Wrangled By Love (The Cowboy Way #1)

by Barb Shuler

  “Give me my grandchild!” Tabitha shrieked, reaching for Abbie. Tango snapped at her, standing his ground before Georgie and Abbie both. I growled in frustration, moving around the attorney’s car and putting myself between Tabitha and Georgie. Abbie was safe in Georgie’s arms, but I was taking no chances here.

  “Leave, now. You have copies of the paperwork. You have no rights to my child. I will call the Sheriff if you do not leave now. And, lady,” I said, addressing the attorney. “If you know what's good for you, you'd investigate your client's case better before you just show up somewhere. The court ordered Kathy Jo into rehab in a mental health facility out of state. She has no legal rights to my child, and neither does this bag of wind. If she shows up here again, I'm calling the law. I have a restraining order on this family and I'm not afraid to use it.”

  “She's my grandchild!” Tabitha shrieked, again. “You lied on my baby. You did this! You stole her. Telling those lies. You're the one who tried to hurt my Kathy Jo! She was a sweet girl until you touched her!”

  “Stop lying to yourself! I have never laid my hands on a woman in anger, but lady, you're tempting me right now!” My voice rose and it took all I had in me not to move over and strangle her right here and now. I was raised better than that, though. You didn't put a hand on a lady out of anger. Not unless it was self defense. And even then, only if you had to.

  “Get off my property, now. I have a warning sign that says, “Trespassers will be Shot” at the gate. Leave, or you'll leave with a few extra holes in ya,” Pa snapped. Tabitha shrieked and lunged for Abbie and Georgie. I stood my ground. She was not getting to my girls.

  It was a few tense moments while I waited for the attorney to get Tabitha back to her car. The woman was embarrassed but she wasn't the first person to be fooled by this wackass family. We all had been. When the woman shut the door she turned to me.

  “I'm sorry for the intrusion. We will be in contact with your attorney after I look into a few things.” She walked around and got into her car. I crossed my arms over my chest and watched as she left.

  My body was strung so tight with anger that it took me a moment to figure out that Georgie was standing in front of me. Everyone on the ranch was staring at me and all I could do was lean in and kiss Abbie’s cheek before walking off. How dare that psychotic bitch show up here? And now. At the time of Kathy Jo’s arrest I was threatened. I was made out to be a bad guy. I'm far from that. And now, when we are in a good place, they pop back up.

  I made it to the back of the barn before I couldn't hold it anymore. I slammed my fist into the wall. The pain did nothing to ease the ache inside me. The monster that raged inside of me for months had finally gone away. Now, once again, thanks to that fucked up family, my insides felt like they were on fire. There were voices coming from outside of the barn now. I guessed Pa was coming to find me. I didn't want to be found. I needed space. I needed time to breathe and deal with the monster raging inside me. I moved to the fence and whistled. Tornado came barreling over to me. I pulled myself up onto his broad back and gently kicked his sides.

  “Tater!” I heard my name being called, but I couldn't look back. I gave my horse another nudge of my heel and we took off over the hillside. I needed to get my shit together fast.

  * * *

  Georgie

  * * *

  Talk about a head rush. One minute Tango and I are entertaining little Abbie so her Nana and Phoebe could go to town and now I'm face to face with some old hag who has crazy looking eyes. Makes me think of the monster in Jeepers Creepers. I stepped back, letting Tango move before me. I'd not give him the word to attack, but he'd keep her away from Abbie. I wasn't the important one here this time. I kissed her temple and smiled down at her, trying to stay calm so I didn't scare her.

  My heart broke as I heard Tate say what this person's daughter had done, and to her own child. This sweet, precious baby was so innocent, and that monster had tried to hurt her. I had tears in my eyes by the time she and the attorney left. My heart beat rapidly as I tried to calm my own anger and get into Tate's line of sight. I knew he'd need someone to lean on even if he didn't realize it. Watching him lean in and kiss Abbie only to walk away broke something inside me.

