by Jane Porter
“Cade!”
“—and I’m not sure how to be a dad, but I want to try.”
“What are you saying?” she whispered, staring up at him as her heart thumped a mile a minute.
He crouched down next to her and placed his hands on either side of her hips on the wooden swing. “I’m a rodeo cowboy, Rache. I get thrown a lot. I spend a lot of time falling on my ass and my head, but I’m not a quitter. And I want another chance. I know I can make this work, Rache, and maybe I haven’t got it right yet, but I’ll learn. I can. Give me a chance to be the man you deserve.”
Rachel stared deep into his eyes, unable to think of a single thing to say. Did he mean it? Could he do it? Could she?
The door opened and Tommy stepped out, a pillow under one arm and a tub of LEGO under the other. “Cade house. Go.” He struggled to smile. “Mama. Go. Cade house. House. Home.”
Rachel looked from Cade to her son and back again. “You don’t understand, Cade. If we go with you to your house, you’re never going to get us out again—”
“Good.” His lips curved but his eyes didn’t smile. Instead they burned with a fierce blue light that made her heart stutter and her tummy flip over. “Because I don’t want you anywhere but on my ranch with me.”
She searched his eyes some more, and even though part of her wanted to go with him back to his ranch house, she couldn’t. She wasn’t ready. They weren’t ready. There were things they had to work through, things that needed to be discussed. “We can’t go home with you,” she said quietly, regretfully. “It’s too soon, and if things don’t work out, it’ll just confuse Tommy more.”
“Things will work out.”
“How do we know that? We haven’t even had a real date...and you did promise me one. You promised me dinner, dancing, the works.”
“Fine. Let’s do it.”
“When?”
“Wednesday?”
“Wednesday?” Her nose wrinkled. “Why Wednesday?”
“It’s Valentine’s Day.”
* * *
MRS. MUNOZ, HAVING BEEN given a clean bill of health, watched Tommy so Cade and Rachel could go out Valentine’s Day evening. Rachel dressed simply for their date, wearing a silver-gray turtleneck with dark jeans and a pair of gorgeous gray cowboy boots Cade had given her years ago for her nineteenth birthday.
After picking her up, Cade drove her to one of his favorite restaurants outside Mineral Wells, a folksy place known to locals for its ribs and barbecue. Strings of colored lights glimmered in the oak trees outside the restaurant, and the sound of an amplified fiddle greeted them in the parking lot.
The hostess seated them in a booth not far from the country-and-western band and the sawdust-covered dance floor.
They ordered appetizers and iced tea but barely touched either one. “Not hungry?” Cade asked her as she sipped her iced tea and avoided the food.
“Not really,” she confessed.
“Why not?”
“I don’t know. I guess I’m too excited just being here with you.”
He studied her for a long moment from across the wooden table. “So what do you want in life, Rache? If you could have anything, what would it be?”
Her slim shoulders shrugged. “Family. Love. Happiness.”
“Could I be part of that family?”
“I hope so,” she said softly.
“You mean that?”
“Tommy already thinks you are.”
“And you? What do you think?”
She took her time answering him, suddenly finding it hard to breathe. “You’ve always been the only one for me.”
“Good answer,” he said, smiling at her. Then he stood up and reached for Rachel’s hand. “Come on. We’ve got some catching up to do.”
She put her hand in his, and Cade walked her backward onto the dance floor, his hips bracing hers. Heat rushed through her, and her cheeks burned hot. Nervous, excited, she tipped her head back to see his face, and his gaze locked with hers. “Remember how to two-step?” he asked, drawing her into his arms.
“I think so,” she flashed.
For the next fifteen minutes they danced, dipped and twirled around the dance floor, boots kicking up small clouds of fresh, fragrant sawdust. Cade had always been a good dancer, and in his arms, with the band covering popular country-and-western songs, Rachel felt the years fall away. It was easy being with him, and fun.
Fun.
Good Lord, it’d been a long time since she’d had fun.
The last fast song left them both breathless. Cade spun Rachel around, and she fanned her face. “No more,” she begged, struggling to catch her breath and trying desperately to smooth wild tendrils of hair back from her face. “I’m out of shape.”
“No, you’re not. You feel amazing to me.”
Laughing, she batted away his wandering hand. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it!”
He laughed, too, and it was a deep sexy sound that rumbled from his chest. The band changed tunes, slowing the tempo, and he drew her back into his arms. “Think you can manage a slow one, old gal?”
She snorted with outrage, and then gave way to a fit of giggles. “I’ll try.”
“Good girl.”
Rachel sighed as he adjusted his stride to hers, fitting her body snugly against his. He knew her so well. It’d been years since they danced, and yet it felt absolutely right...as if they had been made for each other.
But then, they had been made for each other. They’d always been right for each other. Unfortunately, they’d allowed life to get in the way but life had brought them back together, and this time they were both older and wiser and they knew what they had.
