“I’ve always regretted letting Michael go, and that I didn’t fight for us.” Melancholy emotions tinged Maureen’s voice and a long ago sorrow filled her blue eyes. “He might not have been wealthy, or prominent enough for my father, but I loved him more than I’ve loved any other man.”
Confusion creased Lauren’s brow as she digested her mother’s astonishing story. “But I thought you wanted me to marry someone upstanding and affluent.”
“Oh, I do,” she admitted unabashedly. “I know I haven’t set the greatest example, but I was hoping you’d fall in love with one of the men I set you up with. But I of all people know that you can’t necessarily pick the person you’re going to fall in love with. Sometimes, it just happens. And when it does, you should follow your heart.”
“To Wyoming?” Oddly enough, Lauren wanted her mother’s approval, and needed to know that in this one endeavor, she had her support.
Maureen shrugged, a strange moisture shimmering in her eyes. “Your happiness is what matters most to me, whether it be here in California, or in Wyoming with the man you love.”
In that priceless moment, mother and daughter shared a mutual respect and admiration that paved the way for the kind of special, close relationship Lauren had always wanted.
With her mother’s encouragement, Lauren was going to follow her heart . . . back to Cedar Creek.
Rafe opened the screen door for his sister to enter his house, eyeing the casserole dish she carried. A delicious scent filled his senses, and he recognized the aroma as her tender pot roast and potatoes.
While he appreciated Kristin’s cooking skills and her “left-overs”, he knew it was all an excuse to stop by and make sure he was doing okay. He’d never verbally admit it, but he looked forward to Kristin’s company and her visits. After experiencing Lauren’s bright personality and sassy conversation, he no longer craved the solitude he’d cloaked himself in the past year.
That particular revelation was one he was still trying to come to terms with and accept.
The past few weeks had been hell. For as hard as he tried to forget about Lauren and the impact she’d made on his life in the short time she’d been in Cedar Creek, nothing banished her from his mind. One week, and she’d made an indelible impression on him, and the town. And for as much as he told himself he’d done the right thing, the honorable thing, by sending her back to California, he couldn’t convince his heart of the noble deed. He hoped, in time, that the misery of missing Lauren would fade. The despair of loving her was something he suspected would take an eternity to ease.
Taking the meal from Kristin, he headed for the kitchen, with her following behind. “If you’ve come to check up on me, I’m just fine.” The gruffness in his tone was all growl, and no bite.
“And just as ornery as ever, I see,” she commented wryly. “After this week, you won’t have to put up with me as often. I’m going to be too busy to worry about feeding you.”
Setting the casserole dish on the counter, he turned to face his sister, unable to miss the bright excitement sparkling in her green eyes. “Oh?”
“Yeah.” A jubilant smile spread across her face, and she clasped her hands in front of her as if to contain the elation bubbling to the surface. “Temporary guardianship for Chad has been granted until the adoption is finalized. He’ll be coming home next Saturday.”
Rafe smiled, genuinely pleased that his sister and James would finally have the family they’d always wanted. Folding her into his embrace, he gave her a hug to congratulate her, and to express his own happiness. “That’s wonderful, Sis.”
Once the emotional moment passed, Kristin glanced up at him, surprise widening her eyes. “Wow, giving you the news was worth seeing you smile.”
“You weren’t supposed to see that.” He scowled at her, erasing the grin, and she just laughed.
“James and I are planning a welcome home party for Chad on Sunday,” she went on enthusiastically. “And as his new uncle, I fully expect you to attend.”
He had to admit that being an uncle had a nice ring to it. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
“Good.” Kristin grew serious and touched him gently on the cheek. “If it wasn’t for you, none of this would be possible. I have you to thank for bringing Chad into our lives, and giving me and James a gift more precious than gold. Because of you, we’re going to have a family.”
Rafe felt humbled by his sister’s words. “I had nothing to do with it.”
“How can you say that?” She frowned at him. “You granted Chad’s wish.”
