Lassoing The Last Dance (Double Dutch Ranch; Love At First Sight Book 4)

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  “I said I’d never ride on that thing with you.”

  “Then we’ll need to go with the sheriff. I’ll see if he or one of the deputies can take us back to the Double Dutch afterward.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead and then released her. “I’ll go talk to him.” Before he reached the door, Roxanne called after him. He gripped the doorjamb in anticipation of what might come next.

  “I need my arms around a cowboy, the wind to blow through my hair, and a rumble between my thighs on a go-to-hell night.”

  Whirling, he grinned. “I’ll check with Leon about tomorrow. Vroom, vroom, rumble, rumble.” He turned his wrist as if on a throttle and winked. “Baby, you’ll get what you want.”

  ***

  At the Carlsons’, Randy had sat with his arm around Roxanne the whole time while telling them the news. They did, indeed, insist Roxanne leave. In the end, she didn’t need much encouragement, and Randy took the long way to let the wind blow through their hair. At home, he put the bike away and they walked hand in hand toward the house.

  “Thank you for being the one to tell them tonight. It all began to sink in slowly as you explained.”

  Randy released her hand and slipped his arm around her shoulder. He opened the door, and they went inside. “I didn’t know if you’d be able to. I’m glad it’s over with, and tomorrow we won’t have to worry about it—other than telling everyone there that we’re already married.”

  In the kitchen, Roxanne faced him and pulled him into an embrace. She smiled for the first time tonight. “We’re already married. What a pleasant thought.”

  “Let’s go to bed.” Randy lifted her off her feet and rushed into the bedroom. “This is where we belong the rest of the night.”

  Chapter 21

  Early the next day at the Carlsons’, Roxanne set the centerpiece on the last of the tables under the canopy. She stood back to admire the setting. Fifteen round tables were for the guests, and one long rectangular table was for the Carlson, Connor, and Drake families. They were all set with cream tablecloths and rented wooden chairs sat around them. Succulent terrariums in round bowls sat between yellow and white pillar candles. Silk vines of ivy intertwined between the bowl and candles. The vines stretched across the whole length on the long table.

  Silverware had been rolled up in ivory napkins. Crystal wine glasses, champagne flutes, and tall beer mugs sat beside simple, pale blue plates. She chose ivory for the base to match her wedding dress, which she planned to have on when she arrived beside Randy in his suit. The color of his suit was as dark as a deep-night sky. It wasn’t blue nor black, but just dark, and he looked smoldering hot wearing it. They’d decided to tell the guests about their marriage right away. Later in the evening, she’d change into her red dancing dress.

  Nora came out to stand beside her, and slipped her arm around her waist. “It’s beautiful and quite fancy for a ranch engagement party. I can’t see Randy as wanting fancy tablecloths, or really all this decoration. He isn’t the fancy type; except for fancy you, that is.”

  “Hey, he agreed with the semi-formal setting. Look around. You’ll see a part of him. Check out the lassos hanging from the tent poles, the bridles over by the bar, the horse blankets draped over the two chairs we’ll sit in.”

  “I know he loves you. You doing that for him shows how much you’re meant to be together.”

  “You’ll get no argument, but please don’t say I told you so about me and him. I’m looking forward to our lives together.”

  “I won’t, sweetie. Your dad and Brett arrived a little while ago. Is he settled into your place now?”

  Here it comes. “My dad moved in last week. I don’t live there now, Nora. I moved in with Randy a couple weeks ago.”

  “Oh? Randy helped you and your dad move? You didn’t ask Tristan.”

  “Of course, he helped, but Dad had movers. Randy and Brett also moved all my stuff I decided to take to his place.”

  Nora pulled her hair from a ponytail and ran her fingers through it. “Why didn’t you tell me you moved in with him?”

  Roxanne spotted Randy in the ring, and he and one of Tristan’s horses were sidestepping. They looked magnificent together. “After this evening at the party, you’ll understand why.” She pointed toward the back. “I’ll say hi to my dad then run down to see Randy. I’ll go home to change afterward. We’ll be back in plenty of time to greet our guests.”

