The Cowboy's Wish (The Govain Cowboys Book 3)

by Janalyn Knight

  Dylan sat down. "Amazing. I asked Lennie to marry me, and she said yes."

  Caleb's hands froze. "You did what?"

  "I asked her to marry me, but we didn't set a date or anything."

  Caleb snorted. "Evan know?"

  Dylan shook his head. "Lennie told her mother, and her mom is going to figure out a way to tell him. We're keeping the news to ourselves until then."

  Eve spoke up. "Dylan, I'm incredibly happy for you. I hope it all works out without too much bother." She smiled encouragingly at him.

  Dylan's chest eased. Someone was happy for him, anyway.

  Caleb took a bite and chewed for a moment. "Lennie's great. I just worry about the whole Evan thing. You know how he hates us. I don't see this going well at all, brother."

  Dylan started filling his plate. "The man will have to accept it. We love each other, and we're getting married."

  Caleb squeezed Dylan's shoulder. "I hear you, and I'm behind you all the way. But, is Lennie prepared for the hell that's about to break loose?"

  Dylan clenched his teeth. Was she? Really? The answer was, he didn't know. She loved her daddy, and this would be tough on her. "I hope so. It'll be hard for her. I just pray her mom figures out a way to make it easier."

  Eve reached across the table and clasped his hand. "I'll pray for that, Dylan, and you tell Lennie I can't wait for her to be my sister-in-law, okay?"

  He grinned. "Thanks, Eve, I will."

  After breakfast, he headed to his parent' house and caught his father just as he was leaving for the morning. "Hey, Dad, can you hold on a few minutes? I need to speak with you and mom."

  His dad frowned. "Sure, son. Everything okay?"

  "Yeah, it sure is."

  They joined his mother in the family room and once everyone was seated, Dylan took a deep breath and said, "I asked Lennie Duncan to marry me this weekend, and she said yes."

  His parents exchanged a startled glance.

  His dad didn't mince words. "Son, you started a shitstorm. Does Evan know?"

  Dylan sighed. "No," and explained the situation. "I hope Lennie's mom, Angie, comes up with something that will make it go over well."

  Roy Govain snorted. "Don't count on it. This will be a damned mess, and he won't give his approval, mark my words. What will you do when he doesn't?"

  Dylan's mom said, "Roy, let's think positively. Lennie's a wonderful girl, and somehow this is going to be fine. Dylan, just give this whole thing some time. Let her mother work on it. Even if Evan gets angry, you and Lennie love each other. We'll all put our heads together and try to come up with a solution too, okay?"

  "Thanks, Mom. Dad, I don't know what to do if he won't approve of us getting married. Lennie and I will have to cross that bridge when we come to it. But I wanted to tell you two first thing."

  His mom got up and hugged him. "Congratulations, honey. We're proud of you. And, I'll pray Evan accepts this."

  As Dylan left, he was thankful more than ever that he had such a loving, accepting family. What would it be like to have a dad like Evan Duncan? It must be so hard on Lennie. Dylan sent her a quick text and let her know that all had gone well before heading to the barn. He had a busy morning ahead and he couldn’t wait to see her at lunch.

  Chapter Fourteen

  LENNIE ARCHED BACK until she heard a crack, her muscles aching. She and Randy were unloading a flatbed trailer loaded with feed bags. She hated this chore with a passion but it was inescapable because she only hired Todd on an irregular basis. But they were almost finished. Bending, she picked up another bag and slung it to the end of the trailer where Randy grabbed it and carried it into the feed room. The afternoon sun beat down on her back as she bent to pick up another bag. Her phone rang and she stood, fetching it from her back pocket. "Hey, Dad, what's up?"

  "Get yh ... ass ... here!" and he hung up on her.

  She froze, her heart pounding. What the hell? Her father never spoke to her like that. At least he hadn't since she was a kid. Stunned, she thought like mad. He was furious with her, but about what? Scanning back over the past few days, she came up with nothing. Then her jaw dropped, icicles stabbing her chest. Ron Dubbs was visiting her father. She'd seen his truck parked at the house when she and Randy drove by. He was one of the biggest gossips in Pecos County. She shivered. Had the man somehow found out about her and Dylan and told her father? Oh, God. This couldn't be happening.

