Wrangled By Love (The Cowboy Way #1)

by Barb Shuler

  Georgie had never had a real tree before, her PaPa had always had large fake trees since they were easier to handle, so that was a lot of fun. We’d been able to trim and decorate it as a family. Even Abbie was able to help out. Well, she tried to at least. When she wasn't taking an ornament off the tree and toddling around with it. Thankfully the only breakable ones on the tree were at the top.

  Having Georgie in our lives had only made the little things mean that much more. Christmas day had been an emotional day for her. I'd tried to soothe her - we all had really - and after a little bit of time she'd eased into the smiling, joking girl we all loved. I knew not a day went by that her grandfather didn't cross her mind but sharing in Abbie’s first real Christmas was special for us all. This was the first time she actually got to see a tree and presents. Santa had outdone him and herself this year for which we would be chatting long and hard about it at a later time with all the elves.

  Right now I was trying to not work myself into a tizzy, as Ma would call it. I chuckled to myself as I moved into the nursery to pick up Abbie from where she stood babbling to Tango in her crib. She had on her blue and silver dress already, thank goodness. She was a monster to dress. Kid never stopped squirming. Phoebe or Georgie had her hair up in a ponytail with a big bow in it. That was gonna last about ten minutes but she looked so damn cute. I straightened my silver tie and walked out of the room giving Tango a command to stay and moved down the hall. I'd left the door cracked but he’d been good about listening and staying when he was supposed to, so I didn't worry.

  “Come on, girls, move your butts. You're gonna be late,” I shouted, then laughed as I walked by Phoebe's room where she and Georgie were getting ready. Phoebe was the only one that knew what I had planned for tonight at our family’s New Year's Eve party. It was already eight thirty. Guests would be arriving any minute now. This was all for Georgie. That's why we were having it here this year instead of out at the community center like every other year. Plus, this way Abbie and Danny got to be a part of it.

  I grabbed a cup of punch and looked up as I took a drink. And choked. Holy shitballs. My eyes locked on Georgie's and I watched as she walked down the stairs with Phoebe. I heard Cody and Jon whistle behind me. Georgie's long legs showed all of her smooth tanned skin. The deep blue dress flowed out around her, stopping a few inches from her knees. One shoulder was covered but the other was out, again showing off that perfect skin. And those heels, oh those were just hot. She'd be keeping those on later and nothing else. I moved over to the stairs and helped her off the last step. With the heels on she came up to my nose. I leaned in and kissed her softly, trying to get the naughty things I wanted to do to her out of my head.

  “You look gorgeous,” I whispered against her lips. Her cheeks flushed pink and I grinned.

  “Thank you. You're not looking too bad yourself, handsome,” she said, grinning up at me.

  “Ma Ma Ma!” Abbie squealed, flopping over onto her and clinging to Georgie. My heart thumped hard as my girls stood there. Georgie had one arm around Abbie as she used her free hand to straighten out her dress. The charm bracelet we'd gotten her for Christmas jingled as she moved. When she was done I moved us to the table. I scowled as Cody and Phoebe grinned at each other like lovesick puppies. Georgie elbowed me and I grunted.

  “Leave them be,” she said. Before I could answer her there was a knock on the door and guests started pouring in. Showtime. As the groups joined us in the main room we greeted everyone. Abbie wouldn't leave Georgie’s arms. Hell, she wouldn't even come to me. Which was all right. She loved Georgie, I knew that feeling.

  My mood soured slightly when I saw John was here. He was Dad's family, but I made sure to keep us clear of his path. No need in making this into another bad family memory.

  The night had been going well. Everyone in the house was drinking, eating, laughing and having a great time. I gave Phoebe the signal we had worked out earlier. Thankfully, Abbie had napped a little after the party started and was now wide awake, ‘cause I needed her help with this next part. I sat Abbie on the floor and crouched down. I kissed her head as she babbled. I handed her the ring and pointed to Georgie who was by the fireplace talking to Phoebe.

