Rock Hard Baby Daddy: A Billionaire Cowboy Romance

by Rye Hart

  The sound of a gun exploded in her ears and cut Marcus's words short. The man staggered for a moment, before clutching his right shoulder in distress; the fabric around his hand darkened with the telltale crimson stain. He had been shot. He staggered for another moment, before he collapsed from the shock.

  Marianna too, slumped forward on the horses back. Her leg throbbed from where she had been stabbed, and her head felt dizzy from the loss of blood. Yet, through the haze that descended over her, she could hear a familiar voice.

  "Marianna?" Larsen called out.

  "Larsen?" she gasped as the vision of him, accompanied by a group of heavily armed riders, came into view.

  Larsen was off his horse and at Marianna's side in an instant. A wave of relief washed over her has she allowed his strong arms to help her off the horse.

  Larsen laid her down on the ground and bent to examine where she had been stabbed. He quickly tore a strip from his own shirt and made a makeshift tourniquet to stop the blood flow. "This is going to hurt," he warned her as he grasped the edges of the knife.

  Marianna braced herself, but despite the warning, she still felt unprepared for the painful sensation of having a knife pulled out of her leg. Likewise, she definitely wasn't prepared for the shock when he pulled out a flask and doused the fresh wound with splashes of liquor. She had to bite her tongue to keep herself from crying out in pain.

  In an instant, it was over. Larsen quickly used another strip of his shirt to bandage up the wound. "We need to get you home so I can attend to the wound properly. I don't want it to fester," he explained.

  Marianna simply nodded, her eyes stinging with fresh tears of relief. She tried her best to hold back them back, but a single droplet managed to slide past her barriers and down her cheek.

  Larsen noticed it and his expression softened. When he first arrived, he looked like a man seeking wild vengeance. But as soon as he saw the single silver tear slide down Marianna's dirty face, his features changed. He reached up and brushed away the wet trail down the side of her cheek. "I'm very sorry," he said with obvious pain in his voice.

  "It is not your fault," Marianna whispered to him.

  "I wish that were true," he said sorrowfully. His hand lingered on her cheek, while his eyes searched hers. "I will never let anything happen to you again," he promised.

  Marianna reached up and placed her hand over his where it rested on her cheek. "I know," she said softly.

  The Sheriff was the first to interrupt their moment. "Well Larsen, we have Mr. Maine in our custody. We should head back into town now." He glanced down at Marianna and her bandaged thigh. "This little lady will need to see a doctor," he added.

  Larsen looked away and nodded toward the Sheriff. He reached down and lifted Marianna up in his arms. "Let's get you back home," he said softly.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Marianna was growing wary of being confined to bed. However, this time, she felt like she could finally rest with the knowledge that justice had prevailed.

  Marcus Maine had been arrested and was due for a fair trial next time the Judge came to town. Marianna felt safe with the knowledge that Marcus was no longer free to terrorize the Dover Ranch.

  While she was on bed rest recovering from the wound in her thigh, Marshal and Elijah and been especially attentive. Everyday they came to sit by her bed and make attempts to read to her from a small book of fables. She thought it was adorable how they would simply look at the illustrations and make up the story from there. The Tortoise and the Hare was her favorite, as every time they told the story, it had a new winner at the end depending on the boys' moods.

  However, the one person who seemed to keep his distance, was the one that she longed to see the most.

  Besides checking in on her to make sure she had everything she needed, Larsen seemed extra attentive when it came to the work on his ranch. Had Marianna not been bed ridden, she would have trudged outside and demanded to know why he was avoiding her. Instead, she was in bed recovering from the last time she had run after him and requested alone time.

  But on the tenth day of her recovery, she was granted her wish to finally have a conversation with Larsen.

  He had knocked lightly on her door early one morning. It had been Marianna's turn to read the boys a story, so as she recounted the more accurate version of an Aesop fable, Larsen had asked if he could come in.

