The Cowboy's Christmas Bride

by Patricia Johns

  Back in Billings he’d sit in his office, focused on quarterly sales figures, and in some corner of his mind he’d remember some breathtaking view he’d witnessed on horseback—just sitting there in the middle of nowhere, drinking in a sun-splashed vista. This one could be filed with the others—scenes so lovely they ached when you remembered them from the confines of a city office.

  Andy looked over to Dakota, but her gaze was fixed straight in front of her.

  He shouldn’t have kissed her.

  He was letting himself feel things he shouldn’t be feeling. Hope was supposed to be a pit stop while he helped out his brother and tried to somehow make up for selling the family land out from under him. Reigniting old emotional attachments wasn’t part of the plan. Yet the more time he spent with Dakota, the more attached he was getting, which meant that kissing her had been a monumental mistake.

  The three of them easily kept the cattle moving, and Harley rode a good distance from Andy and Dakota, leaving them in relative privacy. Andy wanted to talk to her, but he couldn’t say the things that were on his mind, namely that she sparked something inside him that he’d never felt before, even with Ida. Dakota made him wish for things and hope for things, but she was as much a part of this land as his brother was, and he knew what that meant.

  The Grangers put family and the land ahead of everything else, and sometimes the top priority was blurry. You couldn’t separate Chet from the land without tearing off a part of him. Andy had made that separation, but it hadn’t been easy.

  Dakota, he knew, was the same as his brother, and feeling things for her wasn’t smart. She’d put her family and that land above anything else she might be feeling. He was neither family nor sticking around, so allowing himself to feel whatever it was he was feeling for Dakota was masochistic at best. Yet he couldn’t stop remembering the sight of her in the darkness. It wasn’t just that she was beautiful—he’d been around beautiful women before. It was more than that—it was the way he softened around her, the way he wanted to protect her, to defend her. She was so much more than just a beautiful woman, and when he thought about the way her glittering eyes met his, how her lips parted ever so slightly—

  “Do you ever talk to my brother on Facebook or anything?”

  Andy’s reverie popped at the sound of her voice and he dragged his mind back to present.

  “Sorry?” he asked.

  “Brody. You aren’t connected on social media, are you? I mean, through friends of friends, or something like that.”

  “Uh...no.” Brody had been a couple of years older and he’d hung out with a different group. Brody been in Chet’s graduating class, but even so, he’d hung out with a different group of kids than Chet had.

  “Okay, well...that’s good.”

  “Why’s that?” Andy asked with a short laugh.

  Her gaze flickered toward him and he sensed her discomfort. Was he really such an embarrassment that she wanted to hide him from her brother, too?

  “It’s nothing,” she said.

  That was a lie—he could see it written all over her face.

  “Why? Is Brody going to have a problem with you doing this cattle drive with me?” he asked.

  “He can’t stand you, but that’s not the point.” She shot him a quirky smile.

  She certainly didn’t sugarcoat it, did she? But no one in Hope liked him right now, so it didn’t come as a surprise. Besides, it was Brody’s ranch, too, that had been decimated by his sale. Regardless, Andy respected the guy—he was fighting for his country, after all—and the truth of Brody’s opinion stung a little.

  “I’m doing damage control,” she said.

  “For what?”

  “He doesn’t know about Nina yet.”

  This was one bit of gossip he had heard all the way in Billings. It was such a small-town-drama kind of thing to happen that Andy had been bitterly amused. But he no longer had to care—his life was in Billings. It felt different now, though, looking Dakota in the face.

  “You didn’t tell him?” he asked after a moment.

  “No.”

  “Why?”

  She turned away, letting out a sharp whistle that got a cow moving again, then glanced in his direction again.

  “Because when he deployed, he was engaged. And then one day, a few months after Brody had left, I saw Nina making out with Brian Dickerson in the back of a movie theater. I was pretty shocked. I mean, I’d never been a huge fan of her for a sister-in-law, but...”

  “Did you say anything to her?” he asked.

  “I didn’t have to. We looked at each other, she turned beet red, and I left.” Dakota smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “That evening Nina called me to explain. She said she didn’t think she could wait for Brody to come back. My parents were the ones who came up with the plan, though.”

  “Which was to hide it from Brody?” Andy clarified. It looked like Brody had the same kind of family he did—the kind that pulled together so hard, they could crack a nut with the sheer force of their good intentions.

  “They didn’t want to spring it on him while he’s dodging bullets. He’ll be home in February and we’ll tell him then.”

  “He hasn’t noticed on social media or anything?” Andy asked incredulously.

  “We talked to his friends and they agreed to go along with it,” she said.

  “And Nina?” he asked.

  “She got off social media completely—the only way to really keep this private. She answers his emails as briefly as possible, because she owes us this much. She can’t crush him—not now. He’ll face reality when he’s home again.”

  “And you don’t think Brody will be pissed?” he asked.

  Dakota’s face paled. He’d hit on it, he could tell. Brody would absolutely be angry when he got back. So that was the kind of family the Masons were: well-intentioned and so determined that they’d managed to get every single one of Brody’s friends and family to portray a lie. That took a massive force of will. They took care of their own to the extreme. He had a feeling Brody was going to be boiling mad when he got home and found out what had really been going on.

