Phoenix

by Linda Warren

  “Just call Lisa and get it over with.” His brother was torn about calling his ex.

  “It’s tempting, but…” He slipped his phone into his pocket. “Let’s leave Lisa and Rosie in our past and join Cole and the others and celebrate your victory.”

  “I’m waiting for Rosie.”

  “Phoenix…”

  He reached for his phone. He’d been resisting calling her. He had to let her make this decision on her own. He didn’t want to pressure her. But as hard as it was to admit, it really was her decision. She either loved him enough or she didn’t. He’d wait just a little longer.

  Jake crawled onto his lap and rested his head on Phoenix’s shoulder. His son was tired. He should take him back to the hotel, but something in Phoenix just wouldn’t give up.

  The door opened and Phoenix turned to see his whole family trail back in. Justin was asleep in his carrier and John was also asleep on Falcon’s shoulder. His brothers, Mom and Grandpa were here to support him. His chest swelled with renewed hope.

  His mother squeezed in between him and Paxton. “We decided none of us would get any sleep thinking about you here waiting.” She touched his arm. “I love you, son, and I want you to be happy. I…”

  The door opened again and Phoenix jumped to his feet. It could only be one person. He stared at the woman standing at the back of the church. Rosie. He was sure, but it had taken a moment to recognize her in the white lace dress…with feathers. She was beautiful and he couldn’t tear his eyes away. She stood there, her blue eyes sparkling, holding Dixie.

  He quickly handed a sleepy Jake to Phoenix. “Dad-dy,” Jake muttered.

  “Stay with Uncle Pax.”

  Phoenix turned and saw his mother walking down the aisle to Rosie. No. No. No! But he slowed in his stride to Rosie. His mother had to say what she wanted to.

  “You look lovely, dear,” his mom said. “You have hair just like your mother’s.”

  Rosie self-consciously touched her hair. “Yes. I take after my mother.”

  “I always liked Sarah.”

  “Me, too,” Rosie said with a slight grin.

  “I have to be honest, dear. I have so many conflicting emotions about this marriage. But you were right when you said a good mother loves and supports her children even when it hurts. This hurts, but I’m going to accept this marriage because I love my son and I don’t want to lose him.”

  “I love him, too.”

  “Then let’s get this wedding started.” She looked at the dog in Rosie’s arms. “Are you bringing the dog to the wedding?

  “Yes, ma’am. Dixie is my family and I couldn’t get married without her.”

  His mother patted Rosie’s hands clutched around Dixie. “I think you and I are going to get along just fine. Everyone calls me Miss Kate, but you can call me Kate or whatever you feel comfortable with.”

  “Thank you, Miss… Kate.”

  Phoenix released a breath of pure relief. He hugged his mother. “Thank you, Mom.”

  Then he gathered a smiling Rosie into his arms and kissed her and kissed her until there were just two of them in this church starting a life together. It was magical. It was special. It was family.

  Dixie yelped and Jake squeezed in between them. The smiles just grew wider.

  “I love you,” she whispered.

  “I love you, too.” He took her hand and led her to the altar, where the minister was waiting. The minister had come in earlier, wanting to close up the church, and Phoenix had begged for a few more minutes. There with his family surrounding him, he married Rosemary McCray, and they vowed to love each other forever. There would be stumbles along the way, but they both were stronger now and were prepared to face whatever they had to.

  Together.

  Epilogue

  Two weeks later

  The days after their wedding were crazy and busy. They stayed in Rosie’s trailer but soon found it was too small for the three of them. Phoenix told his mother he would like the land next to Egan’s, and she agreed he could build his home there. His plan was that after riding the rodeo circuit, he and Paxton would start a rodeo contracting business. The land at the end of Rebel Road was perfect for what he had in mind. But they needed a place to live in the meantime.

  Egan had a trailer that he and Rachel had lived in while they’d renovated their home. Quincy and Jenny had lived in it while they’d built theirs. It was still hooked up to water and electricity, and Egan suggested that they use it. There was one problem, though—it had only one bedroom. With his brothers’ help, Phoenix took the sofa out and put Jake’s bed in the spot. The trailer had more room than the one they were living in, and it would do until their home was built.

  Even though their life was crazy, they’d adjusted well to the mayhem. Phoenix, Paxton, Rico and Elias had cleared out some land for Phoenix’s house. They were looking at house plans, and just as soon as the weather got warmer they would start building.

  The cold December wind blew, but the Phoenix Rebel family hardly noticed as they picked up tree limbs to throw on a fire they had going in what would be their yard. Jake ran around picking up twigs and throwing them on the fire. They were going to roast hot dogs and s’mores and sit out and enjoy the evening. But the temperature kept dropping, and Phoenix didn’t know how much longer they could stay out. Jake’s nose was already red.

  Phoenix wrapped his arms around Rosie. “What do you think? Is this a perfect spot for a house or not?”

