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

Chapter Twenty-One

G roggily, Laura opened her eyes. There were strange sounds coming from the direction of the kitchen. She quickly sat up. It took a few moments before the events of the previous night came flooding back. Rose had to be up. Molly was nowhere to be seen; she was probably also in the kitchen. Grabbing a top, she headed out of her room.

The woman who’d arrived at Ellie’s Yarn Cove last night—wet, shivering, and crying—was named Rose Dalton. That was all they’d gotten out of her last night. They’d brought her back to Laura’s home. It was probably crazy to open your house to a stranger, but there had been something so vulnerable in the poor woman’s eyes, she didn’t have the heart to leave her alone at a hotel or any other place.

Rose was standing in front of the window, a mug of coffee in her hand. She looked like a completely different woman from the one they’d seen last night, though. For one, she was dry, a cascade of red hair hanging down her back. She was wearing the track suit Laura had lent her the previous night. Molly was sitting at her feet. When the dog saw Laura, she got up and, tail wagging, ran over to her.

Bending down, she scratched Molly’s ears. Rose still hadn’t heard her. “Good morning, Rose,” Laura said softly.

Rose turned around.

“Your hair…”

Grimacing, Rose touched her red tresses. “Red hair and freckles, I know.”

“I was going to say you’re gorgeous. Your hair was so wet last night, I didn’t see the color. I’m so sorry we had to leave you alone last night, but…” Laura lifted her hand. “I got engaged a while back, but we’ve been so busy, there hadn’t been time to talk about the wedding. Turns out, my fiancé organized everything. We’re getting married today!”

Rose blinked. “Wow. That’s—”

“Crazy? Different?” Laura laughed. “So is this town.” Watching Rose, she poured herself a mug of coffee as well. “Where are you heading?”

Rose turned back from the window and sat down at the table. “I don’t really know. I just…I had to get away. I got in my car and put my foot on the gas. Somewhere along the highway, I saw the words, ‘Montana’ and ‘Yellowstone River.’ I’ve just watched a series set here, so I kept going. My car…I nearly ended up in a ditch last night, some crazy cowboy yelled at me…I think something is wrong with the tires—” Clearly overwhelmed, she wiped her eyes. “I’ve been so stupid.”

Laura pulled out a chair and sat next to Rose. “You know what I’ve discovered in Marietta? Oh, the gossip mill is astounding, but people also care for each other around here. We noticed you had a flat tire. Someone is picking up your car this morning and you’ll have it back later today. I’m just amazed that you were able to drive into town with a flat tire.”

“It was raining, so I was going slow. But to tell you the truth, I don’t know anything about cars. Well…” she sighed. “I actually don’t know anything, I’ve come to realize. It’s all such a mess—” Tears rolled down her cheeks again.

“Rose, I’m going with my gut here. We don’t know each other, but you’re obviously going through something at the moment. I have a proposition for you. As I’ve said, I’m getting married today, so I’m moving to the ranch. Well, the ‘moving’ will probably not happen today, but during the next few weeks. I haven’t yet decided what to do with this house. Why don’t you stay here until you’ve figured out what you want to do? If you need to borrow money, I’m happy to help…”

Rose shook her head. “I’ve got money, thanks. That, at least, isn’t a problem. Thanks, Laura. Maybe if I could stay for the weekend?”

“Of course. And really, there is no hurry. I teach at the local elementary school and will probably come around every afternoon to take stuff out to the ranch, but we’ll keep in touch.” Laura hesitated for a moment. She didn’t want to intrude, but this was important, so she was going to just ask. “Do you need to let your family know where you are? I’m just worried a search party is out looking for you.”

Shaking her head, Rose wiped her eyes again. “Don’t worry. Nobody will miss me.”

Laura put her mug down. Arlene was picking her up in a little while, but she felt so bad leaving Rose alone. “Why don’t you come to the wedding this afternoon? I can ask one of my future brothers-in-law if they’ll bring you back?”

Rose shook her head. “Thank you, but I’ll be okay. I’ll probably just sleep.” Molly jumped up against her legs. Bending down, Rose picked her up. “Do you think…Molly can stay with me? She was so great last night.”

Laura smiled. “Let’s ask her. Molly, what do you say?” Laura smiled.

Molly licked Rose’s face. For the first time, Rose smiled. Two dimples appeared on either side of her face.

Laura scratched Molly’s ears. “I think that was a yes. Rose, I don’t want to intrude, but do you have a bag with you? I gave you something to sleep in last night…”

Rose shook her head. “No bag. But don’t worry about me, please…oh, my car…”

“We’re about the same size, I think. Please take anything you need from my closet, okay? But now I must get ready. Are you sure you’ll be okay? I’ll pop in on Monday to get some of my things. There should be enough food in the fridge until next week.”

Rose got up with Molly in her arms. “I don’t know how to thank you. I’ll…I promise I’ll tell you what happened but—”

Laura touched her shoulder. “Whenever you’re ready.”

*

Just before the sun set, Hayden stood next to his brothers, waiting for his bride. All of them had wet hair, as they’d all just arrived in the tent. Ranch work never stopped for long, not even for a wedding.

It had been a crazy day with a thousand last-minute things that had to be done besides the normal ranch chores. Luke was also supposed to have joined them, but according to Becket, his son was with their mother.

He couldn’t wait to see Laura, to begin a life together with her. Early this morning, he’d been to Madeline’s grave. All he’d felt was peace. He’d had a good life with Maddie, even though they’d been so young when they’d gotten married. She’d given him a son, whose smile and zest for life would always remind him of her and of how happy they’d been.

It was time to leave the past behind him, though. He’d fallen in love again. This time round, love had arrived with a passion that left him breathless every time he laid eyes on Laura. He didn’t think he’d ever get enough of her.