  We all slowly made our way around the barn, following after him. I watched as he got on a horse and took off. I wasn't going to let him beat himself up for any of this. It wasn't his fault. I handed Abbie over to her Grandpa before moving into the barn. With Danny’s help I was on a horse and heading out of the barn.

  “You don't know the terrain, you should let him go. He’ll be back, he just needs time.”

  I shook my head at Joseph and sighed. “No, I've seen what this kind of crap can do to someone. It eats at you until you're a shell of a person. I won't let him do this to himself,” I said as I met Joseph's eyes.

  “Be careful. You have your phone?” Danny asked.

  “Yep. Don't lose me, alright?”

  “Not a chance. Bring my bubba back.”

  “You got it, kid. Tango, search. Tate, search.” With the command he was off. I let the horse get her bearings before I put my heels into her sides and clicked my teeth. With a snort she was off. I made sure to keep Tango in my sights. His tongue was lolling to the side as he ran.

  Twenty minutes later we came upon a hillside that made me take a moment to ogle the beauty around us. “Wow.” It was majestic, to say the least. I saw Tate and his horse about fifty yards from us so I pointed my horse that way and, let her take her time. When Tango ran up and fell down beside him Tate looked back. I smiled as I moved to slide from the horse. My boots hit the ground with a slight “thump” and I pulled at the reins gently until she was closer to Tate’s horse. I dropped the reins and moved to sit on his other side. I sat there in silence.

  When he was ready to talk, I’d be right here, but I'd not rush him. Everyone had their demons and right now he was fighting his. After the sun started to drop in the sky he spoke. I leaned into his side and listened as he wrapped an arm around me. That was all I was here for.

  “She- Kathy Jo, Abbie’s mom... was a nice girl, but something happened to her and she changed. After she had Abbie she was like a different person. The Doctors said she suffered from Postpartum. The drugs and drinking didn't help, though her mother tries to hide any of it. The day she tried to drown-” His words cut off and I shifted closer, wrapping my arm around him, giving him my support.

  “That day I had a bad feeling. I had only just walked in the door when I heard Abbie shriek and then the sound of water. She was so tiny and Kathy Jo was trying to drown her because she wouldn't stop crying. My baby was only two months old. I could have lost her that day. I could have lost the best thing that's ever happened to me. I made a promise to Abbie that day. She'd never know her mother, and she'd never be hurt again. I'd kill anyone that tried.”

  “Some people do things… they don't realize, or don't care what it does to the people around them. I can't imagine what you had to go through in order to handle, or deal with that. I'm sorry you had to go through that, Tate. Thank God you were meant to be Abbie’s guardian angel. She's a lucky girl to have a wonderful family around her. And a daddy that would move heaven and hell for her.” My voice broke as I said the last word.

  This man was a wonderful father. He had so much to look forward to yet… and I wanted to be a part of it... but I wasn't sure he'd want that. Today showed me just how attached I was getting to them all. I had a week left here... and it just wasn't enough. I'd have to do some planning and stuff tomorrow. I’d gotten a new truck, and had part of my unsalvageable things replaced… but I had to figure out a way to stay longer. I just wasn't ready to leave. I kissed Tate’s jaw and laid back against him. We sat there watching the sunset in silence. Both of us took this moment to just hold each other.

  9

  Taking the Leap

  Tate

  Today is the last day Georgie is supposed to be here. My heart… it’s breaking. Breaking for her
. I want this woman to stay with me, with us. So much has happened between us over this last week. Not only has she opened my eyes and heart to something new, she’s made me want to be a better man. Not only for Abbie, but for her. Tabitha has shown her ass again since the confrontation here and I know Georgie understands the situation, but I’m not sure she really wants to be asked to stay. Who would want someone else's drama as their own? Or is it us that would bin the way of her life and traveling? She deserves to be happy, not to have to worry about this crazy woman or her family.

  I let out a long sigh as I grabbed a hay bale and chucked it down into the open stall below. Hard labor never bothered me, I loved it, actually. It helped work off feelings and bad thoughts. My Nan used to say a tired mind was a peaceful mind. There were no truer words. We were having dinner with Georgie later on this evening since she was planning to leave early in the morning.

