His Heart to Have (Cowboys of Whispering Winds)

by Renee Peterson

  “Duly noted,” Lexie answered.

  “They won’t cause you any trouble, but they do like to talk. If you get a chance, spend some time with them. Mr. Hodgson is a World War II vet and absolutely fascinating. He joined the army at sixteen, lying about his age and can tell you inspiring and entertaining stories. Even at their age, they usually participate in an overnight camping trip and many a cowboy has leaned valuable lessons around the campfire from their stories.”

  “That would be an honor.”

  “The second party, who will be arriving late, is the Olson family. They are a young couple with a four year old boy and three year old girl. This is their first time staying with us; please make sure we make their trip as pleasant as possible. Don’t forget to inform them of the children’s activities available, as outlined in their welcome packets.”

  “I won’t. Will they be staying at the lodge or in a cabin?” asked Lexie.

  “The Shoshone Cabin. It’s all set up, but if you could just double check before their arrival.”

  Lexie scribbled a note on the folder she was carrying. “Is there anything else I should know?” she inquired.

  “That’s all for now. If anything comes up, I’ll have my cell phone on me until the wedding starts.” She left the office to start her morning rounds of the daily checklist. At nine o’clock she met a few guests out front for the nature walk. This was one of her favorite parts of her job, because it got her outside and interacting with the guests, passing on her knowledge. Before she knew it, noon came around and it was time to leave.

  Leaving a final page of notes for Lexie, she went out to the arena. Jase caught her eye and came up to her, pulling his gloves off as he walked. Sweat glistened from his forehead and he seamlessly wiped it with the back of a hand.

  “I’m about to leave for town,” she told him. “Lanie and I are riding together, and your parents are bringing Cody closer to the wedding time. You’re still bringing me home though, right?”

  “My wife won’t leave a wedding with anyone but her husband.” Allie’s skin tingled, enjoying the possessiveness she heard in his voice before it turned to a lighter note. “This is one time, of many, that I’m glad to be a guy. All I have to do is show up an hour before and remember the rings.”

  Allie rubbed her empty left ring finger. If anyone noticed the lack of a band, they hadn’t said anything. “You better not forget them. Missy will have your hide.”

  “Actually, Missy will give them to me once we’re there. She said she wasn’t leaving it up to me.”

  “Smart girl,” Allie joked. “I better run. After last night, Missy really will kill me if I’m late today.”

  “See you in a few hours,” Jase said, replacing his gloves then going back to Lightning.

  She’d half expected an awkward encounter with him after last night and how close they’d come to changing the plan, but he acted as though nothing had happened. Just when she had hope, doubts were cast. This rollercoaster couldn’t last forever and, right now, she wanted back on solid ground.

  Enough of those thoughts for now. Today was Missy’s day. She made it in record time to the cabin; gathering her dress, shoe and jewelry for the wedding. Lanie pulled up to the cabin just as she was walking out.

  “Ready for some pampering?” Lanie greeted her when she jumped in the passenger seat.

  “You bet. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had my nails done? It’s pointless just to mess them up working around here.”

  “I’m excited for the pedicure. Imagine just sitting back and relaxing while our feet soak, without a care in the world,” Lanie expressed dreamily. “Sounds just like Heaven.”

  Allie knew Lanie could well afford the regular pampering and the cost wasn’t the issue; her ex-husband was of a mind frame that throwing money at her would make up for the lack of interest in his son. The issue was time. Like everyone else at Whispering Winds, she worked long days in addition to being a single mom- a very devoted one at that

  “Just spending time with the girls sounds like a dream to me. I’m spending too much time with your brother.” It wasn’t that she didn’t savor those moments with Jase, but she needed a little distance to clear her head from the sensual fog that came over her at his every touch.

  “I never did like being around him for too long myself,” Lanie joked.

  “I think that was a shared sentiment when you were children. You two argued like cats and dogs, but I was always jealous anyway.”

  “Why were you jealous?” asked Lanie incredulously.

  “Because I never had a sibling. I always wanted one, but it never happened.”

