Roping A Runaway Bride

by Honey Jans

  Mandy ran to get the basket. “That's right. Let's eat."

  Rafe spread out the blanket under the pinion tree. He sat down, leaning back against the rough bark. Mandy plopped down on the left side of him, leaving the right side for Sarah.

  As Rafe delved into the picnic basket to help Sarah get the sandwiches and cool drinks, their hands bumped each other's. He glanced at her questioningly. Sarah didn't immediately pull away. Instead she smiled. Rafe's breath caught in his throat. She was warming to him. Rafe unwrapped the ham and cheese sandwich she handed him and cleared his throat. “So what have you two been up to?"

  Sarah looked down while opening her can of juice. “We were taking some shots of the rock formations over there.” She pointed to a jagged outcropping ten feet away. “Then we ran into the prairie dog burrow.” She grinned conspiratorially at Mandy. “We had to sneak up on the little buggers."

  Mandy giggled. “Yeah, Aunt Sarah showed me how to use her camera. Maybe when I grow up I can be a photographer."

  Sarah nodded and sipped her drink.

  Rafe felt himself falling into their jovial mood. He smiled at Mandy's hopeful expression. “Munchkin, you can be anything you want to be.” Rafe glanced fondly at the two of them and found himself wishing he could trap this day in a bottle. This was what it would be like when they were a real family. The thought only strengthened his determination not to let Sarah slip away again.

  Mandy reached into her pocket and pulled out a handful of stones. She handed them over to him with a smile. “See the rocks we collected?"

  Rafe turned the cool golden substance over in his hand.

  Mandy leaned forward. “See how they shine, Uncle Rafe? I bet it's real gold. We're gonna be rich."

  Rafe looked into her eager eyes and smiled. “It's only fool's gold, honey. It shines bright, but it's worthless."

  He glanced at Sarah. Her suddenly hollow expression left him no doubt that she thought it was an apt description of their relationship. But it wasn't, damnit. She loved him and he needed her. Couldn't she see how right they were together?

  She blinked her eyes and looked away. He could have sworn there were tears in her eyes. But he knew she was happy with the status quo. He quickly finished his lunch and got to his feet. Once he got her into bed she'd see the light, he was counting on intimacy to cement their relationship.

  "Come back to the corral when you two finish,” Rafe said, his voice raspy. “I've got a surprise for you, Sarah."

  Mandy grinned and jumped up. “Did Dazzle Air have her colt?"

  Rafe smiled at her inquisitiveness. “You'll just have to wait and see.” He walked over to Umbriago and climbed back into the saddle. “I'll see you both later."

  Sarah felt sad as she watched him go, despite Mandy's excitement. Rafe's words about the shining rocks being pretty but worthless struck close to home. Their marriage might seem genuine to an outside observer but they both knew it was fake. Still, Sarah knew in her heart, it was the closest she would ever come to the real thing. She loved the hardheaded, cowboy. Maybe instead of hoping for more she should hang onto what she had.

  Mandy started tossing the remains of their meal into the hamper. “Come on, Aunt Sarah, don't you want to see what your surprise is?"

  Sarah couldn't help smiling at her excited chatter. It didn't take much to make a five-year-old happy. If only adult life were that uncomplicated. “Okay, let's get going."

  Mandy raced in front of Sarah toward the ranch.

  What could her mysterious surprise be? Sarah wondered. And why would Rafe want to give her a present, anyway? It was probably something to increase their mock closeness and impress the men. Just like his soft words and husband-like pecks when others were around.

  Sarah and Mandy walked up to the corral where Rafe was waiting for them. His dark eyes carried a soft, but enigmatic, expression. She still didn't have a handle on what he was thinking even after all these days together. “So what's the big surprise?"

  He smiled and pointed to a speckled horse that was munching on some hay. “I'm going to give you your first riding lesson."

  Mandy giggled. “Uncle Rafe, that won't be any fun. Bay Rum is as sleepy as my old rocking horse."

  Rafe tipped back his head and laughed. “Well, honey, we want to start off slow. Remember, Sarah's not used to horses."

  Sarah scowled at his mirthful face and backed away. How dare he pull this on her! She'd made it plain that she wasn't getting on a horse. “We're not going to start at all."