  “Get a grip, man,” I muttered to myself. I was crying - for lack of a better word - over a woman who wasn’t even mine. God, I would promise You anything right now to have her as mine. I looked down at the bales of hay before me and lifted another one, tossing it harder than I needed to. There was a shriek from below and I heard Tango bark. Shit!

  “Georgie? You okay? Shit.”

  “I’m-I’m okay,” she stammered out each word and I grabbed the rail and hopped down into the stalls below. I moved to her quickly. She was on the floor, her face flaming red by the time I got to her. Daniel and Abe ran in from the back and I reached down to help her up.

  “Damn, I’m sorry. I didn’t see anyone down here before I tossed that bale. You sure you’re okay?” I searched her as she nodded. Her bare arms were smooth under my hand. “I’m really sorry.”

  “Georgie, Tater has bad aim. You could have lost your head,” Abe taunted. I glared at him.

  “It’s my fault. I should know better than to just walk in around here by now. Nothing’s hurt but my ass.” She grinned up at me when she said that and I leaned in to kiss the corner of her mouth. Damn, that wasn’t enough, though. I wanted to do so much more.

  “Were you looking for me, Sugar plum? Hmm?” Abe said moving up to stand beside her. Georgie shocked me when she turned and pressed her back to my front.

  “Sorry, sir, you’re not the cowboy I was looking for.” Her grin made me smirk, my ego getting a much needed boost. Abe was playing a game. He knew she was here to see me and not him. Asshole. He pouted and nodded solemnly.

  “Your loss, toots.” He shrugged as he turned to leave us.

  “Nah, I got the man I wanted. That is… if he wants me.” Her words made him stop and turn while they sent my heart to hammering. I wrapped an arm around her, my hand laying flat against her middle. Mine. She wanted to be mine. Had I heard her correctly? I spun her to face me, my gaze locking with hers as I locked my arms around her.

  “I want you. I have since the accident. Well, right after it. You're all I think about. I can't- I can't get you out of my head.”

  “Good answer, cowboy,” she spoke her last words against my lips. I pulled her up into my arms and kissed the stuffing out of her. It wasn't until a throat cleared that I remembered we were not alone. I chuckled and let her down, but kept my arm around her.

  “It's about damn time. You two are slower than a snail on a salt trail. Just saying. Danny, go tell Ma and then get your butt back out here. We have work to do,” Abe said, giving us a salute.

  “I'll be out there in a few. Don't corner that bull until I do. We’ll need Cody and Jon too,” I said, my hand moving up and down Georgie’s side.

  “Wait, what are you doing?” She looked between the two of us.

  “Well, we have a young bull that's a little too aggressive, so we have to fix that. We tried putting a ring in his nose, that didn't help so….” I trailed off trying to figure out how to word it.

  “They're gonna cut his nuts off. Ever heard of Rocky Mountain Oysters? They batter and fry those puppies. They're some good eatin’.” Cody swaggered in with a big ass grin on his face. Georgie paled at his words. I tightened my arm around her.

  “It's just a part of ranchin’ darlin’. It only hurts a little. We’re not gonna hurt him, too much.” I spoke the words as I pressed a kiss to her temple.

  “I'll give him a local. It’ll help with the pain. A few quick slices and he’ll be done. Now, Cody, since you're such a knowledgeable smart ass today go put the bull in the chute so I can give him the meds that’ll knock him on his butt. Then it's a quick and easy job.” Abe didn't wait for Cody to answer, he just walked out back. Cody looked between us and grinned before following him out.

  “Come on, darlin’, you can come watch from the fence. But don’t climb in the corral, no matter what. I mean it.”

  “Okay, I won't come in,” she said. We moved to the door. She still looked a bit pale. This was life ‘round here. I'd have to make sure she understood all there was to ranching. Cattle and horses, hell even the goats we had went through this. I just hoped it didn't scare her too much. “I know this is- this has to happen, but I don't like seeing anyone or anything hurting. That's all.”

