A Valentine for the Cowboy

by Rebecca Winters

  Before he reached the shop at the base of the mountain, he spotted Roce’s Escalade parked in front next to his mother’s Land Rover. He shut off the engine and climbed down, eager to take his little girl back to his house. She’d become his whole world.

  As he opened the shop door and felt the warmth envelop him, he saw his precious Libby in the arms of a shapely woman in a light-colored sweater and jeans standing at the counter talking to his mother. She had to be Roce’s girlfriend. There was no sign of his brother. Where was he?

  Eli couldn’t help staring. She had the kind of otherworldly gossamer hair he’d always longed to run his hands through. While he was still mesmerized by her, Libby saw him and called out, “Dada!” His brunette daughter started squirming to get to him.

  He moved toward her as the woman turned around. Eli was almost blinded by eyes that were the same deep blue as some of the sapphires in his mother’s shop. Libby reached for him and hugged him around the neck, breaking the spell that had held him captive.

  “All the light bulbs have been replaced.” Roce’s voice came from the back room. He emerged and gave their mother a kiss. “Hey, bro.” He smiled at Eli. “How are things going? Libby gets bigger and cuter every time I see her.”

  “I think so, too,” he muttered, caught totally off guard. “She’s my little cowgirl. Aren’t you, sweetie?” After kissing her cheek, he eyed his mother. “Thanks, Mom. Just so you know, I’m headed home. If you’re going to the rodeo with us, you need to be at the ranch in an hour.” On that note, he headed for the door.

  “Wait—don’t forget this.” His mother held up Libby’s little parka.

  He’d forgotten because he couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Eli reached for the coat and put it on his daughter, aware of the younger woman’s engaging smile.

  “Bye-bye, Libby.”

  He suffered another shock because his daughter smiled back. “Bye.”

  Their exchange trapped the air in his lungs because Libby had never said that word before. Once back at the truck, he fastened his daughter in the car seat and started down the mountain road.

  Eli knew he’d been rude to leave like that. So rude, in fact, that he hadn’t even answered his brother’s question about his welfare. But the sight of Libby in that woman’s arms had jolted him. Normally his daughter wasn’t comfortable with strangers, but she’d seemed perfectly content with this one just now.

  As for Eli, he hadn’t been involved with another woman since meeting Tessa two and a half years ago. After a quick marriage and early pregnancy followed by a divorce, he’d devoted his life to Libby and had lost all interest in women, or so he’d thought.

  So what in the hell had just happened to him? He’d stood there helplessly assessing her attributes as if he’d never seen a beautiful woman before. What made it worse was the fact that she was Roce’s girlfriend.

  Had his brother noticed Eli’s behavior?

  Of course he had! Roce didn’t miss anything.

  Damn and damn.

  * * *

  BRIANNA TRIED TO concentrate on the reason why she’d come to the shop in the first place, but the arrival of the little girl’s gorgeous daddy had brought a tension she couldn’t shake. Was it anger she’d felt as he pulled his daughter away from her?

  She’d offered to hold her while Mrs. Clayton showed her the sapphires. The little fourteen-month-old was so adorable and Brianna had loved entertaining her. Yet the father had seemed anything but pleased. Brianna wasn’t exactly pleased, either.

  Not only had she felt a strong and immediate physical attraction to Roce’s brother—something that rarely happened to her just by looking at a man—it wasn’t until he was putting the parka on his daughter that she noticed he wore a wedding ring.

  Life played mean tricks on you. Roce Clayton didn’t wear a ring, but he hadn’t caused her heart to race when they looked at each other.

  Time to snap out of it, Brianna.

  After a moment’s hesitation, she chose the stone she loved the most from one of the trays. “Can you set this dark pink sapphire aside? My uncle will come to pick out the setting he wants and pay for it then. Will you be open Monday evening? He can be here by six. Their anniversary is on Wednesday.”

