C'mon, Dusty. Don't leave me hanging.
"Come back to the table and tell Daniel and Amy what you told me about what that Mr. Kirkland said to Dusty." Shirley glanced over her shoulder where she stood at the stove, stirring gravy.
Lindsey waved away a fly that had found its way into the house and was pestering her. "You don't think Dusty should be the one to share that news?" She felt something brush against her leg and looked down to find Peppermint there. She picked up the fluffy black-and-white cat and hugged her, needing comfort.
"What news are you talking about?" Daniel looked more than a little curious.
"I really think Dusty should tell you." She glanced outside again, disappointed to not see his truck coming up the drive. Her throat tightened. Her eyes stung from the tears threatening. She needed to leave the room or embarrass herself. Clearing her throat, she set Peppermint on the floor and started for the door. "E-excuse me. I'll be right back."
As she shut the bathroom door, she heard Daniel say, "I'm going to clobber that heartless brother of mine."
Lindsey leaned her hands against the bathroom sink. Why had she agreed to this party? Why had she opened her heart to Dusty again? It was too soon. She should have waited longer before listening to her heart. Dusty had broken it years ago, and he was doing it again. But what if something had happened to him—a wreck? "Please, God. No." She couldn't bear the thought of him hurt. She didn't want to be here feeling as she did. If only she could leave. But she wouldn't disappoint Shirley or the others.
She could only be upset with herself for trusting Dusty's charming smile once again. She'd lost everyone she'd loved—her brother, her parents, Grandma. Her throat tightened. But she hadn't lost God. He loved her and would help her through this. And if she were truthful, she felt Him telling her to not overreact. If Dusty wasn't there, he had a good reason. She needed to trust him. Lindsey jumped at a knock on the bathroom door.
"Are you okay?" Amy asked.
"I'm fine. I'll be out in a minute." She rubbed her eyes, wiping away the tears that had filled them.
"What?" Amy hollered.
Lindsey sighed. "I said—"
"He's here!" Amy knocked again, faster this time. "C'mon, Lindsey. Dusty's home."
She sucked in a sharp breath. He'd made it. Lindsey looked in the mirror. Fortunately, her tan somewhat hid the redness on her nose. She splashed cold water on her face, then dried it and opened the door.
Amy stood there, eyes glowing. She reached out and squeezed Lindsey's hand. "I knew he'd be here. He cares for you too much to disappoint you so badly."
Lindsey hurried to the front door, arriving right as it opened.
Dusty rushed in, a frown marring his handsome features. He grabbed hold of her shoulders. "I'm so sorry I'm late. I had some trouble wrangling one of your presents."
Wrangling? Had he bought her a horse? "It doesn't matter. I'm just glad you made it safely."
His wide grin stole her heart again. His dark eyes glimmered with barely held excitement. "I can't wait to show you."
"Don't you want to eat first? Your grandma has supper ready."
"Nope. This can't wait." He tugged her hand and pulled her outside to the porch. "Close your eyes and don't peek."
She did as she'd been told, hardly able to hold back her own eagerness, and allowed him to guide her down the porch steps and into the yard. What in the world had he bought for her?
"Stay here, and no peeking."
"Okay." Tingles of excitement charged through her. She heard a rustling sound then felt Dusty at her side.
"Prepare to be shocked." He squeezed her hand. "Go ahead. Open your eyes."
Lindsey did as told, then gasped. "Oh! Oh! Daddy?"
Her dad's mouth lifted in a tentative smile. "It's me, precious."
Lindsey leapt across the four feet separating them and fell into her father's arms. All her anger and disappointment fell away as she clung tightly to him. He leaned his chin on her head.
"I'm so sorry for leaving you, baby. I hope you can forgive me. I know I don't deserve it, but—"
She pushed back and pressed her fingers to his lips. "Shh…You're here now. That's all that matters."
