Redeeming the Texas Rancher

by Sands, Charlene

  “Maddie, thanks for coming on such short notice,” Cole said, his voice sounding a little off. He cleared his throat and Day strained to hear the rest of their conversation. “I, uh, don’t know what’s wrong with Snow. She’s limping around and I can’t seem to find a reason for it.”

  “Of course. I’ll take a look at her.”

  “I see you brought your other half,” Cole said, joking.

  “Yes, Trey’s taking me to town for a fancy lunch, afterward.”

  It was a good reason for Maddie not to show up in her work clothes.

  “Would you mind coming in for a minute?”

  “Not at all.”

  “After you,” she heard Cole say.

  Soft footsteps clicked on the foyer’s wood planks and then Maddie stepped into view. She turned toward the parlor.

  “Surprise!” A chorus of voices resounded, stunning Maddie for a second. Her expression faltered and then happy tears welled in her eyes. “Oh,” she said, her hand splaying over her heart, just above her rounded belly. She took in the surroundings, the people who loved her, her friends and clients and the decorations, which Day had to admit turned out really adorable. She and Jillian had fun setting up the room last night, with a clothesline of pale pink and baby blue outfits slung across the windows, balloons soaring in the air, diaper cakes on the tables and baby bottle centerpieces.

  “This is…this is so…wonderful. You really surprised me. I had no idea.” She smiled so wide, and looked so beautifully pregnant, a pang of envy struck Day for a second. She glanced at Cole, looking relieved his part in the shower was over, and their gazes touched for an instant. She wanted his babies. She wanted a life with him. Could he see all that in her eyes?

  Trey sidled up next to Maddie and kissed her cheek.

  “Did you know about this?” she asked him.

  “Guilty as charged. But Jillian and Day get all the credit. They put this together.”

  “Thank you.” Maddie gave her and Jillian a deeply sincere look.

  Then Maddie turned to her guests. “I can’t thank you all enough.” Grateful tears entered her eyes. It was a common occurrence for pregnant women to tear up easily, at least that’s what she’d heard, but Day felt like crying along with her. It was such a tender moment.

  “That’s my cue to leave,” Trey said. “I’ll let you ladies get on with it.” He winked at Maddie. “Have fun. I’ll be hanging out with Cole.” He glanced at his friend. “You’re stuck with me,” he said.

  “The Cowboys are playing and Jack’s got beer.”

  “Enough said,” and then the men in the room were gone, off to Jack and Jillian’s house to watch football.

  The ladies crowded in then and Maddie was gently pulled in for hugs and well-wishes.

  After all the greetings, Jillian took control making sure everyone had taken their seat and food and drinks were served by Emma, Cole’s housekeeper. Jillian’s west coast influence with chicken and quinoa salads were a hit, along with good ole southern comfort Mac and cheese crumble and chili with cornbread.

  The party moved along, the chatter of twenty females filling the room. And then it was time for gifts. Joy lit in Maddie’s eyes as she sat in the center of the room and opened item after item that would fill her nursery.

  “It’s harder to decorate your nursery when you don’t know the sex of the baby,” Louisa Thompson—Maddie’s neighbor—said, egging her on. “You really don’t want to know?”

  “Honestly, we really don’t,” Maddie explained. “Trey and I want to be surprised. I’ve brought so many animals into the world and that moment is so special that we decided we want to have that feeling for our own child when he or she enters the world. We’ll be excited either way.”

  Maddie laid a hand on her belly. She had seven weeks to go. The countdown had begun and it was funny how pregnant women knew down to the day, how much time was left until their due date.

  Ella Ashton brought out the baby shower cake and everyone praised her artistry. The cake was designed in the image of 2 Hope Ranch. Fondant question marks bordered the cake bringing smiles to many faces and when Maddie did the honors and cut into dessert, it was revealed half of the cake was colored light blue and the other half, colored soft pink. The new direction Ella was taking the Bluebonnet Bakery was met with amazing success.

