The Cowboy SEAL's Triplets

by Tina Leonard

  “There’s no such thing as ‘just’ anything in BC. Which you should know by now.” Daisy took a deep breath. “The thing is, if you don’t win, John, I’ll never have any magic at all.”

  “Why? What does that mean?”

  “It means that no one tempts BC’s charms. I don’t have more than three chances at the magic. No one gets a fourth, it just doesn’t work that way.”

  “There you have it. No one gets a fourth, no one’s ever tried. It’ll be fine, because all that legend crap is just a bunch of hokum, anyway.”

  He didn’t look as if he quite believed what he was saying. Daisy knew that John was plenty aware of the enchanted ways of Bridesmaids Creek; he was just being stubborn as an ornery old mule. “We don’t do hokum in BC. It’s all very well established, and the magic is recorded in a ledger somewhere. Cosette and Jane keep records of all these things. It’s quite serious.”

  “I know,” he grumbled. “I’m an outsider. I come from a family of people who don’t believe in magic. I’m the most superstitious person in my family, and they think I’m a little weird about it. My mother does cowboy preaching. She never thinks about anything to do with enchantment.” He took a deep breath. “The only thing my family believes in is hard work. It doesn’t earn us much money, we don’t own office buildings in faraway lands and we don’t have a mansion. Our house rolls on wheels 365 days a year, even birthdays and Christmas. My brothers and I were all born in different towns. What I’m trying to say, Daze, is that I’ve got my reasons for competing tomorrow, and I’m comfortable with that.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “He’s so pigheaded he’s impossible,” Daisy told her father the next day when he came in to visit. Her IV had been inserted, and she was lying here, trying to be still, when all she really wanted to do was hop out of bed and ride her motorcycle to the creek to see what was happening on the biggest day of her newly formed magic wand.

  “I think you like that about John,” Robert said with a grin. “He’s quite won me over with his determination to pursue you.”

  “He doesn’t need to pursue me. We’re married.” Daisy shook her head. “I’m surrounded by lovingly obtuse, romantic-to-their-core males who can’t see the big picture for the trees!”

  “It’s not altogether a bad thing.” Robert seemed quite tickled to be lumped in with his son-in-law. “You know, life seems awfully good from where I’m sitting. I’ve got a new son-in-law, a new daughter-in-law, a son I didn’t know I had and a bunch of grandbabies. I say if the man wants to run or race or fly a kite, let him take a crack at it.”

  “If he doesn’t win this time, it’s going to be disastrous.”

  “Life’s about chances,” Robert said philosophically.

  Why was she talking about this to her father? He of all people believed in rolling the dice, taking big risks. “Dad, John isn’t like us. He’s sensitive. He doesn’t take things in stride.”

  “Some would say we’ve come a long way ourselves.”

  “Yes, but deep inside, I always knew I was going to be all right. We had to work harder to be together, so we’d appreciate it more. So when John got that leg cramp and came in last that day, it was actually the magic on our side. He can’t go and mess it up now by losing again!”

  “Who says he will?”

  “Have you seen my gang lately? They’re ripped like ridges on a mountain. This is their big moment, their chance at the brass ring. All the new guys to town are out of the game. Justin, John, Cisco and even Ty himself are matched up and married.”

  “Not Sam.”

  “Sam doesn’t count. He won’t race. The only time he ever even threatened to race was just to get his buddies goosed up to the starting line.” Daisy laughed. “Sam isn’t the marrying kind.”

  “It’s a rare man who isn’t.”

  Daisy looked at her father. “Of course there’s you. You’re not married.”

  He held up a hand. “Yes, but I have been, and I’m not looking to do it at my age. In fact, now that I’ve given this house to you and Ty, I think I’m going to move.”

  Daisy gasped. “Why?”

  “Because you lovebirds need your own nest. Besides,” Robert said, getting all excited, “I think I’ll buy that ghost house.”

