As darkness fell, Pierre became more agitated. “Time to get back to the cot.” He approached the chair.
“Let me go to the bathroom one more time. Please.” She’d do just about anything to keep from being tied to the bed again. Would she even be able to sleep? Could she trust Pierre to keep his hands to himself?
A scratching noise outside had her peering up. Pierre stormed to the door, his gun in his hand. As it swung open, Carlie blinked. “Is that what I think it is?” A brown-and-white bull charged into the warehouse, swinging his head back and forth, showing off the two huge horns on its head. Another bull then another followed. Carlie lost count at ten. The bulls mostly wandered around like monstrous dogs searching for something to eat. Their snorts and bellows echoed in the empty room.
Carlie scrambled out of the chair and ran toward the large crates. Lifting her leg, she climbed on top, trying to keep away from the ambling creatures. The bulls were no accident. She glanced around, hoping to see Marcus, but all she saw were more bulls coming into the building. How many were there now?
“Get out.” Pierre darted toward his chair and picked it up. Brandishing it like a shield, he tried to force the bulls back toward the door. Each time he appeared to have one heading in the right direction, another one would bump into the first, sending them in another direction. “Stop this. Go home. Get out of here!” Pierre’s screams did little to calm the animals. In fact, the more he yelled, the wilder they got. It was as if his voice reminded them of something unpleasant. Each time he spoke, his pitch climbed higher until it came out as a screech.
From Carlie’s vantage point, it appeared to be a comedy of errors. Herding the bulls seemed about as easy as herding cats. Only bigger. At least, you could pick up a cat. She chuckled. Were these some of the bulls that Marcus rode? Could she get on one? Would it be safe? The bull rider had many years of training and proper equipment; all she had was hope and determination. With Pierre so distracted, Carlie considered running for the door. But she didn’t want to take a chance on the bulls or his gun. Better to stay above the fray, safe and sound.
Raising the gun, Pierre pulled the trigger, sending a shot into the ceiling. The noise sent the bulls into a frenzy. They charged around the building, bumping into the walls and each other. The sounds of the angry bulls increased, causing her to place her hands over her ears. She couldn’t believe he’d not tried to shoot one of the animals. Maybe he did have a little decency in his heart.
A black one put his head down and headed straight for Carlie’s crate. Screaming, she grabbed on tight to the top. “Pierre. Don’t be an idiot. Get rid of that gun. You’re only making it worse.”
As the bull bumped into the crate, Carlie held on tight and said a prayer.
“Police. Put down the weapon.” The deputy stepped into the building, followed by Marcus and another two men, one of whom was in a wheelchair.
“Pierre. Put down your gun.” Max barked his order again as the man in the chair wheeled himself into the middle of the room. He lifted a book from his lap and began to read. His deep voice carried across the room.
Marcus darted around the bulls which had begun to calm down. As he used each animal to cover his location, he slowly crept closer to Pierre.
The calm tones of the man reading appeared to soothe the bulls. They stopped moving. Some even lay down. The last man carried ropes and wove through the cattle, slipping leads around each one.
Carlie watched the whole thing from the best seat in the house.
As the deputy kept Pierre’s focus, Marcus came behind him, grabbed the gun from his hand then punched Pierre, laying him out flat on the floor.
Max jogged over and pulled out his handcuffs, sliding them on Pierre and then waving away Marcus.
Carlie released the breath she’d been holding. Standing on the crate, she waved her arms. “Over here, Marcus.”
He ran over and held up his arms. “Climb down.”
She slung her legs over the side and slowly slid down.
Once she was on the ground, he picked her up in his arms and swung her around. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
“I’m fine. A little sore from the bump on my head and being tied up. But, I’ll live. Thanks to you.” She leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
He reached up and cupped her face, deepening the kiss. She pulled away, her breath coming in gasps. “How did you find me?”
“Max pinged your phone. Thankfully, it was left on.”
Carlie glanced around the room. “Pierre must have stashed my purse somewhere. I’m sure he never even went through it. The guy’s a spoiled man. When his restaurant failed, he wanted a rich wife to bail him out.”
Marcus pulled her close. Carlie laid her head on his shoulder. “Spoiled or not, he’s going to have some time to think about what he did. Your dad’s waiting back at the station. He arranged for the money if our plan to get you out didn’t work. He really loves you.”
“I know. But I can’t be the society daughter he wants.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “My home is here.”
Marcus tipped her chin up and gazed into her eyes. “I hope there’s more keeping you in Whisper than a home…” He dropped to one knee. “When I thought that I lost you, all I could think of was what I would do when I found you again. Carlie… You are my world. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Tears slid down her cheeks as she nodded. “I love you, Marcus Wilson. I have from the moment you walked out on the stage. Instinctively, I couldn’t let any other woman win that date with you. Yes. I’ll be your wife.”
He wrapped his arms around her body, tugging it tight against his as his mouth danced over hers.
“Hey, guys. If she’s fine, let’s get these cows back in the trailer. They’ve had enough excitement for the night.”
