The Bull Rider's Baby Bombshell

by Amanda Renee

  Leave it to Harlan to pick up on his insecurities. “Are you sure you don’t want to ask one of them?”

  “Nope. I choose you and you better be there. August 1, no excuses. We’re going to have a real wedding this time. Maybe Jade will still be here since it’s only five weeks away.”

  “Not you, too.” Wes smoothed the front of his vest as a white, antique horse-drawn carriage crested the horizon. “Jade and I can never be more than friends.”

  “Who knows, maybe she’ll move here.” Garrett chimed in on his right.

  Wes tugged at the collar of his shirt. “She has a lucrative business in LA and I have no intentions of ever going Hollywood.”

  “She isn’t going to want him after what he said earlier,” Dylan added. “Poor guy doesn’t know what he’s missing.” His smile widened as Delta’s father helped her down from the coach. “Love, marriage, kids...it’s everything.”

  “It sure is,” his other two brothers said in unison before Harlan leaned over and whispered, “What did you say to Jade earlier?”

  “Shh.” Wes brushed him off. Getting ganged up on by his siblings was the last thing he needed. Especially with Jade watching him from three rows away.

  She looked beautiful today and he hadn’t even had the decency to tell her. Her retro glam made his heart race every time. A part of him longed to go back in time to the decade she wore so well. Where life was simpler and modern science didn’t complicate matters. If they had been a couple, they wouldn’t have had Hadley, Mackenzie and Audra at the same time, but Wes was a firm believer in destiny and the girls would’ve been born regardless. Of course, all the stars would have had to align in order for them to be together today.

  Emma’s best friend led Garrett’s children down the aisle, followed by Belle and Delta pushing Travis and Holly in white strollers ahead of the bride. Every member of his family—both blood and extended—were a part of Dylan and Emma’s wedding. Everyone except Audra, Hadley and Mackenzie. They could have been right beside their cousins in their own strollers and included in all the wedding photos the family would pose for later. Photos that would hang on walls for decades to come and grace the pages of albums for future generations to look through.

  Liv had wanted a family, but in creating that family, the three of them had collectively and knowingly excluded the girls from their true family. That had always been the plan. Wes had never wanted anyone to know he’d fathered his best friend’s children. Now that plan seemed so shortsighted.

  At the time, he’d only factored in his own feelings and hadn’t considered the bigger picture. That’s not to say he would have changed his mind and done things any differently. But maybe, just maybe, he would’ve come up with a solution that included his family in the girls’ lives. He was powerless to change the situation now. He’d made his decision a year ago and was legally bound to it. The law may prevent him from calling them his girls, but in his heart, they would forever be his girls. And Jade would always be the mother of his children.

  “Friends, family and neighbors,” Reverend Grady began. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Dylan Slade and Emma Sheridan. Over the past year, I’ve come to know the Slade family rather well. I’ve officiated over two of their weddings, two christenings and sadly one funeral. During that time, I’ve noticed one common thread interwoven throughout this family. The thread of love.”

  Love. All four of his brothers had fallen in love and had been married at least once. Three of those marriages had ended in devastating heartbreak. Love and heartbreak were two concepts that had eluded him for twenty-nine years. It was impossible to get your heart broken if you didn’t fall in love. Yet somehow, in a few short weeks he’d learned the meaning of both words. The love he had for his daughters was like nothing he’d ever experienced before. And tomorrow he’d experience heartbreak for the first time when he walked away.

  * * *

  JADE SENSED WES’S unease during the ceremony and she wondered if the same thing she’d been thinking ran through his head, as well. That a massive family celebration was missing three new members. She couldn’t help questioning her sister’s logic once again. She understood Liv’s desire to personally know her children’s father, but why Wes? Why did she choose the man with the largest family in town? And why did she choose the one man Jade couldn’t get out of her head.

  She’d only been around him for a week and a half and she found herself tempted by the forbidden fruit. Her sister had spent almost five years with him. Their friendship had lasted longer than Liv’s marriage. Despite Wes believing Liv was still in love with Kevin, she couldn’t picture her sister pining for anyone that long. They hadn’t even missed their mom for more than a few months and she was the only family they had outside of each other.

  As the reception began, Jade attempted to slip away unnoticed. The ceremony itself was the most important part of a wedding, although she hoped no one ever told her bridal clients that. The money was in the after party.

  “Excuse me.” A woman lightly tapped her shoulder. “Are you Jade Scott?”

  Jade turned to see Molly Weaver, Harlan’s ex-wife. “Wow, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” The last she had heard, Molly had left town shortly after her divorce.

  “I moved back to town last year. I’m sorry to hear about your sister.”

  Jade’s hackles rose. “Um, okay what did you hear about Liv?”

  Molly paled. “Oh, maybe Harlan shouldn’t have told me.”

  Nice. Real nice. Wes had assured her that his family wouldn’t broadcast Liv’s illness around town and his brother had done just that. “Liv is a fighter and this time away will only make her stronger. She’ll be back before we know it.”

  “I’m sure she will. And just so you know, the only reason Harlan told me is because I walked out on my daughter when she was only a year old. He asked me the other day if I’d felt the same despair postpartum depression women experience.”

