Zach came in and stripped off his shirt. He stood in front of her with sweat glistening on his muscle-laden chest. “Howdy, you sexy man.”
“They’ll be here soon. What are you cooking? It smells fantastic in here.”
“Your favorites. I’ll have to heat the grill.”
“Cool. Let Tyler grill the steaks. Keep him out of trouble.”
“He’ll be here alone, without a date, I mean.”
“Wonders never cease. He’ll be heading back to the ranch in Idaho this week now that it’s finally ours. I’ll miss the punk.”
“We’ll join him soon. It was sweet of him to help repair the damage the idiots did to my place here.” Kimber smiled. Zach looked so happy to know the family ranch belonged to him and Tyler now. “I do like it there, babe. It’s beautiful country. Thanks for taking us away for a spell. I loved hiking the short trail to Jump Creek Falls.”
“We’ll go back in the early summer.”
She stood and took the shirt from his hand, dabbing at the perspiration on his face and chest. “I love that we’re living together.”
“I want to hug you, but I’m too sweaty. Let me get a shower.” She released him, but he hauled her back, kissing her wildly. “I’ll never get tired of this.”
Two vehicles pulled into the driveway. Kimber rushed to the window. “I better go make the drinks. Come with me to let them in. I can’t meet your parents without you there.”
“You look banging in that turquoise dress. Wow, your blue eyes pop.” Zach grabbed a shirt from the laundry basket and put it on, but didn’t button it. They went to the door to meet their guests, his parents and Roxanne and Randy. She pulled the door open, and Zach welcomed them in. Roxanne and Randy entered and took a seat. Zach took hold of her hand, saying to his parents. “I need a shower, you guys, but here she is. Kimber, meet my mom Emma and my dad Luke.”
Kimber shook both of their hands, his mom’s first. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Please come in. Can I get you a margarita or a glass of wine? Coffee? Tea?”
“I’ll have a beer,” said Luke. “I know with both my boys here, somebody has to have a brew.”
Kimber swept her arm forward. “Absolutely. And Scotch for later.”
“Now, Zachary,” said his dad, “that’s my kind of woman. It looks like you have a nice place here, young lady.”
“Thank you.” Kimber smiled softly.
“Have a seat, Mom and Dad. I’ll be right out.” He left with a wink to Kimber before exiting the room.
Kimber peered at Roxanne who got up and escorted Emma into the great room and sat beside her. She, Roxanne, and Beth had become friends over the last few months of phone calls, texts, and on and off visits. Kimber followed, and when everyone was seated, Tyler came in with Jake and Beth since he had ridden with them after doing some work with Jake. She handed out drinks to everyone with Roxanne and Beth’s help. “Dinner will be soon. Tyler, can you light the grill?”
“Sure.” Tyler went out to the patio. His dad, Jake, and Randy followed him to most likely get away from the women talk.
Emma moved beside Kimber on the love seat. “It’s so good to see Randy Drake again. He looks good,” she said to Roxanne. Emma took Kimber’s hands. “I don’t think my son has ever been with a redhead before.”
“Mom?” He came in showered and shaved looking as good as any cleaned-up-sexy-cowboy could.
“Oh, um… Well…” Emma smiled. “Your wedding date is getting closer. I’m glad we got to make this trip to meet your bride-to-be before the event.”
Zach opened a beer. “I never in my life gave a thought to getting married on our family ranch. Since you’re settled in Florida, I thought you might never leave.”
“I’ll miss a hometown Christmas.” Emma wrung her hands in her lap. “I don’t know if I’ll get used to so many people. Our sweet town of Bakerdale is small, and everybody knows everybody.”
“Same here.” Kimber smiled at Roxanne. “I’m getting used to Canyon Junction and happy meeting new people.” And she meant that now that she enjoyed life. “Bakerdale is a nice little town with country charm. People seem friendly.”
“Mama, you’ll be fine.” Luke entered the great room. “Think of sitting on the beach and basking in the cool breezes on Christmas Eve.”
Tyler walked in behind him. “I want to see you on the beach, Dad, getting a whole-body tan instead of your neck and arms.”
