Cowboy Edition EBook

by Maree, Kay

  “You were taking the afternoon off to help Jackson get settled.”

  “I can still do that. He can come help me if I need it though. He will probably want to crash if he has been driving all day though.” I nodded. I guess he had a point there. “I can’t have you burning out yet, Wyatt, you’re the best hands I’ve got.”

  “Okay, fine, you’re the boss. There is no point arguing with you because it’s probably gonna get me nowhere.”

  “You are right about that,” he chuckled. He squeezed my shoulder again before leaving the stall and walking the vet out who told me to call her if I needed her. Letting out a breath, I tried to ignore the heavy feeling in my chest. It was as if someone had sat on me. I knew it was just fear of the unknown and I tried to tell myself that everything was going to be okay but there was that little voice in the back of my head saying but you don’t know that. She would be fine. Everything was going to be okay.

  Kris

  Pulling up to the house that my father lived in, the same one that I grew up in, and the nerves in my stomach grew worse. I should have told him I was coming, called him when I landed or something. What if he wasn’t home? What if he didn’t want to see me? Then what would I do? I couldn’t go back to New York. There is no way Michelle would let me back yet. I only just left. Turning into the driveway, my heart began to race. I was running on no sleep and my thoughts were going to the negative like it always did. This was my dad. I was his only daughter and the youngest of three. Zach was the oldest, the more responsible one. Then there was Jackson, the middle child who always complained about being ignored then came me. The baby, the princess, my daddy’s pride and joy. Having two older brothers meant that no boy came near me growing up. They were overprotective but now I see that they just wanted me safe.

  Turning off the car, I took the keys out of the ignition and got out, stretching my back and my legs. It was early but I knew he would be awake. Ever since we were little, he had always been up with the sun. If he wasn’t, then we knew something was wrong. Slowly walking over to the front porch steps, I walked toward the front door. Did I knock or just walk in? Do I knock and then walk in? Fuck. Why was coming home so hard?

  Deciding on knocking, before I could raise my hand though, the front door opened. My dad stood there, looking back at me. It took him a minute before he recognized who it was. I couldn’t blame him though. I had traded my blonde hair for purple and covered my body with ink. Mainly because I was tired of explaining the scars but each one meant something to me. It showed my journey since I walked away from this place.

  “Krissy?!”

  “Hi, Daddy, I’m sorry I didn’t call.” He took a step forward and engulfed me in a hug.

  “Oh, hush now, Angel. You never have to call to tell me you are coming home. I love the surprise.” Wrapping my arms around him, I buried my face in his shoulder and squeezed him tight. Taking a deep breath, I took in his scent. Nothing had changed. He still smelt the same to me.

  “Is everything okay? How long are you back for?”

  “I’m fine, Daddy, I just needed a break from New York, so I came to see you and the boys. I’ve missed you.” I didn’t answer his question on how long I was back for because the truth was, I didn’t know. I was here until I could bring myself to go back. I no longer felt safe there. Here, I would get a break from Xavier and decide what I wanted to do next.

  “We’ve missed you too. Let’s get out of the doorway, your Mama would have skinned me for that.” I chuckled at the thought. Keeping one arm around him, I cuddled into him as we moved into the house and closed the door. “Have you eaten? Need coffee?”

  “I grabbed something at the airport when I landed, I’m fine, Daddy.”

  “Are you sure, you look tired.” I was. Not just from the flight or the drive here. I don’t actually remember the last time I slept properly.

  “I could use some sleep. I don’t want to miss out on time with you though so I will just deal until tonight.”

  “Angel, I can see you are dead on your feet. Why don’t you go and sleep for a bit while I go and run some errands, go food shopping then we can go and see your brothers for lunch. Jackson got back home last night so I can have all three of my babies in the one place. Although you aren’t babies anymore. You are all full grown.”