  At first, Larsen had simply settled into a chair at the foot of the bed. "May I listen as well?" he asked.

  "Of course Daddy," the boys replied. They quickly bounded off the bed where they had been perched and moved toward their father. They both piled onto his lap and turned back to Marianna expectantly. "You may continue," Marshal said politely.

  Larsen chuckled as Marianna continued with the story.

  As she read, she smiled at the picture of Larsen and his two little sons. The boys adored their father, and Marianna couldn't help the heartache that set in at the sight of such affection. Larsen was both a good man and a good father. He had wanted her to come here because he didn't want his sons to go without a mother. He had wanted someone who would care for them as their own mother would. Marianna hoped that she lived up to Larsen's expectation and that he was happy that she had been the one to agree to come out west.

  But Larsen had yet to bring up their potential marriage. This trial had been as much a test for her to see if she liked it, as it was for him and his family to see if she was a good fit. But after the incident with Marcus, Larsen hadn't brought up whether or not to proceed with the marriage. Larsen felt guilty at the course of events, and he didn’t think he had the right to expect Marianna’s hand in marriage. She knew in her heart that, despite all that had happened since her arrival, she had made the right choice in coming to Texas. But she wasn't sure if Larsen thought the same anymore.

  Marianna closed the book as she finished the last sentence of the story. "So, what did you think?" she asked Marshal and Elijah.

  "It was good," said Marshal.

  "Read us another one," exclaimed little Elijah.

  Larsen chucked. "Now boys, I need you to go help James feed the hens."

  "Oh no," groaned the boys in unison.

  Larsen sent them a pointed look, but his eyes danced with amusement.

  Both Marshal and Elijah got the hint.

  "Come along Elijah," said the ever-bossy Marshal. He took his little brother's hand and guided him out of the room.

  Once they left, Larsen got up and shut the door to afford both him and Marianna privacy. He sat back down in his seat and cleared his throat uncomfortably. "I think we need to talk about your situation here," he began.

  Marianna smiled up at him. "I know, it has passed the month trial period and a decision needs to be made." She already knew what her answer was, but she was curious to hear what Larsen said.

  Larsen ran his hands through his dark hair absently. "I am thinking that it might be best to send the boys away for school," he began.

  Marianna froze. "For how long?" she asked nervously.

  "The Cavanaughs have agreed to take Marshal and Elijah in so that they can attend a proper school. I didn't want to send them to boarding school, but hopefully as long as they are around family it won't be so bad. And that way, they can come back here during the summers."

  Marianna looked up at him pleadingly. "I'm not going to try and dissuade you from your decision, but it will be so hard for the boys to be away from you."

  "I know," Larsen admitted. "But it would be worse if something bad happened to them here. I want them to be safe."

  Marianna nodded. She understood where he was coming from, but she didn't quite agree. She felt that being near their father, instead of the stuffy high society world the Cavanaughs lived in, would make them happier. But she wasn't their parent, so she had no say. "I can see you've made up your mind," she said softly.

  "I have," he stated.

  "And where do I fit into everything?" she asked boldly. If the boys were no longer
going to be living on the ranch, she was no longer needed. Yet as the words left her mouth, she already knew what his answer would be.

  "I would like for you to accompany them to Valley Spring and," he rubbed his jaw, "stay on as their governess."

  Marianna's heart sank. She hadn’t realized how fond of Larsen she had become until he expressed that he didn't feel the same. She was nothing more than the governess to him. She tried to hide her disappointment, but her voice still wavered a bit when she spoke. "I accept the offer," she said coolly.

  "Alright then," Larsen nodded. He abruptly rose and headed toward the door. He stopped right before he turned the handle and looked back at Marianna.

  Marianna waited expectantly, her heart aching to hear him acknowledge the connection between them, to confess that he didn't want her to leave.

  "I've arranged passage for you, the boys, and James — since you are still recovering and will need the assistance — to Valley Springs."

  Marianna kept her face a mask of impassivity and didn't let Larsen see her disappointment, or her aching heart. "Very well," she said stiffly.

