Protected by a Hero

by Susan Stoker, Cristin Harber, Cora Seton, Lynn Raye Harris, Kaylea Cross, Katie Reus, Tessa Layne

  A cheer went up from the small gathering.

  “Thank you, Travis, for all you’ve done for us,” Jamey Sinclaire added sincerely. Echoes of her words rippled through the group. Six months ago, he couldn’t see himself doing anything but law enforcement, but so much had changed. In spite of the loss, he felt more hopeful than ever. Complete.

  Dottie clapped her hands. “Listen up. You’ll hear it at the food truck tomorrow, but we might as well end this evening on a high note. Cass and Park have set a date. Clear your calendar three weeks from Saturday.”

  More clapping and cheers went up. Travis wrapped Elaine in his arms. “Maybe we’ll have an announcement of our own soon?” he whispered in her ear, heating at the pretty pink that tinged her cheeks when she nodded.

  Weston clapped him on the shoulders. “Think about what I said? I think it could work.”

  Travis nodded, a flicker of excitement rippling through him. “Wes?” his voice grew thick. “Thanks for everything, man.” He hugged his best friend.

  When they were finally alone, Travis shut the door and locked it behind him. Then pinning Elaine with a look, began working the buttons on his shirt as he stalked toward her. “We need to talk.”

  “Oh?” Her eyes lit with anticipation, and she licked her lips.

  He tossed his shirt to the floor and pulled her close so he could slip his hands underneath her shirt. She gave a little sigh when his fingers skated across bare skin. He buried his face in the satin skin of her neck, breathing her in. “But we can’t have this conversation with our clothes on.”

  “Oh.” Her hands came to his belt, working the buckle free.

  “How do you feel about being a ranch wife? Hypothetically?” Her shirt floated to the floor.

  She dropped her head, exposing the creamy column of her neck. He followed, tasting a trail from the hollow of her throat to the sensitive spot beneath her ear. The noise she made in the back of her throat went straight to his cock. As did her words. “I’d be open to that,” she ended on a gasp when he nipped her.

  Pants jingled to the floor joining shirts.

  He traced the swell of her breasts with his thumbs, finding her nipples through the thin fabric and driving them to hard peaks. “And hypothetically, how do you feel about ranch babies?”

  “Babies?” She moaned as he rolled her nipples between his fingers, arching into him. Her hand slipped between his legs, skating up to stroke his balls through his shorts.

  “Lots of them,” he grunted as he thrust his hips, need spiraling through him.

  Her throaty laugh made his cock jerk, and he groaned as she slipped her hands inside his shorts to firmly clasp his length. “You have ideas, cowboy?”

  “Yes,” he hissed out as she gave a little tug, thumb circling the sensitive head. “Sooner the better,” he grunted, hooking a finger inside her panties and giving a tug. A second later his shorts joined hers. He slid a finger back and forth through her wet folds, drawing a needy whine from her.

  “Oh, yes,” she panted.

  “Yes to babies? To ranching?”

  She lifted her head, eyes dark and glazed with desire. “Yes. All of it.”

  His heart filled to bursting as he lowered them to the rug and settled himself between her legs. “Tell me again.”

  “Yes,” she cried out as he drove into her slick tight heat, filling her up. She clasped his cheeks, gazing straight into his eyes as he began to thrust slowly, “I want your babies, Travis.”

  That was the hottest thing she’d ever said. Heat pulsed through him, building with each slow thrust. Her hips rocked against him and he kissed her deeply, thrusting into her mouth. Tongues tangling and moving together in time with their hips until she cried into him, shaking with release, pussy clenching in waves and pulling him along with her over the edge into sweet ecstasy.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as Elaine drifted into awareness. Travis stretched out against her backside, arm loosely draped over her belly. His grip tightened as he nuzzled her neck. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “Mmmm, you too.” She smiled, appreciating the calm before the storm.

  “Happy wedding.”

  She wiggled her toes and grinned, angling her neck for a kiss. “Mmmm. Happy wedding.”

  His hand skimmed over her belly. “How’s our little person this morning?”

  She shrugged, delighted at Travis’s excitement. “So far so good.”

  He moved behind her, planting a kiss on her shoulder. “I know it’s early, but can we tell everyone at dinner?”

