Before Kylee left, he heard her whisper goodbye. The word carried a sweet and glorious feeling—like she’d be able to rest now, knowing they were settled.
Cody blinked several times against the moisture in his eyes. With his kiss being a declaration of his intentions with Paige, his family was on a new path—one that wouldn’t include Kylee, but wouldn’t forget her, either.
Clearing his throat twice, Cody reached across the saddle and placed his hand on Christopher’s shoulder. “I—I’m sorry I kept Addison from you and sent Serenity Stables away. I didn’t mean for you to go too. I’ve been so out of it, out of life. I didn’t realize that you …” Cody wasn’t sure what he was trying to say. He dropped his hand. “You know you’re family, right?”
Christopher focused on the saddle. “I didn’t blame you, Cody.”
“Why not?”
“I was in a low place when Kylee found me. I was hooked on prescription painkillers. I’d messed up with a couple horses … but then she came along and acted like I was saving her. She made me feel useful again, like a surrogate father, like I had something worthwhile to give. I think I was her mission in this life, and once she fixed me up, she was done. Is that dumb?”
Cody thought about what Paige had told him, about looking at life with an eternal perspective. “I don’t think it’s dumb at all.”
They were silent for a moment, Christopher still working oil into the saddle and Cody just watching. Finally, Christopher said, “You’d think Paige would remind me of Kylee because they both love to ride, but they’re different.”
Cody couldn’t agree more, but he wanted to hear Christopher’s take on things. “How so?”
“I don’t think Paige is a gatherer like Kylee was. I think she’s more of a beacon for lost souls.”
“You know, for a man who doesn’t attend church, you sure are waxing spiritual.”
Christopher shrugged. “My point was, I think she’s a safe bet if you were so inclined to keep her around.”
Cody folded his arms and regarded Christopher through heavy-lidded eyes. “You think I’m scared?”
Christopher grinned like a fox in the henhouse. “I think you’re sweet on her.”
Cody scratched his chin. “I might be.” He heard the clip-clop of Annie May’s shoes in the barn. “But don’t you dare tell her I told you first.”
Christopher was still chuckling when Paige popped her head in a second later. She smiled at the two of them and slipped in, leaning against the work bench. “You two sound like a couple of old ladies at a church picnic.” Cody shot Christopher a warning look, which Paige ignored. “Speaking of that, Christopher, I’d like to introduce you to the head of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. She’s a real spark of life.”
Christopher’s neck turned red. “I guess I wouldn’t mind making her acquaintance.”
“Good. Church starts at ten; you can ride with us.” She was gone before Christopher could make an excuse, and Cody stared after her with his mouth hanging open.
“Did she just trick me into going to church?”
“Yep.” Cody nodded. “But before you shine your boots, I’m going to need your help.”
Chapter 32
Early Friday evening, long after the final camper had gone home and Paige had cleaned the last of the glue off the kitchen table, she and Addison decided to give Christopher a break and feed the horses.
“Are you excited to go to Maria’s house on Monday?”
Addison nodded. “They have kittens.”
“Should we bring one home?” Paige asked. Having a cat around would help keep snakes out of the yard, which would make Cody happy, and Badger was so congenial Paige believed he’d adapt to having a cat around in no time.
Addison shook her head. “Maria says they’re too small.”
“Well, maybe we can pick out our favorite and I’ll ask Taylor to reserve it for us.”
“Yeah.” Addison skipped ahead.
Paige’s heart lifted. This was the first time, outside of camp, that the girl had shown any spark of joy since Cody put his foot down over the rodeo issue. Paige didn’t agree with his decision—not only was it made out of fear, but it was holding Addison back. She hoped that over time, Cody would change his mind.
They had just entered the barn when a loud AHOOGA startled them both. “Uncle Noah!”
Paige smiled. Since the night he’d babysat Addison—or filled her with so much junk food she had a stomachache the next morning—Addison had added “uncle” to Noah, and Paige loved it.
Noah’s truck lumbered down the lane, their old horse trailer behind. Paige held Addison’s hand and kept her just inside the barn doors as Noah made a big circle.