“I’ll be there. You worry about taking care of the cattle, boy.”
“You’ll get used to it, Emma.” Beth had a sincere smile. “Christmas is Christmas anywhere you call home.”
Zach and Kimber exchanged glances and smiled at Beth’s words. Everyone got to know each other over drinks and appetizers. Emma joined Kimber in the kitchen to help with the dinner sides. “These look delicious, dear.” She stopped fidgeting with rearranging fresh veggies and took hold of Kimber’s hands. “I can’t tell you how happy we are to see Zachary settled down. He appears to be a different man. Happy.”
She peered at him glancing at her through the doorway, and she gave him a warm smile. “He’s darn special. I’m deeply in love with your son, Emma.” They didn’t have to know about her frightening past.
“Be warned, he can be moody when his PTSD hits him hard. Bear with him.”
It was true, he’d suffered from his war experiences. “I love him, and I’ll stand by his side. He agreed to join a group wherever we end up living.”
“Good. Now, let’s go feed these men.”
Emma seemed most comfortable in the kitchen. Kimber carried a tray into the dining room behind her.
***
After dinner, the sun shone amber on the horizon. Kimber showed everyone to the patio. She came in, setting glasses and a bottle of Scotch and red wine on a tray. Zach entered, taking the silver tray from her. “I’m seeing you in a different light with these people. You look happy and contented these days.” He set the tray down and took her into his arms, backing her up into the wall out of view of the others. “I’m proud of you. This must be hard to have a house full of company and not have your own parents here.”
“You’re right, but I’ve accepted life as it is now, and I’m thankful that I have peace…and you.” She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. “Let’s get the drinks out there.” Under the circumstances, happiness had found its way to her heart. Only months ago, she thought she’d never know true happiness again, or if she’d experience another sunrise. A day would never go by that she wouldn’t miss her family.
He picked up the tray and followed her out.
“I know you’re looking at my ass.” Holding the door for him, she grinned. “After you.” He looked appealing tonight in a mixed blue and white plaid western shirt tucked into faded blue jeans. He wore the belt with a large oval buckle that Tyler had given him from one of his past wins. She’d opted for an ankle length onyx cotton skirt with a lacy overlay, and a blue top that coincidently was a close match to the blues in his shirt.
Outside with family and friends, she imagined the evenings like this at her mom and dad’s with her sister butting in to every conversation. Kimber smiled to picture her now, recently graduated from Oregon State University. She had the nerve to check her social media profile once, and saw her in a cap and gown, their parents at her side. How proud she was of Charlotte, and how her heart broke over remembering the day she’d told them good-bye.
“How you doing?”
Kimber smiled at Zach. “Mostly fine. I’m remembering the old days at home.”
“We’ll make our own traditions.” He handed her a glass of Scotch. “Come on. Walk with me.” They walked off the patio with Stormy following close behind. They went around through the first gate to the front of the house. “It’s a nice night. Warm for late fall, though.”
A coyote’s howl and the answer to his filled the space between them and the Superstition. She didn’t care, for she’d grown accustomed to their cry, which could be heard from the loft too.<
br />
Zach took her glass and set his and hers on the ground. He knelt on one knee. “I’ve been waiting for this moment. I told you I’d get you the biggest diamond I could find.” He slipped off her interim solitaire and stuck it into his pocket.” He brought out another diamond.
Tears welled to see her tough and strong man kneeling. “You know you didn’t have to.”
“A cattle ranchin’ wife deserves the best.” Under the brightest of the stars, she gasped. Zach slipped it over her finger. “You’ll still marry me?”
She bent forward to kiss him. “I’ve been waiting for a moment like this, as well. Without a doubt, my cowboy. I love you so much, Zach. I owe you my life.”
He stood and placed a finger over her lips. “Shh, no you don’t.” Their lips connected. She held him while kissing his warm, sensuous mouth. They stared into each other’s eyes when it ended. Zach broke their gaze to pick up their glasses.
“Make sure there aren’t any scorpions down there.” She teased, but still shook her boots and clothes out daily before donning them.