Finding it difficult to accept his sister’s praise, he propped his hands on his hips and grasped for levity. “If I remember correctly, I was coerced.”
“Do you regret it?” she asked softly.
Her question reached straight to his heart, giving him a moment’s pause. How could he regret bringing Chad into Kristin’s life and granting his sister her fondest wish? “No, I don’t.”
“I’m glad,” she whispered, her voice emotion-filled. “You were Chad’s hero, but now you’re my personal hero.”
Rafe’s belly clenched, and he automatically rejected the title that had brought him nothing but grief. “I’m nobody’s hero, Kristin.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Rafe,” Kristin refuted, a smile curving her mouth. “You’re a man with integrity and courage, and the ability to care and give. You showed me that, and more, when Mom died, and every day since. Even if you don’t want to admit to those caring qualities, I see them all the time.”
He blew out a harsh stream of breath that did nothing to ease the tension twisting within him. “Don’t make me out to be something I’m not. Past actions prove I’m too much like our father.”
She scoffed at that. “Heroes come in many forms, Rafe, but all require a chivalrous heart. That’s something our father never had.” She let that statement sink in before continuing. “You and Lauren have those same generous traits in common, and it would be a shame if you let such a wonderful woman slip through your life.”
Rafe glanced away from his sister’s steady gaze, unable to argue with her, not when Kristin’s words held too much truth.
He heard her sigh, then her footsteps as she started toward the living room. Before she exited the kitchen, she stopped and asked, “Did I mention that Lauren would be the one bringing Chad on Saturday?”
A sound between humor and hopelessness escaped him at his sister’s last attempt to rattle him. She did, more than she’d ever know. Seeing Lauren again would be one of the most difficult things he’d ever have to endure. No, he silently amended, watching her leave, again, would be pure torture. “No, you didn’t.”
“Just in case you’re wondering, she’ll be staying with us for the weekend, then returning to California on Monday.”
Rafe hung his head, listening to Kristin leave the house, her words playing havoc with his emotions.
He spent the rest of the evening thinking about everything his sister had said, arguing with himself over all the reasons why he didn’t deserve a woman like Lauren, or her healing faith and love. She’d given him the laughter, warmth and tenderness missing from his life, and was willing to sacrifice so much to be with him. In return, he’d been incredibly selfish, allowing his fears to push her away, when she was the one person besides his sister who believed in him.
That was the ultimate reason of all to fight for the incredible, stubborn, sassy woman.
He wanted to be Lauren’s hero, in every way that mattered—which gave him a week to straighten up his attitude, and figure out a way to prove that he wanted, and needed, her in his life.
Forever.
Lauren and Chad had been at Kristin and James’ for over twenty-four hours, and she’d yet to see Rafe. She put on a happy facade to greet the steady stream of people arriving for the welcome home party being held in Chad’s honor, but deep inside she couldn’t ignore the hurt and disappointment curling through her. She’d arrived in Wyoming yesterday with high
hopes that Rafe would make an attempt at reconciliation. All she wanted was half an effort on his part, something to indicate he cared about her, even a little, and she’d extend the rest.
Considering he’d made himself scarce the past two days, she’d resolved herself to the fact that he’d meant what he’d said a month ago—he didn’t want her here, and she didn’t belong. Following her heart was beginning to rank as the single-most painful experience of her life.
Watching as Chad played ball with Randy and a few other boys who’d arrived with their parents to attend the festive party, Lauren smiled and mingled with the townsfolk, accepting their gracious comments about Bright Beginnings and trying to keep her thoughts from wandering to Chad’s one missing guest. Kristin had briefly mentioned that morning that Rafe planned to stop by, but as the afternoon wore on, Lauren began to doubt the other woman’s claim.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a happier kid,” a familiar male voice said from beside Lauren, before he sat next to her at one of the picnic tables set up in the yard for people to eat their dinner. “You’ve got to feel damn good about what you do.”