  By the end of the afternoon, Maddie, Jillian and Day plunked down on the sofa, sipping lemonade. All of the guests were gone now and the room was filled with opened boxes, scrunched-up wrapping paper remnants and leftover food. Up against the wall her gifts were on display from a baby stroller/car seat combo to a video monitor. Packs of diapers, breastfeeding supplies, adorable outfits and crib sheets and more were stacked up, bringing bright pastel colors to an otherwise drab room.

  Ella walked out of the kitchen and entered the parlor. “I’ve boxed up the rest of the cake for you, Maddie.”

  “Thanks, Ella. It was a beautiful and generous gift. I can’t thank you enough. I’m glad Trey had a chance to see it before Cole whisked him away.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Come, have a seat with us,” Jillian said. “We’re just relaxing. I’ll pour you some lemonade.”

  Ella glanced at Day and for a second, hesitated. Day had been overly and stupidly jealous of Cole’s friendship with Ella. She didn’t know how much Ella had picked up on that, especially since she’d assured Day once that she had no romantic interest in him. “Yes please, Ella. Sit with us,” she said, urging her. Day wanted no hard feelings and this was one way of mending fences.

  Finally, she agreed. “Okay, thanks.”

  “So how on earth can you make a work of art like that and have it taste like heaven too?” Maddie asked.

  Ella smiled. “That’s sweet of you to say.” She shrugged. “I enjoy the creative part of my work. I’m no different than any of you. You all love what you do.”

  They nodded. It was true. Jillian designed lingerie, Maddie doctored animals and Day knew and loved horses.

  “Yes, I guess that’s true,” Day said.

  “Are you planning on doing something more with the bakery, Ella? I’ve seen Brett Collier going in and out of your shop, almost daily.” Jillian asked.

  “Maybe he just likes her coffee cake,” Day said grinning.

  Ella’s face flamed. Oh Lord. She’d hit on something. Day suspected Brett had it bad for Ella and she was not warming up to him. She may be the one woman in Hope Wells that Brett couldn’t charm. She also may have been his mystery date that hadn’t worked out the other night.

  “Yes and no,” Ella answered. “I’ve been thinking of revamping a little. Either that or moving away and starting over.”

  Ella’s family had been involved in a scandal and she’d never really gotten over it. Pretty much everyone in Hope Wells knew about it and the one-time most popular girl in school had soon lost her standing in town, her family and her fiancé. That was ages ago, but Ella had never quite seemed to recover fully.

  “Well, we surely don’t want to see you leave Hope Wells,” Jillian said.

  “I don’t think Brett would either,” Day said. Okay, so she wasn’t Switzerland either. “He’s really a great guy.”

  “I thought we were talking about revamping my bakery?”

  “Seems the girls want to revamp your love life,” Maddie added.

  Ella scoffed. “What love life?”

  “Exactly,” Jillian said.

  Ella began shaking her head. “Brett’s nice and all. But he’s got a reputation and I’ve been down that road before. Besides, he’s so young.”

  “He’s my age,” Dakota said.

  “And I’m six years older than you.”

  “Six years? That’s not all that much.”

  “Brett’s not interested in me that way and I’d never consider it anyway,” Ella added.

  At risk of making Ella uncomfortable, she decided to keep her mouth shut after that. The subject changed to babies and all the gear that Maddie
and Trey would now have to deal with. It was a whole new ballgame for them and they laughed and enjoyed a few more minutes of sisterhood until Cole, Trey and Jack bounded into the house.

  “The party’s over,” Jillian said.

  “Then we came just in time,” Jack said, giving her a wink.

  “Not so fast, boys. You’re on cleanup duty and then all this loot needs loading into Trey’s truck.

  “Man,” Cole said. “First the Cowboys lose, and now we’re getting put to work.” But there was no real complaint in his voice. And when he smiled at Day, there was promise in his eyes of the night to come and her heart flipped over itself.

  After all, Sunday was not a workday.

  And soon they’d have the house all to themselves.