  "I —" Larsen began.

  "Yes?" Marianna answered with the vague twinges of hope.

  "I will come get you when we are ready to leave," he spoke rather quickly. And with that, he turned the handle and left the room.

  Marianna could feel the tears well up in her eyes, but she refused to cry. She should be happy that she would be able to return to her family, but instead knowledge only rang hollow in her heart. She dreaded the idea of going back to Valley Springs without Larsen. In the short time that she had been here, she already had begun to care for the enigmatic ranch owner. But with a few words, he had declared that he hadn't felt the same way and had chosen to not only send her away, but his boys as well. She knew that he must be doing it from a place of sincerity, but it stung harshly nonetheless.

  "I hope you know what you are doing," she whispered toward the door that separated her from Larsen.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The train whistled as it pulled away from the station. Marianna had the distinct impression of déjà vu as she remembered how she had experienced similar heartache the last time she was on a train.

  She couldn't say the same for little Marshal and Elijah. She thought they would be sad that their father had decided to send them away to school, but instead they were excitedly pressing their little noses against the window and shrieking with wonder as the train began to gain speed. They thought they were going on an adventure, but she assumed that they hadn't quite realized that this 'adventure' was a bit longer than anything they had ever experienced before.

  James on the other hand, was only on the trip to accompany Marianna and the boys on the journey. He already had his return ticket booked, and therefore, he was excited that he had the opportunity to see a different part of the country, even if only for just a little while.

  Marianna was thankful that she didn't have to make the journey back home alone.

  "Have you ever been outside of Texas?" she asked James once they had settled into their seats.

  "No ma'am!" James replied with excitement. "Is it different from where you are from?"

  Marianna chuckled. "Quite different," she smiled at the boy that wasn't much younger than her. "Valley Springs has its charm, but it isn't as breathtaking as the landscape in Texas," she added.

  "Oh," James sounded disappointed.

  Marianna laughed then. "Don't worry, there will still be plenty of things to see," she offered him a warm smile.

  Elijah's voice broke the silence, "Look outside! See how fast everything is going," he said in awe.

  Marshal climbed up on the seat next to his brother, "I bet we are going faster than daddy's prized stallion!"

  "A train can't go as fast as Firestone," argued little Elijah.

  "Don't be silly," Marshall chastised. "A horse cannot be as fast as train," he concluded.

  "You are wrong, nothing can out race Firestone and daddy," Elijah proclaimed. He stuck his tongue out defiantly at his older brother.

  "How do you know that?" Marshall asked hotly.

  "Because," Elijah said while pointing out the window, "he is outside right now."

  Marianna gasped and turned to look outside.

  Elijah was right. A man that looked a lot like Larsen was riding his prized stallion at breakneck speed. And like little Elijah had noticed, he was keeping up with the fast moving train without problem.

  Marianna leaned forward and tugged at the window to allow a better look. It slid open and the wind instantly whipped through the cabin.

  "Larsen?" Marianna called out to the figure on the speeding horse.

  He didn't appear to hear her and, as Marianna realized with horror, he seemed focused on trying to bring his horse as close as possible to the speeding train.

  "He is going to jump!" exclaimed Marianna as she realized that Larsen was bringing his horse around at the best angle to jump onto the speeding caboose.

  "Whoa," yelled Elijah with triumph. "I told you daddy's horse was the fastest," he turned his nose up at his brother.

  Marianna felt like she needed to do something; what Larsen was attempting was insane. She stood up, despite the shooting pain in her thigh and proceeded to hobble toward the caboose where Larsen was trying to jump onto the platform.

  "Wait Marianna," James protested.

  "Stay with the boys," she instructed. She quickly hurried down the corridor. She knew she had to stop him before he injured himself.

  At the end of their passenger car, she slid open the door that separated the more comfortable train car from the caboose. Without hesitation, she grasped the sides of the handles and leapt over the small divide. Her leg stung, but she ignored it. She quickly opened the second door and ran inside.

