by Marin Thomas
Dead silence echoed through the bunkhouse. “I met the kids last week when they came to the dude ranch. They live in a group home in Yuma and both of them have been in foster care most of their lives.”
“But you’re not married,” Dixie said.
Mack intended to propose to Beth, but he didn’t want to risk her believing that he’d only asked her to marry him because he needed a mother for the kids—that’s why he’d already begun the adoption process. Whether Beth agreed to marry him or not, he intended to become Ricky and Katy’s father.
“I’m asking for your help in raising these kids. I don’t know anything about being a father—” he made eye contact with each of his married brothers “—but I’ve watched all of you with your own kids and I see how happy you are and how fulfilling your lives have become.... I want that, too.”
“You could get married and have your own children,” Will said.
Mack met Johnny’s gaze. His brother knew the woman Mack loved couldn’t have children, and he refused to marry someone else just so he could father his own kids. “Ricky and Katy need me and I want us to be a family.”
“What about your job?” Porter asked. “And the band?”
“As far as the band goes, we’ll get together once in a while for a gig, but I’m ready to move on from that part of my life. I’ve decided to search for a townhouse in Yuma so the kids are close to their schools.”
“That’s over an hour commute to the dude ranch,” Johnny said.
“I realize that, but I want Ricky and Katy to be able to participate in after-school activities.”
“Since Gavin and I live in Yuma,” Dixie said, “I can pick up the kids after school and bring them to my shop. They’re welcome to eat dinner with us if you have to work late.”
Mack’s chest tightened. He didn’t think he could love his baby sister any more than he did right at that moment.
“When I get my driver’s license, Uncle Mack,” Ryan said, “I can help out on weekends when you’re at the ranch.”
“They can always ride the bus home with Ryan to Stagecoach and do their schoolwork at our house until you pick them up,” Will said.
Mack grinned. “I knew I could count on you all.”
“So when do we get to meet the kids?” Johnny asked.
“Their case worker wants to talk with you first, Johnny.”
The eldest Cash brother nodded. “I’ll meet him or her anytime anywhere.”
“I appreciate that. The paperwork takes a while, so I’ll be their foster parent for several months until the judge sets a court date for the adoption hearing. Once I find a place with separate bedrooms for the kids, we can all live together while we wait for the adoption to be finalized.”
Conway’s wife, Isi, cleared her throat. “I’d like to know when Porter is going to settle down.”
Porter’s eyes widened. “Why me?”
“Because you’re too much fun. Javi and Mig would rather play with you than do their chores or homework.”
“Hey, there’s no such thing as too much fun. Besides—” Porter pointed at Mack “—now that he won’t be living in the bunkhouse, Javi and Mig can move in with me.”
“Yeah!” Mig shouted.
“I like Uncle Porter,” Javi said. “He lets us eat all the Skittles after his poker game.”
Porter cleared his throat loudly and the twins stopped talking.
“I think kicking my brothers out and making them move into the bunkhouse has been the best thing ever,” Dixie said.
“Why’s that?” Shannon asked.
“It’s forced them all to grow up.”
The brothers groaned, and Isi waggled her finger at Porter. “Five brothers down, one to go.”
Right then little Cody woke and began wailing, which startled Emma and Molly, and they joined in the crying. Then Nate whined—so much for peace and quiet. Mack grinned at each of his brothers. He was a lucky guy. He had six awesome siblings, and he was about to get his own family. All he had to do was make Beth see that she didn’t want to miss out on all the happiness that awaited her if she chose to spend the rest of her life with him.
* * *
“MR. HANSEN, I don’t know if you remember me—”
“Sure, I do.” The supervisor of the Yuma group home for children greeted Beth. “You can call me Greg if I can call you Beth.” He waved at a chair in front of his desk, and Beth sat down. “Katy hasn’t stopped talking about you since she visited the dude ranch.”
“I hope you don’t mind me dropping by without an appointment.”
“Now is the best time to chat since the kids are in school.” He glanced at the wall clock. “In a few hours they’ll get off the bus and this place will be chaos until lights out.” He leaned back in his chair. “What can I do for you?”
Beth’s pulse raced. She was so sure she’d thought through her idea, but now that she was here she worried if she was doing the right thing. Her heart said yes, but she feared she might not be good enough for what she was about to ask. Taking a deep breath she said, “I’d like to inquire about the process of adopting Katy.”
“Have you ever been a foster parent?”
“No. And I understand that this is coming out of the blue, but I felt a special connection to Katy and...” I’m ready to try— No. “I’m ready to be a mother.”
“You’re not married, are you?”
“No, I’m divorced. Is that a problem?”
“We like to place kids in a two-parent home, but in Katy’s case that probably won’t ever happen.”
“She told me about her medical condition,” Beth said. “I realize she’ll need a doctor’s care for the rest of her life, and that there will be ongoing expenses. I recently accepted a job with a San José investment firm, and I’ll have medical coverage for both of us. My salary will more than cover our living expenses and Katy’s care.”
