Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cattleman Wins a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 4] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Paige Cameron

  * * * *

  When the plane door opened and they stepped out on the ramp, Lily saw everyone was waiting. She turned her head toward Ty.

  “You told them about our engagement?”

  “Yep, when I called just before we left. I couldn’t keep the good news to myself any longer.” He grinned at her. “From the looks of it I think we’re in for a celebration. You don’t mind, do you?”

  “No. It sounds wonderful.” She started down the steps and Angie walked toward the ramp.

  “You’re getting bigger, big sister.”

  “That I am.” Angie hugged her. “I’m so glad you and Ty finally got together. You’ll have to tell me all the details when we get alone.” She greeted Ty and gave him a hug. “About time you came to your senses.”

  “True. How are you?”

  “I’m fine. Come on, it’s time to start celebrating,” Angie said.

  Ty’s brothers and their friend Jackson shook his hand and slapped him on the shoulder. “Glad to have you join our ranks,” they teased him.

  “You know Jackson started this all when he decided to get married. I came to the wedding and met Janice and it was all over for the rest of us after that,” Drake said. “I think we all have to thank Jackson and Samantha.”

  They all laughed and gave Samantha and Jackson a cheer.

  At Jackson’s ranch house, the grill was smoking and Samantha had put out a spread of salads, baked beans, and corn on the cob. She poured Angie, Lily, Janice, and herself a soda. “Here’s to a very happy marriage.” Samantha raised her glass. Janice and the sisters joined in.

  Lily glanced outside and saw the four men laughing and talking as the barbecue cooked. Warmth spread through her. She was going to have the large extended family she’d always dreamed about. When Ty saw her glance, he winked and her pulse rate increased.

  The women sat around the small kitchen table. “Tell us what happened,” Angie said.

  She gave them a quick rundown about seeing her father, finding Ty at the hotel, his proposal, and her last visit to her dad.

  “That must have been difficult,” Samantha said.

  “It was. The second visit Ty went with me. Him being at my side made it bearable.”

  “Thank goodness he was there,” Janice said. “Drake and Brent were both convinced he loved you and would propose. We just weren’t sure when until his last call.”

  Angie nodded. “And we thought you two would enjoy a barbecue and a chance to celebrate. I hope we were right.” She studied her sister’s face.

  “Can’t you tell by my big grin?” Lily asked. Her friends laughed and each got up and came around to hug her. Lily blinked to keep the tears from falling.

  “Honey.” Ty spoke from behind her chair. She hadn’t noticed him walk up. “Shall we tell them the surprise you gave me after I’d proposed?”

  Lily knew he’d specified after the proposal so the others would be aware he’d planned to marry her before knowing about the baby.

  “Do you think we should?” Lily asked, teasingly.

  “I do.”

  “Maybe we ought to wait and tell them about seven and a half months from now,” Lily said.

  Angie looked puzzled as did the others for a few seconds, and then all of them started smiling. Angie jumped back up and hugged Lily.

  “You’re going to have a baby?”

  “I am.” All the women and their husbands, who’d joined the circle, stared at Ty after Lily’s statement.

  Ty put up his hands in defense. “Don’t look at me. I’m fine, I’m happy.” He put his hand on Lily’s shoulder. “We’re both happy.” Leaning down he kissed her cheek. He stood and looked at each of the others. “I’ve been stupid and an ass, but when Lily left me I realized what I was losing by letting her go. I love her.”

  Lily saw the expressions relax. Drake and Brent each hugged Ty, and then Jackson and the women followed.

  “I’m pretty sure I’m speaking for all of us men,” Jackson said. “We’ve never been happier than since we got married.” Drake and Brent both nodded.

  “I’ve been lucky before, and I know Lily and I are going to be very happy. I’m going to do whatever I need to see that we are. In fact, I’ll use Dad’s remedy and start getting used to saying, ‘yes, dear.’” This brought on another round of laughter.

  “When’s the wedding?” Angie asked.