  “And to think I was jealous of you because you were so close to Missy and Jase. I always felt like the outsider because I was older,” Lanie confessed.

  “Strange how we think as kids,” Allie commented. “Although, it all worked out in the end. I’m glad we’re all friends now.”

  “And you finally have a sister.”

  Allie hadn’t fully thought of that. Lanie had become a good friend, but now she was a sister through marriage. Would that friendship also be affected when she and Jase ended the marriage? She didn’t want to think about that, realizing more and more what a bad idea this had been.

  Lanie pulled into the parking lot of Marie Styles, a multi-service salon. Allie recognized the two middle-aged ladies sitting in the waiting area as Missy’s sisters-in-law, each married to one of Missy’s brothers. They would be the other two bridesmaids to stand with Missy, despite their objections they felt they didn’t belong since they hadn’t been involved in her life.

  “Where’s Missy?” Allie asked Beth; the larger sister-in-law who was married to Daniel Raver.

  “She’ll be here in a few minutes,” Beth answered softly.

  “Such a quaint salon,” Twila remarked.

  Allie wanted to wipe the condescending smirk off her face. Twila was married to Chad, the Wall Street wiz and was also a Manhattan socialite. From what Missy had told her, Twila came from old money and made no effort to disguise it. Always trying to see the best in people, Missy had made every effort to have a relationship with the woman, but with little success. Just getting her here and participating in the wedding was a major feat.

  “Marie is very talented and worked with many Hollywood stars before moving here.” Allie couldn’t help herself; Marie would never boast about her former life to anyone but she couldn’t abide anyone looking down their nose at a woman who was extremely talented and had a heart of pure gold.

  “I’m sure she is, dear,” Twila replied, skepticism lacing her tone.

  The bells hanging above the front door entrance jingled, and Missy walked in. “It’s my wedding day!” she squealed, giving everyone a hug in her enthusiasm. A twinge of longing struck Allie, even though she was happy for her friend.

  Marie escorted everyone to pre-determined booths, the younger women having their nails done first while Marie went to work on Twila and Beth’s hair.

  “Go ahead and pick out your favorite shade,” Regina, the manicurist told them.

  “I don’t want to be a bridezilla, but will everyone please pick a shade of dark red to match your dresses,” Missy pleaded.

  “It’s your day. And, as your maid of honor, I’m obliged to follow yours wishes,” Allie told her.

  “Don’t you mean matron of honor, Mrs. Callahan,” Missy teased.

  “Whatever,” Allie muttered rolling her eyes. “Just because a drunken marriage in Vegas is legal doesn’t mean it’s real.” At least not for now, she added silently as an afterthought.

  “Hold up; what did you say?” Lanie’s mouth gaped open.

  “Oh no,” Allie exclaimed, realizing what she’d just said.

  “Oh, this is going to be good,” laughed Missy with a Cheshire cat grin.

  Allie shot her daggers while wondering how much she should tell Lanie. “Jase and I didn’t mean to get married. It just kind of happened when we drank a bit too much in Vegas.” />
  Lanie’s eyes widened. “You’re kidding. Then why this big act?”

  “It’s really dumb, now that I think about it, but I didn’t want my parents to just toss it out as another one of my acting on a whim things. If we pretended we meant to, it wouldn’t seem as bad,” Allie explained, feeling ridiculous just hearing the plan that sounded so good a few weeks ago.

  Jase’s sister eyebrows crinkled, digesting what she’d just heard. “Why not get it annulled before anyone found out.”

  “Because we, uh, consummated it.”

  “Eww, gross. I should have known better than to ask. That’s an image I don’t need of my brother. But seriously, why not lie to the court and tell them you didn’t? You’ve already lied to your parents. A lie is a lie, no matter who it’s too.”

  “I don’t know, alright,” Allie huffed in frustration. “I panicked and drew Jase into this mess with me. I should’ve just listened to him.”

  “My brother doesn’t do anything he doesn’t want to,” Lanie revealed. “No, I think it goes deeper than your saying.”

