely the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. It had to be at least a couple of carats in a classic platinum setting. Its brilliance winked at her in the light of the porch. She was stunned speechless and could only watch as Chance withdrew it from its box and, taking her hand in his, slowly slid it on the appropriate finger.

  “I made the best guess I could on the sizing. If it still needs adjustment, I can take it to the jeweler tomorrow.”

  Slowly, Josie was regaining her equilibrium. “It fits perfectly. It’s a beautiful ring, but a plain band would…”

  “I know,” he interrupted her, a hint of exasperation in his tone. “A plain band would have been enough,” he finished for her. “Just say, ‘thank you, Chance.’”

  “Thank you, Chance,” she responded and found she really did mean the words. “It truly is a most beautiful ring. I’ve never owned anything like it.”

  She was rewarded with a slow smile that caused her breathing to catch in her chest…something that seemed to be happening a lot more of late.

  “I’m glad you think so.” Silence stretched as tight as a rubber band. Chance closed the lid of the box and handed it to her. Then he reached over and opened the front door but then stepped back.

  “Thank you for the wonderful dinner. And my rose,” she spoke in the awkward moment, her hand clutching the stem while her other hand still tried to get used to the ring.

  Two long fingers reached out and claimed her chin, bringing her surprised gaze to his. The smile amped up and made her insides feel close to melting. “Relax, Josie. It won’t always be this awkward between us. We’re still the same two people we always were. Now go inside and get some sleep.” He didn’t kiss her cheek this time. His lips dropped to hers in a kiss that was a promise in itself.

  Josie closed her eyes and she actually saw stars for a moment. Champagne-induced? She didn’t think so. It was all pure Chance. The kiss ended almost as soon as it had begun and, when she opened her eyes, she thought she saw an answering look of surprise in Chance’s gaze. It was a couple of moments before he stepped back, dropping his hand to his side. “Have sweet dreams, my love. I know I will.”

  *

  The dreams that came during the night were definitely not sweet. They were bordering on steamy, to an extent that Josie woke in a tangle of sheets and feeling heated, even though the temperature outside had to be in the low forties. Her cheeks blazed again as she remembered certain parts of the dreams that had Chance kissing her until she saw stars again, and her responses were definitely shocking. She needed to get a grip. Things were already confusing enough, and she needed to keep her head on straight. There was a ranch to be saved, and that was all that mattered. Pushing out of bed, she set her thoughts on doing just that.

  Josie had just poured a mug of coffee when her ears detected the sound of a familiar truck’s engine approaching the house. She took another swallow of the black liquid and found it bitter to her taste. Perhaps that was because she forgot to pour the usual sugar into it. Already Chance was ruining her concentration. She counted to ten and, then, grabbing her jacket, she marched down the hallway to the front door. She reached the front door just as it swung open.

  “Well, I didn’t expect a welcoming committee. Thanks for the hot coffee, too.” His sudden appearance and words caught her off guard. Chance took the mug from her and took a sip. A slight crease in his forehead became evident as he looked into the cup. “Next time, a little sugar in this would be good. I have a sweet tooth. But I appreciate the thought.” He handed the mug back to her and she took it. The movements galvanized her speech capabilities.

  “That was my coffee. I was on my way to the barn. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  Chance stepped by her into the hallway. The brisk air followed him, along with a faint scent of some manly cologne that caught Josie’s senses and did strange things in the pit of her stomach. She wrote it off to the fact she hadn’t eaten.

  He took off his Stetson and placed it on the hat rack beside the entrance into the living room. He shot her a look as he did so. “Did you sleep well last night? You look a little tired this morning.”

  “I slept just fine.” Did she look tired? Probably. But it was his fault…only she wasn’t about to tell him that. She set the mug on the hall table.

  “How many rooms does the upstairs have? I don’t think I’ve ever been up there.” He was on the third step before Josie came alive.

  “What are you doing?”

  Chance turned unexpectedly, and she almost bumped into him. His steadying hands on her shoulders made her catch the breath in her chest. Her skin was all tingly where his hands rested, something she was very much aware of. It was a reaction which made her even more upset with herself and with him.

  “I’ll start moving some of my things in this week, so thought I should see what room there is and that sort of thing.”

  “There’s a sewing room downstairs that has a closet and room enough to use as a bedroom.”

  “What about your room?”

  The color drained from her face. She struggled to keep her chin up as she felt woefully inadequate to meet his very male gaze with her own. “I just thought…that is…you might be more comfortable downstairs.”

  “Nice try, Josie. But I’m sure we’ll make your room work just fine.” Then he paused. “How many boyfriends have you had, Josie? I might have missed counting one or two over the years.”

  Now he was getting too personal for her liking. But she wasn’t about to back down. “I dated in high school…when I had time.”

  “Yes, I know. Not counting the two dances I took you to…in lieu of my brother…how many boys have you dated…have you kissed?”

  “This is not a conversation that I think is any of your business.”

  “It is…because you seem a bit unsure of yourself when I mention the intimate side of what marriage entails. I know your mother had to have explained the birds and bees to you.”

  “This is ridiculous! And yes, I know about the birds and bees. I live on a cattle ranch for heaven’s sake…animals are great teachers of w
hat happens between opposite sexes, too. Just because I’m not one of those promiscuous town females you probably are used to, doesn’t mean I haven’t had my share of kisses with boys.”

  “Just kisses?”

  She had to slam her mouth shut at his audacity. Counting to ten took too much time, and she cut it short. “I don’t believe in kissing and telling. I know enough, thank you. And just because I’m none too keen on standing around talking about such things as where you’ll be sleeping and all, doesn’t give you the right to assume I’m a…whatever.” She went to turn but his hand on her elbow stopped her.

  Chance took a step and that brought him within inches of her. She had to crane her neck a bit to see his expression. His eyes glittered through their dark lashes and his gaze was definitely on her lips. “I think the term you were looking for might be virgin. And that is perfectly fine with me. But maybe we should wait on the tour after all. Although, I’m just now beginning to realize the full benefits of what our marriage can entail.”

  His words dropped her heart to her knees. “What benefits?”

  His hand came up, and two fingers cupped her chin, allowing his thumb to run a light, lazy pattern across her full bottom lip. “Seeing your pretty face each morning and beginning the day as it should be started.” His thumb was replaced by his lips in a quick, warm kiss. It didn’t last long, and her participation was not required.

  “Don’t worry, Josie. I’ll be putting a few things in the old foreman’s room off the stables. It’ll be more convenient to stay here some evenings with the branding coming up. I won’t move into the house with you until we are all nice and legal. We don’t need to give the town gossips any more to talk about than they already will have when word of our engagement gets around. Now, we have livestock to feed. Last one to the barn is a rotten egg.”

  He won the race. For some odd reason, her brain was still stuck on the bedroom issue.

  *

  Josie knew it was a mistake…mucking out the stalls with Chance across the aisle in the other part of the barn, which was a total distraction. Only a little less than the memory of his swift kiss earlier on the staircase. It was the third time in one week Chance Braxton had kissed her. Why? He had never come close to her before, not in all the years she had known him.