"Thank you, precious." Tears glistened in his eyes, and he hugged her again. "I don't deserve your forgiveness."
Dusty cleared his throat. "You two want some time alone?"
"No, silly," Lindsey said, smiling. "I want to eat my birthday dinner while it's hot."
"You sure your grandma won't mind that I'm here?" Her dad asked Dusty.
"Not in the least." Dusty gave the man's shoulder a friendly shake. "You're in for a treat."
"We all are." Lindsey couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. "I've seen the food, and it looks amazing."
Her dad lifted his nose and sniffed. "It sure smells amazing."
"Herb, would you mind giving Lindsey and me a moment alone?"
He shook his head, climbed the porch steps, and took a seat in one of the rockers. "Go on. I'll wait right here."
Lindsey's stomach grumbled. "But what about—?"
"This is more important than food." Dusty grabbed her hand, dragging her down the porch steps and around the side of the house. He stopped near one of the kitchen windows and turned to face her, his grin spreading from ear to ear. "Were you surprised?"
"Of course I was! He never said a thing about coming home when I talked to him."
"That's because he didn't know he'd be here when you two chatted. It took me three days to convince him you really wanted to see him."
Lindsey stepped forward and wrapped her arms around the man she loved so much. "It's the best birthday present I've ever received."
"Really?"
At his disappointed tone, she pushed back to look at his face.
He tugged something from his pants pocket and held out a small, wrapped box with a mangled bow. "I was hoping this would be the best one you got."
Her heart stampeded, and she glanced up at him. "Should I open it now?"
"Yep."
She reached out with a shaky hand and grasped the box. She could hardly tear off the paper fast enough. When she lifted the lid of the black velvet box, she gasped again at the sight of a princess cut diamond ring.
Dusty knelt down on one knee, grimacing. He sucked in a loud breath then blew it out and gazed up at her with adoring eyes. "I realize this is quick, but I know my heart. Lindsey Beth Lang, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"Oh, yes! Yes!" She bent down and kissed him, hoping he could tell what was in her heart.
He gently pushed her back, looking a bit embarrassed. "I don't suppose you could help me. Driving all the way from Dallas made my knee stiffen up."
"Of course." She reached out and assisted him to his feet. "Are you okay?"
"I'm great." He cupped her cheeks. "What about you? Are you happy?"
"Deliriously."
He removed the ring, placed it on her finger, and then bent to kiss her hand. "Good gifts, huh?" He waggled his eyebrows.
"Best ever." She fell into his arms, kissing him until her heart thundered.
"What do you think about asking Daniel and Amy if they're up for a double wedding?"
Her eyes widened. "You want to get married that fast?"
"Darlin', I've waited years for this, and I don't care to wait much longer to make you my wife."
Her eyes glowed. "Okay, then. Let's ask them."
Behind her, Lindsey's father cleared his throat. "I hate to bother y'all, but the smell of that food is driving me crazy. We skipped lunch so we could get back in time for your party. You think we could eat and you could finish that later?"
Lindsey laughed. She looped arms with Dusty, then with her father. She'd never expected to see him again, but here he was, all thanks to Dusty. A Bible verse from Joel came to mind: I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.
For six years, the locusts had stolen her father—stolen Dusty—but now the tw
o most important men in her life had been restored to her. She couldn't quit smiling.
Best birthday ever!
Epilogue
Dusty stood on the private balcony of the cruise ship, staring out at the brilliant azure water of the Caribbean. Lindsey walked out of their room and handed him a bottle of water. He swigged a drink then set the container on the patio table and wrapped his arms around his new wife.
"Mmm…" Lindsey snuggled against him. "The water here is so amazingly blue. I like how the sun dances on it like diamonds on blue velvet."
Dusty pointed to his right. "Look over there."
"Land?" She looked where he pointed and then up at him. He took the moment to steal a kiss.
"Yep. St. Maarten, our first stop."
