by Tori Kayson
“You know him?”
“Marshal.” Cody inserted the key. After a couple jiggles, the ancient door swung open.
“Marshal, huh?” Hawk’s heart swelled. Pride puffed up his chest. He’d done it. This was their house. And Cody already had a friend in the neighborhood. A two for one.
What a rollercoaster today. He wasn’t crying. No. His eyes itched from the dusty trail ride.
Cody hustled inside, flitting from one room to the next, inspecting and hollering out comments.
Hawk stood in the doorway, taking it all in, the bag handles digging into his palms, the weight sagging his shoulders. But his heart felt lighter than air.
The online pictures didn’t do this house justice.
A decade-old leather couch and a recliner about the same age shared the tiny living room, bordered by two tables and a lamp. Water rings stained the wood table tops, and when he flicked the lamp on, gashes marred the hardwood floor and cigarette burns dotted the couch. Nothing a rug and a throw wouldn’t fix. Not quality by any means, but the space whispered comfort. Family. Friends.
And it was theirs for the next year. If…
No! He refused to dwell on what if’s or allow worry to win the war tonight. The attorney could give him the rundown tomorrow, let him know if he should fret. Tonight was all about celebrating their new home.
****
“You miss him.”
Kierra whipped her head around to stare at her too-perceptive mother.
The porch light spotlighted the knowledge glimmering from wise eyes, the amusement curving her mother’s lips. And maybe an inkling of worry etched her face.
No sense denying her feelings. Her mother would see right through her. “I just don’t know what to think, Mom.” There. That was honest.
“He seems to have grown up a lot since high school,” her mother prodded.
“What? Defending the cowboy now?” she teased.
“Just stating it how I see it.”
If her mother only knew the whole story. Not that she planned to spill the beans ten years after the fact. “Yeah, well being a father will do that to a man. Same as being a mom, I guess.”
“Sweetheart, a mother knows when her daughter’s hurt. She recognizes when events coincide with important people disappearing from their lives. If she could, a mother would take her child’s pain on herself, but that’s not possible. She can only hope her daughter makes the choice to love again.” This time, sadness tinged her mother’s smile.
Kierra’s resolve dissipated in a quiver, and a tear slipped out and tracked down her cheek. “Prom night. We’d just gotten back together. You remember we broke up for a few weeks?”
Her mother nodded.
“I actually thought he might propose that night. He proposed all right. Just not to me.” Kierra gave the tear an angry swipe and sniffled. Hoisted herself from the swing and stalked to the porch rail.
Thousands of stars graced the night sky. Just like that special night. She remembered standing on this very porch, hugging the waist of her silky gown, staring up at the sky. Wishing. Wanting. Dreaming.
Another tear chased the first. Then another.
An arm slipped around her waist, pulled her close. Her mother rested her head against Kierra’s and they stayed that way for a few minutes.
Finally, her mother broke the silence. “He’s a better man now, sweetheart. It wasn’t your time.”
Kierra shook her head. “Not then. Probably not now, either.” Her voice came out small.
“It can be. If you can let go of all the bitterness to see the man he is now. A good father. A good provider. A man who’s trying to make the best of a bad situation.”
He was all that. And more.
“He’s a lot like your father, you know.”
Kierra startled. “How’s that?”
“For all the reasons I just mentioned. And he’s loved you since the first day he set eyes on you. I saw it then, and I see it now.”
Really? Hope sparked to life.
Her mother continued, staring out across the pasture. “So maybe your train to happily-ever-after derailed.” Her voice quivered, but she cleared her throat and pulled back to look at Kierra. When she spoke again, her voice was clear, firm. “But now the track’s been repaired and the train’s waiting for you in the station.”
Gooseflesh raised on Kierra’s arms. Hugging herself, she gave them a brisk rub.
“Your journey might not look exactly as you envisioned when you first started, not all trips do. Sometimes you face detours, mechanical failures, construction. None of that means the end of the road. Just a new way, a different way, to get to your destination.” Her mother gave her one last neck hug then opened the door. “Good night, sweetheart.”