  “He won't hurt long, baby, I promise. Abe is the best vet around these parts. He’ll get it done fast and as painless as possible.”

  “Hey, let's do this. I still have to drive the truck out to the back forty and drop the hay bales.” I turned to give Jon a look and shook my head.

  “Don't worry, I'll come help you. Georgie might want to come out and see the herd too.”

  “Sure, I’d like that,” she said, smiling. I watched as she carefully climbed up on the fence and sat down. Her eyes went everywhere, but settled on nothing. For the first time, she was really taking this place in. My smile grew as I climbed up and over the fence.

  “Remember, don't you come off that fence,” I said as I jogged over to the boys. The bull was staggering now as Abe and Cody cursed it for breaking free of the chute. In its defense that thing wasn’t meant to hold a bull of his size. As soon as he was on the ground we’d do this the old way, tie one leg back so he couldn't kick and Abe would do his thing.

  * * *

  Georgie

  * * *

  I have to say, watching the Cannon boys all work as a team was kind of mesmerizing. Though, sitting on a fence top hurts your ass. I've always seen people doing it in movies… maybe they had ass pads, but this was not for me. I climbed down and Tango and I walked around so we were closer to where the boys were working. My smile was wide enough that it was hurting my face again. Today hadn't gone like I had planned. I was going to talk to Tate and see how he felt. Then I'd make my choice to come clean or not. Thanks to Abe we skipped that and went straight to the heart of it all.

  “Watch it! He's coming out fast.”

  I heard the voices get louder so I looked up and saw the bull stumbling around. He still had a rope on his hoof. I slipped around and moved to slip between the last two rungs of the fence. I was just close enough to grab the outside of the loop. I kept my eyes on the bull and hurried to scramble back when he moved. I climbed the fence and as soon as the gate was open, he was out. I was watching him shake and stomp the ground when I was pulled from the fence. With a shriek I landed in Tate’s arms. His mouth met mine and with a moan I pulled back.

  “What-”

  “Don't you ever do anything like that again. If he’d have fallen over you'd have been crushed. That's a thousand pounds falling like a brick wall. Promise me,” Tate said. I could see the fear in his eyes. I cupped his face and nodded. I hadn't thought of that. I whispered softly as bile rose in my throat, causing me to swallow hard.

  “Promise.”

  “Come on, man, leave the woman be. We have shit to do before Ma gets lunch ready,” Jon called out. I laughed softly as I pecked my lips against Tate’s.

  “Anything I can do to help?” I asked, running my hand along his arm. I stepped back and waved my casted arm. “That is if it takes one hand. I'm not so good if you need two.”

  �
��Georgie, you can come help me. I can show you how to get eggs from the hen house,” Danny called out. I made a face.

  “Do they bite?” I asked stupidly. “Wait-”

  “No, they don't have teeth, silly. But they have been known to peck you with their beaks. You do know what a beak is… right?” The little shit was taunting me. I narrowed my eyes and went running after him. Laughing, he jumped up over the fence and did a chicken strut.

  “You little turd,” I was still laughing along with everyone else. I shook my head and moved to climb up the fence, spinning to wink at Tate before I climbed over. “Come on, show me what end the egg comes out of.”

  On the other side of the barn was a huge chicken house. It’s was clean, and it seriously was like the penthouse suite of chicken houses. I followed Danny in and closed the door behind me. I held the basket he gave me and followed him to the first box. He reached in under the hen and pulled out a handful of eggs. Three to be exact. My hand wasn’t that big, but as I moved to the box beside him I did just as he did. I pulled out a large brown egg and put it into the basket which hung over my cast.

  “See, it’s not too bad. Most of them never give us an issue. Titan, though, she’s a total biotch. I’ll deal with her. Okay?” He pointed to the box at the end which housed a large black and tan chicken. I nodded. She looked pissy already. I laughed nervously as I continued to gather the eggs. Chickens weren’t so bad.

  “How often do y’all do this?” I asked as I ran my fingertips over a smaller reddish colored hen. She fluffed her feathers but made no other move. Maybe she liked to be petted too? She was pretty.