He swiped away her tears. He remembered how his mom had handled the situations when he and his brothers got into trouble, and they’d done some pretty bad things. She didn’t threaten to go out back and get a switch like his father would have, but she would sit down, listen, and then give them a just and fair punishment. His Ma had been the best role model. Maybe he should have listened to her better. Creed was surprised what she’d confessed to him earlier, but it was important to forgive. No one was perfect. “Honey, it’s not the end of the world. Just don’t do it again. Okay?”
“I promise. I won’t. We won’t.” She swiped the back of her hand across her moist eyes.
“And I’m going to make a promise right now and stick to it. I’m going to stop working so much and be home more. I’ll hire more hands if I need to. I’m going to make you my focus from now on until you become an adult. You’re the most important person in my life and you need to always know that. I’m going to ground myself because I’ve grounded you at times when I shouldn’t have, when you were just trying to get my attention. That’s my fault. Not yours.”
“Does that mean I’m not going to be grounded now?” she asked hopefully.
“That’s pushing it. You’ll be grounded, but I’m not taking Alex away from you. He’s a good kid and a good friend to you. But you two will need to start being accountable for what you do and how you do it. Not following rules can lead to danger.”
“I will. I promise. I’ll never do anything wrong again.” She crossed her fingers.
He chuckled. “Although that sounds pretty darn good, we all make mistakes, even adults can make the worst.”
“I want to meet Jane, Dad. She’s my sister. I’m excited.”
“You will. We’ll make that happen. I want to meet her too.” He’d only met her in passing earlier when he’d stopped at Sage Ranch. “I saw her today. You look like her. You both look like the Hawke family.”
“I look like her?” The vulnerability he saw in her reminded him just how young she still was.
“Yes, you do. How about we get out of here? I spent enough time in here as a kid.” He stood, reaching out to help her up.
“Dad? You were in jail?”
“Not behind bars, but in this room. One day I’ll tell you about my brushes with danger if you promise to learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. The last thing this town needs is another misbehaving Hawke.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
CREED BRUSHED HIS hands down Maggie’s neck. “You’re a good girl.” He’d brought her there after she’d sprained her leg during a mission. She’d stay at Hawke Farm until she recovered fully.
She clawed the ground as if to say, “Thank you.”
Four weeks had passed since Mindy left Cooper’s Hawk. She’d called him and told him she was heading back to California to take care of business. She didn’t say whether she would come back or not, and he didn’t ask. He’d wanted to, but he couldn’t forgive her.
Jane and her boyfriend Jonesy had visited one weekend and they spent it getting to know each other. Although things were a little awkward at first, by the end of Sunday they’d made a lot of headway in becoming friends. Creed even had a “dad-to-boyfriend” conversation with Jonesy. He made it clear to the young man that he’d better respect his daughter.
Rusty had stopped to speak to Creed one afternoon, and he could see the man was a little uncomfortable. Rusty had apologized for the past. Creed had forgiven him.
“Dad?”
He looked up to find Livvy standing alongside the fence to the arena. “Is everything okay?”
“I want to speak to you.” She waved him over.
Crossing the grass, he climbed over the top rail of the fence and dropped his boots down on the other side. Just as he’d promised he was spending more time at home and getting Livvy more involved in the chores at the farm, and at Sage Ranch. Since Mindy had left, Isabella had taken over helping Livvy with figure skating, but because she needed more, she gave Creed a number to call to set up lessons a few counties over. Livvy had been upset that Mindy was no longer teaching her, but she wanted to continue to skate.
He pulled off his gloves and pushed them into his back pocket. “What’s up?”
“I spoke to Jane this morning.”
“Great. I’m glad you two are talking every day.”
“We talked about Mindy.”
He swallowed hard, feeling an ache at the back of his skull. “I’m sure you two will have some discussions about her.” He scratched his temple with his thumb.
“Jane said they are coming back to visit with Rusty this weekend.”
