Winning the Cowboy's Heart

by Karen Rock

“How are you doing keeping up your end of the bargain?”

  Boyd’s lips twisted in a sad, rueful smile. “Not well. Plus, we’ve got a new issue with the ranch. Some fella’s filed a claim to it. Says he’s a brother I never knew about.”

  “The only thing he’s getting is a butt-whooping if he so much as sniffs in our direction.” Maverick clapped James on the back, then hugged Jewel.

  “We’re family now. We’ll fight like one. Cades and Lovelands always stick together,” James vowed, and the four of them exchanged firm nods. They’d been formidable enemies before but together...whoever this guy was wouldn’t stand a chance.

  Jewel gnawed on her lower lip as she sauntered into the large, vaulted, two-story living room. Emma, Javi and Noah played hide-and-seek among the furniture while her oldest brother Jack added a log to the flagstone hearth.

  “It’s nasty out there and getting worse.” The flicker of the fire danced across Jack’s scarred face. “Wouldn’t want to be traveling in it.”

  Jewel extended her stiff hands toward the dancing flames, soaking in the warmth. “When did you and Dani get in?”

  Jack grabbed the poker and thrust it into the fire, stirring it so that sparks flew up the chimney like a swarm of fiery bees. “Around three. We had to stop on account of her getting sick a few times.”

  Jewel glanced over at Dani, who hauled out a pink ambrosia salad from the fridge, her cheeks just as colorful. In fact, she seemed to glow. Jewel swung narrowed eyes back on her brother. “What kind of sickness?”

  Jack stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Morning sickness, though the doctor says the worst should pass when she’s out of her first trimester next month.” Jack’s face, scary to some because of the gash marring his cheek, creaked into an astonished and fiercely proud smile.

  She wrapped her arms around his barrel chest and squeezed. “Congratulations! Does everyone know?”

  He ran a hand over his thick brush of hair. “We’re going to announce it at dinner, but I wanted to tell the baby’s godmother first.”

  Jewel jaw went slack. “Me? A godmother?”

  “There’s all kinds of mothers, and Dani and I agree you’d make the best kind...if you’ll agree?”

  “Yes,” she choked out, then watched her brother stride away to help his wife.

  Jewel dashed the tears from her eyes. Would she make a good mother? She cared about her cattle, worried about every living thing in her charge for that matter. And she’d enjoyed helping at Emma’s fairy princess birthday party. Why had she thought having her own children would be different? Stupid her for even thinking she wasn’t cut out for motherhood or marriage.

  “Is that you, Jewel?”

  She glanced up and spotted Amberley, her brother Jared’s wife, approaching with her guide dog, Petey. “How’s the barrel racing going?”

  “I had to pull out of my last competition.”

  Jewel peered at Amberley’s serene face. Funny how the ultracompetitive pro didn’t seem the least bit upset about it. “You did? Why?”

  Jared ambled close, laid his chin on Amberley’s head and reached around to caress the small round of her belly. “It’s a secret.”

  Jewel clutched the top of the rocking chair beside her, reeling. “You’re pregnant.”

  Amberley gasped. “How did you know?” she whispered.

  “Just a hunch...and congratulations.” The shock wore off and freed her to move. She hugged Amberley. “How far along?”

  “About two months.” Jared flashed his traffic-stopping smile. “Don’t tell anyone. We’re going to announce it at dinner.”

  “You might have to take a number,” Jewel muttered, biting back a grin.

  “What?” Amberley tilted her head, and her golden hair spilled over one shoulder.

  “This is going to be one exciting Thanksgiving.” Jewel smiled at the couple and willed her own loneliness away. This was the last holiday she’d spend without a love of her own, she vowed...as long as Heath hadn’t rethought his feelings while away or met someone else...

  Jared shoved his thick brown hair from his brow. “Who’d have thought we’d be sitting down to a meal with the Lovelands?”

  “Better than in a jail cell like we did after the last Christmas party,” Jewel quipped.