  She shook with laughter rolling over to study him. “I’m barely pregnant.” She bit her lip, a tendril of worry twisting her insides. “What if something happens?”

  Concern flickered in his eyes. “Then we don’t grieve in secret. And we have friends to help us through it.” He tucked a tendril of hair behind her ear then traced a finger down her jaw. “But that’s not going to happen. I have a good feeling about this. Besides, Dax is excited too. We can’t ask him to keep a lid on that today.”

  Contentment settled over her. She could never have imagined feeling this happy. Some mornings, she still had to pinch herself. “It’s settled then. We’ll let the cat out of the bag.” She pressed a hand to his chest, enjoying the prickle of his hair against her palm. “Have you heard from your brother?”

  Travis’s face clouded, and he shook his head giving her a pained smile. “I’ve gotten pretty good at talking to his answering machine though.”

  Her heart ached for him. “We’ll set an extra place, just in case.” She brushed a kiss across his lips. “It’s only been a few months after years of silence. He may not be ready.”

  Travis puffed out a breath, nodding. “You’re right. I hope someday I get the chance to make things right with him.”

  She tucked her head under his chin. “You are a good man, Travis. I’m proud to be your wife.”

  He kissed the top of her head, chest rumbling with laughter. “Don’t you have primping to do before that happens?”

  “Posse’s on their way over to help with that and dinner.”

  He landed a light smack on her bottom. “Then get going, woman.”

  “And what are you going to do while we slave away in the kitchen?” She grinned up at him.

  “Smoke cigars and fry up some turkeys.”

  “Thank God you’ll have half the fire department here.”

  “No one’s gonna get hurt,” he kissed her forehead.

  “Mom, mom, mom,” Dax pounded on the door. “Someone’s here, can I let them in?”

  “Yes, we’ll be right down.” She drew a finger down Travis’s chest. “I could stay here all day.”

  “Tomorrow, and the rest of the weekend.” He kissed her nose.

  A knock sounded at the door. “Elaine. It’s time to boot your man out,” Dottie hollered through the wood. “We’ve got work to do.”

  Smothering a laugh, she hopped out of bed and threw on a pair of leggings and one of Travis’s flannel shirts. “Coming. I promise.” Blowing Travis a kiss, she hurried into the hall and down the stairs. Eleven smiling faces waited expectantly at the bottom of the stairs. Jamey, Hope, and Maddie Sinclaire, along with Hope’s mother, Martha Hansen. Next to her stood Gloria McPherson and Peggy Hansen, the newest Posse member and Parker’s mom. Emmaline Andersson and Millie Prescott stood holding trays of mimosas. Finishing the group were Dottie and all four of her daughters – Cassidy, Lydia, Lexi, and Carolina. Lydia held out a shoebox. “You can’t open these until later, but I made you a little something to go with your wedding dress.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” What could she, when there was so much love directed at her? Her chest grew tight. “I promised I wouldn’t cry today,” she squeezed out, blinking rapidly.

  Dottie enveloped her in a great hug. “Oh sweetie, there are gonna be happy tears all day. I hope you bought waterproof mascara.”

  She laughed against Dottie’s che
st, settling into the woman’s strong, steady embrace. “I did.”

  “You’re set then. Now, have a mimosa.”

  Crap.

  She lifted her head, brushing at her eyes. “How about some juice instead?” she said brightly.

  Dottie’s eyes narrowed.

  There was no way she could keep a lid on this. Not with her cheeks flaming.

  “Are you?”

  She nodded.

  Dottie whooped and squeezed her again. The others followed suit as Travis clamped down the stairs, buttoning a shirt. “What’s this?”

  Martha handed him a mimosa. “We couldn’t be happier for you two.”

  Travis caught her eye and winked, downing the glass in a long gulp. “Why thank you. We can’t wait. Now if you ladies will excuse me, I have to supervise a turkey fry.”

  The morning flew by, and the smell of frying turkeys wafted in the front door, mixing with the aroma of pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, and stewing cranberries. Before she lost her nerve, Elaine struck a glass. “I know it’s just about time to get ready, but I wanted to thank you all for being here this morning.” She met each woman’s gaze. “All of you have been so kind to me, and to Dax. I came here afraid and alone, and now I feel like I have a family.”

