Did Stonewall Crossing have undercover cops? But she hadn’t been speeding. She looked in her rearview mirror...
“Poppy?” It was Fisher Boone. And Ryder. “You heading home?”
She nodded, rolling down the window. “Everything okay?”
Fisher and Ryder exchanged looks. “I need to tell you something, but I need you to stay calm. I’ll drive, okay?” Fisher offered.
Ryder headed back to his truck, climbed in and flew past them.
“I can drive,” she said, her throat tightening. “So tell me... What’s going on?”
“There’s a fire, Poppy. At your place.” He opened her truck door. “Rowdy is fine.”
A fire. Her mind went blank. A fire. She stared at Fisher. “A fire? Rowdy?” she repeated.
“He’s fine. Rowdy is fine.”
He was fine. Rowdy was fine. Her heart tightened, her chest so heavy it hurt to draw in breath. “Toben?” He had to be okay. Why was she was shaking, so hard and so fast her teeth were rattling? She repeated, panicking, “Toben?”
“He’s okay. Let me drive.”
“O-okay,” she said, sliding over. “Fast.”
The rest of the drive was a blur. She felt sick, her head and stomach unable to calm down, no matter how many times Fisher told her Rowdy was okay. She didn’t believe it, couldn’t. She had to see him, to hold him in her arms and breathe him in.
And Toben? He had to be all right—for both of them. She loved him. She needed him.
The sun was fading, but the column of black smoke was visible from the road. So much smoke. She tried not to imagine how scared Rowdy was. Toben was there. He’d keep him safe. She rubbed her hands on her thighs, shaking her head. The house didn’t matter. As long as they were okay, that was all that mattered. But, please, God, let them be okay.
She was out of the truck before they’d come to a complete stop, staring at the smoking, blackened mess that had been her house...
She spun, the blood roaring in her ears. “Rowdy?” she called out, swallowing smoke and coughing. “Rowdy?” She forced the name out. She didn’t see him. Her eyes burned, the heat and smoke reaching her. Where was he? “Rowdy!”
“Ma!” He came barreling across the yard, Cheyenne glued to his side.
She burst into tears, falling to her knees as she caught Rowdy close. She held him, burying her face in his hair. She hugged him tightly and ran her hands over his face. “Hi, baby,” she whispered, her voice broken. “You okay?”
“Don’t cry, Ma.” Rowdy smiled. “Don’t cry.”
“He’s okay.” Toben’s voice, so full of grief. “He’s okay, Poppy.”
“Dad took us to the barn, Ma. We were okay. He kept us safe.” Rowdy stroked her hair.
She stared up at Toben, unable to stop the tears from flowing. She reached out, grabbed Toben’s hand and yanked him down beside her. “Thank you.” She wrapped them both in her arms. “You’re safe. Both of you.” She sucked in a deep breath. They were her whole world, right here. “You’re safe.”
Cheyenne wedged herself between them, making Rowdy laugh. “You should have seen her, Ma. She barked and barked and told us what was happening.”
Poppy sat back on her knees, frantically wiping at her tears. “She did?”
“We were in the barn,” Toben explained. “If she hadn’t barked... Well, it happened pretty damn quick.”
She stared at the house then. The kitchen was a black gaping hole, smoke billowing up and into the sky. The hoses kept going, soaking the ground around the house and saturating the roof.
“Ma?” Rowdy held her hand.
She looked at him, doing her best to smile.
“You okay?” he asked.
She laughed, sounding a little unhinged. She glanced at Toben, pleading for help. “I’m fine. It’s silly, I know. I’m trying to stop.” But it was hard. The fear had eased, but her relief was all-consuming.
“She was worried over you, Rowdy. It’s what moms do.” His hand stroked along her cheek. She leaned into his touch, letting him pull her into his arms. “It’s okay, Poppy. I promise, it’s going to be okay.”
“It is,” she whispered. “I know it. You’re both okay.”
“Right,” Rowdy agreed. “We’ve got each other. And Cheyenne and Cheeto and Stormy. We’re good.”
Toben’s arms tightened around her. “He’s right.”
She nodded, turning into his chest. “It’s just...for a minute...” She shook her head, sitting back. “I didn’t see him...” She blew out a wavering breath.
He nodded. “I’d never let anything happen to him.” He stood, pulling her up with him.
“I know. But it was...you, too, Toben.” She swallowed.
A crease formed between his brows. “You don’t need to worry about me.”
She stared at him dumbly. Of course she’d worried about him. She shook her head. He didn’t know how she felt. She’d done too good a job of keeping it from him. And herself. “Toben—”
“Ma.” Rowdy’s hand grabbed hers. “Where are we going to sleep now?”
She stared at the smoking house, her son’s question gutting her. Was it a total loss? The kitchen was gone and the rest wasn’t livable—that much was clear. “A hotel?” She grinned at him, wanting to reassure him. “The apartment.” The couch was small but comfy—it would work for Rowdy. And since she had no plans to let him out of her sight, she’d sleep on the floor next to him.
“The Lodge?” Toben asked, glancing at Fisher.
Fisher nodded. “Already on it. Dad’s happy to put you up.” He held out his cell phone. “You’re family, after all.”