  *

  Day lay in Cole’s big bed snuggled against his chest, breathing in his scent. He’d made love to her as the sun was setting. It was a beautiful time of day and this was another first for her. They’d never made love in his bedroom before and she wasn’t exactly ready to leave. But she couldn’t stay over. Tomorrow was a workday and Emma would be here, as well as the crew.

  He kissed the top of her hair while playing with a few strands, curling them around his finger. The aftermath of making love was almost as good as the actual act. Almost. She smiled into his shoulder.

  “What?” he asked.

  He must’ve felt her lips curl up. “Nothing. Just thinking about today.”

  “It was a success. You and Jillian did a great job. My parlor never looked so good.”

  “Jillian planned most of it. And I only helped out. But I think Maddie really appreciated it.”

  “I think Trey did too. He’s going to make a great dad.”

  “I think so too. You played your part well in getting Maddie here.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t like lying. Makes me cringe inside.”

  “It was for a good cause.”

  He brought her close and brushed his lips to her hair again. It was a such a tender thing and it felt as natural as breathing to be in his arms after all the years of pining and longing for him. She wondered if he felt the same way. He’d never answered her question from the other night. He’d never admitted it was more than a roll in the hay for him. Maybe it had been too soon to ask. Maybe he needed time. She was willing to rein in her impatience and wait.

  “It’s getting late,” she whispered. “I should go.” Parting with Cole was always difficult. And it was only getting harder and harder.

  “It’s only nine.”

  “Dawn comes early, Cole, and we have a busy workday tomorrow.”

  He held on to her a long while. Then: “I’ll drive you home.”

  She lifted her head off his shoulders. “That’s sweet. But I have my car here.”

  “That old rattletrap? I can’t trust that thing to get you home safely at night. It’s a menace. Why are you still driving it anyway? You can afford a newer car, can’t you?”

  “Yes, but…”

  “But?”

  He was staring at her now, a question in his eyes. “It’s just that…”

  “What?”

  He was probing. It was unlike Cole to be so nosy. Usually he left well enough alone but right now Day was experiencing a pang of guilt. She’d never told Cole her secret dream. Well, that wasn’t exactly true—when she was younger she’d spout off about raising horses on her own and Cole didn’t laugh at her, like she’d thought. Instead, he’d take her to the stable to teach her things, like how to tell when a horse was lame, how much straw it takes to make up a paddock, how to use a lead rope, how to saddle up and ride.

  During her summers while in high school she’d worked odd jobs for the Circle R and had eaten up the knowledge. She fed the beast more and more, until one day the student had become the master. When Day turned twenty-three, she’d started working full time for Cole, and she was good enough by then to become the head wrangler at the ranch.

  So now, she wasn’t sure what or how to tell him her plans.

  Because things were changing. She liked where she was with him. She liked working alongside him on the Circle R. She didn’t know what the future would bring, but it wouldn’t hurt to put her plans on hold a little while longer.

  What she did know was that Cole respected honesty and she hadn’t been upfront with him. She wanted no secrets between them. And it wasn’t as if she’d ever leave him if he really needed her.

  “It’s just that…I have plans for the future. I’m saving up to buy a place of my own. I want to breed horses.”

  Cole didn’t say anything. Awkward silence followed as long moments ticked by. And then finally: “Where?”

  She may as well go full out and tell him. “Arnold Jasper’s been selling off his land bit by bit. There’s…an old building on the property that used to be a guest cottage. One day…maybe, it’ll be mine.”

  Cole drew a breath and then nodded. “That’s a fine plan, sweetheart.”

  “You think so?”

  “You’ve been talking about raising horses since you were a kid.”

  “You remembered.”

  “Yep, I remembered.” And with that, he pulled her back down onto the bed and kissed her until she was breathless.

  Part of her was glad she’d told him her secret dream, but another part of her worried that he didn’t protest in the least that she might be leaving the ranch one day. Her sense of relief at telling him the truth battled with the dread erupting in her stomach at how mildly Cole took the news.

  And soon, Cole’s hands were skimming her skin again, his body was covering hers and his mouth was doing amazing things so that every part of her now was sweetly fulfilled.

  There would be no more talk about secret dreams, when she was living a real one now.

