Welcome Home, Tessa [Allure, Wyoming] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Madison Maxwell

  “I love you, Heather. I wouldn’t be who I am today if I wouldn’t have met you. I can never thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me.”

  “I love you, too, Tess. That goes both ways, you know? I wouldn’t have graduated if you hadn’t constantly reminded me to study. We were good for each other. This isn’t good-bye, it’s just another chapter in our lives. I will come visit you so much, it’ll be like we’re still together. I’ll miss you though, so much.” Heather hugged her tighter, no longer able to fight the tears.

  “I’ll miss you, too, Heather. Anytime you want, you have a place with us.”

  “I better get going.” Heather hugged Rance and he kissed her forehead, thanking her again and reminding her that she was always welcome. “I love you, Tessa. Be happy, you deserve it more than anyone I know.”

  “I love you, too. You’ll find that certain someone. He’s out there looking for you. Take care of you.”

  “Take care of you, too.” Heather left and Rance held Tessa as she sobbed. She didn’t realize how hard it was going to be to say good-bye.

  * * * *

  Rance held Tessa’s hand as they left first class and walked up the ramp into the terminal, and she found herself back at the same baggage claim that she had been at a little over a month ago. But her dad wasn’t in the hospital this time, and her brother wasn’t waiting for her. It didn’t take her but a second to spot the two hotter-than-hell cowboys that were rushing through the crowd headed her way. She dropped Rance’s hand as she ran to them, throwing herself into both of their arms at the same time. Sam let her go first and Mitch enfolded her in his arms, kissing her like he couldn’t get enough of her. “Welcome home, Tessa. I’ve missed you so much, darlin’. I love you with all my heart.”

  “I love you, too, Mitch.”

  Sam couldn’t wait any longer and pulled Tessa from his brother into his arms. “Welcome home, sugar. God, but I’ve missed you.” Sam’s lips came down on hers, reminding her how much she craved being held in his arms. “I love you, Tessa. You’re never leaving us again. You’re home to stay.”

  “I love you, too, Sam, and you’re right, I’m finally home.”

  Epilogue

  One month later

  Tessa was finishing up the dessert she had been making for the barbeque that they were hosting. This would be the first Labor Day she had spent back in Allure since high school. Her men had invited all their friends and family and had been busy all morning setting up everything in the back yard. They actually had to rent tables and chairs and had hired a band for their party. Tessa didn’t know who the band was, but was certain that it would be good. Her men always did everything perfectly. Her men. God, did she love the sound of that. In the month that she had been back, they had spoiled her beyond her wildest dreams, giving her everything she could ever want. It was hard to get used to, but seeing the smiles on their faces, and that it made them happy, made it easier. One of the best things about being home was that she was now working with her dad. They made a great team and quickly fell into a routine that worked for both of them. Grant was only back three days a week, and only four hours on those days. He worked Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays while Tessa worked Monday through Friday but didn’t come in until noon on the days her dad worked. She had the perfect job and the perfect men. The only thing that still bothered her was her mom. Their relationship hadn’t changed at all and Tessa was at the point of giving up. She was happy, in love, and living the life she had always dreamed of. Since her mom couldn’t accept that or her, she had no choice but to just move on and try to not let it get to her.

  The guests started arriving and the field next to the house quickly filled up with cars. Brad and Annie were first to arrive, bringing with them salads and, most importantly, Sophie. As soon as Brad put her down she sprinted to Tessa. “I missed you, Auntie Tessa. Can we go swimming?”

  Tessa laughed as she hugged Sophie tight. “We can, but in just a little bit OK? I need to take care of a few things first. Why don’t you go see what your uncles have for you in the backyard.” Sophie wiggled her way out of Tessa’s arms and took off around the corner. They heard her squeal with excitement when she saw the trampoline.

  “Don’t freak out, Brad, it has a net. She won’t fall out and she weighs next to nothing so she’ll be fine.” The men had spent most of yesterday putting it together. She smiled to herself thinking about how silly they were afterwards, jumping on it and even talking her into giving it a try. Later that night when Sam and Rance were in the barn, Mitch picked her up and took her outside to the trampoline. He had spread a sleeping bag on it and made love to her under the stars. They were constantly surprising her. She never knew a man could be so romantic, let alone three.

