“I bet he was still hurt though.”
“Yeah, he was but I think he’s past it now. Then there’s Gage. He’s married but they’ve been separated for two years now. He threw Maggie off the ranch when he caught her with one of the ranch hands. He’s more than done with her. I hope he finds someone new one day, but I’m sure he’ll be skittish. He is one hell of a bull rider but he’s also great at bulldogging, or steer wrestling as some call it, and he’s been a champion several times. He hasn’t gone back since he broke his arm, but he probably will in the spring. Then there’s my only sister. Dani is the baby of the family. She’s married to Brandon Carlisle and they have two kids, Spencer and Mia. Dani and Sundance are great parents. He used to bull ride too.”
“Wait. I thought you said his name was Brandon?”
Jesse chuckled. “It is. Sundance is the nickname he’s had since he rode. He’s the image of Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid.”
“Wow. I’d like to meet him,” she said then laughed when Jesse growled at her.
“Then we have my oldest brother, Brayden.” Jesse took a deep breath. “He spent five years in prison for killing his first wife.”
Anna gasped. “What?”
“Yeah. We all knew he didn’t do it. He loved Maisy too much to harm her in anyway, but his fingerprints and Maisy’s were the only ones on the gun used to shoot her. Finally, it came out that Maisy’s own sister killed her because she was in love with Brayden. That man lost five years of his life because of that…woman. He was on death row in a Texas prison in Huntsville. Once they released him, he came home and decided to open an equine rescue and sanctuary in Maisy’s name because it was what she’d always wanted to do. It’s called MERAS for Maisy’s Equine Rescue and Sanctuary.”
“He married again? Because you said first wife.”
Jesse grinned. “Yeah, he hired Melissa as the veterinarian there. She had been Maisy’s best friend. And they fell in love. Well, Lissa loved him for years but he finally came to his senses and decided to fall in love again. He tells us all the time how blessed he is to have found love twice.”
She blinked her eyes. “That’s so great. I’d love to meet them all.”
“How about Thanksgiving?”
“I’d love to.” Anna snuggled against him and smiled when he wrapped his arms around her.
****
Thanksgiving morning was crisp and cold. Snow flurries swirled around, and heavier snow was predicted for later in the day. It didn’t matter. They were on the way to his parents’ ranch for their first holiday together. Jesse smiled remembering the conversation with his mother.
“You’re bringing Anna?” she asked.
“If that’s all right.”
“Of course, it’s all right. I can’t wait to meet her. So, everything is okay with you two now?”
“Yes, ma’am. We talked and she forgave me.”
“Oh, honey, I’m so happy for you. I know how miserable you were when you were apart.”
“I was. We’ll see you later, Mom.”
“All right. Love you, Jesse.”
“Love you too. Tell Dad I love him.”
His family was the best. He’d been worried how Anna was going to feel being around his dad but she assured him she was fine.
“I’m nervous,” she said from beside him.
He glanced over to her then back to the road. “About?”
“Meeting everyone.”
“You already know Gray and Ash.”
“That’s two people out of how many?”
“Six more. Eight if you count the two kids.”
“Oh my.”
Jesse reached for her hand. “You’ll be fine, darlin’. My parents can’t wait to meet you. Are you sure your family is all right with this?”
“Yes. We’ll just stop in later if the snow doesn’t get worse. I do want you to meet them and my sister and her husband. Abby’s my best friend and I think you’ll like Trace.”
“I’m sure I’ll like all of them.” He picked up her hand and kissed it.
Slowing the truck down, he pulled into the drive, and drove up to the house.
“Oh! It’s so pretty.”
Jesse nodded. The white farmhouse had black shutters and a porch that encircled the entire house. He parked by the back door alongside his brother, Brayden’s truck.
“Ready?”
“No.”
He chuckled. “You’ll be fine. Come on.”
He opened his door and stepped out then walked around to open her door. She sat there staring ahead. “Anna?”
She looked at him then back to the house. “I’m okay.”
He kissed her cheek. “Of course, you are.”
He took her hand in his then helped her out of the truck and led her up the steps then in through the back door and into the kitchen. The white cupboards with black hardware matched the big square tiled floor. The white appliances sat nestled between red marble countertops. It looked like everyone was in that room and they all stopped to look his way. His mother walked to them and hugged Jesse.
“Mom, this is Anna Tipton. Anna, my mother, Lori Beckett.”
“Anna, it’s so nice to meet you and we’re all so happy that you came. Let me take your coats.”
Later as they sat at the table, Anna joined in the conversation. Jesse was glad she seemed to get along with everyone. She laughed at the brothers teasing each other and at the ribbing he took as well. He leaned toward her.
“Ignore them. They live to torture me,” he whispered as he wrapped his hand around the nape of her neck.
“Sounds to me like you might have deserved some of it.”
