by Reece Butler
“But…when did you…how did you know?”
“I saw the way Trey and Sam looked at you that first day,” said Stella. “I watched you work, and how well you fit in here. I know my sons well, and had a good idea they would suit you. I’m so glad they smartened up and let you into their hearts.” She tugged on Sam’s arm. He lowered Katie so Stella could kiss her cheek. “Welcome to the family, dear.”
“What about the limo?” called Riley Adams.
The driver, moving slowly, no doubt due to the rifles held easily by so many men, stood up.
“Ma’am, if you’re Miss Katherine Winterbourne, I’m here to take you home.” He looked around. “Seems like you’re already there. I’ll just mosey on out of here.” A moment later the black car backed up, made a three-point turn, and slunk away.
Katie looked around at all the smiling people. They were happy for her, wanting to have her as part of their community. She had two fiancés she loved, a wonderful mother-in-law, and a yard full of welcoming aunts, uncles, and cousins.
“Congrats! You’re one of us now,” yelled Lila. “About time we had another sister to keep these guys in line.”
“Keep who in line?” demanded Jet.
“Whose truck’s that?” demanded Keith.
A brand new red pickup came racing up the lane, horn honking. Sunlight glanced off the shining chrome. It was huge, one of the ones with four doors. The truck bed had a matching cap on it, unlike all the others she’d seen.
“Geez, will you look at that baby,” said one of the MacDougals. She thought it might be Brody.
“About time Dax and Hunt got here," said Trey. The truck pulled to a stop where the limo had been. Dax got out of the passenger seat.
“That’s no ranch truck, boy!” called Keith Adams.
“No, sir, it’s Hunt’s chickmobile.” From his tone, the six-foot-seven Dax respected Keith enough not to bristle at being called “boy”.
“My truck’s for work.” He turned to Sam. “From that green rock on Katie’s hand, I’m guessing she said yes.”
“Damn right she said yes!” replied Trey.
“You want help with that?” asked Sam.
“Nope,” said Hunt. He grinned, giving the finger in response to the insults the bachelors threw at him about his truck. “Best put the lady down, Sam.”
Katie got her feet under her before looking up at Sam for an answer. He smiled sheepishly.
“I know it’s a bit early to start a family, but—”
She clutched her belly. “A family?”
“Where do you want ‘em?” Dax brought over a woven rattan laundry basket filled with thick towels. He carried it carefully, as if something precious was inside.
“Right here will do.”
Katie backed up when Dax approached. He was so big the basket looked the size of a two-person picnic basket. He set it at her feet, then grasped the end of one towel.
“Nice rock, Katie. Goes well with that dress,” he said. “Ready, Sam? Trey?”
“What—”
Dax stood, pulling the towel off the basket.
Three black, white, and brown puppies lay in a heap, sound asleep.
“Someone abandoned them,” said Sam quietly. “I found them the other day. Doc’s been keeping them to make sure they’re okay.”
“For me?” she asked. “I’ve never been allowed a pet.”
“For us,” replied Sam. “A start.”
“Triplets,” said Trey, grinning and rubbing his hands. “Jet and Houston gave Janie a pair, but we’ve got three of a kind.”
One of them whimpered in his sleep, his legs twitching. Her heart melted. She knelt in the dirt and put her hand on it to comfort it.
“Their fur is so soft!” The pup opened its mournful brown eyes. Its tail flopped. “What happened to its tail?” She reached in and scooped it up. The warm puppy cuddled into her neck then licked her chin. She laughed, delighted at the acceptance.
Her laugh woke the other two. Sam and Trey each took one. Sam carefully supported the smallest, holding it to his chest.
“Remember when I came in with blood on my shirt?”
“Oh, Sam! Were the puppies hurt?”
He nodded. “They’re better now.” He tucked the little one under his chin. “They’ve got us.”
“Hey, we helped take care of them. That makes us uncles. Right, Dax?” demanded Hunt.
“Damn right!”