  She jumped down from the trailer. "Randy, Dad's pissed. I need to go to the house. Can you handle the rest of this?"

  He nodded. "You go on ahead. Good luck."

  Pulse racing and with her stomach tied in knots; she strode toward the house. It would take a lot more than luck to make it through the next thirty minutes with her dignity intact. Lennie's heart sank as she approached the front door. Her mom's car wasn't back in the driveway. If only she were here, but she'd gone into town earlier for groceries. This couldn't have happened at a worse time.

  The only thing she could think of is one of the Govain hands who'd helped at her place must have figured out her relationship with Dylan and blabbed it around. It would make juicy gossip given the famous nature of the Duncan-Govain feud. She and Dylan had been too careful otherwise for it to have been anything else. Crap, it didn't matter now. Her father knew and there would be hell to pay.

  She entered the living room and that damn Ron Dubbs sat right there in a chair. His sorry ass wasn't about to miss a spectacle that he could spread around town. She turned to her dad. "Can we have some privacy?"

  His face twisted in anger. "See Gov ... Govain?" He gritted his teeth and glared at her. "True?"

  Feeling like a trapped animal, Lennie glanced from her father to Dubbs and cleared her throat. "I've been dating the youngest son, Dylan, for a while now. I wanted to tell you, but I knew you'd be angry, and I worried about how it might affect you physically, Dad."

  "Dam ... dammit!" he yelled. "Thiev ... ing ... bastards! You ... betray me!" Spittle flew from his mouth as he said it and his furious glare made her catch her breath.

  This was just as bad as she'd anticipated. Her father's pale face showed mottled red blotches in his cheeks. His large rancher's hands shook when he pointed his finger at her.

  God, please don't let him have another stroke. She tried to reason with him. "Dad, Dylan's a good man."

  "No ... good ... Govain! Told ... you!"

  She held her palms out, imploring him. "But, Dad, they're not like that. They've helped me so much. I had to send one of our bulls to auction, and Caleb loaned me a young bull they weren't using, and then Roy sent Dylan and two of their hands over here for nearly a month to help Randy and I catch up on work we couldn't get done, and Dylan paid for all the repairs we did. We even fixed the barn roof, and you know how long we've needed to do that."

  Her father's mouth opened, and his face slowly reddened. His lips moved but no words came out. At last he rasped. "Help ... from ... Roy?" Face hard as stone, mouth trembling, he stared at Lennie and spat out, "Never ... forgive!" He took a huge breath. "Forbid you ... see ... Govain .... Out!" and he turned away from her.

  Stunned, she was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then, she straightened her shoulders. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Dad. I didn't mean to hurt you. But I will see Dylan again. I'm going to marry him."

  Her father lurched back toward her, his mouth ajar.

  "I won't dishonor you by seeing him while living under your roof. I'll move out. But I'll still handle my work here at the ranch every day."

  He huffed. "Don't ... I—"

  "I said, I'll still fulfill my responsibilities," she said forcefully. The kitchen door opened. Too late, her mother was back home. Lennie headed in to tell her that their worst fears hadn't come true. Her furious father was still alive and kicking.

  After speaking with her mother, Lennie went to her bedroom. She'd been brave when she said she would leave, but where could she go? She had no money to rent a place, and she couldn't live with Daisy. No way would that w
ork. Lennie dropped down on her bed and stared at the walls of the room that had been her home her whole life except for college. A wall of fear hit her. She was homeless now. Oh, God what am I going to do?

  Before she packed a suitcase, before she did anything, she had to call Dylan. Fingers shaking, she punched his number and laid back on the bed, feet resting on the floor. Eyes closed, she waited for him to pick up.

  Sounding a little surprised, he said, "Well, hey there, how are you?"

  At the sound of his voice she had an overwhelming urge to bawl her eyes out, and her throat spasmed shut.

  "Honey? You there?"

  She swallowed hard. "I'm here. Dad knows about us." Choking back a sob, she said, "That damn Ron Dubbs found out somehow and couldn't wait to pay a visit to Dad and tell him." Her voice wavered. "It was terrible. He said he'd never forgive me. He forbade me to see you, and I told him that I would and that I was going to marry you, too."