“So you’d want to take Katy to California to live.”
“Actually, I’ll be staying in Yuma. I’ve made arrangements with my employer to work from home. Once a month I’ll need to fly to California for meetings, but I’ll arrange for Katy’s care while I’m gone. Is that a problem?”
“It sounds like you’ve thought this through, but I’m sorry to say that we’ve found a foster home for Katy, and the foster parent has expressed interest in adopting her, too.” Greg shook his head. “All these years and no one’s reached out to Katy, then suddenly there are two people who want her.”
Beth’s ears buzzed. Of all the scenarios she imagined, this one had never entered her mind.
“I’ll tell you what, Beth. If Katy has any trouble adjusting to her new foster home, I’ll be in touch.”
Feeling numb, Beth stood. “Katy’s happiness—” not hers “—is what matters most.” Eyes burning, she left the home and got into her car then willed herself not to cry. Go figure. She finally allowed herself to dream of being a mother and all her bravery had gotten her was more rejection.
What about Mack?
He was the reason she’d gone to the children’s home today. His faith in her had given her the courage to accept the truth—that she did want to be a mother and no matter how much the responsibility scared her, she believed as Mack had that she’d make a great mom.
So are you going to listen to your heart again and admit that you’re in love with Mack?
She started the engine and drove south toward the dude ranch. She wanted to be a mother. Wanted to have a family. Most of all she wanted Mack. Without him by her side nothing else mattered.
What if he’s changed his mind about marrying you?
Then she’d just have to change it back.
* * *
“BETH, WHAT A SURPRISE,” Dave said when she entered his office at the dude ranch.
> “I’m probably the last person you expected to see again.”
Dave frowned. “Didn’t the job in California work out?”
“The job’s great. I was hoping to speak with Mack, but I didn’t see his truck parked outside.”
“He’s in Yuma on business, but he should return shortly. Why don’t you wait for him in the cantina and help yourself to the iced tea while you’re there.”
“When Mack gets back, will you tell him—”
“Of course, Beth.”
A fire blazed in the cantina fireplace, lending the room a cozy feel. She was too nervous to sit, so she paced the floor, stopping at the front window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mack’s truck. She had no idea what she’d say to him except I love you.
She waited for almost an hour when she spotted a vehicle approach on the ranch road. Mack. As the pickup drew closer, she spied someone sitting in the passenger seat. He parked in front of the office and got out. Beth’s heart tumbled at the sight of him. Lord, she hoped he’d give her a second chance.
The passenger door opened and she gasped. Ricky? What was he doing with Mack? Her heart stopped beating altogether when Katy hopped out of the backseat. What in the world? Beth dashed out the door and cut across the parking lot.
“Miss Beth!” Katy called out, running toward her. Beth opened her arms and hugged the little girl close. “I missed you, Miss Beth.”
“I’ve missed you, too, Katy.”
Mack, who’d stopped a few feet away, stared at her with a sober expression. “Ricky, before you work on your riding lessons take Katy inside and ask José if he has any donuts leftover from breakfast.”
When the kids disappeared, Beth spoke. “It’s nice of you to give them riding lessons.”
Mack hadn’t expected to find Beth at the ranch. He’d brought Ricky and Katy out here for the day because he had to check on the cattle, and Hoss said he’d give the kids horseback lessons to keep them busy until Mack finished his chores. Then after he returned the kids to the home in Yuma, he was meeting a Realtor to view rental properties. He’d wanted to find a place to live before he contacted Beth—so she’d know he was serious about being the kids’ father. Her eyes glistened with tears and he grasped her arms. “What’s the matter?”
“Just about everything.” She waved toward the main building the kids had gone into. “Did you hear that someone’s going to adopt Katy?”
Startled that she knew, he asked, “How did you find out?”
“I spoke with Greg yesterday. I wanted to check on Katy and see if...” Her voice wobbled.
He tipped her chin, the sorrow in her eyes breaking his heart. “See if what?”
“Mack, please tell me it’s not too late for us,” she whispered.
His heart stopped beating, then resumed with a fierce pounding.
She brushed at her wet eyes. “I’m stubborn and it took me a while to admit that what I want. What makes me happy... What brings joy to me is you.”
Mack thought his heart would explode inside his chest.
“I met with Greg to inquire about adopting Katy, but someone had already taken her in. I wanted to prove to you that I was ready to be a mother, because I know how much family means to you.” She sucked in a shuddering breath. “I was hoping you and I could adopt Katy and be a family.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m happy Katy’s going to get the family she’s always wanted, but I wish it could have been us.”
“She doesn’t have a complete family yet, Beth.”
“What do you mean?”
Mack held Beth’s face in his hands. “Your tears are killing me. Can I kiss you?”
She nodded.
Mack brushed his lips across hers, tasting her salty tears. That she wanted to show him she could be a mother by adopting Katy humbled him. When he pulled back, he said, “Katy still needs a mother. And so does Ricky.”