  Jared chuckled. “But look at us now.” He brushed Amberley’s cheek with a kiss, then led her back to the couch, where a dozing Sofia sat with her feet propped on the wagon-wheel coffee table. Baby Jesse snoozed nearby in a swing.

  Something crashed in the kitchen and Jewel raced to help Brielle pick up bits of glass and cranberry sauce. “Clumsy fingers.” When Brielle straightened, a thick square of paper fell from her pocket.

  “‘The honor of your presence is requested at the wedding of Brielle Thompson and Justin Cade.’” Jewel’s eyes lifted to meet Brielle’s. “Did you two finally set a date?”

  Brielle snatched the wedding invitation and thrust it back in her pocket, her normally composed face contorted with emotion. “Yes. But don’t tell anyone. Justin’s planning to announce it at dinner.”

  “Wow.” Jewel held in a laugh. “Can’t wait for things to get started.”

  “Hey, Jewel.” Katlynn, Cole’s new wife, passed by bearing water pitchers.

  Jewel scooped up a couple of butter dishes and followed her into the dining area. The table was set beautifully with tasteful autumn decorations, a mum-filled cornucopia perfuming the room while light from the overhead fixture reflected in the crystal of the glasses. “How was the honeymoon?”

  To everyone’s shock but hers, Cole had followed Jewel’s advice a couple of months ago and flown to LA to tell Katlynn he shouldn’t have let her go. His proposal on national TV and their mountaintop wedding, officiated by Brielle, a former army chaplain, had been beautiful.

  “Great.” Katlynn flashed the high-wattage smile that made her one of America’s most popular television hosts. “We had enough supplies to last us the entire week in the cabin.” She set down pitchers at either end of the table.

  “You didn’t leave it?”

  “Nope. Cole’s turning me into a hermit, too, I guess.” Katlynn pressed a hand to the back of her neck, then her forehead, as if testing her temperature. “It’s a nice break from Hollywood.”

  “I bet.”

  Katlynn grimaced. “Although, I haven’t been able to shake this bug I caught.”

  Jewel squinted at her fitted sheath dress, a suspicion rising. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”

  Katlynn’s surprised laugh petered out, and her eyes rounded. “You don’t think...”

  Jewel set a small knife beside the last butter tray. “At this point, nothing about today would surprise me.”

  “I need to talk to Cole.” Katlynn hurried away, leaving Jewel shaking her head and smiling.

  And missing Heath.

  If she’d followed the advice she’d given Cole, taken a chance and accompanied Heath the Nashville, they’d be together today, too.

  After James carved the turkey and platters of food were set out, the Cades and Lovelands finally sat at the long family table. It was extended by two rectangular fold-up tables and a card table to fit the entire clan.

  “Let’s join hands and pray,” Brielle instructed from her seat beside Justin.

  James’s hand slid in Jewel’s, and Javi’s laced with the other while they bowed their heads.

  “...And we thank you for the love that carries us home and the blessing of your grace,” Brielle concluded a moment later.

  Amens circled the table, and the group fell on the heaping platters of turkey and fixings like a pack of ravenous animals.

  “That was beautiful, Brielle.” A puff of steam rose from the roll Boyd split apart.

  “Such a beautiful message about opening our hearts to love and family,” gushed Ma, spooning mashed pota
toes onto Noah’s extended plate.

  Love that will carry us home...

  Jewel, who had been buttering her roll, paused openmouthed, knife in midair. Brielle’s words ran through her mind again. She’d told Heath she was soft on him when he said he cared for her, but hadn’t told him she loved him, fearful—deep down—that he might not say it back, just as she’d been too afraid to encounter rejection by asking to see her pa.

  What kind of cowgirl was she?

  No kind at all if she let her fear get the better of her. No more hiding her feelings, she thought, watching the snow come down outside. Ice crystals coated the glass beside her like clouded lace, but Jewel barely noticed the cold seeping through the panes; she was burning.

  She drew a long breath, then pushed back from the table in sudden decision. “I’m heading out.”