Looking out into the distance, Creed saw nothing through his hurt and obstinacy. He didn’t like feeling this way, but the betrayal had taken up residence inside him and he didn’t know how to let it go. “Okay.”
“Don’t you care?”
“I care.” He leaned into the fence. “I’ll always care for Mindy but it’s hard for you to understand what’s going on. Sometimes a person is meant to care for someone from afar.”
Livvy lifted herself to sit on the top rail. Her new cowgirl boots were scuffed and dirty. That was a great thing. She’d been doing her chores every day, without him asking. “Why? You two are crazy for each other, Dad. It’s about time you stopped being obstinate.”
“That’s a new word.”
“I read it in a book.”
“Glad you’re reading. And helping out more around here.”
“I like working on the land, with the horses and goats. I especially like Hope.”
“They’ll grow on you fast.” He liked seeing her smile.
“So, why are you so stubborn?”
“Have you looked at yourself lately?” He laughed. “It’s in the Hawke genes.”
She shrugged. “We’re tough and stubborn. That’s not a bad thing, unless you let something go when you shouldn’t.”
“Honey, although I’m flattered that you care for my wellbeing and relationship status, I assure you I’m okay.”
“You say that, but I know better. Everyone wants love. I miss Mindy. I know you do too!”
Lying wouldn’t help the situation. “I do,” he said quietly.
“Thought so. So Jane and I have an idea.”
“You do?” He couldn’t wait to hear what they’d brewed up.
“Marry Mindy.”
He blinked. “Let’s say for theories sake that I still wanted to marry her, that doesn’t mean she’d say yes. Livvy, she left. She wants to stay in California.”
“She’s in California because she can’t be near you. That’s what Jane said.”
“There’s a lot more to the story.”
“Because she didn’t tell you about Jane? Dad, sometimes I think you can’t see the way things really are. She did try to tell you. Mom took the letter and you married her. Anyway, you love Mindy. Are you going to be stupid and wait another nineteen years?”
“You’re not supposed to call your dad stupid. My goodness, girl. I don’t think you’re going to let up on this, are you?”
“Nope. Not until you listen. You were going to ask her to marry you, weren’t you?”
“Yes,” the answer came on the tail end of a sigh.
“And the only thing that changed is that we have Jane now. Right?”
How she said “we have Jane” made his heart fill with emotion. She was right. This wasn’t a negative experience. He had another daughter and his heart expanded. A man could never have too much love—and he loved Mindy. Even after everything they’d been through. “So tell me about this plan you and Jane have manufactured.”
“Well, since you’ve asked…”
~~~~~
“Honey, why do we have to go down to the barn? I’d like to get back on the road before dark,” Mindy complained. She and Jane had taken a flight, rented a car and drove the few hours to Sage Ranch. The second she crossed the town limits into Cooper’s Hawk she felt a sad heaviness. She didn’t want to see Creed. A
lthough she missed him—she loved him—she would only be overwhelmed with pain. He’d made his choice. He couldn’t forgive her for the secret. Mindy would do everything she could from afar to encourage Jane to continue building a relationship with both Creed and Livvy.
But as far as ever fulfilling a dream with Creed, that was dead and gone…
“I told you. Jonesy and I wanted to see the goats before we leave. Right, Jonesy?” Jane looked up at her boyfriend.
“Yeah. I wanted to see the goats,” he added.
“Fine. Then we’ll go see them,” Mindy caved. They’d both been acting weird for hours. Rushing her here and there. Why didn’t they want to rush now?
It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. The sky was clear and blue. There was a scent of sweetness mixed in the air. Oh how she missed the ranch.
Jane slid open the door to the barn and Mindy started to step in when she came to a halt. She had to blink twice to be sure what she was seeing was real. Creed stood a few feet away, smiling and holding a large bouquet of her favorite flowers. He looked handsome wearing a crisp white button-down shirt that emphasized the breadth of his shoulders and chest. The dark denims fit his long legs like they were tailor made for him and his boots were new. The whiskers were gone from his jaw and he looked younger.