  “Are you judging me?” she asked. “He could get killed over there, Andy. I’d rather deal with him being angry if it means getting him home alive.”

  Andy shrugged. He could see the point, albeit grudgingly. “I get it. I’m not sure he will, though.”

  “I’ve been thinking the same thing,” she said, her tone softening. “I’m not sure I can keep doing this.”

  “No?”

  “I mean, the last email I sent him I told him about doing this cattle drive with you. Once I get back, I expect that you’ll monopolize conversation for a bit.” She winced. “He really doesn’t like you. I’m just not sure how much longer you’ll be a distraction.”

  “A distraction.” He shot her an irritated look. “Is that what I am to you?”

  Was that all he was, at this point? He’d thought they’d gotten to know each other over the last few days. He thought he’d been able to show her who he was underneath all the scandal associated with him. In fact, they’d gotten a whole lot closer than that.

  Color rose in her cheeks. “When it comes to emailing my brother, yes.”

  He wasn’t sure what he expected her to say, but not that. He was tired of being the bad guy, the black sheep, the prodigal son. He was sick of being glared at and ignored, worrying about the meals he ordered in local diners. He’d thought he’d been able to crack through all of that with Dakota, and the color in her cheeks suggested she was feeling more than she was saying.

  “After last night, you don’t think we count as friends yet?” he demanded. There was no point in dancing around it anymore. They’d shared something special, however fleeting it might be. The memory of her slender waist, the feel of h
er straining up toward his mouth, the way she’d melted into his embrace, the perfect fit... It was all he’d been thinking about all day.

  “I don’t want to talk about that.”

  “Why not?” He pressed on. “If you didn’t want me to kiss you, you can say so. I’m not pushing myself on you.”

  He hadn’t pushed her into that kiss. It had been very mutual, and the memory of her in his arms sped up his heart even now.

  “I’m no wilting flower. If I hadn’t wanted to kiss you, I wouldn’t have. But—”

  “But we’ve made it a little past friendly,” he said, keeping his voice low.

  Her cheeks turned pink. “I don’t think we meant to do that.”

  She was right. He hadn’t. Feeling things for her wasn’t in the plan, and if he could put a brake on what he was feeling, he would. Heck, he was trying to. But that kiss had been real, and he was pretty sure they’d both felt it.

  “My family hates you, Andy.”

  “Yep,” he agreed, keeping his eyes on the cattle. He completely understood. The Masons weren’t a family to trifle with. If he wanted something with her—really wanted it—then this Granger had just met his match in difficult families.

  “And you’re not staying.” She couldn’t hide the regret in those words, but she was right, he couldn’t stay.

  “Hope won’t forgive me,” he said, hearing the sadness in his own voice. “You’re right. I’m headed back to Billings as soon as I can.”

  “So maybe what happens on the trail can stay on the trail,” she said quietly.

  “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me,” he said.

  “Which one?” she asked.

  “All of it. I’m not here to make your life any harder.” He looked over at her and caught her gaze for a moment. If things had been different, he wouldn’t walk away so easily, but he was a practical man. He clicked his tongue and Romeo sped up at the command. “As for Brody, I say tell him. He’s no idiot. I’m sure he suspects something already.”

  “Okay.” Her voice stayed quiet. “Thanks.”

  For his discretion about their kiss or his advice? Maybe it didn’t matter. This—the feelings sparking between them, the hopes he kept trying to slap back down—wouldn’t last. Soon enough they’d return to civilization again and Dakota would slip back into her life. She was a Mason, and her family would have other hopes for her that didn’t include their arch nemesis. Whatever was growing between them right now could never survive Hope’s scrutiny.

  Andy eased his horse forward, breaking into a trot to head off a wandering calf. They’d gone from civil to slipping past friendship in the matter of one night. It hadn’t been planned. In fact, if he’d been thinking straight, he would never have done it, but there was something about those chocolate-brown eyes and the direct way she stared at him that emptied his head of logical thought.

  Do the cattle drive and get out—that had been the plan. When exactly had it gotten more complicated?

  Chapter Nine

  The river’s swell had started to decrease as evening came on and, after some debate, they decided to set up camp. Getting eighty head across a river at twilight wasn’t going to be easy, and in the morning, if the river had gone down even further, they’d be in a much better situation to get across safely. Their food, what they’d been able to carry with them, had been mostly eaten, and Dakota was thinking of the rest of the group who would be arriving at their own camp at the same time—except they’d have Lydia Granger’s savory cooking to welcome them.

  The hoot of an owl drew Dakota’s attention and she watched as the shadow swept across the field then disappeared into some trees. The evening air was cold, chilling quickly as the last of the sun vanished behind the mountains, leaving behind a dusky sky edged with red along the silhouette of the range.

  This would be an uncomfortable night. No tents. No bedding. No blankets. No shelter from the elements. Fortunately, Harley proved talented at starting another bonfire, and when they all rummaged in their saddle bags, they came up with some dried fruit, a handful of nuts, two sticks of beef jerky and six granola bars.

