Stealing the Cowboy's Heart

by Debbi Rawlins

  “Nope. I’ll be the only espresso service for miles around. And you’d be surprised how many cowboys have asked me if they can get hazelnut lattes.”

  Chad cleared his throat and looked at his plate, while his wife cracked up. But he rallied. “I keep hearing about these bench seats and tables.”

  “Oh, come on...” Landon wanted to clock him.

  “Just a word of advice. Make him sit on everything first. That way, he’ll be the one to fall on his ass.”

  “Boys.” Alison had a glare for each of her sons. “Language.”

  Chad glanced at his kids and nodded. “He’s my brother and I love him, but he doesn’t know a hammer from a wing nut.”

  “What?” Kylie said, putting down her fork. “No, quit it. He’s doing a great job.”

  “You’ve tried them out?” Martin asked.

  “Hush, you two.” Alison stood up and took Landon’s plate, serving him a healthy second helping.

  “Well, no. It’s going to be a surprise.”

  “I’ll say,” Chad muttered.

  Landon shook his head. “One thing. I asked you clowns for one lousy thing, and you just had to shoot off your big mouths.”

  “Hey, the lady deserves to know the good and the bad,” Martin said. “It’s only fair.”

  Kylie frowned, looking worried. “You guys are joking, right?”

  “Yes,” Landon cut in.

  “Nope,” Chad said at the same time. Then he said, “Ouch” when Cindy gave him a hell of a pinch.

  “Yes,” Martin said, loudly. “We’re joking. I’m sure he and whoever he has helping him are doing a fine job.”

  “Besides,” Liam said, a fair amount of pasta sauce smeared on his chin. “No one rides broncs like Uncle Landon. He’s the best in the whole world.”

  Landon grinned.

  Until he caught a glimpse of his mother’s troubled expression.

  Chapter Sixteen

  After dinner, Landon got the cake and pie from the truck, then he and Kylie joined the family at cards while everyone got sugar highs. For Kylie, the best part was holding Jenna while Cindy put the older two kids in Grandma’s bed. The baby was awake, staring at her with curious blue eyes that seemed to understand just how much Kylie wanted a little one just like her.

  Right after Jenna had fallen asleep, Chad approached. “There’s a crib in Mom’s bedroom,” he said. “She won’t sleep for too long, and then we’ll take her home.”

  “She’s the sweetest thing.”

  He smiled with a father’s pride. “She’s a beauty. Thank goodness she takes after her mother.”

  Kylie put her carefully into Chad’s arms, and was impressed with how he handled her so well while maneuvering the wheelchair. It didn’t take him long to return, and take his place in the card game.

  Kylie joined in again, too, but she was far more interested in Landon’s hand on her thigh, and the looks he sent her way. He seemed so at peace, so content.

  She completely understood.

  After such a long day, the two of them called it quits just after ten, when Jenna announced her presence over the baby monitor.

  If it weren’t for the fact that tomorrow was a regular work day for Chad and Martin, Kylie probably would’ve fought off her yawns and stayed up all night. She liked his family so much. And the brothers... Oh, how she used to yearn for siblings so they could tease each other, support each other and not feel so alone.

  The real revelation had been watching Landon with the kids. He’d been rough and tumble with Liam, who worshipped his uncle and was already practicing to throw a lariat over a miniature set of bull horns in the backyard. But Landon had almost made her cry when they’d met Dora, the black-and-white bunny who was almost as big as Fiona. Landon had listened as if the bunny’s life story was the most interesting thing he’d ever heard, and together, he and Fiona had fed Dora lettuce and then, in a surprise twist, the rabbit had pooped right on Uncle Landon’s lap. He didn’t even get upset.

  It was envy, pure and simple, that ran through Kylie as she waited for him to join her in bed. Until she remembered the look on Alison’s face when they’d started talking rodeo.

  Landon, wearing absolutely nothing, walked slowly toward her, then climbed into bed, and it not only distracted her, but it created quite a dilemma. They were both exhausted, and they were getting up very, very early the next morning. When he couldn’t hold back a jaw-cracking yawn, she knew the answer.