Lauren met Jason’s warm, friendly gaze, and smiled. “I have to confess that granting wishes does make me feel like a fairy godmother with a magic wand. Especially when one of my clients lives happily-ever-after.”
Jason picked up the hamburger on his plate and grinned at her, his eyebrows bobbing. “Ahhh, another fairy tale with a satisfying ending.”
Unlike her fairy tale with Rafe that had ended too abruptly. Pushing her potato salad around on her plate, she titled her head and regarded Jason teasingly. “Are you looking for another article for the Cedar Creek Gazette?”
He shrugged as he chewed a bite of his burger. “I do plan to put Chad and his new family on Monday’s front page, but that’s not why I’m here.”
Curiosity got the best of her. “Then why are you here?”
“The same reason everyone else is, to welcome Chad to Cedar Creek.” His gaze encompassed the front lawn, and the few dozen people who’d come to support Kristin and James in this very important endeavor in their lives. “He’ll never lack for acceptance here.”
Lauren’s heart warmed, and her throat grew tight with emotion. There was no doubt Chad would be well loved. “I’m glad to hear that.”
Jason took a swallow of his soda, his gaze taking on a mischievous sparkle. “And I do believe there’s a bigger story to cover here at the party, with your permission, of course.”
That caught her attention, his request totally perplexing her. “Excuse me?”
“Have you seen what Rafe has done to his place?” he asked off-handedly, crunching into a potato chip.
“No.” When Kristin and James had picked her and Chad up from the airport yesterday, they’d driven straight to their place. Rafe’s ranch was further down the road, though Lauren couldn’t imagine what kind of change to Rafe’s spread had Jason looking so anxious. “Actually, I haven’t seen Rafe since I returned.”
“Really?” Jason frowned at his half-eaten burger. “That’s strange.”
Lauren didn’t think Rafe’s remoteness was strange at all, especially if he’d reverted back to the moody man she’d met on her first trip to Cedar Creek.
“Hey, here comes Rafe,” Lauren heard Chad say excitedly.
“Well, speaking of the devil,” Jason drawled, humor in his voice.
Lauren’s heart slammed against her chest, and she forced herself to remain calm when her instincts clamored for her to jump up from her seat and run to greet Rafe. He wasn’t here for her, she told herself. He’d come to see Chad.
Following Jason’s lead, she stood from the table, her gaze landing on Rafe’s truck and the horse trailer he had in tow. He parked his vehicle, and as soon as he stepped out of the cab Chad hurled himself into Rafe’s arms.
“Uncle Rafe,” Chad said exuberantly, causing smiles and laughter to ripple through the crowd of guests.
They ended the hug, and Rafe grinned down at Chad, stealing Lauren’s breath with that handsome transformation. “Welcome home, cowboy,” he said, tugging on the Stetson on the boy’s head. “I brought you a present.”
“Yeah?” Chad’s eyes rounded in excitement. “What is it?”
“She’s right in here.” Rafe indicated the back of the trailer. As everyone watched, the pair made their way to the tailgate, which Rafe unlatched and lowered. A moment later, a beautiful chestnut neighed her greeting to Chad and nuzzled his cheek.
“Bronwyn!” Chad glanced from the horse, to Rafe, disbelief shining in his eyes. “She’s mine?”
“Yep. As long as you promise to take good care of her.” Rafe retrieved something else from the cab of the truck and presented a shining silver buckle to Chad. “And I thought you might like to wear this. It’s the belt buckle I won at my first rodeo when I was about your age.”
“Wow!” Chad breathed. “You’re the best, Uncle Rafe!”
The complimentary murmurs Lauren heard from the people around her affirmed Chad’s declaration—Rafe’s reputation had taken a turn for the better, and the town’s hero no longer seemed to resent his admirable status.