“What’s the story about the woman who stumbled into the shop where the women were last night?” Cooper asked.

Hayden shrugged. “Nobody seems to know where she came from. She’s staying in Laura’s house for a while.”

“I wonder if it’s the same woman I found…”

A music note filled the air and Cooper fell silent. Willow and Ellie appeared at the entrance of the tent. He’d only met Ellie this morning. Apparently, she’d opened the yarn shop in town where they were having their monthly book club meetings.

“Who’s the blonde?” asked Becket.

“A friend of Laura’s,” Hayden said. “She’s the one who has opened a shop in town…”

“Why haven’t I seen her before?” Becket wanted to know.

But Hayden had stopped listening. As Ellie and Willow joined them in the front, his mother walked in, nodding and smiling at everybody before she took her seat.

When he turned his gaze back to the opening of the tent, Laura appeared, hand in hand with Luke. Tears gathered behind his eyes. This picture he’d carry with him to his grave. Luke, in a suit with a bow tie, proudly walked next to his “Mom,” as he’d been calling her all day.

Laura was a beautiful woman, but today, she looked exquisite. Her wedding dress was cut in such a way that her shoulders were bare and all he could think about was sliding his lips over the velvety texture of her skin. The delicate chain with a diamond pendant he’d left for her on their bed was around her neck. A vivid image of her wearing nothing else but that had him just about hyperventilating.

His body responded. Damn, this was going to be a long day.

*

By the time all the speeches were done, Laura was burning up. She couldn’t wait to be alone with her handsome bridegroom. His arm was lying behind her on her chair, his hand either playing with her hair or drawing circles on her skin.

They’d eaten, but she had no idea what. People had come up to them to congratulate them. She’d smiled and nodded, but wouldn’t be able to repeat a single word. All she’d been acutely aware of the entire evening was Hayden’s warm hand against her back, his steady presence by her side.

“Dance with me?” Hayden said and held out his hand.

The band was playing, but she hadn’t even noticed. “Yes, please.” She smiled as she got up.

The guests cheered as Hayden led them to the dance floor. The music changed and she laughed. “It’s the kissing song!”

“It’s our song.” He smiled as they glided over the floor.

Other couples joined them and soon just about everyone was on the floor.

“You’ve got moves, Cowboy.” She grinned as she easily followed his steps. “And you do kiss me like I’ve never been kissed before.”

“Dancing with you is like making love to you,” he whispered in her ear. “You know exactly what I want.”

And just like that, passion was burning low in her belly. “How long do we have to stay? I’m about to burst into flames…I can’t wait to be with you.”

His eyes darkened and with his jaw clenched, he steered her out of the tent.

“Hayden…”

Grabbing her hand, he ran toward the house. “We’ll be back, but you’re not the only one ready to explode.”

The house was a beehive of waiters moving in and out. Cussing under his breath, Hayden quickly led her to the stairs. Before she realized what he was going to do, he’d picked her up in his arms and was taking the stairs two at a time.

Seconds later, he’d locked the bedroom door and was pulling down the top of her dress. Her breasts sprang free, he dropped his head, and with a growl, he fastened his mouth around a throbbing nipple.

Leaning with her back against the cool wall, her fingers slid into his hair, and she held him close to her. But she was too hungry for him. It had been too long.

“Hayden…” she moaned. “I need you…”

With his eyes on her, his breath ragged, he got rid of his pants before he lifted her dress, his hands gliding up and up her legs. His hand stopped and he smiled—a wicked one that had her knees wobbling. “No panties?”

“Not with the dress.” She pulled him closer. “Now, Hayden, now.”

“Yes, Mrs. Weston,” he said, slipping into her. “Happy to oblige.”

Stars exploded behind her eyes, and as they took that wild ride together, she held on tightly.

*

By the time they returned outside, most of the guests had left.

“Don’t worry, bro,” Becket said. “We didn’t even have to explain. Everybody knew what you were up to.”

His mother shook her head. “I’m sure by now Carol Bingley is already spreading the news.”

Laura had covered her cheeks with her hands. “This town—I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the gossip!” She looked around. “Has Ellie left? I’ve wanted to thank her.”

“She left right after the ceremony,” Willow said. “When the first cowboy headed her way to ask her to dance, she was out of here.”

“Interesting,” Becket said.

“From the little she’s said about herself,” Arlene said, “it’s clear she has no interest in getting involved with anyone. A pity. She’s a beauty. But you never know…”

Groaning, Willow grabbed her mom’s arm. “Come on, Mom. Let’s get you home before you start planning the next wedding.”

“Yours, I hope?” Arlene grinned.

“Mo-o-m!” Willow rolled her eyes before she turned away. “Luke!” she called. “Come on, we’re leaving!”

“I’ve booked a table for us at the Graff tomorrow,” said Becket. “My treat. You lovebirds are also welcome to join, but I’m sure—”

Hayden put his arms around Laura’s shoulders. “We’ll be busy.”

Just then, Luke came running toward them, Jessie at his heels. “I’m staying with Grandma till Monday,” he said as he grabbed Laura’s hand. “I’ll miss you, Mom.”

Laura crouched down and hugged him. Hayden had to swallow against the lump in his throat. Look at them—his wife, his son, his family.

Laura got up and, with his arm around her, they waved their family good-bye.

“So, Mrs. Weston, I don’t know about you, but right now, I only have one thing on my mind.”

Turning in his arms, she laughed. “If it involves getting naked, I’m in.”

Picking her up, he strode toward the front door. “That’s exactly what I was thinking.”

Slipping her arms around his neck, she smiled. “So this is what happens when you fall for a cowboy?”

Holding her close, he took the stairs two at a time. “Exactly.”

The End