  “I’m not going to freak out. I just want a turn,” Brad said as he jogged over to help Sophie climb in.

  “See what I deal with?” Annie said as she followed Tessa into the house. “Sometimes it’s like I have two kids and one on the way, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” she stated with a warm smile as she lovingly rubbed her growing belly.

  “Me neither. I think it’s great that Brad’s playful. He was so serious for so long that it’s good for him to just enjoy life. I’m really glad you guys have each other. He’s so happy.”

  “And I’m really glad you’re back where you belong. So, is living with three men everything you thought it would be?”

  “God no, It’s even more. They are amazing and so different. I’ve never been this happy, and I’m afraid someday I’ll wake up and it will have all been a dream.”

  “It’s no dream, darlin’,” Mitch said as he walked in the kitchen and swatted her butt. Then walked over and kissed Annie on the forehead. “How you feelin’ today, Mamma? I’ve got a very comfortable lounge chair with your name on it all ready for you.”

  Tessa laughed and told Annie, “It really does have your name on it.”

  Annie shook her head laughing. “You guys are so overprotective, but I appreciate it, thank you.” Mitch grabbed the ribs from the fridge, kissed Tessa, and walked back out the door. Annie smiled as she watched Tessa watch Mitch head back outside.

  “I’ve never seen him happier, Tessa. You are definitely what he needed. What they all needed. So, what can I do to help?”

  * * * *

  It seemed like everyone they knew had come to celebrate the holiday. Claire even brought her grandma, and she was having a great time chatting with everyone from former students to parents of former students. She watched as Lanni tried to avoid Jake and Andy, but noticed that Lanni always knew where they were and couldn’t seem to keep her eyes off of them. Sheriff Lucas Montgomery stopped by and had a bite to eat. He was on duty and couldn’t stay long. His younger brothers, Jackson and Adrian, were both in attendance. Tessa noticed how the three of them sat with Ally to eat. Tessa’s parents were sitting with Brad and Annie and Annie’s sister Jackie and her family. The twins, Colton and Kyle, as well as Della were also home. They had a few weeks off before the next quarter started. Della seemed to be getting more attention from the ranch hands than her brothers would have liked. The twins had several girls jockeying for position to be by their sides. Everyone was having a great time eating and drinking.

  As soon as it seemed people were done eating, Mitch stepped up to the stage they had put together for the band that was playing after dinner and asked everyone for their attention. Tessa hadn’t even realized that he had left the table, she was so busy talking with Lanni. “Hey, everyone. Hope you are all having a good time.” Everyone responded by clapping and cheering. Mitch brought the mic back to his mouth. “I’m glad that all of our family and friends are here today. This is a very special day for us, because of a very special woman. Tessa, come on up here with Rance and Sam.” Before Tessa could wrap her mind around what Mitch had just said, she felt herself almost being lifted out of her chair and Rance and Sam each took an arm. They walked behind her and as she neared the stairs to the stage. Mitch reached
his hand to her. She took it as he led her back to the middle of the stage, followed by Rance and Sam. Tessa didn’t like being the center of attention. She could feel her body flush from just standing there. “Tessa came back home where she belonged last month and made us the happiest men in the world. We’ve been looking for that one woman for years to complete us and form a family.” Mitch paused and looked at Grant. “Grant, I love you like a father and am so thankful you have made a full recovery, but I can’t help thanking you for having a stroke because it brought Tessa home.”

  Everyone laughed as Grant shouted back, “No problem, glad I could help, son. I’ve been thinking the same thing myself.”

  Mitch spoke again as the crowd quieted down. “That just goes to prove that things happen for a reason.” Mitch pulled Tessa closer and looked into her eyes. “I’ve known you since you were a little girl and watched you grow into one of the most amazing women I have ever known. I love everything about you, Tessa. My heart belongs to you and only you forever, darlin’.” Tessa heard all the women in the crowd say “aw.”

  Then Rance took the mic. “Tessa, I can’t even begin to tell you how much you mean to me. The easiest thing to say is I was broken and you healed me. The first time I saw you, I knew you were the one for us. I never thought I would find love. I never thought I deserved it. You changed that. You made me believe I was worthy, that I could love someone completely, and that someone was you. I love you, Tessa, and promise you that that will never change, baby.”