  “We’ll take care of all of it on Monday,” Mrs. Clayton said, smiling kindly. Brianna could see where her two sons got their good looks. They all bore a resemblance to each other.

  The pretty dark-blond widow whose short hair was cut in a becoming style also possessed a charming nature and was wonderful with her granddaughter. She turned to Roce. “I’m ready to go if you are.”

  “See you back at the house, Mom.” After he gave Libby a hug, they walked out to his car and started down the mountain.

  “Thank you so much for bringing me here. I found exactly what I wanted for my uncle. Your mother is so knowledgeable about these stones. It was fascinating listening to her.”

  “Dad had the gem shop built for her to run. What started out as a hobby turned into a career for her. Over the years she’s made quite a name for herself. She brings in business from all over the country.”

  “With your father gone, I’m assuming it has become even more important. She’s a lovely woman and her granddaughter clearly adores her.”

  He nodded. “Dad fell for her the first time he saw her.”

  “That’s so wonderful. It was the same with my brother and his wife. Love at first sight.”

  He grinned at her. “I would say it doesn’t exist, but then I see it happen to other people all the time.”

  Brianna was thinking the exact same thing. Her mind flickered back to Roce’s brooding brother. Did he have a fairy-tale love story, as well? When they reached the ranch house and Roce pulled up next to her truck, she opened the door. “Thanks for driving me up there. I really appreciate it.”

  “It was my pleasure. I guess you heard us talking about the rodeo. Have you ever been to one?”

  “Yes, actually. Plenty of times. My father and uncle were both bull riders years ago. We’re going to the arena tonight.”

  “Then you’ll see our baby brother, Toly, and his partner, Mills, competing in the team roping event.”

  “Uncle Clark said one of the Clayton boys would be in the lineup. We’ll be rooting for them.”

  “I have to be there early to check over their horses. Why don’t you and your family join ours in the bleachers? We’ll save seats for you down in front.”

  “That’s very generous of you. Thank you.”

  “Good.”

  “One thing, though, Roce. Can you please not mention that I went to your ranch today, and ask your brother and mother to do the same? Uncle Clark wants to keep the ring a secret.”

  He winked. “Understood.”

  She jumped down. “Thanks again for everything. See you there.”

  On the drive to Stevensville she wondered if she was crazy to have accepted his invitation. It couldn’t be construed as a date since it was meant for the whole family. That was the problem. His brother would be there, the married one with the piercing blue eyes. The angry one with the darling daughter. Brianna didn’t even know his name. Would his wife be there? Roce had provided no explanation for his behavior. Of course it was none of her business.

  An hour later she and her aunt and uncle bought their tickets and made their way through the crowd inside the noisy enclosed arena. Excitement was high because Stevensville’s favorite son was competing. Brianna scanned the bleachers down in front and picked out Roce’s mother right away. There were empty seats on either side of her.

  “Brianna?”

  She turned her head. “Hi, Lindsay!” Her married friend worked at the bookstore a block away from the saddlery. They often ate lunch together during the week.

  “Come on,” her uncle murmured. “The
parade is beginning. Let’s just sit here for now.”

  She waved to her friend and followed her aunt and uncle down a nearby aisle. The three of them found seats and watched the horses prance around, ridden by the contestants carrying flags. Brianna loved the fanfare and the smell of the horses, but tonight she was distracted and kept her eyes on Mrs. Clayton. After the national anthem had been sung by a local country singer, she watched three tall, hard-muscled men file into the row and sit next to their mother.

  Brianna had never seen three such handsome brothers. Brianna couldn’t distinguish who was who in their Stetsons.

  A minute later one of them stood and began walking up the stairs. As he approached, she could tell it was Roce. She waved to him and he walked over and shook hands with Uncle Clark and Aunt Joanne. “I’m glad you’re here. Why don’t you all come with me?”