This was the craziest second attempt at a marriage proposal he could have imagined. No candlelit dinner, no romantic music, no dimmed lights. “I’m Katy and Ricky’s foster father.”
Beth gasped.
“Wait here.” He returned to the truck and rummaged through the glove compartment until he found the jeweler’s box, then returned to Beth. “Whether or not I was able to become Ricky or Katy’s foster father, I’d planned to ask you to marry me. Again.” He opened the lid of the box. “This ring belonged to Grandma Ada.”
Beth’s eyes rounded.
“My grandmother didn’t give birth to her seven grandchildren, but she was more of a mother to us than our real mother could have ever hoped to be. She not only took care of us, she nurtured us and made us feel loved and important. And she taught us kids the real meaning of family. I can’t think of anyone better suited to carry on Grandma Ada’s love for family than you.” He went down on one knee. “Beth, will you marry me?”
Her smile wobbled. “Yes, Mack. I’d be honored to be your wife.”
He pushed the ring over her finger, surprised at how well it fit. “I love you, Beth.” He stood then pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly.
“I know you have a job in California, but we’ll make it work, because there’s no way I’m letting you go.”
“Were you that certain I’d marry you?” she asked.
“I was scared to death you’d say no, but I wanted to show you that I was okay with not having kids of my own.” He shrugged. “I knew you had a soft spot for Katy, and I see a lot of potential in Ricky. He’s a good kid who just needs to know someone gives a damn about him. Together we can give both kids a loving home.”
“If I had said no to your proposal, would you still have gone through with adopting them?”
“Of course. My siblings agreed to help me out with the kids.”
“I love you, Mack Cash. You’re an amazing man, and I’m glad I had a one-night stand with you.” She giggled. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m thankful Brad cheated on me, or I never would have found you and never would have had a family of my own to love and cherish.”
“I’m looking at properties with a Realtor this afternoon. If you’re going to be living with us a few days a month, then you should have a say where we live.”
“What do you mean a few days a month?”
“You’re working in San José, right? That means you’ll be commuting home on the weekends.”
“My employer hired me as a contractor for the firm. That way I can work from home and travel to California for meetings as needed.”
“Hey, Mr. Mack,” Ricky called out as he walked toward them, Katy trailing behind. “José said we can stay for supper.” Ricky noticed Mack’s hand resting on Beth’s waist. “What’s up with you guys? Are you like girlfriend and boyfriend?”
“Right now we’re fiancée and fiancé,” Beth said.
“What’s a fiancée?” Katy asked.
“Beth and I are getting married,” Mack said.
The little girl’s mouth dropped open.
“Seriously?” Ricky gaped.
“Seriously.”
Katy grasped Beth’s hand. “Does this mean you’re gonna be my mom?”
“Yes, it does.” She glanced at Ricky. “And I’d like to be your mother, Ricky. If that’s okay with you?”
The teen shrugged. “Sure. I guess.”
Katy clapped her hands. “Yeah! We’re gonna be a real family.” She hugged Ricky. “And you’re gonna be my big brother.”
“I guess that means I’m stuck with you for a little sister.” Ricky smiled at Katy.
“I think the four of us are going to make a great family,” Mack said.
“When are you guys gonna get married?” Ricky asked.
Mack nodded to Beth—no way was he answering that question. Weddings were a woman’s business. He�
��d make sure to show up whenever and wherever Beth wanted.
“How about right away?” Beth said.
“Cool,” Ricky said.
Katy hugged Beth.
“What about a big wedding and all the trimmings?” Mack asked.
“I’d rather get married by the justice of the peace with Katy and Ricky as our witnesses. I don’t want to wait any longer to become a family.”
“Sounds good to me.” More than good. Mack listened to Katy pepper Beth with questions, then Ricky began asking Mack about rodeo and pretty soon both kids were talking at once, their voices animated, their eyes bright.
Mack was the luckiest man on earth. “Before we get carried away making plans for the future, I have some news for you two.” He eyed the kids.
“What kind of news?” Ricky asked.
“The four of us are going to be a family but we’re also going to become part of a bigger family.”
“Mack has five brothers and one sister,” Beth said. “You’ll have a lot of cousins.”
“Anyone my age?” Ricky asked.
“My brother Will has a son who’ll be sixteen soon. Ryan’s the closest to you in age.”
“Cool,” Ricky said.
“Are there any girls?” Katy asked.
“Three,” Mack said, “but they’re all babies.”
“I like babies.”
“And you’ll have a grandmother and grandfather,” Beth said, hugging Mack.
As Beth told the kids about their grandparents in San Diego and that they’d take a trip to meet them soon, and would definitely have to stop at Disneyland along the way, Mack’s throat swelled with emotion. If someone had told him a year ago that he’d find his soul mate and become a father all within a few months, he would have accused them of being crazy.
Now he was thinking he might be the crazy one. But crazy was good, and there was nowhere else he’d rather be right now than crazy in love with Beth and crazy happy about his new family.
Epilogue
“Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready to kick off the Blythe Stampede Rodeo’s junior division bull-riding event?”