  “What? Where?” James demanded around a mouthful of turkey.

  “Not in this weather.” Ma twisted her napkin.

  “It’s important.”

  Justin’s black eyes pierced hers. “What could be important enough to risk your neck in an accident?”

  Oh. That was rich coming from daredevil Justin, though he’d certainly settled-down some after his engagement.

  Jewel took a deep breath. “I’m going to tell Heath I love him.”

  The group exploded into laughter.

  “Good one, Jewel!”

  “She’s the most sarcastic of all the Cades put together.”

  James’s eyes met hers, the only look of understanding, empathy, coming from the otherwise incredulous crowd.

  “I mean it!” she shouted, then burst into tears, letting go of her thick-skinned facade at last. If they didn’t believe her, how would Heath?

  A movement in the doorway drew her eye, and she glanced up to see a tall, impossibly handsome cowboy standing there, hand braced against the jamb. Heath. Her head jerked as she did a double take. The sudden leap of her heart at the sight of him was like spotting the first shooting star, a brief and silent streak of light before her eyes. Startling. Wondrous. The universe shifted around her.

  Concern darkened Heath’s brow and deepened his blue eyes as he strode toward her. He shocked the rowdy group silent by gathering her in his arms. Coldness seeped from his jacket into her shirt, but she didn’t shiver. Warmth glowed inside her instead, his touch setting her aglow.

  “I love Jewel,” Heath proclaimed, staring everyone dead in the eye in a decidedly un-peacemaker way.

  Her gaze flitted from her openmouthed family to Heath. Was this going to be complicated? Maybe. But the words doing cartwheels in her head were these: open yourself to love.

  Love.

  She’d never have it if she didn’t lower her defenses.

  “You really love me?” she asked.

  When he nodded, she pulled his face down to hers and kissed him with all the love in her heart, unafraid to show her sentimental side just as Heath was now no longer following anyone else’s path but his...or theirs...

  A collective gasp rocked the room followed by Javi’s, Emma’s, and Noah’s ewwwwwwwws. Heath drew back. “Jewel and I have some talking to do.” Without another word, he grabbed her coat from the hook and ushered her through the door onto the porch.

  Outside, the storm had stopped, but the dark sky hung low and heavy, and there was a sense of stillness in the air, the earth awaiting more snow.

  Jewel thrust her arms in her jacket and zipped it closed. “What are you doing here?”

  “Coming home.” Heath twined his fingers in Jewel’s and tucked their laced hands into his pockets, pulling her closer. “To you.”

  “I don’t understand. Boyd said you were gigging...”

  “We finished the set at midnight, and I hopped the first flight home.”

  She stared up at him, stunned. The night was still and cold, and yet seemed full of the same restless movement twisting her stomach into knots. “I was planning to do the same thing. I wanted to come home to you, too.”

  “To Nashville?”

  She closed her eyes the moment he released her to circle his arms around her waist. She slid her hands up over his broad shoulders and reveled in his familiar strength. For months she’d felt like a puzzle with missing pieces. Their bodies fit perfectly together, making her feel whole again. “Wherever you are is home. I was acting insecure when I let you go. I should have told you how I really felt.”

  “Which is?” A warmth spread in her belly at the husky note in his voice. He ran his fingers through her hair.

  “I’m not happy without you in my life. It doesn’t matter how far apart we are. I need you, and I’m not afraid to admit it or to depend on you. I—I love you, too.”

  His face exploded in a smile. Happiness seemed to pulse out of him, a flipped switch setting his eyes alight. He smiled all the way from his boot tips. “Of course you do.”

  Her dreamy state dissipated, and she shoved him in the chest. It was like shoving a mountain. “Humble? Sensitive? I’d say egotistical fits you better,” she huffed.

  “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just I know you, Jewel. I can’t explain it, especially because we’re so different.” His lips touched hers, tenderly. “But your heart speaks to mine—it always has. Always will.”