  Sam took the mic from Rance and brushed a few tears off of Tessa’s face. Now she could hear sniffles in the audience. She wasn’t the only one affected by the loving words of her men. “Tessa. I’ve loved you what seems like forever. I can’t believe that you are really here back home where you belong and that I get to spend every day with you. Sometimes, OK, most of the time, I could kick myself for not telling you years ago how I felt. But I had some growing up to do in order to be the man that would be worthy of you. The day that you walked off the plane and into our arms was the happiest day of my life. You complete me, you are the other half to my soul, and now that you’re home it’s whole. I love you, Tessa Rose.” Tessa stood there, not caring that everyone had their eyes on her as the tears streamed down her face. Then she watched as each one of her men got down on one knee in front of her. Sam pulled a small black box out of his pocket and opened it.

  Mitch spoke first. “Tessa, will you do us the honor…”

  Then Rance took the mic. “Of making us the happiest men in the world…”

  Rance passed the mic to Sam. “And love us the way only you can?”

  Then they all spoke. “Will you marry us, Tessa?”

  There wasn’t a dry eye in the house and everyone was waiting for her answer. “Yes, of course yes! I love you all so much.” They stood and each one took their turning kissing their bride-to-be after they slid the ring on her finger. Their friends and family erupted in cheers and when they had finally hugged and kissed her enough for the moment, Mitch took the mic again.

  “If I could have your attention for just another minute, we have a couple more surprises for Tessa.” Just then a beautiful silver SUV pulled up next to the picnic area. Tim, the ranch foreman, stepped out and closed the door. “Tessa, keeping you safe is our job. Rance, Sam, and I want to make sure that you are safe when winter comes. Now, if the roads get bad then of course we will be driving you.”

  Sam elbowed him to continue but took the mic instead. “What Mitch is trying to tell you, sugar, is that—”

  Rance took the mic from Sam. “That new car is for you, Tessa. It’s our engagement present for you.” Tessa couldn’t believe her ears or her eyes. They had bought her a car. She kissed each one of her men, then Rance handed her a laptop that was open. She looked at the screen and saw Heather looking back at her.

  “Can she hear me?” she asked Rance.

  “Yes I can hear you! I also watched the entire proposal. They wanted to make sure I could be there in one form or another. Congratulations, Tessa. I love you. Call me later.”

  “I love you, too, Heather.” Rance took the laptop as Sam pulled out a stool and set it on the stage, helping Tessa onto it. Then both he and Rance walked off. Tessa looked at Mitch as he once again took the mic and several members of the band that would be performing took their place on stage.

  “I’ve got one more surprise for you and for everyone else here. With the help of my cousin, Coop.”

  Cooper Collins walked up on stage, grabbing his guitar before walking over to Tessa and kissing her cheek, whispering, “Welcome to the family.” An explosion of applause erupted.

  Mitch also picked up a guitar. “This is for you, darlin’.” Mitch and Coop began to sing to Tessa one of the most beautiful love songs she had ever heard. She watched as Mitch sang to her, feeling incredible to be his center of attention. When the song ended, the crowd cheered. Mitch put his guitar down, walked over to Tessa, and picked her up off the stool, kissing her wildly. Then they left the stage to find Rance and Sam waiting for her.

  Coop quieted everyone down. “I’ve got a surprise of my own. When Mitch first asked me if I would help him sing to Tessa, my first thought was, ‘What the hell, you sing?’ to, ‘What and when.’ Mitch has always been there for me and supported me. I felt honored that he asked me for help and that I could finally do something for him. When I asked him what he wanted to sing, thinking it would be one of my songs, and it wasn’t, I have to tell you I was surprised. Then he picked up his guitar and sang to me one of the most incredible love songs I had ever heard. Tessa, Mitch wrote that song for you, and with his permission and yours, I would like to record it for my next album, and Mitch, I’d like you to sing it with me.” Everyone cheered again as Tessa watched Mitch smile.