  “This will be an interesting meal,” she laughed, tossing her granola bars onto the pile.

  “We have to cross tomorrow morning,” Andy said. “No choice. We’ll have to take our chances.”

  Dakota had to agree. They weren’t exactly set up for a lengthy stay out here, and the weather was only getting colder.

  “At least the rain has stopped,” Harley said from his position by the fire. He was steadily feeding the flames pine cones and old twigs, patiently building the smoking blaze.

  A fallen log lay close by the fire and proved to be a convenient seat. Andy came and sat next to her, his arm an inch away from hers—close enough she found herself instinctively wanting to lean into him. What was it about Andy that made her respond like this? Normally she had her wits about her. Even with Dwight, she’d been able to pull herself together and break it off with him permanently because she could see that he was no good for her. Well, Andy wasn’t much good for her, either—not if she wanted an actual future with a man—and yet she still found herself drawn to him. She glanced over and Andy smiled back, those green eyes enveloping her for a moment of warmth before he turned his attention to Harley.

  “So how long are you planning on staying around Hope?” Andy asked.

  Harley put another stick on the fire and leaned back on his haunches. “Don’t know. As long as it takes, I guess.”

  “Your sister, you mean,” Andy clarified.

  Harley didn’t look the least bit surprised that Andy knew about his personal business. Instead he reached for his pile of food, giving Dakota a nod of thanks.

  “Yeah, that’s right,” he said. “You all might be partial to Elliot, but I’m not.”

  “Your sister seems to be,” Dakota said with a shrug. If she’d chosen to stay with him, there must be something keeping her there. “Maybe she’s happy.”

  Harley tore off a bite of beef jerky and chewed silent for a minute. Then he shook his head. “Do you have any siblings?”

  “A brother,” she said.

  “And if you settled for some guy—let go of all the things that mattered to you and went off with some cowboy who had no respect for you or your family, do you think he’d have a problem with it?”

  An image of Brody rose in her mind and she wondered what he’d say if he told him she was dating Andy Granger. He’d have a whole lot to say, she was sure. Just as he had when he’d found out what Dwight had been doing to her. Brothers were protective in a unique way, and if he ever found out what had blossomed between her and Andy on this drive, she wouldn’t want to face him. So, would Brody have a problem with her settling for someone the family hated?

  “Probably,” she said with a short laugh. “But what if I loved that cowboy? What if I didn’t want to give him up? There wouldn’t be a whole lot he could do.”

  She was feeling defiant right now, protective of this other woman’s choice to choose her future because it mirrored her own situation right now...in a small way, at least. She shouldn’t take it so personally. She wasn’t in love with Andy and she certainly wasn’t pregnant. Harley had a solid point about Elliot’s bad behavior. She didn’t even know why she felt this need to get involved.

  “She’s my twin.” Harley said it as if ended the discussion.

  Dakota frowned. “But she’s still her own person.”

  “Of course!” Harley barked out a laugh. “Any man who tries to control a country woman is either stupid or has a death wish! I’m not saying that I have any right to dictate her life. I’m saying I know her. She’s my twin sister and I know her better than anyone. She’s pregnant, she feels guilty for that, and she’s sticking by the man who got her into that situation.”

  “What happ
ened, exactly?” Andy asked.

  “She brought him home for the weekend, announced she was having a baby, and Elliot just sat there. He was the father, but he didn’t make any move to reassure us that he’d take care of her. My mom suggested they get married, and Holly wanted that. She lit up at the mention of a wedding. My mom still has my great-grandmother’s wedding dress, and Holly always dreamed of wearing that dress down the aisle. That wedding—it mattered to her. Elliot got all dark and quiet. He wasn’t going to give her the wedding she wanted—I could see it in his face. And while I think that kids need both their parents, and dads matter a heck of a lot, I don’t think a woman should have to stay with a man who commits only as far as a rent check. She deserves the real thing, and Elliot ain’t it.”

  Dakota had to agree with the kid there. If Holly wanted marriage, then sharing the bills wasn’t going to be commitment enough. It wouldn’t be for Dakota, either. She wondered what Holly’s take on all of this was.

  Andy didn’t say anything and he looked away, elbows on his knees and hands hanging down between. He didn’t seem to be listening, his attention diverted by something inside him.

  “And the family...” Harley went on quietly. “Well, we can’t just forgive him. He doesn’t think that Holly is worth marrying, and we happen to disagree something fierce. Holly is pretty great, and I’m not going to stand by while she puts up with less than she’s worth because she’s feeling guilty about an unplanned pregnancy. We were raised with church and all that, so there were expectations. But we all carry regrets in some form or other, and it’s no excuse for giving up.”

  Dakota looked toward the cattle. A nearby cow chewed its cud in slow revolutions, big, watery eyes fixed on them as if they were interesting to her. Her half-grown calf lay next to her, curled into a ball and fast asleep. The cows always made life seem so much less complicated somehow. Everything could be solved, given enough time, enough thought.