  “I agree,” Missy piped up, tossing a conspiring wink Lanie’s way. “They make a beautiful couple don’t they?”

  “Yes, they do,” Lanie agreed, smiling. “I can’t wait to see how this all plays out.”

  “Are the two of you done yet? Please don’t tell anyone, Lanie,” Allie begged.

  “You have my word,” Lanie promised. “Now, about these nail colors…”

  Glad the conversation about Jase and her had ended, Allie leaned back in her chair and relaxed; allowing herself to be pampered for the next few hours. Anytime their talk even remotely circled back to Jase, she quickly directed it back toward Missy and the wedding.

  ***

  While mentally checking off his list of things he accomplished today, Jase got dressed for the wedding. New boots, that weren’t broken in, felt alien to his feet. They were a nice looking pair of boots, he’d grant them that; made from lizard skin, the red and black material had a shiny luster. It’s just they weren’t yet molded to his feet; otherwise, he’d probably like them more, even if they were a bit fancy to his tastes.

  He slid his arms through a burgundy and black diamond pattern vest then added the black crossover tie to the white wing tip shirt. The four button, western tuxedo coat still hung on a hanger, to be worn when he arrived at the church. Otherwise, he’d feel too stifled, wearing it while driving. Placing his hat on and grabbing the hanger with the tux coat, he went to his truck.

  His foot pushed the pedal to the floor. He hadn’t seen Allie all day, except for the few minutes before she’d left; he was ready to see her. After she retreated to the bedroom last night, he’d gone and taken a cold shower and still hadn’t been able to sleep. He’d sat outside on the porch until the sun rose, trying to find answers. By the time he’d left to work with Lightning, all he’d figured out was the sexual tension building between them was driving him crazy.

  Last night, he’d been so close to throwing caution to the wind and taking her. Her pliable body told him she was just as willing and wanting, but he’d held back, unwilling to regress their relationship by progressing the physical aspect too soon. It had been the hardest thing he’d done in a long time; watching her walk alone to the bedroom, knowing that one word would be all it took to join her.

  Allie was standing outside the church when he arrived. His pulse quickened at the sight of her. Man, she was the most beautiful vision he’d ever seen. He was so used to seeing her hair pulled up in a ponytail, he’d forgotten how gorgeous it was when she allowed it to hang freely. Loose curls cascaded down her shoulders and back, with one side partially pinned back with a dusty rose colored silk flower. Her dress sat off one shoulder and the burgundy material gathered just below her breasts and flowed down covering her feet. She was breathtaking and he was awestruck watching her. He’d be a lucky man to call her his wife forever.

  She came over and greeted him at his truck, probably wondering why he was standing there, staring like an idiot.

  “You look. Amazing,” he finished after pausing, trying to find the perfect word; except, there were no words to describe her.

  “You don’t look too bad yourself,” she replied then ducked her head, abruptly turning bashful. “I need to get back in. Maid of honor duties and all.”

  “I’ll see you up front, Mrs. Callahan,” he told her. He watched her reaction to the name he used. Despite their married status, they’d largely shied away from any husband and wife reference.

  A small smile curled her lips. “I’ll be looking for you, Mr. Callahan.” She turned and ran back into the church as quickly as her abnormally high heels allowed, turning to flash him one big grin before entering the double doors.

  Was it possible for a heart to really soar? Because, if so, he was pretty sure his was. The sound of his name under her breath, matched to hers, was music to his ears. Lord willing, their names would be joined together for eternity.

  “Earth to Jase? Anyone home?” someone called out.

  With a quick shake of his head, he looked around to see who was talking to him.

  “I’ve been calling out to you for five minutes, buddy,” Charlie said. “I think your mind is still on a tall brunette who is best friends with my very soon-to-be bride.”

  “That’s very possible,” Jase answered, staring back at the door for any glimpse of his wife.

  “Let’s get going. The preacher wants all the men in place.”

  “Before we go, it’s my duty to give you this talk,” Jase said solemnly.

  Charlie groaned. “Really?”