  With Cole.

  *

  Cole woke up to a seductive lavender scent and he rolled over in bed to take Day into his arms. The space beside him was empty and he shook his head and rubbed at his eyes, remembering. Day was gone, but the bed still smelled of her, a flowery aroma unique to her drove him a little bit insane. She’d left just before midnight. He’d been selfish in keeping her late and had followed her home, despite her protest. Some things he just had to do.

  At least now he knew why she wasn’t buying herself a newer car. But the reason stuck in his craw. She had every right to buy land and raise horses. She’d developed into an expert horsewoman and had a great reputation, but somehow the thought of her not being on the Circle R Ranch hurt like hell.

  Had he taken her for granted? Probably. He should’ve known she’d have dreams of her own. Dreams that didn’t include him. They would always be friends. At least, he hoped that was the case—and yet a gnawing ache burned in the pit of his stomach now. He wasn’t ready to let Day go.

  But he wasn’t able to offer her more.

  His head was ready to burst. It was crowded in there. Too many thoughts were filling it up, confusing him. Making him crazy.

  He tossed the covers off and dressed quickly. As he walked down the hall, the scent of coffee brewing gave him hope. Day was here and they’d share a morning cup together. But the clanking of pots and pans and Emma’s cheery humming told a different story.

  He walked into the kitchen.

  “Morning,” she said all too brightly.

  His drew his brows together. “Morning, Em.”

  “Have a late night?”

  “Uh, yeah. As a matter of fact I did.” He scrubbed at the stubble on his jaw. He was due for a shave but he wasn’t in the mood. The scruff would stay.

  “Want coffee?” she asked.

  He nodded.

  She poured him a cup. Steam spiraled up and he warmed his hands around the mug. “Thanks.”

  “Eggs, bacon, toast? What can I get you for breakfast?”

  “Nothin’.”

  Emma turned to him. “Nothing? Cole, are you ill this morning?”

  Yes. No. He was confused. “I’m fine, Em. Just not hungry right now
.”

  She cast him a skeptical look. “Well, all right then. Just let me know when you get hungry, okay?”

  “All right. Thanks.”

  He sat there for a few moments, sipping coffee and thinking about the day to come. The paperwork and phone calls he had to make could wait. He was restless and jittery and in great need to clear his head.

  Ten minutes later, Cole was at the corral fence, watching the new filly jaunt around the perimeter of the arena. It did his heart good to see Faith so spry and healthy. All the horses on the property were sweet well-cared-for creatures thanks to Day’s tireless efforts.

  There was no doubt in his mind she’d be a successful breeder one day.

  He squeezed his eyes closed and altered the direction his mind was taking.

  “Hey, Cole,” Rusty said as he approached the fence.

  “Mornin’, Rusty.”

  “Have you seen Day this morning?” he asked.

  “No, I don’t think she’s here yet. Why?”

  “Just had a question for her, is all.”

  “About?” He cleared his throat. “I mean, is it something I can help you with?”

  Rusty smiled wide and shook his head. “Don’t think so, Cole. Unless you know how to tie a fancy bow? You see, I got my niece a new riding outfit and I want to dress up the box real nice. Thought Day could help me with it.”

  Cole chewed his lip. Now he was getting nosy about Rusty, and what he wanted from Day? Was he that pathetic, that jealous? What in hell was going on with him? “I’m sure she can. Hey, Rusty…I’m going to spend the morning checking on strays. I think I’ll ride out this time and not take the jeep. If anyone needs me, I’ll be back before noon.”

  “Okay, got it.”

  “See you later,” Cole said and he strode into the barn to saddle up his horse.

  A good long ride would clear his muddled brain.

  *

  “I know, boy. We’re gonna get you nice and clean,” Day said to Montana. Taking a brush to the five-year-old gelding, she washed him down in front of the stable, removing any remnants of the trail from his coat. The wind had kicked up this morning and Day was full of dust herself. She wished she could shower off in Cole’s bathroom, but she’d only get filthy again the minute she stepped back outside.