Heartbreak's Reward (Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight Book 2)

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  Chapter 33

  Jase waited at the front of the chapel with Tristan, and his kids were at his side. Jaelle shook her hand loose. “Daddy, you’re holding my hand too tight.”

  “Sorry, sweetheart. Daddy’s a little nervous.” Jase bent over and kissed her forehead. The first tug at his heart was when his mom lit one of the unity candles. Chloe would light the next one. It’d kill him, and probably Brenna too.

  He glanced up when the door opened and Destiny walked out in her pretty red dress, and flowers in her hand. She started laughing and clapped her hand over her mouth, unable to quit all the way down the aisle. Her dad chuckled, and Jase heard him whisper, “That’s my girl.”

  The door opened again and Lacy came out and strolled down the aisle. His pulse raced. Any minute, the door would open and it would be the blonde who rolled into town behind the wheel of a hot rod, and stole his heart right away. Deep breath, again. He brushed Joey’s hair out of his face.

  Again the door opened, but this time only a crack, adding to his anticipation. He couldn’t remove his eyes…waiting, waiting on the blonde again. Not that he minded this time. When the door was pulled open his jaw dropped and Tristan bumped his shoulder and whispered, “What the hell?”

  Jase shrugged. He glanced at Lacy and she only smiled. Destiny turned and pointed to her daddy.

  Dane stood between Chloe and Brenna in his army white mess uniform. They each held one of his arms.

  Jase peered at him, nodded, and sucked in a big breath. He made eye contact with his love, and winked. His gaze did a slow survey of her standing there. She’s more stunning than I’ve ever seen her. Breathing didn’t come easy. Then she smiled, and he was blown away.

  “Brenna’s pretty, Daddy,” whispered Jaelle, looking up at him with innocence in her eyes.

  “Yes, she is, princess.” He had to remind himself to blow out a breath. The fact his brother was home again unexpectedly made it difficult to contain his emotion, and to see Brenna as his bride on Dane’s arm about tore him to pieces. Damn it all to hell, keep beating heart.

  He didn’t want that tear to be in his eye, but he had no control, and he didn’t dare look at his mother. Gulping, he stared as his bride waited to walk down the aisle to marry him. They took one step. Jase peered at Chloe and smiled. She looked stunning, too, and he thought he might have to wipe drool from Davy’s chin. She and Brenna had been crying. His gaze rested on Brenna and her love-filled eyes of blue.

  He’d make everything right. I love her. He was lost in her gaze as she sauntered down the aisle. Jase gave his brother a quick glance. Dane looked good in that uniform, but his eyes lingered on the woman who changed his life.

  Her hair was pulled partially up but hung in waves down her back. A veil connected to the back of her hair somehow. Her dress was flawless—sexy and innocent. Like Brenna. Time seemed to stand still until she was close enough for him to touch her. Dane held out Brenna’s hand to him, and then took a seat beside his mother. Jase brought her up against him.

  “You’re a ravishing bride,” he whispered. “Mine.” And he had to let her go so the man in front of them could say his piece and she’d become his wife. He smiled at her and wiped that tear that slipped out of his eye.

  Her gaze washed over him. In a soft voice, she said, “You’re a handsome man in that tux, and so sexy.” It made him want to skip rope or do something energetic so he’d burn off the nerves. He needed to calm down. Taking her hands, he held them and ran his thumbs over her fingers. So lost. Weakened.

  Leaving her gaze was impossible. He barely heard the man, but he said his vows to this woman and listened intently as she repeated them back to him. He slipped a ring over her finger, and accepted one from her. His wife, any second now. A kiss. To his bride. Now.

  He smiled when he was given permission to kiss her but was frozen. It was over. She shared his name, would share his life.

  Brenna handed her bouquet to Lacy. Her eyes widened in question at Jase and when he didn’t kiss her, she grabbed a hold of the front of his jacket and yanked him close. “Do I have to make you kiss me?” She ringed her arms behind his neck and pulled his face down until she crushed her lips against his. He held tight, kissing her with abandon. Her lips tasted like honey and he wanted to savor it, lick the flavor off. Lick her. Everywhere. Brenna put her hands against his chest. “Ok, rancher. Save some for later.”

  He released her and shook his head. “Wow.” The clergyman announced Mr. and Mrs. Carlson to the crowd. Jase held his arm out and she looped hers through it. They turned and lit the unity candle, each using the one lit by their family member. He placed his hand over hers and they walked down the aisle. We both made it through.

  At the door, Dane pulled it open, and he fake punched Jase in the abdomen before they exited. “I thought these girls should’ve had a military escort.” He winked at Brenna. “You did a good job, bro.”

  “You look great, dude. Welcome home, Ranger.”

  ***

  The small dinner party took place at the restaurant he had taken her to before. Even though they couldn’t get the chapel for the wedding, they had a whole section reserved for dinner. Since the party was fairly small, they had cleared a section for a dance floor. Velia took pictures.

  Jase grasped Brenna’s hand after the first toast of champagne and took a bow. He pulled her aside and held her. “Shall we dance? It took us long enough to pick our song. We better make use of it, don’t you think, sweet thang?”

