His Heart to Have (Cowboys of Whispering Winds)

by Renee Peterson

  After the parade, they milled around town, sitting for a relaxing lunch and browsing shops.

  Allie picked up a miniature, stuffed animal buffalo with “Jackson Hole, WY” embroidered on the foot. “I think I’m going to buy this as a souvenir of our trip.”

  “Sweetheart, I hope I’ve given you a lot more than a stuffed animal to remember it by,” he replied narrowing his eyes.

  She gave him a saucy grin then went to the register to pay for the buffalo.

  By late afternoon, they’d finished walking around, and went to listen to the music playing at Alpine Field. They sat in the grass, relaxing to the sounds of local music. As night fell, they made their way to the Snow King Resort to watch the fireworks. Bursts of color streaked the sky against the backdrop of the illustrious Teton Mountains. White lights shot through the black like a comet, exploding into red and blue glittering lines. Weeping strands of golden sparkles rained above them, descending into a hazy smoke. A perfect way to end their stay before returning to Whispering Winds tomorrow.

  Returning to Teton Sunset Inn, neither wanted to go to bed, unwilling to end the time they’d had together. The tepid temperature and clear skies offered an ideal atmosphere for stargazing and they sat on the balcony, watching the stars twinkling and shimmering against a midnight sky.

  “Tomorrow we return to reality. This week has been amazing.” Allie sighed, turning in his lap and resting her head against him.

  Jase wrapped her tighter to him. The questions still plagued him. Love was so easy here, removed from their daily lives. How could he be so confident about every other area of his life, but the thought of wronging Allie could bring him to his knees in doubt?

  “Do you think you’ll ever regret not having a traditional wedding?” He held his breath waiting for the answer.

  “No,” she answered without hesitation. “It will give us a story to tell. A real marriage is more important to me than a traditional wedding.”

  He exhaled slowly. She spoke with such conviction, he had to believe her.

  “And what about the fancy dress and a honeymoon of our choosing. I feel like you’re being cheated out of all the things girls normally look forward to about getting married.”

  Allie loosened herself from his grip and turned to face him. “Why all these questions? I can’t and won’t regret the way anything happened between us. All that matters is we are together now.”

  “Come on, Allie Cat. You can’t tell me you didn’t dream of a big wedding. How many times did I have to play groom to you or Missy?”

  “Think back closely. In all the pretend weddings when we were younger, did Missy ever play the bride?”

  Her question surprised him. Pulling images from the recess of his memory, he couldn’t recall a single time that Missy was the bride. It was Allie every single time. “No, not that I can remember.”

  “And do you know why that is Jase Callahan? Because I wouldn’t let Missy. Because I’ve always wanted you; not the wedding, not the dress, not the bouquet: but you.” Her knuckles caressed his cheek, trailing down his jaw.

  “You’re amazing.” He pressed her hand against him, keeping her from removing it. “My cabin will be too small.”

  “It’s the perfect size for the two of us.”

  “We’ll need a bigger place to live once the kids start coming.”

  “We’ll figure it out.”

  “I want four.”

  “Two girl and two boys.”

  “You don’t have a ring.”

  “I have this.” She placed her hand on his heart.

  They stared at each other, knowing there was no turning back. There was no pretending about this marriage and no three month deadline. This was a marriage for life.

  “I want to tell our parents the truth.”

  “I agree, but what changed your mind?” They hadn’t talked about it since Vegas; as much as he hated lying, he hadn’t pushed her. He had wanted to believe she’d come around in time but hadn’t expected it this soon.

  “We’re adults now. I shouldn’t be ashamed to tell my parents we decided to get married while drunk. Since we are making this marriage real, it shouldn’t go on in a lie. Being ashamed of the truth would be being ashamed of marrying you and that could never happen.”

  He hadn’t realized, until now, how much he needed to hear those words. His last doubt was erased and he pulled Allie inside, closing the door and drawing the curtains. Lifting her and carrying her to the bed, he laid her down in a single gentle sweep. Lying with her, he told her without words of all the love he had.