“Who’s that?” Addison pointed to a second truck.
Paige shielded her eyes. “That’s Christopher.” He too was pulling a trailer, and he followed Noah’s arc in the yard to pull alongside the restored Ford.
“What on earth?” asked Paige as she spied a third truck and trailer making their way into the yard. Addison bounced on her toes, the anticipation in the air palpable.
Noah opened his door and waved. Addison ripped free of Paige’s hold and dashed into his arms for a spin.
Paige gasped as Cody got out of the third truck—a brand new heavy-duty Ford F250 quad cab. The trailer behind it was white with blue detailing that matched the truck perfectly. It was a beautiful set, but her eyes were glued to Cody and his cowboy hat. Paige felt her knees wobble at the sight. He was so darn sexy in that thing, she thought she’d explode. Trying desperately to get her mind on safer topics—especially with her brother and Addison looking on—she asked, “What’s all this?”
Cody didn’t stop a few feet away, he didn’t stop once his arm was around her waist, and he didn’t stop after brushing her lips with his once. Three breathless kisses later, Paige gripped his plaid shirt in her hands to remain upright.
Cody nuzzled her neck, and she giggled. “Rodeo may very well be in Addison’s blood, and if that’s the case, she’ll need a way to get to the venues.”
“You bought a truck and a trailer?” asked Paige.
“It wasn’t that big of a deal—he owns both dealerships,” griped Noah as he grinned at the two of them. Addison had a smile so big she could have plastered the house with it. Paige placed her hand on Cody’s chest and sighed with contentment.
“This, however, is a big deal,” called Christopher as he unloaded matching chestnut mares from the trailer hooked to his truck.
Paige scanned the trailers; they were all full. “I don’t understand.” Paige tipped her chin up to meet Cody’s gaze.
“Serenity Stables is coming home, Paige.”
Chills swept over Paige’s arms. She could hardly wrap her head around what this meant and blurted the first thing that came to mind. “Do we have enough stalls?”
Cody threw his head back and laughed. “If not, I’ll build another barn.”
Paige pressed her palm to forehead. “Cody, I-I am floored. What changed your mind?”
Cody brushed a kiss over her temple. “Love.”
Paige went still. He’d kissed her in front of her brother and his daughter and God and everybody, but to say the word, the word loaded with commitment and meaning and promises and forevers, was a statement that went straight to Paige’s heart.
“I love you, Paige. I think I loved you the first time I laid eyes on you.” He chuckled. “I’m not any closer to understanding God’s will, but I know you are meant to be Addison’s mother.”
Paige dipped her head. That was it, then. He still saw her as just a mom.
Cody moved his hands to her cheeks and lifted her face. “And my wife. I just took a little longer to see it than Addison did.” He got down on one knee, and Paige thought her heart would burst. “I want to do it right. I want to meet your family and ask your father for your hand. I want to have the wedding of your dreams.”
Too overcome to speak, Paige tipped Cody’s hat back on his head and kissed him
with everything she had.
“If that’s a no, I can’t wait for a yes.” Cody grinned against her lips.
Paige laughed and finally said yes. “I love you, Cody.” They kissed again, Paige wondering if she could ever get enough of Cody’s pepper-and-passion kisses.
The sound of horses moving past and a few whistles didn’t break through their circle. It was Addison throwing her arms around both of them that had Paige and Cody laughing.
Christopher came forward with a stunning roan that caught Paige’s attention. She followed them into the barn. “Who is this?” she asked.
“That’s my horse.” Cody took the lead rope. Christopher tipped his hat and went out to finish unloading with Noah. The stalls were filling up fast.
“Your horse?”
Cody patted the horse affectionately. “I’ve missed you, Sultan.”
“Sultan?” asked Addison.
The horse began sniffing Cody all over. “See, he’s always looking for treasure.” Cody pulled an apple out of his back pocket and fed it to Sultan. Cody’s face lit up. “Addison, let’s go for a ride.”