  “Dad! Not the abandoned Martin place! Those love-struck bank robbers lived there and ran cattle, but couldn’t turn a profit. Why would you want to do that?” Daisy couldn’t imagine anyplace she’d rather live less, and she sure didn’t want her father out there. “It’s been empty forever, Dad. It’s going to have all kinds of rats and roaches and things. You’ll stay here with us.”

  “Don’t forget the ghosts. I’m really looking forward to those.” Robert rubbed his hands gleefully. “Of course you know there’s no such things as ghosts. Those bank robbers aren’t still hanging around in paranormal form.”

  “Dad, there’s no reason for you to leave.”

  “There can only be one king in a castle. This place belongs to your brother and you now. And your families.” He looked pleased. “For an old man, I’d say I’ve done pretty well. I’m looking forward to a new project.”

  “If you’re looking for a new project, start Betty Harper up in a business selling her Christmas cookies. They’re works of art. Or get my guys out of the space where Cosette and Phillipe belong. We don’t need a cigar bar in this town.” Daisy sat up a little. “That space belongs to Cosette and Phillipe, anyway.”

  “I don’t know,” Robert said. “The guys like that location pretty well. They claim they’re getting all kinds of calls.”

  “For cigars, and hookers.”

  “Hookers?” Robert raised a brow. “That doesn’t sound right.”

  “Well, how many men go to a cigar bar looking for a bride? None that I know of.”

  “You have a point. We certainly can’t get that kind of reputation in BC.”

  “No, we can’t. So there’s two really important projects that could use your input,” Daisy wheedled.

  “All right. But I’m still buying the Martin place. I really like the location.”

  “Dad!” She couldn’t bear to think of her father out there alone. “This house is big enough for all of us, even if Ty and Jade decided to move in with us.”

  “Nope. I’ve made up my mind. I love real estate, and the Martin place needs my attention.”

  “I don’t like it. The babies need their grandfather.” Family was so important. But today was clearly the day for the men in her life to be stubborn mules. “Will you at least go try to talk some sense into my husband?”

  He shook his head. “My days of meddling are over. I leave that up to the younger crew. I’m going to be happy as a local real estate fixer-upper. Once that storm came through town, I realized I had a new mission. Putting this town back together,” Robert said happily.

  “Dad, if John doesn’t win, I’m not sure what will happen.”

  “Yes, but that’s what makes life interesting.” Robert rose, kissed her on the forehead. “You worry too much, daughter. Let your fellow be your handsome prince on his holy grail if that’s what he wants. You have to admire a man with that much getalong in his hindquarters. Wish I’d had it when I was married to your mother,” he said, retreating from the room. She heard him and Barclay chatting up a storm in the kitchen—as much as Barclay chatted—which turned into a discussion of a noon libation and a good lunch for her father. Daisy shook her head. It didn’t even sound like her father was going down to the race.

  “And I’m here, like Sleeping Beauty, consigned to resting and waiting for my prince. Argh!” She lay back, putting a hand on her tummy. The boys were doing gymnastics inside her, and Daisy smiled.

  These little guys were going to be just like their father: busy, strong and opinionated.

  And no doubt daredevils wh
o couldn’t resist a challenge.

  John loved a challenge. And just for once, she was the prize at the end of it.

  She lay back, resting, her smile huge.

  Yet so many things could go wrong.

  She picked up her phone and dialed Cosette.

  * * *

  “WE ALL TRIED to talk him out of it,” Cosette said, when Daisy told her that she didn’t need a big day, she didn’t need anything. She just wanted John, and her babies. Nothing mattered to her but them. Of course her father and the townspeople and Bridesmaids Creek mattered to her, but for once in her life she had exactly what she’d always dreamed of—and her Prince Charming was off to the races.

  “You have to do something, Cosette. Please!”

  “Not me. I interfered last time, remember? Had him tied to a tree?” She giggled with delight. “Your gang of gentlemen loved that assignment, I can tell you!”