  Mandy looked up sharply. “But, Aunt Sarah, I thought you said it was good to try new things."

  Sarah looked down into the child's bewildered gaze and felt tongue-tied. How could she explain that there were separate rules for adults and kids? “I did, but this is different."

  Mandy frowned. “How?"

  Rafe's snug smile made Sarah want to kick him. He knew she was trapped, the rat.

  He said softly, “Come on, Sarah, you'll be safe as a baby in a cradle on old Bay Rum."

  Sarah looked from Rafe's challenging grin to Mandy's questioning expression and knew she was defeated. There was no way out. How could she back out without destroying her credibility with Mandy? She sidled up to Rafe while keeping a wary eye on the speckled horse. “I'll get you for this Halliday, if it's the last thing I do,” she whispered.

  Rafe leaned close to her ear. “Now is that any way for my sweet little wife to talk?"

  Sarah crossed her arms over her chest, pulling away from him. “Sweet little wife, my Aunt Fanny."

  Rafe smiled. “What was that, honey?” he said loud enough for Mandy to hear.

  Sarah gritted her teeth, well-aware little ears were listening. “How do I get started?"

  Rafe stepped behind her and put his hands on her waist. Sarah's skin burned from the contact and she had to fight herself not to pull away. He nuzzled the nape of her neck with his warm lips, his breath stirring the tendrils. It tickled like hell, but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of admitting it. “First you place your foot in the stirrup and your hand on the pommel. Then on the count of three you're going to pull yourself up and swing your other leg over."

  Sarah shivered and pulled her head away from the distracting contact. “Are you sure this is a good idea?"

  He tightened his grip on her waist and husked, “Don't worry, honey, you're in good hands."

  Sarah snorted. She gave him a repressive glare over her shoulder. “Just keep your mind on the riding lesson, okay?"

  Rafe nodded, his smile widening. “Your wish is my command, wife. One, two—"

  Sarah shrieked when he swung her up and plopped her behind hard on the saddle. “Hey, what about three?"

  Rafe shrugged. “Sorry, I got mixed up."

  Sarah glared down at the big, macho cowboy. “Sure you did.” She heard Mandy giggle and shot an embarrassed look her way. Bay Rum shifted and Sarah let out a startled shriek, clutching the pommel as if it were a lifeline. Bay Rum blinked her eyes at the noise and then seemed to go into a daze.

  Mandy laughed and pointed. “Look, Uncle Rafe, Bay Rum's falling asleep."

  Rafe patted Bay Rum on the head, and the horse nuzzled his hand, making wuffling noises. Rafe tipped back his hat and looked deep into Sarah's wide eyes. “You look right natural up there, wife."

  Sarah burned under the scrutiny while she slowly came to the realization that she wasn't going to fall off the horse, dead from fear as she first imagined. Still, this was all the riding lesson she was prepared to try. “I'm ready to get down now."

  Rafe's eye's crinkled as he smiled. “Sarah, we haven't even started yet. I'm going to lead Bay Rum around the corral so you can get the feel of the saddle."

  Sarah scowled. “I've already got the feel of the saddle. It's hard and too high off the ground."

  Rafe threw back his head and laughed, barely waking up the horse. “Come on, old girl, let's put her through her paces.” He walked to the front of the horse and looked back. “Now hold lightly
onto the pommel and try to relax."

  Sarah held her breath when the horse started to move. By the third time around the corral she had loosened her grip and accustomed to the rocking of the saddle.

  They stopped in front of Mandy who was sitting on the rail. Rafe stepped back and handed the reins up to Sarah.

  Sarah took one hand off the pommel and took the leather straps reluctantly. She figured Rafe had stopped in front of Mandy on purpose. He thought that she wouldn't want to look like a coward, and he was right. “What now?” she said churlishly.

  Rafe smiled. “Now you get to take Bay Rum for a spin. Just remember not to saw on the reins. Nudge him nice and gentle and he'll go where you want him to."

  Sarah stiffened her spine and gave the horse a little nudge with her knees. He took several slow steps. This wasn't so bad, she decided. She might even be able to handle this. Then she nudged him to the right but he kept plodding straight ahead. She spun her head and looked at Rafe leaning against the fence by Mandy. “How do I turn this thing?"

