Chapter Eight
Jackson
Six Months Later
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the small backyard where Mia and I sat together on the porch swing. The scent of fresh-cut grass filled the air as children nearby played in their yards. I placed my hand over Mia’s baby bump, and smiled as our daughter kicked me. She’d already chosen a name -- Poppy.
“Jackson, I sometimes wonder what would have happened to me if you hadn’t been around when Carter hurt me. I don’t know if he’d done worse, or just left me in the dirt. Either way, I’d have had nowhere to go.”
I put my arm around her shoulder, knowing it was time to draw out more about her past. She never gave me much, and I hadn’t asked outright. I’d been worried it might be stressful for her to relive whatever she’d been through. But at the same time, I felt like I needed to know.
“Couldn’t you have gone home?” I asked. “I don’t know where you’re from.”
She pressed her lips together, and I felt a tremor run through her. I almost told her she didn’t have to tell me, but I couldn’t do it. Something told me finding out about Mia’s past would help me understand her more. There were times she seemed confident, but mostly, she came across as timid and scared. I’d thought it was only the issue with Carter, and later with Anna and Lily, that had filled her with fear. What if it went back further?
“Why do you need to know?” she asked softly.
“Because it’s part of who you are, darlin’. We’re married, about to have a baby, and there are times I feel like I don’t know you very well. Is it really so awful I want to know everything about my wife?”
“No. I just…” She sighed and looked down at the porch boards. “I guess I’ve worried if I told you about my past, you wouldn’t want me anymore.”
“I’ve told you about my mom and dad, right?” I asked.
“Yeah. They sound amazing.” She gave me a wistful smile. “I wish mine were as good as yours.”
“Hmm. Well, technically, Ty Adler is my stepfather. He legally adopted me and my sister once he married our mom.” She stared at me with wide eyes and her jaw dropped. “My sperm donor was a real bastard. He did awful things to my mother. Nearly beat her to death several times. And… he whored her out. Please don’t ever tell her you know that. It’s a part of her past she’d rather forget. So, my past isn’t all roses and sunshine either, darlin’. I think everyone has a bit of darkness in their lives.”
“I never would have guessed,” she whispered. “You’re just so amazing. I thought you’d always had a perfect life.”
“Far from it. My mom met Ty at the stable where she boarded her horse. He says he fell in love with her at first sight, and he treated me and my sister like we were his very own. We all loved him, but Mom was too scared to leave her husband. I’ve never thought of him as my dad and I refuse to call him that. Anyway, Ty convinced Mom to leave. He helped us pack the essentials and got us the hell out of there.”
She leaned into me. “My mom split when I was about nine years old. She’d been a prostitute. I think it’s how she paid for her drugs. I can’t remember a time I didn’t see her downing pills or shooting up. As for my dad…”
“An asshole?” I asked.
“That’s putting it mildly. Anyway, what’s that saying? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree?” She looked away, refusing to meet my gaze. “I was fifteen when I started sleeping with different boys. I was working my way through my class and then the upper classes at school. Everyone knew I was easy.”
I saw a tear slide down her cheek and I wiped it away, then turned her face toward mine. Seeing her like this broke my heart. She had to have felt so alone. I only wished she’d told me sooner than now. Even though we’d grown incredibly close, there had been times I felt like I was looking at a stranger. She’d get this far-off look in her eyes, and I’d wondered what she’d been thinking about. I should have just cowboyed up and asked her. Instead, I’d told myself it was better to wait for her to unburden herself when she was ready. Now I just felt like an asshole for not pushing the matter sooner.
“Baby, I think it’s pretty clear you were seeking affection. I’m sorry they all used you and threw you away. You deserved better than that.”
“They called me a whore,” she said softly. “And they weren’t wrong. I didn’t get money for what I did, but they’d often give me gifts. A new shirt, a necklace, take me out for dinner. Sometimes those meals were the only ones I had, except for the free lunch at school.”
