Count on a Cowboy

by Patricia Thayer

  “Really?” She glanced back at Laurel. “I don’t want to intrude in your lives. I mean, Diane doesn’t need me to disrupt her family.”

  “Mom is the one who arranged our flights to come here today. She also sends her apologies for not being fair to you. She knows now that she shouldn’t have blamed you for what Coralee had done.”

  Rory took over. “Diane wanted us to be sure to let you know that you’re welcome at our ranch and in our family.”

  Brooke’s hand covered her mouth, but she couldn’t stop the tears.

  “I’m so sorry, Brooke,” Rory said. “If you’ll give me another chance, I’ll try and do better.”

  She nodded. “I’d like that.”

  Rory smiled and pulled Brooke into a tight embrace. “I want you to be part of our family, Brooke,” he whispered. “Will you be my daughter?”

  Brooke sobbed and held on to the big man. She’d always been afraid to dream of a family, because she didn’t want to be disappointed. She wiped away her tears and looked at him. “I always wanted a...dad.”

  Rory kissed her check. “Well, you got me for keeps.”

  Laurel came and hugged her, too. “You’re even more than my sister, you’re my twin.” She hugged her tighter. “I can’t wait for you to come back to the ranch.”

  Brooke raised a hand. “I can’t come back for a while, Laurel. I mean, Coralee is here. I also have my job.” She had to take care of her mother.

  “Speaking of Coralee, if it’s not too late now,” Laurel said, “I guess it’s time I met our mother.”

  * * *

  AROUND TEN O’CLOCK that evening Trent looked around the not-so-ideal neighborhood. It was run-down, and graffiti decorated a lot of the block walls. He’d parked his rental car at the curb in front of Brooke’s apartment complex. It was hard to believe that she lived here.

  What kind of childhood had she had growing up in a place like this? A lot worse than he could imagine. Well, he didn’t want her staying here any longer than necessary. She needed to go back to Colorado with him, but that might take some convincing.

  He checked his phone and found a text from Laurel saying they’d talked with Brooke at the care facility. Everything had gone well. Trent had dropped them off earlier to see Brooke and Coralee. They were going to take a cab back to the hotel. Now it was Trent’s turn to convince Brooke that he wanted her in his life.

  Brooke’s familiar compact pulled in and parked under the streetlight, then she got out of the car. Hoping not to startle her, he called her name as he got out of his car and immediately identified himself.

  She swung around, looking shocked. “Trent?”

  He walked toward her, fighting the urge to take her in his arms. “Hi, babe.”

  She tensed. “What are you doing here?”

  He didn’t blame her for being suspicious. “I need to see you. Why did you leave without talking to me?”

  She shrugged. “Rory didn’t want me there, so I thought it best I leave. I left you a note.”

  “I got it, but I thought we were closer than that.”

  “Closer than what, Trent? You said you didn’t do relationships. Besides if you were so upset, why didn’t you call me?”

  “I did call, but I couldn’t leave a message. I had a lot of things to deal with first before I showed up at your door.” He glanced around the area. “Could we talk inside?”

  She hesitated, then nodded. Together they walked past several apartment doors. Some had children’s toys scattered around the yard and others, overflowing trashcans. He could hear loud voices coming from some of the units. Not a place he wanted her staying in. Finally they came to hers and she unlocked the door, then flicked on the lights and walked in.

  He glanced around the tiny room with a small kitchenette. The furniture was worn and out of date, including the small box television that sat on a table. The one thing he did notice was that the place was immaculately clean.

  Brooke tossed her keys on the table and set her purse down. She gave him a defiant look as if challenging him to say something. “Home sweet home. This is how I live, Trent.”

  She wasn’t happy to see him and he couldn’t blame her. Ignoring her comment, he walked across the room and cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. Long and hard, then easing into a slow devouring of that sweet mouth of hers, so eager for her familiar taste. Finally he let her go. “God, I’ve missed you.”