“Night, Mom.”
Kierra watched her mother disappear inside the house, waited until the screen door slapped closed before stepping off the porch and wandering to the pasture.
Leaning on the fence post, she inhaled the night. Cattle and horses, roses, and a hint of rain tinged the air.
Was her mother right? Did Hawk love her? Could another chance at love be in their grasp?
Majesty plodded up to the fence and whickered, tossing his head up and down.
“Hey, sweet boy.” Chuckling, Kierra patted the horse’s neck. “Is that a yes?”
Another nod, another vote of confidence for the cowboy.
“But you didn’t even know the question.” Still, she sucked in a breath. Could she do it? Could she risk her heart again? Heaven knew she missed him already, the closeness of being on the range, seeing him every day. How could that be since he hadn't been in her life for years? And just like that he'd wiggled back into her heart as if he'd never gone.
But this time was different, they were different. Not naïve teens anymore. A lot of life had stretched between them, and…a kid. Hawk appeared settled down, responsible even. But could she trust him? Would he show up at the ranch tomorrow? Or had she lost the feature and the cowboy?
13
“Best advice right now? Hang tight. Stay right where you are. Don’t make any rash decisions.” The leather chair squeaked as the attorney stood up then walked around the desk to shake Hawk’s hand.
As if he needed to be told twice.
Hawk shook the man’s hand. Tried not to pump it extra hard in gratitude. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Caution tempered Mr. Anson’s smile. “Not making any promises. But I’ll do my best to help you get your life back. So you can wake up every day without that huge elephant sitting on your chest. Been there. That’s how I got this.” The attorney tapped his temple, fingering the all gray hair. Premature because, based on their conversation where the attorney shared his story briefly, Hawk estimated him to be in his early thirties.
And his story had drawn Hawk to him immediately. His understanding of the struggle Hawk faced every day connected them with an invisible bond.
“I’ll keep you posted every step of the way.”
“That’s all I can ask. I appreciate it, Mr. Anson.” Hawk slid his hand around the door handle. Swung the heavy door and took a step into the reception area.
“Call me Harris. I have a feeling we’ll be communicating a lot. Even after the case plays out in court.”
The attorney’s confident smile, his casual relaxed stance, one shoulder resting against the door frame, arms folded, eased the rest of the worry clamping Hawk’s chest.
Hawk had done what he could do. Snagged a good job with an understanding boss to provide for his son. Secured a comfortable, affordable house. What more could he ask for?
A second chance with Kierra came to mind, but he dismissed it. So many other blessings, like this unexpected offer of friendship, made him feel ungrateful just for thinking it. He grinned. “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
He almost danced out of the small, converted house in the old town section of Coldwater Ridge. Practically kicked his boots together when he unlocked the truc
k then cranked the engine.
I’ll fight for you and your son to have the life that you dream of here in Coldwater Ridge. But don’t get your hopes up, Hawk. You never know which way things will go. But even if we can’t switch the primary parenting role to you, at the very least, we can specify that she can’t leave this geographical area with your son.
Surely a judge would take his job and his determination to stay in Coldwater Ridge into consideration, right?
Hawk closed his eyes and sighed, relief and worry and sleepless nights crashing down on him. The adrenaline waned, and he dropped his head against the steering wheel.
****
It was two o’clock when Kierra heard the beater truck finally drive up the gravel. After responding to emails and catching up on paperwork, she’d gone outside to help with chores in the barn. Figured that was the best place to wait for Hawk.
Relief almost buckled her knees. She sagged against the door to an empty stall and peered outside.
Hawk emerged from the truck, a much lighter bounce in his step, a smile curving his mouth as he practically jogged to the barn.
Yes! She pumped her fist in the air. The meeting must’ve gone well.