  “If it’s all right with you and Brent, we thought we’d get married by your lake as soon as Mom and Dad can get here,” Ty said.

  Angie glanced at Brent and then said, “Fine with us.” She glanced at Janice and Samantha. “We’ll have fun decorating and planning the ceremony and reception afterwards.”

  Ty flipped open his phone. “I’m calling Mom and Dad right now with the news.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Lily came out of the doctor’s office. Angie had waited in the lobby. She stood, and they walked out to her truck.

  “Would you like to eat in town or head straight back?”

  “Lunch sounds good. With the morning sickness I don’t keep much down until now, and then I’m hungry.”

  Billie greeted them when they walked in the diner. “I can never get over how much you two look alike.” She glanced around them. “Just you two today?”

  “Yes, can we sit over in the corner where we can have a bit of privacy?” Angie asked.

  “You got it, sweetie.” Billie led them to the last table on the right. “Here are your menus. I’ll be back in a minute. Do you want me to bring coffee?”

  “Ice water for both of us,” Angie said. Billie hurried off. “We’ll wait and talk after she returns.”

  Billie came right back with their water and took their order. The place was not crowded. It was only eleven, a little early for the main crowd.

  “Now, what did the doctor say, and did you like her?”

  “I did like her, very much. She says I’m healthy. I told her about Ty’s fears from his previous experience. She said that was very unusual, and to tell him I’m healthy.”

  “Good. He’s done an about-turn regarding marriage and family. Brent and Drake say he is like the brother they knew all their lives. They give you credit for helping him return to his old self.”

  “He was getting there. Us meeting and falling in love just speeded up the process. Can we stop at the post office? I’m hoping the dress I ordered for my wedding in two days will have arrived.”

  “Sure, we’ll stop on our way home. The decorations go up tomorrow. Janice, who loves to cook, is doing most of the food. I’m cooking the wedding cake tonight and decorating it.”

  “I can never thank you all enough. This is great. Ty and Brent will have brought their mom and dad from the landing strip at Jackson’s to your ranch by the time we get home,” Lily said. “They’re so sweet and loving. I talked with them on the phone last night.”

  Lily bit into the large hamburger Billie had put in front of her. “This tastes good. If I don’t watch out my waist will be too big. I won’t fit into my gown.”

  “No worry. You’re still small. Wait until you get as big as me.” Angie patted her stomach. “The doctor said this being the first baby it could happen anytime now. Let’s hope we get through your wedding.”

  * * * *

  Ty and Lily had chosen early morning with the sun coming up over the water. An arbor decorated with yellow and white roses had been arranged at lakeside, and chairs were set on either side of a long satin runner. A slight breeze blew across the lake.

  Lily looked out the window while Angie buttoned up the zillion buttons on the back of her cream-colored gown. “The weather is perfect.” She turned as Angie finished. “And the wedding cake is phenomenal, fancy decorations and all. You could go into business.”

  “I enjoy baking. I’m thinking about starting a small business here at home. I have my huge kitchen. I’d bake for the locals, cakes, cookies, pies, and so forth.”

  “That’s a great idea. What does Brent say?”


  “He’s all for anything I want to do. I’ll substitute teach and bake. That way I can have more free time at home.”

  “Better watch out. When the locals taste your goodies, you may have more business than you want.”

  “I’ll keep it under control. Now let me look at you.” Angie stepped back. “That cream color looks good on you. And I like the style. The high neck and low waistline, and then it flares out. Perfect. Here’s your veil.” Angie handed the fine lace to Lily, and she put it on her head. She’d left her long hair down, and it shone through the delicate lace.

  “Ty’s going to be floored when he sees you.”

  Lily grinned. “I hope so.”

  Angie opened the door. “He’s waiting.” She walked out in front and started down the satin runner toward the arbor. Family and friends sat in the chairs, and Brent and Drake stood by Ty.

  Mr. Terrell came to Lily and took her arm. “I’m a lucky man to get to walk another lovely lady down the aisle to marry one of my sons.”

