This Cowboy of Mine--Includes a Bonus Novella

by R. C. Ryan

  “I guess it’s just part of my DNA. I grew up on a ranch. I’m used to hard work. I’m not very good at sitting around being pampered.”

  “Wait. Are you serious?” He gave an exaggerated, drawn-out sigh. “Do you know how many people would stand in line to be in your position?”

  Kirby laughed. “Okay. I get it.” She assumed a lazy drawl. “If you need me, I’ll be at the spa, having my cuticles oiled.”

  “That’s more like it.” He joined her laughter before saying, “Now on another topic, that drone I was hoping for is on back order. Washington said it could be a couple of months before it arrives. In the meantime, since the townspeople have decided that the escaped convict is no longer a threat, and since you’re itching to work, you may want to ask Dr. Peterson when he thinks you can resume walking and hiking. Whenever he approves, you can get back to counting the mustang herds in the high country. But only when that ankle is completely healed and ready to withstand a strenuous workout.”

  Kirby took a moment to consider his words before saying, “I’m not sure if that’s good news or bad news. Have you looked out your window lately?”

  He chuckled. “Yeah. I see the snow. Welcome to Wyoming.”

  “I hear you. I’ll call you next week after my visit to the clinic.”

  “Great. And Kirby, once you get cleared to return to work, it could prove to be a long, cold winter. So my advice is to enjoy this downtime. It may be the last you get until next spring.”

  “Thanks, Dan. I’ll do my best to be lazy.”

  As Kirby disconnected, she caught sight of Casey and Jonah leaving the barn and hunching deep into their parkas as they faced the snow.

  Just seeing Casey got her heartbeat racing. Last night, when his father had innocently spoiled an opportunity to spend time with her in the barn, he’d looked as abject as she’d felt. In fact, it would have been comical if she hadn’t been so disappointed. Bo had unknowingly ruined the evening for both of them.

  Hearing the doors opening and closing downstairs, and the low hum of masculine voices, she hurried from her room, eager for whatever the day brought.

  She found Casey and Jonah in the kitchen, drinking coffee.

  When she entered the room Casey’s head came up. “Hey, Sunshine.”

  “Hey, yourself. Is it as cold outside as it looks?”

  “Colder.” He and Jonah shared a laugh. “Looks like we’ll have to brave the cold after breakfast and start plowing snow.”

  Casey wiggled his brows like a villain. “If you play your cards right, little lady, I may let you ride along.”

  “Only if the snowplow is heated.”

  Jonah shot her a wicked grin. “I don’t think heat is a problem for the two of you. You generate enough that you don’t have to worry about freezing.”

  “Hey.” Casey punched his arm. “If you keep mouthing off like that I may not include you in our plans for later.”

  “Plans?” Jonah nudged Kirby, and the two of them looked at Casey.

  He merely smiled. “I’m thinking it might be a good day to take the afternoon off and head into town. We could have lunch at Nonie’s.”

  He turned when the rest of the family came ambling into the room. “In fact, maybe we could all take a snow day in town.”

  Bo shrugged. “It’s been a while since I took time off from chores.”

  “There you go.” Casey was smiling. “Afterward, I know what Gram Meg will want to do.”

  At her arched look he said, “It wouldn’t be a good day in town for you without making a stop at Stuff.”

  “You know me so well.” Meg laughed. “I was just thinking that it’s been too long since I had a visit with Sheila Mason.”

  “Maybe you should ask Jonah to do some shopping, too.” He teased his brother. “Sheila lights up every time she sees you, bro.”

  Jonah dismissed him with a shake of his head. “If we’re going into Devil’s Door, I intend to spend some time checking out the new computers at Tech Stop.”

  Casey nudged Kirby. “Where high tech meets small town.”

  “Is that their motto?”

  He shook his head. “If it isn’t, it should be.” He looked around. “Is everybody up for a day in town?”

  As they took their places around the big table, everyone was nodding, except for Liz, who took her time stirring cream into her coffee.