She knew what they had. And it was good. Better than good. It was special. Magical.
She lifted her head, looked up into his face, and his unwavering gaze met hers and held. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said, his deep voice so low and husky it felt like fingers caressing her spine. “But I’m not going away, Rache. I’ve bought a ranch and built a house and I may be a novice when it comes to kids, but I can learn. I can learn to be a good dad, and I am determined to be a great husband, and I’m ready for a family. I’ve changed, Rachel, I have—”
“I know you have, and I owe you an apology, Cade. I haven’t been fair to you—”
“No apology needed. You’re a mother, a very good mother, and you’re a proper mama bear, and I love that about you.”
“You know he already loves you,” she said. “Tommy’s never had a father, but he loves you already like you’re his daddy—”
“I’m glad, because he’s my boy now. And no matter how many kids you and I have, he’ll always be my first son.”
“You really mean that?”
“Absolutely.”
Rachel stopped moving and stared up into his face. “We’re going to have kids?”
“Oh, yes. At least, I hope so. I’d love some babies...girl babies that look just like you.” Suddenly he was drawing her off the dance floor and out a patio door into the garden where they huddled beneath one of the heat lamps.
“It’s freezing out here!” she said, shivering.
“I know, but it’s quiet, and I want to be sure you hear every word. Are you listening?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He backed away from her to drop down on one knee. “Rachel James, I love you, and I want to be part of your life, and Tommy’s life. I want to be there
for you and with you, each day, every day, for the rest of our lives. I want you to be my wife and the mother of my children. Marry me, Rachel,” he said, drawing a ring from his pocket and slipping it onto her finger.
The white diamond glittered even in the patio lights. She stared down at the ring in shock and then at Cade. “You really mean it?” she breathed.
He rose and drew her into his arms. “More than I’ve ever meant anything.” He caught her by the hips and pulled her more securely against him. “So is that a yes, Rachel? Are you going to marry me?”
She smiled up into his eyes, her heart so full that it bubbled over with love and hope and possibility. “Yes.”
Epilogue
“Boss, looks like your missus is coming this way,” Bill said with a nod.
Cade shoved his hat back on his head and looked up, and yes, indeed, she was, picking her way through the frost-covered pasture in his long brown suede coat. With the winter sun haloing her dark brown hair and the chill turning her cheeks pink and making her eyes shine, she looked both sexy and sweet, and he felt a rush of tenderness and a wave of protectiveness.
Rachel, his gorgeous girl, who was now his wife and the mother of his children, five-year-old Tommy and their sweet baby girl. And he’d always loved her, falling for her the moment she and her bike had collided into him, but that love was nothing compared to what he felt for her now.
“Hey,” she said, reaching his side, her breath clouding, her eyes impossibly bright in her face.
His blood heated just looking at her. They’d made love early this morning before he’d left bed to get to work, but already he wanted her again. “What are you doing out here?”
“Madelyn’s sleeping and Mrs. Brown is playing with Tommy so I thought I’d check on you.”
“Check on me?”
“Make sure you weren’t freezing to death out here. It’s cold.” She smiled, eyes dancing. “So I’ve brought you some hot coffee and love.” She pulled a thermos out of one of the coat pockets and handed it to him, leaning in close to press a warm kiss to his cool lips. “Love you, Cade.”
“Happy Valentine’s Day, darlin’.”
“Happy Valentine’s Day, angel.”
* * * * *
Hill Country Cupid
Tanya Michaels
Dear Reader,
As a writer, I always enjoy sharing my stories—but some projects are even more fun than others! I particularly love this Valentine collection because I’m being included with fantastic author Jane Porter and because I got to create a happy ending for Tess Fitzpatrick (one of my favorite secondary characters from my Hill Country Heroes series).
Ballet instructor Tess Fitzpatrick has never been able to resist meddling for a good cause. Single father Nick Calhoun devotes all his time to raising his six-year-old daughter, Bailey, and working on his family’s ranch. He leaves the dating scene to his more outgoing brothers. But Tess knows just how much Bailey wants a mom and can’t understand why more women haven’t noticed how hot Nick is. When she decides to play matchmaker for the quiet cowboy, plans quickly go awry—especially when Nick realizes who he really wants as his Valentine.
Happy reading,
Tanya
My heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful readers who’ve let me know how much they enjoy the Hill Country Heroes series.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Excerpt
Chapter One
Although it had taken years—and repeated motherly lectures—for Tess Fitzpatrick to accept that she’d never be a prima ballerina, she had to admit she loved her life. She enjoyed her career as a dance instructor at the small studio, and she adored her students. Unlike people trapped in offices, watching their computer clocks and counting the minutes until they could go home, Tess was actually a bit disappointed to be ending the day’s lessons. She was in no real hurry to go home and eat dinner by herself. But parents were waiting on the other side of the large observation window.
