“To be honest with you,” he said. “I’m considering taking a break next year.”
The man leaned back. “I’m surprised. Why would you do that?”
Heather stopped talking to the man’s wife and looked at him, her brow drawn tight in confusion.
He kept his eyes locked on hers. “Some things are more important than bull riding. Some people are more important.”
Heather shifted and broke his gaze. “We’re going to be serving dinner soon,” she said, her tone short. “I better go check on things in the kitchen. If you’ll excuse me…” With that, she disappeared into the crowd.
His jaw tightened. She didn’t even want to be around him. How had things gone downhill so fast?
#
Heather stepped out of the kitchen and stared over the banquet room now filled with guests. The tables looked beautiful, the food smelled delicious, and the video they’d created played on the big screens in the background—but she couldn’t enjoy any of it.
The things Wyatt said had shaken her. Was he taking a break because of his mom or because of her? A ball of dread still sat heavy in her stomach. It wasn’t only his job that scared her. Putting her heart on the line terrified her.
Someone across the room called her name. Heather turned to find Lorraine waving as she made her way through the crowd.
She gave Wyatt’s mom a tight hug. “You made it! It’s so good to see you.”
Although a little thinner than the last time Heather had seen her, Lorraine looked wonderful in an emerald green dress. “Do you like my hair? It’s new. The lady at the wig shop said this one makes me look like Elizabeth Taylor.”
Nodding, Heather smiled. “You look gorgeous.”
She took both of Heather’s hands and held them out to her sides. “And look at you. So fancy. Let me see those shoes.”
Heather managed a smile as she let her silver heels peek out from her floor-length dress.
“Oh, honey. Has Wyatt seen you? When he does, he’s bound to get over whatever it is he’s been moping around about.”
Ever since she’d ended things with Wyatt, a heaviness had fallen over her, too. Her head told her she’d done the right thing, but her heart was having a tough time accepting it. She loved Wyatt, but sometimes that wasn’t enough. Sometimes two people were too different to make it work.
Heather glanced at Wyatt, who was busy doing exactly what she’d asked him to do, schmoozing with the people who supported the museum so generously. “We’ve talked, and he’s doing a great job with the guests.”
Wyatt glanced up and caught her gaze. The hurt in his eyes caused a wave of emotion to well up inside her. He’d been wonderful. Too wonderful. He caused her judgment to go…blurry. Just like her resolve was beginning to fail her now.
Lorraine puffed up with pride. “I knew you two would hit it off.”
Since Heather had ended things, she decided she should be the one to break the news to Lorraine. She took in a deep breath. “You were completely right. We did hit it off but, unfortunately, I don’t know if it’s going to work out between us.”
Behind the gold glasses, Lorraine’s eyes grew rounder. “Oh no! He didn’t tell me. What happened?”
Heather shook her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to disappoint you, but we’re both so different.” Their differences had slowly morphed from something exciting and new to something that looked more like a liability. Maybe the novelty of it, along with his toe-curling kisses, had affected her judgment. Maybe she’d been wrong to let it go as far as it had. He’d find another girl to sit in the stands and kiss him under the brim of his hat. But the thought of someone else in her place made her sick at her stomach.
Lorraine tilted her head. “That doesn’t mean it’s not meant to be. God often arranges it just that way so we can strengthen each other’s weak spots.”
That sounded nice, but being with Wyatt only brought all her weaknesses to the forefront. She gave a forced laugh. “I guess I have a few too many weak spots.”
Lorraine wrapped an arm around her waist as they stared out at the crowd. “No matter what happens between you and my son, we’ll still be friends. I just want both of you to be happy.” She squeezed her tighter. “And you’ve brought happiness to Wyatt’s life when he needs it most.”
Despite all the tears, Wyatt had made her happy too. She’d felt loved and cherished with him. Why was she letting fear take that away from her?