  Her uncle and Roce talked about Taffy’s condition as they followed Roce to where his family was sitting. The poor dog was on her last legs, a sad fact of life that couldn’t be ignored.

  The saddle bronc riding event was announced. Everyone shook hands quickly before it started. Brianna’s aunt and uncle knew all of the Claytons and greeted Roce’s mother warmly, calling her Alberta.

  Roce explained that he’d been to the saddlery earlier in the day to buy gloves and had met Brianna there.

  He went on to introduce Brianna to his brothers Wymon and Eli. But the first contestant was out of the box, stalling the conversation for the time being. Brianna sat on the end next to her aunt, but, instead of concentrating on the rodeo, her thoughts were on the brother named Eli, who’d come without his wife.

  Roce was conventionally handsome and Wymon, whom Roce had introduced as the eldest brother, had light gray eyes that stood out in striking contrast to his black hair. Still, it was Eli with his rugged dark looks and his black Stetson who made Brianna’s pulse quicken. She silently cursed herself for always being attracted to the bad-boy type.

  All rodeos thrilled a crowd and this one was no exception. She held her breath throughout the team roping event and whooped and hollered along with the rest of Stevensville when the best time went to Toly and his partner. The celebrating went on for a long time. According to her uncle, the Clayton family hoped Toly and Mills would go to the Pro Rodeo National Championship in Las Vegas next December.

  Brianna could only imagine how much the Claytons missed their father at a time like this. Her own parents would have loved this rodeo, too. She wished they were here and missed them terribly. It was especially hard not to have her mom to talk to after what had happened at the gem shop earlier that day. Her awareness of the man sitting five seats away had dominated her thoughts all night.

  She was relieved when the barrel racing ended and the winners received their gold buckles. With the rodeo over, everyone got up to head outside. While her uncle stood talking to Roce, Brianna put an arm through her aunt’s. “I’ll walk out to the car with you.”

  “He could be a while. Clark lives for nights like this.”

  “Dad did, too.”

  Brianna thought they’d evaded any more socializing and was happy when they reached the car and got in. But then along came her uncle with Roce, who walked around the front of the car and knocked on the window. She asked her aunt to turn on the ignition so she could lower it.

  He smiled down at her. “You got out of there too fast for me to say good-night.”

  “Thank you for allowing us to sit with your family. It made the whole evening that much more exciting and we’re so proud of your brother.”

  “It was fun. Too bad I have to get back to Missoula tomorrow. But when I come to visit again, I’ll drop by the saddlery. If you’re not busy, maybe we could go out to dinner.”

  “That would be great,” she said, blushing.

  “Good. I’ll look forward to it.”

  After they drove off, her uncle glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “I do believe you’ve made a conquest of Roce Clayton.”

  “I don’t think so, Uncle Clark,” she said. “If he were truly interested, he would have asked for my phone number and said he would call me. He was just being nice because he lost his father and knows I lost mine.”

  Her uncle made a turn and followed a line of cars out onto the highway. “The girls around here have been after him for years. He was a great bull rider before he gave it up to go to veterinary school. Can you honestly tell me you’re not the slightest bit interested in him?” he teased.

  Her uncle knew she’d spent time with him earlier in the day, but he’d made assumptions that were way off base. “Yes,” she said without hesitation. The memory of Eli was constantly before her eyes.

  “That sounded definite,” her aunt said.

  “He’s a fine man, honey.”

  “Clark—” her aunt cautioned him. “Leave the poor girl alone.”

  Brianna leaned forward and patted his shoulder. “You sounded like Dad just now and I love you for it. But as Mom once told me, when I meet the right man for me, I won’t have to question it. I’ll know he’s the one.” But please, don’t let him be a married man...

  “Of course you will,” her aunt concurred.

  “I’m just saying you couldn’t do any finer than a Clayton.”

  Both she and her aunt laughed the rest of the way home.