  She fell back a step, then she composed herself. “Well, you shouldn’t have come here. Your life is in Colorado and mine is here.” She glanced at him. “I won’t ever forget the week we had together, but you were right. There’s no future for us. I don’t want you to think that I expect anything when I come to visit Rory and Laurel.”

  He was thrilled that her father and sister had worked things out. But he wasn’t going to let this woman push him away. “Oh, I expect a lot, Brooke. I’m going to expect to spend time with you. You’re not getting rid of me.”

  She blinked those big green eyes.“But I thought...”

  He took her hand and sat her down on the sofa, then seated himself next to her, never letting go of her hand.

  “First of all,” he began. “I was wrong about a lot of things, and that includes needing anyone in my life.” His gaze met hers. “You made me see a lot of things, Brooke. And my father’s letter helped show me that, too.”

  “Oh, Trent, you read them?”

  “Only the last one he wrote to me,” Trent confessed. “But I’m planning on reading the rest of them soon.” He released a breath. “Yesterday I saddled Rango and rode out to the ravine...where Chris died.” He felt the emotion clogging his throat, but he pushed through it. “I’ve avoided the place for years, but yesterday in the early-morning sunlight, I found peace and even felt close to him. It’s the first time in a very long time.”

  He looked at Brooke and saw the smile he’d come to love. “I’m so happy for you, Trent.”

  He squeezed her hand. “I still have a ways to go, but I don’t want to do it alone. You made me realize how empty my life has been. All the years I’ve avoided any connection to people, even with the Quinns.”

  She started to speak, but he placed his finger over her lips. “Let me finish, before I lose my nerve.”

  She nodded.

  “That first night we made love, you gave me a precious gift. I never felt like that before with another woman, but I was still afraid to let you in. The last thing I wanted was for you to be stuck with a man who carried guilt with him. My dad’s letter made me see that we all took the blame for Chris’s death. And in truth, it was a tragic accident.”

  His gaze locked on hers. “I know that now, Brooke. You tried to tell me, but I didn’t want to listen. I’m sorry I pushed you away.”

  Brooke shook with emotion as she reached up and touched Trent’s handsome face. “I understand, Trent. I’m just happy you’re here now.”

  He smiled and her heart melted. “So you’re glad to see me.”

  She wasn’t afraid to say it. “More than you know.”

  “Good, because this guy is crazy in love with you and I want a life with you.”

  She gasped as her eyes searched his face. “Oh, Trent.”

  “I know it’s only been a little over a week, but I love you.”

  She couldn’t stop her words, either. “I love you, too.”

  His mouth covered hers in a hungry kiss. When he released her, they were both breathless. She quickly came down from her high remembering there were other problems. “I can’t go back to Colorado with you. My mother...”

  He shook his head. “Us being apart isn’t an option. If being here is best for your mother, then I’ll move here, or we’ll move back to the ranch and find a specialized facility for Coralee close by.”

  “Oh, Trent, you can’t give up the Lucky Bar L.”

  “You think I’m going to give you up?” He shook his head. “Never.” He kissed her again. “We’ll figure this out. Together.”

&nb
sp; She loved the idea, but she had Rory and Laurel to consider. “You make it sound so easy.”

  “It’s true. None of us know how long your mother will be able to remember you and Laurel, but you have that time now, and I wouldn’t take that away from you. I know how important family is, and how quickly they can be torn from you.”

  She could only nod as tears took over. This was the sweetest man. Trent lifted her into his arms and held her close and she felt her burden ease. She’d never had anyone to depend on before.

  “I didn’t mean to make you cry. I want to help you. I know your mother is far from perfect, but she’s your mother, and of course you love her. We’re going to find a way to take care of her.”

  She raised her head from his chest. “Thank you. I’m so glad you came into my life.”

  He swallowed hard. “No, Brooke, I need to thank you for taking on a stubborn ex–sergeant major.” He paused and cupped her face. “Brooke Harper, I know we haven’t known each other long, but I love you with all my heart, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a small box. He managed to flip it open with one hand to expose a ring. “Will you marry me?”