  She leaned back against him. “It’s perfect. Grandpa said it was and, you know, I believe everything Grandpa says.”

  He liked that she called his grandfather Grandpa. That came easy, but calling his mother Kate was a little harder. Rosie had adjusted, though. She’d adjusted to so much, and every day got a little easier.

  “Our bedroom and bath are going to look out at the barn and the corral so we can keep an eye on Lady and the horses.”

  “You got it.” He kissed her cold cheek.

  “I’m so happy,” she murmured. “I never dreamed I could be this happy.”

  “We’ve been tested, as they say, and we passed with flying colors.”

  Jake squeezed between them. He had on his coat and his hood over his head. All they could see was his little face and red nose.

  Rosie picked him up. “Are you cold?”

  He shook his head. “Cocoa.”

  “Okay.” Rosie carried him to the blanket and their ice chest by the fire. She poured hot chocolate out of a thermos into his sippy cup. Jake sat down to drink it. Dixie curled up at his feet.

  A truck drove through the gate, and Phoenix looked up to see his mother.

  “We’ve got company.”

  His mother walked toward them. “I saw the smoke and thought I’d check to see what you’re up to.”

  “Just burning some of the debris from the bulldozing,” he said.

  “It’s a lovely spot for a house with all these tall oaks.”

  Jake ran to his grandmother and held up his arms. She picked him up. “He’s doing this more often, and it really makes me happy.” She kissed his face. “Do you want to come home with Grandma?”

  Jake shook his head. “No, me helping Daddy.” Jake was now putting more than one word together and speaking in almost complete sentences. It had seemed to happen overnight.

  She set him on his feet and he ran back to the fire, Dixie on his heels.

  “Jude, Paige and Zane are out for the evening, and I was hoping I could talk y’all into coming for supper.”

  His mom was obviously feeling a little lonely. Phoenix glanced at Rosie, and she nodded. “Why don’t you join us? We’re having hot dogs and s’mores.”

  “Oh, no. I don’t want to intrude.”

  Rosie took her arm and led her to the blankets they had laid out on the ground. “You’re not intruding. We’d love to have you. That is, if you don’t mind sitting on a blanket.”

  His mom sank down by Rosie, and Phoenix watched as the two women got food out of th
e cooler for hot dogs. They were getting along better than he’d ever expected. The fire crackled and hissed, keeping them warm. Later they made s’mores, and he laughed as his mother got chocolate on her face. It was a good bonding time.

  It began to sprinkle, and they quickly gathered their things to head home. Suddenly his mother hugged Rosie. “I’m sorry for being so bullheaded when Phoenix told me he wanted to marry you. You love each other. I can clearly see that, and I wish nothing but happiness for both of you.”

  “Thank you, Miss Kate. That means more than you’ll ever know.”

  His mother hugged him and said, “I kind of miss the teasing jokester, but I’m real proud of the strong, dependable, mature young man you’ve become. Your father would be, too.”

  He hugged her back. “Thank you, Mom.”

  The rain picked up and they ran for their trucks. It didn’t take them long to get to their trailer. Rosie dashed inside with Jake and he carried Dixie. The trailer had central air and heat, and the warmth felt nice as they stripped out of their coats. Jake was half-asleep, and Rosie quickly undressed him and put him in his bed. She read him a story, but he was out before she even reached the ending.

  Phoenix sat in a recliner, and Rosie curled onto his lap. “I had a good time with your mother tonight. She is nice, just like everyone said she was.”

  He kissed her neck. “See, you worried for nothing.”

  “Did I tell you today how much I love you?”

  He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “This morning, but you can tell me again in about five minutes. I’ve got the tub full of hot bubbly water, and you and I are going to take a long, long bath.”

  She rested her face against his. “I’m finally home. Really home.”

  “No more doubts?”

  “Not a one.”

  “I’ll love you forever,” he whispered against her lips, and that was a promise he intended to keep, no matter what happened in their lives.

  Forever was all the time they needed.

  *

  There are two Rebel men who are still single!

  Watch for the next story

  in Linda Warren’s TEXAS REBELS miniseries,

  TEXAS REBELS: PAXTON,

  coming December 2016,

  only from Harlequin Western Romance!

  Keep reading from excerpt from COURTED BY THE COWBOY by Sasha Summers.

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  Courted by the Cowboy

  by Sasha Summers

  Chapter One

  Kylee glanced up as the door to Shots opened. Her pulse leaped and her legs tightened, ready to run. Ice-cold fear engulfed her, twisting her insides and making her lungs ache. An older gentleman shuffled in, tipping his well-worn cowboy hat in greeting before heading to the poker game taking place in the back corner. He was one of Cutter’s friends, someone she’d seen before. Her nod was stiff, but her grip on the counter eased. She pulled in a deep breath, then blew it out, steadying herself. We’re safe. At least she didn’t freeze up anymore—or duck behind the counter. She was making progress.

