A Family With the Cowboy (The Westons of Montana #1)

Chapter Twenty

O kay, this was now officially ridiculous. Hayden threw his phone on the bed. He was beat. Tired didn’t begin to describe the bone-deep exhaustion he experienced. It was a busy time on the ranch, they rarely slept. He wasn’t complaining about the lack of sleep or the hard work—that came with having a ranch. The reason for the frustration gnawing at his insides was because he rarely saw his fiancée.

It was the beginning of May, two months since he’d put his grandma’s ring on Laura’s finger, but he might as well still be single. Cold showers only helped up to a certain point. They saw one another once a week at the most and then neither of them wanted to talk. There were things to discuss, plans they had to make, but there was never time. When they were together, talking simply wasn’t on his mind. He’d wanted to surprise her with a date for their wedding, but the days were too short to get everything done on the ranch, let alone organize a wedding.

For the past two months, he, Willow, Coop, and Becket even had to skip Sunday lunches as well. Calves didn’t care for human schedules. Willow was also still busy with the last paintings for her upcoming exhibition, but she always helped during crazy times.

May meant they had to get the fences ready in the summer pastures. Branding lay ahead, a crazy busy time of year when all the ranchers helped each other. Bulls had to be tested, so that they would be sound for breeding. And soon they would move the cattle to the summer grass.

He wanted Laura here, with him. Even more, he needed her. It was also a busy time for her at school. He’d never really thought about a teacher’s job, but listening to Laura, it seemed like ranching. Teaching was also a never-ending job.

So how the hell were they supposed to get married when nobody had time to organize a wedding? His phone rang. It was his mother. In that moment, a lightbulb flashed in his mind. Of course. Why hadn’t he thought of it before?

“Mom, am I glad you phoned.”

His mother laughed. “I’m no Willow, but I have been wondering about the wedding…”

“Exactly what I wanted to talk to you about.”

*

“So, where are we going again?” Laura asked, before hiding a yawn behind her hand. Going shopping on a Saturday was so not something she had time for right now, but Arlene and Willow simply wouldn’t take no for an answer. Feeling guilty because she’d seen so little of her future mother-in-law and sister-in-law, she finally agreed.

To be honest, she’d much rather have spent the day with Hayden. She wanted to be his wife, live with him, share his bed every single day, not just if and when they had time. How were they supposed to fit a wedding in around ranching and seasons and people, though? Her own crazy schedule at school didn’t help, either. Maybe when schools broke in the beginning of June, they could make time.

Willow parked her truck. “It’s a surprise, but I promise you, you’re going to love it. Ellie, I’m so glad you’ve joined us.”

“I haven’t really been anywhere since I’ve arrived in Marietta,” Ellie said as she got out of the truck. “I’ve never been to Bozeman. It’s a beautiful city.” Turning around, she sighed. “Look at those mountains—I’ll never get enough of looking at them.”

Arlene took Laura’s arm. “That’s why Bozeman is called the Queen of the Rockies. You should come for a weekend. The historic districts and museums are really something. But today…drumroll…we are shopping for wedding dresses.”

Laura gasped. “What? But…”

“I know.” Arlene smiled. “You haven’t set a date yet, and you’re both working long hours and rarely see each other. That’s why I thought we should start by trying on wedding dresses today. We are just looking,” she added quickly as Laura opened her mouth to object. “Come on.”

Swallowing her sigh, Laura traipsed behind Arlene and Willow. Ellie was looking wide-eyed at everything.

By the time Arlene steered Laura into the third wedding shop, she was ready to drop. She was so tired she couldn’t see straight. And honestly—the wedding dresses they’d seen so far were ghastly. It wasn’t as if she had a very specific idea of what she wanted, but she knew she’d prefer more dress and less skin than what most of the dresses they’d seen so far seemed to go for.

“Aah, Mom—you should’ve brought us here first,” cried Willow, and she rushed forward to touch a beautiful dress in a soft watermelon color. “Look at this one.”