  As soon as she stepped inside, she walked right into a familiar male wall.

  Larsen caught her before she could fall back out of the exposed doorway and onto the tracks. "I see you couldn't wait to greet me," he teased.

  "Larsen!" she swatted at his thick chest. "How could you risk your life like that to try and jump onto a moving train? What kind of role model is that for your sons," she vented at him with furious intent. She had been so scared that he would fall, and here he was acting like he just came from a casual stroll.

  Larsen brought his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. "I decided I couldn't let you make the trip with just James for protection," he said lightly.

  "We were doing just fine," she said pertly. "And besides, Marcus is in jail and there is no one after us now," she added.

  "Well," he began, "I also realized I forgot something on the train and I needed to come back and get it."

  "Oh," Marianna's face fell. "What was it?"

  "Little Elijah, Marshal, and you," said laughingly. "Oh and James," he added.

  Marianna's eyes grew wide. "You came back for us?"

  "As soon as the train left the platform, I knew I had made a mistake. The thing is," he knelt down in front of Marianna, "I can't send my sons away. And since I can't live without them, and they are awfully fond of you, I need you to stay too," he explained.

  "You don't need me Larsen," she said softly. "Perhaps it is better if I just return to my home."

  "Well, about that," Larsen ran his fingers through his hair nervously. "I also have become quite fond of you too, and the thought of living in that house without you makes me feel empty inside."

  "Really?" Marianna beamed. "You are fond of me?"

  "Maybe a bit more than just fond of you," he winked playfully. "So I am asking you if you will marry me?"

  Marianna beamed down at Larsen. She nodded her consent.

  In an instant, Larsen was off his knees running one hand around Marianna's waist, while the other caressed her cheek. "I've fallen in love with you, Marianna Wellington," he whispered.

  "And I with you," Marianna breathed. She tilted her head back and looked up into Larsen's intense gaz
e. "Are you going to kiss me now?" she asked boldly.

  Larsen growled his response before bringing his lips flush against hers.

  Marianna melted against Larsen's strong chest as his arms pulled her closer. She felt him deepen their kiss and all rational thoughts instantly left her mind.

  Larsen claimed her mouth with his and their bodies pressed together in a sensual dance.

  The conductor's whistle interrupted their moment, signaling that they were coming toward the next stop.

  Marianna withdrew and giggled at the interruption. "I'm guessing this will be our stop then," she said.

  "About that. I was thinking since we are getting married, I should meet your family." As Larsen spoke, he ran his hand up her back.

  "Really?" Marianna exclaimed joyfully. "I've missed them so much and I would love for them to meet you," she gushed.

  Larsen chuckled happily. "I would love to meet your family. Besides it might be good for us to start our marriage off with some normalcy, since our courtship so far has been anything but normal."

  "Oh you don't say?" Marianna teased. "I thought fire, bandits, and kidnappers were just part of regular life in Texas." She pushed up on her toes and brought her arms around Larsen's strong shoulders.

  "Not until you moved there," he teased back.

  "Larsen!" she gasped and swatted at him lightly.

  "How about we discuss the details later." As he spoke, his eyes grew hooded with veiled promise.

  Marianna laughed, "If you say so."

  With a content growl, Larsen claimed her lips once again.

  Marianna had no idea what the future held for them, but all she knew was that Larsen would be standing next to her no matter where their journey took them. When she had left her home to come out west, she was recovering from a devastating heartache and had thought that she could never love again. But here, wrapped in Larsen's supportive embrace, she knew that this was something special. And while their love was still in its infancy, she had a sneaking suspicion that she had stumbled upon an incredible life-given treasure. She had found that one great love in life that consumed the heart and bound the soul to another individual. Larsen Dover was the soul mate she had always been searching for. She knew this beyond a shadow of a doubt, because he was the one that, in her darkest moment, had guided her into the light and given her the gift of love.