“That sounds fun. And comfortable.”
“Yep.” But driving six hours with Ally wouldn’t be. How many weddings could he attend with her and keep his distance?
Just get me through ten more days until surgery, Lord. Then with Your help, I’ll be a healthy man. And I can eventually see Ally walk the aisle for our own wedding.
All he had to do was survive the surgery with his head, heart and body intact.
* * *
The church was pretty as usual. Mom had said no decorations and she’d stuck with it. No extra flowers, no ribbons on the pews, tulle, candelabra or arbors. Just Mom wearing a cream-colored satin jacket and skirt and Lance in a suit, with Pastor William, Erin and her family, Ally and Cody.
The twins were adorable—Zane wearing a miniature suit just like his grandfather’s and Zoey in pink ruffles. These two had Ally wrapped around their little fingers within a mere week.
As her mom pledged her heart to a man who wasn’t her father, Ally teared up. Mom was happy and Lance obviously loved her. He’d be good to Mom and she wouldn’t be lonely anymore. This was a day for celebrating—even Dad would approve.
“By the power vested in me by the state of Texas, I pronounce you husband and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Lance, you may kiss your bride.”
The couple exchanged a chaste kiss, then hugged.
Ally’s gaze strayed to Cody and he shot her a wink. Her cheeks went hot. She’d worked at acting natural with him. As if their kiss weren’t seared into her memory. As if she had only friend feelings for him. The false front was wearing her out. And tomorrow she had six hours with him in a truck to look forward to.
The gathering took turns congratulating the happy couple and Kendra snapped several pictures of the newlyweds.
“Okay, let’s do families, Mom and Ally first.” Kendra waved them in front of the altar and took several shots, then some with Lance, too. “Cody, you get in one, too.”
“I’m not family.”
“No, but you’re Ally’s date.”
“No,” Ally squeaked. “We’re just friends. Lifelong friends.”
“Well, last time I checked, friends can have their picture taken together on special days.”
Cody stepped into the shot with Mom and Lance in the middle.
“Now let’s do one with the friends, just for fun.”
“Good idea.” Mom tugged Lance away.
Ally didn’t move. Cody didn’t, either. Standing there awkwardly with a gap between them where Mom and Lance had been.
“You’ll have to move in closer than that. What? Are y’all afraid of each other?”
They took two steps closer, still not touching.
“Okay.” Kendra lowered her camera. “You’re friends. So you like each other, right? Act like it! Maybe hold hands. Something not so stiff.”
Cody’s hand clasped hers.
“That’s better.” Kendra snapped another shot.
“Will you remember me in a year?” Cody whispered.
What was he getting at? Trying to tell her he was leaving?
“Will you?” He squeezed her hand.
“Yes.”
“Will you remember me in a month?”
“I sure hope my memory is that good.” She frowned, looked up at him.
“Will you remember me in a week?”
“Duh.”
“Knock knock.”
Oh. A joke. A relieved grin teased her mouth. “Who’s there?”
“See? You forgot me already.”
“That’s so corny.” She giggled, all the tension of the day seeping away. He hugged her close and her hand settled on his chest as they laughed.
“Finally. Now, those were some good shots. Let’s get some with everyone. Then we’ll do Lance’s family.”
She’d forgotten all about the camera. The rest of the gathering closed in on them.
“Bride and groom in the middle. Respective families on each side.”
After a few pictures, the twins got fidgety. Ally picked Zoey up and the little girl curled into her. Zane eyed Cody and stretched his arms up, and Cody scooped him up.
Ally bit her lip. He looked good holding a child. Too good. She could imagine marrying Cody. Could imagine them with kids. Could he?
“Very good. Okay, now let’s get Lance’s family and we’ll be done.”
Ally and Cody handed the kids over to their parents and settled on a pew to wait. Several minutes later, Kendra wrapped the photo session.
“Thanks so much, Kendra.” Ally jumped up to help with her equipment.
“You know how I knew I loved Stetson?” Kendra whispered.
“How?” Why did Kendra feel the need to share this?
“I was all awkward around him. And he made me laugh.”
Her gaze cut to Cody talking to Lance. As if sensing her interest, he looked her way. And sent her another wink.
Her cheeks scalded. “We’re not—”
“Uh-huh.” Kendra slung her bag over her shoulder. “I’ll have the pet pictures ready soon. And I hope you’ll let me do your wedding photos.”
“We’re really just friends. Cody makes everybody laugh.”
“You just keep telling yourself that.” Kendra grinned. “Bye, everyone. I’ll get with you about the pictures in a few weeks.” She waved and exited the church.
“You sure you’ll be all right?” Mom gave Ally a lingering hug.
“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.”
“Comes with the territory.” Mom pulled away. “Watch out for my girl, Cody.”
“You can count on me.”
Then, hand in hand, Mom and her new husband walked out of the church. Leaving Ally behind. Alone.
“You okay?” Cody’s calloused hand closed over hers.
She nodded, not trusting herself with words.
“No cleanup. I reckon we can go if you’re ready. Best rest up for the trip tomorrow.”
“Feel like working on the pens?”
