by Tori Kayson
Is that what he thought? That her leaving was all about strategizing her next big career move? To maneuver her way to the helm, that becoming President of Brewster Oil was what she wanted out of life?
Maybe at one point that might have been true.
Not anymore. “Dad—”
“I’ll play along for now. Go ahead and clear out your office today. Make it look real.” He angled back around to face the huge bank of windows.
No need to make it look real.
Finally, she willed her legs to cooperate, to carry her to the door. She turned around for one last look at her father, maybe her last image of him for a long time. Especially when he realized she wasn’t coming back. That there would be no contract with the Kester family. That Darby didn’t plan to step into his expensive Italian shoes.
This was how she’d remember him.
A powerful figure, yet alone for most of his life. And he seemed to prefer it that way.
She wanted something different for her life.
§
Fargo tapped the phone, bringing Darby’s beautiful face to the screen and a matching smile to his lips. He planted it between his ear and shoulder while he led Majesty out to the pasture. He opened the gate, detached the lead, and patted the horse’s rump. “Go on, buddy.”
He latched the gate just as Darby connected. “Hey, gorgeous.”
“Hey back. How’s my favorite cowboy?”
“Better be your only cowboy.” He headed back into the barn, the two dogs dancing around his legs. One last animal to check on before he could call it a night.
“Well, there is this cute eleven year old who’s the spitting image of his daddy that I—”
His growl cut her off, but it was more from the sweet ache of yearning to be with her, to feel her arms slide around his neck. To breathe in her seductive fruity and floral blend. To hear that tinkle of laughter close up instead of the hundred miles separating them by phone.
That hunger warred with the knowledge that he needed to give her space to come to the same realization that he already had. That he loved her and they belonged together. In one city. On this ranch. To be loved and cherished by his crazy family, especially since she wasn’t getting any warm fuzzies from that indifferent father of hers. “I’m almost ready to hit the road. I just need to round up Jayce—”
“Not so fast, cowboy.”
Uh oh. His legs stopped working, and he halted dead center in the barn. Had her boss handed her another assignment that would take her away for the weekend? Disappointment kicked him in the gut worse than if Majesty had gotten a hold of him.
“I’d rather come to the ranch this weekend.”
“Really?” That squeak of surprise probably didn’t sound too manly, but he didn’t care. How lucky could a guy get? She was coming here!
“Yeah.”
Their relationship had progressed to alternating weekends at each other’s places. For three months now, he’d managed to hang onto his dwindling self-control. But he was losing the battle every time he squeezed in next to Jayce on the regular sized mattress in her cramped guest room, his limbs dangling off the side and end.
But her entire apartment felt confining. He hadn’t figured out if it was because he missed the wide openness of the ranch and the tall buildings on all sides hemmed him in. Or because he wanted her so much. His body literally ached from holding in such a powerful need. One glance at his son usually reminded him why he couldn’t sneak in there, drag her into his arms, and make love to her all night long. But, if he had to spend one more sleepless night, knowing she sprawled out on a spacious king all by her lonesome, he’d kick his last shred of willpower to the curb.
Self-control wasn’t nearly as difficult when she visited the ranch. Mainly because she stayed in the big house. Also, family members and guests always floated around the property to interrupt their tender moments, which made it marginally easier to keep his commitment.
But, not for much longer. “So are you on the road already?”
Her chuckle warmed him clear through to the bone. “Miss me?”
His deep sigh said it all, but he suspected she’d like to hear it. “You know it.”
“That’s good because I can’t wait to see you.” Her husky tone sparked a fire in his limbs. She cleared her throat. “Not yet, but I will be soon. I have some things to wrap up at the office before I can leave. I brought my bag with me so I won’t have to go back to the condo, but I probably won’t be at the ranch until late tonight. I hate to miss our time at the lake.”