Rafe helped Chad secure Bronwyn in an empty paddock, then spent a good fifteen minutes shaking hands and greeting guests, never once looking her way. Lauren watched him from beneath the large shade tree in Kristin’s yard as he spoke amicably with everyone, and even laughed and smiled. The moody, surly man she’d left behind a month ago seemed to have found a new lease on life, and though Lauren was happy that he’d made peace with himself, she couldn’t help but ache for what they’d lost.
It seemed like forever before he sought her out, and when he did, she melted inside, because he looked so gorgeous and sexy and very, very confident. One of those tantalizing smiles curved his lips, and he strode purposefully toward her, his gaze holding hers. With every step he took in her direction, her pulse fluttered wildly . . . and the despair she’d experienced a moment ago blossomed into a glimmer of optimism.
He reached her, and paying no mind to the fact that everyone was watching them, he slid his hands into her hair, tilted her face up, and kissed her . . . deeply, passionately, urgently. And because she loved him, she didn’t temper her response.
By the time Rafe finished kissing her senseless, the crowd around them was clapping and whistling their approval, and the man in front of her had the most adorable, lop-sided grin on his face.
She stared up at him, so many doubts clashing with the hope swirling within her. “What was that for?”
His grin deepened, and his gray eyes took on a mischievous sparkle. “For being such a jerk the last time you were here.”
She touched her tongue to her bottom lip, still reeling from his unexpected, and very passionate, reception. “Well, you certainly have a way with an apology.”
“There’s a whole lot more where that came from. I’ve got a lot of groveling to do.” Before she could reply to that, he grasped her hand and led her through the throng of people who’d witnessed Rafe’s branding kiss, to his truck.
She slid into the passenger seat, and waited until he was behind the wheel. “Where are we going?”
He glanced over at her, suddenly looking nervous. “I’ve got something important to show you.”
“All right,” she said softly, not sure what to expect.
In silence, Rafe drove the truck back to the main road, and turned right toward his ranch. A minute later, he eased the vehicle to the side of the road, in front of what used to be a dirt road leading to his spread, now replaced with an asphalt drive.
The foreboding “NO TRESPASSING” sign he’d posted out front was gone, and now beautiful white wrought iron gates enclosed the ranch. A matching archway spanned the width of the drive overhead, and an attached vinyl banner welcomed visitors to . . . Bright Beginnings.
Stunned, Lauren exited the truck, staring at the astonishing changes Rafe had made in her absence. Part of her earlier conversation with Jason
flitted through her mind, making her realize that the town had been in on this surprise of Rafe’s.
Warm, gentle hands settled on her shoulders, and the heat of Rafe’s body touched her spine. “What do you think?” he asked, uncertainty deepening his voice.
She turned in his embrace, searching his features, afraid to assume anything. “I don’t understand. What does all this mean?”
“It means I’m done running from my past, and I’m ready to start my future, with you, here on my ranch.” He brushed his fingers along her cheek, his touch reverent. “And If I mean to keep you here, I’d better get used to a steady stream of foster kids visiting us and using our horseback riding facilities.”
Her breath caught. He remembered her distant dreams for Bright Beginnings. Now he was offering his ranch as a haven for special foster kids, a place that would offer them happy memories. His unselfish gesture spoke volumes, yet she needed more assurances. “You really want me to stay?”
“Yeah, I do. This past month without you has been more miserable than the past year.” He paused for a brief moment, as if searching for the right words to persuade her. “I need you in my life, Lauren. I need your smiles and laughter, and I need the way you believe in me when I don’t have the courage to believe in myself. I’m hoping you can help me be a better man than my father was.”
“Oh, Rafe, you already are.” Held in his secure embrace, she could feel his heartbeat, as steady and sure as her own. “You’re kind, and compassionate, and I’ll spend every day reminding you of that.”
“And what about your parents?”
“This is my choice, Rafe, not theirs,” she said adamantly, knowing her parents would accept her decision. “All I want is to be with the man I love. Everything else will work itself out. I already told you that I can take my foundation anywhere, and this is where my heart is.”
The Bachelor’s Surrender Page 15