Dax held out his hands to take her puppy. She reluctantly handed him over. Hunt took Trey’s puppy and Lance reached for Sam’s.
Sam gathered her into his arms and nuzzled her neck the same way the puppy had done to him. His hands strayed over her bottom. He pulled her close, rubbing his hard cock against her. She bit her lip, holding back a moan of need.
“Have you got lustful intentions toward me, Samuel Elliott?”
His eyes seemed to glow. “You’d better believe it, sweetheart.”
Trey leaned close to whisper in her ear. “We’re going to add a few things to that playroom. Sam’s not the only one with lust on his mind.”
She shivered in anticipation. Her pussy quivered, throbbing along with her heartbeat.
“You want your new family to hang around, or do you want to have a private celebration?” murmured Sam as he nuzzled her ear.
“I don’t want to be rude and send them away.” She looked from Sam’s stormy gray eyes to Trey’s vivid blue.
“No problem,” said Trey eagerly. “The playroom is fully insulated. We’ll give Mom time to visit while we celebrate our engagement.”
“What about the puppies?”
“There’s enough family here to keep an eye on them,” said Sam.
He massaged her back cheeks then cupped his fingers under them. His eyes suggested he wanted to do a lot more, and without her dress. Her blush collided with her arousal. She wanted them, bad, but was surrounded by his family and friends.
“But your family will know what we’re doing!”
“We’re all ranchers, Katie, and kinky to boot,” said Sam solemnly. “Giving our women screaming orgasms is one of the best parts of life.”
“Best way to get used to it is to jump right in,” said Trey. He cupped his hands around his mouth. “Anyone mind if Sam and I take Katie upstairs for a few hours to celebrate our engagement?”
“Trey!” She ducked her head into Sam’s chest, face flaming and heart pounding.
A rousing chorus of approval erupted. Sam carried her into the house, up the stairs and into the playroom. Trey scooped up a basket of food and followed. He set it down just inside and shut the door, cutting off all external sound. Only then did Sam set her on her feet. Two sets of shirts popped open, exposing two broad, muscular chests.
“You wearing panties under her dress?” asked Sam.
Katie’s mouth went dry. In her hurry she’d forgotten what they’d said about wearing a dress. She took a step back, heart pounding.
“Looks like someone needs a spanking,” said Trey eagerly. “And it’s my turn.”
“What color, Katie?” demanded Sam.
He stared deliberately at the palm of his hand, then looked at her. His expression was stern but his nostrils flared like a randy bull. A movement made her flick her eyes to the side. Trey smoothed thick towels on the bed. Her pussy twinged in memory. She licked dry lips, and got ready to run. She wouldn’t get far, but she had to try. It was all part of the game. She ran for the door, grabbed the handle, and was caught. She opened her mouth and screamed.
“Green!”
Epilogue
“You’re such a gentleman, Mr. O’Keefe. Thank you for inviting me.”
Hildy smiled at her escort. She’d settled into her new home a few days ago. Everything so far had convinced her it might not be temporary. There were no doddering old fools at this senior’s center. Those she’d seen were bright, alert, and full of joy. And mischief, from the twinkle she’d seen in a few eyes. The Frosts, Edna, Charlie, and Walter, had asked
her to make up a fourth to play cards. Not bridge, they’d explained, but poker.
Socrates had deigned to allow a few members of the friendly staff to pet him, and he was a good judge of character. He’d acted strangely a few times, staring at something invisible while purring at full throttle. He’d done it again as she was getting dressed for the evening.
Keith Adams, who she’d agreed would purchase her stock of rare wood, had introduced her to Mark O’Keefe. He’d been a cabinet-maker as well as a rancher and was part of the new kinky company, as she privately referred to it. He was so tall and had an excellent physique for his age. His calm presence seemed to send waves of power and reassurance. She’d been drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
When he’d invited her to the soiree, she’d eagerly accepted. Luckily she’d packed a tea-length gown in a pale green that she’d never had a chance to wear. She couldn’t wait to feel it float around her when she danced. She wanted to feel like a princess rather than a CEO. His eyes had twinkled when he spoke with her, suggesting he had at least a spark of naughtiness.