  “Full grown maybe but we’ll always be your babies.” I turned and hugged him again. “I’m sorry I stayed away so long.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for, we knew when you were growing up that you were made for bigger things. You just needed to go out and find them. Your brothers were built for the ranch life. Nothing was going to hold you back once you got your wings.” I pulled back and wiped my thumb over my eyes, unable to hold back the tears. “Hey, what’s all this about?”

  “Nothing, Daddy, I am just really happy to be home.” Pressing his lips against my head, he rubbed my back. I let out a breath as a wave of exhaustion washed over me.

  “Go get your stuff from the car, Angel, then get some sleep.” I nodded. I needed to get out of these jeans and into something more comfortable. I would shower when I woke up to refresh me. Walking out to my car, I grabbed the bags from the trunk and my phone from the console before locking it up. Heading back inside, I went into my old bedroom and put my bags down. I moved back into the other room and went into the kitchen. Taking a glass down from the cupboard and sat it on the counter. Opening up the fridge, I took out the jug of water that dad kept in there and poured myself a glass. I could tell that dad was trying not to hover as he finished off his coffee. Moving over to him, I kissed his cheek.

  “Go do what you have to do. I will see you when you get back.”

  “Okay, Angel, call me if you need me. I won’t be too long.”

  “Drive safe.”

  “I will, sleep well.”

  “I will try.” I sipped my water as I went back into my bedroom and closed the door behind me. Setting it down on my bedside table, I opened up my bags and took out a pair of shorts. Kicking off my shoes, I undid my jeans and pushed them down. Folding them in half, I laid them on the end of the bed and put my shorts on. Taking my large baseball jersey out, I pulled it on before setting my case on the floor. I moved back to the bed and took my phone. Pulling back the covers, I slid into bed and laid down. I could almost feel my body cry with relief. Opening my messages, I sent Michelle a message saying I was safe and sound and left it at that. She would know that meant I was with my dad. I didn’t need to add any more. Setting it down on the bedside table, I curled up and closed my eyes, waiting for sleep to take me.

  I woke up a few hours later feeling better than I did when I got here. Getting out of bed, I opened the door and went into the bathroom. After peeing, I washed my hands and face. Walking out into the living room, I expected to see dad sitting at the table, but he wasn’t there. Going back into my bedroom, I slipped on a pair of flip flops and went back out. Opening up the front door, I stepped out onto the porch. Taking a deep breath of that fresh country air, I closed the door behind me and walked around to the shed side of the porch. Moving to the stairs at the back, I walked down and went into the shed. Seeing him working away, I stopped and took in the sight. He was out here a lot when mom got sick and he didn’t want to disturb her. Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I steeled myself, not wanting to break down on him.

  “Hey, I didn’t wake you, did I?” Opening my eyes, I saw him watching me. Shaking my head, I moved over to him. Careful to stand back from where he was working in case something fell on the floor.

  “No, you’re fine. I didn’t want to sleep too long and be awake all night.”

  “Ah right you are.”

  “What are you working on out here?”

  “Something for little Ash. She asked her daddy for a doll house and he remembered your old one so I was doing a few new pieces for it and was going to talk to you about seeing if you wouldn’t mind me giving it to her.” I smiled.

 
“Nope, go ahead. She would get more use out of it than I would plus this way your hard work is staying in the family.”

  “How are the girls?” The last time I remembered seeing my nieces, Ash was only a baby and her sister Avery was four. Jackson had just gotten full custody of them because his ex-wife was a complete psycho and got worse when Zoey came along. They moved away not long after that and so did I.

  “They are good. Happy to be coming back. I went to see them a few times but always hated leaving them. Now they get to see their Poppy, uncle Zach and aunt Krissy and Lucy all in one go.”

  “Perfect timing for my visit home then!”

  “It was, Angel. Are you sure you are okay? I’m sorry to keep asking and all but you know me. I worry about you all. Not that it’ll ever go away though.” Taking a deep breath, I knew one day soon I would have to talk about it, but now was not the time. I just wanted to soak in being home before I opened that ugly can of worms.