  Brenna walked to the dance floor with him. “Yes, my love, we shall dance to our song because it’s true. “The Power of Love” is not only our song, but our life.” She swept her hand across the front of her. “For all of us…don’t you think…sweet thang?”

  Jase nodded and glanced around the room. Sweet thang! His kids sat beside their grandma and he closed his eyes a moment and listened to their giggles. Oh, man, my heart is whole and filled with joy. Chloe sat practically on Davy’s lap. It was too far gone now. He had to remember he was the aka big brother not the father.

  Tristan and Nora were mesmerized with each other, the look in both of their eyes showing pure romance. They deserved a night out since they’ve had sleepless nights for the last six weeks. His gaze traveled to his baby brother, Dane, as he slipped his arm across the back of the chair Lacy sat on, facing him. Oh, he recognized the look in her eyes all right.

  Even his mother had a soft smile for the old guy. Jase winked at her and gave thumbs up. She had kept it secret about Dane coming on a one day pass, and now she beamed with pride. He had to admit, she pulled one over on him and Tristan. His Aunt Dolly and Uncle Aiden sat beside her, and he gave them a nod.

  “We’re dancing but the music hasn’t started, honey,” whispered Brenna.

  He ran his fingers over her bare back. “I’m savoring the moment, doll.”

  “Mm, so am I. More than I ever dreamed of being possible. I love you so much.” Brenna cuddled into his chest and he pressed his cheek against her hair.

  When Velia pointed her camera to capture their first dance, Caulder went behind her and laid his hand on her shoulder. Jase glanced at his watch. Their wedding night would begin in a matter of hours. It wouldn’t take long to get that bridle on Warrior and ride off into a sky filled with a persimmon sunset…and a damn big mountain. He laughed out loud. Hallelujah and yeehaa… Maybe it can be done.

  It’d shake her up to see that bridle hanging on Warriors stall. While she stood in the barn holding up the hem of her beautiful wedding dress, he’d let her mind wander. We’ll see. It’d all be worth it for the look on her face. In December they’d get a jet to Caulder’s place in Hawaii, the kids and Chloe included. But tonight in their bedroom, and the rest of the weekend alone in their house at the Double Dutch Ranch, she’d be his cowgirl every which way possible.

  “My husband is laughing. Spill it. What’s so funny, horse rancher?”

  “Not to worry, baby…horse rancher. Know you’ll reap the rewards.” He gave a
low and mischievous growl. When the music started, Jase whispered, “Welcome to my world, Mrs. Brenna Carlson. Our song…and our life is about to begin.”

  He wrapped his arms around her waist and hers went around his neck, her fingers playing with his hair. “Dance with me.” He placed his hands on her face and peered into her eyes. “Hold me tight. I love you, Brenna.” His lips crashed against hers, and they kissed, open mouths, full on, and he kissed her, and kissed her…and kissed her.

  He wouldn’t have stopped kissing her, but little arms clamped onto his leg and a growing boy with a thick head of hair squeezed under his arm. Brenna smiled at him and her eyes shimmered in the candlelight. His heart thudded to the floor. Chloe came over and lifted Jaelle into her arms and slipped one arm around her sister’s waist. He leaned down, picked up Joey, and they all kept dancing, and dancing…and dancing…

  THE END

  ~Thank you for Reading

  “Sometimes, perhaps, we are allowed to get lost that we may find the right person to ask directions of.” ~Robert Brault

  To My Readers

  Welcome to Canyon Junction, Arizona. The small town where the characters from the Double Dutch Ranch Series: Love at First Sight, live.

  If this is the first book you’ve picked up in this series, know that this is book two, but I’ve done my best to write this as a standalone novel. I hope you’ll want to read about the other characters in their own books. The Carlson’s are a close-knit family and they’ll pop up in each other’s stories. Cowboy Boss and his Destiny is Book One—Nora, Destiny, and Tristan’s story.

  The idea of love at first sight came to me out of the blue. I can’t pinpoint the moment when, or the reason I wanted to make two people fall in love at first sight. Maybe because I had my own love at first sight…once.

  You’ll first meet Jase, our hero, in the first book. After reading Heartbreak’s Reward, I hope you agree that he deserved his own story. Jase quickly became one of my favorite heroes and Brenna grew on me right away too. In fact, I’d love to sit down with all these characters at the ranch and look out at that “damn big mountain” as Brenna calls it.

  Click here http://eepurl.com/WyOcn for my Mailing List signup form to receive information on new releases and important book updates. Visit my website to leave a private comment. Thanks!

  This is when I ask, and I don’t like to—but this is important to authors… If you could, please leave a review at your place of purchase. You don’t have to write much. Thank you in advance. If you enjoyed this book, I would appreciate if you’d help other readers enjoy it, too, by recommending it.

  I hope you’ll come back to Canyon Junction and the majestic Superstition Mountains. Judy Carlson and her family will be waiting to set another plate on the table at the Double Dutch Ranch in upcoming books in this series. Jase’s cousin, Caulder, made his appearance in this book, too. You can read about Caulder and Velia in their story in the Bull Rider Series—books with a more serious and dramatic tone.

  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my books.