“Hildy, I asked you to call me Mark,” he admonished. “Do I need to do something to help you remember?”
His eyes, an unusual blue that was almost violet, bored into her, his expression both playful and intense. His deep rumble made parts of her pulse that she’d thought long withered. No man had looked at her that way, not even her husband. A tremor rippled through her. Was Mark a Dom? Would he want to do wicked things to her? She felt a blush rising, and looked away. She hadn’t flirted in almost fifty years and was out of practice.
“We’ll let that thought settle for a bit,” he said when she didn’t reply. “Will you dance with me?”
“Is there a jukebox?”
“Yes, and a karaoke machine.”
“Oh! I love to sing!”
Instead of being upset at what her husband had called her need for attention, Mark broke out in a delighted smile.
“I was in a barbershop quartet back in college and always sing along. But tonight is a special treat. That well-organized, smiling young woman who helped out during the haying is going to sing for us. I think her name is Kathy.”
“Katie,” she automatically replied, then pressed her lips together.
“That’s right.” He cocked his head at her. “You just arrived. How did you know?”
Hildy looked down. She needed a friend more than a lover. A man who could be both would be divine, but she wasn’t expecting miracles. She’d try for the friend. She had to tilt her head back to see his face. For once, she didn’t mind at all.
“Can you keep a secret, Mark?”
“Always.” He took her hand in his, brought it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles.
All thought burst from her brain. He raised his eyebrows when she didn’t speak.
“Hildy?”
“Oh! I, ah, can’t really think when you do that.” Were his eyes blue, or violet? They seemed darker than before. His deep chuckle resonated through her.
“I’ll remember that, Hildy. I enjoy helping a beautiful lady stop thinking.”
She stared at him. He laughed and released her hand. She caught her breath.
“Your secret?” he prompted.
“Secret. Yes!” She looked around. No one was near. “Katie’s my granddaughter. She doesn’t know I’m here in Climax.”
“Does your being here have to stay a secret?”
She thought a moment. How would her presence affect Katie? Just knowing her grandmother was here would raise questions. Questions that might affect how Katie looked at her future. Would having her grandmother nearby encourage her to stay?
Hildy couldn’t do anything about Walter’s decisions. They would both have to live with the new circumstances. Moving here, even temporarily, had started a new chapter in her life. She would live it openly and honestly, which meant it was time to put her cards on the table.
“You’re right, it doesn’t.” A laugh bubbled up, surprising her. “I haven’t sung in public since I was widowed.”
“I bet there’s a lot of things you haven’t done since then.”
His deep voice lit sparks inside her, something she never expected to feel again. Add the voice to the wicked promise in his eyes and his body, and she was ready to haul him back to her room.
“Good evening, all.”
She jolted, turning to the sound. A man not quite her age wearing a tuxedo, complete with red cummerbund and bowtie, stood on the low stage. He lifted his silver walking stick to get the room’s attention. He had his arm around a smiling woman who must be his wife. She was taller even without her heels.
“For those who are new, I’m Tom White, your Master of Ceremonies. My wife, Dorothy, and I welcome you. We’re celebrating a few things tonight. First, a very successful haying, thanks to all your help.”
He and Dorothy began clapping, and the room joined in. So did Hildy and Mark. She’d known the valley was totally concentrated on the important work so had timed her visit to start after they’d had a few days of rest.
“We are blessed tonight with a wonderful songstress. Let’s give a big hand to Miss Katie Winterbourne. Take it away, Katie.”
Applause erupted as Katie walked in. Hildy inhaled. She’d never seen Katie like this. Her granddaughter absolutely glowed in a white dress covered with cherries. Her curls had grown, and they bounced around her head. She looked adorable. She held her left hand behind her, grasping the mic with her right.
“You all look so elegant,” said Katie. She motioned for people to get up. “It might take some of you a while to get those bones moving. We’ll start the night with a waltz. Come on, everybody up!”