  “Tell me more about Chad’s accident,” she said, as she ran her hand down his hard chest just below where her head rested, memorizing the muscles and purposefully skipping more sensitive areas.

  Landon shrugged. “He didn’t fall all that far, but hard enough to damage his spinal cord. Even though Martin didn’t find him right away, the doctors said it wouldn’t have mattered, the damage was already done.”

  “He seems so...well adjusted. Cindy, too.”

  “Oh, she was devastated. Fiona was really little, and Liam wasn’t much bigger. Chad was inconsolable. He blamed himself for being reckless, crap like that. But mostly, he wasn’t sure he could call himself a real man anymore.”

  “Well, obviously he can still have children, so there’s that...” She sighed. “I hope that wasn’t too—”

  “Nope. You’re right. He was lucky in that sense. I came home the next day, and none of us let up on encouraging him to fight, even when he was at his worst. But it was his kids that really made the difference. Thinking about how they’d be embarrassed about their dad if he didn’t make the most of his life. Then he hit rehab like a man on a mission. Nothing could stop him. Those muscles he’s got now, that upper body strength? That’s because he still never lets up.

  “We found out how we could make the ranch easier for him, adapted the tractor, the baler, mostly the big equipment. At the same time, we modified his house, and put in ramps here at Mom’s. Luckily, his house was single story. Later, he got involved with other farmers and ranchers who were paraplegic, and then he discovered the hockey team. It does him a world of good, although it’s terrifying to watch. Especially for my mom.”

  Kylie bit her lip. Had Landon not seen his mother’s face at dinner? Alison clearly wasn’t all that keen on him riding rodeo either. “I can’t imagine what a difficult transition that was. And what kind of bravery it takes to not let it drown you.”

  Landon yawned again, which made her yawn. “Know what the biggest help was, aside from family? He rides. He’s got a mean old stallion named Blade, and Chad saddles him up every morning. He told me it’s the one thing that lets him feel like he’s moving again. Like he’s walking and running. He even joins the men for the yearly roundup.”

  “Wow. That’s inspiring.”

  “Humbling,” Landon murmured.

  “That, too.” She could see that his brothers were doing fine, but surely Landon coming home could help make life easier for everyone. “He’s really grabbed life by the tail, hasn’t he?”

  Landon rolled onto his side, brushed her cheek with the back of his hand. “I’m proud of him. Proud to be a Kincaid.”

  “I don’t wonder,” she said, and then his kisses changed the subject.

  * * *

  AFTER BREAKFAST THE next morning, the men saddled up to go move the two-year-old heifers to a fresh field and round up strays. Cindy suggested Kylie take an ATV and go with them, and she’d ride up to meet her later.

  Landon rode Flash, staying close to Kylie as his brothers led the way to the back pasture, where two hired hands were already at work replacing cedar posts along the fence line. Chad rode ahead, so anxious to jump into the action that he’d already cornered a stray calf.

  Kylie could see how good Landon felt being back in the saddle. She shooed him off when he seemed reluctant to leave her on her own.

>   When Cindy arrived, Kylie hopped off her ATV, and they perched on the hood of the pickup the hired hands had used to haul the wire fencing. For a while all Kylie did was stare at Landon. He rode as if he was born to do it, and the joy on his face, no matter what they were doing, was obvious even from a distance.

  She noticed that Cindy was watching her husband, a little smile turning up her lips.

  “Landon told me about what happened to Chad, but I didn’t get it until now,” Kylie said. “The strength and agility he has takes my breath away. I don’t know what he was like before, but he’s one heck of an athlete now.”

  “Ironic that his main job before all of this was accounting.”

  Kylie laughed.

  “I’m not kidding. That’s what he studied in college. He takes care of the finances for all of us.”

  “My admiration just grew. That’s the part of being a business owner that sucks the most.”

  “I hear that,” Cindy said, right before her husband was nearly dragged off his saddle by a furious cow.

  Kylie’s gasp caught in her throat.