“That would look gorgeous with your red hair,” Arlene said.

“It would, wouldn’t it?” sighed Willow. “A pity I’m never getting married.”

“Try it on, anyway.” Arlene smiled. “Come on, Laura. Let’s see what we can find for you.”

The friendly saleslady approached them. “How may I help you today?”

“We have a bride-to-be,” said Arlene before introducing everyone. “I hope you can help us. The dresses we’ve seen so far… let’s just say, they are not what we’re looking for.”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place. My name is Josie and it would be my pleasure to help you. Why don’t you sit down? I’ll ask my assistant to get us some mimosas while you tell me what you like. How does that sound?”

“Perfect.” With a deep sigh, Laura sank down on the nearest chair. Her feet were throbbing.

“There we go. Up with the feet,” Josie ordered as she pushed an ottoman under Laura’s legs. She took a chair opposite the bride-to-be and, cocking her head, just looked at her for a few moments.

The bubbly arrived and after one sip, Laura felt her shoulders relax for the first time in days.

Josie asked her a few questions before she got up. “Okay, I think I know what you’ll like.”

“Willow?” Arlene called and leaned forward to see where her daughter was.

The door to one of the fitting rooms opened and Willow stepped out. She was wearing the dress she’d been admiring. “What do you think?” she asked, saucily placing a hand on her hip.

“Oh, sweetie, that is the perfect dress for you.” Arlene sighed. “Now we just need to find you a husband.”

Willow rolled her eyes. “Seriously, Mom.” Quickly, she turned around.

“She does look gorgeous, doesn’t she?” Ellie said. “Marriage is definitely also not in my future, but these are gorgeous dresses.”

Both she and Arlene got up and walked toward the racks filled with wedding dresses in shades of white, cream, gray, pink, and even blue.

Arlene took down one in the palest of blues. “What about this one?” she asked. “Go on, try it on. It will look gorgeous with your blue eyes and blonde hair. We have all day. It’ll be fun!” She smiled as Ellie hesitated.

Grinning, Ellie took the dress. “Okay, maybe I should see what I look like in a wedding dress, seeing that I’m never going to wear one for real.”

“Laura?” Josie asked behind her.

Laura turned in her chair.

“What about something like this?” Josie asked and held out the dress she was carrying.

Laura’s heart sighed and she slowly got up. Josie was holding a stunning white dress in satin. The top crossed in front in such a way that the sleeves would drop down her shoulders. Classy, stylish, and with a touch of vintage. “It’s perfect. We haven’t set a date yet, but when we do, I’ll come back for this one.” She took the dress. “Arlene, look—this is so pretty—what do you think?”

“It’s beautiful. Go and try it on. Josie, do you have shoes for that dress? I’d love to see the whole picture.”

Josie grinned, clearly excited. “Yes, we do. Just a moment.”

A few minutes later, Laura stared at herself in the mirror, blinking back tears. She would’ve given anything to have her mom here today.

“May I come in?” asked Arlene from outside.

Laura wiped her eyes and opened the door.

Arlene took her hands. “Oh, Laura…” she sniffed. “I’m going to cry. You’re perfect for my son. And this…wow—this is the dress.” She stroked Laura’s arm. “You miss your mom?”

“I do,” Laura said, her throat tight.

“Come on out!” called Willow from outside. “We also want to see.”

Arlene gave Laura a hug before she opened the door.

Laura turned and posed as everyone admired the dress. There probably wouldn’t be time to get married before next winter, but it was fun trying on wedding dresses, anyway.

“Well, I think this has been a successful trip,” Arlene smiled. “Thanks for humoring me, Laura. Go put your clothes on. I’m taking you all to lunch!”

They found a restaurant not far from the bridal shop. It was only when Laura saw the menu that she realized how hungry she was. There hadn’t been time this week for a proper meal.

Arlene’s phone rang and she left the table.

“Have you eaten here before?” Ellie asked Willow. “What do you suggest?”