  Rafe yelled, “Bay Rum is a little bit stubborn. Keep nudging him and he'll get the idea."

  "Come on, you fugitive from a glue factory,” Sarah muttered, as she pulled on the reins. The horse snorted and kept heading straight. Sarah gave an embarrassed glance Mandy's way when she heard Rafe chuckle. “If you turn like a nice horsy, I'll give you a carrot,” Sarah crooned. The horse nickered and turned, plodding back toward Rafe and Mandy. He came to a stop in front of them.

  Rafe pushed away from the fence and took the reins from Sarah's hands. He dropped them and placed a hot hand on her denim-covered thigh. When he looked up into her eyes there was a soft smile on his face. “That's enough for today.” He turned to look at Mandy. “Why don't you run off and play, honey."

  "Okay, Uncle Rafe."

  Sarah watched Mandy skip away feeling terribly vulnerable. Stuck on top of a horse with only Rafe nearby made her easy pickings. Was he getting Mandy out of the way so he could make advances? More importantly, did she want him to? She glanced at him and bemused by his tender smile.

  "I'll give you lesson two tomorrow,” Rafe husked.

  Alarm bells went off in Sarah's head at his suggestive tone. She was way too near the fire. She shook off the sensuous spell and looked away. “If I can find time out of my busy schedule."

  "Mrs. Murphy is coming back from vacation tomorrow.” Rafe's voice carried more than a hint of determination. “That way you'll have time for other things."

  Sarah could just imagine the other things he was thinking of as his heated gaze locked onto hers. His strong hands went to her waist and he tugged her unresisting body off the saddle, toward him. He slowly slid her down the length of his muscular body and she gasped as her breasts brushed against his lips. He placed a damp kiss in their cleavage. Sarah whimpered as her nipples formed tight buds. They dragged against his chest until she was standing on shaky legs. Sarah closed her eyes as Rafe's lips claimed hers for a soft kiss. Sarah's breath came rapid in her chest.

  The sound of a car coming up the driveway brought her to her senses. She pulled away, blinking up into Rafe's heated gaze. A car door slammed and she glanced over at it.

  A tall, sandy-haired man got out of a sleek white Cadillac. He shrugged, rearranging his dark suit, and put a matching Stetson on his head. Rafe looked furious at the interruption. Who could the stranger be? And why didn't Rafe seem to like him?

  The man rapidly crossed the yard to where they stood. His cool, gray eyes roved over Sarah, still in Rafe's arms. Sarah bristled at the scrutiny. What business of his was it if she and her husband wanted to share a cuddle?

  Rafe kept a snug arm around her waist. He didn't notice the questioning glance she shot his way because his gaze was locked on the stranger with utter contempt. Sarah was shocked. Why was there such animosity between them?

  "You're not welcome on the Double-H, Blackthorn.” Rafe's voice was curt, his stance rigid.

  Sarah started at the vehemence in Rafe's voice. She felt his grasp on her waist tighten. Rafe was usually so controlled. This wasn't at all like him.

  "This isn't a social call, Halliday. Besides, the way I see it, this land should really be mine.” Blackthorn's voice was cool and cultured as he took a step closer.

  "I've heard that old song before,” Rafe snarled. “I don't want to hear it again. Get back in your car and get out."

  Blackthorn grinned, seeming to relish Rafe's animosity. He put his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Your great-grandfather cheated my great-grandfather out of this claim, Halliday. Just because you don't like to hear the facts, doesn't change them."

  Rafe snorted. “That's your version, Blackthorn. You never had anything to back it up and you still don't. Your great-grandfather lost that card game fair and square. It's not my fault he didn't have the guts to admit it to his family."

  Blackthorn jerked his hands out of his pockets, clenching them into fists. He took a rigid step forward, his face contorting with rage. “Bull squat."

  Rafe let go of Sarah and stepped toward him. “Well, now that the pleasantries are over..."

  Sarah had horrible visions of the OK Corral. “Rafe,” she quickly interjected. “I need to talk to you."

  He ignored her and took another step toward Blackthorn.

  "Now,” she added sharply.

  It drew both men's attention. Rafe scowled at her and Blackthorn looked intrigued. She smiled at Blackthorn, hoping to defuse the situation.