“Class dismissed,” Tess told the roomful of bubbly kindergarten-aged girls. Several of them, including star pupil Josie Winchester, ran up to hug Tess before exiting into the lobby.
There was a flurry of activity as students exchanged tap shoes for sneakers and mothers bundled kids into coats to ward off the late January chill. Within moments, the crowd had dwindled to single mom Farrah Landon, texting while she waited for her daughter to emerge from the restroom, and six-year-old Bailey Calhoun, who sat in a folding metal chair with a glum expression.
Was the girl disappointed not to be chosen as a soloist? Several classes were combining to put on a special performance for parents during the studio’s upcoming Valentine’s party at the high school. Bailey had been in consideration for a part that ultimately went to Josie Winchester. It was a minor role in a brief presentation, but Tess understood the sting of being passed over for a chance at the spotlight.
She pulled a piece of chocolate from the jar she kept on the reception desk and went to Bailey’s side. “Nice job today.” She held out the candy. “I was impressed with how quickly you picked up the new combo steps.”
“Thanks, Miss Tess.” But neither the chocolate nor the compliment garnered a smile.
Tess ruffled the girl’s dark hair. “I’m sure your dad will be here any minute.”
Sure enough, the door swung open and in walked Nick Calhoun, Tess’s favorite of the three Calhoun brothers. She was used to seeing him in the jeans and boots appropriate for outdoor work at his family’s horse ranch, but today he wore a suit. He would have looked downright dashing if he hadn’t seemed so ill at ease. As he walked, he tugged his tie loose.
“Daddy!” Bailey’s face lit up like the annual Fourth of July fireworks.
Nick looked equally happy to see his daughter, affection obvious in his clear gray eyes. “Sorry I’m late, Bay.” He was making a beeline toward them when he drew up short, belatedly noticing blond, willowy Farrah. “Hi.”
“Hey, Rick,” she said absently, not glancing up from her cell phone.
“Um, Nick. Nick Calhoun?”
That got her attention. “Oh, right! Your brother is Wyatt Calhoun.”
He nodded.
“Tell him Farrah Landon said hi.” She dropped her voice to a not-quite-whisper as her daughter returned to the lobby. “And remind him that I got divorced last year.”
Platinum-haired mother and child exited the studio as Nick waved halfheartedly in their wake. Then he whipped his head around, features flushed. Was he feeling guilty that he’d gotten sidetracked en route to his daughter or was he embarrassed to be caught watching Farrah?
He closed the distance between himself and Bailey, scooping her into his arms as if she weighed nothing, then apologized to Tess. “I had a meeting that took longer than expected.”
“Not a problem.” She grinned. “I’m guessing from the fancy duds it was important?”
“Discussing some plans for expansion with a loan officer. Dad should have sent Wyatt or Kevin. My brothers are better with...people.” His self-deprecating tone made Tess wonder if the loan officer was a woman. Nick
darted a glance over his shoulder, in the direction Farrah and her daughter had gone, and sighed. Then he shook his head, smiling once again at his daughter. “You hungry?”
“Starving!”
“Guess we’d better track you down some dinner before you waste away to nothing,” he teased.
They were headed for the door when Bailey suddenly swiveled around. “Miss Tess? Did I really do good today?”
“Didn’t I say so?” Tess winked at the little girl. “I never say anything I don’t mean.”
Once the studio was empty, Tess used the time to finalize the choreography for the Valentine’s performance. As she locked up for the night, she recalled Nick’s wistful expression. No secret who he wanted for his valentine. But Farrah had seemed oblivious. It didn’t look as if Nick had a shot—although this was the season for romance. Maybe Cupid would decide to intervene on his behalf.
* * *
TESS SILENTLY CHANTED positive thoughts as she entered the bridal boutique Saturday morning. I am excited for my friend. I am happy for my friend. After all, it had been Tess who encouraged Lorelei Keller to get romantically involved with Sam Travis in the first place. Tess was thrilled Sam and Lorelei were getting married during Frederick-Fest, the weeklong event that had helped bring them together last spring. So what if their March wedding meant Tess would be wearing her third bridesmaid dress in two years? Prior to this, she’d been in the bridal party for her elegant, swanlike sister, Regina, as well as newly married Heather Winchester.
“Tess! You’re here!” Lorelei, not typically a hugger, rushed forward to embrace her. Then she drew back, abashed. “Sorry, didn’t mean to tackle you.”
“No problem. It’s nice to feel so welcome,” Tess quipped.
“I couldn’t do this without you! You’d think such a small wedding would be easier to manage.” Since neither bride nor groom had much family, the ceremony would be an intimate affair in the heart of town with Tess as maid of honor and an old rodeo buddy of Sam’s as best man. The reception afterward would be held at the B and B Lorelei and Sam ran together.
