This Cowboy of Mine--Includes a Bonus Novella

by R. C. Ryan

  Kirby’s head came up sharply as she stared at Avery in surprise. “Why would he think such a thing?”

  Avery shrugged. “Why would you?”

  “Most of the guys I know see commitment as another word for being tied down.”

  “Says the girl who’s about to move away to her uncle’s ranch and start a new life.”

  The two remained silent a long time before Avery said gently, “As for commitment, from what I’ve seen since joining this family, I’d say the Merricks commit to everything. The hard work of ranching. The pleasure of working together. The satisfaction of supporting one another. Commitment is their middle name.”

  Kirby grew thoughtful. “It’s what I most admire about them. But I’m talking about long-term commitment, as in an exclusive relationship. I’ve watched Egan and Miss Meg. Their bond is so special. I want that kind of love, but I’m afraid it isn’t possible, and I don’t want to settle for less.”

  Avery smiled. “I know what you mean. They’re a joy to be around.” Her voice lowered. “I’m no expert on love. And I remember thinking much the same thing when I first came here and found myself attracted to the man I’d been hired to help with physical therapy.”

  Kirby couldn’t help interjecting, “Talk about ‘physical’ therapy.”

  “Yeah.” Avery joined in her laughter. “It’s physical. And mental. And emotional. As for love, I think it’s a crapshoot. Either you stand on the sidelines so you won’t get hurt, or you risk it all by diving in and figuring things out a day at a time, knowing your heart could get broken in the process.”

  She could see Kirby digesting her words. “Not that I’m an expert. Just giving you my two cents.” Yawning, she tossed aside the afghan covering her lap and leaned over to brush a kiss on Kirby’s cheek. “I loved having this time with you, Kirby. Good night. See you in the morning.”

  “Me too. ’Night.” As the fire burned low, Kirby sipped her tea while mulling Avery’s words. Love. Risk. Heartbreak.

  Pretty heavy stuff.

  Thoughts of Casey filled her mind unbidden.

  She loved his loyalty to his family, and his determination to carry his share of the work. She loved the gentle way he treated the injured mustang. He was dedicated to healing, and it showed.

  She loved the care and respect he showed Ham and his grandparents and his father, and the strong bond he had with his brothers. He treated Chet and Billy like members of the family. And he was so careful with his shy aunt Liz.

  Kirby tried to think of anything she didn’t like, but nothing came to mind.

  Maybe Avery was right. Maybe it was time to stop putting up barriers, and questioning everything he said and did, or didn’t do, and admit that she was just plain crazy about the handsome, sexy, easygoing cowboy who seemed to be taking up way too much of her time.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Kirby stepped out of the shower and checked her phone. There was no message from Casey. The trek to the high country, which they all expected to take only two days, had now turned into four, with no word on when to look for their return.

  As she dressed, she reminded herself that she’d seen firsthand how cell service in the hills was affected by weather disturbances. The dark clouds obliterating the peaks of the Grand Tetons for the past several days were a clear message that another storm had blown in, trapping anyone caught in it. Here in the lower elevations, it had been merely rain and sleet, but in the mountains, it would surely be a blizzard. Fortunately, the men had shelter and plenty of food, along with enough experience dealing with the whims of nature to ride out the storm.

  Hearing a commotion in the mudroom, Kirby brightened before racing down the stairs. The eager, expectant look on her face faded when she saw Egan and Ham depositing their boots and parkas in the mudroom.

  Ham’s eyes twinkled. “From the way you came blowing in here, I’d say you were expecting one of those rock stars. Sorry to disappoint you.”

  She blushed, knowing her face had betrayed her. Hadn’t Uncle Frank always told her she wore her emotions on her sleeve? She looped her arms through both of theirs. “You two are my rock stars. Why didn’t you wait for me? I told you I’d give you a hand with the barn chores.”

  “You’ve got to be quick, girl. Chores wait for no one.” Ham grinned at Egan over her head. “Don’t you have an appointment with Dr. Peterson today?”

