And that was a plus.
“Did you rescue them? Are they still alive?”
He removed his hat and set it on the hearth then pulled off the wet coat. He was dry underneath it and his jeans weren’t too wet. She was glad, he’d warm up quicker this way. He ran a hand through his dark hair.
She held her breath waiting for his answer.
“They made it,” he said at last and she breathed a sigh of relief. “They’re in the barn snuggled up in the corner in a warm bundle of fresh dry hay. The mother was past the fighting stage when I got back. I took a blanket and a bucket I found in the barn. And some lunchmeat I found in the fridge. I’ll get her some dog food in the morning. But that did the trick for now. She was so busy eating that it gave me time to load the five babies into the bucket and carry them up the hill.”
“That sounds almost too easy.”
“Tell me about it. I went down there prepared to be eaten alive to save those puppies and the mom too. You must have been saying some powerful prayers.”
She laughed. “I was praying alright.”
“Then there you go. That’s all I can explain it with, because that little mama was out to eat me for lunch earlier.”
Mia chuckled then her smile faded as their gazes held. “Ty.” She scooted over on the couch and patted the cushion. “You’ve been my hero today. Truly. I need to talk.”
He sat down and took her hands. “Mia—”
“No. Please. I need to say something,” she interrupted.
“Okay.”
She took a fortifying breath. “When I was twelve I lost the mother I loved, who’d always been there for me. And I lost my father, the man I loved and idolized…sometimes from afar because he was gone so much. It devastated me.” She blinked hard to hold back the tears and to be able to finish. “I was blessed that Uncle Huey came here to live, to carry on where my parents left off…but I couldn’t wait to run from here. I could only relate this house to what I’d had. And I closed my heart up because I couldn’t stand the idea of losing anyone ever again. And that included Uncle Huey. Yes, I loved him but, I closed off part of myself from him and everyone. Being on the road, chasing…my dad’s dream kept me busy, away from here. But lonely.”
Ty’s hands tightened on hers. He didn’t say anything though, just gave her the support to go on. It was so Ty, and she loved him to the moon and back.
“You helped me become good on my horse. You helped me learn what it meant to have a good friend. And what you don’t know is that you found a way into my heart when I wouldn’t let anyone else in.” She blinked hard. “And you sent me away to pursue my dreams.”
“Mia, I let you go because–I couldn’t stand in the way of you reaching for your dreams.”
“The only problem is, that I’ve finally realized something. I left here not chasing my dream but my dad’s dreams. It was a way to be close to him. A way to give him his championship. It had meant so much to him that he was gone three out of four weekends a month many times seeking it. I’ve been chasing my dad’s dreams while I was running from mine.”
His brows dipped and his hand went slack on hers. “What?”
She managed a hesitant smile. “My dream was the thing I feared the most. It’s the same dream that my mother always had but I’ve been running from it. Because to have that dream it meant risking my heart. Risking loving someone and losing them. It meant telling you I-I love you and knowing that opens me up for rejection and loss.”
Mia could hardly breathe as she got the words out and saw the look in Ty’s eyes shadow. He tensed then he stood up…and turned his back on her.
Chapter Thirteen
Ty’s heart was about to beat out of his chest as he came to his feet and spun to stare into the fire while he tried to process what Mia was telling him. She loved him.
Had loved him.
And he hadn’t known it.
He closed his eyes and let the knowledge sink in. He spun back toward her then sat back down. “Mia, I let you go because…because I loved you so much. And I wanted you to have your dreams. I had no idea you loved me.”
“Oh, Ty,” she gasped. “I hoped…when I was laying down there in the gully all I could think about was that I hadn’t ever told you the truth. I had no idea you felt this way too.”
Unable to help himself any longer Ty cupped her face with his hands and kissed her. Fire and emotion intertwined instantly igniting through him. But he drew back, still unable to believe they were finally talking. Finally, letting their hidden feelings free.
“I can’t believe I never knew,” he said.
She traced the line of his face with her fingers, they left a fire trailing behind them. Her eyes teared up and she blinked several times. “I have loved you for so long. But couldn’t admit it. Because I was running from the truth. Ty, I’m not going back to the circuit. I’m retiring as of now. I’ll figure out something to do here to support myself but I’m done with chasing my father’s dream. I’m coming home.”
“But, you’ve wanted that for so long—”
She shook her head. “It may have seemed that way but like I said earlier…I realized I was really running from what I really wanted.” She smiled a sad little smile that hurt his heart for her. “When I was a girl my mother told me that she was content to stay home while my dad chased his dream every weekend because that was his dream. And that he’d given her her dream and that was home and family. Me. And that when he got to be there it was our perfect time as a family, but she was content to let him reach for his dream because it fulfilled him. And that I along with him fulfilled her. Ty, my real dream is to be a mother and a wife and to have a family. I hate being on the road. I hate it with a passion. I was just afraid of my real dream because it meant opening my heart to the possibility of losing the ones I loved.”
He took her hands in his. “But the risk is worth the reward.”
She nodded. “I realize that now. I would never take back loving my parents. Never.”