  “Can you take this to your Ma Ma? Please?” Her eyes darted around and I turned her so she could see Georgie. I was only a couple of steps behind her as she toddled over to her. Her baby shrieks were loud in the room. I felt every eye on me, but I knew that was in my head. I grinned as Georgie scooped Abbie up and held her as she laid against her. Abbie had a death grip on the ring, and it took Phoebe pointing out that Abbie had something in her hand before Georgie looked down. She took it from Abbie and I could see the confusion on her face. It was showtime. The crowd around us had gotten quiet, because they'd all been watching Abbie. I heard a few gasps as I moved to them and got down on one knee. Georgie's eyes went wide and I couldn't hold back my grin.

  “Georgeana Nicolette Larson, you came into the lives of this family when we needed you the most. When I needed you the most. You've shown me that my past doesn't make my future.” I had to swallow back the lump forming in my throat. I had to get this out fast. “Abbie and I love you, so much. Will you become a permanent and forever part of our family by marrying me? By accepting us both?”

  The tears running along Georgie's cheeks only made her more beautiful. She started nodding her head and then said “yes” where everyone could hear. I stood and took the ring from her, then placed it on her finger. I leaned in and whispered as the ball on the TV started to drop.

  “I love you, Georgeana Larson, with all of my heart.” As soon as the grandfather clock in the corner struck midnight I pressed my lips to hers. The last six and a half months had been the best of my life, even with the setbacks. I pulled back from her when I heard a throat clear behind us.

  “Oh, my baby boy,” Ma crooned as she hugged my neck, then Georgie’s.

  “Congrats, son, I'm so proud of you,” Dad’s words made me smile.

  Everyone came to us and said a word or two of congratulations. Jon and Cody were mad that I didn't tell them when they found out Phoebe knew. Abe told them to suck it cause no one in this family was worth a dime at keeping a secret. We all laughed, because it was true. It couldn't have been a more perfect night.

  Everyone - as in the guests - started gathering up to go about an hour later. John came over and patted my shoulder, but his glare was focused on Georgie. She raised a brow, scowling right back at him, while holding a now sleeping Abbie against her.

  “I guess congratulations are in order. Just hope this one’s better than the last one. I'm sure she's marrying you out of love and not for the family money.” His words struck a nerve. I shoved his hand off of me.

  “Tate, don't,” Georgie said, giving my arm a squeeze. Abbie still laid out against her chest, and was out like a light.

  “Georgie,” I warned as she moved past me. My girl had a temper, but hopefully Abbie being in her arms would keep her calmer. She raised a hand and pointed her well manicured nail into John’s chest, making him take a step back. We had drawn an audience. Great.

  “You listen to me, Mister. I don't know who in the hell you think you are, but let's get one thing straight, right the fuck now.” She spoke in an even tone. Her finger stabbed into his chest with each word. I'd noticed the boys had moved closer to us now.

  “I love Tate and this family. You have no say or control over anything I say or do here. Secondly, I don't need the Cannon’s money. I could buy this entire town. Hell, I could by the state of Wyoming twice over if I wanted to. Money is just that, money. It doesn't buy love, it doesn't win you love. Lastly, if you ever run off at the mouth again about Tate’s past, I'll knock ya on your ass. Got it?” She finally came to a stop when his back was to the wall across the room.

  She turned around and was gonna move back to me, but stopped and spun on her heels.

  “Oh, and another thing. The next time you hire someone to poke around in my business, ma
ke sure they're not sloppy enough to leave a trail. I'll be sure to let my lawyer know to contact you on the details of that not so stealthy spy job. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.”

  I raised a brow at her as she walked back to me. My arm went around her just as John raised his voice. “You have some nerve. You're nothing more than some white trash bimbo coming to look for a family to take from!”

  “Anytime you'd like to see my bank records, I'd be happy to show them. I have nothing to hide about who I am or where I came from. My grandfather had money and now that he’s gone, I have it. I don't flaunt it, I don't even like it, but it's mine. I will not allow you to sully my family or me. Now, get the hell out of this house or so help me God, I will put this baby down and throw you out myself!”