  Cindy shrugged. “Yeah. Sometimes it’s scary, and I can’t help but worry. But I’ve never asked him to stop doing what he loves. I was there when he felt useless, and that was worse than anything. Well, you know what I mean. These Kincaid boys are proud. I swear Chad gets in the worst scrapes playing hockey, but I just cheer my fool head off. I mean, look at that crazy dope, grinning like he got the brass ring.”

  “Yeah,” Kylie said, her thoughts racing. She did know that Landon wasn’t one to sit idly by. “Can I ask you something? Just between us, and if you don’t feel comfortable with the question, then please just—”

  “Go ahead, ask away.” Cindy wore sunglasses, something Kylie should’ve considered. She hated to think what her eyes might be giving away.

  “Does Alison approve of Landon riding rodeo? Wait. Approve is the wrong word.”

  Cindy nodded. “I know what you mean. I’d say it’s more like she grins and bears it. Like when she watches Chad play hockey. It’s hard to do, but she wouldn’t hold either of them back.”

  Kylie didn’t know how to respond so she just watched Landon race off into the foothills. “Where’s he going?”

  “Most likely he’s after a calf. How do you feel about the rodeo?”

  “I hate it.”

  Cindy smiled. “Even before he broke his leg? Because I think that upset Alison more than she lets on. Understandable, though, after what happened to Chad.”

  “It does bother me that he could get seriously hurt. I try not to think about it too much. Although, that’s not exactly what I was wondering about. It’s just that it’s hard to tell what he’s thinking, about the future, I mean. He’d always seemed so sure of what he wanted—you know, to return to ranching. But lately, I don’t know if he’ll ever give up the rodeo. I mean, of course he’ll have to stop at some point. But it’s odd that he’s wavering. In the past, if he had a plan he stuck to it.”

  Frowning, Cindy studied her for a moment, then gazed off toward the foothills where he’d disappeared.

  “Maybe I’m wrong.”

  “You’re not,” Cindy said. “Even when he was young Landon could be very focused. As far as ranching, he’s always been happiest sitting in a saddle. And I don’t mean trying not to get bucked off. Have you asked him about it?”

  “He said he wanted to ride as long as he could. That he needed to sock away more money.”

  “Well, dammit,” Cindy said on a sharp exhale. “I shouldn’t be surprised. Since Chad’s accident he’s sunk a small fortune into the Running Bear—”

  Landon emerged from the trees on the heels of a surly calf, and they both turned to watch him. Minutes ticked by, and great as it was to be able to see him in his element, Kylie knew the opportunity for Cindy to say more had passed. Or maybe she’d decided the information was too personal to be sharing.

  Kylie could fill in some of the blanks, though, and it was quite a relief. If Landon had been helping out his family financially, which didn’t surprise her, then he likely did need to replenish his savings.

  She knew there were still things they needed to talk over, lots of things. Yet, this was their time with his family, something she’d never dared to dream about sharing.

  There’d be time to discuss everything later, after they got back to Blackfoot Falls. If she could unwrap herself from the cocoon she’d built around having Landon in her life.

  * * *

  LUNCH HAD CONSISTED of sandwiches and fruit, so by the time the sun started to dip behind the mountains, everyone was starving. And even though Landon had taken quite a few breaks to stretch his legs, he knew he’d reached his limit in the saddle. Kylie had returned to the house earlier and spent the last hour helping his mom in the kitchen. Dinner was another great meal, but he was beginning to worry about his budding addiction to her biscuits.

  When he got up to refill the water pitcher, his mother joined him at the sink. “She’s wonderful,” she whispered. “And I can see she’s crazy about you.”

  He winced. It wasn’t that things weren’t great between them. It was the future that had him worried. “I’m glad she could get away from the bakery for a few days, but—”

  “You think I don’t see how you feel about her?”

  “Mom. Stop. It’s complicated.”

  She gave him a quick hug. “Isn’t everything?”

  Once he was back at the table, ready to dig into a big slice of Kylie’s chocolate dream cake, Martin, who was sitting next to him, bumped his shoulder and nearly sent the forkful of cake onto the wood floor.