  Mary~

  Other Works of Fiction by Mary

  Double Dutch Ranch Series:

  Love at First Sight

  Cowboy Boss and his Destiny

  Buy Links/ and Information:

  http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com

  Romantic and Passionate without all the drama and conflict. Warm your heart and give your nerve endings a tingle at the same time.

  Tristan Carlson is raising his four-year-old daughter on his own. His mother remains on the Double Dutch to lend a hand—giving him the ability to maintain the ranch, tend to his horses, and keep up his small-time ranching magazine. His pretty, new assistant is everything he wants in a woman, including her ginger-red hair. From his experience with women lately, he’s learned that some don’t want a ready-made family. This one seems different, and he’s falling hard. But, there’s his little blue-eyed girl, and he’ll protect Destiny’s heart with everything within him. Until he knows for sure…

  Despite a family betrayal from her past that still needs mending, Nora Trinity moves back home to Canyon Junction, Arizona with forgiveness on her mind. Hired by a local rancher to help with his ranching magazine, she finds herself profoundly attracted to him. The thing is, her sexy boss comes as a package deal, and his little girl is immediately drawn to her. It’s not just about two hearts taking a chance now—or two people falling in love…

  BULL RIDER SERIES

  Books One and Two

  Sensual Contemporary Western Romance Series

  This is Caulder and Velia’s series

  Howdy, Ma’am

  Available Online and in Print

  Buy Links/ and Information:

  http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com/

  Bull rider Caulder McCutchen wants to start living again. Maybe find romance in the distant future. But this year he has a good chance of winning the coveted buckle, knowing he has to ride harder, go bigger, or go home. On a whim, he hires a sexy photographer to travel the bull riding circuit with him. Extra publicity can’t hurt, and she’s easy on the eyes. When he finds himself passionately attracted to her, will this sassy little Italian prove to be what his claim to fame needs—or a disastrous distraction?

  Six months after leaving her abusive husband and close-knit Italian family, Velia Armano settles into her well-ordered life alone in Arizona. A hunky cowboy saunters into her photography studio one day with his howdy, ma’am and flame blue eyes, offering a job any photographer would find hard to refuse. While trying to resist his heated embrace and gentle nature, she discovers they both have their own obstacles to overcome.

  They both hope to find the right answer before the season ends—to give in to a “happily ever after,” or remain in their self-appointed exiles. When the season ends, who wins the real prize?

  Hey, Cowboy #2

  Buy Links/ and Information:

  http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com

  The rowdy bull rider and classy Italian are at it again in this compelling and emotional second book in the Bull Rider Series.

  Shortened Blurb: A break in the bull riding season finds Velia Armano and Caulder McCutchen back in Tucson, Arizona. Family, friends, and rowdy cowboys are brought together to share in joy, and sometimes pain.

  Velia learns that enemies harbor a vendetta against her and her family… Caulder finds that sometimes a hero has to prove he is one. He’d like to give her the world, be the man she needs, but an injury during break threatens his career. How can he give her everything when his future hangs in the balance?

  All they ask for is a peaceful life—another bull riding season with a chance to win the coveted gold buckle, and a happily ever after. Happiness is within reach if they’re strong enough to overcome enemies plotting against Velia’s family—and a possible career-ending injury for Caulder.

  Upcoming Books

  More Books Planned in Mary’s

  Double Dutch Ranch Series:

  Love at First Sight

  Tristan’s Destiny #1.5

  Target Date: Late 2014 Destiny brought them together… Nora, Destiny, and Tristan’s story isn’t over. Come back to the Double Dutch Ranch as the Carlson family discovers new gifts.

  Book #3

  Spring 2015 Army Ranger Dane Carlson decided he had enough of ranch life years ago. The time has come for him to return home…

  Expect More Books to Follow in this Series.

  If you have issues with any of the links, go to the home page on my website for the most updated info on all my books:

  http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com

  Mailing List Signup form can be found HERE.

  Acknowledgement

  A Special Thanks:

  To my cover designer, Dawné Dominique, at DusktilDawn Designs.

  My editor at Creative Manuscripts

  Digital formatting is done by LK E-Book Formatting Services.

  Mr. Robert Brault, who has given me permission to use his
quotes.

  To my family, friends, online friends, and author/writing groups.

  Thanks to everyone who has helped with information about the Superstition Mountains and the surrounding areas mentioned in this series.

  And, thanks to God above.

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  A Special Thanks to Readers—

  Thank you for the time you invest in reading my books.

  About the Author

  Early days of reading romance novels and women's fiction laid the groundwork for Mary to take up the pen and write her own memorable love stories.

  She writes sensual contemporary western romance, paranormal, and contemporary romance—sometimes romantic and passionate without all the conflict and drama, and other times dramatic for a more emotional and compelling read. Mary has two out-of-print books in the time-travel romance genre. One day she hopes to revise and reissue these books.

  After leaving a career in education, she now writes full time. Two grown sons and an Australian Shepherd/Chow Mix fur-baby dog complete her family. Photography is her hobby. Another way she lets her muse run free.

  Mary loves to hear from her readers.

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  http://www.maryjdresselbooks.com/