She gave him a coy smile. "I've really enjoyed our time on the ship, but I'm looking forward to getting back on land."
"Me too." He'd been concerned the trip onboard the ship might affect his bad leg, but the waters had been smooth so far. They stood arm in arm for a long while, watching the land draw closer.
"Did you hear from Gramma today?"
"Yeah. She said Burt was coming over for lunch."
"Did she mention Luke?"
"Not this call." Dusty had been both shocked and delighted that Luke had come to the double wedding. It gave him peace of mind, knowing his brother was with Gramma. He'd wanted to talk with Luke and to make sure his little brother was okay. But that would have to wait until after his honeymoon. Dusty's stomach growled, making Lindsey giggle.
"I guess it's about time we head upstairs to meet Daniel and Amy for lunch."
"Yep, but first…" He tugged his wife around, pulled her close, and kissed her until his heart pounded and his blood simmered, making him ready to call off their lunch with his brother.
"Whoa, cowboy." Lindsey pulled back after a moment of pure ecstasy, breathing hard. She smiled, eyes glimmering. "As much as I'd like to continue this, we need to go. Remember, we're having a quick lunch, and then we're leaving the ship for our snorkeling excursion."
"I'd rather stay here." He wagged his brows, hoping to sway her.
She stepped back and crossed her arms. "Why Dustin Starr, you're not scared of snorkeling, are you?"
He had to admit it wasn't top on his list of things to do. He could swim just fine, but there was something a bit nerve-wracking about swimming in an ocean with just a tube for air. But he wasn't about to admit that. "All right. Let's go."
Dusty stepped into their room and grabbed his hat. Lindsey had tried to talk him out of bringing it, but he couldn't leave the old felt friend behind. He opened the door to the hall and waited for Lindsey to step out, then joined her.
"I guess your dad ought to be about done packing up his rent house by now." Dusty threw his arm over Lindsey's shoulder and moved down the long corridor.
"That's what he said when I talked to him yesterday. You're certain you don't mind him living with us?"
"I'm fine with it." He squeezed her shoulder to emphasize his point. The smile she rewarded him with stirred his senses all over again. He could hardly believe after all that had happened, she was finally his wife. But there was one thing he had to be certain of. "Are you sure you don't mind sharing part of your honeymoon with Dan and Amy?"
She adjusted her purse strap and glanced up, eyebrows lifted. "I told you the nineteenth and twentieth times you asked me that question that I'm fine with it. We aren't together all the time, and when we are, it's fun to have someone to do things with. Didn't you enjoy swimming with them last night and racing Daniel across the pool and going down those big slides?"
"You know I did, especially since I beat him." Dusty leaned down and kissed her head. "How did I get such a gracious wife?"
"Just lucky, I guess."
"Blessed, is more like it." He slowed his pace as they reached the elevator. "My only regret is that I didn't get to spend any time with Luke after our wedding."
"I know, but you can when we return home."
Dusty certainly hoped so. A lot of time had passed since he'd seen his little brother, and he prayed God had healed the scars on Luke's heart. But now, he was ready to put his brother from his mind and enjoy his honeymoon.
He leaned down and stole a quick kiss, then winked at Lindsey as the elevator doors opened.
She glanced at two people who stepped off, her cheeks a pleasing rose color. "Did you get things settled with Jace before the delivery of the bull?"
Dusty smiled at the elderly couple staying on the elevator as he followed Lindsey in. They settled against the back wall. "Yep. Once we get home, I'll finish the repairs to your barn—"
"Our barn." Lindsey flashed a sweet smile.
"Right. And once that's done and I make sure the pasture fence is solid, Jace will ship Black Vortex."
Lindsey leaned against him. "It's so fitting that the bull that ended your riding career will be the one to secure our future."
"I sure never saw that coming."
The elevator stopped, and the older couple exited. The doors closed again, leaving them alone. He turned toward his wife and grinned. "How 'bout a smooch, ma'am?"