  Chapter One

  Eli drove to the ranch house with Wymon and their mother. He raced upstairs so he could take his daughter home, but Solana stopped him at the door to the bedroom.

  “She’s asleep. Don’t wake her up now. I’ll watch her tonight and you can come get her in the morning. You’ve been going nonstop for months. It’s time you had a break.”

  He reached out and hugged her. “You already gave me one. Toly won another gold buckle tonight. He’s racking them up! Thanks so much for watching Libby so we could all be there to support him.”

  “She’s a little angel. Luis and I couldn’t have children so there are no grandchildren. Libby fills a hole in my heart.”

  He nodded. “She’s my whole heart.”

  “I know. Luis and I promise to take good care of her tonight.”

  “You don’t have to tell me that.” He shoved the cowboy hat back on his head. “If you’re sure you’re okay, I’ll be over at seven to fix her breakfast.”

  “Why don’t you sleep in?”

  “Even if I want to, I’m always awake by six anyway.”

  “You’re still too young to be saying things like that.”

  “Didn’t you know I’ve aged since my divorce?” he teased, but there was a kernel of truth in what he’d said.

  Solana’s expression sobered. “I do know,” she murmured. “So does your mom. Now go on home and relax.”

  Eli walked back down the hall to the stairs. He could hear voices coming from the living room and found Roce talking privately with their mother. They appeared almost secretive. Wymon must have gone home to his own ranch house, and Toly would probably be out celebrating late with Mills after their win.

  “You two are so quiet that I’m beginning to wonder if something’s going on that I don’t know about.”

  His mom stared at him in surprise. “Why would you say that?”

  “I don’t know. When I walked into the ranch house earlier today, I learned you were up at the gem store with Libby. A strange truck was outside.” He eyed Roce. “Solana told me you’d brought a girl home with you. When I drove up there, I found you and a woman I’ve never seen before holding my daughter while picking out a stone.” A drop-dead gorgeous woman. “Are you with me so far?”

  Roce broke into a grin. “Mom? Shall we tell him?”

  She nudged him. “Oh, don’t be such a terrible tease.”

  Somehow Eli didn’t feel like laughing. Anything but.

 
His mom moved toward him. “Eli? What’s eating at you?”

  “I just wondered if you and that girl might be serious.”

  Roce’s eyes narrowed. After a silence he said, “Not yet, bro, but I have to admit she’s a hottie.”

  “Oh, for Heaven’s sake, Roce—” their mother chastised him. “Brianna Frost came up to the shop to pick out a stone for her uncle. He plans to give his wife a ring for an anniversary present. Roce had been to the saddlery for some gloves. She asked if she could follow him to the ranch because she’d never been to the shop before.”

  “Maybe you didn’t know I’ve been caring for her uncle’s dog, Taffy,” Roce chimed in. “To be friendly, I asked her if she and her family would like to join ours to watch the rodeo. Nothing more, nothing less. Let me tell you something. The day I find the woman of my dreams, everyone will know about it.”

  Ridiculous as it was, those words caused some of the tension to leave Eli’s body.

  Their mom turned to Roce. “What day will that be, my second born? How many more years do I have to live before that happens?”

  “I’m not ready to settle down yet. You know that.” He gave her a hug.

  “You’re impossible,” she muttered. But she said it on a burst of laughter.

  The need to escape drove Eli out of the room. “Solana’s watching Libby tonight,” he called over his shoulder. “I’ll be back in the morning.”

  By the time he reached his truck, he was out of breath. He pressed his forehead against the steering wheel. Seeing Brianna Frost at the rodeo in her white cowboy hat convinced him he hadn’t imagined his attraction to her at the gem shop.

  Damn, was he ever glad she wasn’t Roce’s girlfriend.

  * * *

  MONDAY NIGHT, BRIANNA drove to the gem shop with her uncle. Her aunt thought they’d gone grocery shopping. They’d have to pick up a few items on their way home so she wouldn’t get suspicious upon their return.