Consumed with him, it took her a long moment before she realized he wasn’t alone. Standing next to him was Livvy who looked like she was dressed in her Sunday’s best. Her beautiful hair hung in long waves and the sea green dress was so pretty.
“Hi, Livvy.”
The teen came forward and hugged Mindy. She blinked back tears.
When Livvy moved back to join her dad, Mindy saw that behind them was a small gathering of family and friends. Rusty, Hank, Boone, Bo, Isabella, and a few more familiar faces from her childhood. They were all happy to see her.
“What’s going on here?” Mindy looked from Creed to Jane and back to Creed for an answer.
He swiped off his hat and handed it and the bouquet to Livvy. Sweat beaded his forehead and he looked both excited and worried.
“Creed?”
“Give me a chance.” He took Mindy’s hand into his. “If you can forgive me for being an idiot for letting you leave Cooper’s Hawk a second time in a lifetime, I want to ask you a question.” He reached into his back pocket, pulled out something, and bent to his knee.
Mindy realized he held a small velvet box in his palm. “Creed, this feels like a …”
“Marriage proposal?” He lifted the lid to the box. Inside was a twinkling diamond surrounded by a circle of rubies. “When we were little we were playing in mama’s room and we found this ring in a chest. You said it was the prettiest ring you’d ever laid eyes upon and one day you wanted a ring just like it. Remember?” She nodded, watching him through blurred vision. “Ma gave this to me to give to you. Sweetheart, I should have given you this ring years ago, but you know us Hawke’s. We’re a bit foolish when it comes to the matters of the heart.”
Laughter sounded from those behind him. Mindy looked up and saw Abby using a handkerchief to wipe tears from her eyes. “I’ve always admired that ring, Abby.”
“My mom would be proud to see it on your finger,” she said. Rusty put his arm around her to comfort her.
“Will you marry me, Mindy? Only say yes if you’re willing to tolerate me loving you for the rest of our lives.”
“Creed, I thought you’d never forgive me.” Tears fell to her cheeks.
“A wise person once told me that I could choose to never forgive you or forgive and see how happy we can be.” He stood. “I love you. I’ll always love you.”
“Yes, Creed. Yes a million times.” They walked into each other’s arms. He swung her around then put her back on her feet, giving her a quick kiss on the lips.
“What do you think?” He wagged his brows.
“I think it’s amazing that all these people have come to watch you ask for my hand in marriage.” She smiled at the small crowd of people.
“Sweetheart, these people have come to watch us get married, that is if you really mean yes. I’m not taking the risk of losing you again. We even have Pastor Michaels here.”
The silver haired man waved from where he stood behind Rusty.
“What?” She looked back at Jane. “Did you know about this?”
Her daughter nodded. “It killed me not to tell you, but Mom, isn’t this what you want? What you’ve always wanted? You have my blessing.”
“And mine,” Livvy said.
Mindy looked at her father. “Daddy?”
“You have my blessing as long as I get to walk you down the aisle.”
Turning her gaze to the man she had always loved, she nodded. “Yes, Creed.” She laughed in excitement. “I’ll marry you today, but what about a dress? I don’t have anything with me except for what I have on.”
“Don’t worry,” Jane said. “Pop Pop found something you might be okay wearing.”
“I’ll be right back.” Rusty stepped around a wall then came forward, holding the pretty lace dress that Mindy’s mom wore when she married Rusty.
“Daddy? Are you sure?”
“Your mom would have wanted you to wear this.” He had tears in his eyes.
“Then what are we waiting for? I’m ready to become Mrs. Creed Hawke,” Mindy exclaimed.
Everyone clapped and cheered.
That day fate brought a man and woman together—a love that not even time could fade.