Lorraine looked up at her. “And if we find someone who makes our journeys a little brighter and wants to be by our side even through the tough times, we’re wise to hang onto them with everything we’ve got.”
Heather’s gut wrenched. What had she done? She’d found the man she loved, who’d loved her back so completely, and she’d pushed him away. She pressed her lips together. “Why do things have to be so hard?”
A wave of guilt rolled through her. Her dear friend was facing cancer with such courage and grace, and Heather was complaining about things being difficult. No matter what they did, no matter how cautious they were, they still faced the possibility of losing his mom. Yet here Lorraine was, embracing life, while Heather ran away from her chance at true love.
Lorraine moved around to stand in front of her. “Heather, life is hard, but it’s the people around us that make it all worth it. Don’t let anything stand in your way because it’s hard. When you end up on a road that seems impassable, it usually means God is leading you somewhere special.”
#
A few minutes later, Wyatt sat at a big round table with a huge centerpiece and watched Heather walk up the steps to a small stage, paper in hand.
His mom turned toward him. “You know you can’t let her go so easily.”
Who said it was easy? “She told you?”
She nodded. “I’d already suspected.”
“Maybe she’s right. Maybe some things just aren’t meant to be.” He’d done everything he knew how to do to keep her, and she still pushed him away.
Her eyebrows rose. “And maybe some things are worth fighting for.”
Everyone at the tables quieted as Heather took her place at the podium for his introduction. She gave a strained smile. “I’d like to introduce our emcee for the evening, Mr. Wyatt Lawrence, known throughout the rodeo and bull riding community for his toughness and work ethic.”
The crowd politely clapped for him. He stood halfway from his chair and waved. When they turned their attention back to Heather, he pulled at his collar. He still felt like a sham, being here, but now it wasn’t about the suit or the money. He’d thought he and Heather belonged together, but he’d been wrong. The fact that she wouldn’t accept his love hurt worse than getting thrown off the back of a bull ever could.
“Before he comes up here, I’d like to tell you a little about Wyatt.” Heather stared down at the podium. She took the white piece of paper in front of her, turned it over, and looked up. “I could tell you a lot of things about his titles, his success, his winnings, but I think it’s more important that I tell you about his character.”
What did she think of his character? A foolish man who’d pushed her too far?
She cleared her throat and continued. “In these past two months since we’ve begun working together to prepare for this night, Wyatt has inspired me in a lot of ways.”
Her attention moved to him, and he stilled, a charge running through him.
“He’s the epitome of courage,” she continued. “Not because he’s a bull rider—though that does take courage—but because being brave is simply part of who he is. I’ve learned that courage is more than climbing on the back of a bull. Courage is standing by someone you care about as they go through a terrible time.”
Lorraine reached over and touched his arm. No matter where things stood between Wyatt and Heather, he’d always be thankful to his mother for introducing them. Getting the opportunity to love Heather, even if it was for a short time, had been worth any pain he was going through now. He put his h
and over his mom’s.
“Courage is also loving someone even when she’s been too afraid to love you back,” Heather said, emotion cracking in her voice.
His pulse thudded in his ears as hope emerged inside him.
“After some losses in my own life, I thought I’d lost my boldness, but every day we have a choice whether we run from life or embrace it. Someone recently reminded me that when we make decisions out of fear, we miss out on some of life’s greatest joys. I just pray it isn’t too late for me to regain that. So…” She blew out a breath. “I’d like to welcome our emcee, Mr. Wyatt Lawrence. I want you to enjoy the evening, and when you leave here, I urge you to embrace life to the fullest—just as Wyatt Lawrence has. Please give Wyatt a hand as he comes up here.”
As the audience clapped, he stood and made his way to the stage. His focus on her, everyone else in the room disappeared. He met her at the bottom of the steps. “That was some introduction.” He studied her, trying to figure out what it meant for them. Everything in him wanted her to see their love was worth any risk.