  “Did you?”

  “Possibly. It was seven years ago and I was very overwhelmed by the prospect of being a parent. My pregnancy wasn’t planned like your sister’s was. It happened, and nine months later I found myself married to a man I didn’t love with a daughter I wasn’t sure what to do with. And I tried. I did. But walking away was easier than trying harder. It took me six years to figure that out. Even if PPD had been a factor in the beginning, the rest was all on me and my selfishness.”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Because regardless of why you leave your children for someone else to raise, that guilt stays with you. Even after you do the right thing whether that be returning or staying away—and I firmly believe some parents should stay away—the guilt never leaves. I just wanted you to be aware of that when your sister eventually comes home. She’ll have to live with that for the rest of her life. You’ll understand that bond one day when you have children of your own.”

  Jade’s stomach knotted. “I appreciate your candor. What is your relationship like now with your daughter?”

  “We’re still navigating the waters. I don’t know if she’ll ever forgive me completely. I’ve always heard kids are resilient, and they are to a certain extent. But you never forget your mother walking out on you.”

  “Oh, believe me, my sister and I understand that all too well.”

  Molly’s hands flew to her mouth. “Jade, I’m so sorry. I totally forgot you and Liv had been orphaned.”

  Orphaned. The word irked her. Orphaned meant the child hadn’t had a choice in their fate. Both Liv and Jade had decidedly concluded they were better off without their mother and had said as much in court. “No worries. Our mother didn’t exactly walk out on us, she walked out on herself.”

  “I didn’t mean to bring up any bad memories. I guess I just wanted to say I’m here if you want to talk. Maybe I can give you some perspective from the other side. Again,
my situation differed from your sister’s, but I’m sure a lot of the sentiment is the same.” Molly looked past Jade. “I think someone wants your attention.”

  Jade turned around to see Wes walking toward them. So much for her slipping away unnoticed.

  “Molly,” Wes said through gritted teeth.

  “Hi, Wes. I’ll leave you two alone. Think about what I said.”

  “I will. Thank you.”

  “What did she want?” Wes asked as Molly walked away.

  “She heard about Liv and said she could sympathize. She really has changed since high school. She’s trying, Wes. If Harlan can give her a second chance, you can too.”

  His brow furrowed. “She really did a number on my niece and brother.”

  “And forgiveness is hard-won, but sometimes when you look deep within your heart, you realize you’ve already done it.”

  Wes’s jaw hung slack. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

  Jade exhaled slowly, relieved to finally release the last of her resentment. “I have forgiven you for the past.”

  “That means the world to me to hear you say that.”

  “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to work.” Jade turned away, not wanting to spend any more time around Wes than necessary. While there was no denying his physical attraction to her, his earlier comment to his brother before the ceremony served as a not-so-subtle reminder they could never be anything more than what they were.

  “Please don’t leave.” He touched her arm, sending an instant shiver through her body. “The reception is just starting.”

  “I have a lot to do for tomorrow.”

  “No, you don’t. While you were getting dressed, I saw your numerous lists on the table and everything was checked off.”

  “Your brazenness aside, I have other lists for tomorrow morning I still haven’t touched on top of the events I’m working on in LA.”

  “I told you I would help.” Wes jammed his hands into his pockets. “This is not going how I planned. Let me start over and begin by apologizing for the way I acted earlier. I was also hoping you would sit with me and my family for the reception. You already know everyone.”

  “Thank you for the apology, but it isn’t necessary. I know where we stand. And I appreciate your offer to help, but the only thing I’ll need from you and the others is some assistance setting things up in the morning. Megan and Alyssa are coming over after the reception and spending the night. They’ll help with whatever little things I have left.”

  “What about Maddie?”

  “Since she’s Delta’s maid of honor, she decided to stay with the rest of the wedding party at the main lodge.” Jade doubted anyone would sleep tonight with all the excitement of two weddings. “Could you meet me here at three sharp? That will give us three hours before the ceremony begins.”

  “Of course.” Disappointment registered across his face and Jade wasn’t sure if it was because she asked him to meet her at the ungodly hour or if he’d hoped to go back to her place after the wedding. “If you plan on going all night long, you’ll need to eat. You’re already here and the lodge chefs have prepared an amazing menu. I snuck a taste of a few things this afternoon. Besides, you look amazing in that dress and it would be a shame if people didn’t see you wearing it a little longer.”

  Jade couldn’t help herself from smiling at the compliment. “By ‘people,’ do you mean you?”

  “Yes.” The stubborn set of his chin told her there was no getting out of dinner. “Shall we?”

  Wes offered his arm and for the second time that night, she allowed him to lead her through the maze of familiar faces she hadn’t seen since high school. Friends, not-so-friends, store owners and even a teacher or two. She’d known the entire town would be there, but she hadn’t taken the time to process who all that would entail. After the thirtieth “it’s been so long” over dinner, Jade began to enjoy catching up with people and hearing what they’d done with their lives. She’d even met the woman who’d originally owned the dress she wore and other outfits she’d bought at the vintage store. For the first time, she felt comfortable in Saddle Ridge. The bright lights of LA seemed so far in her past she almost couldn’t imagine going back.