“Sure.” His smile lit his eyes as if building pens were his favorite thing to do.
What had she done without him for twelve years? He was such a good guy. Such a good friend.
“I need to keep busy.” If she went home, with nothing to do, she’d ramble around the empty house missing Mom and drowning in loneliness.
“How ’bout we stop at Moms on Main and get supper.”
“Sounds good.” She needed Cody today. Not to get too close. But to keep her company. Keep her from being alone. She was almost looking forward to their trip tomorrow.
When had she allowed herself to need him so much?
* * *
Once they got on the road, Cody reached for her free hand. Her slender fingers entwined in his. “You’re quiet.”
“I miss my mommy.” Her put-on childlike voice melted his insides.
“Have you heard from her?”
“She called last night—let me know their flight went okay. They’re in Florida and the weather is lovely.”
“You sleep okay?”
“I cried like a big baby and let both dogs sleep in my bed. I needed cuddling.”
He squeezed her hand. “Sorry.”
“I’m okay. I’m a big girl. An adult. It just happened so fast. And I never saw it coming.”
“It was fast. ’Bout gave me whiplash trying to keep up. I’ve still got that shoulder if you need it.”
“I think I’ve taken advantage of your shoulder enough as it is. Besides, I’m driving.”
Even if he didn’t touch her any more than this for the entire trip, he could spend the rest of his days like this. Just being with her was better than any bull ride. Who knew a road tr
ip with Ally would be the highlight of his year? Except for the kiss.
He needed to quit thinking about that or he’d mess up and do it again.
“I just hope none of my clients have emergencies and whoever is out to sabotage me doesn’t pull anything.”
“You left the vet in Denton’s number on your machine. My foreman’s staying at my place and Derek and his wife at yours. Besides that, Mitch is keeping an eye on things. And I doubt your nemesis knows we’re all gone. Relax.”
“I’m trying.” She blew out a big breath.
“Why do you always wear your hair like that?” He let go of her fingers, caught the end of her braid and gave it a light tug.
“My hair’s so thick and heavy it gets in the way when I’m working.”
“But you’re not working.”
“Habit, I guess.”
“Take it down.”
“Um, I’m driving. And what, you don’t like my braid?”
“I do. But I really like to see it down sometimes. You look more relaxed when it is.” He slipped his fingers under the band at the end. “May I?”
“I guess.” She rolled her eyes.
He pulled the band free and gently unwound each strand. Fruity shampoo tackled him as wavy tendrils escaped.
“So tell me about the woman marrying your grandpa.”
“She’s very nice. And she loves him.”
“That’s all?”
“It’s enough.” He could barely concentrate. The longing to run his fingers through her silky mane plagued him. He fisted his hand. Stop looking at her. But he couldn’t seem to pull his gaze away. Especially with her hair down. “I don’t know if you remember or not, but Grandma made quilts.”
“I do remember. There were beautiful quilts all over their house when I went to her funeral with you.”
“They’re still there. When Grandpa asked Vivian to marry him and she agreed, he put all the quilts away so she wouldn’t feel like she was moving into another woman’s house. But Vivian had a hissy fit. Said such lovely quilts shouldn’t be hidden and she wanted to help him keep Grandma’s memory alive.”
“She sounds great.”
“He’s been lonely a long time.” He really had to stop looking at Ally’s delicate profile. He turned away, facing front, leaned back on the headrest. “Like your mom. But we’re not losing them. We’re gaining new people in our families. New people to love. Speaking of which, you were great with the twins. They sure latched on to you quick.”
“It’s funny. I’ve always been better with animals than kids. But those two charmed my boots off.”
“I can’t imagine having twins.” Except maybe with her. With Ally by his side, he could handle anything.
“Definitely double the work.” She got quiet again. “But maybe it wouldn’t seem like work with the right person at your side.”
A comfortable silence settled between them.
Could he be that person for her? Cody relaxed. Content just being with her. How had she woven herself so deeply into his heart?
Chapter Thirteen
Cody snored like a bulldog.
“Wake up. We’re here,” she said, shaking him a little.
His eyelids fluttered and slowly opened. “We’re here? In Medina? You mean I slept the whole way?”
“From the way you were snoring, guess you didn’t sleep good last night. Or do you always do that?” She smoothed her hands over her hair, glanced around.
“I don’t snore.” He looked insulted.
“Got proof.” She tapped her phone. A sucking sound echoed from the speaker, then a loud rumble.
“Wow. Are you planning to blackmail me with that?”
“It could come in handy.” The homey farmhouse looked the same as it had almost thirteen years ago. Would his family think it odd she was here? Would they assume she and Cody were dating? She’d have to be on guard with her feelings. Especially around Caitlyn. “Did you tell your grandpa I was coming?”
“I mentioned I was bringing a friend. Didn’t tell him who.” He got out. “I’ll get the cases later. Not sure where we’ll be sleeping. We may end up in Mitch’s cabin.”
“You think your grandfather will even remember me?” She climbed down from the truck. “I mean, he met me during the worst time of his life.”
“He liked you. He’s even asked about you over the years.”