  The old man made his way across the scarred wooden floor to the group of men hunched over their beers and several decks of cards. A chorus of rough and creaky greetings welcomed the newcomer as he pulled a chair back to join them. Nothing to fear there. She took a deep breath, a slight smile on her lips.

  Three wonderfully uneventful weeks had passed since she and her little brother, Shawn, arrived in Stonewall Crossing. Each day she woke up anticipating the worst. And each night she went to bed happy to be wrong. If Jesse or one of his low-life associates really wanted to find her, they would have by now. Her gaze wandered to the door again.

  As if thinking about Jesse would somehow make him appear. That was ridiculous. She tossed her rag onto the bar and rubbed vigorously. She was sick and tired of jumping at her own shadow.

  “You look ready to bolt.” The voice startled her so much she dropped the rag. And jumped a good foot into the air.

  “Dr. Boone.” She pressed a hand to her chest as she stared at the man leaning against the end of the bar.

  “I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.” He added, “And it’s Fisher, Kylee. Only my patients get to call me Dr. Boone.”

  The thudding of her heart still echoed in her ears. “Your patients? As in, the dogs and cats?”

  “I speak fluent dog and cat. It’s a vet thing.” He nodded, not cracking a smile. “My bird’s a little rusty, though.”

  She pressed her lips together, fighting a smile. “When did you get here?”

  Fisher stooped, picking up the rag and handing it to her. “I followed Ol’ Pete in.”

  When she was having a minor panic attack. She nodded, working hard to pull herself together. The obvious concern on Fisher’s face surprised her. She didn’t like it. No one had ever worried over her. She didn’t need anyone to start now. “Beer?” she asked.

  “Sounds good.” He was watching her—a little too closely for her liking.

  She kept her eyes on his beer as she popped the top off a longneck and slid it across the counter toward him. “Good day, Doc?” she asked. Small talk was always a good distraction.

  “No complaints.” He shrugged. “You?”

  “Just starting,” she returned, flipping the switch that powered the wall of fluorescent beer and pool signs. The colored lights brightened the room and her mood.

  The door opened to three women, chatting animatedly.

  “Hey, Kylee.” Janet was the only one Kylee knew by name. “Looks like we beat the rush.”

  “Can we have a round of beers?” one of the women asked, commandeering a table in front of the picture window that overlooked part of Stonewall Crossing’s Main Street. “Bottles,” she added.

  “Please and thank you, Kylee.” Janet winked.

  Kylee was already popping the tops and putting them up on the counter.

  Janet turned to Fisher. “Hey, Fisher, how’s it going?”

  From the way Janet got all giggly over Fisher’s easy grin, it was clear Janet thought he was cute. And maybe he did have a nice grin, but that didn’t amount to much. Kylee wasn’t sure what to make of the hulking veterinarian. He was a little too tall and a little too broad. And he was nice—too nice. It made her nervous.

  “Saving the world, one shih tzu at a time.” Fisher saluted Janet with his beer.

  “If I was single, Fisher Boon
e, I’d say you were the perfect man.” She shook her head, laughing. “All big and muscle-y and a tender heart.”

  “That’s me—a lover not a fighter.”

  Janet laughed. “You’re adorable.”

  “I work hard at it,” Fisher shot back.

  Kylee glanced at Fisher, amused in spite of herself. He bobbed his eyebrows at her, trying to include her in the joke. So he had a pleasant grin. And a sense of humor. But something about him set off warning bells. She ignored Fisher and said, “Janet, can you let your friend know we finally got that hard apple stuff she wanted to try.”

  “My friend?” Janet asked.

  Kylee nodded. “From last week?”

  “Oh, that one.” Janet rolled her eyes. “You mean Winnie.”

  Kylee shrugged. The only thing she remembered about the woman was the ass chewing she got for not having some hard cider drink. When Kylee ordered new stock, she made sure to get some. Cutter told her to make customers happy, plain and simple. She wasn’t about to argue with the man who’d turned her life around—even if the customer in question was a witch.

  “She’s not really a friend. But she’s not exactly the type you want to make an enemy. When she wants to go out for a drink, you go.” Janet took the beers and headed back to the table. “But I’ll tell her.”

  “Janet speaks the truth.” Fisher chuckled. “Beware Winnie Michaels.”

  Kylee wiped out a few glasses, getting ready for the regular after-work crowd. “Anyone else I should beware of?” She glanced at him again, trying not to let the weight of his steady green eyes bother her.

  The corner of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. That was another thing. He smiled a lot. Maybe too much.

  “I’ll let you know,” he offered. “Got plans for the weekend?”

  She shook her head once. She and Shawn were planning on painting their tiny apartment—Cutter was letting them rent the addition at the back of the bar until they found a “more suitable place.” As far as she and Shawn were concerned, it was perfectly suitable.

  She did need to talk to Cutter about finding a resale shop. She wanted to get some bicycles so she and Shawn could explore. But none of that was any of Fisher’s business so she didn’t say a word.