He groaned. He shouldn’t whine, especially since she was making the ninety-minute trip to the ranch instead of the other way around. But it was as if she’d dangled a carrot in front of a horse and then yanked it back, just out of reach. “How late?”
“I promise that I’ll make it by my curfew,” she said, chuckling.
She loved to tease him about his hard and fast rule about walking her back to the big house by midnight. She claimed that nothing would change. Her clothes wouldn’t revert to rags like the fairy tale version, and her charming prince wouldn’t be lost forever.
He knew better. If he didn’t stick to his guns about getting her back then, she wouldn’t be wearing any clothes and he wouldn’t be acting like any prince. More like a pirate or a rogue.
They disconnected, and he managed to get his legs moving again. When he made it to the open stall in the barn, he nudged a shoulder against the wood frame and crossed his arms. “I figured I’d find you here.”
Jayce glanced up from his spot on the straw next to the makeshift bed. “Do you think she’ll like Porky?” Hope mingled with excitement on Jayce’s face while he cradled the tiny pig in his arms.
“Well, I imagine she will, son, but remember, we talked about this. Don’t be disappointed if she can’t take him back to her condo.”
“I won’t.” Jayce agreed. His gaze dropped back to the miniature porker. “But she’s always wanted a pet pig.”
“That’s true. And I’m sure she’ll appreciate our gift. Even if it means we have to take care of her.” Fargo crouched next to his son and held out a hand for the little lady to sniff. More like root. They’d planned to present her with Porky next weekend when she came to the ranch, but it looked like she’d get her surprise tonight.
He shook his head, smiling. What woman wanted a pig for a pet?
His woman. At least, he hoped he could make her his woman soon. A ring nestled tight in a tiny velvet box in his bedroom for just the right moment.
§
“Well, this is it.” Darby scooped up the last framed picture on her desk, the most recent one of her and Fargo and Jayce standing at the rail in front of Majesty’s pasture. Jayce was feeding Majesty an apple. Fargo’s arm wrapped around her neck, and she gazed up at him. Did Fargo notice the total adoration in her expression? The love she couldn’t hide anymore?
Rebekah had surely noticed, judging by the tender smile when she handed Darby the gift-wrapped photo.
“Thanks for coming to help me clean out my office.”
Kate plucked Darby’s diploma off the wall and stared at it. “I had to come just to make sure you weren’t pulling my leg. I can’t believe you finally did it.”
“Me, either. It all happened so fast.” She’d started sending out resumes only a month ago. She hadn’t expected an offer so soon. Or the fabulous compensation package they’d sweetened the deal with earlier today. So sweet, she’d accepted on the spot then practically jogged to her father’s office with her resignation. Look how that turned out. That’s all right, though. She could use the extra two weeks to find a place in Coldwater Ridge and to pack her condo.
“So how did Big Daddy react when you handed him your resignation letter?”
“He thinks it’s a ploy.”
“Really?” Kate’s eyebrows bunched together, and she tilted her head. “How so?”
“He accused me of only following through with this job offer to demand more money from him.
”
Kate shook her head, disbelief sliding across her features.
“Oh, that’s not all. He thinks I’m doing this to get Fargo to sign the contract.”
Kate snorted. “The man doesn’t have a clue.”
“No. Sadly, he’ll realize it when I don’t come groveling back.”
“So that’s how you ended up cleaning out your office today.”
She nodded and covered the frame with paper. “Yeah. It’s not like I expected him to react any differently, but it still stings, you know?” That her father thought she was only manipulating him. In time, he’d see otherwise and maybe they could restore their relationship. Restore? Ha! Forget restoration. They needed to forge their relationship to a different level, to transition back to father/daughter, but as mature adults. Was that wishful thinking? Something that only happened in fairy tales?
Kate inserted the wrapped diploma in the open box on the desk and slung an arm around Darby’s neck. “I get it, honey. You guys will find a way to relate, and hey, if you don’t, it’s his loss. Especially when the grandkids start rolling along.”