Addison tore into the tack room, her purple boots smacking away. “I’ll get my saddle.”
Cody turned to Paige. She grinned. “I’ll get Annie May.”
Cody hooks his arm around her middle to keep her from leaving. “That won’t be necessary. Sultan here can carry us both.”
Paige snuggled her back against his chest, his chin resting on her shoulder. “I like the idea of riding double.”
“Hmmm.” Cody kissed her ear. “I think we are a perfect fit.”
Paige agreed. “I’ve always felt like this is where I need to be.”
“You are needed and wanted forever, my love.”
At his words, Paige melted against him.
Chapter 33
Nine Months Later
Paige carried two bowls of chips out to the patio, where two folding tables held enough food to feed all the horses in the barn—or Paige’s family.
Cody was busy arranging paper plates and cups at one end. He winked rakishly and mouthed tomorrow.
Paige’s face flamed. Tomorrow indeed! Tomorrow they would head to the chapel and renew their vows in front of friends and family. Addison was beside herself over being a flower girl. She and Maria were going to walk down the aisle, scattering daisy petals. Paige had originally ordered rose petals, but Addison insisted they use daisies, just like she’d had in her first wedding bouquet, and Paige thought it was a wonderful idea.
Paige took a moment to survey the group. She and Cody had opted for a relaxed rehearsal dinner, which quickly morphed into a swimming party once her brothers caught sight of the pool. They were in the deep end, doing their best to drown each other. Paige shook her head at their antics. Her sisters were in the shallow end, throwing coins and diving down to retrieve them.
Addison, Maria, and Brenna blended in easily. They’d been able to get Addison into the charter school Taylor recommended, and all year there had been three sets of pigtails running around the arena, through the house and barn, and falling asleep in front of the latest princess movie. The school had a special reading program that was doing wonders for Addison.
Mom and Dad were in the hot tub. Dad had the massage jets going, and honestly, this was the most relaxed Paige had seen him since she’d confessed her secret wedding. He hadn’t spoken to her for three weeks, and only relented when she asked him to walk her down the aisle. She hadn’t meant to steal that moment from him, and after Cody explained the feelings a father had for his oldest daughter, she wanted to make up for it in the worst way.
Christopher sat in the corner with Vicky. They went out every other Saturday, insisting that they were keeping it casual and had no intension of becoming fodder for the church gossip circle, but Paige saw the way they snuck looks at each other across the Sunday school classroom.
Cody, having finished with the plates, stood behind her and wrapped his arms across her midsection. He propped his chin on her shoulder. “Tomorrow can’t come fast enough for me.”
“Me neither,” replied Paige. They’d decided to put off the wedding until after the spring rodeo season.
Addison had done really well on Kitty—she’d won a buckle in barrels and cash in poles. Paige estimated she’d be ready to ride Annie May in a couple of years and planned to give her the horse for a birthday present. Cody had offered to buy Annie May back, but Paige had refused. “Addison is my girl,” she’d said.
Cody had grown thoughtful. “That’s a lot of horse for an eight-year-old. But if anyone can handle her, it would be Addison. She has rodeo in her blood from Kylee, and in her heart because of you. She’s every bit as much yours as she was Kylee’s.”
Paige had teared up. “And you say I always know what to say.”
Cody had kissed her tears away, and Paige, knowing she was right where she was supposed to be, matched him kiss for kiss.
Cody’s wedding present to Paige was already in the barn. He’d bought a roan, every bit as beautiful as his own, for her training business. He was so gorgeous, Paige didn’t know if she’d ever be able to sell him.
Caught up in her thoughts, Paige was startled when the pastor asked everyone to settle down so they could bless the food. After the prayer, a line formed and Paige was soon busy making sure there was enough food for everyone.
Noah saddled up between Paige and Cody. “You don’t mind if I cut out a few minutes early tomorrow, do you?”
“Hot date?” asked Paige.
Noah shook his head. “Job interview.”
Cody grunted, and Paige bit back her smile. He’d been trying for months to get Noah on at the trailer dealership. “With who?” demanded Cody.
