by Erica Penrod
“I know that, but I don’t think it’s as easy as that for Bo. He has a hard time believing people care about him.”
“Why?” She took another sip. “I think he’s amazing.”
“He was raised by a single mother and then she died in an accident. The courts sent him to live with his biological father, a man he’d met maybe once or twice, and that’s when he started acting out.”
Lexi closed her eyes, picturing Bo’s sweet face. “That hurts my heart.”
Lucas wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. “I know it does, and that’s why you’re going to make a great mom someday.”
* * *
He felt her body stiffen in his arms. Confused, he lifted her chin to look into her eyes. Lucas recognized the pain he’d seen there before, and he couldn’t help her if he didn’t know about everything she was dealing with. “Lexi, what’s going on?”
Her bottom lip quivered and she shook her head.
“Don’t you know by now that you can tell me anything?”
She continued to shake her head. “I’ve made that mistake before.”
He remembered the night he found her so upset and knew she’d been wounded deeply. Whoever the guy was, he was an idiot.
“I’m not him.”
She looked bewildered. “How … how … did you know—”
“It’s not difficult to see that someone broke your heart.” He reached over to the side table and pulled a tissue from the box, handing the cloth to Lexi.
“Thanks.” She dabbed at her eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Why you don’t you just start at the beginning?”
She nodded and surveyed the empty waiting room before she began. “I dated a guy for three years and I knew it was just a matter of time before we got married, and my family adored him.” She picked at the rim of her paper cup. “Anyway, a couple months before I graduated, I started having some health problems …” She paused for a second. “Female problems. So I went to the doctor, and then I was referred to a specialist.”
Lucas’s insides knotted in concern. “Are you okay?”
A profuse sadness shadowed her beautiful features. “Yes.”
He let out a big breath and drew her close.
“But I can’t have children,” she said.
Her words sucked the air from his lungs. She pulled away from him and he wished she’d given him a minute to digest their meaning.
“And needless to say, Brian acted the same way you are now, and he ended things,” she said as she got up from the chair.
“Lexi … I …” He panicked. Lucas didn’t know how to respond. He’d pictured a future with Lexi and eventually children, and now that had been ripped away from him. He needed time to think, but knew she was hanging on the edge, waiting to see if he would reach out to her or let her fall.
She looked down at him with such anguish as she backed away. Tears fell down her cheeks and she wiped them with her hands.
“Please, I—”
Lexi turned and ran out the door, leaving a wave of sadness in her wake.
“Don’t leave,” Lucas called too late.
He wanted to chase her and fix everything, but he couldn’t. Not when he didn’t know what he would say when he caught her.
Chapter 17
Lexi stood in the parking lot and wondered what she should do next. She didn’t want to leave Bo, but she didn’t want to face Lucas either. The pain in her heart was gone; her body was numb, like her mind shut everything down for her own protection. Lexi didn’t need to think about Lucas and his reaction. She’d been through this with Brian. There was nothing she could tell herself that she hadn’t said before, and she wasn’t ready to listen anyway.
She wanted to go bed for a day or two—maybe then she could face the truth—but she didn’t have a ride and she wasn’t about to start hiking. Lucas drove and her cell phone was on the dresser back home. Luckily, she still had most of her snow gear on, so frostbite wasn’t an immediate threat.
Across the street there was a gas station, but her pockets were empty, so death by chocolate wasn’t a viable option either.
“Lexi.” Lucas called her name. She closed her eyes and drew in a breath.
“Lexi, wait.” His voice and footsteps was coming closer.
Lucas touched her shoulder and she turned around. He was out of breath and his face was flushed.
“Will you give me a second to explain?” he said, sucking in the air.
“There’s nothing to say,” she said, biting her lip. “And where’s Bo?”
“They’re finishing up the splint. I told him I’d be right back.” He reached for her hand. “I had to find you. Please forgive me.” He squeezed her fingers. “I just needed a minute to process what you said, and it doesn’t change anything for me. I love you.”
“But I saw your face when Viv said she was pregnant. I know you want kids.”
“I do … someday,” he agreed. “But there are other ways. We both know there are so many kids out there who need a good home. I just needed a second to realize our future would be different than I had imagined.”
“You shouldn’t have to imagine anything other than what you wanted. I feel like a failure.” Tears filled her eyes. “I don’t expect you to want me now. You deserve more than me.” She sniffled. “I can’t give you a family or the life you’ve always wanted. And even if you say you’re okay without any of your own biological children, you’ll end up resenting me for it down the road.”
Lucas touched her face. “Did you hear me?” He stared into her eyes. “I want you. I love you, and you are not a failure. I could never resent you.”
She wiped her nose on her sleeve. “You will. You’re the only child and you’ll want to pass on the Royal name.”
“Lexi, you’re going to have to trust me on this.” He lifted her chin so she had to face him. “I can’t undo all the heartache and pain you’ve endured over this, right here, right now. But I promise you …” He kissed her lips. “I will spend the rest of my life proving that you, Lexi Evans, are the most incredible woman I have ever known. And if our babies are delivered by stork, the post office, or down the chimney with Santa, I don’t care, because you are my family and we will be a family.”