  Brooke stared down at the pear-shaped diamond sparkling up at her.

  “Oh, Trent,” she gasped.

  “I hope you like it.”

  “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

  His eyes met hers. “I have. You are more beautiful. That first day you came to the ranch, I couldn’t keep my eyes off you.”

  “But I looked like Laurel. How come you were never attracted to her?”

  He frowned. “Please, she’s like a sister and just as annoying.” He sobered. “I love you, Brooke. I want you as my wife. Say yes.”

  She pushed aside her doubts, trusting this man to be there for her. “Oh, yes, I’ll marry you.”

  His mouth closed over hers in a kiss that convinced Brooke that with this man, anything was possible.

  Trent tore his mouth away. “Please tell me that doorway leads to a bedroom.”

  She nodded. “My bed is small.”

  He stood up with her in his arms. “Not a problem, I plan on staying pretty close to you.”

  * * *

  THE NEXT MORNING, Brooke awoke with Trent asleep next to her. He greeted her with a kiss, letting her know he couldn’t get enough of her, and they made love again.

  Finally they got out of bed and showered together. She loved sharing so many firsts with Trent. Running late, they dressed in a hurry and drove to the hotel to have breakfast with Rory and Laurel.

  They both were greeted with hugs and sat down to coffee. Rory was the one who glanced back and forth between the two. Brooke felt a blush warm her cheeks.

  “Is there something you need to tell me, son?” Rory asked.

  Trent put her arm around Brooke and brought her close. “Yes, there is. I asked Brooke to marry me last night and she said yes.”

  Laurel squealed and jumped up to hug her sister. “I’m so happy for you.” Then she gave her a pouty look. “I guess there won’t be any girls’ nights or sleepovers, huh?”

  “You got that right. I’m not letting Brooke out of my sight.”

  “She’ll be close at least,” Laurel said.

  Rory took his turn to hug Brooke. “I just found you to lose you to this guy. I’d argue it was too soon, but you picked the best man.”

  “I think so, too.”

  They all sat down to breakfast and talked wedding plans. It was starting out to be the best day ever.

  * * *

  AN HOUR LATER, they drove to Carlton Care Facility to see Coralee.

  Brooke led the way inside, then went into the public room. There was Erin seated with Coralee. It had been too late last night for the Quinns to see her mother, and Brooke wasn’t sure if today would be any better. Would this visit be too much of a shock to her?

  “Hello, Mother,” Brooke said.

  Slowly, her mother looked up at her, then her attention went to Laurel.

  Her expression changed and finally she smiled, but with tears in her eyes. “Oh, Laurel, you came back.”

  Coralee stood as Laurel crossed the room and took their mother’s hands. Brooke was so grateful to see how her sister handled the situation.

  “Hello, Mother,” Laurel began, her voice trembling. “It’s been a long time. I’ve missed you.”

  Coralee’s hand was shaking as she touched Laurel’s face. “You are so beautiful. I knew you would be.”

  “Thank you. I’ve been told I look like my mother.”

  Coralee blushed. “I’ve been told I was beautiful by a lot of men.” She looked at Brooke who realized she was looking past her. Brooke glanced in the direction of her mother’s attention. Rory. She wandered over to him, her gaze searching his face. “Do I know you?”

  Rory smiled. “It’s been a long time, Coralee. But I heard you sing one night a long time ago.”

  Trent stood back with Brooke and watched as both Rory and Laurel talked with Coralee. They were kind and gentle, even though this woman had kept their daughter and sister away from them. Now sadly, Coralee’s memory was slowly fading.

  Trent hugged Brooke closer. She’d missed too many things in her life, and from this day on, he was going to let her know how much she was loved.

  Brooke looked up at him, tears in her eyes. “Thank you for being here. This is making Mother so happy. I just hope she can remember it for a while.”

  He leaned down and kissed her. “You will remember, and that’s what is important. And also remember that I love you, Brooke.”