“Some. Not all.” He grinned.
“I like your family. Go ahead and tell them.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.” She put her hand on his cheek.
Jesse cleared his throat. “Hey, everyone, can I say something?”
“No,” Gray, Gage, Brayden, and Ash said at the same time making everyone laugh.
“Of course, you can, JD,” Chester said then glared at his other sons.
“Uh, Anna and I are…uh…getting married.”
Silence then pandemonium broke out. Everyone stood and made their way to them and pulled them up from the chairs to hug them.
“I’m happy for you,” Gray said as he hugged him then Anna. “I’m glad it worked out but if you hurt her again, I’ll kick your ass.”
“Way to support your brother, Grayson,” Jesse growled.
“Just sayin’.” Gray winked at Anna making her laugh.
****
Anna loved Jesse’s family and she hit it off right away with Dani, Melissa, and Cassie. She didn’t have many friends since she’d spent the past two years of her life trying to keep the ranch, and so had rarely left it. Before that, she took care of Jamie.
She excused herself and headed for the bathroom. After entering, she closed the door and leaned back against it as tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Oh, Jamie. I hope you’re happy for me. I’d want you to find someone new if it had been the other way around. Jesse means the world to me and I love him so very much. There will always be a place in my heart for you. Be happy for me, please, Jamie,” she whispered then left the bathroom.
She almost ran into Brayden as she headed out through the hall. He laughed and grabbed her arms to steady her.
“Whoa! Sorry, I didn’t see you, Anna,” he said.
“I didn’t see you either, Brayden. I could have knocked you down.”
Brayden raised his eyebrow. “Seeing as I’m a lot bigger than you, I doubt that.”
“Okay, maybe not knock you down but I could have knocked the wind out of you.”
Brayden laughed. “True. Are you all right?” He tilted his head as he looked at her.
“Yes.”
“Sure? You look like you’ve been crying.”
“I, uh, was talking to Jamie,” she said as heat poured into her chee
ks.
Brayden leaned against the wall, folded his arms across his broad chest, and nodded.
“I can certainly understand that,” he said quietly.
Anna blew out a relieved breath. “I suppose you can.” She leaned against the wall next to him. “Jesse makes me happy and I did love Jamie but…”
“Anna, I know. I went through the same thing with Melissa. I was so mad at myself for loving her more than I loved Maisy. I loved Maisy but it was never this all-consuming love I feel for Melissa. Life is too short to worry about it. Just enjoy what time you have with JD. I can see how much he loves you.”
“Does the age difference bother you?”
Brayden burst out laughing. “No. Age is just a damn number and we are all too fixated on it. Besides, it doesn’t bother you or JD and you two are the only ones who matter.”
“That’s true but if your parents—”
“Aren’t worried about it at all. Trust me, you’d know if they were upset about it.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Be happy, Anna.”
Then he pushed off from the wall and disappeared into the bathroom.
Smiling, Anna straightened up and walked back to the kitchen where everyone was still sitting around the table. The men stood when she moved back to her seat. Cowboys were raised right. She smiled and took her seat beside Jesse. He kissed her cheek.
“Mom wants to know when we’re getting married. I told her tomorrow.”
“What?” Anna shrieked.
Everyone laughed and she knew he’d been teasing so she elbowed him making him grunt. “Do that again and there will be no wedding, Jesse Dalton Beckett.”
“Oh, I like her,” Dani said laughing.
Gage pushed his chair back and stood. “I need to get going. Last time I looked, the snow was piling up and I have horses to feed yet tonight since I gave the men the day off.”
Gray nodded and agreed. “Yeah, the weather is supposed to get worse. I hate to hear about the wrecks tonight.”
The two men moved to get their coats, hugged everyone, and left. Jesse stood at the door looking out then turned to Anna.
“It is piling up. Maybe we should go too.”
“Not until I help clean up.”
“All right. Do you want my help?” All the women turned to look at him. “What? I can’t help?”
“We want it done right. Go join the men in the living room,” Dani said.
Jesse grinned, saluted, and walked out of the kitchen.
“I think we’ve just been bamboozled,” Lori said.
“Bamboozled? Seriously, Mom? Who says that?” Dani laughed when her mother swatted a dishtowel at her.
The women all laughed and went about cleaning up the kitchen. Anna knew she was going to love this family as her own. They were all so kind to her and after talking with Brayden in the hallway, she knew she deserved the happiness she would find with Jesse.
When it came time to leave, she hugged everyone then let Jesse take her hand and lead her outside to the truck. Ice started to ping on the roof of the cab.
“Wonderful,” she muttered.
“I got this, darlin’. We’ll be fine.” He leaned over and kissed her then started the truck and drove them home and Anna knew he was right. They’d be fine. They’d always be fine.