“Grandkids?” Darby’s tongue slid out to lick her dry lips. Just the thought of creating a baby with Fargo shot a quiver of anticipation to tingle along her bare arms. More little Jayces with long legs just like his daddy’s. And she wouldn’t say no to a baby girl with Fargo’s gold-green eyes.
Mercy!
Kate giggled. “Kids are a sure way to restore broken relationships, so you and Fargo need to get busy.”
“That’s not happening yet. Trust me.” So far, he’d kept his vow not to dally before marriage. The man was made of steel! Her, jelly where he was concerned.
“Maybe he’s waiting for you to make a move, and this is just the trick.”
“Maybe.” It wasn’t like her cowboy complained about the every other week trips to Dallas, but his body language clearly indicated that he preferred the ranch. She could see how awkward and uncomfortable staying in her condo made him. Whether it was from that extreme self-discipline or how he scrunched into his entire frame for the weekend, she didn’t know. But with all the wide open space at the ranch, he seemed comfortable, relaxed, at home.
Just like her.
“Have you told Fargo yet?”
She shook her head, smiling. “No. I didn’t want to say anything earlier just in case their offer didn’t pan out. He’s going to be so surprised.”
Surprised, definitely. Elated? She would know soon enough.
~ CHAPTER 23 ~
“Here she comes, Dad.” Jayce launched himself from the porch swing at the first sign of headlights angling up the driveway.
The dogs barked and bounded off the porch, racing to circle her car.
At the top of the stairs, Jayce twisted around. Wide-eyed, his voice trembled with excitement. “When did you say you were going to ask her?”
Fargo chuckled as he hoisted himself off the swing and looped an arm around Jayce’s shoulder.
Jayce adored Darby, and the feeing appeared to be mutual. His son soaked in her attention, thrived actually. She filled the empty spot in Jayce’s life with more sunshine, more love, than if she’d actually birthed him.
And him?
He’d fallen crazy head-over-boots in love with her. The days apart loomed long and bleak, the nights even longer. He aimed to change that.
Even if that meant moving to Dallas. They’d make it work, somehow.
A car door opened and the dogs barked their pleasure, snagging his attention back to the driver. One luscious long leg unfolded from the driver’s seat, and then the rest of her.
She looped her purse over a shoulder, and then glanced up, catching site of them. Joy lit her face as she waved.
She was home. With him. The wherever no longer mattered.
“What are we waiting for, Jayce?” The words faded in the vacant air around him since Jayce scooted out of his hold and bounded off the porch.
What was he waiting for?
He took the stairs two at a time. His boots skimmed over crackling grass. His heart practically pumped out of his chest. He skidded to a stop right in front of her and just soaked in the sight.
“Have you been good boys for your daddy?” She’d crouched to ruffle the fur along the necks of both dogs, cooing at them.
She stretched and looped an arm around Jayce’s shoulder then hiked his hat up to press a kiss to his forehead. “Sorry to keep you up so late, buddy.”
Jayce grinned. “Dad said it was all right if I stayed up to see you since it was Friday night.”
Denims hugged her legs. A snow-white blouse dipped low in the front exposing a creamy valley, lush and ripe, inviting.
And soon to be his.
His pulse hammered out hope and longing…and urgency.
She turned her attention toward him with a smile. “Hey there, handsome cowboy.”
“Welcome home, sweetheart.” He slid fingers through the inside of her belt loops and tugged her against his chest, prolonging her too-brief kiss.
Her arms crawled around his neck. Her mouth responded with an equal hunger. Her body melded to his.
“Eww! Knock it off, guys,” Jayce interrupted with mock disgust.
He pulled back, smiling. Satisfaction and contentment curled his toes. Anticipation tingled through his veins. “Jayce, can you grab Darby’s bags please and run them over to Grandma’s?”
Darby hit the key fob, and the trunk lid lifted.