She shook her head. “I’m so sorry for letting fear ruin everything we had. If it’s not too late for you to give me another—”
Not needing to hear another word, he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. She returned his kiss, pressing a hand against his suit jacket.
A hush came over the crowd, and Wyatt and Heather parted. Then the audience broke out into a deafening applause with whistles and cheering.
Turning crimson, she pressed her lips together. “I hope I don’t get fired for that.” She shrugged. “I guess sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and follow your heart.”
He leaned down to her ear. “I love you, Heather,” he whispered.
Her lips curled into smile. “I love you too, cowboy.”
Chapter Ten
Heather walked out of the meeting and headed back toward her office. She and her staff were already preparing for this year’s Spring Gala. She couldn’t believe it had been almost nine months since last year’s fundraiser. When they’d surpassed every fundraising goal set, she’d landed the permanent Director of Development position.
She checked her watch. Wyatt would be here soon to take her to lunch. When she went to rodeos, she still squeezed her eyes closed for most of his rides, but she knew how much it meant for her to be in the stands.
She got strength from watching how Lorraine and Wyatt had dealt with her cancer. It had been a long journey, but last week, they’d had dinner at Lorraine’s to celebrate the news. Her cancer was in remission. They’d had a lot of up and downs, but through it all, they’d both relied on their faith.
Wyatt was spending more of his time working with kids who were interested in rodeo and helping coach a local college rodeo team. He planned to finish out this season and then decide if he was going to pursue his new passion or keep competing. Of course, she worried. She’d told him that she couldn’t promise that she wouldn’t still be a mess, but he said he welcomed it. She’d learned to take things one step at a time.
One of the docents, a sweet gray-haired woman who volunteered at the museum, stopped her in the hall. “Heather, can you do me a favor?”
Heather checked her watch again. “Actually, I’m meeting Wyatt for lunch soon.”
“Please. This won’t take long. I’m about to give a tour to a group of second graders, but I forgot my notes. Can you get them to the first exhibit, and I’ll meet you there?” The woman stared at her, wide-eyed.
“Um. Okay. Sure. What—?” But before she could ask any questions, the woman hurried down the hall.
Heather walked to the lobby where she found an adorable group of kids in matching blue polo shirts. Two adults stood on either side of the group, doing a good job keeping the wiggly kids quiet.
Heather clasped her hands together, hoping this wouldn’t take too long. “I’m guessing this is our special group of second graders.”
The women nodded. “That’s us.”
“I’m Heather, and we are so excited that each of you is here today. We’re going to have a fun afternoon.” Heather pointed down the corridor. “Let’s get everyone down this hallway to our first piece of art.”
“Boys and girls,” one of the adults said. “Let’s quietly follow Miss Heather.”
As they rounded the corner, a few of the girls began to giggle. Heather looked up and found Wyatt standing in front of her with a huge bouquet of roses.
She looked down at the girls and back to Wyatt. “Uh, hi. What are you doing here?” She stepped closer to him. “I thought we were meeting at the restaurant,” she whispered.
He pointed the roses at the painting they stood in front of. “Before we go to lunch, could you tell me if that’s a painting of a goose?”
She laughed. “Still not a goose.”
He handed her the bouquet and took her hand. “I wanted to surprise you.”
Heather looked back at the teacher to ask her to give them a minute, but now the docent was standing beside her, and she and the teacher were both wearing wide grins.
When she turned back to Wyatt, he’d removed his hat and was down on one knee.
She pressed a hand against her heart. “Wyatt.”
“Heather, I never saw you coming, but you know I’ve been crazy about you from the day I met you. I thought I knew about landing on my feet, but you’ve taught me the art of falling. Every day I find more reasons to fall in love with you.” He reached in his shirt pocket and pulled out a velvet box.
Her shaky hand moved from her heart to her mouth, and the tiny crowd behind her all chattered with excitement.
“Heather Tornsten, I love you. You have a beautiful heart, and I wouldn’t want to go through this adventure called life with anyone but you.”