“You’re not alone,” Toben whispered, his voice gruff. “You hear me?”
She felt tears welling in her eyes again, staring at the man she loved. “Yes, thank you.”
“Can I bring Cheyenne?” Rowdy asked Fisher.
“Of course,” Toben agreed. “I can bring Cheeto and Stormy over, too, if you want.” His gaze shifted to her.
Poppy understood. The ground was dry. All the small fires. The firefighters were soaking the ground now, but there was no guarantee. She glanced at the barn, then Toben. No reason to risk it. “Please,” she said, nodding. “If there’s room?”
His crooked grin wrapped around her heart. “I’ll make room.” He nodded at Fisher. “Can you take them to the Lodge? I’ll finish up here.”
“You got it,” Fisher said. “How about we get Cheyenne in the truck, Rowdy.”
Poppy stared after Toben, hesitating before following him. “Toben.”
He turned, the anguish on his face tearing at her insides. “Poppy,” he groaned. He stared at the house, then her—his eyes red rimmed. “I’m so sorry. I’m so damn sorry.”
She slid her arms around him, cradling his head against her shoulder. “You didn’t do this. You’re both fine. That’s all that matters.”
His arms tightened around her. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and released her. “I’ll catch up to you.”
She nodded, then hurried back to Rowdy. She sat in the back seat, holding her son tight and rubbing Cheyenne’s soft black coat.
“She’s a good dog, Ma,” Rowdy said, yawning.
“She’s the best dog ever, Rowdy.” She kissed the top of his head.
* * *
TOBEN YAWNED, RUNNING a hand along the back of his neck. It was late, too late to wake Poppy or Rowdy. But if he didn’t see his boy, he’d never get any sleep. Rowdy had never been in any danger, not really. Cheyenne had had a hold of Rowdy’s pants and wouldn’t let go. Toben had told him to stay put in the barn and then Toben had run, knowing Poppy’s and Rowdy’s lives were in the house. If he could salvage anything, he was damn well going to try. But the closer he got, the more he knew there was nothing he could
do. The flames were roaring, sending off waves of heat—a warning he wasn’t about to ignore. Better to stay with Rowdy than upset the boy further.
He’d called the fire department and stayed with his son, feeling useless and—worse—responsible.
“Room one,” his uncle Teddy said, holding out the key. “You need some sleep, boy.”
“What are you doing up?” Toben asked, taking the key.
“Wanted to see you safe and sound for myself before I turned in.” His uncle came around the counter and hugged Toben. “I’m guessing that’s how you’re feeling right about now. You go check on your family and get some shut-eye.”
“Yes, sir.” Toben headed down the hall, stared at the door, then opened it.
Poppy lay in the far bed, almost hanging off the edge, to be near Rowdy. She’d want to stay close but not let Rowdy know how upset she was. And she had every reason to be upset. His heart was heavy with what might have been.
He sighed, looking at the second bed.
Cheyenne lay along Rowdy’s side, sprawled across the bed. She lifted her head, saw him, yawned and lay back down. Toben closed the door and rubbed the dog’s head. Apparently, she didn’t see him as a threat.
He bent over Rowdy, smoothing his still-damp curls from his forehead and breathing in his son’s sweet scent. All the panic of the day, of what could have happened, pressed in on him. “I love you,” he murmured. “You’re my boy.” He kissed Rowdy’s forehead once, then again, before resting his forehead against Rowdy’s. It helped ease the ache somewhat.
Poppy’s fingers gripped his jeans, tugging. He reached back, letting their fingers thread together. That was better, to have them both in his hold. He squeezed her hand. She squeezed right back. He drew in a slow breath, tucked the blanket over Rowdy and sat on the side of Poppy’s bed. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“I’m glad you did.”
“I just needed to see him.” He looked at her, tracing her cheek. “And you.”
She sat up, climbing into his lap.
“I haven’t showered,” he whispered, almost groaning at the feel of her soft and warm against him. She needed comfort right now, and so did he. If he held her long enough, maybe his fear would finally go away? He was willing to try.
“I don’t care,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder.
He chuckled, burying his nose in her hair.
“I found you,” she said, her hands twisting in his knit shirt. “And I’m not going to let you go, Toben. You hear me?” She looked up at him, her whispered words raw and broken. “I don’t care if you get bored or restless—you are stuck with us.”
He stared at her. “I am?” His voice hitched.
“Yes. You are. Because you love us.” She sniffed, tears falling onto her cheeks. “You love me.”
“I do.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks, his pulse kicking up. “So much.”
She smiled. “I’m ready to believe you.”
He grinned. “Then I’ll tell you again. I love you, Poppy White. And, every damn day, I’ll do my best to earn your love.”
“Every damn day.” She nodded. “You promise?”
“I was ready to promise before things went to hell.” He reached into his pocket. “We had a big proposal worked out. Rowdy’s got a romantic streak. You should see the barn,” he said, holding up the ring they’d bought early that morning. “It was tied to Stormy’s halter. There are flowers all over the barn...all over. I stuck myself a dozen times.” He held his finger out for inspection. “I knew you’d say no, but I didn’t care. I’ll keep asking until you say yes.”
