Jim Beam

by Jen Talty

  “Yes, sir.”

  Cheyenne folded her arms across her middle as she watched her son…JB’s son…skip alongside his nanny out of the barn and toward the food vendors. She kept her gaze locked in the distance, ignoring the burning glare of the man staring at her as he closed the gap, the heat from his body scorching her skin. She wanted to take a step back, but she held her ground.

  “Let’s skip the niceties,” JB said. “He’s my son, isn’t he?”

  She nodded. There was no point in lying. Not anymore. “When this rodeo was over, I planned on coming to see you.”

  “That’s about five years too late.”

  She turned. “Are you fucking kidding me? I tried to talk to you before I left Whiskey Ranch when Scott showed up unannounced, but you blew me off. A few months later when I found out I was pregnant, with your baby, I tried calling you, but you changed your number.” She nailed him dead center in the chest with her index finger.

  It bent as it came in contact with his solid muscle. She swallowed.

  “You called me?” He arched a brow and lowered his chin, taking her hand in his, bringing it to his mouth as he kissed her palm.

  Oddly enough, all she could focus on was the fact that he’d let his hair grow from his normal buzz cut to a shaggy style that hugged his neck, and she found it insanely sexy. She blinked. “I did. I got some woman who had just been assigned your number.” She dropped her arm to her side. Her skin tingled from her toes to her head as the sensation his lips created wrapped around her body like a warm blanket.

  “Means nothing because you could have called the ranch. We do have a few office numbers, and I know you know them. And if you didn’t, you could have looked them up. They are on our website and easily found.”

  She let out a long breath. “I could have, but that wouldn’t have changed the fact you didn’t want anything to do with me, and you made that clear when you told me you were going to say goodbye to me that last day I was there as well as telling me to have a nice life. The point was driven home when you changed your number.”

  “I suppose that’s true.” He took off his shades and tucked them in the pocket of his shirt. “But you’ve had five years with our son, and I’ve lost that. No. You stole them and you had no right to do that to me. Or to him.”

  “I know.” She glanced around the inside of the barn, thankful someone had stocked a table full of water. She scurried over to it and snagged one. Twisting off the top, she swigged. “Trust me. I’ve grappled with this since the day I found out I was pregnant which, by the way, was the day Scott walked out on me.” All the well-thought-out words she’d been practicing for years were nowhere to be found. All she could think about was the horrible disservice she’d done to her son, to JB, and to herself. She’d planned on making it up to them, but she hadn’t quite figured out how.

  Now her hand had been forced.

  “So, he’s always known Jimmy wasn’t his?”

  She laughed. “He’s always known Jimmy was your son.” She shook her head. “Did you ever stop to think why Scott showed up that day without calling me or warning me?”

  “No. And it doesn’t matter,” JB said. “What’s done is done.”

  “You’re wrong.” Heat filled her veins. She might have made a horrible judgment call, but he had no idea what she’d been through. How hard her pregnancy had been, or how she’d almost lost their son.

  He hadn’t a clue to the kind of hell Scott had decided to drag her through just because he could. For two years, it was all she could do to keep her head above water.

  “I know you’re angry, and you have every right to be,” she said. “But don’t you dare tell me that what I experienced doesn’t matter.”

  “Oh, please.” JB leaned against a stall. “So, your husband found out you cheated on him and left. That’s all on you. No one else is to blame for your actions.” A horse stomped closer, rubbing his snout on JB’s shoulder, asking for affection. JB had a way with horses like no other. It had been the way he could charm a wild beast that had attracted her in the first place. He had a kind and gentle soul. He’d been so different from Scott, and JB made her realize how safe Scott had been and that she hadn’t loved him. She had every intention of telling JB the truth and that she planned on breaking up with Scott and she hoped JB would forgive her and give her chance.

  But she never got the opportunity.

  “I’m not saying anyone is, and that was the least of my problems,” she mumbled. “But I’m not going to even get into that with you when you’re being an asshole.”