She giggled. "You really are one-track minded."
He shrugged, unable to stop the goofy grin tugging at his lips. "Guilty as charged." He bent down, pulling his wife into his arms. More than once, he'd thanked God for bringing him and Lindsey back together. He never thought he'd be grateful for his accident, but it had resulted in this wonderful woman coming back into his life—and for that, he could even thank that old bull.
The End
If you enjoyed The Bull Rider's Bride, don't miss the next book in the Lone Star Brides series: The Butterfly Bride by USA Today bestselling author Lacy Williams.
The prodigal son is back. Ever since the terrible mistake he made in high school—a mistake that cost his best friend his life—bullfighter Luke Starr has stayed far away from Pecan, Texas, and his family. But with his twin brothers gone on their respective honeymoons, Luke is forced to come back to town to watch over Gramma and the family ranch. And he can't wait to leave again. Because being home hurts more than being stomped on by a bull—and it's only a matter of time until he messes up all over again.
Special ed teacher Jess Sadler will do anything for her students—even abandon her comfort zone to convince a reluctant rodeo cowboy to give "horse lessons" to a student she can't reach. But when feelings for Luke blindside Jess, she knows she's in trouble. The man is counting down the minutes until he can leave Pecan. Will he take her heart with him when he goes?
Then a little boy goes missing on the family ranch, and Luke must confront the ghosts of his past or lose the future he never dreamed was possible.
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Thirteen days until he could get out of here.
Luke Starr leaned against the railing of the corral. It was adjacent to the barn and not far enough away from the house for his comfort, but it was perfect to soak up the late September morning sun. It'd been an unseasonably warm summer—still felt like summer even though the season had officially rolled over to autumn.
Two horses pranced along the opposite curve of the corral, shaking out their manes and probably wishing they were running free. The scent of baking grass was a throwback to his childhood.
This land had been in his family for four generations. Had seen its heyday as a pecan farm before his grandpa'd died.
But the beauty was lost on him. He stared unseeing, his entire body coiled tight with tension.
Thirteen more days.
There was a reason he hadn't been back since age sixteen. Everyone knew about what had happened. Somehow, Gramma had kept him out of jail. But even the desiccated pecan trees rustling in the distance seemed to whisper involuntary manslaughter.
He wasn't going to make it thirteen more minutes, much less two more weeks.
He never should have come home, but his brothers
—twins and rodeo stars, the both of them—had made Gramma's situation sound desperate. Instead, she was as spry as she'd been at sixty and almost recovered from the broken ankle she'd sustained in a fall.
Gramma had a physical therapist that visited every other day—Lindsey, now his brother's wife—and women from church had loaded up their freezer with casseroles.
Luke seriously doubted she needed him at all.
And now that his brother Dusty had decided to stay on next door at the Lang's, there was no need to rush with fixing up the place.
His brothers had married in a double wedding the day he'd arrived home. Daniel and Amy. Dusty and Lindsey. It just made sense that the twins had decided to honeymoon at the same time. And had wrangled him here to take care of the place and Gramma.
All of it just made Luke itch worse to get gone. He wasn't needed here, not really. It wasn't like the place was going to fall down around Gramma's ears if his brothers were gone for a couple of weeks. And they could've hired someone local to care for Dusty's bulls.
At least on the circuit, Luke could keep the memories at bay. As a bullfighter—aka rodeo clown—he worked every weekend he could schedule. The adrenaline rush of being in the arena and facing off with a two-thousand-pound animal was like nothing he'd ever experienced. The crash that would come later, after the arena lights had gone down, was the best sleep he ever got.
On weeknights, he worked on getting himself an education. It was a strategy that worked for him. Cram his schedule so full he didn't have time to think.
But being here…being forced to slow down…meant he couldn't escape the memories. The guilt.
Gramma had told him to expect company this morning. He was hoping for a distraction from his thoughts, from everything.
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