The tears continued to spill down her face. Lucas said everything she prayed he would, and still she was scared. Lexi didn’t know if she’d survive getting her hopes up once again, only to have them come crashing down all around her. Her heart wanted to believe in him, even though her head listed a million reasons why she shouldn’t.
Swallowing back the fear, she looked into his eyes. She knew those eyes. Lexi had to trust the man she’d come to know over the last month, because the possibility of a life without him seemed more unbearable than dealing with the obstacles ahead.
“I want to believe you.” She bit her trembling lip.
“We’ll take it one level at a time.” He grinned and wrapped his arms around her. “You are a strong woman.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And I’m so glad I hired you.” Lucas smiled again.
“Me, too.” She melted into his embrace and let go of her sorrow.
“One day at a time, okay?”
Lexi nodded. He was her Christmas miracle.
He tilted her chin and kissed her lips gently. “But there was one question on the application you forgot to fill out …” He kissed her again.
“I must’ve missed that part.”
“Bottom line on the last page,” Lucas said. “And I quote: Are you willing to marry your boss? Check yes or no.”
Lexi reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. She closed her eyes and pressed her mouth to his. Everything she felt for him surfaced and the intensity rushed through her. She kissed him harder, wanting him to know how much she loved him. Lucas lost his balance for a second; then he steadied and matched the fervor of her kiss with his own. The world stopped … and when they pulled away for air, Lexi knew her life had just begun.
“Wow,” Lucas touched his lips. “Was that a yes?”
Lexi stepped back, put her hands on her hips. “You tell me.” She winked. “Do I get a raise, too?”
Epilogue
Her mother was in a tizzy, but some things couldn’t be helped.
“I’m wearing the boots,” Lexi said as she pulled on the brown leather cowboy boots. “They were a gift from Viv and I love them,” she said, admiring the turquoise and red designs swirling around the tops.
“Really, Lexi,” her mother huffed. “They’re nice, but they don’t go with your dress.”
“Sure they do.” Melissa ran her fingers through one of Lexi’s curls. “Today is her day and if she wants cowboy boots with her wedding dress, so be it.”
“My fairy godsister.” Lexi grinned.
“Just remember,” Melissa said. “After midnight, the spell is broken and you’ll turn back into a chef.”
“Perfect,” Lexi said, taking her sister in her arms. “As long as I get to keep the prince.”
“Not too tight, Lexi,” her mom said. “You’ll wrinkle your dress.”
Letting go of her sister, Lexi reached for her mom and pulled her near. “Thanks, Mom. For everything. For letting me dream my own dream.”
Her parents were apprehensive about their daughter starting her married life in a boys’ home, but once they came to visit and saw how the program worked, they seemed to have relaxed.
“I’m glad you’re happy. I love you, and I love Lucas,” her mom said. “I’m so proud of you.”
“I love you, too.”
There was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Lexi said.
Lucas’s mom, Amanda, and Viv came in. They closed the door behind them. Viv held her six-week infant son in her arms.
“You look beautiful,” Amanda said as she crossed the room and admired Lexi’s dress. “Like a princess.”
“I feel like a princess,” Lexi said, turning back to the full-length mirror.
Her dress was made of simple lace, with an empire waist fitted to the curves of her body. The long sleeves were trimmed in hand-stitched beadwork at the wrists. The bottom of the dress flared into a mermaid skirt floating around her.
Lexi lifted her dress, revealing her boots to Viv.
“Looks good, cowgirl,” the new mother said.
“Let me see that little guy,” Lexi said, motioning to Viv.
Viv lifted the blanket to reveal the tiny boy with tufts of golden hair and cherub cheeks. He squirmed and stretched as if he knew he were on display.
Lexi smiled, admiring the little man. Her heart did a little happy dance, thinking about the little bundles of joy in her future, knowing that how they got here didn’t matter. She would be their mother and Lucas would be their father. Any child would be loved and accepted by them both. Lucas would be an incredible father. She’d already witnessed that with the boys.
“What’s his name?” Melissa asked as she gently stroked his face.
“Jate Eli Jameson.” Viv’s face glowed with pride.
“He’s one cute little cowboy,” Lexi said.
“Thanks,” Viv said. “Boone and I sure think so.”
“Don’t forget Grandpa,” Amanda said. “You should see Eli with his grandson. I don’t even recognize him.”
Viv laughed. “That’s what I said when he married you.”
Amanda grinned, wrapping her arm around her stepdaughter. “He’s just full of surprises.”
“Speaking of surprises,” Lexi’s mom said, “I know a certain young man who’s impatiently waiting in the other room for his to arrive.”
Lexi’s insides bubbled like a champagne glass full of nerves and excitement.
“I think it’s time,” Amanda said.
Lexi agreed. She’d waited her whole life for this day.