  “You can’t tie him this time, he’ll be ready for tricks.” Daisy thought quickly. “What if we waylay all five members of my gang?”

  “I think John would suspect that you’re trying to let him win, honey,” Cosette said gently. “You’re just going to have to let this play out.”

  “Cosette, from a matchmaker’s apprentice to a matchmaker, you know better than anyone that the art to matchmaking is making sure that things go a certain way. This time, I really need your help.”

  “Yes, but you’re the matchmaker now,” Cosette said with a happy sigh. “I’ve officially turned over my wand.”

  “I haven’t even made a match yet.”

  “I have great faith in the five ladies you picked out for your gang. They’ll be delighted. And I heard you sent the ladies to the salon and had them beautified and transformed for their big day, courtesy of a certain secret benefactor, who I happen to know is Daisy Donovan.” Cosette giggled gleefully. “The girls were thrilled. I peeked in, and they looked smashing. The fellows are going to swim their hearts out.”

  “You appreciate that I caught myself in my own game?”

  “Oh, yes. That’s what makes it so delicious! That SEAL husband of yours is going to have real competition this time, once your gang gets a look at the lovely prizes they’re swimming for!” Cosette’s laugh was merry.

  Daisy grimaced. “They won’t be able to outswim John.”

  “You hope. Otherwise—”

  “About that otherwise,” Daisy said. “What exactly happens if a man is married, swims and doesn’t win? Cisco won when he was married to Suz, so do we even have precedent in BC for this?”

  “No, we don’t, which makes it very exciting!”

  “Not if you’re the one who wants to keep your husband! You realize I can’t get off this sofa. I won’t know a thing about what’s happening!”

  “That’s the way it should be, I think. You don’t want to be there if John gets another, er, ah—”

  “Don’t even say it.” Daisy wasn’t sure what would happen if John lost. Maybe nothing.

  Maybe everything.

  “In the olden days they said the charm was what built this town,” Cosette said. “There was magic in the water, in the very earth of Bridesmaids Creek. Of course, Jane’s great-great-great-grandmother settled this town, as you know, and she was the one who knew the secrets. Discovered them, you might say.”

  “Or maybe Eliza Chatham was just a great storyteller,” Daisy reasoned.

  “I wouldn’t bet on it. Rumor has it that Eliza wanted a match of her own, but it was years before one came along for her.” Cosette let out a gentle sigh. “By the time her prince came along, Eliza had two gentlemen vying for her hand.”

  “What happened?” Daisy asked breathlessly.

  “Well, they swam for her, of course.”

  “And she married the winner.”

  “Right there on the banks of Bridesmaids Creek. That was the deal. That was how they solved the problem of which man would win her hand.”

  “But didn’t she like one man more than the other?”

  “It was a different day and time, Daisy. Back then a woman just needed to be married by a certain age, or she was considered a liability to the family. Or odd. A leftover. And as you know, our town has never been full of men.” Cosette giggled again. “Personally, I think the race goes back to the days of yore when men fought over a woman. We just have a more gentle way of going about it. Plus all that survival of the fittest stuff plays into it, too. Natural selection and all that. Obviously a woman wanted the strongest, most intelligent mate to father her children.”

  “I can’t imagine not making up my own mind.”

  “Well, you didn’t really,” Cosette said. “If you think about it, you thought you wanted another man. John happened to be the fittest mate for you. And today, he’s going to prove it once and for all!”

  “I hope you’re right.” Daisy didn’t want to think about what might happen if he didn’t win.

  “How are you feeling, anyway, my dear?”

  “Like I’m full of babies.”

  “Which you are!” Cosette sounded delighted. “You lie there and rest, and I’ll bring you some of my fresh gingerbread cake after the race!”

  “Cosette, I expect you to text me every single event that transpires! Don’t you dare leave me hanging without any news!”

  “This is more fun than we’ve had in years in BC,” Cosette said. “Don’t you worry, Daisy. Your reputation as a matchmaker will be secure after today, I just know it! Ta-ta!”