  He pulled his future wife closer. He wanted to make sure that she knew he was there for her. She wasn’t alone anymore. They were family now.

  Epilogue

  Over the past two months, Brooke’s life had changed drastically, and all for the good. No, for the wonderful.

  She’d resigned from her long-time job at the casino, and given notice at her apartment complex. She packed only her clothes and a few special items. All the rest of her second-hand furniture, she’d given away.

  The most difficult thing about leaving the city was transferring her mother out of the Carlton Care Facility. It was hard to leave Erin, but from what her friend had told her, she needed to make some changes in her life, too. Maybe even relocate. Would she come to Colorado, as well?

  Luckily, they found her mother a wonderful place in Hidden Springs that specialized in Alzheimer’s patients. Along with Trent, Brooke drove Coralee to Colorado and moved her into a new home with great views of the Rocky Mountains. So far, Coralee seemed happy there.

  Riding across the open range, Brooke slowed and pulled back on her reins to slow Raven. This was one of her new favorite things to do since moving here. Riding horseback across the grassy valley dotted with cattle, she couldn’t stop the rush of emotions. Who would have thought six months ago that now she would be married to a cowboy and living on a ranch in Colorado?

  She glanced down at her wedding rings. Deciding they didn’t want to wait, she and Trent had been married in Las Vegas with Laurel, Rory, Erin and her mother present. Nothing fancy, except Laurel convinced her to buy a new dress for the occasion.

  So they’d gone shopping and Brooke found a satin and lace mid-length dress at one of the many outlet stores in the area. Trent had worn a Western-cut tux jacket with black jeans. Rory looked sharp, too, as he walked her down the aisle. It was a perfect day to marry the perfect man.

  Now nearly two months later, Brooke burrowed deeper into her new heavier jacket Trent had bought her, along with new boots and cowboy hat. She loved her new life on the ranch.

  She patted Raven’s neck, loving the time she got to ride the sweet mare. With winter coming, she didn’t know how long she could continue to be on horseback.

  She heard her name and looked over her shoulder to see Trent riding toward her. She felt that familiar jolt in her chest and warmth surrounded her heart, as it always did whe
never her man was close.

  Trent pulled up on Rango’s reins. “You’re getting too fast for me, I can’t keep up.” He leaned forward and kissed her. “What’s your hurry?”

  “No hurry. I just love the freedom of riding fast. And like you said, snow will be coming soon, and I won’t be able to ride for a while. How did the final inspection go on the cabins?”

  “Great, they signed off on everything. We’re ready to rent. We’ve already booked a company Christmas party. And I’ve been hired as the outfitter for a hunting party in two weeks. All this thanks to your new website.”

  “Me? I just gave a few suggestions on where you and Rory should advertise.”

  “Well, it helped. Thank you.”

  “Hey, I need to pull my weight around here. I’m not working.”

  He frowned. “Is that what you think, that you aren’t working?”

  She shrugged. “I’ve worked since I started a paper route when I was twelve. It’s strange to me.”

  “You take care of the website, and you help decorate the cabins, and then there are the daily trips into town to visit your mother. You have plenty to keep you busy. Unless you want a job.”

  “Don’t we need my income, especially with my mother’s extra care?”

  Trent shifted his horse closer and leaned down and kissed his wife. “No, we don’t need your income. Remind me when we get home to show you the finances, including the deed to the Lucky Bar L. Now as my wife, you are part owner, too.”

  “You don’t need to do that, Trent.”

  He knew that Brooke had grown up with nothing. He wanted her to know that she’d always have a home. “What is mine is yours.”

  “You have a lot more than I do.”

  “All I want is you.” Trent couldn’t help grinning at his bride. “I’m having Ricky and Mike bring the herd down from the high range tomorrow. I don’t want to lose any of the new calves with this storm coming.”

  “Could I ride out, too?”

  “I thought you and Laurel were going to visit Coralee in the morning, and then bake pies for Thanksgiving. In case you want to know, pecan is my favorite.”

  She laughed. “I think you’ve mentioned it a few times.”