  Even Billy joined in the excitement. “I think it’s a good day to visit Ben Harper over at the hardware store and see what’s new in kitchen gadgets.”

  As Liz took her seat Meg put a hand over hers. “How about it, honey? Want to go with us?”

  Liz carefully dropped a napkin on her lap, keeping her eyes averted. “Sorry. I can’t spare the time. Too much to do in my studio.”

  “Oh well. Another time.” Meg accepted a platter of eggs from Egan and held it out to her daughter before passing it on.

  Kirby watched in silence as the family picked up the familiar threads of conversation about the early snowfall, the fact that the plows would be out in full force on the interstate, and all the things they planned on their visit to town. And though she wondered why Liz couldn’t spare the time to join them on a rare family outing, she decided it was none of her business.

  “Okay, Sunshine.” On his way to the mudroom Casey paused to tug on a strand of Kirby’s hair. “Time to plow snow. Want to ride along?”

  “Sure.” She studied the row of parkas and wide-brimmed hats hanging on pegs above pairs of sturdy boots. The shelf above held an assortment of work gloves and woolen caps. “What should I wear?”

  “Bring winter gear. Even though it’s warm in the truck, you need to be prepared in case we get stuck somewhere and have to walk home.”

  She shot him a look. “Have you been stuck in snow before?”

  He winked. “Often enough that I’m always prepared.”

  “A regular Boy Scout.”

  “You got that right.” After pulling on a heavy parka he selected a set of keys from a long line of hooks and led the way out the back door.

  In the equipment barn Jonah was already climbing into one of the trucks outfitted with a plow. He turned to say, “I’ll clear the north ridge. You can take the south.”

  “Got it.” Casey held the passenger door for Kirby before circling around to the driver’s side.

  Minutes later, with the plow engaged and snow flying past their windows, they moved along the driveway, clearing it as they headed toward the highway.

  Casey looked over. “Warm enough?”

  Kirby nodded.

  As they listened to Patsy’s familiar wail about being crazy, he reached over and put a big hand over hers. “Alone at last.”

  She laughed.

  “You may have noticed that around here, with so much family, it isn’t easy to get much alone time.”

  “I’ve noticed. But they’re all such fun, I can’t imagine wanting to get away from them.”

  “Really?” He frowned. “How about last night? By the way, I’m sorry all my well-made plans went up in smoke because of Pop.”

  “Just what sort of plans did you have?”

  “Oh, the usual. Wild, crazy sex in an empty stall, followed by wild, crazy sex in the hayloft.”

  “Wow. And I had the misfortune of missing all that.”

  He grinned. “I’d like to make it up to you. How about wild, crazy sex right now in a big old truck?”

  “In your dreams, cowboy.”

  “I figured as much. Your loss, little lady. You don’t know what you’re missing.”

  She managed to sound stern. “I’m sure you’re dying to tell me.”

  “I’d rather show you.”

  That had her laughing, despite her best intentions. “Casey Merrick, you have a vivid imagination.”

  “I do when it comes to you. We could have had quite a night if it hadn’t been for my dad stepping on all my plans.”

  Her tone softened. “He’s so proud of you, Casey.”

  “
Yeah. It’s a good feeling, knowing I’m doing something he approves of.” He squeezed her hand and turned his attention to the snowplow as it moved slowly and steadily through the mounds of snow, clearing the miles of asphalt from the highway back to the ranch.

  Beside him Kirby thought of the traffic jams that this much snow would create in the District. She and her fellow workers would be tied up for hours, while surrounded by anxious, frowning faces tight with worry, and horns blasting while emergency sirens blared.

  She hummed along with Patsy and realized that she was doing nothing more than riding in an old truck and having the time of her life. And all because of the fun-loving, sexy cowboy beside her.

  And while she was pretending not to notice the attraction, it was growing by the day. He made her laugh. He made her feel special. He made her feel safe.

  The unbidden thought was like a bolt of lightning. Even though she tried to deny it, she was, as the song said, crazy, and falling head over heels for Casey Merrick. And not giving a care in the world to the possibility of a painful landing,

  Chapter Seventeen

  With the area plowed, Casey dropped Kirby off at the back porch. “Round up the family and tell them we leave in half an hour.”