A tear slid down her cheek.
“Will you marry me?”
She nodded. “Yes,” she said, finally getting the word out. “Of course.”
The kids cheered as he slipped the ring on her finger. She pulled Wyatt to his feet, and he wrapped his arms around her.
When he kissed her, there were groans from the class.
“Come on, girls and boys,” the docent said to the group. “Let’s get to our tour.”
Heather laughed as she watched Wyatt’s accomplice guide the kids away.
Turning back to Wyatt, she took his hands. “Are you sure you’re up for marrying me? You’re not afraid you might get sick of me?” she said, teasing him.
“I’m a bull rider. I’m not afraid of anything, remember?” He flashed her his heart-stopping dimples before bending down to give her one more kiss.
Dear Reader, I hope you enjoyed this first look at my Taste of Texas series. The stories in this series contain some of my favorite things in life—good food, cowboys, and plenty of romance. In the next book, Kiss the Cowboy, you’ll meet Lucy, a fiery chef, and Dylan, a modern-day chuck wagon cook, who battle it out to cater Heather and Wyatt’s wedding. And of course Nana will be there to stir up trouble.
To be the first to learn about about release dates, videos, and extras from the series, join my newsletter list at www.juliejarnagin.com/connect.
I’ve had a blast diving into this world of characters, and I hope you have as much fun reading these stories as I’ve had writing them.
Sincerely,
Julie Jarnagin
[email protected]
Bonus chapters - Kiss the Cowboy
What if your competition for your dream job…was your dream man?
All Lucy Pickett needs to become executive chef in one of Dallas’s finest restaurants is to pull off the high-profile wedding she’s catering. So what if she’s forced to share duties with Dylan Lawson, a modern-day chuck-wagon cook? So what if he’s got rugged looks and cowboy charm? None of that is going to knock her off her game. Until she learns the restaurateur is considering Dylan for the position she wants. Game on–and it’s a winner-take-all event!
Dylan Lawson finally has the opportuni
ty he’s been waiting for to prove he can do more than just be a ranch hand. The only thing standing in his way is the fiery chef fighting for the same position. Will the heated competition scorch any chance they have for love?
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Read the first chapters…
#
Lucy Pickett sliced the blade of the knife through the flesh with the precision of a surgeon with a scalpel. She stepped back to examine her work on the heirloom tomatoes, ready to stack them in perfect towers of basil and mozzarella.
She glanced at the clock on the wall. Only half an hour until the bride and groom would finish their tour of the downtown loft venue and be ready for the tasting, and everything had to be flawless. She took a deep breath to calm her frazzled nerves. Everyone in Dallas was talking about this wedding between the debutante and the professional rodeo star. The event would be the perfect opportunity to impress the guests with her culinary skills—especially the real estate investor who still hadn’t hired an executive chef for the restaurant he was opening. The wedding would be her shot to clinch the position.
Lucy wiped her hands on the dishtowel hanging over her shoulder and leaned toward the pot of butternut squash soup that simmered on the stove. She breathed in the scent of nutmeg and coconut milk before dipping the edge of the spoon into the smooth mixture.
The kitchen door swung open and slammed against the wall behind her. The spoon slipped from her fingers and hit the edge of the stove, and orange soup splattered across her crisp white chef’s coat.
Just great.
She dabbed at the spot with the rag, but it smeared across the fabric. She clenched her jaw as she turned around.
A tall cowboy in a Stetson stood in the doorway. His dusty boots were planted on the kitchen floor, and his mouth fell open. In Wranglers, wearing a plaid pearl-snap shirt, and sporting just enough stubble to remind her why so many women loved cowboys, he looked like he’d taken a wrong turn on the trail drive. He was the real deal, not a city boy in a western clothing store with a credit card. Whatever this cowboy was doing here, he seemed surprised someone had beaten him to the kitchen.
The Art Of Falling Page 7