  “Roxy?” Nora caught her arm before she was able to sneak away. “You have a cut on your cheek and a nick on your forehead. I’m so sorry that happened to you.”

  “I know,” she said, rushing away. “Randy and I both have to get home. See you later.” Last night was not what she wanted to think about today.

  She turned back to peer at Nora on the way to see her dad. After visiting with him and Brett for a few minutes, she headed out back to see Randy.

  Coming over here last night had been difficult. Trying to pretend everything was fine after almost being killed, reminded her that Randy had been right about her staying home. By the time they had gotten back, all they did was lie in bed holding each other. Neither slept much.

  “Hey, gorgeous.” Randy waved and came toward the fence before she got there. “Your cheeks are flushed.”

  “I rushed down here to see if you were ready. I’m a little warm. It looked like you and Sammy were dancing across the ring. It was beautiful!” She leaned over the fence to kiss him. “Nora mentioned the scrapes on my face. I had to get out of there, and I didn’t want to slip up about us being married.”

  He brushed hair away from her face and peered into her eyes without talking for a moment. Then, “Couldn’t trust yourself?”

  “Exactly. Are you ready? We only have a couple hours before people start coming.”

  “Yep.” He got the horse and walked him over to the gate. “We’ll get Sammy George untacked, then I’ll wash up in the tack room. Come on. Here.” He handed her the reins. She continued walking with Sammy back to the barn, and he clip-clopped into his stall. She removed the bridle and put it away. Roxanne stepped out of the barn while Randy carried the saddle to the tack room.

  The next thing she knew, a rope fell over her head. “What?” She spun around. Randy stood back grinning. She lifted the rope off and laughed. “Last I looked, I wasn’t a horse.” Roxanne continued, and he tossed the loop over her head again. Pivoting, she waited with her mouth gaping. “Have you been into the champagne already? Did the guys throw ya a drinkin’ party for lunch?” She lifted the rope and let it drop.

  “I’m a sober as you.” He wound up the rope.

  “Then what are you doing lassoing me? It isn’t like I’m about to escape.” She faced Randy, but he twirled the rope, lassoing her again. This time she laughed when the loop dropped to her feet. Roxanne placed her hands on her hips and stepped out of the loop. She waited. Randy did nothing but snicker with such a cute smirk on his face. “You’re talented, but what are you up to?”

  “Well, darlin’, I’m lassoing the last dance in advance. As pretty as you are, especially in your sexy red dress later, I reckon I’ll never get a chance to dance with you tonight.” He brought up his rope and tossed it into his truck bed. Opening her door, he took her arm before she got in. “Consider yourself reserved for the last dance.” He gave her a meaningful and yearning kiss.

  She circled her arms around his neck, lost in the warmth of his mouth pressed against hers. His body was hot, heating more as he leaned closer, the passion of the kiss deepening. The kiss ended, and they both smiled. He smelled and looked as masculine as hell. “You keep this up, partner, and we’ll be late for the party.”

  “Let me have a little fun.” He lifted hair from the side of her neck and pressed his lips against her throbbing pulse, lowering his face in the direction of her breasts.

  “Listen to you getting all soft on me, but how can you be needing sex so soon?” Her words escaped in a low voice. “I must admit, I wanted to jump your bones the day we met almost in
this spot.” Roxanne glanced around for a ranch hand or a Carlson, then raised her face to kiss him again. “You know what I mean.”

  “I wanted to fu…screw the hell out of you that night when I took you home from the party.”

  “You can later because I will screw the hell out of you when we get home…after our party.”

  Randy chuckled. “I love when you talk dirty.”

  He hasn’t heard anything yet. “You like a little dirty with your pillow talk, Mr. Drake?”

  “Yes, ma’am, Mrs. Drake. Something tells me you won’t have a problem?” He held the door open.

  She hopped into the front seat. “Let’s go home to get ready, and we’ll see what comes up.”

  Randy walked around the front of the truck eying her. He started the engine when he got in, and reached for her hand, not saying anything, but he held it tightly.

  “Screw the hell out of me, huh, cowboy?”