  “You’re going to have to get into some things with me because I want to be in that boy’s life. You had no right to keep him from me, and I’m not going to let you do it anymore. I’m going to go home, get a lawyer, and file for a paternity test, just so there is no question. Then I want him on Whiskey Ranch, with me. His father.”

  “You’re not going to do that.”

  “Like hell I’m not.” He took an aggressive step forward with his hands on his hips. “And you’re not going to stop me.”

  “I won’t even need to try because I’d like nothing more than for you and Jimmy to get to know one another. Starting today. And if you want a paternity test, have it. I have no problem with that, but I know you’re his dad. Regardless, I’d have to stay with him, and I need to be the one to tell him you’re his father. But for the record, I had planned on staying in Idaho for the summer. This was my last rodeo for a while.” Actually, forever, but she would make that announcement to him when she told the world this afternoon at the award ceremony. No one knew her plans, not even her son. But it was time. Even if she didn’t break the world record. She’d proven she could come back, and she did it with grit, style, and grace.

  JB’s jaw slacked open, and dark smoldering eyes grew wide with shock.

  She wanted to laugh. He always enjoyed a good fight, but she wasn’t about to give him one.

  Not today.

  Not about this.

  “Don’t fuck with me, Cheyenne,” he said with a narrowed stare.

  “Now you’re just being a dick.” She shook her head. “The rodeo is over this afternoon. Jimmy and I can be in Buhl tonight and tomorrow—”

  “I want him on the ranch this evening. I don’t want to waste another second.”

  “Where the hell would he stay? Or me for that matter?”

  “At my place,” JB said.

  “Right. With you and JD. The bachelor pad. My son is not staying there, and I’m certainly not staying with you.”

  “A lot has changed since you left. All my siblings are married. JW’s wife is about to have a kid any day now. Georgia Moon is pregnant, and JD’s adopting his wife’s little boy. You could stay with any of them if you’d prefer not to stay at my house, but I want my son with me. That is not negotiable.” JB took his hat off and ran a hand through his unruly hair. He never liked it long, but she had to admit, she loved it that way. “They are going to have a field day with this news.”

  “I don’t want Jimmy to be a spectacle.”

  “You know my family better than that. It’s only me they will harass.”

  She did, but not everyone on Whiskey Ranch would be so respectful. She’d heard whispers and rumblings during her short time there, and she didn’t want to deal with the scrutiny of those who were brutally loyal to JB and his family.

  “He and I have never been separated. I don’t know how he’ll do without me.” Knowing her son and how inquisitive he’d become over the last year about his father and wanting to know him, she figured Jimmy would be just fine.

  It was Cheyenne that didn’t want to be without her little boy. He’d been the only reason she’d survived the last few years.

  “We’ll work it out,” he said, shaking his head with a big smile.

  “What are you smirking about?”

  “You did good except for one thing.”

  “If you’re going to rag on me for the way I held the rope, I’m going to have to
kick your ass.”

  “Well, it’s about the only thing the judges could take points off for, and if my calculations are right—”

  She reached up on tiptoe and covered his mouth with her hand. “I don’t want to know what your guess is.”

  He curled his fingers around her wrist. “You look good.” He tucked a piece of her dark hair that had fallen from her braid behind her ear.

  “If we’re dishing out compliments, you should keep your hair like that. I’m sure all the ladies go bonkers over it.”

  He winked. “They do.”

  “You haven’t changed.”

  “Not really,” he said.

  “There you are,” a familiar female voice called.

  Cheyenne squinted, covering her eyes from the glare of the lowering sun’s rays stretching through the wide-open barn doors. “Who’s that?”

  “Paget. She was a stall girl when you were at the ranch. We’re here picking up a couple of horses,” JB said. “Sorry. But look who I found. Paget is a fan.”

  “It’s such an honor to officially meet you.” Paget stretched out her arm. “That was an amazing ride. I tried bronc riding a few times and realized I should stick with basic horseback riding lessons and training.”