  Dylan laughed quietly. "I'm glad you said that. Oh, Lennie, I'm so sorry it all happened this way."

  "There's more. I said that I wouldn't see you while I was living under his roof, and now I've got to move out." She was a little ashamed that her voice rose on the last word. Shit, she was fixing to cry. Clearing her throat, she swallowed again, holding the tears at bay. "I can't go to Daisy's—she's got Dale there. And I sure can't rent an apartment. I'm such an idiot. I let my pride overload my ass when I told Dad that."

  The threatened tears rolled down her cheeks as she thought of the humiliation she’d endure when she had to ask her father to stay here at home.

  "Sweetheart, don't you worry about a thing. We've got tons of room at our place. The bedrooms on the second story aren't getting used. You can have your pick. I'll call Eve and ask her. I know she'll say yes and I'll text you back. You start packing right now."

  Her heart lifted. Was it that easy? Then she thought of her Dad. Shit, when he found out she was staying at the Govains, there would be hell to pay. She looked around her room again and shrugged. He'd already said he would never forgive her. This was just one more thing to add to the list. After dragging her suitcase from the closet, she started throwing clothes inside. With her hands busy, some of the heartache and dread of the last hour began to fade.

  A few minutes later Dylan texted her back.

  Eve said she would love to have you stay with us. Come quick. I can't wait to see you.

  Lennie smiled, relief sweeping through her. Why couldn't her family be like his? Zipping her stuffed suitcase, she jammed her hat on her head and walked into the kitchen.

  Her mother stood from the table, tears in her eyes. "Honey, where will you go?"

  Lennie's lips thinned as she realized how her mother would feel about her news. "I'll be at the Govains. Eve said she'd love for me to stay with them, and Dylan told me their second-floor bedrooms are empty. I don't have anywhere else to go, Mom."

  Her mother was silent for several seconds. At last, she nodded. "I'll miss you, honey. You do what you have to. I'll talk to your daddy when the time is right. You know he loves you."

  Though her chest pained her, she did know that. But, did he love her enough to accept that she loved a Govain? After today, she wasn't sure. "Thanks, Momma. I love you." After a hug, and, with her suitcase rolling behind her, Lennie walked out the door of the only real home she'd ever known.

  HOLY SHIT. Lennie's heart dropped as she pulled up in front of the Govain ranch house, if a historic two-story mansion could be called that. She’d known they had money, but this house ... oh, hell. What must Dylan think of the Duncan place? Yes, it was historic, too, but it could also be called ramshackle if a person wasn't being charitable.

  The Duncan ranch house lacked paint in a lot of places, and the add-ons over the years had never matched, even when new. She closed her eyes as humiliation at her predicament rolled through her. She wouldn't fit in here. Not at all. She’d been right all along.

  One of the big wooden doors of the beautiful entryway opened, and Dylan rushed out. Waving, he called, "Come on in."

  She bit her lip. No backing out now. Picking up her purse, she opened her door and stepped out.

  Dylan reached her and pulled her suitcase out of the back of the truck. "You made it." He leaned over for a kiss and hugged her tight.

  Taking a deep breath, she made herself relax. With Dylan, she could face anything, even meeting rich folks she'd be beholden to.

  "Come on in. Dinner's almost ready, and Mom and Eve can't wait to see you."

  Her heart slammed into her chest wall. Would his mother like her? Or was she just pretending to want her here for Dylan's sake? The Duncan-Govain feud was strong, and the older generation really bought into it.

  Following Dylan, her pulse racing, she tried to control her breathing. This was one of the most important meetings of her life. She had to be at her best when this was probably the worst she ever felt in her life. Behind Dylan's back, she practiced her smile. Damn, it was all wrong. Her lips felt wooden. Oh, God, help me please.

  They entered the house, and her eyes widened. It was furnished in amazing antiques—like back in the eighteen-hundreds. Delicate ornate pieces entranced her, taking her mind from her worry for a moment. Duncan turned into a room on the right, and she followed him inside.

  A pretty, sixtyish blonde with a beautiful smile stood as they walked into the room. She held out her hands. "I'm so glad you're here. I'm Millie. May I give you a hug?"