“What you are is a sweet, adorable woman… and my wife. The things you did before, or that happened to you, are just a part of who you are. They aren’t the only part, but you survived all that to become the amazing person you are now. I know you have your doubts, and you’ve been struggling. I wish you could see you the way I do.” I leaned in closer and kissed her cheek. “You’re my one and only, Mia. You know that, right?”
What if she didn’t? What if I hadn’t made it clear to her exactly how much she meant to me? I hadn’t ever been all that good with words. My dad always said actions spoke louder, so I’d done my best to show her how I felt. Now I had to think I’d fucked that up too.
“You’re leaving soon, aren’t you?”
“Yeah. Thought you might want to come and cheer me on. This is my last shot at being a national champion. I’m still in the top fifteen, which means I still have a chance. If the others had done any better, I’d have needed to win a few more events. Thankfully, I was able to stick it out. It either happens or it doesn’t. Either way, I’m hanging up my spurs after this one.”
“I feel like I’m forcing you to give up your dream,” she said.
I placed my hand on her belly again. “No, just trading it for a different one. Chasing the rodeo was my boyhood dream. Now I’m a man with a family, and the two of you are far more important. We’ll head to Alabama once this one is done, and I’ll introduce you to my family.”
I should have done it long before now, but I’d had a few reasons for holding back. One was Mia’s fear over meeting my family. The second was the fact I didn’t want to chance Carter chasing us all the way there. The club dealt with enough already. And third… I knew my parents were going to rip me a new one for jumping into things with Mia, and then not saying anything to them. I wanted to delay the ass chewing from them as long as possible.
“Promise?” she asked. “I know up until now I’ve been scared to face them, but now… I feel like a dirty secret.”
“You have my word. Win or lose, we’ll go home.”
She looked around. “I’ll miss this place. Thank you for renting it. This is the first time I’ve felt like I had a real home like everyone else. The trailer I grew up in was rusted through in spots, had broken windows, the roof leaked, and you had to be careful where you walked. Some parts of the floor were so soft, you could fall through.”
“I told you I have a house on my dad’s ranch. It’s a three-bedroom two-bath. About eleven hundred square feet, so on the smaller side, but I think you’ll like it. There’s a porch like this one, and it has a swing. You can thank my mom for that.”
“Sounds pretty,” she murmured.
“It looks like a log cabin on the outside. Inside it has hardwood floors and tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. Anything you want to change, feel free to make it your own. I want you to feel at home when you’re there.”
She leaned up to kiss me softly. “You’re such a sweet man, Jackson. I don’t feel like I deserve you, but I’m selfish and don’t want to let you go.”
“You’ll never have to. Come on. Let’s get packed and then spend the rest of the day relaxing. Tomorrow is going to be busy.”
I helped her stand and led her into the house. I’d miss this place. It was the first house I’d shared with Mia, and for that reason alone, it was special. Just like Mia…
We’d had picnics on the front yard. Swung on the porch swing while holding hands and talking about whatever popped into our heads. I’d made love to her in the bedroom countless times. Cooked dinner together in the kitchen, when she didn’t run me off and tell me to go relax. They all might seem like mundane things, but it was in those everyday moments we’d created some of my most favorite memories, at least the ones pertaining to Mia.
Big obstacles brought people together, but the quiet moments counted too. I honestly felt they were worth more. Stolen kisses, hugs, nights snuggled on the couch watching TV. Every single minute spent with Mia was precious to me.
* * *
Las Vegas hadn’t changed since we’d last been here. As the days passed, today’s upcoming rodeo event loomed large in my mind. I spent most of this week worrying about my performances, and hoping I’d draw good bucking horses. There were a few who’d hardly buck or not at all, which meant getting a shitty score.
We’d rented a suite that included a kitchenette. Mia had taken advantage and practiced her cooking. She’d done quite a bit of it in the house we’d rented. I’d bought her some cookbooks, and she’d enjoyed trying different things.