Ty slid from the couch to his knee. His heart felt like it would burst. “Mia Shaw, you’ve been my dream and my prayer for as long as I’ve known you and before that it was the dream of you. I want…I love you. I want to cherish you, to grow old with you. To laugh with you. To love you…to have children with you. Will you marry me?”
Tears that had been threatening all evening spilled from her sweet eyes. “Oh, Ty. I thought you’d never ask. Yes. Oh yes.”
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her with all of his heart.
“This is going to be the perfect Christmas,” he said after a long while.
“And why do you say that,” she chuckled as she kissed him again.
He smiled at her. “Because this year I got my Christmas wish. I got you.”
And then he kissed her again…and again.
And again…
Epilogue
Christmas day sparkled with the snow that had fallen on Christmas Eve. Mia and Ty had joined their friends for Christmas Eve at the Cowboy Church on the outskirts of town for a candlelight service. The snow hadn’t started falling as they’d gathered outside under a star sprinkled sky but it was on the forecast. They’d sung Silent Night beneath the stars and then the pastor, wearing his cowboy hat and sheepskin coat, had read the story of Jesus' birth to the crowd.
Ty had wrapped an arm around Mia and held her close as they’d shared the special evening. Mia’s heart filled with so much emotion that she’d had a hard time processing it all. So many wonderful things had happened over her short time home. She thanked God for bringing her home and for the many blessings she felt. The gentle snow had begun to fall as the pastor finished but no one made a move to leave. They’d stayed and sang more songs. Celebrating the birth of Christ was, after all, the reason for Christmas.
Now, standing in the large living room of the New Horizon Ranch’s big house, Mia admired the gorgeous tree with its sparkling lights that signified new life…today it meant so much to her because s
he felt like she was starting a new life.
Here, with all of her new friends surrounding her, Mia felt so blessed and so very excited about what the future held for her…and Ty.
Laughter and conversations abounded and as they all gathered together for lunch. They sat around the giant table in the dining room and shared a turkey and dressing dinner that she, Sadie, Amber, and Maddie had cooked together. There was a lot of teasing from the guys about the crispy edges of the turkey, but it was all in good fun. From what Ty told her none of the ladies were particularly adept in the kitchen, but then neither were the guys. They were happy though and that was what counted.
Mia fit right into the group as being on the road so much had meant she did far more eating out than any human ought to have to do. She was excited about doing simple things like learning to cook. And she’d loved joining in on the fun of the morning as all of them had gathered in the kitchen to prepare this meal.
After lunch was over, Ty led her into to the Christmas tree and took her hands in his so they faced each other. His expression was so loving Mia’s heart began hammering in her chest. Oh how she loved this man.
“Mia,” he said, his voice gentle as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. “I want to make this official.”
Mia gasped, her pulse skipped a few beats and joy filled her despite the tears that slipped from her eyes.
“I love you, Mia and I’m not trying to rush you. I just couldn’t wait to make our engagement official. I want to tell the world—do you like it. We can take it back-”
“I love it.” Mia interrupted him, unable to take her eyes from the emerald cut diamond engagement ring. “It’s perfect.” She looked up saw that the light in his eyes matched that of the stars that had been in the sky the night before.
His smile took her breath away and she watched as he took the ring from the box and placed it easily on her finger. It was a perfect fit. They both stared down at it in awe.
“A-hem,” Dalton gave a fake cough as he came into the room. They both jumped and started to laugh.
Dalton leaned back into the kitchen where everyone had been hanging out around the dessert tables. “Hey, partners, looks like maybe something good is happening by the Christmas tree.”
Suddenly, a herd of smiling couples pushed him into the room and surrounded Ty and Mia.
“Well,” Maddie Rose said. “Anything your partners need to know, Ty Calder?”
Ty didn’t let Mia go, just kept both arms around her and smiled down at her before shooting his partners and their spouses a smile. “Mia has agreed to marry me.”
Hoots and high fives erupted as everyone congratulated them. Tears of joy filled Mia’s eyes, she’d found her place at last. Home, the love of her life and good friends.
She hugged Ty and snuggled in close and never planned to let go.
Dalton watched his buddy Ty looking happier than he’d ever looked in all the years Dalton had known him. All of his partners were settled and enjoying the new lives they were creating with their spouses…and now Ty would join Maddie, Rafe, and Chase in this new chapter in their lives. The next thing he knew someone would be having a baby. Whoa, that was way out of Dalton’s league though and a place he never planned to go himself.
But he was happy for all of his friends. He moved forward and clapped Ty on the back. “Congratulations, you two. Though, you are hanging me out to dry as the only single partner,” he grinned at Ty. “But I can hold that position down just fine all by my lonesome. I’m really glad for y’all.”
“Thanks, Dalton,” Ty said. “I couldn’t help myself.”
Mia chuckled. “Thanks for understanding.” Her blue eyes crinkled at the edges. “Your time is coming.”
“Oh that’s okay,” he assured her. “I’m not the marrying type and am content just the way I am. I’ll be the single uncle to the swarm of kiddos I foresee filling up this big room in the years to come.” At least he’d try to be as best he could.