  She nodded and walked with them to the kitchen, where Meg was sitting at the table.

  Inside she crossed to the counter and helped herself to a glass of juice, while the two older men grabbed some mugs of steaming coffee.

  Egan kissed his wife’s cheek before sitting down beside her. “Feels more like February out there, Meggie.”

  “I could feel the chill when you opened the back door.” Meg patted his hand before glancing over at Kirby. “What time is your appointment with Dr. Peterson?”

  “Ten o’clock.”

  “If you need a driver—”

  Avery interrupted. “I’m on it.”

  Kirby shook her head. “You don’t need—”

  “I do. Besides, I promised Casey before he left that if he wasn’t back in time, I’d see to it.”

  “Thanks, Avery.”

  When Billy announced that breakfast was ready, Meg caught Avery’s hand as she started toward the table. “Something tells me you’re missing that handsome husband of yours.”

  Avery nodded. “I know they’re just waiting out the storm, and there’s safety in numbers. But I’ll feel better when he’s home.”

  “Of course you will, honey.” Meg squeezed her hand. “We all will.”

  As Kirby moved her food around her plate, she realized that she had no appetite. Looking around and seeing the somber faces, it gave her some small measure of comfort to know that this entire family felt the same way she did. It wasn’t so much that they worried. After all, unexpected weather wasn’t new to any of them. But they wouldn’t truly relax until all of them were together again.

  When had this happened? How had she allowed a man, who’d been a stranger not even weeks ago, to become so important in her life?

  Though she resented the nerves that fluttered, she couldn’t deny the truth. Casey had begun to matter to her. Much more than was comfortable.

  Damn the man.

  “We should do something to celebrate.” Avery backed the truck out of the parking slot at the Devil’s Door Clinic. “You’re finally rid of that clumsy boot.”

  Kirby’s smile brightened. “Dr. Peterson said the X-rays showed the bone was completely mended. He saw no sign of the fracture or any other trauma.” She touched a hand to Avery’s arm. “Best of all, he said I could resume my normal activities.”

  “All good.” Avery shot her a grin. “But don’t forget he wrote a scrip for six sessions of physical therapy. I’m thinking we could manage a couple a week until you’re as good as new.”

  Kirby was already shaking her head. “Only if you can schedule them at my uncle’s ranch…I mean my ranch.”

  She had to stop a moment and take the words in. Her smile touched her eyes and lit up her entire face. “My ranch. Do you know how lovely that sounds? This is the first time I’ve said those words. But the last time I spoke with my cousin, she’d said she’d talked with her lawyer, who would begin the paperwork. She did warn me to be patient, since these things take time. But very soon now, I’ll be moving into my own place.”

  Avery reached over and caught her hand. “I wish you weren’t leaving. It’s been fun having you here.”

  “Thanks. I’ve loved it, too. You’re like the sister I always wished I had.”

  “Are you and your cousin as close as sisters?”

  Kirby looked away. “I would have liked that. But she was older, and away at college when I moved to the ranch.”

  “What about holidays and summers? Didn’t you two spend any time together?”

  Kirby shook her head. “When Caroline came home for holidays, she pretty much ignored me. I
had assumed it because of our age gap. But I was never certain whether that was the reason that she seemed so cool to me, or if it was the fact that she resented having to share her father with someone.”

  A thought had Kirby turning to Avery. “You’re an only child. How do you think you’d have felt if your father had brought a relative into the family?”

  Avery chuckled. “You’d have to know my father. He didn’t even have enough time for me, so there was no way he would ever make room in his busy life for a relative, no matter how painful the circumstances. As for me, I would have loved having someone to share things with. I was so lonely after my mother died. But I’m not sure I really knew just how lonely my life was until coming here. Seeing Brand with his brothers and this big, loud, loving family made me realize just how much I’d missed.”