  “I’m… getting there, Dad.” I wasn’t going to lie to him and tell him that I was good. “I’m working on it.”

  “Okay, I’m not going to pry but promise me you’ll talk to me when you are ready?”

  “I promise, Daddy. I just want a day or so to settle in then we can talk.” He nodded and set down his stuff.

  “Okay, enough of the heavy, let’s go and see your bubba’s. I am dying to see the look on their faces when I turn up with you.”

  “You didn’t tell them I was home?”

  “Lord no! I want the fun of seeing it.” I couldn’t help but chuckle.

  “Okay, let me go shower really quick and we can go.” I kissed his cheek and ran inside. For the first time in a long time, I felt excited.

  Wyatt

  Standing with my shoulder against the wall of the stable, I watched Jackson’s two girls with the new addition. They had all but demanded to see it when Zach told them about it and after almost bowling me over to make sure that it was okay, how could I say no. They were being so gentle with her, so I relaxed. True to the vet’s words, Beauty laid down during the night and our little filly was here. Both were fit and healthy so I couldn’t ask for more than that.

  “Does she have a name?!”

  “Nope, not yet. Why don’t you two come up with one for me.”

  “Okay!” They jumped up and ran over to me. “We will make sure it’s a real good one! We promise!” I chuckled.

  “I don’t doubt that, kiddo. Now, why don’t you head back the house and wash up. Your aunt Lucy said your lunch was almost ready. You can come back down later.”

  “Okay!” Ash, the littlest one, took her sister’s hand and ran out of the barn. After a pat to Beauty’s neck, and the carrot I had been hiding, I left the stall and locked it up.

  “You are good with them.” I looked over my shoulder and saw Jackson standing there.

  “They remind me of my niece Lily. So full of energy.”

  “Oh, can’t wait to meet her.”

  “I’ll be sure to bring her up next time my brother drops by with her. Should be any day now. He and his wife are due for a date night.”

  “I’m sure Zach and Lucy have already told you this, but she is welcome here anytime. My girls will help keep her busy if you need it.”

  “I am sure she would love that.”

  “Why don’t you come have lunch with us. Lucy always makes enough to feed an army. If you don’t mind the noise that is.”

  “No, I’d like that. We have names to discuss after all.” He chuckled and headed out of the stable. Following after him, we headed up to the house. So far, he seemed alright. I was worried he would be completely different from his brother, but he was in a good way. Zach was a little more uptight, but he had been managing this place on his own. Now he had some extra hands, he might chill out a little more. As we reached the house, a car came up the drive.

  “Were you expecting someone?”

  “Probably my dad. He was coming over for lunch to see the girls.”

  “Ah right.”

  “Zach!” I heard footsteps in the house as Zach made his way to us and the girls ran after him. Jackson shook his head again. “I wish I had half their energy some days.”

  “It would be nice.” Zach stepped out of the house and motioned to the approaching car.

  “Pops?”

  “Yeah, said he was coming by.” Zach moved over to me and rest a hand on my shoulder. “Lucy set a place for you.”

  “Your woman is a saint. Would starve if it wasn’t for her and my sister in law.”

  “We got you.” He turned to look back at the truck that had come to a stop. “Who the hell is that with him?” His brows creased in a frown as we noticed the girl sitting in the passenger seat. He got out and moved around to open the door for her. She leant against the front of the truck as their dad moved over to us.

  “Jackson, good to have you home son.”

  “Good to be home, Pops but you got something you want to tell us?” He wore a frown too as his head motioned to the girl behind him. My eyes trailed up her body until I was meeting her eyes. She wore denim cutoffs and a white tank with boots but every inch of her skin from her shoulders down was covered in tattoos. She wasn’t from around here, that’s for sure. Pretty little thing like that would have the town talking. Maybe then they could stop talking about me. No, I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

  “Yeah, Pops, when did you go and get yourself a girlfriend?” I heard a snort come from the girl before she pushed off the truck.