Kierra edged toward the center of the giant space, knew the moment he noticed her presence. Because he stalked straight to her, gripped her arms, and…
Kissed her!
Standing on her boot tips, she leaned into him, giving herself to the kiss, to him. Too quickly, though, he pulled back. Held her waist until she stopped wobbling.
“Can’t talk now. I’m really late.” Hawk pressed another quick kiss, this time on her forehead, then regarded her. “Hope the boss hasn’t given up on me.”
She got it. His roundabout way of asking if she’d given up on him. “Not a chance, chopper cowboy.”
A giant grin stole over his face. He nudged her chin up with his thumb. “Can we chat after I get off?”
“Better not leave without telling me how it went. Or the boss might not be happy.”
“You got it. See you soon, sweetheart!”
****
Hawk rocked back and forth, the evening air caressing his heated face. He’d put in a long day helping Fargo repair what seemed like acres of fence after arriving at the ranch so late, but he couldn’t complain. Not after the man had hooked him up with Mr. An…Harris. And especially not knowing Kierra waited for him.
He sighed and closed his eyes, letting the peaceful night steal over him and the stress to roll off his shoulders. The image of Kierra’s confident smile after he relayed the attorney’s advice seeped into his spirit.
The squeaking of the screen door jarred Hawk’s eyelids open. He blinked until he remembered where he was. The Kesters’ front porch. How long had he drifted off?
Kierra balanced two sodas under her arm and a couple paper plates loaded with some kind of pretty sandwiches, chips, and apples in her hands.
Hawk lifted off the swing and held the door open with his hip. “Wow! You must’ve heard my belly growling. Thank you.” He took the plates from her. When she’d disappeared inside, she’d only mentioned getting something to drink.
“You’re welcome.” Kierra slid the soda cans out from under her arm and stepped outside, looked up at him with a shy smile. “It’s my version of a Monte Cristo. I’m hoping you’ll be my taste tester. We want to offer it on the menu, but my brother’s not convinced it’s substantial enough for the male guests. And I didn’t want you going home to an empty house without eating first.”
“Why’s that?” He held the swing until they both situated, plates in hand.
“Would you make something just for yourself?”
“Probably not. Would’ve grabbed takeout on the way home. Especially since Cody’s not going to be there tonight.” And because he didn’t have an ounce of energy or desire to cook tonight.
He bit into the sandwich, bulging with shavings of ham and turkey and some kind of melted cheese. The berry jam and powdered sugar melted in his mouth. “Mmmm. This is so good. Thank you.”
She smiled and finally took a bite of hers. He noticed that she’d given him two sandwiches to her one.
When he’d devoured everything on the plate, he patted his gut and moaned. “Your brother’s wrong.”
She chuckled. “Thanks. I’ll tell him you said that.”
His boss would understand why too. “This would make a great addition to the menu here. Not sure it’d work well out on the range, though. Too many ingredients to cart that we wouldn’t use for anything else. Like the powdered sugar, for one.”
“I agree.”
Common ground was…nice.
Kierra bit into her apple and juice squirted and dribbled down her chin.
“You have—” He thumbed the moisture away. Locked gazes, her expressive eyes widening and darkening under his touch. “Apple—”
Her hand wound around his neck and pulled his head down. Her lips met his, and she tasted of cheese and sugar, apple and…hope.
Yeah. Hope.
14
“Last one.” Kierra unfolded the chair and set it at the end of the row. Groaning, she perched hands on her hips and, stretching her shoulders, surveyed the back yard.
Fifty chairs lined up in five neat rows, separated by a wide aisle. Five jumbo round tables dotted the yard, all white settings. The only pop of color came from mason jars filled with pink roses. The simple yet elegant arrangements hung from the chairs lining the aisle, dangled from tree branches, and spruced up the plain tables.
“It looks beautiful.” Summer, her sister-in-law and best friend, snapped a photo.
“Hey! You’re not supposed to be taking pictures of me.”
Summer chuckled. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist. One of the dangers of being related to a photographer.”