  Kirby nodded in understanding. “The Merricks are an amazing family, so warm and welcoming. As for my cousin, once she had a boyfriend, she started spending her holidays with his family. Then she got a summer internship in Casper, and we hardly ever saw her.”

  “How did your uncle react?”

  Kirby shrugged. “If he was sad, he hid it well. We grew closer than ever, and because I was such a tomboy, he included me in all the ranch chores and even on his trips to neighboring ranches to visit his cronies. He used to brag to his friends that I was the son he never had.”

  “He said ‘son’?” Avery shook her head. “Not ‘daughter’?”

  “He already had a daughter. I think he didn’t want word to get back to Caroline that I had become her substitute.”

  “I see.” Avery thought about it a minute before saying, “Your uncle was a smart man.”

  “Yeah.” Kirby fell silent as the truck ate up the miles away from town. “And a really good man. I miss him.”

  “Oh, my gosh.” As they drew near the ranch, Avery pointed.

  Parked near the barn was the stake truck and trailer. Casey and Jonah were leading the horses down a ramp while Brand and Chet were unloading empty coolers.

  Bo was talking to Meg and Egan, while Ham watched the frantic activities from the back porch.

  Avery parked her truck behind the others and the two young women went racing across the distance that separated them. Avery flung herself into Brand’s arms, and he swung her around and around before setting her on her feet to kiss her.

  Kirby skidded to a halt inches from Casey. With a smile he tipped his hat. “Gram Meg said you were in town.”

  She nodded, feeling suddenly tongue-tied.

  “I see you’ve lost the boot.”

  “Everything’s mended just fine.” Instead of glancing at her foot, she kept her gaze fixed on the handsome cowboy standing in front of her.

  “Well…” Casey’s voice died.

  “I’ll take care of this, bro.” Jonah took the lead rope from his brother’s hand and led the two horses into the barn.

  While everyone around them asked a million questions and bustled about unloading, Casey and Kirby stood very still without saying a word.

  After an awkward moment, they both tried to fill the silence.

  “Sorry I was gone so—”

  “We could see the storm—”

  “I meant it when I promised to take you to your doc—”

  “I really wanted to be here before you got back—”

  They stopped, then burst into laughter.

  Casey grabbed her hand and led her inside the barn just as Jonah stepped out.

  “Okay.” Casey lifted a palm toward her. “You first.”

  “No. You go ahead.”

  He surprised her by dragging her close. Against her temple he murmured, “I’m so happy to see you.”

  She drew in a ragged breath and turned her face slightly until their lips were almost touching. “Me too.”

  He shot her a sexy grin. “Did you miss me?”

  She avoided his eyes. “Hardly at all.”

  He cupped her chin in his hands, forcing her to meet his laughing gaze. “Liar.”

  “What about you?” She felt the heat of his touch all the way to her toes. “Did you miss me?”

  “Only every minute I was gone.”

  At his unexpected admission, the teasing retort she’d planned fled from her brain. Instead she spoke the only words she could think of. “I missed you, too.”

  He pressed his forehead to hers and exhaled slowly. “Thank you. Now, finally, I can breathe.”

  “…snow was piling up against the wall of the range shack until even the windows were covered.” At the sound of Bo’s voice, their two heads came up sharply.

  “You don’t say?” Ham, who was walking beside Bo, paused to stare at Casey and Kirby.

  A slow smile touched his lips. “I see our rock star is back.”

  He and Kirby shared a grin.

  When he moved on, Casey narrowed his eyes at her. “You called me a rock star?”

  With a perfectly straight face she arched a brow. “Is that what you thought you heard? I believe your great-grandfather called you a rock head.” She touched a finger to Casey’s temple. “Yep. Just as I thought. Filled with rocks.”

  “Uh-huh.” Still grinning, he held her hand again. “If you’re looking for a fight, look somewhere else. I already got you to admit you missed me. And that’s enough to make my day, woman.”

  The two of them were still laughing as they walked hand in hand toward the house, where the wonderful smells of Billy’s roast beef and garlic mashed potatoes wafted on the air.