  Her words were all but a growl. Abbie started to cry as she woke up startled. Dad moved to shove his brother towards the door. Their hushed conversation came to a halt when John pushed Dad into the wall and strode towards us. I moved to block both Abbie and Georgie from him. Cody and Abe flanked me, but we were not what stopped him. Nope, that would be the hundred and thirty pounds of a pissed off snarling German Shepherd that was suddenly between us. Oh yeah, and the double barreled shotgun Ma had just pulled the hammer back on. It was pointed right at him.

  “Get the hell out of my house, John Cannon. You are no longer welcome. Last warning. If you come back you're leaving with a few extra holes,” Ma kept a steady voice as she eyed him. She meant it, too, buddy. Dad moved back to his brother and marched him out the door. Jon and Cody followed them out onto the porch to make sure he actually left. Dad came back and took the shotgun from Ma. I shook my head. What a clusterfuck. Way to start off a new year.

  “All right, clean up can wait till the morning for you kids, scoot. Take your asses to bed.” Ma started grabbing plates and slamming them together as she made her way around the living room. I sighed. She was pissed, and there was no way we’d leave any of this for her to do alone, no matter what she said.

  “Go take Abbie upstairs and get her in bed, baby. I'll be up soon, okay?” I smiled as I kissed her softly. “Tango, you go too.”

  “You're kind of cute when you're bossy,” Georgie said as she kissed my chin. I chuckled and swatted her ass as she walked by. I moved to help Ma and Dad with the clean up. Everyone was silent, but I knew we’d have some explaining to do tomorrow. I knew all about Georgie’s family money… but no one else did. I guess that would be changing soon.

  19

  Following by Example

  Georgie

  After a few restless hours of sleep I rolled over and kissed Tate’s chin. I sighed, stretching as I got out of the bed. I tiptoed to the bathroom and took care of my bladder. While I was brushing my teeth I felt Tate’s warm hands moving up the back of my legs. I looked up to meet his gaze in the mirror. He gave me a wink before pinching my ass. I squealed around my tooth brush, and laughed softly. The man was always so playful in the morning. I rinsed my mouth and moved aside so he could brush his teeth.

  As I wet a cloth and washed my face I thought back to a few hours ago. I still didn't understand why John was out to make me - of all people - look like some two bit gold digging tramp. None of it made any sense. I had been notified that someone was trying to get into my financial records a few weeks ago. I'd talked to Tate about it because let’s face it, I knew someone wanted to see what was mine. I secretly wondered if it was someone in the family, not anyone in this house, but someone that was worried I was here only to steal from them. As if. After our talk I moved a huge portion of my money to the bank here.

  Of course, that got me some funny looks from the staff, but whatever. My business, not theirs. I was distracted from my thoughts when Tate pulled me to him. His arms wrapped around me and I melted into him. He was mine, dammit. I wasn’t going to let anyone ruin that.

  “You're thinking about last night, aren't you?” Tate asked, running his thumb across my cheek gently. I nodded my head slowly and sighed.

  “I don't want your parents to think bad of me for not being honest with them. I'm just not one to run around telling everyone I'm worth so much money. That's how people get stalkers… or worse.” He pulled me tighter against his chest and I let out a chuckle.

  “They won't think bad of you, baby. Trust me when I say that. You have nothing to worry about.” I leaned my head back and his lips met mine. I melted all over again. If someone would have told me the end of this past year would end as it had, I’d have laughed in their face.

  “I love you, Mr. Cannon,” I said, grinning like a lovestruck schoolgirl.

  “I love you too, Ms. Larson.” His lips met mine again. “Can't wait to steal your last name.”

  “Me either,” I said. Before I could continue that train of thought, there was a scratching noise coming from the door. I pulled back from him and moved to open it. Tango wagged his tail before he grabbed my hand and tugged. I followed after him and stepped into Abbie’s nursery. She was standing up against the side of her crib. I chuckled and moved to scoop her up. I planted a big kiss on her cheek.

  “Good Morning, Princess,” I smiled as she babbled “Ma Ma Ma” over and over. She was such an angel.