Zach chuckled. He handed her the glass then pointed toward the horizon. “Cheers to the sunsets we’ll always spend together no matter where.”
“Yeah, what a fantastic future to look forward to.” She tipped her glass and dumped the contents into his. “I can’t drink this right now.”
“Why? Are you tipsy? I’ve never seen you drunk, but you’d be fun in bed.” He wiggled his eyebrows at her and grinned.
She inclined her head, stroking the long hair hanging over his collar. “Maybe you never will. I haven’t had a drop tonight.”
His back straightened. “Wait. How come?”
She smiled.
“Why, Kimber? You like Scotch. I’m not saying you’re a drunk…” He smirked.
Her smile broadened.
“You’re kidding me.” His white teeth gleamed in the dusk—his smile was that big. “Are you pregnant?”
She held his face and peered into his smiling eyes. “Camping, I think, or…maybe in Idaho.” Kimber reflected on camping. Through all the chaos in her life at that time, she hadn’t kept up with monthly checks on her calendar, so she could be off in her calculation.
He peered off to the west as his smile grew bigger. “Are you serious?”
“I wouldn’t tease.”
“How far? Three months since we camped. My oops moment? You’re three months’ pregnant or less.” His hand dropped to her belly.
She chuckled at his surprised expression. “With four positive tests, I think it’s safe to say we are.” She glanced at her belly. Jeans fit a wee bit tighter these days.
“Four? Are we telling anyone? I can’t promise to keep my mouth shut. I know exactly how to tell them. Can I?”
Zach had changed so much. He grinned like a boy, but soon he might have a little boy. “You can. I’ll leave it up to you since you knew all these people before I did.”
“Let’s go.” Zach drank down his drink. He took her hand, both glasses, and rushed to the patio. She stole a glance at her cushion-cut diamond when they got to the light. He set the glasses down then stood behind her, sliding his hands to her abdomen—a giveaway for sure. He whispered, “I think you’re closer to three months. That’s great.”
“You’re bad. I mean, the tent wasn’t the first time we had an oops moment. Remember the third time on our first night?”
He smoothed his hand over her abdomen again. “Ah…um… Yeah, we slipped two nights in a row. We’re both bad…” he said jovially, “at remembering things when we’re hot and heavy in bed.”
“Obviously. I’ve never been pregnant, but I thought it was…” She lowered her voice, “Bloat. Be nice. It’s only a smidgen bigger. I’m surprised you never noticed.” Her breasts had swelled a bit. How’d he miss that?
“I did but kept quiet. Made me wonder how many bags of chips you went through weekly.”
“Zachary!”
He snickered. “I’m teasing you.”
She got all warm inside to think they’d created a life together, and that he was happy about it. He cleared his throat, and did it again when no one paid attention. Kimber placed her hands over his.
“Hey, Tyler.” Zach clenched her fingers in a gentle squeeze.
His brother looked his way and lifted his glass. “Huh?”
“You’re about to be an uncle, dude.”
Gasping, she covered her mouth. Oh, no way. That’s how he told them? Everyone remained quiet for a moment, including Tyler. Then a buzz broke out among them when they’d figured it out. His mom rushed up and hugged them. “How wonderful, Zachary. Kimber. Congratulations.”
Even his dad came up to shake his hand. “I never thought I’d see the day when Zachary wanted a family. Wonders never cease.”
“I told you I did one day, Dad.” Zach hugged his father. “I love ya, old man. Grandpaw.”
Roxanne and Beth came up to congratulate her, for they were as surprised. Kimber gave her friends an endearing hug. Randy and Jake patted Zach on the back. She stood with her arms around Beth and Roxanne, peering out at their guests. Tyler seemed to still be in shock.
This is the kind of life she’d wanted. This is what she’d dreamed. Friends and a family within a family. Charlotte. Mom and Dad. I survived. “Excuse me a moment.” She bolted inside and went into the spare bedroom. With the wedding coming up, it would only be harder the closer it got without her family.
Zach followed her in. “What’s going on?”