  A friend of Brent and Angie’s played the wedding march as they started down the runner. Ty’s brilliant blue eyes gazed into hers. He mouthed the words, “You’re beautiful.”

  Soft breezes caressed her cheeks and the fragrance of the roses filled the air. Lily thought her heart might burst with happiness.

  * * * *

  Ty felt a jolt to his heart when Lily started toward him. The sunlight and her white gown reminded him of how he’d first thought of her, as a lily with golden touches. Her beautiful hair fell around her shoulders and down her back. A wisp of a veil fluttered in the breeze. A small angel. She was going to be his, to love and care for. They’d create a home together.

  All the dark places inside had been brought back into the light by Lily. Soon they’d have a child. The thought brought a twinge of fear, but he pushed it away. They’d be fine.

  His father placed Lily’s small hand in his. Her soft, warm fingers wrapped around his hand and his heart. Her particular fragrance filled his being.

  Ty said his vows clear and firm. Lily’s soft voice repeated hers. The best words were when the minister said, “I now pronounce you man and wife.” Lily’s sweet smile filled him with warmth and hope and happiness.

  Leaning down, he started to just brush his lips across her mouth, but her arms went around his neck. She opened her mouth and thoroughly kissed him. He raised his red face to a laughing crowd.

  “My, my,” he whispered to his new wife. “Being married has made you quite daring.”

  “Just wait until we’re alone.”

  “You did that on purpose, knowing it will be hours before that happens.”

  Lily took his arm and turned to greet their friends and family. The reception was endless, but fun. At dusk, they had a campfire going by the lake, and everyone, including the children who had joined them, toasted marshmallows and sang songs.

  At last, the ones leaving began to go to their cars. Ty’s mom and dad were going with Drake and Janice to spend a few days with the grandchildren. When the last car light went out of sight, Angie turned to Brent.

  “I’m tired, honey, and these newlyweds want to go to the cabin.” She looked at Lily and Ty. “I think you’ll like it.” She flashed a smile at Brent. “We did. I’m glad you decided to stay another few days to visit with your parents, Ty. We love having you here.”

  “You all go on in,” Ty said to Angie and Brent. “I’ll see the fires out. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Angie and Brent waved as they went into the big ranch house. “Alone at last.” Ty pulled her into his arms. “Look at all the stars. You can hear a cow moo and a train whistle in the distance. Yet there’s nothing in sight but rolling pasture land and the barn.” He kissed her mouth. “It’s why I love ranching and being at ranches. You’re close to nature and away from the busy, bustling world.” Putting his arm around her they walked toward the dying campfire.

  “I know. The first time I came to your ranch and stood at the window that night looking out, the vastness and quiet was comforting. I think I was born to be a cowboy’s wife and didn’t know it until I met you.”

  Ty let her loose for one moment. “This won’t take long to be sure it’s out.” He quickly had the last of the embers buried and, grabbing an empty can, went to the lake and got water to pour over the area. He made several trips before he was satisfied.

  “Time to start our honeymoon, Mrs. Terrell. Such as it is with part of our family nearby.”

  “I’m glad we’ll have the time with them. Anytime we’re together is like a honeymoon.”

  “Then let’s get started.” Ty scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the cabin. He put her feet down inside the door. They both looked around. “This is really nice.”

  “I like it.”

  “We’ll build one in a pretty spot back home and go there from time to time just to get away from everyone,” Ty said.

  “I’d love to have a place like this.”

  “Right now I’d love to see you naked.”

  “It’s a good thing I changed out of my gown earlier. I should put it on just to make you have to undo all those buttons, but I can’t wait.” She started to undo his buttons on his shirt. “I bet I can have you undressed before you undress me,” Lily challenged him.

  “You are so going to lose that bet.” Ty brushed her hands away and quickly had her standing nude in front of him.

  “No fair. You didn’t give me a chance.”

  He opened his arms. “Come and get me, darlin’.”