  “Yeah, believe it, darlin’.” He paused until they got to the stop sign and glanced at her before pulling onto the highway. Tapping the steering wheel with his index finger, he smiled.

  ***

  That evening, they parked and strolled hand in hand toward the party area. The place was aglow with twinkling lights. A buzz of voices from early arrivals drowned out the music. The guests weren’t early, for she and Randy were late. She proudly wore the ankle length dress she had married in while he rocked the suit. Would anyone guess by looking at them?

  “Come on, Roxanne. As much as I hate speaking in public, let’s get this over with now. We’ll steal the mic from Rob.”

  The sound of Rob’s name brought a flashback to Nate and his so-called reason for wanting to be rid of her. In her mind, she believed he had literally hated her, and it wasn’t because of jealousy. He’d made it clear how he felt over their last few years of marriage. But tonight was about a new life—a new happiness. Nate lost.

  He’d wrestled the microphone from Rob and got a pat on the back in return. Randy made eye contact with her, and she smiled her approval back to him. He took a breath and tapped the mic before speaking. “Hey, folks. Judy, you’ve been like a mom to me, and I thank you for giving us this party and inviting all our friends. We thank you for this.”

  Her heart filled with pride standing here beside this handsome, rugged man, her husband.

  He continued, “Roxanne and I hope what we have to say doesn’t disappoint you, but…” He peered at Roxanne’s dad and then his sister. “Y’all don’t know this yet, but this isn’t an engagement party anymore. Nope. Now we’re calling it a reception or a wedding party.”

  A murmur of voices spread over the crowd. Hopeful, yet questioning eyes settled on them.

  He removed rings from his pocket, handed hers over. While she slipped it over her finger, he did the same, and then he clasped her hand and held them up. “We’re already married.”

  A few gasps radiated over the crowd, intermingling with the chatter. “We’ve been married a couple weeks.” Randy grinned. “Hey, we couldn’t wait six months.” He put his arm around her waist and brought her close. “Can you blame me?”

  Judy had a big grin on her face, but a little mischievousness sparkled in her eyes. Roxanne cuddled up against him and they kissed, which got the guests excited all over again.

  Zach Bryson, standing in the front looking good in dress pants and a white button up shirt, lifted his glass and others followed suit. “Yeah! To you, buddy. Cheers to you and your beautiful wife. Congratulations.”

  Randy nodded to his friend then spoke,” We’re excited to celebrate our marriage with all of you. Thank you for coming.”

  Tristan strode over to a table behind the long family table and plugged in a string of lights to brighten the dark area. Roxanne hadn’t noticed the table until now. “What’s he up to?” she whispered to Randy.

  “Nothing will surprise me coming from him.”

  Tristan pulled a sheet off a table that had been filled with wrapped gifts. “Who did you think you were kidding? Everyone knew!”

  Dane stretched out a congratulations banner above the table. “Congrats, you two.”

  Jase took Randy a bottle of beer and Brenna handed Roxanne a glass of champagne. “Hey, you can’t keep anything secret in this town,” Jase chided.

  Brenna chimed in. “Yeah, for sure. Back in the day, we were in trouble and gossiped about, on our first unofficial date!”

  Randy and Roxanne peered at one another and laughed. “I didn’t tell anyone but my dad, I promise,” she said to him.

  “Neither did I, I mean other than Brooke,” said Randy as he eyed the guests. “Okay, how the hell did you find out and who blabbed?” He eyed Tristan first.

  Tristan gave a smug grin. “You said it yourself, Randy.”

  Roxanne gasped and faced him. “You did?”

  “No, I didn’t. I swear.”

  Wearing off-duty clothes, Sheriff Thompson held up his hand and stepped out from behind a group of local cowboys. “Ah, that’d be me who blabbed. I’m so sorry, Drakes, but I tried not to listen last night when you… Well, when I saw you last night.”

  “The sheriff did hear us last night.” Roxanne warned, “This isn’t the time for Leon to go into last night’s ordeal with the guests.”

  Randy held his arm around her. “Don’t worry, I’ll shut him up.” He faced forward and scanned over their guests standing in front of them. “Okay, this is a party, folks, so come on. Get with it. Party on!” He handed the mic back to Rob, and he and Roxanne sought out the sheriff.