  Apparently even the cook realized the return of half the family called for a celebration.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  A fat moon hung in the midnight sky as Kirby made her way to the barn. It was strange, she thought, how quickly she’d let go of the sounds of the city. Here in Wyoming, she had already become completely accustomed to the familiar, comforting sounds of her childhood on her uncle’s ranch. The distant lowing of cattle. A coyote calling to its mate.

  Inside the barn she heard Casey’s voice coming from the corner stall.

  “Well, just look at you.” Casey got to his feet in the mustang’s stall and brushed his hands down his pants. “You’re looking fat and sleek and well healed, little girl.”

  “I could say the same for her doctor.”

  At Kirby’s voice Casey looked up with a smile. “I thought you went up to bed.”

  “I did. Then I saw the light on in the barn and realized you were out here checking on your patient.”

  He stepped out of the stall and secured the latch before joining her at the rail. “That gash on her leg is completely healed.”

  “Thanks to the good doctor.”

  “It’s a nice feeling.” His voice was hushed out of deference to the nighttime silence enveloping them. “When I found her, she was close to death. I wasn’t sure I could help, but I had to try.”

  “And now look at her.”

  “Yeah.” He was smiling when he turned to Kirby. “I can’t put it off any longer. She’s been cooped up too long. Time to take her back to the hills and turn her loose.”

  Kirby nodded. “I called my boss today and let him know that Dr. Peterson signed a release allowing me to resume my normal activities. So Dan said any time I want to head back to finish counting the mustang herds, I’ve got his permission.”

  Casey drew an arm around her shoulders. “Perfect timing. So, are you up to hiking in the snow-covered hills?”

  “Are you? After all, you just got home.”

  “Around here, there’s a short window of opportunity. I know the family can spare me a day or two in the highlands, and then it’ll be time to lend a hand repairing the equipment and celebrating holidays before it’s time again for spring calving.” He paused. “Want to head out tomorrow?”

  She nodded. “I can’t wait. I’m not good at killing time and feeling lazy.”

  “I’ve noticed.” He smiled down into her eyes. “I’ll tell Billy to load us up with enough supplies to keep us from starvati
on. We can probably get on the trail right after chores.”

  “I’m happy to lend a hand with them.”

  “No need. Save your strength for the hike. With more than a foot of new snow up there, it’ll be slow going. But we’ll take horses so we won’t have to navigate the snow on foot. That’ll be our insurance that you don’t put too much strain on that freshly healed ankle.”

  He kept his arm around her shoulders as they left the barn and returned to the house.

  In the mudroom they pried off their boots and hung their hats and parkas before heading toward their rooms.

  At the foot of the stairs he turned to her, and for a moment she thought he might kiss her. Instead, he merely touched a finger to her cheek. “’Night, Sunshine. See you in the morning.”

  “Yeah. Good night.” She turned and climbed the stairs.

  When she paused outside her door she looked back. He was standing where she’d left him, watching in silence.

  With a smile she opened the door and entered the room.

  As she prepared for bed, she wondered at the way her heart felt. Though she’d hoped he would kiss her, she wasn’t so much disappointed as intrigued. From the look in his eyes, it wasn’t disinterest she’d seen, but patience.

  Patience. It wasn’t something she’d expect from a hard-driving, hard-living cowboy. But then, Casey was constantly surprising her.

  She climbed between the covers and lay in the darkness, feeling a quick rush of excitement. By this time tomorrow night she would be back in the hills, where it had all started. But this time, she had an even more compelling reason to feel this little rush of quiet expectation.

  This time she wouldn’t be alone.

  Casey led the mustang from the stall. Outside the barn two horses were ready and waiting, their saddlebags bulging with supplies.

  The family gathered around Kirby and Casey to wish them well before they set out.

  “Text when you can, bro.” Brand clapped Casey on the shoulder.

  “Will do.” With a quick embrace to his aunt and grandmother, he pulled himself into the saddle.