  * * * *

  They’d just fallen asleep when there was a knock on the door. Ty pulled on jeans and called out. “Who is it?”

  “Brent. Angie is in labor. I thought maybe you two would go with us to the hospital. Angie would like to have her sister there.”

  Ty opened the door to a frantic Brent. His hair stood on end and he’d buttoned his shirt wrong. “We’ll dress and be right with you,” Ty reassured him. Then watched as Brent sprinted back across the yard to his house.

  Having heard the conversation, Lily jumped up and put on jeans, a shirt, and shoes. She ran a comb through her hair and tied it back with a scarf. “I’m ready.”

  Ty had finished dressing, so they ran to join Brent. He was starting to put Angie in the front seat.

  “Wait, you two get in back. I’ll drive,” Ty said.

  “Thanks.” Brent helped Angie into the back and he followed. He pulled her into his arms. “We’ll be there soon, sweetheart, and I’ll stay right by your side.” He kissed her forehead.

  Lily got in the front by Ty. They took off down the road.

  “Are you going to the bigger hospital in the next town?” Ty asked.

  “No. Our hospital has been enlarged and has a good maternity section,” Angie said. “Go straight into town and turn right at the last stoplight.”

  Ty kept a steady but safe speed. He found the road and turned. It didn’t take long before he pulled up to the ER entrance.

  “You all get out here. I’ll park the car and join you.”

  Brent, Angie, and Lily got out. “Do you need a wheelchair?” Ty asked before driving off.

  “No, I can walk.”

  * * * *

  Lily followed her sister and brother-in-law inside the small hospital. A nurse greeted them with a wheelchair.

  “I’ve preregistered,” Angie explained as they followed her down a corridor.

  “This is nice and new,” Lily said as she looked around. The wide corridors had light, tan walls with lovely pictures of nature, and the floors had a lighter color in the center with a darker edge. “Modern and clean, and doesn’t even have the antiseptic smell you’d expect. I wish they had a place like this near our home in Montana.”

  “They do,” Ty said, coming up behind her. “But you promised to go to the big city and a large hospital with all the trappings for our baby,” he reminded her.

  “Well, I’m glad there’s one nearby. I promised you the first time I’d do
that, not necessarily the second.” She smiled at him.

  “I’m going to take your wife in her room and get her ready for delivery,” the nurse said. “You can come in shortly.”

  “I promised to stay by her side,” Brent protested.

  “You can after I’m through.” The nurse and Brent stared at each other. “All right, but if you need me, Angie, just yell, and I’ll come through that door.” He squinted at the nurse. “Locked or not.”

  She laughed and rolled Angie in the room, shutting the door in Brent’s face.

  “I’m sure glad you’re here, Ty. You can walk the floor with me and get into practice.”

  Lily hid her smile as the two brothers walked around the room. They stopped once to call Drake and then paced again. When their father and Drake arrived they convinced Brent to sit.

  Ty still stood. Lily went to him. “Buy me a decaf coffee?”

  “Sure, if we can find any. We’ll look for the dining room.”

  The receptionist pointed them in the right direction. Lily took Ty’s arm as they walked. “Are you all right?”

  He put his arm around her. “Better than I thought I’d be. I can’t wait to hold our baby in my arms. And once we get through this first pregnancy I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  Mr. and Mrs. Terrell joined them in the dining room. “We wanted a chance to talk with you both. After the baby’s born it will be happy confusion and you’ll be leaving for Montana. We talked to Dirk and he said all is good on the home front,” Mr. Terrell said.

  Mrs. Terrell put her hand over Lily’s. “We want you to consider the ranch house yours. You can do with it as you please. We’re doing an even exchange.” She smiled at Ty. “And I will do as I want with the cabin. Is that all right with you?”

  “Sure, Mom. I see it the same way. The house is ours and the cabin is yours.”

  “Good. I’m looking forward to the change when we return this summer.”

  “You really didn’t mind giving up the big house?” Ty asked.