Later, Dalton pulled on his jacket and went out to check on the horses for Ty. As he left the warmth of the house and entered the brisk, cold air outside he was smiling. He loved his work. He was good at it and he could give to work what was expected. He was cut out for it. A family on the other hand required things from a man that Dalton wasn’t cut out for and he knew it.
Nope. He was just fine the way he was. Alone and unhitched. He had friends and that was enough.
He paused at the entrance of the stable and glanced at the ranch surrounding him. He’d set roots down here and when CC Calvert had named him as one of the beneficiaries of this amazing ranch, he’d given Dalton a reason to stick around. He’d given Dalton a place to finally hang his hat. And now that he was here, he was glad.
Dalton loved the ranch and as he stood there he felt a tinge of regret-but for the most part he was content. Life was good and a man couldn’t ask for anything more than that…
Or could he… Be sure and checkout Dalton’s story…he’s about to find out that sometimes the best laid plans have a way of getting waylaid when turned upside down by love.
Click here to order DALTON
New Horizon Ranch: Mule Hollow Series
Her Mule Hollow Cowboy (Book 1)
Five ranch-hands inherit a Texas ranch from their boss. These cowboys and cowgirl vow to honor their beloved boss by making the New Horizon Ranch the success he envisioned when he chose to leave his legacy in their care. Along the way they each find the love of a lifetime. You’ll fall in love with these fun, sweet, emotional love stories.
Cowboy Cliff Masterson saw a woman in need and stepped in—because Maddie was too stubborn to ask…
Cowgirl Maddie Rose has never belonged anywhere but she’s just inherited part of New Horizon Ranch—along with her partners, four handsome, extremely capable cowboys… Maddie’s trying to adjust to her new life and her new partners she’s still unable to believe she’s an owner of this fabulous ranch. Not sure why she was included, she’s out to prove herself worthy of the honor of the inheritance. Loving her new life in the small Texas town of Mule Hollow, she’s determined that, for the first time in her life, she’s going to finally belong somewhere…
Professional Bull Rider Cliff Masterson has been chasing his dreams for years—or has he been running from his past? He’s searching for more in life and ready to dig in his spurs and put down roots deep in the heart of Texas. Rescuing a beautiful cowgirl from being trampled by a bull has him dreaming of romance, home and hearth.
But Maddie’s had enough people in her life leave and she’s not willing to risk her heart on him—Sparks fly as he’s determined to prove to the feisty cowgirl that the only think he’s chasing now is wedding bells with her…
Can the Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow help this couple find their happily ever after?
Purchase HER MULE HOLLOW COWBOY
Rafe (Book 2)
When runaway bride, Sadie Archer’s car breaks down on the outskirts of Mule Hollow, Texas, she’s not exactly dressed to fix the blown tire. Then again, she hadn’t planned on this road trip or her life falling apart a week before her wedding. But now that she’s hit the road, destination unknown, Sadie’s decided it’s time to disappear for a while and find out exactly what it is she wants out of life. But first she needs to change her flat tire and that is easier said than done when one is wearing…
A bunny suit!
Ex-cowboy star Rafe Masterson thinks he’s seeing things at first but yes—that is definitely a female head sticking out of the furry white bunny suit, tangling with a spare tire. A cowboy who guards his heart carefully, he’s still always willing to help someone in need…even one wearing white fur from top to bottom. Completely captivated by the unusual woman, Rafe senses she’s in trouble in more ways than the flat tire. He’s part owner of the New Horizon Ranch and offers her a job as cook—even though they don’t need a cook.
Sadie accepts even though she can’t really cook but this is the perfect answer to her
needs right now…and how hard can it be anyway?
These two might be down-on-love but love hasn’t given up on them and the Matchmaking Posse of Mule Hollow has just gotten them in their sights...
Purchase RAFE
Chase (Book 3)
Being a bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding in the sleepy town of Mule Hollow Texas is the perfect place for Amber Rivers to lay low to avoid a stalker hot on her heels back in Houston. She loves her job and her city life and isn’t looking to stay long in the country-but she’s blindsided by her attraction to the self-assured rancher, Chase Hartley…
Chase agrees to watch over socialite Amber while his partner heads off on his honeymoon but despite the high voltage sparks lighting up between them he has no intention of getting any closer to Amber than necessary to keep her safe. But he soon realizes there’s a whole lot more to Amber than he first assumed and keeping his distance is becoming harder with every passing moment they’re together.
An outside threat plus a little friendly tampering from the meddling Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow puts this couple on high alert as they try not to fall in love.
Purchase CHASE
Dalton (Book 5)
Dalton Borne is a cowboy who keeps his past closed up inside. He’s watched his partners at the New Horizon Ranch find love and he’s happy for them and even envious. But his past prevents him from believing he deserves a future that includes a love of his own. But then one stormy night he rescues a very pregnant Rae Anne Tyson from floodwaters and ends up delivering her baby on the side of the road. Suddenly Dalton’s life is turned upside down and no matter what he believes he does or doesn’t deserve—he can’t walk away from helping Rae Anne.
Ty: Contemporary Western Romance (New Horizon Ranch Mule Hollow Book 4) Page 9