  “Sorry about that. Listen, I’ve got a question for you. In fact we all do. How serious were you about buying some land in the area?”

  Landon put down his fork, tempted to look for Kylie’s reaction. “Why ask me now? Can’t we just enjoy dinner?”

  Martin reared his head back. “I didn’t know it was a touchy subject. Guess that means you’re still going to be stubborn about it.”

  “I’m not discussing this now. Jesus, you act like I’ve got one foot in the grave already. I broke a few lousy bones, doesn’t mean my career is over.”

  “Whoa, dude. This has nothing to do with the rodeo. Don’t get your panties in a twist.”

  Cindy stood. “Come on, kids. Let’s go wash your face and hands.”

  Landon sent her a look of apology. “Hey, listen to your mom,” he told Fiona when the girl ignored her. “Later, we’ll go tell Dora a bedtime story.”

  Fiona giggled. “You’re funny, Uncle Landon.”

  “Yeah, a real barrel of laughs,” Chad muttered.

  “Oh, for goodness sakes, what’s gotten into you boys?”

  “Jeez, Mom, I was only teasing,” Chad said. “We’re all good. Right, baby brother?”

  Landon couldn’t help but laugh. “Sure, you pain in the ass.”

  Their mom sighed. “Kylie, I promise you I raised them to have manners.”

  “Actually, I find this pretty entertaining,” Kylie said, but her voice sounded off.

  “That’s because you don’t have brothers.” Landon sneaked a look at her. She gave him a tight smile.

  “Okay. Seriously,” Martin said. “The reason I brought this up is because you’d mentioned something about buying land in the area. Well, Gutierrez is going to be selling off a thousand acres, and it just so happens it’s the parcel on the east side adjacent to us. You should go talk to him before he puts it on the market. I bet he’d offer you a good deal.”

  Landon was pissed at himself for losing his cool. But this was tricky. He had too many things to work out yet. “Yeah, okay. Thanks. I’ll swing by the next time I’m here.”

  Chad glanced at Martin before he turned to Landon. “Hey, we know you won’t need
it for a while, but at least find out how much they’re asking.” When Landon just nodded, Chad added, “Hell, you know my opinion. I think you should stick with rodeoing for as long as you can. Especially after the year you’ve just had. But come on, how lucky is it that some land right next door is available? Unless there’s more to you not wanting to come back to the Running Bear. You still wanna go your own way, we won’t stop you.”

  He gave his brothers a look that practically screamed shut up but all that did was make Kylie squirm, and his brothers look like a couple of idiots. If he’d just taken a moment to shift in his chair, Kylie wouldn’t have seen a thing, dammit.

  It’s not that he wasn’t interested in the land. Chad was right. All in all it was perfect. But in Landon’s dream, Kylie was with him, and now, he wasn’t sure what to do about that. The bakery, her friends, the life she’d built after being so beaten down she might never have gotten up again. Was it even fair for him to ask?

  He sure as hell didn’t want to have this discussion right now. “Mom, what did you decide about buying that piano we looked at? I’d sure love to hear you play again.”

  Her face brightened. “I’m so glad you mentioned it. I wanted to show you something. Would you all mind if I stole him for a few minutes?” She’d already pushed back in her chair. “We won’t be long, then you can finish your cake.”

  Generally, Landon could read her, but not now. Still, he was pretty sure this had nothing to do with a piano. He was too old to be pulled aside and lectured. Although that didn’t always stop her. He followed her into his dad’s old office.

  The second his mom told him to shut the door, Landon knew he was in trouble.

  Chapter Seventeen

  His mother turned to face him. “You have to stop sending checks,” she said, and held up a silencing finger when Landon tried to object. “It has nothing to do with you being laid up. I told you months ago that we’re doing great.” She went around the desk and opened a drawer. “Chad has everything he needs. We all do. Frankly, I don’t think my heart could take it if he found one more toy to rig up so that he can risk his neck. Plus we’re flush. Receivables are up. The ranch is doing very well.”