They broke apart. “Coming, Trey.” Marcus gripped Carlie’s hand tight. “Let me introduce you to the man with the bulls and the man with the plan.”
***
Unable to release her hand for more than a moment, Marcus drove back to the station one-handed. They had gotten the bulls loaded, so Trey and Luis were returning them to their pens at his ranch and providing them with a little extra hay for their help with the rescue.
Pierre returned to town in the back of the sheriff’s car, more docile and a little bloody from the broken nose Marcus had given him. Carlie had promised to head straight to the station and make a statement about the kidnapping. Thankfully, Max had allowed Marcus to drive her. He wasn’t ready to let her go, either. Knowing she’d agreed to marry him had him floating on air.
He glanced over at the beautiful woman who lay on his shoulder. “You know we never have to tell anyone our original engagement was a fake.”
She yawned. “Certainly not my dad.” She glanced over at him. “Are you sure you want to marry into my crazy family?”
“More than anything.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “When your dad heard the plan, he jumped at the chance to help. You should have seen him in his suit, yelling at the bulls to get on the trailer. I believe this whole kidnapping proved to him what’s really important. Besides, we have years to convince your dad to fall in love with Whisper and the cowboy way of life.” Marcus leaned in and kissed the top of her head.
“For a man who’d never been on a horse, having him help with the loading of the bulls was huge. I’m sorry I missed it. No photos, huh?” She sighed. “You’re one in a million, and I’ll always bet on you.”
EPILOGUE
From the society page of The New York Post
The rich and famous of New York City brushed elbows with the good people of Whisper, Colorado for the wedding of entrepreneur and billionaire, James Fulton’s only daughter, Carlie, to Professional Bull Riding National Champion of 2017, Mr. Marcus Wilson.
Wearing a lace sleeveless couture dress by Vera Wang, Miss Fulton looked like a fairy tale princess. Her dress featured over a thousand hand-sewn pearls and Swarovski crystals. The veil included
more crystals and pearls, which complimented her golden hair, styled in ringlets. Her matron of honor, Mrs. Angela Kyncade wore a tea-length, lavender gown by Christos. The gentlemen wore Tom Ford black tuxedos, with Mr. Trey Arking serving as the best man. Sunflowers and lilies were the flowers of choice in all of the arrangements.
The small ceremony took place in the Whisper, Colorado Chapel with the reception held outdoors at the Heartsong Ranch. When the couple shared their handwritten vows, there wasn’t a dry eye in the chapel. Much merriment and toasts filled the mild summer evening as couples danced to a variety of songs while partaking of bacon-wrapped filets, rosemary potatoes, and sugar snap peas. A large three-tier chocolate cake with buttercream frosting, said to be handmade by the eccentric chef David “Daisy” MacKenzie, was cut and shared with guests.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson took their leave shortly after midnight for a honeymoon destination unknown.
After all that Miss Fulton went through with the kidnapping last year, everyone here at the Post wishes Carlie and Marcus many happy wonderful years.
If you thought you noticed this story had a familiar feel or noticed a familiar place such as Café French, then you have read my other stories which take place in Whisper, Colorado. If you haven’t… I encourage you to visit…
The Heartsong Cowboy:
Can two people, one horse and the power of love cure a little girl?
Angela French blames herself for her daughter’s lack of voice. Determined to do anything to correct the situation, she seeks out Jake Kyncade, the owner of The Heartsong Ranch.
Jake Kyncade hides his own sorrows behind his no-nonsense demeanor. Helping children becomes one way to correct his past. Using equine therapy, he sets out to make a difference.
Can Jake help Angela’s dreams come true or will Jake’s past bring more heartache? Will love save them all?
The Heartbroken Cowboy:
Love isn’t found at the bottom of a bottle…
Johnson O’Neill joined The Heartsong Ranch to escape his addiction. One night at a friend’s wedding, stress causes him to fall off the wagon and into the arms of the woman of his dreams.
Debra Donahue lost her husband to alcohol then pulled herself up by her bootstraps becoming a million-dollar selling real estate agent. One night with a sexy cowboy and a bottle of whiskey, Debra falls hard.
Can an alcoholic cowboy and a brokenhearted woman find love despite their fears? Or will the bottom of a bottle claim another happily ever after?
Claiming a Cowboy’s Heart:
Even broken souls deserve a second chance at love…
Elementary Teacher, Michelle Alt’s faced untold trials in her life, yet she continues to do what’s right to make things better for the next generation.
Cowboy Veterinarian, Preston Hall has lost everything in order to follow his dreams and return to his grandfather’s small town practice.
These two broken souls recognize each other’s pain and come together to heal, but fear and misunderstandings send their blossoming relationship into a tailspin. Will they be able to put aside their pain to find the love of a lifetime?
A Pigskin Cowboy:
It’s first and goal…
Kane Warner, the favorite tight end of his college football team, had everyone turned on him for throwing a game. Rather than explain why or face the scrutiny, he leaves town for his summer internship to regroup and get his head on straight.
Charley Ramsey works at Café French while going to college for accounting. Life in a small town has always suited her. No drama is her motto and she’ll do everything she can to avoid it.