She smiled, kissing each cut. “Yellow roses?”
“Of course.” He nodded, loving the way she looked at him. “Asking you to marry me now, like this, isn’t enough. You deserve more.” He’d wanted it to be big and special. Something she’d remember always.
She shook her head and held her hand out. “Ask me.”
He chuckled. “Maybe I’ll wait.”
She frowned at him. “No more waiting, Toben. Ask me tonight,” she said, and pressed her lips to his. “Marry me tomorrow.” She kissed him again. “Love me now.”
He kissed her, his lips sealing them together and easing the ache in his chest. “I do, Poppy. Only, I know you could do better,” he murmured.
“I want you. I love you,” she said. “Even though Fisher said you were fine, I couldn’t believe it. I saw that smoke... All I could think was...no. I love him. I need him...you. And I was too scared to tell you how much...I care. I thought admitting I loved you would chase you away.”
He shook his head, frowning.
“I know.” She smiled. “Now. So I want you to know—I need you to know. I love you so much, Toben Boone. You and only you. Whatever else happens, I want us to be a family. I’ll fight to protect it.”
She had no idea the power her words had over him. Her love washed the rest of the day’s pain away. He had her. He had Rowdy. He had everything. He slipped the ring on her finger.
“You didn’t ask.” She laughed softly.
“After that, I didn’t think I had to.” He kissed her again. He loved the feel of her fingers in his hair, the brush of her nose along his cheek. “Will you marry me, Poppy?”
“Yes.” She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly.
“Thank you, Poppy. For giving us—me—a second chance. I won’t let you down,” he promised, pressing a kiss against her lips.
Epilogue
“You look like a princess, Ma.” Rowdy stood in his little gray tuxedo and felt cowboy hat, looking every bit the dashing cowboy.
“Well, I’m proud to have you as my handsome escort,” she said. “Ready to take some pictures?”
Rowdy nodded. “I guess.”
Poppy laughed, knowing how fond Rowdy was of pictures. Something else he and his father agreed on—pictures were torture. She followed her son to the barn, careful not to trip on her long white skirt, smiling at the friends and family that gathered for her and Toben’s special day.
But something was poking her left foot, and it hurt. She paused in the barn and lifted her skirts, bracing herself against the wall to tug off her boot. A Lego block fell onto the hay at their feet.
Rowdy grinned. “Sorry, Ma. I was looking for that piece.”
She laughed, a sudden movement catching her attention. “I thought he was going to behave,” she murmured. Toben had been put out by her belief they should spend one last night apart and downright grumpy when she insisted they not see each other until the ceremony. “Toben?” she called out.
He was on the move, trying to avoid getting caught. But she wasn’t going to let that happen. She smoothed her skirts in place, did a quick search for her lariat and hurried out the back door. The cameraman was fast at her heels.
She was quiet, spinning her rope and letting it fly before Toben figured something was up. He turned, caught, her aim true. He looked so damn handsome he took her breath away. She tugged the rope and handed it to Rowdy. “Hold this, Rowdy. I need to teach your dad a lesson.”
Rowdy giggled.
Poppy gripped the rope, tugging her soon-to-be husband forward while walking toward him. His surprise was replaced with something more. His blue eyes swept over her, his jaw locked, and his eyes sparkled. He shook his head, grabbed the rope and tugged her toward him.
“You are beautiful,” he murmured, leaning forward for a kiss. “And I am the luckiest son of a gun in the whole world.”
She pressed a finger to his lips. “That might be, but you’re not getting a kiss until we’re married.”
He frowned. “Poppy, that’s not right, now. Seeing you like this.” He shook his head, his possessiveness downright thrilling. “Just a little one?”
“It’ll teach you a less
on,” she argued, knowing full well once they started, neither one would want to stop.
“Lesson learned.” He tipped her chin back. “Next time, I’ll listen.”
She sighed, unable to resist him.
“Ma!” Rowdy wedged himself between them. “No kissing until after the preacher says you can.”
Poppy laughed. “You heard your son, Toben.”
Toben stared at her, then his son, defeated. “That preacher better talk fast.”
“Come on, Ma.” Rowdy took her hand, taking Toben’s with his other hand. “I know she’s pretty, Dad, and you can kiss her all you want after—”
“She’s my wife,” Toben finished. “Let’s get this wedding started.”
Poppy saw his wink and shook her head.
“I love you, Poppy,” he said, so sincere her breath hitched.
“I love you, too,” she said.
“You still can’t kiss,” Rowdy said, tugging them toward the altar and the waiting preacher. “Not yet.”
“After the wedding,” Toben whispered as he leaned close, “prepare to be kissed.”
* * * * *
If you loved this novel, don’t miss the other books by Sasha Summers in her BOONES OF TEXAS series:
A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS REUNION
TWINS FOR THE REBEL COWBOY
COURTED BY THE COWBOY
A COWBOY TO CALL DADDY
Available now from Harlequin Western Romance!
Keep reading for an excerpt from THE LAWMAN’S REBEL BRIDE by Amanda Renee.
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A Son for the Cowboy Page 19