“Jackson?” Mia’s voice broke through my thoughts, and she pointed to my dinner, now cold and untouched. “You haven’t eaten a single bite. I’m going to think it’s awful. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I assured her, though I knew she could see right through my lie. I’d never been so stressed in my life. This was it. My last shot. The finals were starting tomorrow.
“Please talk to me,” she pleaded, taking a seat beside me. “I know you’re struggling with balancing everything but shutting me out won’t help.”
I sighed, realizing she was right. I’d pushed her to talk to me when she wanted to keep quiet. It was only fair I opened up with her now. “It’s just… this rodeo is a big deal, Mia. And I want to make sure I do well, not just for me, but for all of us. I always had great pride in the fact my dad was a national champion, and I want our kids to feel the same way about me.”
“Jackson, you’re going to be amazing out there,” she said. “But we need you here with us too. We can’t have a future if we don’t have a present, and part of that is making sure you eat.”
Her words struck me deep. “I’m sorry, darlin’. I promise I won’t let this consume me.”
“You’ve done so well. I have no doubt you’re going to win, Jackson. Just look at your scores! You’re already in the top spot, and while I know it’s close with two other cowboys, I just know you’re going to win.”
* * *
The smell of livestock and dust filled my nose as I walked through the rodeo grounds, preparing for another day of fighting for the top spot. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in what I was doing. This was the dream I’d clung to most of my life, and this week, it might actually become a reality.
“Hey, Jackson,” Anna called out to me with a sly smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I heard a few interesting things recently. About your wife. She’s got quite the past, doesn’t she?”
“Excuse me?” I asked, tensing up at her words. What Mia went through wasn’t anyone else’s business. The fact Anna was here running her mouth pissed me off.
“Jackson, don’t listen to her,” Lily chimed in with a smirk. “But you know, people are talking. They’re saying she’s only with you because you’re her meal ticket now that she’s got a baby on the way.”
“Y’all need to mind your own damn business,” I snapped, feeling anger boil inside me. How dare they talk about her like that? “You think I’m with Mia because she’s pregnant? Do the two of you not have fucking eyes in your heads?”
“We’re just looking out for you,” Anna said dismissively, though her expression told me otherwise.
“Thanks, but I don’t need your ‘concern,’” I retorted before walking away from them. Looking out for me? More like trying to drive a wedge between me and Mia. I wouldn’t let them succeed. All they wanted was the bragging rights to having slept with me, now that I was making a name for myself. They’d cling to me as long as I was in the spotlight, then they’d wander off to the next big rodeo star. At first, I’d thought we could be friends, but it hadn’t taken long to realize they were just as bad as every buckle bunny I’d ever run across.
Later that day, as I retrieved my gear from my truck, I overheard Anna and Lily gossiping nearby. What the fuck was wrong with those two?
“See? I told you he’d get defensive,” Anna whispered. “He won’t be able to resist the doubt we’re planting in his head.”
“Exactly,” Lily agreed. “Soon, he’ll realize he can do so much better than some whore who just wants someone to take care of her. Without him, she’d have nothing.”
My hands clenched into fists as I listened to their bullshit. I couldn’t believe they would stoop so low just because they were jealous of my relationship with Mia. Not to mention, if I could hear them, then other people in the area could too. I needed to put a stop to it once and for all.
“Anna, Lily,” I growled, stepping out from behind my truck and staring them down. “I heard everything you just said.”
“Jackson, we didn’t mean --” Lily started, her voice faltering.
“Save it,” I cut her off. “I don’t know what your problem is, but you need to stay away from me and Mia. Understood? You don’t come talk to us, and you sure the fuck don’t talk about us. You think I married her because what? I’m just some dumb cowboy who’d do whatever a woman wants? I’m with her because I want to be. I will never be with the two of you.”
“Fine,” Anna muttered, her face flushed with embarrassment. “You don’t have to be such an asshole.”