  Midconversation with her old English teacher, Wes’s palm settled on the small of her back. She leaned into the intimate gesture, luxuriating in the heat emanating from his body. Inhaling deeply, she allowed herself the pleasure of his touch. They’d never see each other again after tomorrow and she didn’t want to deprive herself of their last moments together.

  “Dance with me,” he whispered.

  His velvet-edged voice against her cheek sent a shiver of excitement straight to her core. Powerless to refuse him, she smiled at her former teacher. “Please excuse me.”

  Wes gathered her in his arms and elegantly guided her to the dance floor like a seasoned professional. She knew the man had mad skills in the rodeo arena, but she’d never expected him to know how to waltz.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked. His hold firmed as his muscular chest flattened against her breasts and the length of his growing arousal pressed against her belly.

  “Immensely,” she purred, not meaning the word to sound as sultry as it had. “Are you?”

  Wes twisted his face indecisively. “There’s just one thing that can make this night better than it already is.”

  Without waiting for her to respond, he lowered his mouth to hers, branding her with his lips. His embrace tightened as her trembling limbs clung to him. His kiss, surprisingly gentle yet dangerously erotic, intensified with each stroke of his tongue. Her heart drummed against his chest in unison with his as the rest of the wedding guests slipped away. She had never wanted a man as much as she desired Wes. The ache so great it bordered on unbearable. The man she’d once despised shared a bond with her no one could ever break. In the safety of his arms, nothing could hurt her. If only it could last.

  Jade broke their kiss and looked up at him. “We can’t do this.”

  “Yes, we can.” Wes dipped his head again and kissed the side of her neck.

  She flattened her palms against his chest. “Wes, we are not alone. And I won’t be alone all night.”

  Wes tilted his head back in frustration and groaned. He widened his stance to lower his height closer to hers and held her face between his hands. “Then allow me one more kiss before we say good-night.”

  His lips claimed hers once more. His kiss, surprisingly soft yet commanding, melted away what remained of her defenses. For once in her life, Jade wished she could hold time in the palm of her hand so this moment would never end.

  Chapter Nine

  Sleep had alluded Wes in the handful of hours between their kiss and sunrise. A sense of renewed hope grew inside him as he once again stood alongside his brothers in front of their friends and family. He was leaving for the airport in less than twelve hours, and even though he’d sworn never to return to Saddle Ridge, he now looked forward to Harlan’s recommitment ceremony in August. A part of him had even considered flying out to visit Jade in Los Angeles. He’d never been fond of the city before, but spending more time with her would be worth the sacrifice. And who knew? Maybe nothing would come out of it, but he wasn’t ready to walk away without trying.

  Just as the ceremony began, Jade removed her phone from her pocket and quickly walked toward the catering tent. Instinct told him it was about Liv or the girls. He couldn’t see her walking away from the wedding she’d meticulously planned for any other reason.

  “Do you, Garrett, take Delta to be your lawfully wedded wife, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, forsaking all others from this day forward?”

  Wes wanted to follow her, but he couldn’t leave midceremony. His insides twisted as a million thoughts ran through his mind. If the cal
l had been about the girls, she would’ve run. She didn’t run. It had to be about Liv. Maybe it was Liv.

  “What is wrong with you?” Harlan whispered between clenched teeth beside him.

  “Do you, Delta, take Garrett...” Reverend Grady’s voice began to sound like the teacher on the Peanuts cartoon.

  A trickle of sweat ran down his temple as Jade emerged from the tent and quickly made her way back to the ceremony. Her face tight and unreadable. Once seated, he fully expected her to look his way, but she remained focused on Delta and Garrett...as he should be.

  “You may now kiss the bride.”

  The applause and celebratory shouts almost knocked him off balance. The ceremony was over and he’d missed a good part of it. Could he have been any more of an ass? He joined his brothers as they congratulated the couple, fighting the pain that rocketed through him when he gave them a hug. He’d pushed his shoulder to the limit last night on the dance floor with Jade and this morning when they were setting up for the breakfast reception. He was scheduled to compete in Oklahoma later in the week and he seriously doubted he’d be able to.

  “Are you okay?” Harlan asked.

  “My shoulder’s really bothering me.” Wes searched the faces in the crowd for Jade, but he didn’t see her. “Excuse me.”

  Wes jumped off the side of the gazebo and beelined for the catering tent, almost running into Jade as he entered. “Was that call about Liv or the girls?”

  “It was Liv’s treatment center.” Jade looked past him to the wedding guests before returning her attention to him. “It’s less than an hour from here.” Jade laughed sarcastically. “At the very first place I contacted. Actually, I contacted them a few times but my sister didn’t feel the need to let me know where she was.”

  “Why did they call today? Especially so early.”

  “Sunday is family day, and Liv wants to see the girls.” Jade’s features clouded in a mix of joy and sadness. “I have to leave in a few minutes. They would like me to be there by eight so Liv can spend the day with them. Something about an assessment, cognitive therapy and reacclimation sessions. I didn’t understand it all, but I’m sure I will once I get there.”