* * *
Mountain snow drifted outside the windows of High Country as Lexi stepped into the great room that was now a winter wonderland. Ten fresh-cut pine trees surrounded the area, each decorated in white ornaments with clear lights. White toile was draped around the backs of the chairs with fresh pine boughs and holly berries tied in the center. A hundred paper snowflakes hung from the ceiling, a project she and the boys tackled the week before. The kitchen counter was decorated with crystal trays of Christmas candy of every kind and fresh fruit on skewers to be dipped in the chocolate fountain.
She said a silent prayer, thanking God for the blessings in her life, all of which were seated in this room. Her family, Lucas’s family, and the boys of High Country. The seven boys seated on the third row were the newest house members. Since she started a year ago, twenty-one boys had come and gone, each one forever etched in her heart. But there was one boy who’d been with her from the start, more precious than the rest, and that was Bo, standing next to Lucas with Atiu, Earl, and Boone.
When Bo began to thrive under Lexi’s care and Lucas’s guidance, his birth father gave them permission to take him as a foster child, making Lexi an instant mother. And now that she was about to become Lucas’s wife, she couldn’t imagine being any happier.
The groomsmen looked dashing in their gray suits and red ties, making all the effort of having a custom suit made large enough for Atiu in the color she wanted worth the hassle. Earl had even trimmed up his goatee for the occasion, and she made sure Bo had a haircut a couple days ago to go with his new attire.
Lexi saw Lucas and her heart tried to pound right out of her chest. Tears threatened to ruin her makeup and she bit her lip. His midnight hair was combed back, accentuating his rich brows and his unforgettable blue eyes. A clean-shaven face showed off the angle of his jaw and cheekbones, while his full lips made her want to skip ahead to the you may kiss your bride part of the ceremony.
The music started and she linked her arm through her father’s. He looked over at her, his eyes swimming in emotion, and he nodded towards her groom. “He’s a good guy,” he said, and patted her hand.
Lexi glanced at Lucas and then up at her father. “I know.”
The audience stood, and she took a step forward towards the man she loved.
* * *
Lexi tossed the bouquet to her sister, took Lucas’s hand, and climbed into the sleigh. She waved at her family and laughed with delight when she noticed the horse adorned with flowers in his mane and bells on his harness. She sat down and Lucas pulled her close. They draped blankets across their laps, and away they went.
With the barn barely out of sight, Lexi nuzzled on Lucas’s ear. “I hope you remembered the hot chocolate,” she said.
He squirmed in his seat. “Careful, you’ll make me drop the reins.”
“I’d hate to be cold and hungry on our wedding night,” she whispered in his ear.
“Girl, I’ve been starving for you since the day we met and I intend to indulge myself.” Lexi’s face blushed at the idea. “And as far as getting cold,” he said, “don’t worry about that. We’re going to work on our Survival 101.”
“Well, in that case …” Lexi fell back in the seat and put her hand across her forehead. “Save me now.”
Lucas pulled back the reins and the sleigh came to a stop. He took his bride in his arms and she giggled at the hunger in his eyes. “Mrs. Royal, I’m about to kiss you like our lives depends on it.”
And he did.
The End
* * *
Thanks for reading The Chef, the Holidays, and the Husband by Erica Penrod. There are more Country Brides & Cowboy Boots available including The Horse Trainer, the Buyer, and the Bride from Erica Penrod.
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The fun doesn’t stop here. There are more Country Brides & Cowboy Boots books available.
Horses, Hayrides, and Husbands
by Jeanette Lewis
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The Sheriff’s Bride
by Kimberly Krey
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The Inventive Bride
by Maria
Hoagland
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An Unexpected Groom,
A Much-Anticipated Bride,
and A Country Wedding
The Fair Catch Ranch Family Saga
by Lucy McConnell
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Also by Erica Penrod
For more sweet cowboy romances by Erica Penrod, click on the titles below.
Find out what happens when you combine three strong willed (some may say stubborn) cowboys, one reality television show, the women they fall for, and rodeo in the Cowboy Reality Romance series.
Cowboy Reality Romance: Kip
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Sneak Peek at The Horse Trainer, the Buyer, & the Bride
The last thing Vivien McIntyre needed was another man in her life. She crushed the piece of hay between her teeth, then rubbed at her temples as she watched the truck and trailer come up the drive. Her head reeled at her father’s audacity to hire another horse trainer instead of her. She’d devoted her life to learning the art of horsemanship—turned down college scholarships and spent all her twenty-three years on the ranch. This was her university, and she thought her father understood that. Eli McIntyre’s decision felt like a jab to the heart by the sharp end of a shovel, and no matter how she tried to get over it, the insult gnawed through her gut.
The dogs barked and circled the vehicle. Maybe they’ll mark their territory on the tires. She smiled for half a second, until reality and thoughts of the new employee pulled her face into a scowl. Wiping the moisture from her forehead, Viv squinted to get a glimpse of the man as he opened the door—the man about to push her out of the saddle she worked so hard to climb into. Gripping the rail, she cussed as a sliver from the rough wood cut into her skin.