  A beautiful woman who must be Eve, had also stood, and smiled in welcome.

  Lennie, heart racing, stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Dylan's mom.

  He beamed, obviously happy that the two women he loved most were together.

  Millie released her and motioned to Eve. “Have you met my daughter-in-law, Eve, Caleb’s wife?”

  Eve stepped forward. “Lennie, it’s so good to meet you.” Clasping Lennie’s hand, she smiled into her eyes. “Welcome to our home.”

  Millie urged her to take a seat. "What can Dylan get you to drink? We have all sorts of liquor and wine and beer or iced tea with fresh mint."

  Not prepared for the effects of alcohol in this setting, she replied, "I'd love a glass of tea."

  Dylan hopped up and brought her tea a few moments later.

  Millie clasped her hands in her lap and smiled at Lennie. "I hope you don't mind. Eve went ahead and chose a room for you and it's been freshened. It's near the bathroom, and we think you'll be comfortable. But, if there's anything you need, you let her know. Now, dinner will be in about twenty minutes, so let's have Dylan take you up so you can get settled before you eat."

  Dylan stood, "Come on, I'll show you, Lennie. It's the green room. One of my favorites."

  Lennie nodded to Millie and Eve as she rose to her feet. "I don't know how to thank you. This is so kind."

  "Nonsense, it's a pleasure to have you. I look forward to becoming friends. Now, up you go." Millie smiled and made shooing motions.

  Lennie followed Dylan out of the room and back the way they'd come. This time she got a good look at the grand staircase she'd seen on the way in. The wide curving stairs reminded her of old black and white movies. Three people could easily walk abreast as they ascended. Dylan started up ahead of her, and suddenly her mind was on something much more interesting. His lean hips and sculptured butt muscles were visible as he took each step. Her cowboy was a sexy son-of-a-gun.

  He led her down a long hallway before stopping in front of an open door and motioning for her to enter before him.

  She stepped inside and her mouth opened in an O. White airy walls showcased the antique green glass lamps and fixtures. A leaf-green embroidered coverlet decorated the bed and sheer curtains flowed from the windows. The vintage dressing table, wardrobe and dresser matched the beautifully carved bed frame. She chewed her cheek. How would she dare live in such a delicately furnished room? She'd break something. She just knew it. "Dylan, this is lovely, it's just ... do you have anything less ... fancy?"


  He grinned. "They're all like this, only different colors. Don't worry, you'll be fine. People stay in these rooms all the time when we have guests. You'll get used to it."

  She tried to smile but even she could tell it was sickly.

  He laughed and pulled her into a hug. "I promise. You'll be okay. Now, unpack those clothes. I made sure there were hangers. I'll come get you when dinner's ready."

  When he'd gone, she took another look around the room. People really live like this? She'd always known there was a gap between her and Dylan—one that came from how they were raised. Now it had widened. Even though Dylan was in the house, she felt terribly alone. What was she doing here? She closed her eyes. The question was, what choice did she have?

  Numb, she slid clothes into drawers and hung the rest on hangers. Her toiletries she left on the vanity for now. Then she sat, hands clasped in front of her, waiting for Dylan. How had her life come to this? Living with the Govains? No loyal Duncan would ever have considered it. Yet, here she was. She shivered. The reality of her life finally sinking in. Her dad reviled her. Her father, who had been like her best friend as she grew up. Did he even love her anymore? Had that changed now that she loved a Govain? Her heart ached at the thought. She had lost so much today. A tiny part of her mind asked, is Dylan worth it?

  A tap sounded at her door. "Lennie?"

  "Come in."

  Dylan poked his head in. "Dinner's ready." Frowning, he asked, "You okay, honey?" and walked to the bed, pulling her into his arms. After a quick hug, he cupped her face and gazed into her eyes. "This has been a horrible day. I know that. But you have me. You're not facing this alone. And everyone in this house cares about you and wants you to be happy."

  Her heart eased. She told her little voice to shut up and hugged him hard. "Thanks, Dylan. I needed to hear that. I was feeling a little shaky, I guess."

  He kissed her gently. "You're allowed. Come on. You'll feel better after one of Annie's dinners, I promise." Slipping his arm around her shoulders, he led her down the stairs.