“Well, I doubt the happy couple wants that picture in their collection.”
“That picture’s for me. I’ve missed you. Dallas is too far.”
“I know.” Kierra hugged her friend. Had she known her brother Maverick intended to whisk her best friend away to Dallas, she might not have been so keen on them getting together. But her recent marriage to Mav agreed with Summer. “Calling and video chatting isn’t nearly as much fun as hanging out together. I think I’ll tell Mav he needs to volunteer for these special assignments so you can visit more often.”
Summer swatted her arm. “Don’t you dare!”
“Newlyweds!” Kierra teased with a chuckle. Summer had moved to Coldwater Ridge after her divorce from a sheriff, determined to find a cowboy to marry. A family man who’d be a good daddy to her son, Logan, a man who came home every night for dinner. She hadn’t expected to fall in love with another law enforcement officer, especially not a Deputy US Marshal like Kierra’s brother.
But love never allowed one to pick and choose.
Her gaze flicked to the barn where Cody and Logan, Summer’s toddler, trailed after Slade. Like stepping stones, the teen, the pre-teen, and the toddler, carrying a pitchfork, a shovel, and a miniature rake.
Affection swelled for all three. But when Hawk emerged from the barn, his dark sunglasses scanning the property, honing in on her…
Something deeper than affection quickened her pulse, rolled over her like a gigantic wave. Love?
“That was a mighty big sigh. You’ve pulled off dozens of weddings by now. You can’t possibly be worried—” Summer’s voice cut off. She sucked in a breath, then drawled, “Oh, I see.”
“You see…what?” Kierra jerked her attention back to Summer, but Hawk’s regard pulled her, stronger than a bull’s determination to invade a pen of heifers.
“What’s got your panties all tangled up.”
Kierra picked up her tablet. Pretended to scroll through the list of tasks for tonight’s wedding.
“Ha! You think I don’t know that trick? Tried it myself.” Summer scoffed. “Did it work? No! Fell in love with the last person I expected.”
Kierra gave up all pretense and set the t
ablet back on the table. Who was she trying to fool? Of course, Summer saw right through her. “We have history. And…well, it’s not pretty.”
Summer laughed.
Laughed. Her best friend laughed!
Kierra fumed. “What’s so funny?”
“You!” Summer bumped her shoulder. “‘He may not be the cowboy you wanted, but he’s definitely the man you need.’ Does that ring a bell?”
“I might have said that.” But that didn’t apply in this situation. Did it?
“If I can marry a marshal after the outcome of my first miserable marriage, and be deliriously happy, then you can overcome any not-so-pretty past. When two people are meant for each other, life can be beautiful. Not that there won’t be bumps along the way, but you’ll make it over the rough spots. And with the energy zapping from here to there?” Summer nodded toward the barn, then shook her head, smiling. “Just sayin’.”
Her friend snapped a few shots of the cowboys with the barn as the backdrop then turned back to the wedding site.
Entranced, Kierra watched Hawk swing little Logan up on his shoulders and pretend to be a horse. The wind carried the boys’ giggles across the wide expanse of lawn.
But, something else carried on the breeze.
Gentle whispers of hope and second chances drifted into her spirit.
Could they overcome their past and give love another try?
****
“What do you say, Cody boy? Ready to head home?” Not without inviting Kierra to dinner, but that wasn’t looking good.
“Yes!” Cody yelled.
“Let’s go say goodbye to Kierra first then—” No need to finish. Not when Cody raced across the yard, leaving his dad behind.
Hawk chuckled.
Something whizzed by his pant legs, in pursuit of Cody. Make that someone.
Hawk grabbed the tiny firecracker’s arm and wheeled him around. “Whoa, fella. I believe you’re supposed to stay with Slade. Right?”
Slade poked his head through the barn opening, rolling his eyes in a mix of frustration and desperation. “Logan! You stay with me. Come on now. I need help with Porker.”