  “You’ve always had a family here, Elaine, sweetie.” Dottie gestured to the women. “You might not have known it, but we’ve been here rooting for you the whole time.”

  The women nodded and murmured their agreement.

  “Lydia,” Dottie called. “Grab your box. We won’t all be able to fit upstairs.”

  “Sure, Ma.”

  Lydia retrieved the box from the couch and handed it to Elaine. Elaine loosened the satin ribbon and slowly lifted the lid. “Oh,” she breathed. “These are beautiful, Lydia. How can I ever thank you?”

  Lydia beamed. “Wear them. That’s thanks enough.”

  Nestled in the silver and white paper, were a pair of white satin slippers with a curved heel embroidered in silver and white. Across the top of the shoe and along the outside were tiny silver embroidered branches topped with tiny white embroidered flowers. “How did you think of this? They’re perfect.”

  She shrugged, obviously pleased with the praise. “Mom showed me a teacup you liked. I thought it would make a nice pattern on a shoe.”

  “I can’t wait to see what they look like with my dress.”

  “Well, let’s get you upstairs then, hon. Emmaline and Millie have offered to help with your hair and makeup. The rest of us will help ourselves to more of Millie’s champagne.” Dottie made quote marks with her fingers.

  Elaine tilted her head. “I don’t get it?”

  Millie giggled. “The technical term is Methode Championése. But that’s a little too hoity-toity for out here and no one would want it. But I can’t legally call it champagne, not that it matters right now,” she rushed on. “I’m not selling it.”

  “Why not?”

  “It’s a big undertaking, and with running the market, I don’t have the time. But someday I’m going to put Prairie on the map for winemaking.” Her face turned dreamy. “In the meantime, it’s nice to share at local parties.”

  “We’ll hold back a bottle for after the baby comes.” Dottie winked at her. “Now upstairs with you. I’ll make sure your men are ready by three.”

  Elaine, Emmaline and Millie headed upstairs. When it was finally time to slip into her dress, she’d been buffed and puffed from head to toe. Elaine wiggled her fingers. “You did a great job on my nails, Millie.”

  “Thanks.” She beamed. “One of my side jobs growing up on the road. I could always find ladies who wanted their nails done.”

  A knock sounded at the door and Lydia popped her head in. “Have you tried the shoes on? How do they fit?”

  “Let’s find out.” Elaine pulled them from the box and slipped them on. “I don’t know how you did it, but they’re perfect.”

  “Shoemaker’s secret.” She winked. “Everyone’s waiting downstairs, it’s time.”

  Emmaline slipped the dress off the hanger and over her head. The satin lining cascaded over her body, soft and cool. “Shut your eyes,” Emmaline suggested.

  Elaine shut her eyes as the dress tightened around her ribs and the buzz of the zipper sounded in the quiet room. But they flew open as something cool touched her collarbone. “What’s this?”

  “Dottie sent her family pearls up. Something borrowed,” Millie cooed.

  Elaine blinked hard, determined not to spoil her makeup with happy tears. She didn’t recognize the glowing young woman smiling back at her in the mirror. Emmaline’s dress was a work of art. Simple in its glory. A princess bodice of white silk satin slightly flaring at her hips and falling in soft folds to the floor. On top, a wide vee neck and simple three-quarter sleeves. She wore a little crystal and pearl bracelet that Dax had given her this morning. Travis must have taken him to pick it out when they picked up their wedding suits.

  Millie had braided white roses into her hair and clipped a short veil below the flowers. “You’ve outdone yourself Emmaline. And I felt like a princess in the last dress. Now I guess I feel like a queen.”

  “Mom?” Dax poked his head in, eyes widening as he saw her. “You look like the lady in the fairy tale.”

  “Thank you. And you look like a fine young man. So grown-up. Are you ready?” She kissed his head, then held out her hand.

  Dax nodded eagerly. “So does this mean I have a mom and a dad now?”

  She melted at his sweetness. “It does.”

  “And I can call Travis Dad?”

  “If you want to. I’m sure he’d love that.”

  He nodded seriously. “I want to.”