  Peak season was in full swing and every room and cabin was rented. Even with Lexie’s help, Allie was on the go non-stop. Last week’s guests were the best group the ranch had seen in recent times. Every one of them was pleasant, appreciative of the area and caused little problems. There were no complications, no haughty attitudes or hard to please guests; only pleasant families out to enjoy their summer vacations. Shorty had even complimented the small group that went on an overnight pack trip, something that never happened before. She could only wish they could be that lucky again this week. The last cabin was inspected, and she went back to the main lodge.

  The first group was set to arrive shortly; a group of twenty-something females. Allie rolled her eyes then chided herself with a reminder not to judge people. Except that every single time a group like this came around they were out for one thing and one thing only; their goal was to snag a cowboy, if not for just a night. These were the groups that used to make her jealous and this one would be a test of her newfound patience.

  Jase was always a prime target for these women. He was ruggedly handsome and fit, and when dressed in chaps and spurs, he was every girl’s cowboy fantasy. There was a time she used be extremely green with envy every time he went off with one of these women. She knew, now, that it had been years since he’d had any of those indiscretions and she fully trusted him. In her heart and soul, she knew she had nothing to worry about, but it didn’t mean she would like seeing another woman flirt with her husband. Just look how she’d reacted with Lexie. It was a good thing they were all past that episode now; although Jase and Lexie still tried to avoid each other as much as possible.

  “You have nothing to worry about.”

  Speaking of the devil. Allie almost laughed. “I know. I should probably have a talk with dad. This would be a good time to remind everyone of the no fraternization policy.”

  “Does it ever get enforced?” Lexie asked.

  “Rarely, unless it interferes with work and the business.” She opened a file on the computer and sent her dad a quick email reminder. He was spending the morning in the office doing paperwork, so she knew he’d see it soon.

  Lexie twisted her belt loop, looking uncomfortable. “There’s something I need to ask; I hate to, but I don’t know what else to do.”

  “What is it?” Allie furrowed her eyebrows. Something was wrong with Lexie; this was not normal demeanor for her.

  “I know this week is very busy, but is there any way possible I can have off tomorrow and Tuesday? Rylan has suffered a setback, and they are going to try an experimental procedure.”

  Lexie had tears glistening in her eyes. As much as Allie needed her help this week, Lexie undoubtedly needed to be with her brother.

  “Of course. Family comes first. Is there anything we can do to help?”

  “No. Just giving me this time off is enough. This job is an answered prayer, and I don’t know what I’d do without it.”

  “You’re good at it. Just keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll have nothing to worry about as far as your job is concerned.” Allie never had a sibling, but Missy and Lanie came pretty close. She couldn’t imagine having to juggle a job while being responsible for the care of one of them in a hospital.

  “When you leave today, stop by the kitchen. It’s not much, but I’ll have Cook pull out some ready to eat meals. All you’ll have to do is heat them up. We always keep a few on hand to
help out various staff and community members when they need it.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” Lexie insisted.

  “It’s the least we can do. The sooner you learn Whispering Winds is one big family, the better off you’ll be.” Allie smiled at her, thinking it was strange how she was starting to form a friendship with Lexie. Who would have thought that possible after that awkward, embarrassing encounter in the stables?

  “Thank you.”

  Allie put the computer to hibernate then went to talk with Cook. She gave him the list of food allergies for the upcoming guests, which was minimal, and told him about Lexie. He grumbled as expected, but was already searching the freezer and putting meals together when she left. Next, she went in search of Lanie, bumping into her outside of the game room.

  “Just who I was looking for, one of my best friends in the whole wide world.”

  Lanie laughed. “What do you want?”

  “Do you have an open schedule for the next few days?”

  “I can make it open. What do you need?”

  “Lexie needs to be with her brother at the hospital tomorrow and Tuesday. Is there any chance you can help me out while she’s gone? Usually mom would step in, but I hate asking her.”

  “Sure thing. Just let me know what you need. Since I returned, I’ve been the floater around here anyway.”