As they decided on what to eat, Laura leaned back in her chair. This had been a good idea. She’d been so busy at school. While she was still playing catch-up with the kids in her class, there was always something else going on too. She loved working with the kids and she loved her job, but it meant seeing less and less of Hayden.

He had warned her in the beginning how busy it always was on a ranch. She tried not to complain, but she missed him something fierce.

“Where’s Arlene?” Ellie asked when their drinks arrived.

“Probably still on the phone,” Willow said, her face hidden by the menu. “So what are we eating?”

*

The next Friday morning, Hayden stood outside the homestead, grinning. They’d done it. With the help of the cowboys on their ranch as well as their neighbors, they’d converted the lawn in front of his house into a wedding venue. His mom had found a catering business who had put up a stretched tent, brought chairs, and who would also do tomorrow’s catering. There were flowers everywhere—also thanks to his mother. They’d been working nonstop the whole week.

Willow walked closer. “It looks perfect, bro. I’m not sure how we’ve done it with everything else going on, but you have a wedding venue. And your bride has a dress, even though she doesn’t know it yet.” She laughed.

“Thank you for helping Mom with that,” he grinned. “Everything okay for tonight?”

“Everything is perfect. I will let you know when we’re on our way to Grey’s Saloon. It is, after all, the place where you first saw her.”

Shaking his head, Hayden grinned. “You know about that?”

“Of course I do. You just make sure you guys are on time.”

*

Friday night, Laura parked her car in front of Ellie’s Yarn Cove. It was raining and miserable outside. She missed Hayden. He was working again tonight and said he couldn’t see her. All she wanted was something to eat and her bed, but her friends had other ideas. For some reason or other, the book club had been moved to tonight, and all her excuses were ignored.

Wearily, she got out of her car and walked toward Ellie’s shop. The soft drizzle had her hurrying.

Strange. The place was dark. She peered through the glass door, but couldn’t see anything. Maybe they were in the back? Or had she completely misunderstood Arlene?

Sighing, she tried the door. It opened. Okay, so that meant…

As she stepped inside, the lights came on.

“Surprise!” yelled the whole book club, each with a glass of bubbly in hand.

Laura was so flabbergasted, she couldn’t get a word out.

Arlene, with a bride’s veil in her hands, walked up to her. “You better brace yourself, sweetheart, there are a few more shockers in store for you tonight. This is the first one. You’ve just arrived at your kitchen tea/bachelorette party/whatever.” Dazed, Laura stared at her friends as Arlene put the veil on her head.

“Come on, get your coat off.” Willow laughed. “We have presents for you!”

A wonderful warm feeling spread throughout Laura’s body. And to think she’d been so miserable. There was so much to be grateful for. Not only was she engaged to a gorgeous cowboy and had become part of his family, but she’d also found the most wonderful friends.

Laughing, she hugged Arlene. “So that’s why you didn’t want a lift tonight. I suppose everyone in town knows by now Hayden and I are engaged?”

“Everyone already knew by Sunday night.” Arlene grinned.

“I told you about this town,” Maria said. “Everyone knows everything. I heard the news Monday morning before school.”

Laura shook her head. “I was wondering how everyone at school knew about it.”

“Well,” Arlene said, “Carol Bingley phoned me on Sunday evening to confirm the rumor.”

Laura groaned. “We only got engaged on Sunday!”

Janice patted her arm. “It’s Marietta, my dear. Everyone knows everything.”

“We are leaving for Grey’s Saloon after you’ve opened your presents.” Willow smiled. “I cannot tell you how happy I am that one of my siblings is getting married. Mom will hopefully stop pestering me about getting a husband.”

“Well, you never know.” Janice grinned. “This is Marietta, after all. Anything can happen.”

Smiling, Ellie gave Laura a glass of bubbly. “Cheers, Laura. I’m so happy for you. Good men are few and far between, but from what I’ve heard in town, you’ve struck gold.”