Epilogue
Jesse sat at the main table, smiling as he watched his beautiful bride make her way through the tables, talking to their guests. She looked gorgeous in the sleeveless, figure fitting ivory wedding dress. They had arrived fifteen minutes ago, and she hadn’t sat down yet. He watched as she laughed and talked with Brayden. It was good to see his brother happy again and Anna was already close with Melissa, Cassie, and Dani. Her sister, Abby had been her matron of honor and Gage had been his best man. Speaking of Gage, where was he? Jesse looked around but didn’t see him anywhere. Standing, he headed for the back wall where Gray and Ash stood, looking as if they were holding it up.
“Hey, have you seen Gage?” he asked.
“He said he was going outside for a little while,” Gray told him.
“He’s all right though, right?”
“Yeah,” Ash said.
“I’m going to look for him,” Jesse said.
“No, JD. You’re going to have to dance with Anna in a few minutes.” Gray stared at him.
“Yeah, you’re right. I just hope today doesn’t make him think of his own wedding.”
“I’m sure it’s crossed his mind.” Ash nodded toward the door. “There he is.”
Jesse turned to see his brother enter the reception hall and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Gage laugh with someone. Just then, the band announced it was time for the bride and groom’s first dance. He grinned and weaved his way through the tables to get Anna. She smiled at him and he was sure his heart would burst with love for her.
“Ready, darlin’?” he asked when he reached her.
“Yes. Are you?”
“Born ready.” He took her hand and led her to the dance floor. He’d chosen the song, Feels so Right by Alabama. When it started, he turned her in his arms and pulled her against him.
“I love this song,” she whispered.
“I do too. You look so beautiful.”
“And you look very handsome in your tux.”
He smirked. “Yeah, okay. I just want to sneak out of here and get you out of that dress. I hated not sleeping with you last night.”
“Same here. I don’t think I slept much at all. I kept worrying you wouldn’t show.” She laughed.
“Hell, all you would have had to do was find Grayson. He would have found me then beat the hell out of me before he got me to the church.” He kissed her forehead. “Seriously, darlin’, why wouldn’t I show? I wanted to marry you the minute I saw you.”
“You said you’d never lie to me again, Jesse.” She pulled back and looked up at him.
“Okay, maybe not that minute, but I promise you it wasn’t long after that.”
When the song ended, he kissed her then they walked off the dance floor. Anna made her way to the ladies room while he made his way back to the table but before he made it very far, someone stepped in front of him. He stopped when he saw Rusty standing there.
“I’m glad you married her, boy.”
“Rusty, I told you I loved her.” Jesse stared at the older man.
“Yep, you sure did. She’s happier than I’ve ever seen her and if you ever hurt her again and I find out, I will come back here and kick your ass. You got that…boy?”
Jesse clenched his fists and gritted his teeth until he saw the mischievous glint in Rusty’s eyes. He ran his hand over his mouth then put it out to Rusty.
“If I ever hurt her again, I’ll let you.”
Rusty barked out a laugh as he took Jesse’s hand. “Glad we understand each other.”
He then slapped Jesse on the back and walked off.
Jesse shook his head as he headed back to the table.
It would soon be time to cut the cake. He watched as Anna walked toward their table, getting stopped along the way. She finally reached the table and he stood to hold the chair for her. She took her seat then leaned over and kissed him.
“When can we leave?” she asked him.
He laughed. “Not soon enough, unfortunately.”
“Damn.” Anna reached under the table and pulled her shoes off. “God, that feels so good.”
“Just promise to put them back on when we go to bed,” he whispered in her ear.
“Jesse Dalton Beckett, you are so bad.”
“One reason you love me, darlin’.”
“One of many, cowboy. One of many.”
He couldn’t wait to leave but he knew they had to stay a while longer. They had the rest of their lives to be together. He knew his love for her would grow every day and he’d show her in every way he knew how. She was the best thing to ever happen to him and he had told her the truth when he told her loving her was the best thing he’d ever done.
Jesse kissed her temple and smiled when she sighed. Yeah, he might have started out lying to her but if he hadn’t, he wouldn’t be where he was now—and he wouldn’t change that for all the money in the world.
**THE END**
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Other books by Susan:
Men of Clifton, Montana Series:
JAKE
GABE
BRODY
WYATT
RYDER
RILEY
SAM
BONNER
****
Bad Boys of Dry River, Wyoming:
LUCAS
MONTGOMERY
COOPER
LINCOLN
DAKOTA
STORM
MICAH
****
The Callahans:
A COWBOY FOR CHRISTMAS
A COWBOY OF HER OWN
A COWBOY’S HEART
A COWBOY TAKES A CHANCE
****
The Beckett Brothers:
BRAYDEN
ASH
JESSE
FIT FOR A KING (Standalone story)
Jesse: A Beckett Brothers Novel Book 3 (The Beckett Brothers) Page 17