Epilogue
MINDY GENTLY ROCKED on the porch as she watched Jane, Livvy and Jonesy tossing the frisbee. They were laughing and having such an amazing time.
Hearing a cooing sound, she lowered her eyes to the bundle of joy in her arms. Nicholas Rusty Hawke looked just like his daddy, of course. Thick black hair, bright eyes and a charmer at even a month old. Mindy’s heart swelled. Nic had been a surprise, but a very joyous one. She once believed she’d never hold a baby of her own again, but fate proved it had a plan of its own.
Just like her marriage to Creed. Their love had withstood time. Now they were living at Sage Creek with their small family. Things had come full circle.
“Happy one-year anniversary, babe.” Creed came up behind her, bent over and kissed her cheek.
“Did you speak to the builders?”
“They’re going to break ground with the new house next week. Soon, sweetheart, we’ll have our own home on the west property. Right there where we’ve shared so much history.”
“I can’t wait, Creed. I’m so happy.”
“How is my beautiful wife and son?”
“We’re wonderful. Right, Nic? How are the steaks coming on the grill?”
“I’ve had to threaten to shoo your father away at least a dozen times. Is he always this controlling when it comes to grilling?” Creed laughed.
“No clue, although I do remember him always calling himself the “grill master”. I thought all men thought they were grill masters.”
“It’s going to take me some time to get used to that.” He pointed at the scene around the grill.
Rusty and Abby were laughing and holding hands. “You know, I’m not so surprised. I mean, I am shocked that they had an affair, but I like that they can be happy. They’re both deserving and going to be so happy traveling to Paris next month.”
“Ma has always wanted to go there.”
“And now she gets to. We’ll miss them, won’t we, little man.” His little fists waved through the air.
“How about I take Nic for a bit?”
“Sure.” She handed over their son and watched them together with pride. Mindy stood and joined them as they strolled into the grass.
“I can’t believe they’ll be getting married soon,” Creed whispered, referring to Jane and Jonesy.
“As long as he treats my girl right.” Mindy looked over to where Jonesy was teasing Jane by tickling her.
“He better,” Creed growled.
A car pulled in and the back
door opened. Alex jumped out and ran to meet Livvy. Mindy waved at his mother as she pulled away. Livvy wore such a sweet smile.
Mindy thought the crush was cute but had a feeling they’d be seeing more and more of Alex over the years if Livvy stayed on track. She’d become such a blessing, helping around the house, taking a leading role on the farm. She’d even recently signed up for her first competition in figure skating with Mindy as her coach.
Melody called once a week, but Livvy gave up asking her mom to visit.
“What if we decided to have another?” Creed surprised her by saying.
“Another baby? Don’t you think we should slow down? If Jane and Jonesy get married, we could have a grandchild in the next few years.”
“I guess you’re right. I just look at Nic and see our love in him and it makes me so proud.”
“You make me proud, Creed.”
He bent and kissed her.
“Come on you two. Save that stuff,” Livvy teased.
Not the end but only the beginning.
From the author:
Thank you for reading. Please leave a review and let others know your thoughts.
Check out the entire selection of books by me… http://www.amazon.com/Rhonda-Lee-Carver/e/B00CQLXKTO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1456497552&sr=1-2-ent
Hugs,
Rhonda Lee Carver
At an early age, Rhonda fell in love with romance novels, knowing one day she’d write her own love story. Life took a short detour, but when the story ideas were no longer contained, she decided to dive in and write. Her first plot was on a dirty napkin she found buried in her car. Eventually, she ran out of napkins. With baby on one hip and laptop on the other, she made a dream into reality—one word at a time.
Her specialty is men who love to get their hands dirty and women who are smart, strong and flawed. She loves writing about the everyday hero.
When Rhonda isn't crafting sizzling manuscripts, you will find her busy editing novels, blogging, juggling kids and animals (too many to name), dreaming of a beach house and keeping romance alive. Oh, and drinking lots of coffee to keep up with her hero and heroine.
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