  I moved to the changing table and got her a fresh, dry diaper on. The smell of baby and powder was like heaven to me. It only took me a few minutes to get her changed out of her PJ’s and into her little overalls and a long sleeved t-shirt. Talk about cute. She was just adorable.

  I went back to mine and Tate’s room with her and Tango. I sat her on the bed and laughed as Tango jumped up and laid his head on her legs. She laid against him and I smiled. I knew how she felt. Tango was such a good dog. I moved to the bathroom once Tate came out and quickly showered and got dressed. I glanced at the clock as I twisted my hair up into a messy bun. It was almost six o’clock. We were late. Ugh. I hated being the last ones down to the table. I scooped up Abbie and tugged Tate’s hand.

  “Come on, everyone else will already be down there.”

  He chuckled and followed me down the stairs. As I predicted, everyone else was in the kitchen, though no plates were fixed yet so I didn't feel so bad. I lost Abbie to her grandpa the moment he saw her.

  “Good Morning, lovebirds,” Abigail said as she kissed my cheek and then Tate’s.

  “Morning. Please tell me the coffee is ready? My eyes feel so heavy.” I grinned as the boys let out cat calls. When I knew Joe and Abigail we not watching I flipped them the bird.

  “Boys, hush that mess up.” Their mother scolding them didn't do much to cool their jets. That was okay, I'd get them back. I took a mug and fixed mine and Tate’s coffee. He took his and kissed my lips softly. I blushed hard at his very open act of PDA.

  “Everyone sit, let’s eat then we have chores to do,” Abigail’s words rang out and the table filled so quickly.

  I chuckled as I moved Abbie to her high chair. I took the pancake Tate forked and tore a piece of it off for her. She grunted and kicked her feet as she nom’ed on it. I kissed her cheek and took the plate Tate had fixed for me. Of course it had way too much food on it, but I was used to that. After a few minutes of silence it was Joe that asked the question I had been dreading.

  “So, about last night. Anyone want to fill in some gaps for us?” He glanced between Tate and I. I wiped my hand on my napkin and nodded my head.

  “Um, well...” Shit. I already sounded like a babbling fool.

  “Pops, don't pressure her,” Tate said. I placed my hand over his.

  “No, it's okay. Really. I don't mind them knowing. If John thinks… maybe he isn't the only one that thinks that way. I don’t-”

  “John is an asshat. Cocksucker wants shit he doesn't deserve.” Abigail’s words made both Tate and Abe choke on their food. Cody and Phoebe laughed. That left Danny and I to just stare at her. It took a moment to let that sink in and I laughed too. Abigail was not one for cursing, so to say we were shocked was an understatement.

  “Damn, woman, where ya been hid
in’ that potty mouth?” Joe asked and that set us all into a fit of laughter again. She swatted his arm and grinned herself.

  “Ma, you should let loose like that more often. It's a good stress reliever,” Danny chimed in and nodded his head. I snorted out a laugh and had to hide my face until I got myself under control. After clearing my throat I took a sip of juice and looked back down the table.

  “Georgie, sweetheart, all joking aside, we don’t believe you're here to get anything from us. John’s just not been himself after we took him off of everything. The kids are now our sole heirs and he took it hard,” Joe said.

  “I understand. I just don't want there to be doubts,” I said, nodding.

  “Can you really buy the state? I mean, how cool is that? I want a truck next Christmas. You'll be my sister by then, it's okay to make a big request, right?” Danny made a pitiful looking face as he spoke. I reached over and patted his cheek.

  “Not a chance, kid. I've seen your driving skills.” He huffed and I giggled as I pulled him closer and patted his back. I whispered in his ear, “We’ll see. I make no promises.”

  “Daniel, really. Do you have no manners?” Abigail scolded which made me laugh again.

  “He can ask. Doesn't mean I'll do it. Again, I've seen his driving skills.”

  “You all suck,” Danny grumbled. That earned him a slap on the head from Abe.

  “Hey!” Danny shouted.

  “Abraham, no hitting at the table.” I saw Abigail give her boys a look. I shook my head and took Abbie from her high chair. She was set on the table so I could wipe her hands and face off.