  “Well, those are the most valuable skills because without them, I wouldn’t exist.” Cheyenne tipped her hat. “I remember you, and you had to be the hardest working person in that barn.”

  “She still is.” JB pointed toward the corral. “They are about to announce the scores.”

  Cheyenne glanced around nervously for Jimmy. “Do me a favor. If, by a miracle, I did break the world record, please help Katie keep Jimmy away from the press. He’s never been photographed.”

  “Why?” JB asked.

  “Because I didn’t want reporters questioning his paternity on camera before I had the chance to come clean with his father,” she admitted.

  “Who’s his dad?” Paget asked.

  “I am,” JB said, puffing out his chest.

  Cheyenne clenched her jaw. She knew everyone on Whiskey Ranch would know by daybreak, but she didn’t need him announcing it to the world now.

  “Oh, Mylanta,” Paget said. “Everyone knew you two were an item back then, but I didn’t know—”

  “And my son doesn’t know yet, so please, can you keep that piece of information to yourself.” Cheyenne sucked in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. She hadn’t meant to sound like such a bitch. “Jimmy expected to meet his father this summer; he just doesn’t know he’s already met him.”

  Paget twisted her hair between her fingers. “Did you know?”

  JB shook his head. “And I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry, Cheyenne.”

  “You have my word. My lips are sealed,” Paget said.

  “All right. I have to go.” Cheyenne smoothed down the front of her chaps.

  Jimmy strolled into the barn carrying a large bucket of popcorn. “Mommy. You better hurry. They’re about to call out the times.”

  “Wish me luck, little man.” Cheyenne leaned over and kissed her son. “You’re my good luck charm.” Tears welled in her eyes as she turned her back and waltzed toward the corral.

  No matter what happened, her life would never be the same again.

  She took her place in the center of the ring. Bronc riding was very much a male-dominated sport, and she’d often been treated as the ugly stepchild, even when she’d proven herself as being the best of the best.

  The announcer continued to rattle off the competitors and their scores.

  “And now we have the last man, or shall we say, the last woman standing,” the announcer said.

  Her cheeks hurt from smiling. Her heart beat so fast she figured everyone could hear it pounding in her chest. She didn’t need to beat the world record. Going out on top would be good enough. She kept her gaze on her son. JB had picked him up and held him on his hip, and it didn’t sour the moment.

  Not even close.

  It was actually a great weight off her shoulder to see her son with his biological father. A moment she’d been dreaming about since the day Jimmy had come into this world.

  “It is with great honor that I not only present the winner of this year’s bronc riding competition, but more importantly, that I get to announce that you, Cheyenne Hawkins, just made history.”

  She gasped, clutching her chest.

  “You broke the world record with 93 points, and you are the first woman to take that title. Congratulations.”

  The crowd roared and jumped to their feet. Cowboy hats flew in the air. She wiped the tears that burned a path down her cheeks. She turned in a circle, waving as one of the rodeo helpers brought a horse for her to take a victory lap. Wasting no time, she mounted the beautiful animal and made a beeline for her son.

  What the hell. This was her last moment. Her final ride. She wanted Jimmy by her side. She wanted the world to see her pride and joy. After today, she could hide out at Whiskey Ranch until the shitstorm blew over.

  If there even was one. Everyone knew she had a kid, and no one ever questioned who the father was, and since she kept her private life just that, it had never been a problem. Most people just assumed Jimmy’s father was her ex-husband, and she never corrected anyone.

  “Whoa.” She pulled back on the reins in front of the stands where her son and JB stood. “Hey there, little man. Want to take a victory lap with your mommy?”

  “Can I? Really?” He glanced between JB and her with wide eyes.

  “Hop on,” she said.

  JB lifted him over the railing and set him in front of Cheyenne. “Congratulations. I had no doubt.” He reached out, cupping her chin. Leaning over, he pressed his lips firmly on her mouth, letting the kiss linger for what seemed like a good minute.

