Montana Boss: Montana Cowboys

by Hildie McQueen

  Drew got the impression the guy was talking from experience. For a moment Trace lost his bravado and a flicker of vulnerability filled his eyes. Then again it was gone when he cocked an eyebrow waiting for a response.

  Trace had his sister's back. Drew imagined he would do the same for the other one. His heart squeezed at the thought his brother and he had been the same way.

  Everything Shannon's brother said was right. Drew would tackle the situation with his mother first and then he'd consider what to do about Shannon.

  Hopefully it was not too late.

  Chapter Sixteen

  "At least this one isn't a homosexual," Donna Aldean wiped the kitchen counter and replaced the bright colored ceramic rooster cookie jar. "You know what, Shannon, maybe you should try a website. Match and Mingle dot com." She poured creamer in a cup of tea and placed it in front of her. "Think about it. It's where Ashley met that nice boy Doug."

  Shannon choked on her tea and coughed. "Really?"

  "I don't know for sure. According to your aunt Myrna they met online." Although her mother attempted to appear chipper, Shannon caught the concern in her eyes.

  As usual on Saturday, she and Trace came over to eat and spend a couple hours with their parents at the large farm they owned. She always took leftovers home, which kept her fed for at least a couple days. Trace lived just a mile away on the land in his own farmhouse.

  "Mama. I'm fine. Just need a little time. It's not like I dated him very long. I'm not sure why it's so hard for me to let go this time." Damn if her voice didn't hitch and she attempted to cover it up by clearing her throat.

  "Because you fell in love, sweetie. Love has a way of showing up when you least expect it."

  "Hey," Meagan burst through the front door, looking tan and smiling broadly. "I'm back!" she yelled, her arms spread wide. Both Shannon and her mother stared at her for a second before realizing she was back from her honeymoon.

  They rushed to her and everyone hugged and talked at once.

  Brad walked in, also tanned, with his easygoing grin. "Hey, family." He allowed his mother-in-law and Shannon to hug him. Then he tilted his head toward the front door. "Shannon, your man is outside."

  It took a few seconds for her to understand whom her brother-in-law was talking about. "Drew?"

  "Yeah, he's out there in his car."

  "Oh." Shannon went to the living room window and peeked out. The black truck was indeed in front of the house.

  "He is." She went back to the kitchen. "I suppose if he decides to come in, he will."

  "What's all the noise about?" Trace entered through the back patio door, platter of hot grilled hamburgers in hand. Her father walked in behind him and went directly to hug Meagan. Everyone asked questions about their honeymoon, and Shannon wondered if she should check on Drew.

  She peered toward the living room and decided best not to. Whatever he did out there, he'd have to man up and face her family when and if he came inside.

  A few minutes later, they all stopped talking when Drew appeared at the doorway. Trace leaned forward, lips pressed into a thin line and brow furrowed. A sign he was ready to fight.

  Shannon's eyes widened.

  Drew glanced at Trace, reading the body language loud and clear, and affirming it by his visible swallow. "Hello, everyone. I knocked, but I guess you didn't hear me." No one spoke as he looked at her. "Shannon. Can I talk to you?"

  She wasn't sure what to say. Someone, probably her mother took her by the shoulders to keep her in place.

  Her father spoke. "Come on in, young man. Go ahead and talk to her right here. Want some ribs, we have some left." Her wonderful father could always be counted on to smooth any situation. "Donna, honey, pour him a glass of iced tea." He gave his wife a pointed look.

  Her mother came out of her defensive pose and switched to hostess. "Please, Drew, sit down. I was about to feed Meagan and Brad. They just got back from the honeymoon."

  Brad went to Drew and shook his hand while Meagan grinned at Shannon only to frown when she didn't return it.

  "I think Drew wants to talk to you in private." Her sister said then squeaked when her mother shoved her into a chair.

  There was no way in hell she was going anywhere with him in private. She'd end up in bed with him, followed by some situation, which would pull them apart and then heartbroken one more time. Nope. Wasn't happening.

  "Actually it doesn't have to be in private," Drew said. She noticed a light sheen of perspiration on his upper lip. "I can say what I came to say in front of all of you."

  Everyone sat around the table and looked from Drew to her and he swallowed visibly and then opened his mouth and took a deep breath. Was the man about to pass out? Shannon leaned forward, but didn't touch him. "Drew, what's wrong?"

  He shook his head. "Once again I want to apologize for what happened the last time we saw each other. Also for what Mother said. We spoke." He looked to Trace. "And have come to an agreement. She has decided to go to grief counseling about my brother. We'll be going together."

  "That's great," Shannon replied, truly happy for him.

  "So here's the thing. When I asked you to move in with me..."

  "What?" her brother and father asked in unison.

  "You are not living with him," her mother declared.

  "Let him talk," Meagan said and bit a chunk from the rib in her hand, her eyes glued to Drew.

  Drew's gaze took in her family and looked back at her. "It would have been a mistake."

  Shannon's heart sank. She'd actually planned to accept and relocate to Bozeman to be with him. "Right."

  "So instead I want to ask you..." he kneeled, "to marry me. I love you, Shannon Aldean."

  Drew pulled a box from his pocket and pried it open. "I saw this emerald solitaire and it reminded me of your beautiful eyes."

  All surroundings were gone. The sound of her heart beating and Drew before her on one knee, a beautiful emerald ring in his hand the only reality.

  He loved her.

  Her family by some miracle of heaven was struck silent. Someone cleared their throat and Shannon realized she’d not answered.

  "Yes," she whispered.

  Someone giggled, probably Meagan.

  Her mother sniffed. “Kiss him Shannon.”

  "Yes, okay."

  Drew stood and pulled her against him and they kissed until someone cleared their throat.

  Probably her father, or Trace.

  "I love you Shannon." Drew's warm gaze melted her insides and she beamed up at him.

  "I love you."

  The End

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for reading Montana Boss. I thoroughly enjoyed writing this book. Please try Montana Bachelor and Montana Beau, my other fun western contemporary romances.

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