Her eyes misted, but she closed them. “It’s not fair.”
“Pretend they live on the other side of the world, and they can’t get a flight. You know they’d be here if they could.” Zach sat beside her on the bed. “You can invite them. What is holding you back? There’s no reason why you can’t see them now.”
“Don’t you understand? Everyone thinks Tressa died. I can’t magically reappear. How can I let them—”
“But your parents know you didn’t. No one has to know if they come. Sure, Tressa will remain dead forever, but Kimber reigns on.” Zach pointed at her. “This body is still their daughter.”
He put his arms around her, and she buried her face into his shoulder. “I can’t. They’ll have to go back home and go on without me. That’d be cruel.”
“Whatever you say, but they’d only be a long drive or a flight away when we get married in Bakerdale.” He kissed the top of her head. “Let’s modify the wedding plans.”
“But Tyler said he’d walk me down the aisle if Jerry isn’t able.”
“He’ll get over it. We’ll be there with my parents and Tyler. Let’s get married in my mom’s favorite place on the ranch.”
“By the river? I haven’t seen it yet. Our friends will come. You asked Randy to stand up with you.”
They both laughed. “Okay.” He grinned. “They can all be there.”
The voices from their guests filtered in from the outside, leaving her with a pleasant and secure feeling. “But let’s do this before the belly gets big. Did you ever want kids? It’s too late to ask now.”
Nodding, he grinned. “Yeah, I did one day. I didn’t have a plan for when. Now works.”
“You always make me feel better.”
“You’re stuck with me, baby.” Zach rose from the bed and pulled her in close. “You coming back out?”
“Of course. It’s time for a second round of dessert.” She chuckled.
“Yes, ma’am. The chocolate bump cake you made is delicious. My daddy always said not to argue with a pregnant woman.”
She smiled and rubbed her belly. “I haven’t been pregnant long enough to know.”
They paused in the hallway, but Zach said as he released her hand, “I’ll meet you out there. I have to make a phone call first.”
She grasped his shirt. “Hey, darlin’?”
His lips quirked in a smile. “Yeah?”
“I truly love you with all my heart.”
His features softened with the spec
ial way he smiled when happy. “I know you do, and it sets my heart on fire.” Zach clenched her hair up into his fist and held her tight with his other arm. “You turn me on by saying that, you know. It doesn’t take much.”
“I’ll make you happy, my love.” Kimber sighed. “I suppose I better go out there.”
“Wait.” Zach unbuttoned his shirt. “A quickie.”
Kimber’s face heated. “With your parents out there? You’ll give them the wrong impression about me.”
Zach laughed wholeheartedly. “Hey, you’re pregnant. Anything they worried about already happened. We aren’t teenagers. Let Dad wonder.”
Kimber encircled his waist and they entered the bedroom. “Be good. Your dad seems nice.”
“I plan on being damn good, but should I remind you why I went to the doctor’s office in Boise?” He snickered and pointed to his scar.
“We should be thanking him then.” She giggled and turned her back for him to undo the zipper on her skirt. “I can’t wait to marry you. Sometimes I pinch myself to be sure it’s real.”
Zach pushed her hair aside, kissed her neck, then pulled down the zipper. He turned the lock on the door and opened his arms. “You want real? Come and git it, Mama.”
Chapter 24
One month later
Outside of the barn at their ranch in Bakerdale, Idaho they stood beside Honey and Major. Zach smiled and handed her a jacket and gloves. “It’s been a great day, sweetheart. We’re about to top it off with a sunset if we’re lucky.”
“It’s partly cloudy and cold. Let me change. I’m still wearing this flowy skirt from dinner. You’re in dress clothes. Let’s get into jeans. Think you could let me in on where we’re going?”
“We don’t need to change.” Zach bent over to give her a leg up, then he mounted Major who was bareback.
“East, nosy woman. A slow ride straightaway is where we’re going.” He lifted his hand to point. “It’s real nice along the river. There’s something I want you to see.” Zach pulled his hat over his forehead and winked.
Finding Kimber (Canyon Junction; Hearts In Love Book 2) Page 31