  Blackthorn seemed to relax. He smiled back at Sarah, but his eyes were cool. “Aren't you going to introduce me to your lovely wife, Halliday?"

  "I see you heard about her.” Rafe crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned back against the corral as he scowled at Blackthorn.

  Blackthorn laughed. “Of course. The whole town is abuzz that the lady you scared off has come back for more."

  Rafe's eyes narrowed while he tipped his head in Sarah's direction. “Nevell Blackthorn, meet my wife, Sarah Halliday."

  Blackthorn doffed his hat. “Charmed. I hear you're one of the Maxwell family, a rather distinguished and wealthy clan. Quite a handy connection for a man that wants to open a dude ranch."

  Sarah was put off by both his words and his smarmy gentility. She instinctively stepped closer to Rafe linking her arm with his. “You seem to hear a great deal, Mr. Blackthorn, none of it any of your business. But yes, my maiden name was Maxwell."

  Blackthorn watched the move with narrowed eyes. “So, are you going to bail hubby out of his financial difficulties?"

  Sarah decided then and there she didn't like this man any more than Rafe did. “I'm sure my husband can take care of himself and any difficulties that might come up."

  Blackthorn nodded and looked back at Rafe. “I came here to up my offer, Halliday."

  Rafe put an arm around Sarah's shoulder and pulled her close. “No dice, Blackthorn. I'm not going to sell."

  Blackthorn shrugged. “Very well, if that's the way you want it."

  "It is."

  Blackthorn glanced scathingly at Sarah standing in the shelter of Rafe's arms. “Maybe you'll change your mind if your wife walks out again.” The barb was aimed at her and she bristled at the intimation. Their relationship was none of this man's business.

  Rafe pulled her close. “Don't count on it, Blackthorn. The ranch isn't up for sale no matter what the circumstances."

  Blackthorn raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Is that right? Last time she walked out, you went off the deep end. I think I'll bide my time. You know what they say—good things come to he who waits."

  "I don't care what the hell you do, just get out."

  Blackthorn smiled. “Nice meeting you, ma'am. I'm sure I'll see you at the Barclays’ Barbecue tonight. It's the high point of Shelbyville society and I'm sure a city girl like you could use the distraction. After all, you must not have very stimulating conversation around here. Most likely you're bored to death in this rustic setting and will soon
grow tired of it again."

  Sarah felt Rafe tense at the barb. “I can see you don't know me very well. And like I said what's between me and my husband is none of your business. Now why don't you get in that big lumber wagon of yours and get out of here."

  Blackthorn smiled coolly. “Very well. I'm sure we'll talk more at another time."

  Sarah let out a sigh of relief when he drove away. She glanced over at Rafe but instead of concentrating on Blackthorn he was gazing at her with admiration.

  "You're really something, wife. You just keep on coming to my rescue, don't you?” He smiled warmly.

  Sarah was a bit embarrassed by his praise. “Well, somebody's got to. You handle everybody else's problems. It's high time someone looked after you."

  He grinned. “And you've taken over that position?"

  Sarah shrugged. “Just consider it my wifely duty."

  "There are a few other wifely duties I'd like to see you perform.” Rafe said with a wink.

  Sarah frowned as the talk inevitably got down to sex again. The man never gave up. “What was all that business about the ranch really belonging to Blackthorn?"

  Rafe snorted. “He's been telling that story since we were kids. Blackthorn's great-grandfather used to own this spread along with several others. He lost it to my great-granddaddy in a poker game. It sticks in Blackthorn's craw, even though he still owns most of his family holdings. He usually isn't such a jackass about it, but something's been riling him up lately."

  Sarah sighed. “I can see there's no love lost between you two."

  Rafe looked at the dust cloud Blackthorn's car left with narrowed eyes. “You can say that again. Nevell's been dogging my heels since we were kids. The jerk rubs me the wrong way."

  Rafe walked onto the Barclays’ patio with Sarah at his side. He glanced at her usually animated face now set in serious lines. There'd been a certain stiffness in her expression and manner since their confrontation with Blackthorn in the driveway this afternoon. He was still amazed at the way she stood up to Blackthorn for him.

  Jim and June Barclay were old friends and owners of the largest spread in the area. Their annual Barbecue was always well attended and tonight was no exception.