  “Hey, we’ve been friends for a long time, but I’ve been friends with Missy longer. She’s like a sister to me and I’d venture to say I’m more of a brother to her than her own flesh and blood. That being said, you ever do anything to hurt or mistreat her, and you’ll answer to me.”

  “I love that girl more than I do my own life. I’d never hurt her; this I promise you,” Charlie swore.

  Jase slapped Charlie on the shoulder. “I know that or I would’ve talked her out of marrying you,” he teased, the serious moment over. “Let’s go get you married.”

  “No argument from me on that,” Charlie answered. “And for the record, the same goes for Allie. You treat her the way a bride should be or you’ll answer to me.”

  Inside they were given last minute instructions before the guests arrived. Jase did his role, ushering people to seats and when it was time, he took his place to the side as the best man. Directly behind him was Clint Weston, foreman at the Rivers Range Ranch which Charlie’s family owned, and behind him, Chad and Daniel Raver. There was silence and then the organist began playing her music.

  A little girl, a niece of Charlie, walked down the aisle flashing cherubic smiles to the guests while scattering dark red and ivory rose petals. Beside her was Cody, as the ring bearer. Jase had to say he was surprised that the two young kids were keeping time with each other, despite one being on foot and the other in a wheelchair.

  “Uncle Charlie, I look like a princess,” the little girl exclaimed, spotting her uncle standing at the altar. The guests burst out in chuckles at the little girl’s folly but sobered up as the bridesmaids began their walk. First Twila, then Beth and then Lanie. A slight pause and then Allie walked through the door. Her eyes searched him out and he held her gaze as she walked down the aisle, as though they were the bride and groom. When Allie reached the front, the music changed, and Missy walked through on the arm of her father. Jase turned his head toward her, but kept his eyes diverted to Allie.

  The ceremony continued but Jase barely heard a word. Was Allie also remembering their own little wedding at the chapel in Vegas? It hadn’t been planned, but he meant every word of the vows. Until death did they part, he would love and cherish her every day of their life.

  ***

  “Ladies and Gentleman, may I have your attention, please. It is my great honor to introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs.
Rivers,” Josh Macolm, friend and emcee for the night, announced.

  A thunder of applause circled from the gathered audience as Missy stepped through the French doors on Charlie’s arm. Allie’s eyes misted seeing the unadulterated joy on her friend’s face. Missy was head over heels in love with her Charlie and she didn’t care who knew. What she wouldn’t do to have that with Jase.

  Missy had opted for a semiformal reception at the Rivers Range Ranch, where she would be living from here on out, beginning her life with Charlie in a new home. Thank goodness the weather cooperated, so it could be held outside, something Missy had dreamed of since childhood. From the time she was a young girl, she’d always said she wanted her first dance with her husband to be under the bright Wyoming stars.

  Rivers Range was another working guest ranch; but, unlike Whispering Winds, it had the facilities for much larger gatherings. A huge deck off the main lodge was transformed into a romantic wonderland. Ivory lace draped over burgundy tablecloths on circular tables arranged around the perimeter of the deck. A local country band was hired to perform for the night and was set up in the corner, but they hadn’t begun yet. Instead, while the bride and groom mingled, greeting their guests, recorded music played through the speakers camouflaged in the landscape.

  She scanned the area, looking for Jase, but he was caught up in conversation with Gordon Roth. Involuntarily, she cringed and her heart tightened. After last night, she was convinced there was something between them. She thought that meant he wouldn’t be leaving to take the job at the Triple M. But why else would he be so intensely conversing with the owner of the Triple M. She’d thought it was strange that he was even here, but then remembered that Gordon was Charlie’s great Uncle and that’s how the relationship between Whispering Winds and Triple M began.

  Pushing her way through people, she tried to make her way to Jase. Since they’d taken the photos after the wedding, she’d had little chance to talk with him. She contemplated asking him directly if he still planned on taking that job. Just not now- sometime after the wedding. Before she reached him, Josh announced it was time to eat and gave instructions for the meal; but first there would be the best man’s toast.