Being financially secure is Charley’s biggest dream. Clearing his name is Kane’s. When the media comes looking for the big story, will Kane and Charley’s relationship survive the drama or will the football player run again?
The Heartsong Cowboy
Chapter One
Blood dripped down Taylor’s neck, the deep red contrasting with the pale whiteness of her skin. Trapped, unable to stop the blood flow, she was helpless to prevent each drop from falling to her daughter’s lap. Whimpers escaped Taylor’s lips, and Angela bit down on her own, the taste of sharp copper washing over her tongue. The cries became louder as the evil man sliced the knife across her daughter’s throat. “No!”
A scream echoed through her mind, startling her from sleep. Shaking, Angela sat up in bed. It was only a dream.
Soft cries came from Taylor’s bed, and she turned toward the sound. Her daughter lay curled in her covers, holding tight to her stuffed horse.
These nightmares are getting more frequent. Both hers and mine. She pulled back the covers and crossed the small space to her. Bending over, she brushed the hair off her daughter’s face then placed a kiss on her forehead, but the distressing whimpers continued.
Usually a touch wakes her. This must be a bad one. Sitting on the edge, she pulled her daughter into her arms to cradle her tight against her heart. “Shhh. I’m here. Wake up. It’s okay.”
Small arms flailed, smacking Angela’s face. She held her daughter tighter and shook her gently.
“Honey, it’s Mommy. Wake up.” Her voice was louder, more demanding.
Her daughter’s eyes shot open. Her stare latched onto her mom’s as a silent scream formed on her lips, her body stiffening.
When will this trauma ever go away? She brushed the hair from her own eyes, her fingers swiping the wetness on her cheek. “Honey, Mommy’s here. I have you. There’s no bad man here.” She choked on her tears. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
Her gaze focusing, Taylor relaxed, but her brow puckered in what Angela called her question face. Her small hand reached up and touched the tear trailing down her mother’s cheek.
“It’s okay. I’m fine now that you’re fine. It must have been another bad dream.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For my wedding in Vegas, my books and computer came with me but there wasn't enough room for my wedding shoes. It’s all about priorities! As an avid reader, I was probably born with a book in hand. Luckily my mom was also an avid reader, so it was easy to "borrow" her books when my books were finished.
I was reading from an early age about dashing men on horseback riding to the rescue of strong willed and capable women who didn't really need rescuing. I came to expect that women in fairy tales should have fought their own battles. When I was older, I found Margaret Atwood and realized that women could re-tell history in their own way and I experimented with changing those basic fairy tales.
Fortunately for me, my husband allows me the opportunity to be myself (spend my salary on books) and still takes care of the really important things for me like killing spiders and opening jars. As an elementary teacher, teaching children about the many worlds inside of books is a gift that I’m lucky enough to do for a living. Teaching the next generation to love reading is a lot of fun! Reading the right book can make a new world come alive!
Currently living in the suburbs of Ann Arbor, Michigan with my darling husband, way-too-grown-up children and spoiled dogs, I enjoy getting away through a book to escape the harsh winters or summer road construction.
I’d love to hear from you!
www.melissakeir.com
https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Keir/e/B0078TCJX2
http://www.facebook.com/melissaakeir
www.twitter/melissa_keir
Not the End… Cowboy
Autumn Piper
Other books by Autumn Piper
Trouble Won’t Wait
Lone Star Trouble
Ripe for Trouble
Undercover Trouble
Cover Story
Cowboy Trouble
***
Cowboys Forever Book Bundle:
Rock-n-Roll Cowboy
Cowboy Time Book Bundle:
Keep Calm and…Cowboy
Not the End…Cowboy
Copyright © 2017 Autumn Piper
All rights reserved.
Civilization isn
’t so civilized anymore.
On a supply run to town, Dallas finds…nobody. Something has gone really wrong while he’s been in the mountains at cow camp. When he finally spots another healthy human, he can’t believe his lousy luck. He might be looking at the only cowgirl left on Earth, and she’s the last girl he wants to see again, period.
Jinx should’ve been running barrels on the rodeo circuit instead of licking her wounds alone, when the pandemic hit. Now the only other person in town is Dallas, the guy she’s been avoiding ever since he learned her most humiliating secret three years ago.
As they fight to survive, wondering whether humanity will one day return to normal, they’ve got only each other…and a sizeable skeleton in their closet.
CHAPTER 1
Something was up. Dallas Miller didn’t have this sort of good luck. He’d driven from the mountain flattops to the bottom of the dugway without meeting a single vehicle going up, or the expected joy of getting stuck behind some slow-moving holiday camper pulling a forty-foot trailer and having to eat their dust for five miles. Not a single SUV towing a trailer loaded with 4-wheelers and side-by-sides, not one logging truck, and on Labor Day to boot. Come to think of it, he hadn’t met any traffic on the feeder roads across the top from cow camp, either. Yeah, something wasn’t right. With his luck, he’d get to the pavement and find out the road was closed from a mudslide or a flash flood had washed out a bridge. Then he’d have to go back across the top of the mountain and come down the other side.
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