Hildy put her hand in Mark’s much larger, callused one. He squeezed gently, put his other hand behind her lower back, and led her to the dance floor.
“I assume you know how to waltz?”
“Yes, but it’s been so long,” she admitted. “I might stomp on your toes.”
“You’re such a tiny thing I doubt I’d notice.” He gave her a wink.
“Are you ready?” asked Katie. “Our first number is ‘Could I Have This Dance’. You might remember it sung by Anne Murray.” Familiar music swelled.
“Oh, I love this song!” she murmured.
Mark only touched her hands, yet he took total charge, leading her into the waltz. Once she was sure she remembered how and could relax, she hummed along with her granddaughter’s lovely voice. Hildy sighed and closed her eyes. Mark brought her closer, until her chest touched his, and guided her across the floor. She’d dreamed of dancing like this, floating around the room with a man who not only knew how, but could lead. Dreams that had not come true, until tonight.
As we swayed to the music and held to each other, I fell in love with you.
“Everyone join in for the chorus,” called Katie.
“Could I have this dance for the rest of my life? Could you be my partner, every night?”
Mark’s deep voice resonated through his chest, into hers. She quietly sang the same words, wishing they were true. There was more than a spark between them. So many years of being in charge, having no one to lean on, knowing if she faltered she would be shot down. She wanted to be treasured. To have a man put his strong arms around her just like this.
They were too old to waste time playing games. Honesty was the only way to go. She wouldn’t say she loved Mark, but she was deeply attracted to him. His humor and wit, muscles, and the promise of what was rising behind his belt. They might be old and out of practice but they weren’t dead yet.
“You sing beautifully,” said Mark. “Open that diaphragm and let it out. You know you want to.”
With that encouragement she couldn’t not sing. She stood tall, looking deep into his eyes. Her voice rang out, as clear as Katie’s though an octave lower. Mark’s bass added a black velvet depth that made her shiver. Her granddaughter faltered for a moment when she recognized her. Then Katie erupted in a giant smile. She stepped off
the stage, beckoning to them. Mark didn’t give her an opportunity to say no. His large, warm hand on her lower back propelled her forward. The other couples swept around the room, most of them light on their feet, beaming. The three of them stood together, Mark in the middle, swaying as they sang. Applause erupted when they finished.
“Lemonade break!” called Tom.
“Gran! What are you doing here? I mean, it’s wonderful to see you, but I had no idea!”
“I had a minor heart attack.” She held up her hand before Katie could speak. “No, I’m fine. But the doctor suggested it was time to step aside and let Walter take over.” She saw her granddaughter wince. “Yes, I know.” She squeezed Katie’s arm. “Honestly, you don’t want to live in that snake pit, do you? I felt I lost two hundred pounds when I crossed the state line into Montana.”
“I doubt you’ve ever weighed two hundred pounds,” said Mark.
“I didn’t mean me,” she replied. “I meant my son, Walter. He’s been squashing me for years. And since his daughter is four years older than Katie and perfect in his eyes…”
“That’s okay, Gran. Maybe you can help me with Uncle Walter. I’ve been working on a business proposal about the wood you had me catalogue last summer. If he knows what it’s for, he may not sell the wood to Keith Adams.”
“If you’re talking about building dungeon furniture,” said Hildy, “don’t worry. I own the rights to everything you catalogued last summer. Walter doesn’t even know it exists.”
“Your grandmother is an astute businesswoman,” said Mark. “I’m a master carpenter, working with Keith Adams on this project. He introduced me to Hildy. She told me she knew a little bit about making furniture.” He turned to her, raising his eyebrow. “You should be spanked for that comment.”
The thought of being put over Mark’s knee had her blushing.
“Gran, Matilda said all my pay’s been taken.”
“I have a bank draft for all the money they took, and a bonus for your extra effort. I also had everything in your room put in storage, along with my teacup collection. When you’re ready, they can be shipped to wherever you’re living. And don’t forget, you’re going to take charge of my little company.”