  “Really, that’s what your mind goes to? I have clearly been away too long then.” My head turned to look at Zach and Jackson as their mouths fell open. Before anyone could speak, I heard Lucy yell from behind us.

  “Kris!” She ran over toward her and all but tackled her to the ground. “When the hell did you get back into town and why the hell didn’t you tell me you were coming!?!” She laughed as the two girls hugged.

  “Well that would defeat the point of a surprise wouldn’t it? Plus, Dad was right, the look on those two faces is priceless.” Keith chuckled. The two girls finally released each other and moved over to where we were standing, Keith joining us. Zach opened his arms and his sister moved into them.

  “Welcome home, Kid.”

  “Good to be home.” She moved to hug Jackson.

  “Wyatt, meet the other Anderson. This is our sister Kristine. Kris, this is our leading ranch hand Wyatt.” Jackson let her go and she reached out a hand to me.

  “Nice to meet you, Wyatt, call me Kris please or I may just have to kill my brother for telling you my real name.”

  “Well we can’t have that now, can we? Nice to meet you too, Kris.” She grinned and turned to Jackson.

  “Where are my mini monsters?”

  “They were squealing the house down a minute ago. Lord only knows what Zoey has let them get up to.” Lucy was gone as soon as the sentence was done, leaving the boys laughing.

  “Hey! Be nice to my girl or I will have to take her off your hands,” Zach growled.

  “Like hell you will.” Zach wrapped his arm around Kris’ head into a headlock. She squealed as they walked into the house. Pushing him away, he laughed as he walked into the house with her following. Jackson followed soon after and Keith motioned for me to go before him.

  “Let’s go before one of them kills the other.” I opened up the door and went into the house. Kris and Lucy were in the kitchen, hugging again. Zach grumbling nearby.

  “Zach stop grumbling. She was my best friend before she was your wife. You are lucky I share her at all.” He rolled his eyes, but you could tell by the smile on his face that he was glad to have his sister here.

  “So how long are you home for, sis?” She shrugged and helped Lucy bring the food over while Zach grabbed another chair, putting it on the other side of Lucy.

  “Until I feel like heading home. Don’t really have a time frame. I have as much time off work as I need so just gonna
enjoy the fresh air.” The conversation was interrupted by the two girls and Zoey coming to sit at the table.

  “Girls, this is your aunt Kris. She is Daddy and Uncle Zach’s little sister.” They both waved at her as Jackson and Zoey tucked their chairs in and put napkins down their shirts, so they didn’t spill on their clothes. They both waved at Kris who smiled and waved back.

  “Are you going to come and see the new horse with us after lunch?”

  “I can! What new horse is this?”

  “It’s Wyatt’s! His horse had a baby horse and we get to name her!”

  “Oh wow! That’s cool! What are you gonna name her?”

  “Belle!” Both the girls yelled at the same time. As they said it, I had to admit that it was a very fitting name for her. She was brown in color, just like Beauty was. The girls turned and looked at me, wearing two of the biggest grins I had ever seen.

  “Belle is a great name for her.” The conversation was interrupted by the serving of lunch but as soon as the plates were empty and the table cleared away, they were out the front door again.

  “I’ll go after them.” Standing up, I headed out after them.

  “I’ll come with you.” Holding the door open for Kris as she followed me down the hall, I let it close after she stepped out onto the porch and motioned to the girls who had all but reached the barn.

  “After you.” She walked down the stairs in silence and in the direction I had pointed. I couldn’t help but glance down at her ass. My gaze snapped back up as I suddenly remembered whose ass it was that I was checking out. Zach and Jackson would both kick my ass into the middle of next week if they caught me then kick it again on Thursday just to make sure I got the message. Plus, she didn’t live here. That had complicated mess written all over it and after my last relationship, I wasn’t walking down that path again. I couldn’t be drawn into the killer body, the tattoos and her purple hair.

  “So, what’s your horse’s name?” The sound of her voice pulled me out of my head.

  “Beauty.”

  “What about Belle’s father?”