“Y’all brought this on yourselves,” I shot back, my voice cold and hard. It took every ounce of self-control not to allow my anger to consume me. They were no better than the damn club whores who used to hang out at the Dixie Reapers’ clubhouse. “Stay away from us.”
As I walked away, I let out a deep breath, trying to shake off the negativity they’d brought into my life. I knew that people like Anna and Lily wouldn’t understand what Mia and I had, but their opinions didn’t matter. What mattered was that I would fight for our relationship -- no matter what. If they kept talking shit about my wife, I’d have to handle things a different way.
I did my best to shove my anger down deep. Right now, I needed to focus on having the best eight-second ride of my life. Because once this week was over, I would walk away from the rodeo and never look back.
Maybe if I’d known that my wife would find out about the things people were saying about her, I might have shut up Anna and Lily in a different way… It wasn’t until I saw the look on Mia’s face that I realized I’d fucked up.
“Can we talk?” Mia asked.
“Of course,” I replied, my heart aching at the sight of her distress. I sat down beside her, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. We’d only been back at the hotel for an hour. Long enough for me to clean up and unwind a bit. “What’s on your mind?”
She hesitated, her fingers nervously playing with the edge of her shirt. “I’ve been hearing things. People talking about us. About me, actually.”
It seemed like Anna and Lily had continued to run their mouths even after I’d told them not to. I was starting to think I needed to handle them the way the Dixie Reapers would handle mouthy club whores. Clearly, being nice wasn’t going to cut it.
“Mia, those people don’t know anything about us,” I reassured her, my voice firm but gentle. “They’re just jealous and trying to cause trouble.”
“I know, but…” She bit her lip. “It still hurts. And it makes me wonder if maybe they’re right. If I’m not good enough for you.”
“Hey, look at me,” I urged, cupping her face in my hands so she had no choice but to meet my gaze. “You are more than good enough for me. You’re strong, beautiful, and you’re going to be an amazing mother to our daughter. Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.”
“Really?” she asked.
“Really,” I confirmed, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “You’re my wife, Mia. My friend, and the woman I cherish above all others. I’m committed to making this work -- no matter what other people say or do. Our marriage has nothing to do with anyone other than you and me.”
Mia smiled, and it seemed as if some of the weight lifted from her shoulders. In that moment, I knew I had to do something to prove just how much she and our daughter meant to me. Some grand gesture so everyone would realize how important my family was to me, that I wasn’t with Mia because of some bullshit reason.
“Listen,” I began, taking a deep breath. “I want you in the stands until this is over. Since we’re down to the last day, this is my final ride in the rodeo. Not just this rodeo, but the last one ever. If it’s not too much to ask, I’d love to see your beautiful face right before I come out of the chute.”
“Are you sure? I was worried I’d distract you if I was there.”
“I’m sure. And thank you,” I whispered, leaning down to kiss her. “You’re my everything, Mia. I might be closing this chapter of my life, but the one I’m going to forge with you is just beginning.”
Mia leaned into me and kissed me. It was one of the few times she’d started anything, and my heart warmed at how far we’d come. I slid my fingers into her hair, holding her still as I took control of the kiss. With her due any day, I’d been hesitant about being intimate. We’d been assured it was fine as long as I was careful, but I couldn’t help but worry I might hurt our daughter.
“Please, Jackson. I need you.” She took my hand and slid it between her legs. “I’m hurting for you right here.”
“Are you sure, Mia?”
“Positive. I’ve missed our nights together. Sleeping beside you or in your arms has been torture when you won’t give me the one thing I really want.” She kissed me again, deeper this time. “Make love to me, Jackson.”
With her begging me so sweetly, there was no way I could deny her. My cock throbbed behind my zipper. It wasn’t that I hadn’t desired Mia these last few weeks. I’d just been too worried about her and the baby.