  She nodded and hurried inside.

  True to his word, Casey returned from the barn shortly to gather the family for their trip to town.

  In the mudroom he tossed a set of keys to his father. “We’ll need two trucks, Pop. Brand, Avery, and Jonah can ride with Kirby and me. I figure you can drive Billy, Ham, Gram Meg, and Gramps Egan.”

  “Great.” Bo caught the keys, and father and son headed out to the equipment barn.

  Scant minutes later they returned, trucks idling by the back porch, as the family members trooped down the steps and climbed aboard.

  Brand and Avery settled into the back seat and snuggled close, while Jonah sat in the front beside Kirby. As she moved closer to Casey to make room, their shoulders brushed, and they exchanged a quick smile.

  “Okay, bro.” Jonah fastened his seat belt. “Let’s stir up some dust in Devil’s Door.”

  From the back seat Brand chuckled. “The only thing we’ll be stirring up today is snowflakes.”

  Avery tucked a hand in Brand’s. “It isn’t even officially winter yet, and I’m already tired of all this snow.”

  Jonah looked over his shoulder. “Haven’t you ever had snow in October back home in Michigan?”

  “Probably. But I doubt that we’ve ever had this much.”

  Brand kissed the tip of her nose. “Don’t worry, babe. You’re going to learn to love all this snow. And remember, I’ll always keep you warm.”

  That had Jonah groaning. “You know what I think about all that lovey-dovey stuff? I should have gone in the other truck.”

  Casey was grinning. “Not a bad idea. You’d fit right in with the old geezers.”

  Jonah hooted. “If Pop heard you call him a geezer, he’d blister your hide.”

  “With one arm tied behind his back,” Brand added.

  After joining in their laughter, Casey nodded. “You’re right about Pop. Not only could he beat any one of us in a fight, he’s still got that thing with the women.”

  Kirby blinked. “That thing?”

  “Sex appeal. You’ll see how the women in Devil’s Door flock around him whenever he comes to town.”

  “Especially Nonie.” Jonah winked at Kirby. “Everybody thinks her boyfriend left her years ago because she took in her brother’s twins. But I’ve always suspected she was the one who tossed aside her boyfriend because she had a crush on Pop, and still does after all these years.”

  “Wow.” Kirby laughed. “Romance and drama in a small town.”

  Brand shared a smile with his bride. “When it comes to love, there’s no difference between small towns and big cities.”

  Avery sighed and squeezed her husband’s hand. “I can attest to that.” She brushed a kiss to his cheek. “And I’m so thankful for the love I found in this small town.”

  Jonah lowered his window and pretended to suck in gulps of frigid air. “Man, after all that gooey sugar I need to fill my lungs.”

  They were all still laughing as they arrived at Devil’s Door and rode slowly along Main Street.

  Their first stop was the grain and feed store. After backing into the loading dock, the men went inside to fill out an order and arrange for it to be loaded into their trucks while they were busy in town.

  The women strolled along the Main Street sidewalk, knowing the men would find them when they’d finished with their business.

  As predicted, Meg led them directly to Stuff. As they stepped inside, Sheila Mason looked up from the counter.

  “Miss Meg.” Her smile brightened. “How nice to see you in town.”

  “Sheila. How have you been?” Instead of a handshake, Meg gathered the young woman in a warm hug, which was affectionately returned.

  “I’m just fine. Thank you.”

  Meg turned to include the others. “You know Avery. Have you met our houseguest, Kirby Regan?”

  “It’s been years. You used to come in here with your uncle.” Sheila paused. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  Kirby nodded. “Thank you.” She looked around. “You’ve made some changes since I was here years ago.”

  “Mostly cosmetic. Are you back for good?”

  “I am. I’m hoping to take over my uncle’s ranch.”

  “That’s great news.” Sheila glanced at Kirby’s foot. “How’re you doing?”