  “You’re the best!”

  “Yeah, yeah. We all know better, but you can flatter me anyway.”

  “How’s Cody’s leg doing? I haven’t talked to you much since we came back.”

  “Not much longer until he’s completely cast free and we can’t wait.”

  “What about Jeremy and the new girlfriend?”

  “They’re out of the hospital and the girlfriend already left him.”

  “Are you serious? What happened?” Allie paused, realizing how nosy she was being. “I’m sorry, that is none of my business.”

  “No, it’s okay. The doctors told him his injuries were so severe, there is a high chance he’ll never compete again.” Lanie frowned, her forehead wrinkling and lips twisting. “It’s silly isn’t it? I hate him for how he treated me and Cody, but my heart aches knowing his dreams are crushed.”

  Allie gave her friend a hug. “You’re a decent human being. It’s only natural.”

  “Cody’s been asking to go see him, but Jeremy won’t talk to anybody. He’s holed himself up, sulking; and I don’t know what to do. Just when we were making progress and he was making the effort to be active in Cody’s life, this happens.”

  “I’m sorry, Lanie.” What a morning of bad news this was turning into.

  “Everything will work out. I just have to have faith.”

  “You’re a good mom. Cody’s very lucky to have you.”

  “Thanks. I better go check on him. He’s with dad right now playing cards and you know how they both like to cheat.”

  “Stop by when you get a chance and we’ll form a plan for the next two days.”

  “Sure thing. See you in a bit.”

  Allie walked back to her office, sitting behind her desk. She rummaged around in her desk, looking for some headache medicine. She found some ibuprofen and washed it down with spring water. A darkness was settling over her and something told her this week would be nothing like last.

  As if on cue, she heard high-pitched giggles. And here they come, she thought ruefully. Why didn’t she let Lexie check in this group? She was in no mood to deal with a gaggle of horny woman. Pasting the smile on her face, she went out to greet them.

  “Welcome to the Whispering Winds Ranch,” she began her speech. Committed to memory, she quoted the lines without thinking; mentally check out each female. Years of practice taught her which ones would cause the most trouble. Barely able to suppress an eye roll when she saw each one wore a pair of high-heeled sandals, her personal pet peeve of female guests, or high-heeled boots, she continued speaking and handing out packets of information. From her peripheral vision, she saw Lexie coming. Thank goodness. She was handing over this crew for the day. One more whispered comment about finding a firm piece of cowboy ass and she was going to lose her composure.

  “Lexie will show you ladies to your cabin. If you have any further concerns today, please ask her.”

  Taking her cue, Lexie stepped over and addressed the ladies, leading them to a cabin. Someone would be following with their luggage in just a few minutes. Allie returned to her office, gathering papers for the next group expected to arrive. Unlike many places, Whispering Winds encouraged their guests to arrive early in the day, to get a full day of activities in. Even if their rooms weren’t ready, they were free to begin participating.

  By early afternoon, all registered guests had arrived. She went to the dining room and grabbed a bite to eat, thankful it was quiet in there; her headache had only gotten worse throughout the morning. Missy’s ring tone sang through her phone.

  “Hi girl,” she answered, missing her other best friend. “How’s married life?”

  “Wonderful and perfect.” Allie could hear her smiling through the phone. “I could ask the same for you.”

  Allie laughed and blushed, remembering exactly how good married life was. “Wonderful and perfect,” she echoed Missy.

  “I do think you have some news you need to tell me.”

  “So much has happened since we last talked.” Between honeymoons and work, the two friends hadn’t talked since a week after the wedding, a long time when they were used to talking every day.

  “Please tell me you and Jase took off your blinders.”

  “That, and more, you could say.” Allie held the phone away her, to escape Missy’s high-pitched squeal.

  “It’s about damn time. I want to hear all about it; that’s actually why I was calling. Do you and Jase have plans Thursday night?”

  “Not that I know of. What’s going on?”

  “I’m inviting you guys to dinner. Please tell me you’ll come.”