“Really?”
“You’re hard to forget.”
Her pulse spiked.
The front door opened and Caitlyn stepped out with Michaela snuggled against her shoulder. “Ally. I didn’t know you were coming. How did you pry her away from her clinic, Cody?”
“I reckon it was my charm.”
“You know, come to think of it, you always could handle her better than anyone else.” Caitlyn’s suspicious gaze moved from Cody to Ally.
“You make me sound like a donkey or something.” Ally hurried to the porch.
“If the hoof fits. But I’m so glad you’re here. We’ll have so much fun. Just like old times with the three of us back together.”
“Let me see that baby girl.”
Caitlyn handed Michaela over.
“She’s getting so big.” Downy coal-colored hair and eyes a vivid blue like her mother’s. “And she gets prettier every time I see her.”
“Thanks.” Caitlyn grinned. “Going on eight months.”
“Just wait, punkin.” Cody climbed the steps and blew a zerbert on the little girl’s fist. “I’m gonna teach you all kinds of things when you get a bit more mobile.”
“Don’t do us any favors.” Caitlyn whacked his shoulder.
“Just a little horseback riding, swimming and fishing. We’ll save mountain climbing, hang gliding and bull riding for when she gets older.”
“We’ll pass on the last three.” Caitlyn clutched a hand to her heart.
“Don’t even try it.” Ally leveled a glare at him.
“Guess I’ll tuck my tail and head for the house.” He winked at Michaela. “For now.”
“Don’t worry, baby. Your daddy carries a gun. He’ll keep you safe from Uncle Cody’s shenanigans.” Caitlyn swatted him again as he opened the door for them. “Everyone’s gathered in the family room.”
The house had changed little from what she remembered of the one time she’d been there.
The scent of the cedar walls gave off a cozy feel as they strolled to the back of the house. In the huge gathering room, Mitch and Grandpa occupied recliners, with Cody’s parents, his aunt and his uncle lining the taupe leather sectional.
Tara and a sandy-haired man cuddled in the window seat, and Cody’s cousin, his wife and their daughter worked on a puzzle at an oak pedestal table. Three quilts brightened the room.
“Do you know everyone?”
Cody’s hand rested at the small of her back. Making it hard for her to think. “I haven’t officially met Tara’s husband.”
“This is Jared. Ally was in the same class as Cody and Caitlyn and owns the shelter where I got Buttercup.”
“Nice meeting you,” he said.
“You, too. How is Buttercup?”
“We just love her,” Tara gushed. “We brought her with us. She’s out in the back right now.”
“Oh, good. I get to see her.”
“Cody didn’t tell me his friend was female.” Grandpa stood, grasped Ally’s hand. “Or have y’all become more than friends?”
“No, Grandpa.” Cody’s tone was stiff. “We’re just friends.”
Ally’s heart took a nosedive.
Though she had clarified their relationship to others, it hurt to hear it coming from Cody.
“You young people and your issues,” Grandpa scoffed. “Silly boy. This girl�
��s much too pretty to be just friends with.”
Heat washed over her face. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Warren.”
“Call me Tex.”
“Sorry for the teasing, Ally.” Mitch chuckled. “It means he likes you.”
“I reckon you’ll get to meet my bride at the church. I don’t get to see her until she walks the aisle.” Tex grimaced. “I don’t believe in superstition, especially at our age, but Vivian insisted we follow tradition.”
“Can I help with decorations or prep?”
“It’s done.” Audra, Cody’s mom, curled her legs up on the couch. “Our crew of ladies was able to come a few days ago.”
“What time’s the wedding?”
“Seven.” Cody checked his watch. “We’ve got three hours. How ’bout we go for a walk?”
“Look at you raring to go after you slept the whole way while I drove.”
“Car rides always knock me out like a light.” Cody gave her a sheepish grin. “Maybe a horseback ride would be more relaxing. I can show you the ranch. Unless you’re too tired.”
“Sounds fun. Lead the way.”
As they stepped outside, the late-September afternoon was perfect, the sun warm and bright, with a breeze rustling through brittle leaves. Live oaks with twisted, knobby limbs reached toward the trail on each side of them.
The path beside the ranch house opened into a pasture where a dozen palominos grazed. In the distance, a cabin nestled beside a pond.
“It’s beautiful.”
“It is. It was hard to leave behind.”
“Why didn’t you stay here? Why did you come back to Aubrey?”
He shrugged. “Aubrey’s home. The bulk of my family is there. And I felt like I was cramping Grandpa’s love life here.”
So it had nothing to do with her. Not because she’d stumbled upon him in the rehab center with her dog program and he’d realized he couldn’t live without her.
“I hope you brought boots.”
“They’re in my suitcase.”
“My kind of gal. Never travel without boots.”
If only she could really be his gal.
* * *
Cody scanned the church. He’d attended here during childhood visits and his recovery after his bull wreck. Knew several faces but couldn’t connect most of them with names. He’d met Vivian’s son and daughter and their spouses and kids before the wedding. They all seemed nice. Good Christian people.
Reuniting with the Cowboy Page 14