  “Aw, Randy,” said Leon when they strolled up to him. “I’m sorry for mentioning it to Jase at breakfast this morning.”

  “That’s why they call it a secret, Leon, but what the hell. It’s all good. Remember that the next time you see me or Rox speeding. You owe us one. But there’s another thing.” He cocked his head toward an area where no one stood, and they moved over there. “More importantly, can you keep it to yourself about the rest of the shit that happened? Our guests don’t need to know until it comes out publicly. Let’s not ruin tonight by bringing that asshole up. All right?”

  “Uh huh. Sure. I understand.” Leon zipped his lips and patted Randy on the back.

  Roxanne touched Leon’s shoulder before he got away. “Thank you. We aren’t leaving for a honeymoon until next weekend if you need anything.”

  “You’re welcome, but Nate’s keeping quiet, and an attorney has been appointed. Nothing’s going to happen too soon. The other rotten bunch sits in jail while awaiting trial. The asshole still has to be dealt with back in Oklahoma, too. This is going to be a long and drawn out battle.” The sheriff rested his hand on Randy’s shoulder. “Like you said. Party on. You both have a fun time and set aside the other goings-on tonight. I wish for you both to have a joyous life together, and that you’re able to put this behind you.”

  Roxanne hugged him again. “Go enjoy yourself. Dance with your wife, Sheriff.”

  “I’ll be sure to.” Leon glanced around as if looking for her.

  Randy opened his arm for her to take. “Speaking of dancing with their wife?”

  She looped hers through his. “We need to do some apologizing first. I can’t believe how quickly this all came together. I mean, we even have gifts.” They walked up to Judy to thank her for everything.

  Judy’s jubilance bubbled over when she told them it didn’t matter, and she hugged them both at the same time. “All of us are here for you. If there is anything you need, don’t be afraid to ask, whether it is friendly faces in the courtroom, or a hug and a cup of tea. Even if it’s nothing more than to brush a horse for therapy, we’re here. I want you to know you can count on our family.”

  “We appreciate that more than you know,” Randy replied in a solemn voice.

  Roxanne smiled. “Isn’t it about time for your own wedding, Judy? You do so much for everyone else.”

  “Oh, dear. You haven’t heard. Martyn and I have agreed to be nothing more than friends. It works out
best for both of us, and this is what we want. Our relationship was going nowhere. You know what I mean. No spark! We both realized it. I’m a free woman. Besides, I think he might have an attraction for Veronica at the senior center, and I’m happy for him.”

  “Judy…”

  Judy touched her arm. “No, Roxanne, I’m fine. You know I could never love anyone like I loved my Bill, but I know now he wouldn’t want me to go through the rest of my life alone. Maybe someday the next Mr. Right will come along. At this point, I’m happy taking care of my boys and their families. They need me, you know.”

  Roxanne hugged her. “One day. I mean, look at me. I swore I’d never marry.”

  Randy cleared his throat beside her.

  “You two go enjoy your party.” Judy smiled and left them alone.

  He clasped her hand. “I’m glad you changed your mind about never getting married. Let’s go find something to drink.”

  “I see Davy and Chloe are happily in love again after their short breakup I heard about. Brenna says they’re destined to be together.”

  “You’re going to make me write another love poem if you keep this up.” Randy patted Roxanne’s hand as he put it around his arm. “Let’s find Brooke and then your dad. I’m sure he’s waiting for an explanation for not letting him walk his only daughter down the aisle.”

  “No, I told you he knows.” They spotted her dad, Dale, talking to Tristan’s ranch foreman, Selva. She nodded to Selva and said howdy, then spoke to her father. “Hi, Dad!”

  “You married the man you love.” He squeezed hers and Randy’s entwined hands. “I’m giving you away to your husband, princess, but don’t forget you’ll always be mine, too.”

  She hugged her handsome father. “I love you. You look so nice tonight in that dark suit.” His thick salt and pepper hair was brushed neatly, and his blue eyes, the eyes she inherited, sparkled.