  Which was fifty-nine seconds too long.

  Hell, he shouldn’t be kissing her at all. Not with a million people watching both in the stands and at home.

  And what the fuck. Why was she kissing him back?

  “You better take the lap,” JB said as he patted the horse’s backside.

  She made two full circles around the corral before making it back to the center. She dismounted, helping her son to the podium.

  “So, Cheyenne. How does it feel?” the announcer asked.

  “It’s bittersweet,” she said, holding Jimmy’s hand. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was about the same age as my boy here.” She glanced down at him and smiled. “As you know, this was the very first rodeo I competed at, and when I came here today, I knew that no matter what happened, it would also be my last.”

  A collective gasp followed by deadpan silence filled the late afternoon summer air.

  She scanned the stands. Everyone still stood, but now they all held their hats while they stared at her with open mouths and shocked gazes.

  “Everyone here I’m sure is wondering the same thing I am. Why?” the announcer asked.

  Her son tugged at her sleeve. “You’re not going to compete anymore?”

  She shook her head. “I’ve loved the rodeo, and I’m sure I’ll always be a part of it, in a different capacity. But it’s time for my son to spend a little quality time with his father instead of being on the road with me all the time.”

  “Really?” Jimmy jumped up and down. “When?” he asked as if they weren’t even in front of a sea of people.

  She ignored his questions for now. “I want to thank all the fans. You have made my comeback the most incredible experience of my life.” She lifted Jimmy into her arms. “My son and I give you our deepest gratitude.” She handed the microphone to the announcer and stepped from the podium.

  Jimmy palmed her cheek. “Mommy? I get to meet my dad?”

  “You already have, honey.” She pointed to JB. “He’s your daddy.”

  “JB?” Jimmy asked.

  “Yes,” she said with tears in her eyes. “I didn’t know he was going to be here, or I would have prepared you both. I’m sorry, little
man. I should have told you, and him, sooner.”

  Jimmy wiggled and kicked. “Put me down, Mom!”

  She did as her son asked, and he took off running with his little legs taking him as fast as he could go. His hat went flying off his head. “Daddy,” he cried with his arms stretched wide.

  Cheyenne slowed her pace as JB jumped the fence, bent on one knee, and scooped up his son, hugging him tight.

  As he should.

  1

  “What the fuck is she doing?” JB mumbled, yanking his shades off his face and tossing them to the bench, not caring if he broke them. He raked a hand through his hair. It was one thing to put Jimmy on the saddle; it was quite another to put him on the podium while she announced her retirement. And why the hell was she quitting? She’d just made history. In the matter of a few seconds, she changed the face of bronc riding forever. This made no sense to him at all.

  The news crew inched closer with their microphones pointed at Cheyenne. The sound of cameras clicking at rapid speed echoed in his ears.

  And then she had to go and mention Jimmy spending time with his father.

  “I thought she wasn’t ready for the world to know,” Paget added. “Are you okay with this? It’s all being recorded live. On national news. Your siblings are watching this.”

  “I’m not worried about them. I’m concerned about what this will do to Jimmy. I really don’t know much about what she’s told him about who his father is, but he doesn’t know its me.”

  “I probably shouldn’t say anything.” Katie pressed her hands on the railing, leaning forward as if to get a better look at the unfolding situation. “This really isn’t any of my business.”

  “Please. Feel free,” JB said. “Whatever you know that might help me navigate this with my son would be helpful.”

  “While she’s never given Jimmy a name, she’s never painted you in a bad light. She’s explained as best she can, in terms a four-year-old can understand,” Katie said. “If anything, she’s done her best to make sure she’d take the brunt of any bad feelings with her son when she did introduce the two of you.”

  “That really doesn’t shed any light on this situation.” JB inhaled sharply. When he’d woken up this morning, he knew he ran the risk of running into Cheyenne, and he’d practiced a million different one-liners, all making it seem as if seeing her again hadn’t phased him in the least.