  “Great.” Kirby pointed to her orthopedic boot. “Except for this thing, but my ankle is getting stronger every day.”

  “That’s even better news.” Sheila hesitated before saying, “Myrtle Fox was in yesterday, and said she’s getting that apartment cleaned up as good as new.”

  Kirby nodded. “Chief Crain told me the same thing.”

  Sheila looked beyond her to Meg, who went over to leaf through a rack of women’s shirts. “Those just came in, Miss Meg. And when I unpacked them, I figured they had your name on them.”

  Meg chuckled. “You know my style, Sheila.” She removed several and draped them over her arm. “I believe I’m going to have to try these on.”

  Sheila took them from her. “I’ll hang them in a fitting room.” As she walked away she called, “Feel free to try on anything you like, ladies.”

  For more than an hour the three women enjoyed themselves trying on a mountain of clothes, exclaiming as each stepped from the fitting room to model her choices for the others.

  When the men arrived, they headed toward a back room where Sheila sold an assortment of new and used household items and assorted farm tools. It was the usual gathering spot for the men of town who were waiting for their women to finish shopping.

  A short time later Meg, Avery, and Kirby finished making their choices. On the floor by the counter stood half a dozen large handled bags.

  Casey sidled up to Kirby, who was signing a receipt. “I see you got in some shopping.”

  “Just a little.”

  “Uh-huh.” With a grin he nodded toward the bags. “How many are yours?”

  “Just that one. And that one.” She pointed. “Oh, and that one.”

  “Just a little shopping? Looks like you’re planning on being the best-dressed rancher in these parts.”

  She merely smiled. “A girl can never have too many jeans.”

  “Or boots,” Avery added as she admired her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing new jeans tucked into a pair of hand-tooled Western boots.

  “Or hats.” Meg picked up a black woolen Western hat and perched it on her head. It made a pretty contrast against her white curls.

  “You have to have that, Meggie.” Egan walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

  She laughed at their dual reflections before turning to him. “You’re right. I have to have it.”

  With a laugh he walked to the counter and asked Sheila, “What’s
the damage today?”

  “I’ll tell you in a minute.” She tallied the shirts, along with a pretty, ankle-length blue denim skirt Meg had chosen, as well as the hat.

  When Egan read the total and handed her his credit card, he turned to his wife. “Not a bad day’s haul, Meggie. And you’re worth every penny.”

  With a delighted laugh she rewarded him with a kiss on his cheek.

  Hammond came out from the back room, holding a magnetic flashlight he’d found. Before he could pay for it, Bo stepped up beside him. “I’ll get it, Ham.” He set down a pair of sturdy work gloves. “That and these, Sheila.”

  He dug out cash from his pocket, wrapped in a rubber band.

  When Sheila had given him his change, she looked around with satisfaction. “If you folks have other things to do while you’re in town, why don’t you leave these packages here, and pick them up on the way home?”

  Meg spoke for all of them. “How thoughtful of you, Sheila dear. As long as you don’t mind, we’d love to.” She glanced at the others for confirmation. “I guess we should be back for them in a couple of hours.”

  At their nods of agreement, she hugged Sheila one final time before they took their leave.

  As they left the store, Avery looked around. “Where did Billy go?”

  Jonah answered. “He’s still in Ben Harper’s Hardware. To browse.”

  “Which always leads to some major buying,” Casey added.

  Everyone laughed as Casey explained to Kirby, “Billy is like a kid at Christmas whenever he has a chance to shop for the latest kitchen gadgets. The man has drawers filled with things we’ve never heard of.”

  Kirby arched a brow. “Like what?”

  “Ever see a lemon zester?” Jonah asked her.

  She shook her head.

  “Or a melon baller? An apple corer?”

  She chuckled. “Can’t he just use a spoon or a paring knife? Or are you pulling my leg?”

  “Swear it.” Casey lifted his right hand. “Billy loves crazy kitchen gadgets that nobody has ever heard of.”

  “But you have to admit,” Bo said. “Billy knows how to use every one of them. And I say, if those little things make him happy, they’re worth whatever they cost.”