  Her breath caught as his lips took control over hers. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. His tongue swept over hers, and the taste of him drove her crazy. She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around him again. His fingers gently massaged her neck, releasing the tension, erasing the last of her doubts. The kiss became a drug and she craved more with every touch. Their bodies pressed so tightly to each other she had no idea where she began or he ended.

  Heath felt strong and warm and muscular and safe and he smelled, oh Lord, delicious. She couldn’t stop kissing him if her life depended upon it: his lips, his jaw, his ear, and Heath seemed as hungry as her. He kissed the corner of her lips and then started a line of tiny kisses that trailed down her throat.

  They gasped for air in rapid, synchronized bursts of white. His heart thundered against hers. His lips skated over her cheek toward her ear and he whispered words that made her cheeks burn. At last he drew back slightly, and she rested against him, her muscles loosening, enjoying the relaxing pull of his hand through her hair. His lips whispered across her face.

  “What are you doing?”

  He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Indulging a fantasy.”

  “Are you kissing my freckles?”

  “Maybe.”

  “That’s your fantasy?”

  “One of them.”

  She shook her head. “You’re one twisted cowboy.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “And you’re just discovering this now?”

  She laughed. “Maybe I need to rethink all this. And... I’m sorry things haven’t worked out in Nashville yet.”

  “Things turned out exactly as they should.” Heath withdrew his cell phone from his pocket and tapped its music icon.

  A female singer Jewel recognized but couldn’t name crooned a power ballad with a familiar hook. “Is that...? Did you...? Is she singing one of your songs?”

  Heath nodded, and his eyes gleamed with fierce pride. “Freedom Records bought it from me along with eight others. They gave me a songwriting contract.”

  “Not a singing one?”

  Heath shrugged, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear.

  “You don’t look upset about it.”

  “It’s the best compromise. I can be a songwriter and a rancher. I want to spend most of my time in Colorado, with you, if you’ll have me.” He trailed a line of blazing kisses along her jaw confusing her brain. Part of her responded to him, clung to him, held him tight again. The other part stiffened, worried about him giving up his dream for her. “But what about being famous? A star?”


  His warm breath tickled her ear. “I couldn’t care less about that. I only want to love you and make you happy because it makes me happy, too.”

  She squeezed her eyes tight and squeezed him harder. This man owned her soul and stole her heart. “Then you’ll be my star.”

  “I’ll take that...and return it, darlin’. I know what I want most.” His hands framed her face and his tone was edged with husky authority mixed with tenderness. “I only want to love you, cherish and protect you for the rest of my life, if you’ll have me.”

  Have him?

  As in marriage?

  Shock jolted her, and she inched away to make sure she understood. “Before I answer that question, I’d better warn you. I don’t believe in quiet, civilized divorces. The only way you’d get out of being married to me would be in a casket.”

  “Let’s remember to put that in our vows.” One side of his mouth lifted in an amused, gorgeous smile.

  “Not too morbid?”

  He held up his thumb and index finger then lowered them. “Nah. So...?”

  “I don’t need the protecting part, but I’ll take every other thing about you for the rest of my life.” He’d opened himself to her, giving her love and never asking for anything in return. She rose on her toes to kiss him, the words I love you stuck in her mind.

  “What about a ring?” A moment later, he pressed his forehead to hers and gazed down at her steadily. “Too soon?”

  Her eyes stung. Darn if her entire world wasn’t changing. “I’d say right in the nick of time. Let’s tell the family.”

  Heath angled his head at their rubbernecking kin. Lovelands and Cades crowded every window, their fingers and noses pressed to the panes, their breaths fogging the glass. “I think they’ve got the gist.”

  “That’s the thing about big families, no privacy.”

  “Ain’t it great?”

  “Yeah.” She laughed softly. “The last person I expected to make news today was me.”

  “What’s that mean?”

  “You’ll see.” She grabbed his hand and nearly dragged him off his feet. “In fact, we’d better hurry up and share our news to beat the rush.”

  “What rush?”