Annie also came closer for a hug. “I like to think Annie’s is the reason why you and Hayden got together. If you and your friend hadn’t stayed with us on your way to Yellowstone National Park, you may never have fallen in love with Marietta!”

Laughing, Vivian raised her glass. “To Marietta and Copper Mountain. There is a certain kind of magic at work here, whether you’re looking for it or not.”

Sniffing, Laura dug into her pocket for a tissue. “I can’t stop crying! I’m so happy. It’s so dreary outside, but then you guys…”

Behind them, the door of the shop flew open. They all turned around. A very wet, shivering woman entered. For a moment, she stared at them before she burst into tears.

Laura’s protective instincts kicked in and she rushed closer. “Hello, I’m Laura,” she said softly as she took the woman’s arm. “Come on in. You look cold.”

“Here,” Riley said as she approached them with a towel in hand. “Let’s get you out of that wet jacket.”

*

Hayden kept looking at his watch. What on earth was keeping the women? It was nearly nine o’clock. Maybe he should’ve spoken to Laura first and told her what they’d been doing. Springing a surprise like this one on her after a busy week was maybe not such a bright idea, after all.

“Heard anything?” Cooper asked.

Hayden took out his phone. “I’m going to phone…”

“There they are,” Becket called out, pointing toward the door.

His mom, Willow, Vivian, Annie, Janice, and Maria all stood in the doorway, looking for them.

He hastened closer. “Where’s Laura? Why are you so late?”

His mother hugged him. “We had a bit of a hiccup. Nothing we gals couldn’t handle, so don’t worry. Laura will tell you all about it. She’s just in the bathroom. You’ve found yourself a lovely wife, son. She’s got a big heart. We’ll wait for you at the table.”

What hiccup? Was Laura having second thoughts? Frowning, he hurried to the bathrooms.

As he approached, the ladies’ room door opened and Laura stepped out. A beautiful smile lit up her face when she saw him. His heart settled. Everything was okay. Whatever problem there was, they’d talk about it and figure it out together.

Relieved, he took her hand. “Hey, beautiful. You passing through town?”

She batted her eyelashes while moving closer to him. “Well, I don’t know. I could decide to stay. Depends on what you have to offer.”

“Marry me?”

Laughing, she leaned into him. “I’ve already said yes, remember?”

“And you said any place, any time?”

Slowly, she looked up. “Yes, but…”

“I miss you. It’ll make more sense to wait until winter when we’re not so busy, but I want you… I need you with me. There are still things we need to figure out, I know. Do you want to keep your house? Are you happy to drive into town every day, because we won’t mind staying with you…”

Surprised, she stared at him. “You’d do that?”

“From tomorrow, I’m never going to be apart from you again.”

“What happens tomorrow?” She smiled.

“We’re getting married.”

With his breath in his throat, he watched every emotion on her face—surprise, worry, and finally joy. “Really?”

“Really.”

“I don’t have a dress…”

“It’s hanging in our room on the ranch.”

Frowning, she angled her head. “I don’t understand. What is…” Her eyes widened. “Your mother?”

“My mother. She bought it last Saturday while you were having lunch.”

“I can pay for—”

He quickly put a finger on her lips. “I know, but let me do this for you, please?”

Slipping her fingers in his hair, she pulled his head down for a slow kiss. They were both breathless when she moved her head back. “So tell me about this wedding.”

“Everyone pitched in. Willow, all your friends, my family, neighbors, just about everyone in town.”

“We’re getting married tomorrow?”

“Yes, please?”

“What can I do?”

“Show up.”

“I can’t wait.”

Of course, he had to kiss her again. “I can’t take you away for a honeymoon at the moment, but—”

It was her turn to put a finger on his lips. “I just want to be with you.”

Grinning, he pulled her closer. “It seems I was right all along.”

“About what?”

“Turns out, you’re not so averse to sweaty cowboys as you once thought.”

“I’ve discovered I love it. Kiss me, cowboy,” she demanded before she pulled his head down.

His heart finally settled. She was here, with him. The rest they’d sort out along the way. Together.