  Coop was waiting for Mitch’s answer when he finally spoke. “That song was for Tessa so it’s up to her. If she says yes, then I’ll do it.” Tessa nodded her head as she hugged Mitch.

  Coop spoke one last time. “Looks like we’ll have a number-one hit on the charts soon. OK, folks, there’s plenty more food, dessert is coming out as we speak, and the bar is open! This next song is for the four of you. Congratulations!”

  Coop started to play and each one of her men took turns dancing with her. When the song ended, Ally, Lanni, and all the rest of the women gathered around hugging her and wanting to see her ring. After more hugs than Tessa could ever remember getting at one time, she looked up to see her parents waiting off to the side.

  As Tessa approached, her dad held out his arms. “Congratulations, babe. I’ve never seen you so happy.”

  “I am, Dad. I love them so much.”

  “When they came to me last week and asked my permission to marry you I knew then that they loved you completely and would protect you.”

  “You’re going to make a beautiful bride, Tessa,” her mom told her as she pulled her into her arms and hugged her. Diane pulled back and Tessa watched as the tears in her eyes ran down her check. She hardly ever saw her mom cry and those few tears affected Tessa.

  “Mom, we need to talk.”

  Tessa turned to her dad. “Dad, we’re going in the house. We’ll be back soon.”

  Diane followed Tessa through the house and up to her room. Tessa asked her to have a seat on the couch in front of the fireplace. Diane looked around, “My goodness, this room is huge.”

  “It is. I never thought I would have a room like this. I smile every morning when I wake up realizing it’s not a dream, that I’m really living here surrounded by love and that I have the life I’ve always dreamed about it.

  “This is your room? My goodness, Tessa. I didn’t expect this,” Diane said as she placed her hand on her chest.

  “What did you expect, Mom, that they would keep me in the barn? Why can’t you just be happy for me one time in your life? What have I ever done that has made you treat me so terribly and make me feel like I’m never good enough? I can’t live this way, Mom, and someday when I have kid
s, your grandchildren, I’m sorry but they won’t know you if we can’t fix this.”

  Diane was quiet for several minutes, twisting her hands together, then softly spoke. “I was seventeen, had just finished my senior year. I was a lot like you, Tessa. I had good grades, worked hard, and knew what I wanted to do after high school.” Diane paused as she stood up and walked over to the window and peered out.

  “There are so many people here, what a wonderful way to start your lives together by having them propose to you in front of your family and friends.”

  “I had no idea they were planning that, Mom. It surprised me along with everyone else.”

  “I know, honey. They truly love you.” She paused again, taking a breath. “Tom Rader was one of the most popular boys in my class. He was so handsome, black hair, green eyes, and a smile that lit up a room when he entered. He had a twin brother Neil who was more of a bad boy. I was attracted to both of them. Tom was so nice and we developed a relationship. They had been raised in a family with one mother and two fathers and wanted the same life. Problem was, I wasn’t good enough for Neil.” Tessa watched her mom as she told the story, seeing on her face the pain it still caused her after all these years. “One night Tom and I had driven down to the lake and spread a blanket out on the bank. I heard a motorcycle pull up behind his truck and he told me that he had invited Neil to join us. I was so excited but so nervous at the same time. When he walked up and stood over us, I looked up and saw the disgust on his face. He looked at Tom and said, ‘You didn’t tell me you were bringing dumpy Diane out here. This was a fucking waste of time.’ I was so embarrassed and couldn’t hide my shame as I turned my head to hide the tears. Tom stood up and pushed Neil. They started to fight. Neil walked off telling him that I wasn’t worth it, wasn’t good enough, and could never handle two men and that Tom better keep looking. He wasn’t going to marry some chunky chick. I was maybe ten pounds overweight. I wanted to crawl under a rock and hide. I was in love with Tom. I wanted to build a life with him. I asked him to take me home and I never spoke to him again. I left for college and focused on getting in shape. I didn’t want to feel that I wasn’t good enough or pretty enough. Then I met your dad. I had lost a little weight by then, but even if I hadn’t, your dad wouldn’t have cared. He loved me the way I was. Don’t you see, Tessa, I never wanted you to go through what I did. I didn’t want you to feel the hurt but I know you did. I know Sam caused a lot of it.”