  Cosette rang off. Daisy put her phone away and leaned back. It wasn’t about the matchmaking, it was about her marriage. Maybe there was no such thing as a charm. Maybe Bridesmaids Creek wasn’t charmed at all.

  She knew better.

  All she’d ever wanted was to belong to Bridesmaids Creek. She’d wanted the magic that the other brides had known—it was impossible to miss their happiness and joy on the day each of them had been “won” by their suitor. More than that, even, she’d wanted to be a true daughter of Bridesmaids Creek, accepted and loved. The only reason she’d ever acted out, acted differently from the other girls, was that she’d always known she was an outsider.

  After today, if John lost, she’d still be an outsider.

  Maybe she wasn’t meant to belong.

  She hoped that wasn’t the case. She had a lot of friends she wanted to make, a lot of good things she wanted to do for Bridesmaids Creek. It was her home. She loved it here.

  Her heart was here, and now even more so with John and her babies.

  Suz walked in the room, followed by her sister, Mackenzie.

  “Hi!” Daisy said, surprised. She sat up. “Why aren’t you at the big race?”

  Suz put a platter of cookies on the table. Mackenzie smiled. “We already have our men,” she said. “We thought we’d come and keep you company while you wait for yours to return.”

  Daisy’s heart glowed inside her like a Christmas star. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “I’ve been in the same position you’re in now. Bet you’re ready to get off that sofa.”

  “I am.” Daisy looked up as Jade Harper and her mother, Betty, walked into the room.

  “We come bearing gifts,” Jade said, setting down a large hamper topped with a big blue bow.

  Daisy felt tears start to swim in her eyes. “Thank you. Thank you all so much.”

  “We thought we’d have an impromptu baby shower while the men are amusing themselves being competitive,” Betty said. “We haven’t had a baby shower in a long time!”

  “But, then,” Suz said as Barclay came in carrying a large box full of white-and-silver wrapped gifts, “we realized we hadn’t had a bachelorette shower for you yet, either. So we had the idea that we’d have a double shower!”

  Barclay had retreated after putting
the basket down, but now he returned with a silver platter with a pitcher of tea and several crystal glasses.

  “This is wonderful,” Daisy said. “This is... You’re the best,” she told them, looking around at her friends—and then it hit her.

  They really were her friends.

  At some point, Suz and Mackenzie, though they’d once deemed her too wild for their circle, had accepted her. Liked her, even. And so had Jade Harper, and her mother, Betty. Jane Chatham and Cosette, too—they were her friends.

  She was no longer an outsider.

  She truly was a daughter of Bridesmaids Creek. By the genuine smiles on their faces, Daisy knew that she would never, ever be on the outside again. No matter what happened today with the race, everything, absolutely everything, was going to be magical, from this day forward.

  And that was the real gift.

  * * *

  THE STARTING LINE seemed full of meatheads, or at least that was John’s opinion. He had this—he had it in the bag. Today was his day, he was golden, and he was going to give Daisy the day she deserved, and all the magic that went along with it.

  He could beat these guys. He was a SEAL, he was in top condition.

  And he was in love. He could run all day.

  Just thinking about Daisy and his boys made him want to run to New York and back. Montana, California, he could just keep going.

  Only he didn’t have to anymore. Home was right here, in Bridesmaids Creek, with Daisy.

  He looked over at Dig, Carson, Clint, Red and Gabriel.

  “You realize you’re going down,” Carson said.

  “You just keep thinking that,” John shot back.

  “Might as well just stand right there and save your strength,” Red said.

  “Keep talking,” John told Daisy’s gang. “It’s all over but the crying.”

  “Hope you drank your special anti-leg-cramp juice this morning,” Dig said.

  John laughed. “You fellows. I’m going to throw confetti at all your weddings after today.”

  “Today we’re going to prove that Daisy made a mistake. She shouldn’t have married you,” Gabriel said. “Any of us would have been a better choice.”