  She gave his hand a squeeze. “Let’s go then.” She turned, extending a hand for her bouquet. Emmaline handed her the bouquet of white roses and hydrangeas and slipped out the door.

  Dax helped her down the stairs and she paused on the bottom step, taking it all in. The smiling faces spilling into the kitchen, Travis and Weston looking smashing in gray suits at the fireplace next to Judge Brewer. Travis caught her eye and smiled. Only she could see the faint disappointment lingering in his eyes. She smothered a little sigh. Even Colton’s absence couldn’t ruin today. Nothing could.

  Keeping her eyes trained on Travis, she stepped off the stair, taking his hand as soon as she reached him. He leaned in, brushing her cheek with a kiss. “You look stunning.”

  “So do you.” She kissed him back setting off a smattering of applause and catcalls.

  “No kissing until the I-Do’s,” Weston ribbed.

  “Then let’s get this show on the road,” Travis grumbled good-naturedly.

  Judge Brewer cleared his throat. “We’re gathered here today, not just for Thanksgiving turkey, but to celebrate the love shared by Travis and Elaine. And to recognize and witness their decision to journey forward together as husband and wife.”

  Judge Brewer looked over the gathering. “Is there any legal reason why this couple cannot wed?”

  A knock sounded at the door and Elaine’s stomach dropped like a stone. She looked from the door to Travis, failing to quell the panic rising through her. He looked as surprised as she did. The knock sounded harder.

  “Someone open it,” Travis snapped.

  Brodie Sinclaire, who was in the seat closest to the door, stood. He gave Travis a sardonic grin. “You sure you don’t want to seal the deal before I open up?”

  Nervous laughter rippled through the group.

  Travis’s mouth flattened. “Open it.”

  The door creaked open, and a figure in a black Stetson towered in the doorway. He took off his hat and Travis gripped Elaine’s elbow. Murmurs rose up around them, but Elaine couldn’t stop staring at the man in the door. On second glance, he was obviously younger and his hair was a shade darker, but he could easily be mistaken for Travis’s twin. When he spoke, he sounded like he’d had too much smoke and whiskey. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

&nb
sp; For a split second, the young man’s bravado slipped. He was nervous. But then the swagger was back and he flashed a grin to the room.

  “Say something,” she whispered to Travis. He blinked and stepped forward, eyes guarded.

  “Colton.”

  “Travis.”

  The tension between the two men was palpable. Someone in the back coughed. A chair squeaked. Then Travis pulled him into a hug. “You’re just in time,” he said hoarsely. “Just in time.”

  Colton’s arms slowly wrapped around Travis, giving him a pat, then he extracted himself. “I’ll just stand in the back.”

  “Wait.” Travis laid a hand on his arm. “Stand with me?”

  Elaine’s heart shot into her throat. Travis would be crushed if this went badly. After a pregnant pause, Colton nodded once, face a mask. The tension swept out of Travis’s shoulders and out of the room. Like the whole place breathed a collective sigh of relief.

  Weston moved over to make room for Colton and Travis resumed his place at her side taking her hand in a vise-like grip. But when she met his eyes, there was only burning elation.

  Their vows were exchanged in a blur, and Travis’s mouth was on hers in a searing, joyous kiss. “Now I have a dad and an uncle,” Dax shouted gleefully.

  Applause and shouts echoed around them, but all that registered was the heat of their kiss and the rapture in her heart.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  Travis sat down, draping an arm around his wife. Elaine snuggled into him and covered a yawn. “Tired?”

  She smiled, eyes aglow. “We can sleep in tomorrow.”

  Kissing her head, he glanced around the table filled with the last of their friends. At the far end of the table, Colton sat playing tic-tac-toe with Dax. They locked eyes over the boy’s head. He was a man now. Filled out and broad. It shouldn’t shake him, but it did. The last time they’d seen each other, Colton had been four inches shorter and half a man slimmer. There was a hard edge to him now, too. To the uneducated eye, he looked relaxed next to Dax. But Travis could sense the tension in him, coiled and ready to spring. He’d own his share in that, as soon as they could manage a little one-on-one. They’d hardly shared two words in the chaos. But the fact Colton was here, meant everything. They’d sort out their differences. He’d make sure of it.