“BMB.” Noah gave them a smug grin.
Paige slapped his shoulder. “What?!”
Noah rubbed his arm. “With Cody pestering me about getting out on my own and making some real money, I got to thinking, ‘Why should the girls have all the fun?’ I called Pamela and asked if they needed grooms. She said to come in for an interview.” He smirked.
Paige considered him. “I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
“Why not?” Noah looked truly offended.
“Because now that I know how good a marriage can be, I don’t want you to settle for anything less.” She moved around him and snuggled into Cody’s side.
“It’s only for a year.”
“Famous last words,” said Cody. He kissed Paige’s head.
Noah raised his soda can. “To famous last words.” Taking a large gulp, he patted his stomach. “Hand me a plate, will you?”
Paige reached across Cody and picked up a paper plate. Cody didn’t release her, and Paige’s whole body was alive with the nearness of him. He kissed her shoulder and then her neck, and finally found her lips.
“You two are burning the napkins,” said Gabe.
Paige leaned her head on Cody’s chest.
“Leave them alone.” MaKayla smacked Gabe on the rear with the back of her empty plate. “Congratulations, you two.”
“Thanks,” she and Cody said in unison.
“And thanks for babysitting while we’re away,” Paige added. MaKayla and Gabe had offered to spend the week in their home with Addison. MaKayla had confided in Paige that they were considering adopting a child. This week would be a good trial run.
“Are there any more chips?” asked Joseph from down the table.
Paige rolled her eyes—her brothers could eat! “I’ll go get some.”
“I’ll help.” Cody hooked his finger in her belt loop and followed her inside. Once they were out of view of the party, he pulled back on her loop and spun her into his arms. His kisses were slow and thoughtful. “I feel like there’s something on your mind.”
Paige ran her fingers over his chin. Cody had been so easygoing during all the wedding preparations, it almost made her nervous. “Do you find all this anticlimactic after having been married before? I know you’ve al
ready had a big wedding. And I can’t help but wonder if, since we’ve been married for a while, that this is kind of silly for you.”
Cody picked up a strand of her hair and let it fall through his fingers. The gentle sensation sent a thrill through Paige. “You’re so amazing, I find myself sitting back and just watching you go. But that doesn’t mean I’m not highly invested in the outcome.”
“So you’re happy?”
“I’m more than that.” Cody kissed her lightly. “What’s the word for content and happy and excited all rolled into one?”
“Joyful.”
“Yes. That is what I am.” He kissed her again.
“If you two are done in here …?” said Joseph through the open door.
Paige grinned, grabbed two bags of chips, and tossed them at her brother. “We’ll be out when we’re good and ready.” She ran her fingers lightly up Cody’s neck and pulled him down to kiss him good.
Joseph grunted and shut the door.
Paige and Cody emerged as the solar lights began to glow and just before her family was ready to leave. She took quite a ribbing for missing the meal, but she didn’t mind; she’d enjoyed plenty of kisses to help her keep the smile on her face despite the teasing. Cody laced their fingers together, and she whispered “tomorrow” into his ear.
“Tomorrow and forever,” he replied.
Coming soon
Billionaire Marriage Brokers book five—The Resourceful Bride
Kiera Mitchell, walked away from BMB with a sour taste in her mouth, a damaged heart and a large settlement. The settlement was swallowed up by her mom’s medical bills and Kiera and her mom are about to be thrown out of their apartment. When Pamela appears with a new husband, a new contract, and a desire to make things right; Kiera has no choice but to consider her offer.
Billionaire Marriage Brokers—Grooms, book one—The Protective Groom
Noah Baker is about to meet the roughest, toughest Texan he’s ever come across, right before he marries her! BMB has a lot of perks and Noah was looking forward to the personal trainer and boat-load of cash. What he didn’t count on, was a bride with a penchant for trouble. Within five minutes of their marriage, Noah is well aware that he bit off more than he can chew.
The Country Bride: Billionaire Marriage Brokers Book 4 Page 22