“If it hurts, you’ll tell me?” I asked. “Or maybe…”
She bit her lip and straddled my lap. The light scent of her perfume teased my nose as her hand slid up my chest and around the back of my neck. My heart hammered so hard I worried she might be able to hear it.
She leaned in and captured my lips with hers. Her tongue danced against mine, teasing and seductive. My cock twitched in anticipation. I couldn’t believe how much I’d missed this feeling. The warmth of her body against mine felt like fucking heaven.
She broke the kiss and trailed her lips down my neck, nipping lightly at my skin. “I want you so bad. I need you, Jackson.”
Her words sent a jolt of electricity through me. I couldn’t resist her any longer. Reaching for her, I slid her shirt over her head, tossing it aside. I placed my hand over the swell of her belly, smiling when our baby gave me a little kick. “I think you’re more beautiful than ever.”
Mia reached down and grabbed my hand, then placed it over her breast. “Wrong spot.”
I undid the clasp of her bra, letting it fall to the floor. Her full breasts spilled out, topped with rosy nipples that were already hard. I groaned, unable to resist the urge to taste her. Leaning in, I took one into my mouth, sucking gently as I traced circles around her other nipple with my fingers.
She arched her back, moaning softly. “God, Jackson. That feels so good.”
I pulled back, my eyes locked on hers as I reached down and tugged at her skirt. She lifted her hips, helping me slide the material up her thighs. Her panties came into view, already damp from her excitement.
I reversed our position, placing her under me. I placed a kiss on her belly, then spread her thighs, easing between them. Wanting to tease her a little, I ran my tongue along the edge of her panties before finally pulling them aside and exposing her to my hungry gaze.
“Fuck,” I groaned, unable to resist the urge any longer. With one swift movement, I lifted her up and carried her toward the bedroom.
Once inside, I set her down on the bed and followed her down, my body pinning hers to the soft mattress. She squirmed underneath me, her eyes filled with desire. I couldn’t help but think how lucky I was to have her like this.
I stripped down, then gently removed her skirt and panties. She lifted her hips, making it easier for me. I knelt beside the bed and spread her legs wide. Parting the lips of her pussy, I leaned in and gave her a slow lick. Mia moaned and I felt her thighs tense. I took my time, savoring her. I eased a finger inside her, then a second one. She gasped, her body trembling. I lifted my head and held her gaze.
“Tell me you want this.”
“More! I need more,” she said.
“What do you want? Tell me, Mia.”
“Inside me! Now, Jackson. Please.”
I stood and slid my cock up and down her slick pussy before easing inside her. She gave a little cry, and I felt her contract around me. It took every ounce of control I possessed to take my time with her. reaching between us, I rubbed her clit with small circles. She shivered, and after only three more strokes, she came.
I could have fucked her all day and night, but I didn’t want to exhaust her. Gripping her hips, I took her faster, fighting not to be too rough with her. My balls drew up, and then I was coming. I didn’t stop thrusting until every drop of cum had been wrung from me.
Reaching down I smoothed her hair back from her face. “You all right?”
“Perfect.” She smiled up at me. “I’ve missed you. Missed this.”
“Me too.” Pulling out, I stretched out beside her on the bed. “Sorry I’ve been pushing you away. I’ve just been worried I’d end up hurting you.”
“I’m pregnant, Jackson. Not made of glass. Besides, the baby will be here soon. Once that happens, the doctor said we can’t have sex for at least six weeks while I recover.”
I kissed her, soft and slow. “Then I guess we’d better make good use of the time we have.”
She gasped and sat up quickly. “Crap! Jackson, the rodeo… Aren’t you making your final ride?”
I looked at the clock and winced. “Yeah. In an hour. Guess we better hurry and get over to the arena.”
“Go! Shower and get your stuff together while I rinse off. I’ll move as quickly as I can.”
With one last kiss, I got up and did as she said. This was it. The very last time I’d get on a bronc. I only hoped I never came to regret my decision, but when I thought about my dad and how happy he seemed, I knew this was the right thing to do.