“Sure.” His son didn’t waste any time snatching a couple bags from the back. He closed the trunk and scurried away, but stopped to look back. “Wait for—”
“Don’t worry,” Fargo said, tucking Darby underneath his shoulder.
“Wait for—”
Fargo pivoted so that his rump backed against Darby’s car. He snagged her waist, bringing her to him. This time he kissed her properly, his hands straying to slide along her hips and then roaming up her back to thread through her hair. When he finally inched back, in desperate need of air, her dark lashes still shuttered over those creamy cheeks. A sweet smile curved her lips. A serene sigh lifted her chest.
He moved reluctant hands out of the danger zone to frame her cheeks. “I missed you.”
Her short puffs of breath tickled his lips, and her long lashes finally fluttered up. But it was the dreamy moan that gurgled from her throat that caused all sorts of red alerts to flash through his brain. Take it easy, Kester. Don’t get ahead of yourself.
A part of him didn’t care. He wanted to take this woman into his house, brand every inch of her as his.
But then, there was that other voice, the one that he couldn’t quiet. The one that kept reminding him of how things had turned out with Jennie. Not to make the same mistake. To ignore the physical urges and do things right this time.
That voice was louder. For now. But for how much longer?
He held her away from him, thankful when Jayce’s boots clomped down the stairs of his mother’s house. “He’s back.”
“Thanks for letting him stay up,” Darby said.
“He never would’ve slept, knowing you were on your way. He wanted to see you.” There was that, but Fargo also wanted his son included in the momentous occasion.
Then Jayce was in front of him, both dogs sitting pretty at their boots.
Time for the show to start. He took a deep breath, but he didn’t need to summon courage. This felt right. Perfect, actually.
“We have something in the barn we want to show you.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss against her palm. Then, he turned to lead the way, willing his legs to slow down, not to rush her.
“A surprise? How fun! Wait a minute! Do I need my weapon?” She tugged his hand to a stop, angling around to head into the house to retrieve the water blaster they’d bought for her.
“Not this time.” He laughed, chalking Jayce’s snicker up to excitement over their surprise.
§
Darby corralled the news from bubbli
ng out her throat. She trekked across the yard to the barn, her hand warm and snuggly in Fargo’s giant one. She’d follow them across the continent if that’s what he wanted. But the barn? What was out here that couldn’t wait until morning?
It didn’t matter. Tomorrow, she’d spend the day tracking down an apartment, but tonight, she could relax and enjoy the company of her two favorite cowboys.
“This little surprise couldn’t wait until tomorrow?” She glanced at her watch. The time ticked toward the pumpkin hour.
“Nope. Has to be tonight,” the hunky cowboy offered.
Maybe she could sweet talk Fargo into allowing her to stay at his house a little longer. She’d brew some coffee. They could cuddle on the front porch swing and admire the stars sprinkled across the clear inky sky.
She’d tell him her news then.
Jayce flicked on the florescent light. The dogs scampered, racing each other to the bowels of the barn. Jayce twisted to look over a shoulder. A grin widened across his face, but his lips quivered.
Fargo’s hand tightened around hers. His Adam’s apple bobbed up and down a couple of times.
What was up? They both appeared a bit anxious about their surprise.
But then Fargo smiled. A glorious, thousand-watts-of-sunshine smile. The kind that lifted her chest and tingled all the way to her toes.
The kind that gave flight to her dreams. Dreams of marriage and family, of belonging and acceptance.
She winced and reeled them back in.
Fargo never promised her a future. Never discussed marriage. Other than early on, when he’d been quite adamant that if he remarried, his wife would find fulfilment staying home and taking care of her family.
She’d never be that woman. She enjoyed working. Loved the thrill when she closed a deal or a soil sample returned with her predicted results. And nothing beat that sense of accomplishment when she perfected the design of their rigs, minimizing the footprint and reducing the environmental impact. Now was her opportunity to give back and teach others how to do the same.