  Allie thought. Lexie should be back then and if not, Lanie would be willing to step in if anything arose. “Let me check with Jase, and I’ll let you know for sure tonight.”

  “Great. I miss Whispering Winds and all of you.”

  “We miss you too.” She disconnected and went out to the stables, where Jase should be. He had two mares about to foal, and hasn’t been venturing too far from them.

  Outside, the Triple B’s- babbling, buxom blondes- as she named them, had already taken up a post by the arena, where they had a clear view of cowboys coming and going. They had Jase cornered, asking ridiculous questions.

  Instead of jealousy, as she expected, Allie felt only amusement as she watched Jase deal with them.

  “Can two people ride one horse?” a girl with exceptional large, exposed breasts asked, batting her eyes suggestively.

  Oh honey, you’re not going anywhere on a horse with him. Allie laughed at the girl’s obvious intentions.

  “In theory, yes, but it would require a well-trained rider and is not recommended. All guests at the Whispering Winds ride solo on a horse,” Jase answered with restrained patience. Even from her vantage point, she could see the vein in his neck popping out, and she decided to rescue him.

  “Hello, ladies. I see you’ve met my husband.” Walking over, she linked her arm through his and made a show of greeting him with a kiss. “If you’ll excuse us, I just need to speak with him for a minute.”

  “Damn. I wish I could be her,” she heard one of them mutter under her breath to a friend as they walked away.

  She had passed Travis, one of the ranch hands, on her way to find Jase and had warned him about the latest group of woman. He had a charming personality and was unattached. As a rule he didn’t get involved with guests, but he had a way of flirting with the girls that satisfied their cowboy cravings. With any luck, the Triple B’s would run into him on their way back and keep silent about finding a cowboy for a while.

  “Thanks for rescuing me.” He pulled her around a corne
r, rewarding her with a deeper kiss.

  “Not a problem,” she rasped, hoping she never stopped being so affected by the touch of his lips. Regaining composure, she remembered her reason for searching him out. “We’re invited to dinner with Missy and Charlie Thursday night. Did you have any plans?”

  “No. Where at?”

  “Their place.”

  “Can you invite them for dinner here instead? I don’t want to be too far in case Roxanne or Morning Glory starts to foal.”

  “I’ll ask Missy. I’m sure they’ll understand.”

  “Don’t work too hard today. Save some energy for me tonight.” His lips curved upward in a closed, sensual smile.

  “You’re terrible,” she retorted, but couldn’t stop her own smile. She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. “I need to get back in, but I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  She pulled out her phone and called Missy back as she walked back to the lodge. After explaining the situation, Missy readily agreed to the change of plans, but insisted on bringing the food.

  “It was my idea; I’m not going to cause you extra work. Besides, I want to show off the cooking skills I’m finally learning.” They enjoyed a laugh at the irony. While Allie loved being in the kitchen, Missy never had the patience. Allie’s mom and Cook both tried giving her cooking lessons, but she never took to it.

  “Fine, but we’ll provide the drinks,” Allie asserted. Excitement sprung up in her. It would almost be like old times. She was happy with her new life and glad for Missy and Charlie, but she did miss her.

  “See you Thursday.”

  ***

  The inspector was driving Jase up the wall. Every note he made in that black notebook felt like a notch against his plans. While the work was being completed, Jase hadn’t left a stone unturned, driving each of his men crazy with his insistence that every task was done exactly to code. After what felt like an eternity, the tedious man signed off on a paper, handing Jase a carbon copy.

  “You’re good to go, Mr. Callahan. Enjoy your new home.”

  “Thank you Sir. Have a good day.”

  Jase took a seat on the only chair available. It was the only piece of furniture in this cabin for the time being. He couldn’t wait to surprise Allie. When they’d returned from their trip to the Teton’s, he asked his dad about the homestead cabin. The skeleton of the home was original to the property and over one hundred years old. Over the years, there have been add on’s, but hasn’t been lived in since before Jase was born. His parents had spent the first years of their marriage here, before the main lodge was expanded to add residences for the two families.